Once safely (and royally) ensconced in my accommodations at The Goring, I set off to explore a few more of the more interesting names on my roster of Royal Warrant Holders, that grand coalition of people and companies whose products and services buttress the royal patina “By Appointment”.   At the top of my list was a bit of shopping at Fortnum & Mason, which was just recently graced by the first official joint appearance by The Queen, The Duchess of Cambridge (the former Camilla Parker-Bowles) and the Duchess of Cornwall (the former Kate Middleton). Does it really get any more royal?

Known simply as Fortnum’s to regular patrons, this emporium of high delights has supplied the Royal household with the finest wares and treats since a royal footman (Fortnum) opened the store with his friend and landlord (Mason) more than three centuries ago in 1707. From truffles, cheese and tea (specially blended of course) to jewelry, perfume and high fashion, Fortnum’s has served as the thoroughly elegant department store of choice for kings, queens and their titled flock since its inception. Still a fabulous place to be seen after all these years, Afternoon Tea at Fortnum’s remains a treat to all savvy enough to book a reservation.

From Fortnum’s I made my way to Piccadilly and the Princes Arcade to sample the sweet confections of Prestat, which I can only describe as the ultimate sugar rush wrapped up in ribbons of fantasy and stamped with the Royal seal of approval. At more than one hundred years old, this esteemed chocolatier has not only been awarded Royal Warrants by both Her Majesty the Queen and the late Queen Mother, but was also notably a favorite of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory author, Roald Dahl.

Small in area but outsized in whimsy and magic, all manner of chocolate commingles with everything from nuts, caramel and tropical fruit to Champagne, Pink Himalayan Sea Salt and gin in this fantastical little shop where brightly colored packaging embossed with the symbol of the Royal Warrant fills every corner of the space. Meanwhile, the counters are chock full of delicate creations, including a variety of truffles, which the family of Prestat’s original owner, Antoine Dufour, is credited with having created. That’s right…, the very first truffle was the creation of the Dufour family (and perhaps of Antoine himself).  And it was said to be so intoxicatingly delicious that it led Roald Dahl to formally express his predilection for the Dufour’s recipe by declaring “I also adore so-called truffels as Prestat makes them.” With such high praise, is it any wonder then that the Royal court has maintained such a longstanding affection for this precious chocolate shop?

The final stop on my Royal Warrant tour was in the Burlington Arcade at the Victorian era perfumer, Penhaligon’s which like Prestat also holds two Royal warrants from two generations of Royals – one from Prince Phillip and the other from Prince Charles. Venturing through the store is like taking a trip down through the history of scent, particularly as many of Penhaligon’s signature fragrances were created as much as (or more than) a century ago and as such reflect the sensibilities of a different time. If you have a hankering to smell the noblesse oblige of 1902, you need only pick up a bottle of the popular Blenheim Bouquet which made its debut in that year.  Or flash forward a few years and try 1910’s crisp, clean English Fern.

What makes the Penhaligon’s experience special is the uniqueness of the fragrances which stand apart in the world of cookie cutter scents that populate the market today. Anything but ordinary, a Penhaligon’s scent reeks of privilege and good taste and the wearers thereof feel a part of an exclusive club, membership to which can only be achieved by royal appointment, of course.

So again, I ask, ‘Who needs a tiara to live like a royal?”. As a commoner with no lineage to speak of I managed to sleep, eat, shop and even smell like a royal in a single day. And they say, you can’t turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse. Clearly the believers of that old wives tale are most unfamiliar with my favorite new saying ‘When in London, do as the Royals do.”

To find out more about Royal Warrant Holders, visit www.royalwarrant.org.

The post More | London: By Royal Appointment appeared first on .

In Los Angeles, mention the name of José Andrés and you’ll likely hear shrill, near orgasmic moans about the James Beard award-winning chef’s celebrated The Bazaar restaurant at the SLS, to which foodies, local and otherwise, make regular pilgrimages. That the Philippe Starck-designed Bazaar has reached the apex of the ever-changing list of Los Angeles hotspots and remained there is a testament to its stylish environs and most importantly, to Chef Andrés’ delectably innovative signature menu via which Spanish cuisine is approached with new vision.

That understood, it is no particular secret that The Bazaar is regularly ranked among the city’s finest dining establishments.. A better kept truth is however that Andres’ other restaurant Tres, located right next door in the guest lobby of the SLS, is an equally transformative experience for many of the same reasons.

While the dining room at The Bazaar is expansive in order to accommodate its substantial draw of sparkling Angelenos, Tres is a more intimate, but no less chic, affair — an attribute that is reflected in both the menu and design of the restaurant. Though, it may prove hard to avoid being seen at The Bazaar, at Tres, which was also designed by Monsieur Starck, the restaurant’s clubby, more relaxed setting (and two private dining rooms) lend themselves in equal measure to romantic interludes or discreet business dealings. In fact, I visited Tres on a mid-week afternoon for lunch and rather enjoyed being seated on a comfortable sofa in a private far corner of the dining room wherein my guest and I were inclined to feel that we were the only people in the entire space.

On the menu at Tres, you’ll find some familiar items like the Croquetas de Pollo and the Patatas Bravas Chips with that delectable aioli that never fails to impress at The Bazaar. You’ll also find that the menu at Tres is more comfort food-oriented and as such may feel a bit more accessible for some. But of course, it goes without saying that comfort done by José Andrés, still shows all the complexity and masterful understanding of flavor profiles that has distinguished him as one of the world’s greatest culinary minds.

Succulent Rotisserie Jidori Farm Chicken is served with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Rosemary Sauce, SLS Sliders are made with Prime Beef and bathed in a trio of cheeses including Blue Stilton and the cheekily named Beverly Hills ‘Bikini’, Chef Andrés blasphemously decadent take on a grown up grilled cheese sandwich has the audacity to be comprised of a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, truffles and honey aioli. (As for the latter, I must say that while it won’t help anyone get swimsuit ready anytime soon, it is well worth the indulgence).

Tres serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. And on weekends there’s also brunch which is well known for a number of memorable menu items, not the least of which is the 12 Quail Eggs Sunny Side Up. Likewise, Afternoon Tea, is served daily at Tres from 3 – 5 PM and just as you might expect, at Tres the traditional come with a twist a la treats ranging from Smoked Salmon with Coconut Sandwiches and Guacamole Cones to Chocolate Pop Rocks and Tablets.

Find out more or book a reservation at Tres at: http://www.sbe.com/tres.

The post Tres: Tres Chic appeared first on .

Did someone say ‘weekend shopping expedition’?  Because if so, there is a new mecca in Sonoma County that is just screaming for your credit cards to make a holy pilgrimage.

Sonoma County has never been a stranger to reinvention and there is perhaps no better recent example of that fact than last month’s reopening of the former Barlow Apple Cannery on November 2. Though it languished empty and unused for more years than residents of Sebastopol would like to recount, the former fruit factory has been sleekly reborn as The Barlow, a modern retail gateway celebrating the very best of Sonoma.

The massive 222,000 square-foot artisan marketplace and production facility sprawled over 12.5 acres houses local wines, foods, arts, crafts and other locally made products presented in an environment imbued with the distinctively rustic elegance that is Sonoma’s stock-in-trade.

Perched in the heart of downtown Sebastopol The Barlow’s tenants include: Kosta Browne Winery, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Wind Gap Wines, Community Market, Taylor Maid Farms, Spirit Works Distillery, Wolfard Glassblowing, Bronze Plus Art Foundry, Move 2 Change Studio, Woodfour Brewing Company, Village Bakery, Zazu, Hanses Fine Art, Soap Caldron, Circle of Hands, Warped Brewing Company, Gypsy Bay Laurel, Reframe Hair Gallery, MacPhail Family Wines, Tibetan Gallery & Studio, Farmer’s Exchange of Earthly Delights, Ben Kinmont Bookseller, La Follette Wines, Tamarind, Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery, SubZero Ice Cream and Yogurt, and the Juicery.

The Barlow also features a bocce court, restaurants, and fire pits, all of which fulfills the promise of a new destination in which the community and visitors can conduct business, share food and enjoy art, wine and time together.

Sounds pretty idyllic does it not? And just think…it’s the best of Sonoma all under one roof.  How’s that for a new must-visit destination? Is your credit card finger itching yet?

Find out more about The Barlow at www.thebarlow.net.

The post The Barlow Beckons: Celebrate ‘The Best of Sonoma’ appeared first on .

Maurice Hennessy is the name behind the “H” in LVMH, the world’s largest luxury brand. For nearly 250 years Hennessy has produced the finest cognacs on the planet and at a recent private dinner with Mssr. Hennessy at Lucques Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA, I experienced firsthand yet another reason for the ongoing appeal of the legendary brand, which has always done things with flair and panache.

On this special evening, guests entered the rustic carriage house of the original Harold Lloyd estate and were greeted with a perfectly-concocted glass of the Hennessy “Apple Fiz”. Mingling with Mr. Hennessy followed as guests sampled passed appetizers created by Lucques executive chef, Chef Suzanne Goib.

Once seated, our intimate group of 18 was regaled with tales of the many generations of history behind the amber-hued libation that has intrigued royals and rappers alike since its debut in 1765. After a brief talk, Mr. Hennessy presented assembled guests with a stunning 18-carat gold labeled crystalline glass decanter of Hennessy Paradis Imperial, which was just released in the United States and retails for $2,700.

The new bottle which was designed by award-winning French Baccarat designer Stephanie Balini celebrates not only the release of this prestigious and incomparable marque but also a 200 year old story steeped in elegance. First commissioned in 1818 by the Dowager Empress of Russia, this new edition of the special blend of very old, gold-colored eaux-de-vie of the finest quality pays tribute to the first delivery of Paradis Imperial with an eaux-de-vie that has the same pedigree as the original. Between 30 to 130 years-old and matured with individual care, Hennessy Paradis Imperial represent less than 1% of the eaux-de-vie of a given vintage at the original selection. Needless to say, it was a particularly special treat when servers arrived with trays filled with glasses of the rare blended cognac for each guest to sample as Maurice Hennessy schooled all in attendance on the art of discovering each of the notes that Paradis Imperial has to offer.

A lavish 3-course meal featuring Braised Beef and Steelhead Salmon followed with each course paired with Hennessy’s specialty mixed drinks which included The Hennessy Ginger and The Hennessy Spice. After raising a final toast, attendees noshed on a flourless chocolate torte topped roasted dates and a cup of espresso. It was a perfectly sweet ending to an even sweeter evening.

Find out more about Hennessy & Hennessy Paradise Imperial at www.hennessy.com. Follow Hennessy on Twitter @HennessyUS.

The post An Evening with Maurice Hennessy appeared first on .

The wickedly eclectic menu at Plan B is anything but random. In fact, finds its inspiration can be found in the division of cattle that was the order of the day in ancient Rome. While the nobles ate the choicer cuts from the cow, the proletariat could afford only what remained, inner organs, hooves, heads, tails, glands, brains, sweetbreads, even testicles and that was called the fifth quarter; hence the “fifth,” meaning useless or worthless, as in “the economy’s fifth wheel.”  In a story that history has dictated over and over again with the passage time, it wasn’t long before the “inferior” cooking of the people became renowned citywide and evolved into dishes for connoisseurs. Once considered meat of poor quality, these cuts are now considered delicacies that restaurants and their patrons eagerly enjoy. Et voila Plan B is born.

When I arrived at the eatery, I discovered a dimly lit restaurant brimming with eccentric touches that combined to create a surreal atmosphere that was more than the queerily quirky equal of Plan B’s “creatively twisted” menu.  Custom-made tables rested on concrete floors as 20-foot ceilings with skylights soared above and Gaudi-inspired iron window panels added to the sense of whimsy in the space. Jutting out into the center of the room is a bar created out of lava rock from which a menu of hand-crafted cocktails and an impressive selection of sherries, vermouths, Port, Spanish and French wines and craft beers from Spain and Corsica are poured. It is at once a thoroughly downtown setting that is equally evocative of urban Bilbao or a Barcelona streetscape.

With our wine ordered, our adventure into Plan B’s wild world of Northern Spanish Tapas began with Marinated Olives and Shrimp Heads sautéed with spicy chilis. While the olives recalled the brininess of the Mediterranean, the Shrimp Heads delivered a delightfully spicy punch to the start of the meal that helped me finally understand why my family down South has always preached the flavorful value of the delicacy. Dunking bread into the rich shrimp  broth was an added bonus.

Next up was a hearty portion of airy Rabbit Meatballs in a demiglace topped with grated Manchego cheese and a serving of perfect pillows of brioche stuffed with roast pork, Serrano ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and lemon aioli otherwise known as the Pork and Serrano sandwiches.

Artfully presented Duck Neck on Tostadas and Paella Shooters of mussels, shrimp, clam, chorizo, white wine and shellfish broth followed.  As did Squid Ink Paella filled with scallops, sepia, shrimp, fish stock, wine and garlic that recalled the best I ever sampled in Spain and the Quail which was perfectly balanced with a Pomagrante molasses laquer and frisee.

Since they were out of the Python Sausage on that night, I opted to try the Bull Testicles which are simply marinated and seared and served sauteed watercress. The description might deflate the squeamish but the flavor defies the expectation sort of like Plan B. No this ain’t your run of the mill of tapas joint…it’s so much better. Bring your imagination and your appetite and prepare to be wowed on every level.

Plan B: Creatively Twisted Tapas is located at 244 Mulberry Street Nolita, New York City. For reservations call: +1 212.775.0111. For more information visit www.planbtapas.com.

The post NYC’s Plan B Tapas is a Plan A Destination appeared first on .

The post In Search of… The Best Burgers in the World appeared first on .

With that as a backdrop, imagine the shockwaves that shot through my animated person when I recently sat down to dinner in Rouen, France at La Couronne, the restaurant credited with giving Julia Child her first real taste of the joys of French cooking. Plunked down in a half-timbered structure opposite the magnificently quirky Church of Saint Joan of Arc in the old market square in Rouen, La Couronne traces its roots all the way back to 1345. Yep you read that right…1345! So suffice it to say, the glittering contemporary restaurant that is meant to be La Couronne in the film Julie & Julia, is not only cinematic fiction, it doesn’t even begin to capture the charm and authenticity of the real thing.

Foodie or not, I’d dare anyone to walk through the doors of this venerable establishment, climb the narrow staircase lined with photos of former diners including everyone from Sophia Loren and Woody Allen to Salvador Dali and Princess Grace of Monaco, enter one of the cozy dining rooms and not immediately experience the beginnings of a love affair with French food, just as Julia Child did when she first set foot in this atmospheric restaurant back in 1948.

As an ode to Julia, my entire group ordered the exact meal that Julia enjoyed so much on her first visit to La Couronne and we all swooned appropriately as each course was delivered. The first course was a half dozen oysters, served with rye bread and butter and vinegar mignonette. Briny and bright, these oysters underscored why this region is so famous for the popular mollusks. Did you know that Marie-Antoinette ordered her oysters from nearby Etretat? True story. The oyster beds that produced the oysters that Marie-Antoinette favored are no longer active, but the legend of their existence is proof positive that the region’s oysters are fit for a queen of any variety- male, female, questioning or otherwise.

The second course was Sole Meuniére, which is Dover Sole, lightly seasoned and dredged in flour, fried in butter and served with lemon and parsley. I know…I know…it seems rich but in truth the dish is not nearly as decadent as it sounds. Though there is probably enough butter in this entree to make Paula Deen happier than a drag queen at a sample sale, each bite was light and airy and not the least bit oily. Truly a testament to the mastery of the chef.

Next we were served a green salad in a light vinaigrette followed by a beautiful selection of fromage blanc (cheeses), both of which aptly prepared our palettes for the final course…fresh seasonal berries in a light syrup, topped with dollops of lightly sweetened, freshly whipped cream. So simple, but so delicious. Which brings me to the point that underscores the impression that La Couronne left on me. This was a meal about beautiful ingredients, prepared simply without a lot of bells and whistles and because of that it was an experience that actually outshined flashier meals I’ve enjoyed at some Michelin-starred restaurants.

As Rouen is only a little over an hour by train from Paris, I’d highly recommend dinner at La Couronne and an overnight in the city. Try staying at the chic and contemporary Hotel de Bourgtheroulde which is just around the corner from La Couronne, and spend the day exploring the charm of Rouen. Like me and like Julia and like so many others…you just might find yourself falling in love with all things French in a way you never imagined.

MoxieQ Rating: Fiercely Unforgettable

The post An Evening At La Couronne: Dinner With Julia Child appeared first on .

Situated on bustling Santa Monica Blvd, just around the corner from Rodeo Drive and steps away from Jimmy Choo and a slew of the busiest plastic surgeons in town, Bier Biesl sits unassumingly in the center of the block between Bedford and Roxbury in the heart of Beverly Hills. If you weren’t looking for it, you might actually miss it altogether. Beyond that, in a city where many superstar chefs favor flash, you might not guess that this intimate little restaurant which pops up with so little fanfare is actually helmed by Herr Mairinger who, at 27, was just included on Zagat’s 30Under30 Los Angeles 2012 List. That said, the decor is just about where all the understatement ends.

Every bite I took at Bier Biesl yielded a “wow”. Having been to Vienna and Salzburg, I know a little bit about Austrian food and, to be honest, it’s never been high on my list of favorites…until now. Mairinger’s modern take on traditional Austrian cuisine made me just about as giddy as a surprise airing of The Sound of Music. His touch is so delicate that typically heavy fare arrives at table as light as a feather.

First, out came the homemade pretzel bread served with a butter, the richness of which I have never before encountered. I nearly declined the creamy, chive topped concoction, but it was Tuesday, so I decided to be daring and as usual the risk paid off.

Next came the starters, Home Cured Char with heirloom beets, fresh horseradish and tossed herb salad and a bowl of Beef Bouillon. Prepared in house by Mairinger, the Char preparation is curiously reminiscent of a smoked salmon (without the smoke) and it’s absolutely beautiful. And the Beef Bouillon, was a prime example of a simple favorite executed perfectly. Across the table, my girlfriend had the Creamy Pumpkin Soup which I couldn’t resist tasting, only to find that it was equally superlative.

For the entree we settled on the Schnitzel (it was Schnitzel Tuesday in my head, remember?), of which there are three varieties on the menu: Pork, veal and chicken. We settled on the pork, or I should rather say I goaded my friend into the pork because I can never resist swine on a menu, and out came a generous portion of crispy, golden deliciousness. Buttery and fork tender, Mairinger’s spin on schnitzel arrives garnished with lemon and tart lingon berries and is almost certainly destined to turn this Austrian classic into an American favorite. Ditto for the warm, vinegary potato salad which will make you rethink the mayonnaise-laden mess we all too often accept as the standard bearer of this all-time favorite side dish.

Since it was Tuesday, we sampled not one but three desserts: Sachertorte, a dense, rich chocolate cake; a whispery, fluffy Creamy Semolina Pudding with white chocolate, tangerine and toasted almonds; and finally the piece de resistance (I don’t know how to say that in German)…the delicate Apfel Streudel, without which no true Austrian restaurant would be complete. It was a sweet end to a pitch perfect lunch, with the Creamy Semolina Pudding standing out as the star.

Thanks to chef Bernhard Mairinger’s elegant touch, Bier Biesl may be Los Angeles’ first Austrian restaurant, but it may well not be its last. Try it on Tuesday and it might just be even better than normal. I’m telling you… there’s just something about Tuesdays and Austrian food that rocks! Spread the word…Austrian food Tuesday is the new NEW!

Find out more about Bier Biesl and Chef Mairinger at www.bierbeisl-la.com.

The post Bier Biesl: Austrian Cuisine Comes To Beverly Hills appeared first on .

“Take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves.”

– Dorothy Parker

New Orleans may be known as the Big Easy, but just outside the bustling intersection of manners and eccentricities that Mark Twain famously called ‘The City that Care Forgot’ is perhaps the best example of  what was, for some, the easiest and most genteel living the South has ever known.

For the first time ever, I recently pried myself away from the soul-satisfying cuisine and general decadence of New Orleans’ renowned French Quarter with the express intention of learning more about the architectural treasure Louisiana had to offer beyond the antebellum dwellings of St. Charles Avenue. Now, between you and me, plantations and I have a complicated history for obvious reasons. But I decided my destination on this particular day would be the grand old Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, which sits on the Mississippi River just about an hour outside of New Orleans and about thirty minutes down the road from Baton Rouge.

Late on a Monday morning, I climbed into a limousine laden with Veuve, poured myself a glass of bubbly, slunk down in the back seat and nursed my hangover from the night before as I made my way to Houmas House. It wasn’t a stately old carriage, but somehow it just seemed appropriate to arrive at one of the greatest plantations in the history of the so-called Deep South in its contemporary equivalent. After winding along a series of narrow-ish roads Houmas House appeared on the horizon with an imposing sort of grandeur that just can’t quite be replicated these days.

During its heyday the stately Greek Revival columned mansion (which sits on 36 acres) was known as the Sugar Palace, because it produced some twenty million pounds of sugar per year. The great wealth it produced back then is still evident even today. I’ve seen larger estates (Candy Spelling) for sure, but rarely have I seen such simultaneously sturdy and elegant architecture.

After changing hands several times over the last couple of centuries and undergoing numerous renovations by owners with a sometimes dubious interest in attaching themselves to the vaunted historical legacy of the property, Houmas House was acquired by New Orleans entrepreneur Kevin Kelly in 2003. Since that time the affable and bearded Mr. Kelly has not only made the stately manse his personal home, but he has gone to great lengths to restore the sprawling property to its original grandeur circa 1840 — undoing along the way much of the aesthetic damage done by previous owners.

Following a quick stroll through the immaculately maintained gardens and ponds on the plantation, I found myself inside the plantation house which is chock full of all manner of treasures. Though much of the furniture that once graced the rooms of the great house now resides in the Smithsonian, there are a few exquisite pieces that still remain at Houmas House. Among the other prizes on display at the great house are a mantle clock that once belonged to Marie Antoinette as well as one of the few portraits of the late French queen on display outside of a museum. There is also a rare museum quality statue by celebrated sculptor Gutzon Burglom, who you may recall as the man responsible for carving Mount Rushmore, among other natural wonders in the U.S.

Being a lover of classic old films myself, I have to say that I was most excited by the room in Houmas House which housed Bette Davis during the filming of the Oscar-nominated film Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte.  Ms. Davis’ accommodations have been preserved, right down to the bed she slept in as part of the current Houmas House tour. I do declare, it’s enough to make one want to sweep out onto the veranda and begin speaking in a sing-songy accent while sipping a proper Mint Julep.

Outside of the mansion and the magnificent plantation grounds, both of which now regularly play host to everything from high-profile weddings to corporate events for blue-chip enterprises like Shell Oil, Ferrari and Veuve Clicquot, is the outstanding Latil’s Landing restaurant. Meals are served amid a museum quality collection of art and artifacts in a 230 year-old house, complete with original beamed ceilings, cypress mantels, wood burning fireplaces, and original wood floors.

In and of itself is more than enough reason to justify a visit to Houmas House, the Michelin-worthy restaurant’s menu combines elements of nouvelle, creole and southern cuisine which is served on French Limoges china replicated from the originals of Houmas House, first created for owner Wade Hampton in the 1830′s. Under the direction of rising culinary star and executive chef, Jeremy Langlois, Latil’s Landing has earned all manner of kudos including being  named one of the ‘best new restaurants of 2005’ by the staff at Esquire Magazine.

Perhaps the most charming aspect of Houmas House is the lively way in which proprietor Kevin Kelly runs it. The place genuinely feels like a real home because it is precisely that. No ropes or glass separate visitors from the mansion’s invaluable gems and guests can even take a sneak peak at Mr. Kelly’s bedroom and watch his golden retrievers frolic around the grounds. Now if that’s not the very image of the past meeting the present, I don’t know what is.

Find out more at:  www.houmashouse.com

MoxieQ Rating:  Timeless

The post A Meandering Afternoon at Houmas House Plantation & Gardens: Darwin, Louisianna appeared first on .