Dinner at the Montagu Arms

Admittedly, any chance I get to leave London I usually leave England. But this time we ventured approximately 2 hours south to the southern coast of England. The highlight was indulging in the tasting menu at the Michelin starred restaurant at The Montagu Arms. Highly recommended for a weekend mini-break a la Bridget Jones!

the most amazing duck I have ever had!

More favorite tipples for Fall (....or how I cope with no summer in London)

I had my first aperol spritz with my friend Kimberli in the small town of Asolo in Italy. With refreshing bitter orange and rhubarb flavors, it's a transition from the summery flavor of Pimm's as we usher in fall. Top it with a bit of prosseco.

...and my other favorite at the moment, a good old fashioned! Bourbon, bitters, muddled sugar (or simple syrup) and the oil of an orange peel. I added a dash of aperol to the last one I made and it was pretty darn tasty.

...and of course, a mint julep! I followed the recipe of the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans which uses peach liqueur instead of simply syrup.

My favorite british tipples!

• Any cocktail with elderflower! My favorite is St. Germain's Elderflower liqueur in a chilled flute topped with champagne. If I'm feeling particularly indulgent, I add a bit of muddled mint or cucumber.

• Pimm's. The epononymous "spring has arrived" English drink with fresh strawberries, mint, orange slices and of course, more cucumber.

•  Tea Time Martini at the Dorchester. The adult version version of afternoon tea served up in a fancy tea pot. Very Alice in Wonderland.  

• Good ol' G & T with a twist of fresh lime. With fragrances of juniper, coriander and you guessed it, cucumber, I have now cultivated a deep appreciation of gin. And cucumber!

•  Biddenden's Strong Kentish Cider. Be warned, it looks quite nice and innocent, but it is naughty afternoon in a bottle!

• Ridgeview Grosvenor Blanc de Blancs. I can't say I care for English wines, but indulging in this sparkler makes me feel as posh and pretty as Princess Kate!