Category: Dining

Lunchtime at the Victoria and Albert.

There are plenty of delightful places to have lunch in South Kensington. But one of the most appealing is in an unexpected place -- the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The restaurant here was the first museum restaurant in the world, and today, it's better than ever. The food is prepared fresh daily on site by award-winning Benugo Catering with something for every taste. There's poached salmon with dill sauce, roast veggie pie, brie and chicken panini, fresh salads, deli sandwiches, and everything in between. Plus delicious baked goods, and a nice selection of beer and wine.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 09/03/2008 at 2:28 AM | Categories: Food and Wine - London - Great Britain - Dining -

Great restaurants in Yountville.

The Napa Valley town of Yountville has the distinction of having more Michelin stars per capita than any place in the world. French Laundry leads the pack with three stars - one of only six restaurants in the United States to have earned that distinction.  Bistro Jeanty, Bouchon, and Redd each have one.
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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 08/15/2008 at 2:40 AM | Categories: Food and Wine - USA - Dining -

Best bets for airport dining -- Part 1.

It seems that no matter which airline we fly out of LAX, there's never a decent restaurant anywhere near our concourse.

By contrast, Seattle's Seatac Airport has several good choices in their central terminal, which is an easy stroll to everything but the satellite terminals.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 08/04/2008 at 9:01 PM | Categories: Food and Wine - USA - Dining -

Roof gardens on both sides of the pond.

Not long ago, we posted an item about London's Kensington Roof Gardens. We had lunch there in June, and aside from the sticker shock brought on by $25 cocktails, we had a wonderful experience - Asian pear martinis, beautiful views of the city, and a delicious lunch.

During the summer, they offer barbecues - mostly fish and shellfish - at lunch and on weekend evenings for parties of ten or more. Next time you're in London, it's worth a splurge. Because the gardens are a popular venue for private functions, reservations are essential. You can make them at http://www.roofgardens.com/restaurant/booking

But you don't have to leave the country to enjoy an evening out under the stars.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 07/17/2008 at 8:36 PM | Categories: London - USA - Great Britain - Dining - Cool Service -

Heaven on Earth -- at House Without A Key.

Years ago, when I was Director of Operations for Private Jet Expeditions, Halekulani was our preferred Honolulu hotel. The Sales Manager there took me on a tour of the property, which concluded with a drink at House Without A Key. Not only was this the highlight of the tour, it was the highlight of my trip, and I've never returned to Hawaii without stopping by for a cocktail.

Located right in the heart of Waikiki Beach -- but a million miles from the madding crowd -- the outdoor tables are sheltered by an ancient kiawe tree. With Diamond Head to your left and the Pacific Ocean a few hundred yards to the front, there's no prettier spot in Waikiki.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 05/28/2008 at 9:49 PM | Categories: USA - Dining - Accommodations - Attractions -