Tag: London

Britain, Expat, Food, Humor, London

Chocolate Week Part III: Alexeeva and Jones
“What you see before you, my friend, is the result of a lifetime of chocolate.”
― Katharine Hepburn

Best saved for last, kittens!

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This is another Portobello Road find, which Jeff and I literally stumbled across on a side street while trying to avoid tourists. A charming young man was standing outside the shop with samples, and it would have been rude to turn him down. After which it would have been rude not to go in and buy something because, ducklings, this store is incredible.

Alexeeva and Jones is a self described ‘salon du chocolat’ which brings some of the world’s top chocolatiers into one place. The shop occupies some prime real estate on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill and each chocolatier’s work is beautifully presented to an admiring public. Without doubt these stunners are some of the most visually gorgeous foods I’ve ever seen and photos don’t do them justice, but here are a few anyway.

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This woman is an utter delight. She’s served me both times I’ve been in (the second time, obviously, to purchase goodies for our Christmas stockings). She is so unabashedly enthusiastic about her work, and is one of the most genuinely friendly salespeople I’ve ever come across in my life. Between personal recommendations, descriptions of the various chocolatiers’ signature styles and flavors, and being generous with the samples, she’s the girl you want waiting upon you while you browse.
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So, when you come to visit me in London, after we’ve bought you some tweed, we’ll recover our equilibrium by choosing some of the strangest and loveliest confectionery available. May I personally recommend the sea salt caramel with mango and coriander? You’d think it would be awful, but it’s just the nicest thing imaginable.
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Britain, Expat, Food, Humor, London

Chocolate Week II: The Chocolate Festival

“The greatest tragedies were written by the Greeks and Shakespeare…neither knew chocolate.”
― Sandra Boynton

One of the joys of living south of the river (and I don’t mean that sarcastically, it’s seriously awesome down here) is the south bank of the Thames. It’s got theatres (hi, Globe!), markets, wharfs, museums, more history than you can shake a stick at, and a steady stream of interesting events. The Southbank Centre itself is a major London hub and is constantly putting on nifty events. One such was the Chocolate Festival in mid-December.

It was a great outdoor market sort of affair, with stalls upon stalls of independent growers, importers, craftsmen, and bakers (this was where we lost out cronut innocence) lined up offering their goods to public nibbling. What, I ask you is not to like?! Everything from cocao nibs to chocolate beer was represented and absolutely all of it looked just as gorgeous as it tasted.

I’m going to mostly shut up from this point and let you soak in the goodness.

Just one row of stalls.
Just one row of stalls.
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I find cake pops a bit too precocious…but I would eat these in a heartbeat.
Hm...what are those flavors, you ask?
Hm…what are those flavors, you ask?
Awesome!
Awesome!
This company creates the most gorgeous concoctions, with flowers, gold and silver, and anything else you can think of.
This company creates the most gorgeous concoctions, with flowers, gold and silver, and anything else you can think of.
Nuts, bolts, scissors, pipes, wirecutters, irons...all made of chocolate! Easily the most impressive stall.
Nuts, bolts, scissors, pipes, wirecutters, irons…all made of chocolate! Easily the most impressive stall I saw.
Britain, Education, Food, History, Humor, London

Chocolate Week Part I: The Chocolate Museum

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
― Charles M. Schulz

Chocolate has played a significant role in our social lives lately, so brace yourselves for a week of it here on Small Dog Cocoa Beans Lovers and Consumers, Inc. First stop on our tour of goodness, the Chocolate Museum in Brixton.

Frankly on its face it a bit…dinky. It’s not the museum’s fault. It’s a tiny, tiny two room independent establishment with about three display cases and a few wall displays of historic artifacts relating to the history of chocolate in Britain.

A couple centuries of British chocolate pots.
A couple centuries of British chocolate pots.
Tools of the chocolatier trade.
Tools of the chocolatier trade.

Which is a fascinating subject! Chocolate and coffee houses were places of major political and social unrest and discourse, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s rise as a sweet beverage (instead of its original state as a bitter, odd tasting thing drunk by the people of the New World) coincided directly with the rise of sugar…and therefore the slave trade – which Britain played a major role in both spreading and ending. Cadbury’s supported troops in the First World War with supplies (including chocolate of course), and in World War II converted part of their factory to to making airplane parts. Also during WWII chocolate was deemed an “essential food item” (truth!) and its manufacture and distrubution was carefully monitored, which it became a major black market item until rationing for it ended.  While not on the level of Belgian, German, and Swiss chocolatiers, British candymakers are responsible for a lot of the popular appeal and commercial availability of chocolate. John Cadbury is the man responsible for inventing the method responsible for the creation of solid chocolate bars – for which humanity should be duly grateful.

In other words, yeah! Topic deserving of a museum! A museum with more than a couple of rooms.

Chocolate consumption around the globe, which is pretty interesting!
Chocolate consumption around the globe, which is pretty interesting!

But despite the seemingly limited setting, the Chocolate Museum has quite a few things going for it. First of all it puts on a number of chocolate making workshops and themed events throughout the year. Secondly it stocks some genuinely stellar chocolate items from artisan and free-trade growers and makers.

It was at one such event that Jeff and I made the museum’s acquaintance. Their Christmas Fair to be precise. Along with their wares, on display for nibbling, other artisans were invited to pair their offerings with the chocolates. Wine, beer, coffee, tea, cheese, breads, cured meats, and honey were prominent, but Jeff and I got distracted by a woman selling funky Italian, naturally made sodas.

Hi Jeff!
Hi Jeff!

We came away with lots of chocolate bars (ginger and lime for him, cardamon and nutmeg for me), and a hunk of farmhouse cheddar that was scrumptious. I’ll definitely be heading back to the Chocolate Museum, even though I’ve seen it in its entirety, for two reasons. First of all because I’ve not found cardamon flavored chocolate anywhere else that didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. Secondly because I believe strongly in supporting small museums dedicated to telling narrowly focused historical narratives.

Britain, Expat, Friends, Humor, Linkstorm, London, Weekend

Friday Links

“No weekend, all weakened.”
― Toba Beta, Master of Stupidity

A few misadventures this week (including a ticketing office splitting up tickets over two separate dates, which annoyed and vexed me greatly), but also goofing off with Katie and Adam, and Ruth and Terri. Also this has been significantly less frantic than last week, which can only be a good thing! A few freelancing projects to get through today, lots of housework (blech), job apps, and a run to the dry cleaners is all that lurks on my Must Do list. Here are your links, tell me what you’re up to this weekend.

A fortifying treat with friends last evening.
A fortifying treat with friends last evening.

Hide yo’ hedges, hide yo’ shrubberies! Actually, this is one of the more puzzling and intriguing mysteries I’ve seen in a while. Perhaps my next mystery will be of the horticultural variety.

Freelancers, assemble! New York Time journalist and author Caitlin Kelly’s webinars for success in freelancing or  for boosting your blog or site traffic are available for sign up now, and so are her individual coaching sessions which I wholeheartedly recommend!

History nerd find of the week! A blog exploring the clothing collection of Charles Paget Wade, who lived from the 1880 through the 1950s. (People with that kind of lifespan intrigue me!) Apparently he was one of those magnificent, British eccentric collectors, whose archives are now maintained by the National Trust. His passion was Georgian, Regency and early Victorian clothing, and the collection looks incredible.

I want – nay, need this table. Though I fear to obtain it might require obtaining the boat it’s attached to…

A brief article of the mostly forgotten sister of Benjamin Franklin. The differences between the siblings’ circumstances are quite stark. Considered one of the Great Men of his age, a self-educated wit who made a profession and legacy of words – and a woman who only read “as much as she dared.”

Loved this article in the Atlantic about the importance of telling stories (h/t Mel). There are massive gaps in my understanding of my family history. Partly because my immediate family’s relationship with extended family has not always been smooth and so a lot of lore simply hasn’t had the opportunity to pass itself along, and partly because my immediate family has been busy for most of my life creating our own story all over the world. But as I get older I think about my family stories more and more, and try to think of ways to learn and preserve them. I never knew until this past summer that my great-grandfather on my Dad’s side supported his siblings and made his own way through Harvard (in the 1920s when it was still a place of privilege that he had not been born into). Or that my Scottish great-great-grandfather (I think) on my mother’s side followed his brother to the Western frontier with Mormon pioneers to stay close to him even though he wasn’t part of that faith himself. What else have I missed!

Current resident favorite Tom Hiddleston has a Jaguar deal, his commercial for which is basically a homicidal riff on his Loki character (which I’m sure will have some clever twist come Superbowl time). I had a moment’s pause thinking that for such a talented actor it might be frustrating to be defined by a single role… And then I remembered he’s already won an Olivier Award and is probably laughing it all the way to the bank, and got on with more important pop culture ponderings.

If ever I design a home, you can bet it’s going to have a secret passage or room.

Another map. Everyone’s good at something! (h/t Matt)

This made me laugh (h/t Heidi who is living in Denmark). What are the dressing stereotypes where you live? At some point I should knock together a Brit style post, but frankly I’m still trying to figure some of it out.

Complicated issue, blah blah blah, lots of feeling on either side, etc. I’m unabashedly pro-vaccine and I’m a bit alarmed at how many people give credence to the anti movement especially given how many of their concerns have been utterly debunked. (h/t Savvy).

This happened yesterday and London responded Britishly.

Britain, Expat, History, Humor, London

The Middling Sort

“The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Awkward realization. Without exactly intending it it, this week’s content is moderately themed. Which wouldn’t be so bad if not for the fact that next week’s tales of adventure and mayhem are explicitly themed (and that theme, kittens, is chocolate so you know you’re going to love it). Regardless, the unintentional theme this week is decor!

On Saturday Katie and I met up to go to the Geffrye Museum of the Home, showcasing how the design, decoration, form, and function of British homes have evolved over the last 400 years.

There charmingly are even a couple resident cats who deigned to make my acquaintance in the midst of hunting pigeons.

The building itself is made of almshouses from the 18th century, originally built by Sir Robert Geffrye, but acquired by the London County Council early in the 20th. Instead of demolishing the site, it was turned into a museum and today holds authentic furnishings and home goods stretching from the 1600s right up though today. It’s focus is on the everyday life of the British middle class, which makes a nice change from most institutions which tend to focus on the Great and Important. Walk with me.

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The 18th century buildings really are beautifully preserved and maintained.
A 17th century dining and main family area.
A 17th century dining and main family area.
Early 18th century writing desk.
Early 18th century writing desk.
17th century tea table - note the early teacups sans handles!
18th century tea table – note the early teacups sans handles and the prominently displayed tea caddy!
Georgian card table in a parlor.
Georgian card table in a parlor.
An early Victorian sitting room. I didn't include any late Victorian stuff because frankly I find the design period hideous. I never claimed impartiality.
An early Victorian sitting room. I didn’t include any late Victorian stuff because frankly I find the design period hideous. I never claimed impartiality.
Things calmed down significantly in the Aesthetic movement, so photos are allowed to resume.
Things calmed down significantly in the Aesthetic movement, so photos are allowed to resume.
There was a whole room devoted to Mid-century design which was delightful, but I fell in love with the period television set.
There was a whole room devoted to Mid-century design which was delightful, but I fell in love with the period television set.

It’s a wonderful museum and well worth a look in if you’re design minded. In their galleries there is currently another exhibit that I loved documenting the private history of homes around the UK. Current owners look into their the past of their dwellings and found some amazing things, including children’s toys under floorboard discovered during renovations, and tales of hauntings.
The museum is totally free (donations encouraged) and open Tuesday through Sunday.

Britain, Expat, Humor, London, Travel

Rio Grande By Way of the Thames

“You can all go to hell; I will go to Texas”
― David Crockett

Explaining the US can be tricky, especially since the truth is that in spite of our best endeavors, we really are in many ways a “nation” of separate countries. The word “state” was precisely chosen as a replacement for “colony” when our upstart ancestors declared independence because it meant a sole, sovereign entity.

Which makes for fascinating political philosophy, I hear you ask, but what’s the point? Well, having lived there once (and I admit it was largely a negative experience, though I wouldn’t mind trying out Austin since I’ve heard good things), my family and I sometimes joke that Texas at its heart really is a separate country altogether. London recently confirmed my suspicions by way of a chalk artist in Trafalgar Square.

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Wait for it…
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Confirmed!

Unless of course they’ve actually gone through with the threats of some of their most disgruntled citizens and seceded lately? Have I missed an announcement?

Britain, Humor, London, Writing

Freelancing and Mid-Century Modern Throwbacks

“I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.”
― Anna Quindlen

Last week Ruth from The Planned Adventure had an extra ticket to a blogging and freelancing event hosted by fabulous and hilarious ladies from Domestic Sluttery, and very kindly asked me to go along! It was a fun evening and I got to hear a lot of really good stories and advice from some ladies who know what’s up in the world of London writing. Many notes were taken, many business cards exchanged.

The event itself was held in Made’s showroom in Notting Hill Gate which impressed me greatly. Knowing approximately squat about interior design and decor, unlike Ruth who has a real eye for it, I wandered the room between speaking and Q&A sessions and took in the funky designs for your view pleasure.

Fun print and light fixture.
Fun print and light fixture.
Shelving, for the beekeepers out there.
Shelving, for the beekeepers out there.
I miss our proper sofa. We're making due with a super cheap plastic loveseat, but it's just not the same.
I miss our proper sofa. We’re making due with a super cheap plastic loveseat, but it’s just not the same.
More lighting. Indicative of my other decorating desire, a standing lamp since a single light bulb doesn't quite cut it on long winter nights.
More lighting. Indicative of my other decorating desire, a standing lamp since a single light bulb doesn’t quite cut it on long winter nights.
The best design in the design showroom? Shelves and shelves containing individual description cards for each of the items sold.
The best design in the design showroom? Shelves and shelves containing individual description cards for each of the items sold.

Thanks so much for inviting me, Ruth!

Britain, Humor, Linkstorm, London, Weekend, Work, Writing

Friday Links (Frantic Pace Edition)

“We often miss opportunity because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work”
― Thomas A. Edison

Another busy week, my possums. I’m so grateful to Ruth for getting me out of the house on Wednesday to go to a freelancing event (more on that later), but I was honestly worried I wouldn’t be able to go at first and spent the whole day at a frantic pace to carve out that evening. Ditto for pizza on Monday.

You wouldn’t think it, especially based on last week‘s theatre adventures, but January started off fast and hasn’t slowed down for me at all. I’ve been helping a client with a major rebrand project since mid-December and it’s basically eaten my life. I have tons of personal emails to catch up on that are just piling up, thank you notes still to send for Christmas gifts and letters, and even job hunting (while still very much an active project) has given way to it on the priority list. Since I’m so many hours ahead of the client I’m usually kept up quite late every night, and I’ve started obsessively checking my phone like one of those people I used to poke fun at. Because every time I step two feet away from my flat, a major and highly urgent project arrives in my inbox. Without fail.

It’s a bit stressful, but really rewarding at the same time. All of 2013 seemed to involve being thrown into situation after situation that was completely uncharted territory for me, which I loved even though it frequently intimidated the hell out of me, and 2014 looks to hold more of the same. I never thought I’d be working on some of the projects I am, or have the skills I’ve been able to acquire. I’m still figuring out how to balance competing demands and projects (and occasionally failing to find a balance at all, reduced to eating gummy candy for lunch and working until 2am), and there are still many things I can do much better than I’m currently doing. But I’m learning quick and working hard. So, even though I’m feeling pretty tuckered out from this week, I’m happy as a clam.

Here are your links, tell me what you’ve been up to lately in the comments!

Goodness knows the sports world has a long way to go in respecting and embracing social/gender/cultural inclusion across many groups of people, but I still think this is kind of a cool story.

Fascinating article on how and why people disbelieve what they do.

I’d read this in a heartbeat.

True fandom never dies, I guess. I was a Spice Girls fan myself, unabashedly, but this level of devotion is quite foreign to me. Then again, I’m currently on a Sherlock kick so perhaps I need to judge less harshly.

h/t to Jeff for this commercial about the less glamorous but wholly necessary side of paper. I have a kindle for convenience sake, and I enjoy its many uses, but you will have to pull printed books from my cold dead hands.

Medical science is really just a staggering thing. This will either make some really awful dystopian scenarios come true, or…honestly I’m not sure I can think of an alternative. And I’m the woman who’d be fine with sprinkling the various elements and chemicals into a jar, letting is sit for a few months, and popping the cork on a fully developed infant as a reproductive system.

Etsy shop find of the week. A bit odd, but frankly also a bit adorable.

h/t to my friend Annette who works with refugees in Salt Lake City, patterns of forced migrations since 1975.

How big is your vocabulary?

Kids write the darnedest things.

Photographs of a museum’s collection at night.

Loved this piece from Cup of Jo about living in small spaces. Our flat is bigger, but decorating it is a challenge and I found lots of this helpful.

Seriously. It took a fictional character being denied inheritance rather than actual people?

Speaking of fictional characters…in defense of Ron Weasley! (h/t Savvy)