Extra! Extra! The Scotsman delivers good news for guests

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The Scotsman, a luxury hotel sited in a Victorian era newspaper building, is good news for travelers to Edinburgh.

It’s so close to the Royal Mile of museums, shops and restaurants that a newsboy could easily hurl a Sunday paper there.

Extra! Extra! In addition to location, The Scotsman offers friendly, efficient service and such vintage charms as a coal fire glowing in the lobby grate. The magnificent Italian marble staircase, which the brass used to climb to the executive offices, remains in place.

I am upgraded to an editor’s suite, which features a bay window and an antique desk that might have been around when The Scotsman published its first newspaper at the site in 1905. Closets and the TV are behind raised-panel doors crafted from the deep, rich wood you would expect to find in the library of a country house in an Agatha Christie mystery novel. The windows are dressed with heavy, tweed curtains. The bathroom is large and well-appointed with a huge tub, heated towel rack and a radiator so efficient it will dry hastily rinsed socks in an hour flat.

The Scotsman also stocks Highland Aromatics, the best darn shampoos, lotions and soaps I have ever enjoyed on my travels. (More on the line in a future post.)

The hotel is part of Connoisseurs Scotland, an association for unique luxury properties throughout the country. Like a daily newspaper delivered to your doorstep, The Scotsman focuses on every-day courtesies. There is a chute in the entry way to the suite, where room service can deliver food and drink. I place my shoes in the chute for a complimentary shine. The next morning I find what appear to be new shoes. But, no! They are the same, serviceable Mary Janes, splendidly cleaned and polished.

There’s also the North Bridge Brasserie, the hotel restaurant, which focuses on traditional Scottish fare and locally sourced produce, meats and fish. A few nibbles from a recent menu: roasted North Sea squid with smoked Shetland mussel fritters; Loch Lomond Arctic char with a warm salad of Ayrshire new potatoes and grilled leeks; and Chef Paul Hart’s twist on traditional Scottish haggis, topped with Glenfiddich single malt whisky jelly.

With his piercing blue eyes and bristle of white hair, Ivor, the affable and efficient doorman, looks a lot like my grandfather, Allan Sinclair II, whose father hailed from Scotland. Ivor, who donned his kilt when the hotel opened in 2001, is grandfatherly in his helpfulness, patiently giving directions to the spa through The Scotsman’s warren of corridors.

The cavernous space that once accommodated the presses is now home to a stainless steel swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by other aquatic amenities, including a steam room, hot and cold shower heads and a whirlpool spa.

Both the pool and fitness center are open to local members, which gives guests an opportunity to mingle with Edinburgh natives. Chatting with the locals in a bubbling whirlpool is a decidedly civilized way to gather shopping tips.

Prices start at around $250 for a studio room, including VAT, full Scottish breakfast and spa access. Expect a copy of The Scotsman at your door, bright and early.

 

Vera Bradley on the Promenade

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The Adorableness Factor just got even higher at the Promenade at Sagemore, favored shopping destination of Jersey girls.

Vera Bradley is open, offering a parade of colorful bags, luggage and accessories. It’s a happy line that appeals to multiple generations. In fact, both my mom (she will be 82 on Aug. 18) and my former intern (a 22-year-old hottie) carry Vera Bradley bags.
Lots of visitors to the store’s website hail from Cherry Hill, Medford and other South Jersey ‘burbs so a location on Route 73 in Marlton was a natural match for the trendy retailer, says Melissa Schenkel, Vera Bradley public relations manager.

It’s a super cute boutique, 1,600 square feet of feminine indulgence.

Personally, I am fond of Vera Bradley’s hard cases for smartphones. My iPhone is wearing the Va Va Bloom case, which features a vibrant swirl of pink flowers. It is so unabashedly girly that I will never have to worry about my husband picking up my phone by mistake. That pop of pink helps me to immediately spot the phone in my purse.

Thanks, Vera!

Southern Comfort, with a cherry

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My mother mixes Manhattans with Southern Comfort, a blend of whiskey, spices and fruit juices. With a maraschino cherry, of course.

This summer’s trendy cocktail already has the cherry in it. Southern Comfort’s Bold Black Cherry blends the juicy tones of black cherry with the sweetness of cherry vanilla. It’s a crisp treat mixed with Coca-Cola Zero, the no-calorie soft drink.

Brown goods and cola, you ask? Actually, there is a tradition of that combo dating back to the late 1970s at my alma mater, West Virginia University. In those days, my neighbors, Robert E. Lee True and his roommate Call Me Phil, unwound from a hard day of cutting class with their favorite relaxer, Rebel Yell Bourbon and Royal Crown Cola.

“It’s mighty fine,” Bob said. “Just don’t spill it on your truck. Takes the paint clean off.”

Actually, the truck was never in danger. I suspect Bob was trying to scare off anyone who might ask him for a pour.

Southern Comfort has been a staple in any well-stocked bar since 1874. (Not to spoil the surprise, but I’ll buy a bottle for Mom’s birthday next month. It’s one gift I won’t ever have to return to the store.)

Mom mixes Southern Comfort with a bit of sweet vermouth. Its complex layers of flavor also stand up to being served straight up, on the rocks. But give it a try with Coke, especially on a hot summer night.

The recipe is simple: Fill a tall tumbler with ice. Add 1 ½ ounces Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry. Top with 4 ounces of Coke Zero. Add a wedge of lemon or lime. Kick back on the deck and enjoy.

Oster’s indispensable blender

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There’s good reason why no bridal shower is complete without the gift of a blender.

A great blender is an indispensable element of Small Appliance Land, delivering smoothies for breakfast, pureed soups for lunch and sauces for dinner and dessert.

The Oster® Designed For Life™ Blender is workhorse, with 600 watts of power and reversing motor technology that delivers consistent results. That means there’s no clogging when blending, crushing, chopping and pureeing ingredients.

A 6-point star blade is super for chopping and crushing ice. This baby offers two pre-programmed settings with one-touch operation, plus five manual controls, including low, medium, max, low pulse and high pulse. The big 6-cup glass jar is thermal shock tested and can go straight from the daiquiri bar to the dishwasher. And the brushed stainless steel finish looks cool on the counter.

You can find Oster blenders at Target, Amazon and other stores. MSRP: $59.99.

Love SieMatic’s SelectSurfaces, liebchen

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Liebchen,

There’s even more to love about SieMatic, the uber hip manufacturer of premium kitchen cabinetry.

The maker of cool, streamlined kitchens  has rolled out ZeroMatic SelectSurfaces, its new seamless cabinet panels.

Say what? Here’s the deal. SieMatic ZeroMatic SelectSurfaces are high-quality laminate finishes, which look and feel like genuine wood veneer or lacquer. A special manufacturing process makes them virtually joint-free, giving them a seamless appearance. The process involves the latest in laser technology, in which edging and surface materials are fused together to create a single smooth and uniform piece.

ZeroMatic SelectSurfaces are a sophisticated, easy-care alternative to traditional lacquer and veneer finishes. ZeroMatic technology is a unique, perfectly consistent surface that is visually flawless. We are all waiting for the makeup line!

Seriously, SelectSurfaces are environmentally friendly– and that also applies to the view in your kitchen. While conventional laminate panel surfaces show joints after gluing, there’s no yellowing from adhesive layers in SelectSurfaces.

“ZeroMatic SelectSurfaces are a revolutionary concept in laminates that introduce another element of perfection to SieMatic cabinet finishes,” says an effusive Hans Henkes, general manager of SieMatic Möbelwerke USA.

SieMatic ZeroMatic panels are constructed of durable, environmentally friendly materials and come standard with SieMatic SelectSurfaces on various collections.

Cooking up ideas for a new kitchen? Here’s a concept to add to your wish list.

 

ShopRite kicks off its Summer Can Can Sale

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At ShopRite, customers can get canned in a way that does not include a pink slip — unless you are thinking of a frilly undergarment and not a notice that your services are no longer needed.

The grocer’s iconic Can Can Sale runs for the next two weeks. In the beginning, 41 years ago, ShopRite rolled out the sale to hype its private label products. It’s been such a big hit, today many national brands are included, as well.

Shoppers also can get Can Canned by clicking on an image of a dancer and superimposing their own picture on her head. What a kick!

During the sale, ShopRite customers can save on summer faves, picnic fare and staples for the barbecue. Think canned corn! ShopRite also is bringing back popular picks from the winter sale, including coffee, canned tomatoes and olive oil.

The company estimates it has sold more than 3 billion cans over the sale’s  history. That includes nearly 100 million bottled and canned beverages, 5 million cans of tomatoes, 5 million cans of vegetables and millions of cans of tuna.

Old school look for a new age from Land’s End

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High tech meets tradition in the needlepoint iPad case from Land’s End.

The sturdy sleeve is embellished with anchors, which gives it a nautical vibe and makes it a good choice for guys or gals. There’s an option for monogramming, should you desire the personal touch, dear chap.

While the case will protect your tablet from getting dinged while transporting  it from home to the Wifi cafe, this isn’t one of those cases you can use as a stand. Consider it a low-tech solution, an old school art form that will keep your iPad comfy, cozy and safe.

The case is currently sale priced at $39.99.

Like the look? You also can get a plaid needlepoint case for your Kindle or Nook e-reader.

Farm fresh from Winterthur

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Winterthur Museum is serving up produce and other edibles for locavores in northern Delaware as the Winterthur Farmstand springs up for the season on Saturday, July 7.

The Farmstand is located off Route 52, just south of the main entrance. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m., every Saturday through Sept. 29. And you don’t have to pay to get in.

Vendors include:

• H. G. Haskell’s SIW Vegetables, purveyor of just about any veggie you can imagine plus jams, sauces, apple butters, and, of course, Haskell’s acclaimed corn and tomatoes.

• Mushroom Café, for local mushrooms and mushroom soup, homemade scones, cookies, and drinks.

• The Fudge Drum, for homemade fudge and handmade birdhouses.

• Happy Cat Farm, on Winterthur land, sells more than 200 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and other veggies, all grown without pesticides.

Items will vary depending, on what produce is at its peak each week. For updates about what’s fresh, email winterthur.org/subscribe.

The high life: 10 top mansions

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The rich are very different. For one thing, they tend to build huge houses.

Keeping up with the Joneses is no easy task. Consider Lonely Planet’s list of 10 Greatest Mansions and Grand Houses.

At the top of the heap is Marble Palace Mansion in Kolkata, India. Lavishly built in 1853 it is filled to the rafters with marble inlay in a blend of neoclassical and traditional Bengali architecture. It’s still privately held and the owners aren’t fussy about dusting. In fact, some of the furniture is covered in old sheets.  You can see it on tour, but you will need a permit from West Bengal Tourism.

No. 2 is the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion in Penang, Malaysia. Built in the 1880s, this indigo-blue Chinese courtyard house was home to Cheong Fatt Tze, a prominent Chinese figure in the newly established Penang Straits Settlement.

Master craftsmen brought in from China built 38 rooms, five granite-paved courtyards and seven staircases. In all, there are 220 windows. Architectural elements include splendid Chinese timber carvings, gothic louvre windows, russet brick walls, porcelain cut-and-paste decorative shard works, and art nouveau stained glass panels. To ensure harmony, the layout is based on feng-shui principles. As befitting a mansion, it’s furnished with a rare collection of sculptures, carvings, tapestries, and other antiques.

Part of the mansion has been converted into a hotel, so you can really live it up. And the currency rate is on your side. Rates range from 420-800 Malaysian Ringgit. That’s $132-$252 in U.S. dollars. Or get a taste of the high life on a guided tour.

Among the Downton Abbey set is an inexplicable choice, Falling Water, a sylvan get-away in Pennsylvania designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that came in at No. 6. Cool? You bet. A mansion? Not even close.

Here are the other grand digs on the exalted list:

  • Werribee Mansion in Australia, built at the height of the Victorian age when the gold rush made Melbourne the richest city in the world.
  • Villa d’Este, outside Rome, transformed from an abbey to a pleasure palace by Lucrezia Borgia’s son.
  • Castle Howard, England, the site of Brideshead Revisted. So grand it took three earls to build it over their lifetimes.
  • Chateau de Chambord, a 16th century French mansion in the Italianate style, so big it could house a small city.
  • Catherine Palace, glowing with gilt in the style of tsarist Russia.
  • Sleeper-McCann house, a 40-room summer cottage in Massachusetts  overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
  • Powerscourt, Ireland, a 13th century castle opulently restored in the 18th century.

Daiquiris with Papa at Cuba Libre

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All through July, you can celebrate Ernest Hemingway’s birthday—he was born on July 21—with authentic Cuban food and drinks at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar at The Quarter at Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City.

Chef and partner Guillermo Pernot will pay tribute to Papa by offering his creative spin on the traditional menus from El Floridita, one of Hemingway’s favorite Havana hangouts.

The writer never met a drink he didn’t like but his daiquiris were his favorite. In honor of National Daiquiri Day on July 19, Pernot has developed drink specials, specialty cocktails and bar bites.

“It is impossible to think of Ernest Hemingway without acknowledging how important Cuba was to him, and this menu is our tribute to one of the finest American authors and some of his favorites from Havana,” says Pernot, a two-time James Beard Award winner who connects diners to Cuba through his dinner series featuring native Cuban chefs, as well as culinary trips to Havana.

Pernot has concocted seven refreshing cocktails, priced at $9 a pop, including the Dinger, a blend of Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Cuba Libre 5 Year Rum, muddled limes and grenadine with a candied ginger rim. Select El Floridita cocktails will be $5 during Cuba Libre’s daily Caippy Hour throughout the month of July.

The El Floridita dinner menu, served July 15-22, is a three-course, prix-fixe menu priced at $39. Options include: Crema Floridita, lobster Velouté soup with seafood medley or Cóctel de Camarones del Golfo al estilo Hemingway, fresh Gulf shrimp, poached and chilled, with Nuevo Cubano cocktail salsa; Papa y Mary, a surf and turf’of petit filet mignon with culantro béarnaise and lobster rings with enchilado sauce or Pargo “Ambos Mundos,” Malanga-crusted, crab-stuffed red snapper with vanilla and roasted sweet onion sauce; and Alaska Tropical, vanilla and chocolate ice cream and panatela cake with rum and mint liquor-flambéed meringue or Papa Hemingway Sorbeto.

In addition to Atlantic City, Cuba Libre has hip, friendly locations in Philadelphia,Orlando,Fla., and Washington,D.C.