This week’s theme is “Bundled Up” to celebrate the cold weather that many of us have been experiencing (we need to find the good in the freezing temps, right?).

These photos were taken in London, crossing Millennium Bridge on the way to the Tate Modern.   It was FREEZING but my friend Riccardo was about to bust out in a huge smile.

The smile may be because he is sporting a fancy new winter coat or simply because Italians love to have their picture taken but either way I love these photos of Riccardo – He knows how to find the good in everything even freezing cold temperatures.

Baci e Abbracci Ric!

Enjoy!

Leslie

My food experience was great – enjoying homemade Italian nearly every night.  I didn’t have the fish & chips experience, but I did have Pimm’s (a gin based English cocktail mixed with ice, fruit and cucumber), chips (French fries), piccalilli (a sort of relish/mustard that is nice on ham sandwiches) and a lot of tea.   All delicious.

But my favorite culinary stop was Borough Market, London’s oldest food market.

Located in Southwark, South East London, the market is both a wholesale and retail market and the city’s epicenter for fine foods.

Food vendors of every nationality animate this market. Whether you are looking for Spanish ham, Italian olives, local vegetables, cheese, and meat Borough Market will have it.

If you don’t plan to cook while in London, the market also offers numerous restaurants and stalls for prepared food. The restaurant Roast may not always offer the kindest service but the dining room is wonderful, with views over the market and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

And the coffee house Monmouth, with non-stop crowds, is the perfect stop for a carb and caffeine loaded breakfast.

If you will be visiting London add Borough Market to your list.   If you will be visiting from your desk, share the pictures with a colleague and enjoy the escape – without the jet lag or calories.

Enjoy!

Leslie

The city revolves around tourism. With a vast transportation network of trains and buses it’s easy to take it all in. My refillable Oyster card got me from Heathrow Airport to Central London and beyond, with an average trip costing just $1.50.

World-class museums, famed department stores, traditional markets and restaurants (at every budget) are ready for tourists from around the world.

I squeezed in the V&A, The British Museum, The Tate Modern, Harrod’s, Fortnum & Mason, Liberty, and a few reputable restaurants for coffee breaks and snacks in between.

The only down part of visiting the UK is the weak dollar – ouch! But many of London’s attractions and major museums are free. This helps balance the initial sticker shock when converting dollars to pounds.

Whether you are planning your own trip or need a little getaway, I hope these pictures will give you a taste of London.

Enjoy the escape!

Leslie

I’m the unofficial food tester for their future restaurant.  A difficult job.

I would be happy to stay and continue testing recipes, but I would need a pair of elastic pants and additional seats on the plane to get back to New York.

Here is what has been on the menu since I arrived – gluten free pancakes with maple syrup, spaghetti alla carbonara, and fresh beef sirloin steaks (purchased that day from Borough Market) with mashed potatoes, sautéed radicchio and onion.

And for dessert a perfect homemade tiramisu.

Thank you boys!  I’ll be back for the restaurant opening.

Baci!!!

Leslie

Street signs and menus are understandable and aside from cars coming at me in the wrong direction, this city is easy to navigate.

As I take in the city and its sites here are a few things that have surprised me…

No dog poop!  I haven’t seen any dogs or dirty sidewalks since I arrived.

Where are the English?  I have met Greeks, Portuguese, Italians and French.  As confirmed by one Italian waiter, there is no problem meeting Italians in London, but practicing English is a challenge.

Visiting London’s historic sites is a clear reminder how rich and powerful this constitutional monarchy once was.

A Unesco World Heritage Site, Britain’s gothic Houses of Parliament (also known as Westminster Palace) is stunning yet intimidating.  Bombed on fourteen separate occasions during World War II and still standing.  This building says “Don’t mess with me, there’s someone ruling over you.”  I think you must have guts to enter a building like this every day.

For a country known for tea, coffee seems to be the drink of choice.  There is a coffee house or chain on nearly every corner – don’t miss Monmouth in Borough Market on your next visit to London.

Enjoy the sites!

Leslie

They speak English but it sounds like a foreign language.

I haven’t been here in twenty years.  Aside from the major sites I don’t remember a lot from that first visit.  Except the bright red souvenirs…they haven’t changed.

Enjoy!

Leslie