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London Luxury
By Rita Cook
London anytime of year is perfect, but during the colder months as winter is turning to spring is really the best time to go. And, there is nowhere better to spend a weekend then on Basil Street - which is within walking distance of Harrods, Harvey Nichols and the Pimlico Road area.
Check into The Capital Hotel and find yourself in a quiet, yet central residential street just minutes away from Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James and the South Kensington Museums. A family run hotel, expect upon arriving a liveried doorman, a fire burning in the open hearth and the ambience of a charming townhouse that you will want to call home. The Capital's restaurant is a two Michelin star affair with the French-inspired cuisine of Head Chef Eric Chavot, world-renowned (and for good reason).
For your first day head the short distance to Pimlico Road for a morning of enjoying a culinary, organic and design shopping experience. Make your first stop Daylesford Organic a company dedicated to growing, producing and cooking natural food. You can shop, eat or just have tea at their location on Pimlico Road and you can be sure it's all fresh too. Every morning food comes to the kitchen from the kitchen garden and fields. The organic milk is sent directly from the milking parlor to the creamery and handmade cheeses are also available. As your mouth waters you will also be glad to know that this company is all about animal welfare. Daylesford Organic raises their own deer for venison, pedigree Aberdeen Angus beef, heritage breeds of sheep and free-range poultry, geese and turkeys.
If flowers are your thing and you have the time, stop in at the newly opened Wild at Heart and buy an arrangement for your travel companion or just ask them to show you how they put together some of the most amazing bouquets in London. Not only is the fragrant smell of the store breathtaking, but the interior will give you design interior options you will want to take home with you.
Linley Showroom is a fine stop at 60 Pimlico Road (the owner has a relation to the queen, but you didn't hear it from me) and you will be awed by the distinctive design in furniture and home products on display. The overall style of the offerings at Linley include contemporary glamour and sumptuous luxury - think an eye-catching and dramatic color-scheme of deep purples and shimmering metallic for the bedroom or an unusual layering of mohair, pony skin, velvet and faux silk for the living room.
Another must see before you leave Pimlico Road is Soane, a furniture, lighting, upholstery and interior design mecca. Founded in 1997 the company was named after the owners' 18th century English architectural hero, Sir John Soane. Bringing together contemporary, antique and twentieth-century design somehow it all works and you will definitely take something away after your visit. The most distinguishable thing about Soane is that these folks customize every detail of their pieces while adapting the designs to the customers needs.
After your morning on Pimlico Road duck into Harrods for a spa appointment in the afternoon either a facial or a massage. If you have the time and wherewithal you might also choose to use the store's personal shopping service. Harrods launched the service several years ago called "By Appointment" and it is the first luxury service of its kind in the United Kingdom. Exclusive to "By Appointment" is the Jewelry Suite where clients can view and select from an array of fine jewelry. There are also trunk shows and private viewings you can take part in so call ahead and find out what is going on in the store. The best part, the service is complimentary to Harrods shoppers.
For the perfect dinner that is indeed a London tradition since 1742 try Wilton's on Jermyn Street in St. James. This restaurant has consistently enjoyed a reputation as the epitome of fine English dining in London. Expect wild fish, shellfish and game in season as well as the perfect dining experience and maybe even a few ghosts from all those past diners as well.
London for an easy weekend jaunt or something a bit longer, just take the time for luxury in perfect English style.
Accommodations:
The Capital
Basil Street
London SW3 IAT England
1-800-628-8929
www.capitalhotel.co.uk
Dinner:
Wilton's
Jermyn Street, St, James
London SW1Y 6LX
www.wiltons.co.uk
Romance in La Jolla and Beyond
By Pam Froman
You want to surprise your sweetie with a romantic weekend, but you aren't sure where to go. Try La Jolla. This sleepy little town is the gateway to San Diego and is perfect for a lovely weekend that is close enough to drive to, and beautiful to visit.
Where to stay
You can't do better than the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. On 11 acres, this world-class retreat includes sumptuous rooms and restaurants, and a fully stocked Sporting Club and Spa. There are 419 guest rooms, including 24 gorgeous suites. All accommodations offer 42" Flat Screen TVs, turndown service, and wireless internet.
If you get hungry there are three restaurants adjacent to the hotel: Café Japengo, serving sushi and Pacific Rim Cuisine; Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar; and a fondue restaurant, called the Melting Pot.
Or if you just fancy a drink, the hotel offers a lounge called Michaels' which features a full bar, pool tables and a Nintendo Wii.
Get Pampered
On the first level of the Hyatt hotel, you will find a state of the art spa and fitness center, appropriately named The Sporting Club. This amazing facility features a day spa called The Spa, which is primed to take your worries away with various facials and massages. Relax and enjoy the spa experience as your professional esthetician works the tension out of your body. Then head to the steam room, sauna or Jacuzzi to further your leisure. The Sporting Club also offers a full gym, basketball and tennis courts and a heated Junior Olympic pool.
The Ultimate in Romantic Dinners
If you are looking for something extra special for your sweetie, then head down south to Coronado Island for a world of beauty, famed shopping and restaurants. Be sure to save room for dinner at Candelas on the Bay, an amazing restaurant experience. The atmosphere is stunning, from the full scenic view of the bay, to the jazz band that sets the mood for a great meal. And the food is out of this world. For an appetizer, try the Estructura de Aguacate which is Haas avocado stuffed with scallops, shrimp and crab, marinated in lime juice, and tossed with parsley, tomato and onion. The entrees continue the food love fest, with such choices as the Langosta Baeza, a whole Australian lobster tail, grilled and flambéed in tequila, its shell filled with jalapeno mushroom stuffing, or the Rib Eye Bolivar, a 14 oz. rib eye steak, served with mashed potatoes, vegetables and grilled tomato. The service is impeccable, and the waiters are constantly making your dining experience the best it can be.
Another romantic twist on a simple dinner is to go on a harbor dinner cruise. You can not do better than the San Diego Harbor Excursion. For under $200, you and your guest get a 3-course meal, with a choice of steak or fish, free champagne and a full bar as well as a private table with a view of the harbor. The boat circles the San Diego Harbor for two and a half hours while you eat, and then dancing begins on the lower level of the boat for the duration of the cruise.
During the Day
For a great start to your day, head out to downtown La Jolla to a little restaurant called The Cottage. Seating is inside and out, (with heaters and umbrellas for outside seating). This restaurant specializes in California cuisine. Breakfast is a big deal: Tangerine juice, pancakes, light omelettes, stuffed French toast, fresh baked pastries, and their famous homemade granola are just a few of the local favorites. Lunch is also scrumptious, with choices like the crab melt, a sandwich with fresh crab mixed with red & yellow peppers and mayo on sourdough parmesan cheese toast with fresh avocado, melted cheddar, onion, lettuce and tomato.
To round out your day there is nothing like an excursion to Old Town San Diego. Old Town San Diego is considered the "birthplace" of California. Just a few minutes from the La Jolla this Mexican influenced area, offers souvenirs, museums, and galleries.
Historic buildings include La Casa de Estudillo, La Casa de Bandini, La Casa de Altamirno Pedrorena and the Mason Street School, San Diego's first one room schoolhouse. Just up the hill from Old Town San Diego Historic State Park, you'll find Heritage Park where several of San Diego's most notable Victorian homes have been relocated and authentically restored to their original splendor. Just a short walk down San Diego Avenue is the Whaley House, an officially designated haunted house, the Little Adobe Chapel on Conde Street, the first Church in Old Town San Diego and El Campo Santo on San Diego Avenue, a 1850 Catholic Cemetery.
It just goes to show, that romance is in the air.
Hyatt Regency La Jolla
3777 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla
(858) 552-1234
The Sporting Club
8930 University Center Ln., La
Jolla
(858) 552-8264
Candelas on the Bay
1201 First St., #115, Coronado
(619) 435-4900
San Diego Harbor Excursion
1050 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego
(619) 234-4111
The Cottage
7702 Fay Ave., La Jolla
(858) 454-8409