London Love

London – a city of old-world charm mixed beautifully with modern elegance. My first experience in this vibrant atmosphere was nothing short of magical, each moment building on the last making me so sad to leave on the last day.

After what felt like a speedy flight, this adventure began with a visit to Kensington Palace, where the echoes of history seemed to whisper from the walls and my own personal tour guide gave me all the royal gossip of the past.  And just when I thought the city couldn’t get any more glamorous, I found myself at The Maine Mayfair, where a whole fish crudo shocked my tastebuds and the Otoro Carpaccio was just “chef’s kiss”. The ambiance was equally captivating – every corner exuded that perfect blend of chic and effortless cool.

The next morning, I walked through the grand gardens exploring the beautiful greenery of St. James Park.  Seeing Buckingham Palace was a sight of its own.  And then, there was the theater. I found myself in the heart of the West End, watching Clueless unfold on stage, and for a couple of hours, I was transported back to the 90’s.  But as an avid Clueless fanatic, I have some comments and suggestions if the producers were interested. Just prior, I experienced my first lavish tea and cocktail experience at The Lanesborough. The Noughts & Crosses cocktail was a concoction that tasted like pure alchemy and satisfied my long-living desire to come here. 

Next, a visit to the Burberry store was a must on this London trip. And after, I headed to Harrods, where I imagined my shopping dreams would come alive, but instead, I was overwhelmed by the endless sea of designer brands and labels. I was thankful for the champagne that followed, and as I sipped, I couldn't help but congratulate myself for the outfits and shoes I'd chosen to add to my wardrobe this week (and how I packed them too).

But what’s a trip to London without some Indian cuisine? Chutney Mary introduced me to the aromatic and flavorful world of Indian food in a way I never thought possible, each bite touched with a burst of spice, each dish better than the next.  I wish my friend Margie could have shared the appreciation with me, but her experience left her rummaging through my stash of Pepto all night, and the remainder of the trip. 

Notting Hill had its own magic to offer, with its colorful streets and beautiful buildings that made me want to settle down here and never leave. And then, Covent Garden – where I felt invigorated walking through cobbled streets, finally having a taste of home at the flagship Reiss store, my all-time favorite brand. And where Reiss was born, I felt a connection to this city I couldn’t quite explain. But lunch at a classic British pub, paired with my first ever Pimms, was an excellent combination to a beautiful afternoon with some unusually sunny and warm London weather.

The evening shifted to a seafood feast, where I shared a dozen oysters at Scott’s, a staple of the city’s glittering heritage. And as my last day came to a close with a scenic tour of the Tower of London, I couldn’t help but feel as though I had witnessed a thousand years of history unfold both visually and intuitively. But of course, I had to return to The Lanesborough, where that Noughts & Crosses cocktail was waiting for me like an old friend.

The final chapter of my journey was marked by an unforgettable Michelin Star dinner at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Here, the combination of the stories and creativity in every dish had me questioning whether I was truly dining or reliving history. As if that weren’t enough, the cocktails at Fitz were the most innovative I have encountered in a while, adding just the right touch of allure & fascination with their light & dark themes.

So yes, London has wrapped its arms around me, and I will never be quite the same again.