Tea time...

All the Light We Cannot See

In the historical fiction genre, All the Light We Cannot See  divulges the story of a young blind girl, Marie-Laure growing up in Paris and a young German orphan boy, Werner, all leading up to and in the course of WWII.  Anthony Doerr uses metaphors and vivid language while telling this dismal and tragic story of the Nazi invasion of France.  Worth a read.  I followed the reading by watching The Monuments Men, which elaborates on the thievery of precious art and jewels ordered by the Führer.  Worth a watch.

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Downton Abbey made clear...

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As a tale of historical fiction, the storyline of Downton Abbey reflects many happenings in world history.  The New York Times recently published a timeline of sorts which expands on the various historical events referenced in each episode.  Click here to read further. I hope the NYT will continue to update this article as the episodes are broadcasted here in the United States.

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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