Dining At Corbeaux – Tea Time in Temecula

January 15, 2026January 11, 2026 MstldelanoLeave a comment

My daughter and I recently took a trip to Temecula, CA, and spent some time with one of my good friends. During my time there, she took us to several places, including Old Town Temecula. The highlight of our time in this charming neighborhood was brunch at Corbeaux Wine and Tea House. This lovely restaurant features delicious food, beautiful decor, and an easy elegance that dwells in the sweet spot between welcoming and exclusivity. This tea house does a great job of feeling luxurious without the stuffiness that often comes with luxe experiences.

I knew, quickly, that our trip to Corbeaux had to include caviar, so we ordered the caviar tasting platter. We also got the charcuterie board, and I ordered the cucumber and apple salad for myself. It may sound like a lot of food – and it was! – but we were splitting it between three people, and we were famished. It was our first meal of the day!

Despite looking at the menus in advance, we missed the disclaimer that explained how the afternoon tea service needed to be reserved in advance. However, not one to be deterred by a disclaimer, I figured I’d gently inquire whether we could get some of the items available for tea. Fortunately, our server Tiffany explained that there was one tea tower available for a walk-in customer, and I quickly told her that I wanted it!

I was entranced by the lovely decor in the space. I particularly loved the gallery wall near the rear of the restaurant. It has some fun interpretations of classical portraits, a few still life paintings, and a picture of Marilyn Monroe’s famous subway grating moment from “The Seven Year Itch”. The wall is a blend of art styles, periods, and media, all combined together beautifully.

The decor was great, but the food was spectacular. Let’s start with the caviar. The tasting platter featured three different types of caviar: Polish osetra, Siberian sturgeon, and smoked trout roe. Hands down, the Siberian sturgeon was my favorite (though they were all delicious). It was slightly smoky, earthy and salty and did not have the strong fishy flavor that I usually associate with caviar. It also had a buttery finish that I wasn’t expecting. Oh my, it was delicious! I enjoyed the Polish osetra and smoked trout roe tremendously, too: these tasted like what I expect when enjoying caviar, with the salty, fishy flavors that play really well with creme fraiche and blinis.

Caviar platter (left to right – Polish osetra, Siberian sturgeon and smoked trout roe)

The star of the meal was definitely the tea tower, along with the delicious tea served with it. The tower consisted of honey tea cakes, apple and chai caramel cream puffs, pumpkin tea shortbread cookies, rosemary lavender salted scones, mushroom quiches, assorted seasonal fruit, and three types of sandwiches: baked cinnamon apple and brie, curry chicken salad and egg salad. We ate the delicate pastries and sandwiches as we sipped on the maple cream oolong tea. My favorite sweet pastry was a tie between the honey tea cakes and the apple and chai caramel cream puffs. My favorite savory sandwich was the curry chicken salad. The entire tea menu was spectacular!

Tea tower with fruit and butter on top, pastries on the middle layer, and sandwiches on the bottom layer

My cucumber and apple salad was perfect: crunchy, sweet, tart, and fresh. It was a great dish to balance out the carb-heavy tea tower dishes. It was light and effervescent, which was a nice contrast to the rest of the meal. I really liked that the salad incorporated miso for savory notes, and peanuts for earthier flavors.

The charcuterie board was divine: three different meats (I can’t remember each one, though I’m pretty sure one was soppressata, and another was calabrese), and three different cheeses (again, I can’t remember each one). I tasted a little of each, but I didn’t consume too much, because I had already had a fantastic time with the tea tower and my salad.

I loved our time at Corbeaux, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Temecula. I enjoyed brunch but I saw the dinner menu and I was equally impressed with the offerings. If you’re looking for a beautiful brunch experience, Corbeaux is a must!

art · food · international · life curation · luxury · relaxation · travel

Cunard’s Beautiful Queen Anne: My Transatlantic Cruise Experience

January 12, 2026January 11, 2026 MstldelanoLeave a comment

Last year, I spoke briefly about my trip to London (including my time at Fait Maison, champagne sipping at Harrods, and an evening at the theatre, watching The Devil Wears Prada). But that was only the first half of my trip. I am so excited to discuss the second half of my trip, which was my leisurely trip back to the States. Instead of flying from Heathrow to my hometown, I did my first transatlantic cruise. I selected Cunard Cruises for my trip, and I wasn’t disappointed!

I traveled with my good friend (the same one that was on my Scotland trip) and we had a great time. We took the South Western Railway train from London to Southampton. I mentioned previously how important it is to upgrade your trains when riding around in the UK. I didn’t see an option to upgrade when I reserved our tickets, but when I return, I will be sure to select the best seat available. We had difficulty finding enough space for our luggage, but we managed to find some space before we settled into our seats. The ride was comfortable, and took a little over one hour. When we got to Southampton, we got a cab and rode directly to the port, which is a short ride away from the train station.

We took the maiden transatlantic voyage on Cunard’s newest ship, MS Queen Anne. The ship had previously operated on a different cruise route, but in January 2025, Cunard began using the Queen Anne to cross the Atlantic. and we were part of that first transatlantic group. This is their second-largest ship, right after the RMS Queen Mary 2. This beautiful vessel is less than two years old, so everything is still very new and fresh-looking. The ship’s first stop was New York City (my departure point), then continued on to traverse the entire globe over a 4-month period.

Onboarding was simple and uneventful. The staff was polite, efficient, and very clear in their instructions. It took very little time to get checked in and settled into our room. There was a little confusion with my friend’s luggage (it was sent to the wrong room initially), but we sorted it out quickly and got all of our things.

The restaurant where we dined most nights, Britannia

I absolutely loved the cruise overall, but there were some less than ideal moments (more about that later). For starters, I loved my stateroom. The room attendant, Delight (yes, that was her name) was lovely and took great care of us. Turn-down service included chocolates every night. The space was perfect and comfortable. My room had a balcony, but since I cruised in January, I didn’t get to enjoy it fully. Winter on the North Atlantic is too brisk for me! That being said, I looked outside of the window several times and the water was stunning and majestic.

The internet service was excellent (seriously: the best internet connection I’ve ever had on the water) and worth the investment. Unlike some ships that have ceased offering room service with the cost of your room, there is a standard room service menu with excellent options, and these items are included at no additional cost. There is also a daily tea time (gotta love British cruise lines). I looked forward to tea every afternoon.

The food was well prepared and tasty. On a scale of 0 to 10, I’d rate the food a solid 7.5. I do prefer more ethnic recipes and intense flavors (this is why I tend to really enjoy Royal Caribbean’s menus) but I certainly ate well on Cunard and enjoyed most of the dishes I tried. The room service options that I ordered were delicious and well-prepared, so on those rare occasions when I didn’t prefer the dining room options, I would simply return to the room and order something I liked instead.

Baby shrimp and cucumber brioche roll and fries that I enjoyed in my stateroom

I didn’t get to attend any of the live shows: attendance required that you reserve tickets in advance, and I never got the hang of the reservation system. That being said, I was never bored: there was music and dancing every day, not to mention a host of additional activities, like art lectures and auctions, crafting classes, language lessons, and more. There was also a spa that I used a few times (for the reason I’ll mention momentarily) and lots of other great amenities, like a library, gym, several bars, a club, and all of the other standard facilities on a cruise ship. I did visit all of the bars, the club, and the library, but I have no idea where the gym was, nor what was in it. On my vacations, I do not want to see exercise equipment.

I loved the mirrored stairwells on the Queen Anne

Since I’d been on land for a number of days, I had quite a few clothes to launder. Fortunately, the Queen Anne had more than one laundry facility on board, with washing powder provided. I was delighted that I was not forced to outsource my laundering to the staff (some cruise ships no longer have public laundry facilities). But yes, I used the laundry rooms and chatted with my fellow passengers as I waited for my items to finish drying.

Anyway, I mentioned that there were some less than ideal moments. The main problem with this cruise was a storm that tossed the ship for days. This, of course, was beyond anyone’s control, and the captain and crew did an excellent job steering us through that awful storm, but the wind and water were so strong that the boat rocked fiercely, and the noise of doors slamming and clothes hangers banging against the inside of the closet made it hard to sleep. But beyond that, I experienced my very first bout of seasickness. I have typically loved cruising, and I never experienced seasickness until this trip. I had a headache and nausea that were unceasing. This bout of seasickness gave me a new level of empathy for people that experience it whenever they are on water.

Some of the dining options available via room service

I mentioned the seasickness to a lady I met during dinner, who said she went to the spa and the acupuncturist “seeded” her ears, and that gave her relief. I was so ill that I was willing to try anything, so I booked an acupuncture appointment, and Dr. Jack, the ship’s holistic doctor and acupuncturist, used principles of acupressure to “seed” my ears, taping little seeds to my ear at specific points. I don’t know much about acupressure, but seeding worked. I felt so much better, and could finally enjoy the rest of the cruise. I got some subsequent acupuncture treatments, and I felt fantastic afterward.

Artwork and ocean views (from left to right: *Rhythm of Life I, Eternal Devotion* and *Rhythm of Life II* by Jennine Parker)

Info cards on the bronze artwork in the previous photo (from left to right: *Rhythm of Life I, Eternal Devotion* and *Rhythm of Life II* by Jennine Parker)

Once my seasickness was resolved, I got down to exploring the ship more, and enjoying the remaining days of my travel. I attended a couple of art events, dressed up for Black & White night, and listened to music at the night club all the way until my final night on the ship. And then, on the morning that I disembarked, I had a delicious breakfast and took in the sight of New York City as I prepared to bid farewell to the Queen Anne and her incredible staff.

For those curious about the pricing, the costs averaged out to $108 per day, not including the cost of gratuities, my spa treatments and internet package (all of which are completely optional additions). I found the cruise to be a great balance of cost and value: I enjoyed an elegant, comfortable trip (aside from the stormy water) with well-prepared food, charming guests, excellent and attentive staff, beautiful views, and an assortment of entertainment for less than the cost of a 3 – or higher star hotel in most cities.

Overall, I had a wonderful time on the Queen Anne, and would highly recommend that anyone interested check out the ship, as well as the rest of Cunard’s ships and cruise routes. I will cruise with them again, and I will take my family when I do!

art · beauty · culture · food · life curation · luxury · relaxation

Afternoon Tea At VMFA’s Floris

December 11, 2025December 2, 2025 MstldelanoLeave a comment

Recently, I had a chance to dine at Floris, the tea room at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). I’ve dined at Floris before, but since they change their menus seasonally, I was due for another visit.

The restaurant is currently featuring the fall menu, which highlighted warm spices, tender brassicas, and autumnal squashes. I went with my daughter, and we both enjoyed the signature tea, which features all of the listed bites and unlimited amounts of any of the non-premium teas (we had to try a premium tea for good measure).

The experience started with us being seated in a lovely room that was a bit further back from the main entrance. Our space was punctuated with a grand Christmas tree that was white with silver accents. The room itself was a deep teal color, with light multicolored wooden floors and gold accents upon the walls. As we took in the beauty of our space, we were greeted by our waiter, who brought us menus and filled our water glasses.

Close up of one of the Christmas trees at Floris

After learning that we could select two teas to start, we discussed which teas sounded most interesting. We decided to try the Marie Antoinette tea as well as the Milk Oolong premium tea (which has a $6 USD upchage per teapot). Our tea arrived while we waited for our food. The Marie Antoinette was fruity, bright and softly floral, with none of the bitterness that can occur with many other black tea varieties. This was probably my favorite tea of the afternoon. The Milk Oolong was just as described: creamy, smooth, and buttery. I can confirm that this tea had notes of milkiness without any actual dairy being included. I was impressed at the subtle but impactful flavor profile on this tea.

We were brought a basket of biscuits and scones, along with jam and butter. These were tasty, and a great way to start our tea. The scones featured a swirl of additional flavoring (I don’t know what it was: the items were brought to us while I washed my hands, and I forgot to ask our waiter about it). The scones were softer and sweeter than the biscuits, and both were perfect with our first two pots of tea.

Our food arrived and it was an impressive presentation. We started our meal with the fried saltines and pimento cheese savory bites (the top level). Rich, a little salty, and a lot crunch, these delicious cheesy bites were perfectly balanced by the tomato conserva garnish, which left a little sweetness and brightness after each bite. We followed up with the baked brie bites (top level), which had little bits of mushroom, pepper jelly, and a sprig of micro greens on top. This is a nice, standard tea dish: soft baked cheese in phyllo dough, with a few other ingredients for more flavor and texture. This is one that would be fairly easy to recreate at home, and would be a tasty hit with your guests!

We progressed to the roasted sweet potato salad, which had a mixture of cubed sweet potatoes, feta cheese, bits of sauteed kale, and cranberries. The salad was served in a single endive leaf, adding a touch of tasty bitterness to a dish that perfectly captured sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and umami. This was a surprise hit for me, as I didn’t know what kind of salad to expect. This is absolutely a dish I would make myself, and would happily serve to others. We finished our savory bites with the braised green handpies, which my daughter accurately described as tasting like gomen, Ethiopian style collard greens. These handpies featured both collard and kale green, cooked until flavorful and tender, and the greens with mixed with other winter vegetables (like squash). On top of the flaky pastry pockets, there was a drizzle of smoked tomato coulis, the perfect little touch of delicious decoration. The handpies was my daughter’s favorite dish.

We finally progressed to the final tier, with the sweet bites. But, before we started our bites, we tried another tea. We decided that the Moroccan Nights herbal tea could be tasty, and we weren’t disappointed. This tea was faintly minty, but mostly a floral, approachable blend that worked well with the sweet items we tried. Our first dessert item was the apple pound cake, that I quickly realized I couldn’t hold in my hands, as the warmth began melting the milk chocolate glazed on the outside of each slice! The mascarpone garnish and light-as-air sweet crisp on top – in the shape of autumn leaf, no less! – was such a pretty and tasty touch. We then tasted the pumpkin pate choux, an airy cake that was hollowed out and filled with a decadent pumpkin filling, and then topped with meringue and toasted until golden brown. This was my absolute favorite sweet of the bunch, and I could have eaten 20 of these!

Before we ate the last sweet bite, we ordered our final tea of the day, Himalayan White. This was an easy to sip, mildly sweet tea that contrasted well with our rich desserts. The final sweet treat with the spiced chocolate cremeux, which is a fascinating take on chocolate ice cream. This is what I’d imagine an upscale interpretation of the standard cherry cordial candy would taste like. This treat was had earthy and warming notes from the spice, the coldness of the ice cream, a touch of bitterness from the dark chocolate brownie bits, and the sweet and tart raspberry coulis encasing all of it. This was my daughter’s favorite and it’s easy to see why: it’s a fun mix of fruit and chocolate!

When we finished our meal, the waiter brought us an additional treat: we got chocolate caramel stuffed tarts to pair with the last cup of tea. Delicious! Such a tasty and unexpected way to end our meal.

As we sipped the last of our tea and looked out of the windows of the tea room, we savored the easy energy of the afternoon. Our time at Floris was a wonderful way to unwind in the afternoon. I can’t wait to return when they debut their winter menu!

Leaving Floris after a beautiful afternoon tea

art · culture · food · international · life curation · luxury · music · travel

My Heart Belongs to Scotland – Edinburgh, Day 2

December 3, 2025December 3, 2025 Mstldelano1 Comment

After an amazing day exploring Edinburgh, finishing off with an evening at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, I rested and prepared for the last full day in the city, which included time at St. Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.

Despite visiting Edinburgh previously, I never got a chance to visit these two sites. I was so excited because I knew that these were the perfect sites to visit with a group: having a guide that is dedicated to sharing history and answering your questions is a top tier experience that isn’t always available to you as a solo traveler. Also, members of tour groups often come up with excellent questions that add richness and deeper understanding to the conversations held while touring.

St Giles’ Cathedral is a very special place for Clan Graham and the Clan Graham Society (the group I toured with while in Scotland). This is the final resting place for James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, the ancestral head of Clan Graham. This somber site is a stunningly beautiful building, with lots of stained glass and a ton of fascinating history. The church still operates out of this building, as it has done for the past 900 years. You can attend services if you happen to be in Edinburgh: services are held on Sundays and mid-day during the week.

Stunning architecture overhead at St Giles’ Cathedral

I was deeply moved as I paid my respects to James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. I was amazed by the peaceful and dignified likeness of Graham on his sarcophagus. Richard Graham, North American Chieftain of Clan Graham, and president of Clan Graham Society, provided a stirring recitation of the poem written by James Graham prior to his execution.

The 1st Marquess of Montrose, James Graham

Richard Graham paying his respects to his ancestor

The poem recited was, “Let them bestow on every airth a limb”, a haunting description of the execution that the 1st Marquess knew he’d experience, as well as his assured belief that God would recover his spirit and view him as righteous. This beautiful poem is worth sharing here (courtesy of All Poetry):

Let them bestow on every airth a limb,

Let them bestow on every airth a limb,
Then open all my veins, that I may swim
To thee, my Maker, in that crimson lake,
Then place my par boiled head upon a stake;
Scatter my ashes, strow them in the air.
Lord, since thou knowest where all these atoms are,
I’m hopeful thou’lt recover once my dust,
And confident thou’lt raise me with the just.

I also saw that James Graham and some of his descendants were honored at several different memorials within St Giles’.

Memorializing the 1st Marquess of Montrose

I was amused by the story of Jenny Geddes, the woman who threw a stool at the head of a St. Giles’ minister, in protest of the attempted Anglican-izing of the Scottish church. I was in awe of the Thistle Chapel, where the Order of the Thistle (the chivalrous organization headed by King Charles III) convenes. Hearing the significance of each of the seats and the decorative emblems chosen for the members of the Order was fascinating.

A statue in tribute to Jenny Geddes’ cuttie-stool

Crests in stained glass in the meeting area for the Order of the Thistle

The spectacular ceiling in Thistle Chapel

Details above the seats in Thistle Chapel

This beautiful cathedral also had the honor of accommodating Queen Elizabeth II’s body for nearly 24 hours as she was relocated from Balmoral Castle to Buckingham Palace. A couple of years ago, I had the honor to pay my respects to Her Majesty at her final resting place in Windsor Castle. I did not know that her body had also traveled to Edinburgh en route to Westminster Abbey.

Memorial commemorating where HM Queen Elizabeth II laid en route to London

One unique memorial plaque that I saw was the one to Elsie Maud Inglis, a physician and suffragist who founded the Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Services. Her organization served extensively during World War I, and supported the Serbian army during this time. Inglis is honored in both Edinburgh and in Serbia.

And what Scottish historical site would be complete without a tribute to national treasure Robert Burns? The stained glass window dedicated to Burns is a delight to the eyes.

Burns memorial stained glass window at St Giles’ Cathedral

After leaving St. Giles’ Cathedral, we headed over to Edinburgh Castle. These two significant landmarks are a short distance from one another. I really loved Edinburgh Castle, and it was a treat to see the Scottish crown jewels (sadly, we were not allowed to photograph them). Seeing this incredible site, where King James the VI was born, made a lasting impression on me.

One of the structures at Edinburgh Castle

Sleek, elegant lion sculpture at Edinburgh Castle

When we finished touring the castle, we met up with a friend living in Edinburgh and had a great lunch at a local restaurant, The Mussel and Steak Bar. I don’t like mussels, but I enjoy most other seafood, so I knew I’d find something I like. I had an AMAZING crab lunch that was massive, messy and delicious.

We finished the evening with a dinner and performance at Ghillie Dhu, where a bagpiper and highland dancers entertained us. We ate a great dinner and I tried real haggis for the first time. We ended the night with a little bit of ceilidh dancing.

My last full day in Edinburgh was incredible and memorable. I didn’t want to leave this beautiful city, but I also missed my family, and I was ready to see them and to get back to my routine.

I’ll talk about my interesting return back to my hometown in my next post. Until then, take care, and thanks for reading!

art · culture · festivals · food · international · life curation · luxury · music · travel

My Heart Belongs to Scotland – Edinburgh, Day 1

December 1, 2025November 28, 2025 Mstldelano1 Comment

After spending a fantastic day at Scone Palace, downtown Perth, and Innerpeffray Library, we were off to Edinburgh, our last city on this Scotland tour.

Edinburgh is such a magical city. When we arrived, it was the early evening, which means we had time to walk around and explore a bit. I was thrilled when I saw one of my favorite things in Scotland: Harris tweed coats and accessories.

Love these gorgeous coats and accessories

We stayed at the Radisson Blu, a sleek and modern hotel located in Edinburgh’s city centre. We returned to our hotel after grabbing a small fast food dinner. When we got back to the room, I could finally take it all in: the rooms were nothing like the boutique hotels we were in for the majority of the trip. We had elevators, bright lighting, spa facilities: this hotel was like stepping back into the modern day (after enjoying the history and charm of yesteryear). We were exhausted from the busy day we enjoyed, so we slept well and got our rest. That next day, my friend and I were still a bit tired, and opted out of the scheduled activities for the day. We slept in, then walked around Edinburgh. Oh, and one more thing: we were in Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival, so there was plenty of outdoor activity as we walked around near our hotel.

We missed breakfast, but walked to a nearby restaurant for lunch. We decided to try David Bann, a vegetarian restaurant. I order a mint tea, a salad, and the wild mushroom bake. I finished with a dessert. Everything was so delicious! I hate how quickly I ate my meal: I barely got any pictures. That being said, I highly recommend that you all stop by if you’re in Edinburgh (if you’d like me to do a review on David Bann specifically, I can make that a separate post).

While walking around on Princes Street, we ended up at Whittard of Chelsea, where I couldn’t resist buying Banoffee Pie and Sticky Toffee Pudding flavored hot chocolate. I spotted some more gorgeous traditional Scottish clothing and also made my way to shops that I enjoy at home (like Zara). We were out for several hours, so we decided to eat dinner before heading to our evening activity.

On our schedules for the evening was the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a dazzling display of dance, music, rifle and sword artistry, and precision marching. It was a thrilling show that is fun for the whole family. The spectacular show ended with an incredible combined routine with all of the participating military forces, and an array of fireworks light the sky up.

More performers at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

When we left the performance, I felt like I was buzzing from the excitement! To say that I enjoyed it would be an understatement. That being said, all of the walking, shopping, and taking in the street performers left me sufficiently tired. I fell asleep with no issue. I needed to get enough rest so that I could do all of the activities for the next day, our last full day in Scotland.

That’s all for day 1 in Edinburgh. I’m looking forward to sharing day 2, my final full day in Scotland, shortly. Until then, take care, and thanks for reading!

art · culture · festivals · food · international · life curation · nature · style · travel

My Heart Belongs to Scotland – Glasgow and Clan Graham

November 20, 2025November 19, 2025 Mstldelano1 Comment

This is a continuation of my recap of my time in Scotland. After landing in Edinburgh, traveling up to Stonehaven, and enjoying some time at the Aboyne Games, my friend and I journeyed to Glasgow to continue our adventure.

Instead of taking the LNER train, we rode ScotRail. We weren’t able to upgrade our tickets for this leg of our trip, but we ended up with good and comfortable window seats. We were joined by an adorable young married couple – Lola and Hal – on their way to Glasgow for a fun weekend. We had a fantastic conversation and enjoyed the sights as we chugged along for two hours.

We arrived at the Glasgow train station and started the walk to the Maldron Hotel. This was our first time at a modern hotel in Scotland: the hotels we stayed in before (and after) this one were mostly boutique style and more historical. The sleek and modern decor was fun and fresh. We dropped off our bags, freshened up, and prepared to meet our tour group for dinner.

Our tour was hosted by Clan Graham Society, the organization endorsed by the head of Clan Graham, James Graham, 8th Duke of Montrose. The tour was organized to commemorate Clan Graham Society’s 50th Anniversary and was coordinated by several members of Clan Graham – specifically, Kate Graham and Kiersten Graham Dick, along with Gordon Graham – and every detail was considered with care. All members of the group, except for a few folks like me, have a connection to James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Clan Graham is extraordinarily warm and welcoming, and I joined the organization as a friend of Clan Graham. My friend, who was my roommate for the entirety of the trip, has a Graham-affiliated surname, so she’s a member of Clan Graham and encouraged me to join. I’m so thankful for her encouraging me to become part of the group!

In our ten day tour, we visited sites that were historically relevant to Scotland as a whole, as well as sites relevant to Graham history specifically. Every other day or so, we traveled to another town or city, each one significant in its own right.

We enjoyed delightful meals at the Maldron each day during our stay (we were there two nights). On the first full day in Glasgow, we were supposed to go to the Isle of Arran, but the weather was unfavorable (one of the strongest storms of the summer happened on this day). While the group made alternate arrangements, my friend and I – still quite tired from our time in Stonehaven and Aboyne – decided to sleep in and explore Glasgow in the afternoon instead.

While walking around, we came across many interesting and old buildings that were photo-worthy. But, despite Glasgow being full of gothic, Victorian and art nouveau structures, the city has a distinctly modern, “concrete jungle” feel. It’s undeniably metropolitan energy gives it an edge and pulse that wholly unlike the laidback energy of Edinburgh. To be frank, I love both cities and will happily return many times, if I’m able.

After grabbing a delicious hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat (complete with chocolate whipped cream rose, no less), we stumbled across Frasers department store, and I became an instant fan. As a lover of the department stores of yesteryear, Frasers reminded me of the kind of stores that are becoming rarer to find stateside. It was so nice to walk in and get an experience similar to Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Liberty or Selfridges. I found an amazing formal gown that I had to purchase, and had a wonderful chat with one of the sales reps at Frasers. I’m so pleased that we stumbled upon this store, because none of the other cities or towns on our tour had a Frasers.

Hotel Chocolat is always a must when in the UK

Once we finished shopping, we made our way back to the hotel. I snapped photos of interesting things I saw on our walk, including Nelson Mandela Place, a street named after the South African former President, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and anti-apartheid activist. I also saw shops and architectural details that I loved.

Snapshot of Nelson Mandela Place street sign

Restaurant I want to try when I return to Glasgow

Before we walked the final block to our hotel, we stopped off at the DoubleTree by Hilton to check out their restaurant, Cask & Clyde. The menu had a fair amount of options, and I found a couple of things that looked good (namely, the soup of the day – lentil – and macaroni and cheese). I also enjoyed an old fashioned while I waited for my food.

I enjoyed my Cask & Clyde experience, and will definitely return when I get back to Glasgow. After we were full, we returned to our rooms and relaxed for a few hours before dinner.

The next day, we loaded our luggage onto the tour bus in preparation for checkout. Our bags stayed on the bus as we journeyed to our first stop on day 2: Mugdock Castle. This was the original stronghold for Clan Graham more than 800 years ago. The castle is now mostly in ruins, but Mugdock Country Park is still an incredible site and well worth the visit. The castle is about a 15 minute walk from the entrance. On the trail to the castle, you will see the remains of Craigend Zoo, as well as many dog owners taking their friendly pups for walks.

When we arrived at the castle, Clan Graham’s chieftain, Richard Graham, presented the caretakers of Mugdock Castle with a 50th anniversary commemorative plate. It was a touching ceremony and I’m so glad I got to witness it. Inside the castle, there are a number of Clan Graham artifacts, including a number of pieces emblazoned with royal crests. The site is a beautiful one that is listed by the Scottish Tourism Board. While the day was misty and cool, the walks to and from the castle were refreshing and picturesque.

Sign depicting the original structure of Mugdock Castle

Mugdock Castle timeline and sketch of James Graham 1st Marquess of Montrose

Closeup of crest which roughly translates to “Royal and United as One”

History of persecution of suspected witches in Scotland

Biography of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose

We returned to the main entrance building and warmed up with lentil soup, sandwiches and coffee and tea. The guides graciously answered our questions and gave us a delightful end to a fantastic day at Mugdock.

Chuckling with the professional actor outside of Mugdock Castle

We boarded the tour bus and made our way to the next city on our tour, Stirling. However, we stopped momentarily at Loch Katrine, then followed that with a later stop at a local shop which had some highland coos in a neighboring field, and I got the treat of a lifetime when I was able to feed those sweet coos!

Stop near the Trossachs and seeing highland coos

This full day of activity was only a glimpse of the magic to come on my Scotland vacation! I’m excited to share with you the next part in a few days, where I will discuss my time in Stirling. Until then, take care, and thanks for reading!

art · culture · festivals · food · international · life curation · travel

My Heart Belongs to Scotland – Stonehaven and Aboyne

November 18, 2025November 17, 2025 Mstldelano5 Comments

This summer, I spent two glorious weeks touring different towns in Scotland. My trip started and ended in Edinburgh and, despite making the most of my time in Scotland, I always feel that I could have benefited from another week . . . or two. I looked back fondly on my trip, and I’m so glad I get to share the details with you all!

As I already said, my Scotland trip started with Edinburgh Airport. Despite this being my favorite UK city, this was actually my first time flying directly into EDI airport (I always choose Heathrow, since London is usually my first stop in the UK). Since this was a Scotland-only trip, it made sense to fly in directly instead of landing in Heathrow or Gatwick and then taking the train for 4 hours.

I started my trip by exploring the airport. From what I could see, there wasn’t much to do in the International Arrivals gates: it’s basically disembark, customs, and go outside to catch your Uber or taxi. I did find a couple of little shops and eateries in the main ticketing area, but most of the good shopping and dining were on the departure side exclusively, right beyond security. And, since I wasn’t departing, I couldn’t access that area until my return flight.

In any case, I got some breakfast and waited at one of the cafes until my friend arrived, then we were off to start our Scottish adventure. We took the airport shuttle to one of the train stops, then we took a LNER train to Stonehaven. We purchased our train tickets once we arrived in Edinburgh, since we weren’t sure if we’d have travel delays that would impact our ability to make our reservation. Once I familiarized myself with the LNER website, purchasing the tickets was a clear and simple process. As someone who has booked a couple of UK train tickets over the years, I recommend that you always upgrade if you can, and always confirm that your ticket has an assigned seat number. Otherwise, you may find yourself standing for the entirety of your trip (I’ve seen it happen to others)!

The two hour ride north of Edinburgh is charming and picturesque. One delightful part of the LNER train experience was our decision to splurge on first class seats. The seats were reasonably priced [even as a last minute purchase], comfortable, and the railcar had adequate space for our luggage. I’ve ridden a number of trains stateside, and a few overseas, but this was the first time I enjoyed a lovely meal as part of our ticket price. I’ve paid far more for shorter train rides, and trust me, there were no refreshments included!

However, the absolute best part of the ride, was the people. We had a wonderful chat with one gentleman on the train, who was going to Aberdeen, just a little further north of our stop. The train conductors are always so polite and helpful. Their personalities are one of my favorite things about train travel in the UK. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had was the conductor I met during the first time I came to Scotland, who helped me sort out a seating issue with the kind of professionalism and kindness I could only hope to encounter in others.

We arrived in Stonehaven and took a cab to the Ship Inn, a cute bed and breakfast overlooking a harbor. The cabs have a fixed rate during most of the week (only 5 GBP!) and will take you anywhere in town. We got to the hotel and checked in. Like many Scottish hotels, the bar is also the check in desk, so you can grab your keys and a strong beverage at the same time.

Our room was tidy and comfortable. Shortbread cookies and tea sachets were refreshed daily. The Ship Inn also had excellent breakfast options, which were suitable for my flexitarian tastes as well as the pescatarian/vegetarian preferences of my friend. We enjoyed a traditional Scottish breakfast daily, complete with baked beans, tomatoes, vegetarian sausage, eggs, hash browns, tomatoes and toast. After washing down the hearty breakfast with coffee and juice, we were ready to start exploring.

I failed to mention why we went directly to Stonehaven instead of staying in Edinburgh for a bit. During the 2024 Stone Mountain Highland Games in Atlanta, my friend exchanged information with Richard Baird, Commander of Clan Baird, who was visiting. He told her that there would be a highland game in Aboyne, Scotland, in early August, and the game just happened to be scheduled a few days before our pre-planned Scotland tour. So we arrived in Scotland 4 days earlier than originally planned, allowing us enough time to enjoy the Aboyne Games before starting the scheduled tour.

The decision to spend some time in Stonehaven – Richard’s hometown and the town closest to Aboyne – was a great one. The day after we settled in, we had a chance to meet up with Richard and his lovely wife Polly, and he gave us a fantastic tour of his beautiful home. We even had a chance to drive his ATV, which was perfect for riding over the hills and dips of his estate. We got to see the beautiful herds of sheep and goats feasting on the heather, and we even got to see a new litter of hunting pups that were born just a few weeks prior.

One of my friends from London had never gone to Stonehaven or Aboyne, so we met up the day before the games, and we all went to the games together. The Aboyne Games are a marvelous opportunity to enjoy a truly traditional highland game experience. Many of the games that you may enjoy stateside are HUGE affairs, drawing people from hundreds of miles away. However, traditional games were a local and more intimate experience, a small, fun community gathering that people cherish each year.

This year’s Aboyne Games were blessed with full sunshine and warm temperatures (almost 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a bit of an anomaly!). I had a wonderful time meeting some members of Clan Baird as well as some other clan members. Since we came from outside of Scotland, we were delighted to see an international tent. We received a personal greeting from Granville Gordon, 13th Marquess of Huntly and Chieftain of the Aboyne Games. We celebrated our time with a taste of Cock O’ The North whisky liqueur (after which, we promptly purchased our own bottles to take home).

I can’t say enough good things about my time in Stonehaven. I even got to try some fish and chips at Meydan, located in the town square. Sadly, I didn’t get to go to Carron: this restaurant is the home of the original deep-fried Mars bar! Alas, maybe I’ll get to try it next time. My only wish is that there were more things to do in the evening, but that’s just my night-owl tendencies talking. Stonehaven is a small, charming town, so I managed my expectations and enjoyed it for what it was. The easy, laidback energy of the town was soothing: I loved seeing the same few folks walking by the hotel, striking up conversations with local self-appointed ambassadors (the best kind of people) and taking in the harbor views.

We spent a few days in Stonehaven before heading to Glasgow, to start the beginning of the tour.

I’ll be back soon with Part 2, where I’ll discuss my time in Glasgow. Thanks for reading!

art · culture · food · international · life curation · luxury · travel · wine

Bubbly at Harrods: The Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar

July 28, 2025July 13, 2025 Mstldelano1 Comment

My trip to London earlier this year featured some quality shopping time at Harrods, one of my favorite department stores. This time, I added a new experience for me: a few drinks at the champagne bar. And what a sparkly time I had!

The Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar is a glittery space where champagne, exquisite snacks and fabulous people watching come together. I wasn’t sure whether the food would complement the drinks, but the snacks I tried were perfect (oh, how I wish I took pictures of the food!) The baguette, cheese and charcuterie, and lobster leaf were exquisite.

My friend and I both tried The Rosé Encounter. This flight featured three different rosé champagnes: the Rosé Impérial, Grand Vintage 2016 Rosé and the Nectar Impérial Rosé. I loved them all, but I enjoyed the Nectar Impérial Rosé the most. We received complimentary truffle chips as an accompaniment, and the earthy flavor played perfectly against the brightness of the champagne.

When I return, I’ll be sure to try some different champagnes, just to see if Nectar Impérial Rosé is still my favorite. Until then, I’ll have to savor the memories from this last trip to the champagne bar!

art · beauty · culture · food · international · life curation · luxury · travel

An Afternoon at Fait Maison Salon de Thé

July 16, 2025July 13, 2025 Mstldelano1 Comment

While in London earlier this year, I finally got to dine at Fait Maison, a beautiful restaurant that is perfectly Instagram-able (picturesque at every turn) and has an incredible menu. The restaurant has a menu that features French-Khaleeji cuisine. It was busier than I like (quieter meals in more spacious settings is my preference) but beautiful, popular restaurants are rarely quiet.

The restaurant has several locations, including one in Qatar. Since I stayed near Mayfair, I went to the Gloucester Road location (I went to the Salon de Thé, which is just a block away from another Fait Maison locations). I arrived during the brunch rush which, in hindsight, was a bad idea if my goal was to enjoy a quieter, more leisurely experience. That being said, the room was buzzing with families and “ladies who lunch”, and among the throngs I spotted Yvonne Osman (Om Waleed) the chef and proprietress of Fait Maison. A perfectly styled and elegant beauty, she looks exactly like the lovely caricature featured on the menu cover (that’s how I knew who she was!). She’s a swan in human form, and she floated through the restaurant with an inspiringly calm and self possessed energy.

For my brunch, I enjoyed the Balaleet and the Fattoush Salad. The Balaleet featured sweetened saffron noodles that reminded me a bit of chopped up rice vermicelli (I’m not sure what kind of noodle was used: I didn’t ask). The noddles were topped with crumbled pistachios and a few beautiful dried rosebuds. The combination of sweet, savory and earthy was divine. The Fattoush Salad was an intoxicating blend of lettuce, pomegranate molasses, fresh mint, sumac, and pomegranate seeds, served in a crisp flat bread bowl that the server crushed together tableside, before serving it to me. I wish I got a picture before the crushing happened: the presentation both before and after was stunning. This salad continued the sweet/savory/earthy theme, but also added a bit of tart brightness with the pomegranate. Both dishes tasted heavenly. With my meal, I enjoyed some tea and leaned into my people watching hobby: this location is perfect for viewing beautiful people enjoying their beautiful lives.

Fait Maison is such a fresh interpretation of vintage French-inspired dining. A meal here is like eating in a Rococo fantasy: the tables, wall art, and other interior design touches all create a dazzling effect that perfectly presents the Euro/Arabian style fusion that carries through the menu. I relished this experience and I can’t wait to return, so I can dine at some other locations and try some more of Fait Maison’s offerings!

Have you been to any of the Fait Maison locations? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!

art · culture · festivals · food · international · life curation · travel

DC Embassy Weekend: Around the World with Passport DC

February 12, 2025February 11, 2025 Mstldelano2 Comments

Craving some international travel, but your budget is saying, “Nope”? Want to enjoy some international culture without the hassle of dealing with TSA? Every May, Passport DC hosts a month-long festival that opens up the doors to many of the embassies in Washington, DC. As someone that loves attending gala events, I’m especially thrilled to do Passport DC, because, unlike the galas, no tickets are necessary, and you can visit a lot more embassies in one day than you could normally enjoy during the average week in DC. This post highlights my experience with Passport DC 2024, and yes, I will be in attendance for Passport DC 2025.

The first weekend of the Passport DC festival is the Around The World Embassy Tour. This weekend features many embassies from Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Gulf countries, Eurasian and other non-EU European countries, and the UK. The doors open around 10 AM on the first Saturday of May, and most embassies will stay open until around 4 PM. The easiest way to enjoy this weekend is to start off with the map of the participating embassies: these maps are available either digitally (through the Passport DC website or mobile app) or in paper form. There are lots of signs located in the Embassy Row area, so you will have no problem locating the stands where you can get a map and a free tote bag (while they last). I like to gather with my friends at Dupont Circle (the park located in the roundabout is a great place to get your bearings and figure out where you want to go) and walk the length of Massachusetts Avenue. If navigating on foot is an issue, then charting your journey with a map, before catching an Uber to the embassies that interest you, is advised.

This is a family friendly event, so if you want to avoid kids, this is not the event for you. There will be MANY families out, enjoying the festivities. Also, if you want to enjoy the sample delights offered at some embassies (the Embassy of Cameroon grilled meat, and it had their block of Massachusetts Ave smelling heavenly!), getting to the embassies earlier rather than later is advised. The lines get long and there’s always a risk that the embassy may run out of whatever it is that you want to sample. I got to try Sri Lankan tea and snacks, Haitian soup joumou, and Jamaican rum during my last visit.

Art adorning the walls at the Haitian Embassy (this embassy is always a must-see!)

This year, I went to the Embassies of Chad, Haiti, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, and the UK. In previous years, I’ve visited the Haitian and Kenyan Embassies. My only regret is not starting earlier in the day: I would have loved to take in even more international culture.

The Chadian Embassy (it will get its own post soon!)

Statue of Mustafa Ataturk at The Embassy of Türkiye (Turkey) – here’s hoping I’ll be able to visit the embassy AND the country in the future

Statue of Nelson Mandela outside of the Embassy of South Africa

Winston Churchill at the Embassy of the United Kingdom

My day with the embassies ended with a delicious lunch at Rakuya, a Japanese restaurant that serves fresh, delicious meals. You will want to get here a bit earlier, too: they stop serving lunch around 4 PM, and shut down to prepare for the dinner crowd. Of course, if you have time to plan ahead, I recommend you go over to U Street Corridor and get some Ethiopian food, since most of those restaurants will be open after the embassy event until late in the evening.

I had a great time in DC during the Around The World Embassy Tour! Have you ever been to this festival? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!