There aren't many places left where men can wear top hats and tails without looking just a tad overdressed, but at the Royal Ascot horse racing series outside London every June, "morning dress" is not only appropriate, it's required. The first event of the Stayers' Triple Crown represents five days of top-level thoroughbred racing, but it's also one of the biggest events on the society calendar, with the movers and shakers of southern England dressed to the nines and strutting their stuff. But don't fret if you can't clink champagne flutes with the Queen in the Royal Enclosure, the general public is welcome in the stands (no jacket required), which provide an excellent view of not only the action on the racetrack, but the parade of fancy hats as well. Ascot is a short drive from several Starwood hotels, including the Sheraton Skyline Hotel & Conference Centre.
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Thoroughbreds and High Fashion at the Royal Ascot
Monday June 2, 2008Dive Into Irish Literature at the Dublin Writers Museum
Thursday May 22, 2008
Ireland has produced many talented writers throughout the years, and their lives and works are celebrated at the Dublin Writers Museum. Located in the heart of Dublin, the museum features three hundred years of Irish literary history in the form of books, letters, portraits, and personal items of writers that give just a hint of the prose and poetry that flowed from their pens. The history of Irish literature from its beginnings to the present time is told in a series of panels mounted in two main museum rooms, with detailed explanations of different movements, phases, and notable names. In addition to exhibits dedicated to the giants of Irish letters, such as James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, you'll also find sections dedicated to Irish children's literature and a few whimsical items like Brendan Behar's union card (complete with fingerprint) and Mary Lavin's teddy bear. The museum itself is a work of art, occupying an original 18th century house and annex that also includes a bookshop and a coffee shop, the two most vital components of any writer's life. When you're done with your literary journey, you won't have to go far for a gourmet meal. Chapter One Restaurant is located in the museum's basement, and boasts French-influenced Irish seasonal cuisine that uses locally-grown organic and artisan produce. Guests at the nearby Westin Dublin might enjoy this fitting tribute to Ireland's finest writers.
An Exhibition of Italian Prints in London
Wednesday May 7, 2008
It's interesting to see what types of art people collect. The Liechtensteins favored European painters, particularly Dutch ones like Rembrandt and Frans Hals; and David Rockefeller began accumulating works by modern artists like Milton Avery and Basquiat in the 1950s. I'd like to nestle myself in among this elite group of art collectors. My three renderings of "The Madonna and Child" picked up at fleamarkets and antique stores certainly hold their own. In my opinion at least.
One of the world's most fascinating collections is on view at the Estorick, in London, through June 15. "Paper Trail: Prints From The Merlini Collection" includes fifty-five works which once belonged to the late Italian doctor Vito Merlini. From the woven ribbons of vibrant color that comprise Piero Dorazio's untitled work from 1962, to the variegated shades of grey that adorn Giovanni Korompay's 1967 work "Day and Night," the images, all on paper, display a remarkable variety of printmaking techniques.
An easy tube ride from Le Méridien Piccadilly, the Estorick is a wonderful museum, founded in 1993 by Eric and Salome Estorick, whose own collection of Italian art from the first half of the twentieth century comprise the museum's permanent collection. The only museum in Britain dedicated to modern Italian art, the Estorick features a phenomenal array of Futurist works, gallery talks every Saturday afternoon, and a lovely garden cafe.
Eating in Heathrow's New Terminal 5
Friday April 25, 2008The opening of Heathrow Airport's new Terminal 5 may have been a bit of a fiasco, but British Airways did manage to get one thing right: the food options are strong, and aren't run by the baggage claim staff. Here are some spots to watch for on your next visit to the airport and the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel.
Chef Gordon Ramsay has brought some star power to the terminal with Plane Food, his bid to earn the first Michelin star for an airport restaurant. The menu is based on his popular Boxwood Café. The first review was mixed at best, hopefully the kitchen finds its feet before the review team shows up.
For high rollers, there are three Galleries Club lounges featuring Swarowski crystal chandeliers, champagne and art (see video) from British Airways' collection. On a less expensive note, there's an outpost of Apostrophe, the popular London sandwich mini-chain. Other options include Huxley's, a British brasserie-style venue, seafood bar Caviar House & Prunier, and V-Bar, a tapas and wine bar.
For those early morning flights, I suggest grabbing coffee and a pastry at Amato Bakery — where you can also order a custom cake and have it ready to pick up before your flight home. Or, if you've got the time, a "Quick English Breakfast" at 5 Tuns Pub will set you back just £4.95.
London's Latest Wonder: The Movieum
Monday April 21, 2008A visit to the Movieum in London is like a taking a stroll through the creation of a feature film, while learning all about the history of cinema. Visitors can strike a pose on the red carpet as they make their way through the museum's entrance to the "Sound Stage." Here, original sets from films made in England, like Star Wars, Gladiator, and Elizabeth are on view along with thousands of props you'll recognize from some of your favorite flicks. Visitors can even have their photo taken in the royal throne where Cate Blanchett perched while shooting Elizabeth.
In the shadow of the London Eye, the Movieum is housed within County Hall, an Edwardian Baroque style structure which King George V opened in 1922. Just across the Thames from the city's most fashionable accommodations, such as the Park Lane Hotel , and Le Méridien PIccadilly, the museum is an excellent destination for the whole family. Marvel at the giant props used to make actors appear miniature, be enchanted by beloved Beatrix Potter characters in the "Animation Studio," and find out if the camera loves you by shooting your own screen test.
Falconry in Scotland
Wednesday April 16, 2008If you're in Scotland and feel like trying your hand at the art of falconry, make your way to Jedforest Deer and Farm Park. This modern working farm with rare breeds of sheep, pigs, and cattle is also home to Falconry Scotland, one of Scotland's finest providers of falconry services. Now, falconry is a lot more than the subject of a funny Saturday Night Live skit, it's a practice that dates back more than two thousand years involving the use of trained birds of prey for hunting or tracking purposes. And even if you don't want to do any serious hunting during an afternoon at Jedforest, you can still interact with some of the most magnificent birds to be found anywhere. Falcons, hawks, eagles, and owls (pictured) are used in daily birds of prey demonstrations, and handling sessions are provided at no extra cost to the entrance fee of the park. For an even closer encounter, book a hawk walk, where you'll learn to handle and fly a hawk while taking in the scenic Scottish countryside, or learn about the habitat and hunting prowess of owls on an owl encounter. Of course, if you do want to try your hand at hunting with a falcon, guided half-day, full day, and evening countryside hunting excursions are available. The sight of one of these expert hunters swooping down on a rabbit, hare, or game bird in excess of 100 miles per hour is something you'll never forget. The Jedforest Deer & Farm Park is located about 90 minutes from the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
A Scottish Festival of Fire and Steel
Friday March 14, 2008
Over Easter weekend (March 21-23, 2008), the Scottish town of Hawick will host one of the UK's most exciting historical festivals, the Hawick Reivers Festival. Situated near the English border, Hawick and the surrounding area was the setting for many fierce battles between the two nations, and, beginning in the 13th century, various clans in the area emerged as forces to be reckoned with in their own right. The Border Reivers, as they're known, included both Scottish and English families who took to raiding for cattle, sheep, and other provisions to survive the destitution wrought by constant war. Rather than being seen as criminals, the reivers were perceived by their countrymen to be merely protecting their families from a corrupt and bellicose monarchy. This year's festival is the biggest ever, featuring historical reenactments, equestrian events, period music and entertainment, and all kinds of food and drink. A reivers encampment will be set up at Wilton Lodge Park with special displays of falconry and archery, along with a 16th-century market, lunchtime concert, and torchlight procession. There's even a special beer brewed for the occasion, the 2008 Reivers Ale, which is probably tastier than the stuff quaffed by the original reivers. The festival is just 40 miles from the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
Tours of London For the Stylish & the Hip
Monday March 10, 2008
The best way to see London is with someone who knows the city. And when I say "know" I don't mean Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and all that jazz. I mean someone who can lead you to the hidden corners of the East End art scene; someone who can show you where in Mayfair to find the hottest modern furniture, and guide you through the Bangladesh markets of Brick Lane. I recently discovered a new company that offers dozens of tours for the discerning design mavens, art lovers, and fashionistas in town. Known as Urban Gentry, the company provides really interesting looks at London for style savvy visitors who have already been there, and done that.
Groups are generally limited to four people to keep the feel friendly, and curtail the look of a big tour group. Experts like Gabriella, a fashion writer, Simon, a trend forecaster, and Yoko, a graphic designer, lead sophisticated, curious groups on tours with names like "East End Hip", "Sartorial Spy: Men," and "Market Fresh."
Three and a half hour outings start at 159 pounds, and many begin at a local landmark or hotel of your choice, like Le Méridien Piccadilly, one of the most fashionable accommodations in town. You'll surely impress them.
Grab Your Clubs and Embark on a Westin Guys Getaway
Thursday February 21, 2008
Guys, you've worked hard, you've done right by your family, and you deserve a break. That's where the Westin Guys Getaway package comes in. Gather your best pals and enjoy a weekend of golf and camaraderie at one of nearly 30 Westin properties that feature world-class golf courses. The Westin Guys Getaway package includes a local welcome amenity (like beer and chips), $50 off a round of golf (per room, per stay), and a 4:00 p.m. late checkout where available, so you can get in a full 18 holes before heading home. Just think about how nice it would be to jet off with a couple of buddies to someplace like the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, which overlooks the picturesque Savannah River, or the Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort, which boasts not one but two golf courses and 7.5 acres of sandy beach to lay on after your round. If you prefer a desert course, check out the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, with spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert, 27 holes of championship golf, and a complex of five refreshing pools. And if you're a golf purist, why not pay a visit to the birthplace of golf? The Westin Turnberry Resort, Scotland has a spectacular coastal setting with views of the Isle of Arran, Ailsa Craig, and the Irish Sea, as well as two fantastic golf courses. Wherever you end up, just remember that the score doesn't matter, as long as you're having fun.
London's Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races
Tuesday February 5, 2008
Every year on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday), a most unique event occurs in London. Several teams of four people don outlandish costumes and wield frying pans in an attempt to win the annual Great Spitalfields Pancake Race. The relay race requires competitors to run up and down Dray Walk in the Old Truman Brewery, deftly flipping pancakes the whole way to the cheers of scores of enthusiastic onlookers. Be careful not to drop it! This year's race will be held on February 5, and prizes will be awarded not only to the fastest pancake flippers, but to the best-dressed team as well. In an event like this one, it pays to be as outlandish as possible, so if you plan on entering the race with three of your best pancake-flipping friends, pick a theme and go crazy with it. The race and accompanying flapjack fest is hosted by an arts organization called Alternative Arts and the proceeds with be donated to a children's charity, which makes this a win-win event for all involved. Guests at the Sheraton Park Tower or any of Starwood's London properties might want to check out this unique race and enjoy a pancake or two as well.
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