Tag: food

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Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel

After an extremely busy day of travel, garden hopping, and museum viewing it was now time to treat ourselves to traditional afternoon tea. Upon entering Brown’s Hotel guest are greeted in the foyer and while taking off your coat there are huge vases of flowers to enjoy. As we were led into the Drawing Room you can’t help notice the wood paneled walls and an elaborately tiled ceiling. Our table by the fireplace was most welcoming…. especially after comng in from the cold.

Considered to be the oldest hotel in the city, it was founded in 1837 by James Brown former valet of British poet Lord Byron. The historical significance is most interesting; especially to learn that Rudyard Kipling penned many of his novels here and that it was the inspiration for Agatha Christie’s ‘At Bertram’s Hotel”.

Our server or sommelier enlightened us on the various teas that went well with the finger sandwiches and the seasonal pastries. We started our service by clearing our palate with a glass of champagne. Next the tea was served, then the sandwiches along with warm scones, pastries, clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam.

Afternoon tea is truly a wonderfully civilzed way to unwind.

Travel stylishly,
Kathleen

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Loving Februrary

I enjoy learning new facts during Black History Month and have access to many newsletters, messages and emails keeping me posted on enthralling points of interest.

Lincoln Perry appeared in a 1927 feature entitled In Old Kentucky, where he delivered a performance of a “comically” sluggish character who could not handle the simplest of tasks. Perry later adopted the stage name of Stepin Fetchit and continued this laziest man performance as Hollywood transitioned to talkies, and his success made him the first Black actor to earn more than a $1 million from this craft.

Etta Moten Barnett was one of the first Black artists to perform at the White House. She earned a formal invite to sing at President Franklin Roosevelt’s birthday in 1934. After a windowsill performance of “My Forgotten Man” that lasted 80 seconds in the 1933 film Gold Diggers, it became an eye-opening moment from an industry that didn’t provide such a dignified platform for Black artist.

February is my nephew and brother’s birthday month, and spending time together is always a top priority for such celebrations. The family came together earlier at Joe’s Seafood in Washington, DC to celebrate and have fun. We ordered two Whales, which consisted of king crab, lobster, jumbo shrimp cocktail and Littleneck clams. We also shared oysters on the half shell with a Caesar salad and Joe’s chopped salads. I enjoy the bistro like intimacy and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant.  

Lately, I’ve been enjoying an occassional treat … a cookie, a macaroon, or a small pastry {cut into slices} to enjoy with an afternoon espresso, In February, Girl Scout ccokies are delivered or someone sends a box of candy for Valentines Day….. one thing is certain….we will have sweets

Kathleen