Downton Abbey spoofed

A couple of funny parodies of Downton Abbey will make you chuckle.

Apologies....apparently these videos no longer exist on you tube.

The Hundred Foot Journey

Produced by Oprah and Steven Spielberg, The Hundred Foot Journey is a story of conflicting cultures, cuisines, ideas and eras. Set in a splendid postcard French village, Helen Mirren plays a restaurant proprietress eager to collect Michelin stars and is less that pleased when a family of outsiders encroaches on her realm. Mirren has been nominated for a Golden Globe award for her performance here. Worth a watch, for sure.

Epicurean Hotel in Tampa Florida

Over the holidays, we stayed at this lovely little boutique hotel affiliated with the Marriott chain, Epicurean, in Old Tampa while visiting our family there. Centered on food and wine, the hotel features a culinary classroom not unlike something seen on the Food Network, a wine shop and a  pastry shop named Chocolate Pi!  Room decor is edgy and contemporary with foodie art on display everywhere. 

 Cooking theater where cooking, preparation techniques, wine exploration and mixology classes are offered.

Bicycles can be borrowed to explore the neighborhoods of Old Tampa and cycle down the fabulous Bayshore Boulevard. 

Wine cork ornaments on the holiday tree may be purchased.

Vertical gardens of lettuce and herbs are suspended on the wall.  In fact, these are actually harvested and used in menu preparation. I witnessed a chef with very sharp scissors shearing away! 

Dining room

Casual lobby space with leather sofas,  cookbooks to peruse and two televisions, one featuring the Food Channel, naturally.

Vintage cooking utensils and objects enhance the cozy feel of the lobby. 

Located just off the lobby is a fine wine shop which features a more than adequate selection of attractively displayed wines and champagne .

Worth a visit when staying Tampa.

Did you enjoy the return of Downton Abbey?

Happy New Year!

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