Innholdsfortegnelse for September - October 2012 i Victoria

I love to travel. Give me a destination and a date and I’ll pull out my lightweight luggage and have it packed and stashed in the car almost before you can blink! After years of vacationing with my twin sons and loading the vehicle with every item we could possibly need for a four-day weekend— from books and toys to antibiotic cream and healthy snacks and everything in between—I am accomplished in the art of packing. Autumn, the glorious gateway to winter, has become my season of choice for searching out new locales, and my preference now for reaching almost any place is to drive, when possible, miles of open road. I have learned to sit back and study the passing cities and farmland, daydreaming about those who inhabit the…

The arrival of autumn is almost a relief. Of course, just like everyone else, I hold on to every breath of summer until its very last gasp. But I miss my houseplants. They’re not far away—just footsteps from the front door. And my merry band of begonias, peperomias, calatheas, pelargoniums, ficus, jasmines, plectranthus, and innumerable other botanical buddies are definitely happy campers in their warm-weather digs, growing lush and lovely lined up on bleachers where they can watch the world (and the world can admire them). Still, I’m like an empty nester and prefer to have my photosynthesizing family close by. Other gardeners rend their clothing and mourn the end of growing season when fall rolls around. They bring out blankets to snuggle over the sansevieria on the porch; they…

Perfect Pairings: More than 100 Delicious Recipes with Wine Recommendations by Fiona Beckett with photographs by Peter Cassidy (Ryland Peters & Small). Become an at-home sommelier with help from Fiona Beckett, one of Europe’s leading culinary experts. In this informative work, the complex world of wine pairing is made easy with dozens of innovative wine and cuisine combinations that defy the outdated “red with meat/white with fish” rule, such as lamb cutlets with Rioja Gran Reserva, scallops with casked Chardonnay, and pork belly with dry German Riesling. Introducing readers to a delicious new world of taste sensations, the book also includes a wine glossary, tips for decanting and serving the beverage, and a chapter on assembling the perfect selection of cheeses for every season. The Art of Breakfast: How to…

MERE MINUTES FROM CENTRAL EDINBURGH, SECRETED AWAY FROM THE BUSTLE AND TOURIST TRAFFIC OF THE ROYAL MILE AND NEARBY HIGH STREETS, PRESTONFIELD STANDS AT THE END OF A QUIET, TREE-LINED LANE. THE CENTURIES-OLD SCOTTISH ESTATE WAS REBORN IN 2003 AS AN EXCLUSIVE HOTEL DECORATED WITH SUMPTUOUS FABRICS, FINE ART, AND HEIRLOOM ANTIQUES. Edinburgh, Scotland, is often counted among Europe’s most breathtaking destinations. Its noble stone castle is perched high upon a central promontory—a regal presence presiding over the city. Centuries of history unfold on streets that radiate from the majestic structure. Nearby, within secluded gardens on the fringe of the urban district, imposing gates frame a grand hotel. Built in 1687 as the manse of the Lord Provost, the baroque-style house was restored in 2003 under the vision and artistic…

Patrons of The Langham Hotel London can enjoy a multitude of lavish features, including the building’s imposing turreted Victorian façade, worldclass guest services, thoughtful amenities, and the intimate atmosphere of the Artesian bar, opposite, bottom left, named after a 360-foot-deep artesian well beneath the property. Savor the inspired gastronomic specialties offered on the menu at Roux at The Landau, below, a restaurant prized for its impeccable standards and culinary excellence. As visitors jet out of London après-Olympics 2012, others are undoubtedly just arriving to bask in the celebratory afterglow. For elite travelers on holiday, nothing can capture the regal splendor of this best-loved British city better than The Langham Hotel London. This exemplary landmark establishment— recognized as one of the leading luxury hotels in the world—offers guests and Londoners alike…

COVER Antique copper pot and shutters, call for pricing; from Tricia’s Treasures, 205- 871-9779. WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE AND ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Pages 14–15: To learn more about Tovah and her latest book, The Unexpected Houseplant: 220 Extraordinary Choices for Every Room in Your Home, visit tovahmartin.com. To see more of Maryjo’s work, visit kochstudios.com. PAPER COUTURE Pages 16–19: Prêt-à-Papier, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 202-686- 5807, hillwoodmuseum.org. FAVORITE THINGS Page 20: Antique frames, call for pricing; from Tricia’s Treasures, 205-871-9779. Mounted antlers, call for pricing; from Arceneaux Art Gallery, 205-802-5800. Page 21: The Tartans of the Clans of Scotland (1886) art print, call for pricing; from Arceneaux Art Gallery, 205-802- 5800. Brass saddle charms, call for pricing; from Tricia’s Treasures, 205- 871-9779. Happy Blanket L Elliot Camel blanket, $118,…

I cannot say why autumn is my favorite time of year. Perhaps it’s all the vibrant shades of yellow—the goldenrods that begin blooming into their full color just as August is ending, the black-eyed Susans by the side of the road, the beautiful elms with their burnished foliage. The garden delights and inspires me as much in fall as it does when it is born in the spring. The little poplar in the middle of the yard is majestic, even though it was planted only a few months ago. Its leaves are a buttery gold now, demanding to be not just admired, but captured eternally in a painting, an illustration, or a poem. Wind chimes announce the arrival of a sharp hint of autumn air, as do the orange mums…

I was in the sixth grade when I had Miss Pertzsch as my teacher. Each summer, she would travel to distant destinations, and then in the fall, she would integrate the marvelous discoveries she had made into every aspect of our classroom. Learning came alive for me. I loved going to school to see what new and exciting concepts would be introduced. Miss Pertzsch’s trip to Great Britain was the adventure that made the most significant impact on me. As she shared the beauty of the Lake District, where so many great poets wrote their masterful works, I knew I not only needed to travel to England, but that I wanted to teach those great poems. Recently, I retired from working thirty-five years in a high-school English classroom. I can…

A LUMINOUS COUNTRY ESTATE ALONG THE SHORELINE OF THE ROMANTIC ISLE OF SKYE, KINLOCH LODGE IN SLEAT, SCOTLAND, HAS PROVIDED A HOMESPUN REFUGE TO TRAVELERS AND GUESTS FOR NEARLY FOUR DECADES. AWARDWINNING COOK AND FOOD WRITER CLAIRE MACDONALD AND HER GRACIOUS FAMILY KEEP THE AMBIENCE WARM, THE FLAVORS SAVORY, AND THE WOOD FIRES ABLAZE AS PATRONS SOAK IN ALL THE TRADITIONS OF THIS IDYLLIC SETTING. Cozy up to the fireplace in one of three well-appointed public drawing rooms at Kinloch Lodge. Each luxurious space is designed with plush seating, distinguished family portraits, and handsome color palettes that complement the Scottish countryside. Pre-eminent hosts Baroness Claire Macdonald and her husband, Lord Macdonald, Godfrey Macdonald of Macdonald, High Chief of Clan Donald, have set the tone for the hotel’s incomparable service that…

Capture the flavors and aromas of the harvest by mixing a libation that embodies the elation of a crisp fall day. This Pomegranate-and-Pear Sangria starts with a spicy Shiraz—an appropriately robust and full-bodied dark red wine. Infused with pomegranate juice, apple brandy, orange liqueur, and simple syrup, the jewel-tone punch is accented with sliced pears, oranges, muscadines, and pink grapefruit for a sublime complexity of fruity tastes and essences. Baked Brie with Roasted Persimmons provides a fragrant and satisfying appetizer for a casual wine tasting or an entire harvest meal. Often too tannic to be palatable, these ripe persimmons are oven-roasted with maple syrup, brandy, and a blend of aromatic warming spices for a sugary compote that meets with most everyone’s tastes. Layer the tender fall fruits on sliced and…

Highland Fling From the majestic edifice of Edinburgh Castle to the scenic shores of the Isle of Skye, Scotland is an ancient land steeped in storied history and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Marvel at the amazing architecture of centuries-old St. Cuthbert’s Parish Church, browse the handmade wares of local artists and artisans along the Orkney Craft Trail, tour the world-renowned National War Museum, and take a leisurely drive along the rugged seacoast and through the surrounding pastoral countryside. To see more of Scotland’s most spectacular sights, visit victoria mag.com. AND DON’T MISS … The Spirit of St. Louis With its charming historic neighborhoods, sprawling parks, eclectic boutiques and antiques shops, and acclaimed restaurants, the vibrant Midwestern metropolis of St. Louis truly offers something for everyone. Stroll the picturesque gardens of Lafayette…

To create a sumptuous feel that sets the standard for luxury, savvy interior designers often turn to stately toile de Jouy fabrics to achieve a majestic look. Here, yard upon yard of vibrant yellow-and-red toile trimmed with silk tassels, fringe, and cording give this bedroom a distinctive regal style. Draperies and plush bed dressings are fashioned from a retired pattern by F. Schumacher & Co. called Les Quatre Saisons. THE HISTORY of TOILE Captivating storytellers, toile patterns have been adored the world over for their romantic imagery featuring flowers, fauna, and idyllic scenes of genteel country life. The craze began quickly when the first printed cottons were imported from India to France in the sixteenth century. Lightweight and washable, these wildly colorful blockprinted indiennes were met with an exuberant fervor…

THE COMFORTS OF CLASSIC PUB FARE Begins on page 36 Ploughman’s Platter p.37 Makes 4 to 6 servings 1 16-ounce whole-wheat Pullman loaf 8 ounces Stilton, sliced 8 ounces Cheddar, sliced 8 ounces sliced deli baked ham 8 ounces salami, sliced 1 jar Branston Pickle 1 8-ounce jar pickled onions 1 jar whole-grain mustard 4 apples, sliced 1 bunch Muscat grapes Garnish: caperberries Arrange all items buffet-style on a table, large tray, or cutting board, along with serving utensils. Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce p.38 Makes 8 servings Peanut oil 8 (6-ounce) cod filets* 4 teaspoons coarse salt, divided 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided 2½ cups rice flour, divided 4 russet potatoes, washed and cut into wedges 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 (12-ounce) bottles…