Good morning, live from London. Having a wonderful time here, even though I've been cursed with some sort of stomach bug which started on the way to the airport back in New York. My intent of being up this early was to go to the gym, but that's not going to happen because I'm still feeling a bit naff. Other than that, very happy to be in a city that always feels so welcoming and comfortable, I just love it here.
London just has a way. Although we all know New York moves me in all of its gruff glory, London's old world patina never fades or gets old to me. We had a great dinner last night at J Sheekey, the fish place in the theatre district that seems like the inspiration for most clubby restos like Minetta Tavern and Sardi's- think framed photos of English film and stage stars on the walls (many of whom looked uncannily like American film stars) and dim lighting and cozy close quarters. Our server was in an immaculate suit and was very proper, and extraordinarily polite. They needed our table by 10 pm (guess there as a post theatre seating), and nicely bought us a round of drinks and then stared at us longingly until we got the point that we had to get up. In New York, although charming in a different way, they would have simply told us to get the fuck out. I appreciate a little courtesy with my f you, call me crazy. And the scene there reminded me of that Minetta thing in New York- a mix of young and old- banker types and artist types. I really enjoyed the experience there and highly recommend this spot if you want to do classic London with an intimate feel and have a thing for fish. It would also be a fantastic spot for a simple meal of oysters and champagne.
Anyway, this resto is a classic- fantastic Dover sole (thought that would be easy on the tum) and lovely oysters for those feeling more fit than I. Yesterday I walked around a bit and fell in love all over again with the alleyed streets full of old bookstores, the natty style of the people (particularly the men who always seem to find a place for a Paul Smith-like stripe somewhere on their person), and the overwhelming sense of history- I've said before that being around old buildings (as in REALLY old buildings), always grounds me. It almost makes me feel like I'm a part of history, which, in places like Miami where everything is relativel new, I just feel off. Plus, I adore the Brits and their sense of humor and friendliness- it's nice to come across the pond and feel so at ease. David and I were going to do Italy this Spring, but now our compass is pointed towards the UK, as I've never done the other spots throughout this lovely country like Kent, Brighton, Manchester and Liverpool. I'm looking forward to coming back here with my honey. If life were different, London is where I would want to live- it's just one of those places where I feel very "right". I wanted to feel that way in Paris, I was hoping to feel that way in Austin, I almost never felt that way in Miami. But London. Yes, please. It's just good for my DNA here, what else is there to say? If I had my way I'd have a rambling and unheated country house here, surrounded by ten dogs (Khan leading the pack natch) and a whole lot of charm. Oh, and a McQueen something or other to wear with my wellies. That too. Oh how I wish I was an aristocrat with a title to a home somewhere green and an ecletctic and monied past and precarious present.
I love that eccentricity of the English ps- mixed in with a bit of tradition and a great sense of style. Oh and the fact that they can get away with saying naughty things and not seem creepy. I'm looking forward to the rest of my time here and hopefully I'm on the mend. Today we finish location scouting and hoping to have a chance to pop into the Tate and go to my favorite room of any museum- that insane little haven of rouge and Rothko that makes me feel mighty real. Cause that's what's up this tartan of a Thursday on this foggy day in London town. London, I adore you- you always manage to charm me to pieces when I'm here. XO