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this-is-a-love-story-fleabag · 6 years ago

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Lunchtime in Hell

Fleabag and the Priest go for lunch at Dad's place. 1841 words. Also on ao3.

"Gosh, is that a bikini?" said my godmother. "Aren't you brave."

Aw.

Her capacity for saying something that sounds like a compliment but is actually spectacularly cruel will never cease to amaze me. All of the words individually are perfectly polite, but when you put them together you create a masterpiece in passive aggression.

Sometimes it takes me a couple of hours to work out that's she's insulted me. She should teach a class.

Not quite knowing how to respond, I looked at the priest, and tried not to pout.

He gave a sympathetic grimace and finished his mouthful of wine. "Not as brave as explaining erotic artwork to teenagers, I bet."

She looked devastated. Brilliant.

We were two streets away from Dad's place when I started having second thoughts.

"We could just say I had another miscarriage."

The priest stopped short. To his credit, he didn't sigh as loudly as I knew he wanted to. "The parable of the boy who cried wolf might-"

"Yeah, OK, I guess I can't do that one again." I thought for a moment. "We could say I broke my leg!"

He closed his eyes and pressed hard on the bridge of his nose. "No."

"No, you're right, too easily falsifiable. Maybe I could actually break my leg. Find a heavy log or something."

"A log."

"Yeah."

"In the middle of Kensington."

Balls. "You're no help at all."

"It's not going to be that bad."

I decided not to dignify that with a response, and started back on my grim march. Slouching towards Bedlam.

We reached the front door and he rang the doorbell, before he noticed that I was edging backwards off the step and onto the garden path.

"Oh, no, no, don't you run off," he said, grabbing my hand.

"Aren't you supposed to save people from Hell?"

He gave me a fond look and a kiss on the forehead in response. He looked unreasonably gorgeous in the blue jumper with the good sleeves, and I, as usual, was dressed like a teenage girl who'd just finished her A-levels and wanted to act grown-up.

I am under no illusions about my fashion sense.

Ominous footsteps approached the door. "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here," I murmured. He grinned. Handsome bastard.

My godmother opened the door with a theatrical flourish, wearing the kind of elaborate silk gown that a thrice-divorced heiress might throw on to be told by the police that her wealthy husband had died in a mysterious accident.

It suited her, the bitch.

"Darling!" she crowed, rushing out to give air kisses to our cheeks. Her hand lingered for slightly too long on my priest's bicep.

"Your father's just in the kitchen, why don't you go and help him?" she asked in her typically imperious manner, hustling us inside and closing the door. "Father, come and sit down for a glass of wine."

He gave me a terrified look as he was ushered into the pristine front parlour, but if he wanted to be rescued he should have agreed to the running away plan earlier.

I found Dad with his head in the oven, frantically basting a roast chicken.

"Alright, Dad?"

He started, and narrowly avoided banging his head on the top of the oven. "Oh, hello dear. I was just, er, with the, yes. How are you?"

"I'm fine." I leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. "How's the cooking?"

"Oh yes, fine. I could use your help, actually. The little pastries need to go onto the serving, er, thing."

When we returned to the front room, my godmother was practically sitting on the priest's lap, and he was visibly sweating. He stood up as soon as we entered the room, emanating relief.

"Let me help you with that tray," he entreated.

I passed it over with a raised eyebrow, and he made an unnecessarily complicated show of placing it on the table, moving to a different chair in the process. Very smooth.

"I was just telling Father here about my new philanthropic project," the satin-clad tentacle beast cooed.

"Yes, it's really very, you see she's-" started Dad.

"Thank you darling, yes, it's very important work, you see." She had one clasped to her chest and her eyes closed in an expression of great vehemence. "I'm taking the sexhibition to the local schools to show to the children." She opened her eyes and gazed at them beatifically. "It's just so important to me that underprivileged young people have the chance to really appreciate my work."

Wow.

The priest gave me another pleading look.

"That's very selfless of you," I managed to choke out, a hysterical giggle rising in my throat.

She tilted her head to one side, looking as though she was proud of me for understanding the magnitude of her sacrifice. "I know."

She continued her self-centred monologue as we sat down at the dining table in front of heaping plates of roast dinner. There was a brief lull as everyone tucked in.

"So dad, how have you been?" I asked through a mouthful of carrots.

"I-"

"He's taken up gardening, haven't you, darling?"

"Yes, I-"

"Terribly good at it, his raspberry canes are just fantastic this year."

Dad, bless him, just babbled nonsense for a moment until he gave up.

"It's a very spiritual act, gardening. Don't you agree, Father?" She was touching his bicep again, which was clearly making him very uncomfortable, but the position was making her trail her sleeve in the gravy, so it wasn't all bad news.

"Yes, it can be very meditative," he said, using his Priest Voice. "The act of nurturing life that way is quite beautiful."

He has one plant, a cactus in a flowerpot on his windowsill. It's dead.

"Now you simply must show me the photographs from Turkey."

Clearly angling to see pictures of the priest in his swimming trunks. Joke's on her, he spent the whole time slathered in sun lotion, hiding under a t-shirt and an oversized hat. That man does not tan well.

He brought up the photos on his phone, selfies the two of us outside the Hagia Sophia, one at a restaurant, one of me holding a plate of kebab meat as big as my head, one of him eating a piece of baklava in the least dignified way possible, and the jackpot, one of the two of us on the beach. He was wearing at least three layers of clothing (and still somehow managed to get sunburnt), and I looked fucking great, tanned and skinny in my swimming costume.

"Gosh, is that a bikini?" said my godmother. "Aren't you brave."

Aw.

Sometimes it takes me a couple of hours to work out that's she's insulted me. She should teach a class.

Not quite knowing how to respond, I looked at the priest, and tried not to pout.

He gave a sympathetic grimace and finished his mouthful of wine. "Not as brave as explaining erotic artwork to teenagers, I bet."

She looked devastated. Brilliant.

"Your sister's doing very well," said Dad, changing the subject. "You really should try asking her about your little café."

"Hey," I said, keen to cement my place as Best Daughter. "Claire has to live in Finland. I'm the successful one now."

"And so modest, too."

My godmother reached over to cup my face with one soft hand, leaving a trail of gravy on the tablecloth. "Well, you're got a lot to be modest about, don't you, darling."

"Thanks." I think?

"Weren't you going to expand your premises?" Dad pushes on. "She could help with your, er, your business, er, plan..." He waved a vague hand. "...thing."

The shop next to me is up for sale so I'm going to put an offer down and get a little more space, but I need to take out another business loan. It's fine, Claire's all over it.

"She's already helping me. I mentioned it to her and there was no stopping her after that."

Dad chuckled and topped up my glass. "Is there ever?"

I took a sip. "As long as she doesn't start suggesting some kind of Finnish-inspired pickled fish menu I'm all for it."

"Surely they don't actually eat that in Finland," interjected the priest.

"You think they're just trying to trick the tourists?"

"Must be, yeah."

"That way they can keep all the delicious reindeer meat to themselves."

"Bastards." He smiled at me and squeezed my knee under the table.

My godmother refused to allow us our peaceful moment of reindeer-nonsense, and broke in with her own opinions on the topic. "You know, I think the Scandinavians have a real appreciation for more unusual tastes. They're a very experimental people."

I raised an eyebrow.

"When we took the sexhibition to Sweden it was very well received."

There we go.

Several excruciating hours later, when I'd fully satisfied myself that my dad was alive and well, and meted out the appropriate amount of politeness to his wife to keep things smoothed over, I excused myself for a quick and restorative fag on the front porch. It didn't take long for Dad to join me. I handed him a cigarette and we smoked together in companionable silence. We have an understanding these days, a relationship lived through these quiet moments away from everything.

On my return inside, I could hear my godmother's strident tones through the wall. "Gosh, you are a saint to put up with her."

"What exactly do you mean by that?" said my priest slowly in his most dangerous tone, dripping with polite menace. Cold enough to give you frostbite.

I felt very loved.

"She's just a bit-"

She cut off her sentence abruptly when she noticed me standing behind her but didn't have the self-awareness necessary to look ashamed of herself. He was staring daggers at her, but stood when he saw me and came over to wrap me protectively in his arms.

"I'd really like to be heading off," he murmured, making an affectionate and rather pointed show of giving me a kiss.

"Would you look at the time?" I said theatrically to the room at large. "We'd better be going, we've got that thing."

"Fuck, yes, the thing. Very important thing." We're a flawless double-act.

With some stuttered pleasantries from dad and more air kisses from his wife, the ordeal was finally over. We walked down the road for ten minutes in meditative and rather shocked silence, enjoying the fresh air and taking the opportunity to process our trauma.

"Fuck," he said eventually, succinct as always.

"Quite."

"I mean, I've revised my stance in recent months on the merits of repressing your sexuality, but maybe it would be good if she could fucking repress hers a little more."

"There's definitely a middle ground between total celibacy and being a raging sex-dragon."

"I like to think I've struck the balance quite well."

"Was happy to help with that, by the way."

He drew his arm around me and I leaned my head on his chest. "I'd say you've been fucking instrumental."

"I really want to just go to a canyon somewhere and scream the word 'cunt' into the void for like an hour."

"Is there a canyon near here?"

"Not that I'm aware of. I might just have to scream into a pillow."

He stopped and drew me closer, stroking my head and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I think we can arrange that," he murmured.

#fleabag #my fics #fleabag/priest #fleabag x the priest #phoebe waller bridge #andrew scott #love is awful

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realladyjaguar · 6 years ago

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Hexanna Christmas Challenge: An Unexpected Visitor

It was Christmas Eve. Roxanna had spent a lot of time getting the Christmas decorations just right. The 300 year old cottage she now shared with Henrik had been theirs for just over six months, and their first Christmas in the new property promised to be very special.

They had spent the morning roaming the countryside, carefully choosing foliage for indoor decorations. Holly, ivy, several types of evergreen. Roxanna had always enjoyed floristry. It was a form of relaxation away from the hubbub of Holby. Thanks to her nimble surgeon’s fingers, as well as a flair for design, she was rather good at it.

Henrik sat at the their large oak kitchen table, watching her spread out the leaves and gradually fashion them into a wreath for the front door and a display for the dining table. They had reached home just in time. Now the rain was drumming on the window. Henrik leaned down to sling another chunk of wood on the burner.

“Careful!” Roxanna’s warning came too late. The low beam connected solidly with the top of Henrik’s head.

“Not again. That beam’s been there for 300 hundred years, you know.” She helped him into a chair.

“Yes, but I haven’t,” he groaned, feeling the sore spot. She examined it, feeling the growing lump. Luckily his curls would hide the evidence. She kissed the spot, feeling him lean against her.

“I’ll learn,” he said, sighing happily. His long arms wound around her waist. He nuzzled her in a way that told her he wasn’t interested in being in the kitchen any more.

“Hey, behave yourself.” She made him look up at her. His gaze was gentle and adoring but his glasses had steamed up.

“I am.” He sounded innocent, but she knew better. Since their relationship had become physical, he had surprised her with his passion and prowess. Now he was hungry for her again, burying his nose between her breasts, his hands squeezing her buttocks. She shifted to perch on his knee and they shared a kiss, one that grew in intensity the longer it continued.

As they were contemplating abandoning the kitchen, the back door burst open.

“Oh for God’s sake, put her down, Henrik.”

They looked towards the drenched figure, shaking a bedraggled umbrella.

Immediately, Henrik was on his feet. “Ms. Naylor, what a pleasant surprise.”

“No it isn’t. My car’s broken down. I’ve walked two miles to get here and my shoes are ruined. If my mood gets any worse, there will be fatalities.”

Roxanna rushed to put the kettle on the Aga. “Get her a towel, Henrik. She’s soaked.”

“I’m fine.” Jac left a trail of water as she plumped down at the kitchen table. She took the towel that Henrik passed to her, stopping first to look at the embroidered R & H in one corner. She rolled her eyes. “Really?”

“It’s called domestic bliss, Ms. Naylor. I recommend it.” Henrik said jovially.

“Ugh, no thanks. Can I borrow your phone? Mine’s run out of charge.”

“Not terribly efficient of you,” Henrik grumbled.

“Thank you, Mr. Hanssen.” Jac’s voice was acid. “Believe it or not, I am human.” She took the phone from Roxanna.

“Do you have to get back to Emma?” Roxanna put a mug of tea in front of her and looked concerned.

“She’s with Johnny in Colorado. Ski-ing. Not back until the day after Boxing Day.” Another eye-roll.

“Oh!” Roxanna’s gaze slid to Henrik, and his heart sank. He knew what was coming next.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll be grateful for the peace and quiet,” he said, before Roxanna could speak. “I never minded it when I was on my own.”

Roxanna’s eyes widened. “She can’t be alone all over Christmas! Jac can stay here with us. We’d love it, wouldn’t we, Henrik?” The last three words were said pointedly, coupled with a stern look.

“Well, of course we would. It’s just too bad we don’t have enough food in. It’s too late to get any now.” Even as he said it, Henrik knew his excuse was lame and futile.

“Oh, there’s plenty,” Roxanna countered, scowling at him. “We’d love to have you here, Jac.”

Henrik glowered back at her. “Perhaps Ms. Naylor has other plans.”

Jac was smiling, enjoying their exchange. “Oh no, not this year. I’ll gladly accept your offer, Roxanna. That’s very kind of you.” She grinned savagely at Henrik. “I can’t wait.”

******

“What on earth possessed you?” Henrik asked as soon as Jac had left with the breakdown truck to retrieve her car. “I was looking forward to a peaceful Christmas with just you and a roaring fire and now we’re playing host to that hellcat.”

Roxanna folded her arms and glared at him. “That’s hardly charitable, Henrik. If you’d prefer to change your shifts and work tomorrow...”

“I am not going to change my shifts!” Henrik exploded. He headed towards the stairs, Roxanna winced as he hit his head on the beam again. “Bloody hell!” He stomped up the stairs. She heard the bedroom door slam.

Roxanna continued with her foliage decorations, but the joy had gone. She could not help shedding a tear as she teased the leaves into elegant Christmas displays and put them on the mantelpiece, the table and the windowsill. The wreath hung on the front door. It all looked and smelled welcoming and beautiful, but with the atmosphere between her and Henrik at an all-time low, her heart was heavy.

An hour after he had disappeared upstairs, he went out. She heard him go whilst she as in the bathroom, and just in time saw his Volvo disappearing up the driveway. Then she did cry, curled up on the bed, hugging a pillow. Furious with herself for being so weak, yet unable to shake the feeling that Henrik had only moved to the cottage to please her, all her insecurities over the past few months came to a head.

It was dark when she finally went downstairs to fix some supper. He still wasn’t back and she wasn’t hungry. She turned on the welcoming porch light and poured herself a glass of wine before running a warm bath. Even though she sat in it until the water was cold, he still didn’t return. In the end, she went to bed, after having wrapped the present she had bought for him. She wasn’t going to ring him. He had overreacted and needed to apologise. Storming out on her on Christmas Eve was simply unacceptable.

******

Henrik knew Roxanna was upset with him. He had behaved churlishly after all. He had gone to the shops to find something to make it up to her, but really he knew the only way he could do that was to be a charming host to Jac bloody Naylor, who would no doubt find fault with everything and walk away, having ruined their Christmas without so much as a thank you.

It was as he was walking, he saw the shoe shop. In the window were Doc Martins in several colours, including red ones. As he looked thoughtfully at them, he remembered the last time he tried to give Roxanna something meaningful. She had burst into tears and run away, not the reaction he had been expecting or longed for.

This time it would be different. He went into the shop. After some deliberation, he chose a patent red pair and had them wrapped. The shop assistant looked pleased as they obviously hadn’t been expecting any more sales that night. Henrik carried them away, feeling pleased.

But he had one more present to get. He didn’t suppose Jac would have any others to open that year, if she was even bothered about it.

She was bothered. He knew her well enough for that. He roamed around the shops but nothing seemed obvious. In the end he called Essie, who gave him an excellent idea.

At the garden centre, he saw what he was looking for, a rose entitled Heart Of Gold. As he was walking to the checkout, a horrible thought struck him.

He was giving another woman a rose. How would that make Roxanna feel?

“Oh dear,” he said out loud, hovering in the middle of the store.

It was too late, they were closing. He had run out of time.

On the way home he stopped at an off-licence and bought a bottle of Talisker to cheer himself up. He couldn’t see this Christmas to be anything other than an unmitigated disaster.

The cottage was in darkness when he arrived home, but the porch light was on and Roxanna’s car was still in its space. As he went inside the house, his mobile rang.

It was Jac.

“You’ll be pleased to know I have to decline your offer of lunch tomorrow,” she said.

“Oh! What a shame.” He tried to keep the relief from his voice.

“Sacha’s just told me we’re going to a spa hotel to get drunk in a hot tub. It’s an offer I can’t refuse.”

“Definitely not.” Henrik allowed himself a little air punch and a silent “yes!”

“Henrik?”

“Yes, Ms. Naylor?”

“I can see you. I’ve been looking at the inside of your ear for the past two minutes. My present to you is some advice. Acquaint yourself with how your phone works.”

He looked at the screen in horror. She gave him a little smile and a playful one-fingered salute, then disappeared.

But the fact she wouldn’t be joining them after all outweighed any embarrassment. All Henrik had to do was apologise to Roxanna. He just hoped she would forgive him.

Especially now she had an extra present.

******

She felt the bed dip as he climbed in, and the coolness of his body as he slipped his arm around her waist, gently moving her closer towards him. His lips pressed to her ear.

“I’m sorry, Roxanna.” The way he whispered her name made her melt every time. She sleepily turned and pulled him into her arms, warming him up.

“Jac is going away with Sacha tonight. It was his gift to her,” he explained.

“You’re delighted with that, I’m sure,” she said.

“Yes, but my behaviour was inexcusable tonight. I’m sorry I left you on Christmas Eve. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“No, you shouldn’t.” She kissed his cheek. “But this time, you’re forgiven.”

******

Christmas Day, and they finally rose after making love in the early morning light. They had all day to fix a leisurely lunch and enjoy their first Christmas in Rose Cottage. Over a champagne breakfast, Henrik presented Roxanna with her two presents.

When she saw the boots, she began to cry.

Oh no, not again, Henrik thought, but then she flung her arms around him, and he knew it was the best present he could have given to her.

“And one more,” he said, pushing the bag with the rose inside it towards her.

She frowned. “That’s odd. This is your present.” She gave him a bag from the same store. Together, they opened their presents. And began to laugh.

They had each given the other roses. Where Henrik had chosen Heart Of Gold (okay, so it had been originally for Jac, but Roxanna would never know that) Roxanna had chosen a rose called Cariad.

“It means darling or sweetheart, but I expect you already know that,” she said playfully.

He pulled her onto his lap and whispered “Roxanna, cariad,” in her ear. She shuddered with delight at the soft caress of words against her skin. She pressed her lips to his, feeling him respond.

“Wait a moment.” He carefully placed the roses on the floor in the utility area where it was cool, and came back. Without a word he guided her to the kitchen table and gently pushed her back on it.

“Henrik, wait.” She hastily moved her carefully constructed decoration out of the way. His kisses became hungry as he spread her out on the table. Her silk dressing gown fell apart as her legs wrapped around his waist. When he entered her she held him close, fighting tenderness with fierce arousal, her hands in his hair, his lips on her neck.

Lunch would definitely be late.

#hexanna christmas fic 2k18 #holby city #hexanna #henrik hanssen #roxanna macmillan #jac naylor

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perfectirishgifts · 4 years ago

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On The Town: La Jolla By The Sea, Southern California’s Quintessential Coastal Community

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/on-the-town-la-jolla-by-the-sea-southern-californias-quintessential-coastal-community/

On The Town: La Jolla By The Sea, Southern California’s Quintessential Coastal Community

Aerial view from ocean looking back at La Jolla and Children’s Pool

Hundreds of seaside communities sit along the rolling, sundry shores of California, each a prominent display of the famous coastline. Still, none perhaps exemplifies the particular splendor of Southern California more than San Diego’s La Jolla.

Walk along the 7 miles that comprise the coast of La Jolla and you find stretches of soft-sanded beaches that turn into sea-sprayed bluffs with views of Mount Soledad, tide pools and the mighty blue Pacific. Teeming with surfers, kayakers, and frequently seen sea-lions, all while basking in some of the most enviable weather in the world — it’s not hard to see why La Jolla is often called the “jewel” of San Diego.

While the coast creates the western border, the eastern limits are shaped by Interstate 5, running north to south, intersecting only at the University of California San Diego campus. This means neighborhoods remain largely unbothered by pass-through commuter traffic. The community achieves a small-town feel while still being part of a large destination city whose downtown is only 12 miles to the south.

The Housing

One of the first Californian colonies to be settled by the Spanish, La Jolla’s development began in the late 19th century, inspiring the architecture for centuries to come. Today, even modern developments evoke the Spanish Mediterranean or California Ranch styles that originated from the area.

Many residential neighborhoods such as Lower Hermosa and La Jolla Heights are business free, master-planned communities with guarded entries and consist mostly of single-family homes.

Since the 1970s, development on the La Jolla coastline has been under a 30-foot height limit. While the limit has driven up coastal property prices, it has also ensured ocean views for most residents, even those to the east.

The Price

In 2009, the median sales price for homes sold in La Jolla was the highest in the nation, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The landscape’s diversity means prices can vary greatly depending on location—approximation to the beach, views and space being large factors in price point. On the lower end, single-family homes hover around $1,000,000.

“The median home price in 2020 so far is $2,295,000, which is right around the tipping point where you start to have some combination of a little more land, move-in condition improvements, a desirable location, possibly some view, though rarely all of those, at that price point,” said Drew Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate.

Home prices can go for $20,000,000 and up, especially for newer-built oceanfront properties that boast estate-like space and luxury.

6266 Camino De La Costa. 4 beds, 8 baths, 6,338 square feet, listed for $14,900,000

The Vibe

Known for their famous coastline, La Jolla residents are a self-proclaimed beach community, even in the most eastern neighborhoods. Year-round availability for outdoor activities and near-constant sunshine give La Jolla a sprite and healthy demeanor, with local shops and restaurants mirroring this fresh and bright quality.

“Having such a vibrant village makes La Jolla feel like a place you do not have to leave,” Nelson said. “You can live, work, play, shop, dine and have all of your recreational activities without getting on the freeway.”

The Village, a quietly bustling beachside neighborhood, is the mainstay for dining and shopping. Along Prospect St., restaurants such as renowned George’s at the Cove offer fine dining with sprawling views. Amongst many shops and businesses about town are walls displaying stunning murals by artists such as Isaac Julien or Roman De Salvo.

The Schools

The public schools in La Jolla are some of the highest-ranked in the San Diego School District.

Students can start at one of three award-winning elementary schools—Bird Rock, La Jolla or Torrey Pines—all of which feed into Muirlands Middle School and then La Jolla High, which serves about 1,350 students. Each year, approximately 95% of graduating seniors from La Jolla High enter universities or colleges.

High schoolers enrolled in private schools will attend either Bishop’s or La Jolla Country Day School.

In 2019, the Bishop’s School was recognized as one of the most sought-after private schools in the country. It boasts a 9:1 student-to-teach ratio.

“To top it all off, La Jolla is home to UCSD,” Nelson said. “It has a gorgeous campus, some incredible architecture, and draws world-renowned scientists, innovators and researchers to the area.”

The Surroundings

A quick drive south on I-5 brings you to important San Diego destinations, such as Mission Bay Park and San Diego International Airport. One hour north on I-15 gets you to Temecula, an inland city popular for wine tastings. Forty-five miles to the north is Orange County, with Los Angeles just beyond.

From Real Estate in Perfectirishgifts

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reneeacaseyfl · 6 years ago

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5 Bottles That Will Put You at the Center of Irish Whiskey’s Renaissance

Companies have bad years. Facing serious economic headwinds, entire nations can experience a “lost decade.” But you have to start thinking in terms of bad centuries to get your head around the story of the Irish whiskey industry.

Ireland entered the 19th century as a global spirits powerhouse, with Dublin housing two of the world’s largest distilleries. But the next 200 years unspooled in a series of unmitigated political and economic catastrophes. In the 1830s, an Irish temperance movement began that would eventually prompt half of Ireland’s population to swear off alcohol for life. Later in the century—just as the temperance movement began winding down—the Irish independence movement spun up, leading to civil unrest and political tensions that disrupted the industry. A complete suspension of Irish distilling in 1917 (spurred by food shortages during World War I) was followed promptly by the 1919 Irish War of Independence, which cost Irish whiskey makers their lucrative British export market. Prohibition in the U.S. simultaneously closed another key foreign market for Irish whiskey, though that didn’t stop bootleggers from passing off illicit, low-grade hooch as Irish whiskey, tarnishing its reputation for quality. The 1930s saw a global depression and a trade war with Britain, the 1940s another cataclysmic World War, the late 1960s and 1970s a general decline in demand for whiskey—the litany of disasters goes on.

By 1980, only two distilleries remained in operation in all of Ireland, a fact that makes it all the more significant that with the opening of Roe & Co. distillery in Dublin last month there are now 25, with another 24 slated to come online over the next few years. Dublin, which lacked a single working distillery for more than a century, now has three. Global Irish whiskey sales have doubled in the past decade alone, from 6 million cases in 2010 to a projected 12 million next year. The U.S. buys more than 40% of that product, and data from beverage industry analysis shop IWSR suggests that on its current trajectory, Irish whiskey sales could overtake Scotch whiskey sales in the U.S. by the middle of the next decade, lifting Irish whiskey back to pre-Prohibition prominence.

Irish whiskey, in other words, is in the midst of an incredible rebound, and consumers are taking note. What’s changed? For one, the industry is shaking off those lost decades of bad luck and unfortunate consumer perceptions and leaning hard into a moment in which the global whiskey category is experiencing enviable growth. But many of the new Irish whiskeys coming to market now also offer whiskey lovers something markedly different from the Scotches and bourbons that have dominated the global whiskey conversation in recent years, whiskeys that by rule must conform to certain constraints. Though Irish whiskey certainly has a distinct style, and there are plenty of rules governing its production, Irish distillers have a bit more room to maneuver when it comes to their raw ingredients, which generally include a mix of malted and unsalted barley but often other grains as well.

Moreover, the lean years in which there were only two distilleries producing every drop of raw spirits for all of Ireland’s whiskey makers forced competing brands to get creative, differentiating their products through innovations in blending and aging. As the industry began its rebound in the mid-2000s, a lot of those innovations went into the barrel and are only now coming out and into the bottle—a new generation of Irish whiskeys balancing centuries of tradition with the demands of an increasingly discerning whiskey consumer.

“It’s tough marrying the old and the new, but we’re trying,” says Jack Teeling, cofounder of Teeling Whiskey, the first distillery to open in Dublin in more than a century when it opened its doors in 2015. In these bottles, it’s fair to say Irish distillers are once again succeeding.

Roe & Co.

Roe & Co. ($30)

An homage to George Roe & Co., a historic but long defunct Dublin distiller, this new-from-the-ground-up distillery commenced operations in Dublin just last month. Its flagship whiskey—blended from stocks purchased from an undisclosed Irish distiller until its new spirit has time to mature—is a classic expression of the traits that make Irish whiskey unique. The unmalted barley in the mash bill lends Roe & Co. a distinctly Irish mouthfeel—creamy in texture, on the nose, and on the finish. If that tasting note of “biscuit” never really made sense to you, experience it here.

Slane Irish Whiskey

Slane ($30)

Better known for its legendary outdoor concerts (everyone from Springsteen to U2 to Queen to Bowie has played here), Slane Castle is now carving out a niche in Irish whiskey history via a newly minted distillery on the estate grounds. Its flagship expression is triple-casked—in virgin oak, used bourbon barrels, and Oloroso sherry casks—to nurture a liquid that’s slightly spicy up front, caramel-sweet with dried fruits in the middle, and altogether satisfying in the end. But with distillate from its newly minted distillery only now making its way into the barrel for maturation (its current product is blended from purchased stocks), the best is yet to come from Slane. Watch this space.

Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye

Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye ($35)

Kilbeggan claims ownership of the oldest working copper pot still in the world, a 185-year-old potbellied vessel residing at its restored distillery in the town of the same name. Want to know what that tastes like? Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is the first whiskey made and matured start to finish at the restored facility, which traces its lineage back to 1757. Made in a style last popular in the 1800s, the blend of malted and unmalted barley with rye imported from the English countryside provides a mouthfeel that screams vanilla cream, rounded out by mellow notes of clove and spice. While Kilbeggan’s Small Batch Rye is available in limited supplies, a new (and very good) single pot still expression from the distillery will hit shelves later this year as well.

Teeling Whiskey Single Grain

Teeling Single Grain ($55)

A shining example of the ways in which Irish whiskeys are providing consumers with something new and altogether different, Teeling Single Grain is distilled largely from corn, then matured in California Cabernet Sauvignon casks—an unconventional finish for a whiskey that would be unique in any case. There simply aren’t a whole lot of single grains—whiskeys made with no more than 30% malted barley in combination with other unmalted grains—on the market. The result is fruity and buttery at the same time, light in texture and long on flavor.

The Tyrconnell 16-Year-Old Oloroso and Moscatel Cask

The Tyrconnell 16-Year-Old Oloroso and Moscatel Cask Finish ($100)

Tyrconnell has turned out quality, cask-finished expressions of Irish whiskey for years, and this newly released 16-year-old provides an excellent (and very drinkable) example of a traditional Irish distillery keeping pace with evolving tastes. Experimentation with various finishing techniques has produced some new additions to Tyrconnell’s core lineup in recent years, as well as some unique limited releases like this one. It spent 16 years in American oak and an additional turn in Andalusian casks seasoned with Oloroso sherry and then Moscatel, imparting notes of honey and caramelized sugar atop Tyrconnell’s characteristic creaminess. It’s not so easy to find, and worth the money if you do.

More must-read stories from Fortune:

—How millennials’ wine preferences differ from boomers’

—This restaurateur traded fine dining for Benjamin Franklin’s favorite milk cocktail

—Canned vs. bottled: Which type of wine is more sustainable?

—Young women winemakers are leading the way in Chablis, France

—Beyond Prosecco: Italy’s other, better bubbles

Follow Fortune on Flipboard to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis.

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tripstations · 6 years ago

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Florence travel guide: Where to eat, stay and shop in Firenze

Florence is inarguably an exquisite medieval marvel housing genuine world wonders. It also runs an impressing sideline in high-end fashion boutiques, restaurants and bars to rival many full-blown capital cities. Yet, Firenze can also resemble an elaborate, ancient and empty shell, which suddenly fills with a tide of tourismo, only to empty just as swiftly. Depending on the season, these will display a predilection for cutoff denim shorts worn tight and selfie sticks wielded like light sabers, just not in an exciting way.

In marked contrast, men’s fashion seasons happen but twice a year, June and January, and the more sophisticated attendees’ objective is to steal through this marvellous city (and you really must walk everywhere) swerving the tourist hordes. Crossover is inevitable, but carefully chosen destinations and haunts will deliver a less denim clad-experience.

Where to stay

JK Place Firenze

JK Place is a modest-scale guest residence with grand ideas about luxury, comfort and style. Set on the edge of the restored Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, with a lavish terrace planted directly onto the pavement (complete with cashmere blankets they offer to night drinkers), inside it’s all sumptuous lounges, chic saloons and opulent nooks. JK is billed as contemporary style but this level of extravagant care hails from a previous age of being spoilt rotten. There’s even a private dining room with butler service, for heaven’s sake. But then the service is exemplary, as is all food and drink that goes with it. The decoration is wonderful and the immaculate white upholstered bar and sofas arranged by large fireplaces would make an ideal location for a vintage Agatha Christie novel/film. Each of the 20 rooms designed my Michael Bonan are different and the additional four master bedrooms have their own fireplaces and big baths affording even bigger views.

jkplace.com

Gallery Hotel Art

Having attended a few fashion presentations here I’ve become fond of this stylish four-star, conceived by a local architect and hidden neatly away with its own courtyard right near the Arno. It’s super clean, uncluttered and modern, offering comfortable style with some great views over the city and river. As the name suggests, the Gallery Hotel is proud of its own art and photographic library and updates its exhibits and collection regularly. It’s very reasonable considering how well thought-out and centrally located it is and for a few dinari more one can gain access to one of a couple of lovely balcony rooms.

lungarnocollection.com. To book your own escape to Florence and beyond, Luxury Tour Operator Black Tomato tailor-make trips to Italy starting from £3,000 per person. Trips include personally curated experiences, private transfers and guiding throughout and all accommodation. 0207 426 9888, [email protected]

Where to eat

Cibreo

The devastatingly charming trio of Cibreo establishments are one of my favourite scenes in the whole of urban Italy. I love the restaurant, but the gorgeous café and trattoria are also in touching distance of the intersection at Via dei Macci and bang opposite Teatro de Sale. The elegance of the beautiful wood-panelled Cibreo restaurant is my fave though. The main event, along with the food, is the family and staff who work the place with hearty Tuscan joy. Cooking with the rhythm of the seasons is their thing, dedicated to working with the only current produce, from vibrantly painted artichoke salad master-classes to the savoury mousy-jelly small dishes that are house specialities. Oh, and dining outside here is one of the most glamorous, romantic things I’ve ever done.

cibreo.com

Caffè degli Artigiani

The adorable Caffè degli Artigiani, on the acutely angled corner of Via dello Sprone, is agonisingly Instagramable inside and out, but do try and resist as you’ll spoil its utterly authentic vibe. It’s a proper restaurant all day and night long, but it’s the breakfasts here that knock it out of the park for me: an A-list pastry and dolce scene with a killer good coffee roster. (Visit later and occasionally weird folky bands and singers turn up, so do google them up if you fancy a bit of turbo folk.)

Da Gherardo Factor in a pizza at this tiny spot, even if you’ve got limited time. Like the best places anywhere, you can barely spot it from the outside, but inside it’s as rustic, rugged and Tuscan as cutting meat up with a sword and putting it straight on a hot-loaf – which they don’t actually do. They do, however, serve thick, doughy pizzas with new combinations as well as old-school classics.

To book your own escape to Florence and beyond, Luxury Tour Operator Black Tomato tailor-make trips to Italy starting from £3,000 per person. 0207 426 9888, [email protected]

Where to drink

Although it’s totes-clichéd, do check Harry’s Bar on the flank of the Arno overlooking the Pont de Vecchio. Giving it a quick whirl is fine, as is drinking a Bellini (Harry’s invented it) on the terrace. But for me a visit is more worthy for the pageant of coral (not actually peach) table cloths/napkins upstairs, than the sticky Bellini it serves. You’re better off heading for…

Il Santino

This wine bar on Via di Santo Spirito is actually an excellent restaurant, but it’s fine to rock up without a reservation. With a cool atmosphere and credible crowd, it also boasts singularly excellent wine.

ilsantobevitore.com

L’appartamento L’partmento is an arts and creative collective base a couple of floors up in an old apartment building not far from Duomo. A surprising large space oscillates between a sprawling cosy bohemian living room, a theatre stage or set for musical productions. These various elements are served by a great little kitchen and bar, with a rebel, niche, almost activist vibes. The place is only accessible through the residential front door, so scan online what is on and if the doors are open. The decidedly non-fashion crowd are an excellent foil to the style tribes for me, so please do not tell anyone about this venue as you will surely spoil it.

appartmentofirenze.org

Gurdulù

On Via delle Caldaie, near the Bobli gardens, this is a must-visit venue bar, specifically for cocktails, but the decor alone is so worth the walk. So tasteful and knowing, it brings a new accent to Florentine interior style, right down to the glassware. Cocktails are suitably cultured for this city, including my personal preferences, the Pisco Sour and Florence 66.

gurdulu.com. To book your own escape to Florence and beyond, Luxury Tour Operator Black Tomato tailor-make trips to Italy starting from £3,000 per person. 0207 426 9888, [email protected]

Where to shop

Gucci Garden

Opened in 2017, this is an essential stop for Gucci devotees and even for those just peckish for some stylish heritage: a grand old building on the Piazza della Signoroa, it’s now a museum of vintage Gucci pieces, as well as a repository for current collections alongside unique items, curiosities, stationery and interiors, decoration and myriad other accessories. There’s a Michelin-starred osteria and frequently changing exhibitions and a devout tribe of old guard and trendy young Gucci acolytes to enjoy, so don’t miss.

gucci.com

Saskia Wittmer

In shoemaking terms, I rate Saskia’s artisan skills and her eye for a unique patina and hue particularly highly. Her vibrant whole-cut shoes and delicate chic penny loafer styles are a win, but for shoe fans Wittmer’s studio is well worth a visit for its creative, witty installations and mood alone. She makes all shoes entirely by hand and can be found working on almost avant-garde colour schemes, realised within graceful informed classic lines.

saskiascarpesumisura.com

Don’t miss

Teatro del Sale

While you’re at the Cibreo end of town, see if you can at least get a walk around the enchanting Teatro del Sale, on Via dei Macci. A cosy theatre with its own bar and living rooms, it regularly stages plays and concerts.

Alternatively, Florence’s city limits present fabulous terrain for runners and to stride out early morning, criss-crossing the postcard bridges, is blissful, offering awe-inspiring views along the wide, flat River Arno. The more intrepid can then veer upward toward the hills, seeking the sheer steps and views of the Basilica San Miniato and pagan-like cemetery or the preened chocolate-box Bobli gardens. The climb takes the edge off all that pasta and Barolo at least…

To book your own escape to Florence and beyond, Luxury Tour Operator Black Tomato tailor-make trips to Italy starting from £3,000 per person. 0207 426 9888, [email protected]

Now read:

Lanserhof Tegernsee is the most decorated medical resort on the planet

Indulge in ‘slow travel’ with a trip to Rajakkad, India

Fix mindset, movement, nutrition and sleep at Bodyism at Macakizi

The post Florence travel guide: Where to eat, stay and shop in Firenze appeared first on Tripstations.

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catholiccom-blog · 8 years ago

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Catholic Publishing: A Game for Suckers

It’s a typical morning at Sophia Institute Press headquarters. Panting from my daily hike up the six flights of worn and uneven stairs that lead to our warehouse and office space—the penthouse suite of a semi-renovated nineteenth-century mill—I reach my desk and turn on the computer. Five new intra-office e-mails greet me, which can mean only one thing: publisher, marketing, and editorial (me) are still fighting over a book title. Past title wars are the stuff of legend around here, and this one has all the earmarks of becoming one for the annals. The author of this particular book, about Catholic family life, supplied his own title, but it never won any backers on our end. Now the manuscript is almost ready to go, but the lack of a title is holding up the works: copyright paperwork, cover art, prepublication promotion, all dependent on the final title. We thought we’d hit on a good one a few weeks ago, but it didn’t stick. After that we’d brainstorm sporadically—in impromptu meetings, via e-mail, over the water cooler. But we got no closer, and the latest messages on my computer don’t contain any breakthroughs. So this morning we gather in one room, close the door, and instruct warehouse staff not to let us out until we’ve picked a title or died trying. Publisher suggests a title that plays on the name of a fifties Beat Generation poem. "Wrong audience," replies marketing. "This book is written specifically for people who’ve never heard of Kerouac." He counters with a punchy two-worder taken from a theme in the book’s introduction. Now it’s publisher’s turn to object. "A short title would allow you to have nice big letters on the spine," he concedes, "but this one doesn’t really tell you what the book is about. It could be Catholic family life, or it could be Oprah’s latest diet book." I step into the breach with a particularly snappy title that came to me that morning as I was brushing my teeth. There’s a pause."That’s just stupid," publisher and marketing say together. And so it goes. Eventually we do break for lunch and attend to other matters. I wrestle with some editing for an hour. I send off another futile e-mail to a writer who took an advance from us then went incommunicado. I peck away at the mountain of proposals and unsolicited manuscripts on the desk behind me. The day is slipping away, and we still have this poor little book without a name. Then, later that afternoon, I wander past publisher’s desk. Why, I ask, couldn’t we pull a key adjective out of a subtitle that he’d tried unsuccessfully to mate with an early main-title prototype and add it to marketing’s short, punchy suggestion? That would sufficiently identify it for our readers, and the rest of the subtitle would slide in quite neatly—even euphoniously—behind it. He types it on the screen, and we both stare as if in a trance. The tumblers in our brains begin to click in unison. "I like it if you like it," publisher says finally. "Seriously, do you like it?" I say I do. We buzz over to marketing. He likes it if we like it. We have a title. Send up the white smoke. I get home that evening, and my wife asks me how I can look so ragged and beaten when all I do is read books all day. * * * The fact is that such contests of intellect and will aren’t the only.aspects of this business that gray the hairs and angry up the blood. Catholic publishing is a game for suckers. There’s no glamour in it. No wining and dining of authors, no junkets to exotic locales to scout new writing talent. My business card is not a ticket to free upgrades and courtside seats. Our sales goals are modest. Catholics do not read religious books in significant numbers anymore—excepting turgid novels about Vatican conspiracies or the end times. Five thousand copies of a title sold in a year is a successful run for us; this past summer The Da Vinci Code routinely would triple that number on a bad day. And yet, we wouldn’t publish the next Da Vinci even if it fell in our laps. Like many other Catholic publishers, we are a hybrid of business and apostolate, constantly striving to balance the twin goals of building up the kingdom of God and making enough money to pay the printers, the electric company, and the staff. Another Da Vinci might make us rich beyond dreams of avarice but at the cost of betraying the apostolate and its aims. But trying to sell large numbers of sound, orthodox Catholic books today is at best a dubious business proposition. We’re offering a product that few people want and most don’t realize they need. Not long ago, I helped man a table full of our best-selling books at a fundraising fair for my fairly active, solid, middle-class parish. We had a prominent location in "Ministry Alley" and a large sign announcing that 100 percent of the profits would go to the parish’s Respect Life group. After two days, thousands of passers-by, and hours of shameless hawking, we sold a grand total of two books. If this episode is by itself not proof of much, it is at least suitably iconic. Our market is a niche, and that niche comprises only a sliver of the millions of Catholics sitting in the pews—or for that matter, teaching CCD, attending Bible study, and baking muffins for the women’s sodality. Blame the many distractions of the modern media if you want, blame the catechetical vacuum of the last forty years, blame the Freemasons: Catholics aren’t reading. The market for good Catholic books of spirituality, apologetics, and popular theology—again, we’re not talking Andrew Greeley or The Prayer of Jabezhere—is by all comparisons tiny. (For the next fundraiser, the Respect Life group offered boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts as the Boy Scouts did. They sold out in two hours.) * * * Of course, a generation or three ago, when the Church in America had really come into its own, the English-speaking world enjoyed an unprecedented richness of Catholic books. It was love for those fine old books and a desire to re-introduce them to a modern audience that would lead former philosophy professor John Barger, in 1983, to set up Sophia Institute Press in his basement in Manchester, New Hampshire. Beginning with Dietrich von Hildebrand’s Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love, Barger and Sophia would go on to develop a reputation for resurrecting forgotten Catholic classics: hunting down forgotten works of theology, philosophy, and spirituality, and then, most importantly, editing them to modern standards of readability. New titles, contemporary fonts and layout design, and attractive covers typically complete the resurrection. In recent years, Sophia began adding to its catalogue new books by living authors, and today roughly a third of the twenty-four-some books we publish each year are new titles by current authors. In 1993, the company moved from the publisher’s basement to its current riverside offices in one of Manchester’s many converted textile mills. No longer a one-man operation, today we’d be considered a small-midsize publishing house, subsisting on just over $1 million in sales and another $150,000 in benefactor donations each year. As editor, I am primarily responsible for acquisitions and editing tasks: from evaluating proposals and manuscripts (and writing polite rejections to well-meaning folks who send us stuff like Thoughts and Meditations on God, Volume One) to working with authors to fine-tune their concepts and prettify their prose. During every stage of developing a manuscript for publication, I try to keep one question before me at all times: What about this book would compel someone to pick it up? In many ways, the evolution of a book works backwards: from the sale to marketing efforts to at least an initial vision of the cover and title and then finally to the concept and the text. Beginning with the end in mind keeps us ever-conscious of the needs and wishes of the members of our niche market. Staying true to our dual identity as business and apostolate—striving to give our audience what they want as consumers yet what they need as Catholics—sometimes calls for tricky balancing acts and strategic compromises. Although most members of our orthodox and socially conservative Catholic readership probably wouldn’t be too tempted by Greeley-style schlock or another Left Behind clone, in our market there are other types of books that might sell but nonetheless would be illicit for us to publish. We might be able, for instance, to sell large numbers of books harshly and uncharitably indicting certain bishops—say, the liberals or the homosexual/pedophile coddlers. With other readers we might have great success peddling sensationalistic accounts of the latest reported private revelations. But we couldn’t do these things while remaining faithful to our mission and principles. So when considering manuscripts our calculation doesn’t end (as it would for a strictly business publisher) with what the audience wants—that is, what would sell. We have to ask ourselves: What good will this do the Church? On the other hand, neither can the question of our readers’ spiritual needs be the sole criterion. Many an unsolicited manuscript has landed on my desk topped with a cover letter announcing that every Catholic in America needs to read this book! Embedded in each is some message guaranteed to make the reader happier, holier, and closer to God. They can be rich in Scripture, steeped in the wisdom of the early Church Fathers, and suffused with the piety and sincerity of the author. And we’d be lucky, in a year, to sell enough to pay the initial printing costs. If most people had the intellectual clarity to know just what they needed and then the supernatural integrity to want it, we wouldn’t have an out-of-print list filled with so many wise, edifying, and unsalable books. As it is, our business, like all others, is subject to the ravages of original sin. And so our challenge is to fulfill the mission of our apostolate by publishing books that Catholics need to read—books that will help them better to know, love, and serve God—packaged and presented in way that will make Catholics want to read them. This helps us sell enough books to support the business, and it also further serves the goals of the apostolate: If we publish good Catholic books that almost no one will buy and read, we’re just hiding our light under a bushel. But "spiritually beneficial" and "compelling to the buyer" still aren’t enough. In addition to these qualities, we look for manuscripts that are unique in some way. Until some enterprising author discovers a fourth person of the Trinity, there will be precious little new under the sun in Catholic publishing. Why should a Catholic bookstore browser buy this book on the rosary and not one of the hundred others that have come before it? How is this Defense of the Catholic Faith or that Learn How to Pray Better going to stand out on shelves and in catalogues stuffed with dozens of similar titles? Show an editor something really and truly different, and you will have caught his attention. (Although, sometimes we get proposals for books so different they border on—or cross over to—the downright bizarre.) Sophia founder and publisher John Barger is fond of reminding us that a new book is published every three minutes, around the clock. If our books can’t distinguish themselves in the overcrowded marketplace, if they can’t offer readers unique and compelling benefits, then both the business and the apostolate are likely to fail. * * * Of course, as editor you can pore over a manuscript and subject it to every test. You can deem it unique, compelling, and beneficial beyond question. You can read the market perfectly. You can slap on an inspired title and an arresting cover. You can publish it with fanfare—only to watch it flop spectacularly. In a couple of years, all those leftover copies of the book you thought would change the world will be turned into fireplace starter logs and blown insulation. In fact, some of our most notable failures have been books we were high on at printing time, books that I still consider among the best I’ve edited. A year and a half ago, for example, we published Adventures in Orthodoxy, a delightful Chestertonian waltz through the articles of the Creed, written by popular convert-apologist (and This Rock contributor) Dwight Longenecker. Never dull and at times brilliant, it was written with more stylistic flair than any manuscript that’s ever made its way out of my office. Beneficial spiritual insights galore. Unique? Show me another book like it. We gave it what we thought was a provocative cover—featuring an Indiana Jones-like explorer reaching to open the door of a church—and turned it loose on the masses. The masses shrugged. Why? Did we misjudge our modern Catholic audience’s appetite for the whimsical religious essays of a Chesterton-lite? Did we fail to promote it adequately? Or could it have been the title or the cover? In the past we’ve been able to turn some flops (or at least sleepy sellers) into hits by reprinting them with new looks and names. Perhaps a similar treatment someday will give Longenecker’s book the success it deserves. Conversely (and happily), sometimes the hundred-to-one shot gallops home; the stone that the builders rejected, as P. G. Wodehouse put it, becomes the main thing. That is, a book for which we had only modest hopes turns into a bona fide hit. Such has been the case just recently with A Mother’s Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot. We saw in it a fine little book that borrows from the wisdom of religious life to help Catholic moms organize their households and fulfill their vocations as wives and mothers. But we never reckoned on the rave responses it would receive from readers and the extensive word-of-mouth promotion among Catholic mothers’ groups and homeschoolers that would drive it to the top of our bestseller lists. It has opened our eyes to one of the hottest genres in our niche market: what one observer has dubbed "mom lit." Currently we are striking out for the first time in the direction of original children’s fiction. Children’s books are reliable sellers, and the word from bookstores is that Catholic parents continue to ask for kids’ books that are unambiguously Catholic and catechetical yet entertaining. We’ll take our first few tentative steps into this market later this year and next, and their success or failure will help guide future decisions. I for one am guardedly hopeful, if only because it would make my job easier. Half, if not more, of the proposals and manuscripts I receive are for children’s books! * * * Through all the unexpected hits and misses, notwithstanding every failure of our best-laid plans, we try to stay positive. Catholic publishing is a game for suckers, and that’s a relief—it means that our bottom line isn’t to be found on the sales sheet. It means we can hope for incalculable profits. We do work hard to focus our resources, talents, and experiences shrewdly and wisely; we do try all we can to jigger the game in a way that we believe will increase our odds for success. But in the end, it’s God’s work, and doing God’s work means recalibrating your measure of success. What began as one man’s labor of love has become an entire company’s daily act of faith.

#Catholic Answers #Todd Aglialoro #Sophia Institute Press #John Barger #Catholic Answers Press #Catholic Book Publishing

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theincidentaltourist · 8 years ago

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The Queen Mary 2. Gloriously Remastered And Back At Sea.

The worlds favourite ocean liner, the magnificent Queen Mary 2, was docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal for a couple of days, and I was lucky enough to enjoy a tour and lunch onboard.

Purpose built to do the trans-Atlantic crossing, the Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 has a deeper reinforced hull to help her cut through rougher weather at great speed. Unlike the cruise liners who spend most of their time at a leisurely pace on the Mediterranean or Caribbean seas, this beauty can be tough, and is able to push forward at a speed of over 30 knots, making it possible to travel from South Hampton to New York in just 5 days.

Her square shaped stern gives better hydrodynamic efficiency, says Steven Payne, the ship’s designer. Her lifeboats are high above the water line, so even a rogue wave can’t hurt them. And he shaped her bridge to protect passenger decks. The balconies are so high up that they are certainly not vulnerable – protected forward by the superstructure front, within the hull. And most of all besides the technical genius that she is, the QM2 is built for comfort and style.

After 14 years at sea, this magnificent ocean liner recently took a 90 days break in Germany for some essential remastering and upgrades. Taking cognisance of guest’s feedback, the changes included the additional of more single rooms, a fresh look at colour and refurb of the state rooms and restaurants.

The refurbishment, which is the biggest makeover Cunard has witnessed in its 176 year history, cost in the region of £90 million, and included the addition of 6000 pieces of new furniture and 4000 pieces of art to the cruise ship's rooms. It is said that 5200 men and women worked over a million hours to overhaul her machinery, refresh the exterior of the ship and transform her reception rooms, dining areas and cabins.

One of the recently remastered states rooms. The natural light capturing the naval blues and white couches, inspired nooks enhanced by modernistic lighting. You'd want to spend much time here, cocktail or coffee in hand, watching the ocean go by.

Passages are lined with lush red swivel chairs to take in the views from.

The Grand Lobby with it’s centre flower piece and symmetrical staircases, is where tours are booked and the Purser’s office is found.

More opulence, as one walks from one lounge to the next.

In her Queens Room is the largest dance floor at sea. Illuminations is a luxury 3D cinema, there’s a planetarium and a classical music venue and if you fancy a little shopping, there are some fine boutiques centred around the ship’s magnificent Grand Lobby, which provide a range of products from tempting souvenirs and gifts to exquisite jewellery and designer clothing.

The first planetarium at sea.

The Art Gallery to appease any art collector.

There are walls of painting of famous fold who have take journeys on the Queen Mary 2, and its as though their spirits still live on in the lounges and on the dance floors.

The library is found at the helm and offers natural light and comfy reading chairs next to the windows, with views towards the ocean and is home to 10000 books.

One of the five swimming pools onboard.

About the Queen Mary 2.

The winter garden has been magnificently transformed into the Carinthia Lounge room. There’s a sherry bar with one bottle that dates from 1875, to some current brands and vintages. 1310 luxurious staterooms comprise standard cabins, penthouses and deluxe apartments complete with butler and concierge services and, in some instances, private elevators and gyms.

There’s a 1000 seater state-of-the-art theatre, the largest library at sea with 10 000 books, a 360-degree promenade deck, casino, traditional British pub, ballroom, nightclub, art gallery, five swimming pools and a 3D cinema that morphs into the first at-sea planetarium, making for no shortage of leisure options.

Eleven restaurants have 150 chefs showcasing 343 wine labels, and offering passengers menus that range from healthy to hearty, light to haute cuisine and an English high tea. The smoke their own meat, bake their own bread and from a supplier point of view are very meticulous. Fresh produce, wine, meat and flowers arrived whilst they were in Cape Town, enough to see the guests through to Sydney. The kitchen caters for all dietary requirements, from halaal to vegetarian.

A full time florist onboard and a team of 30 assistants sees to the fresh flower bouquets on each table, in each cabin, lobby and lounge. There is no class grading on the QM2 and the public areas are accessible to all guests, whether you’s in a small cabin or a suite.

The ship also has a very impressive green policy and allows nothing but a limited amount of finely processed food waste to go overboard. All else is sorted and collected, for disposal each time they arrive on shore. Including grey water. They process their own drinking water too.

A look at the remastering.

All 172 Grills suites have received a comprehensive restyling and have been reconfigured to maximise space. The Grills dining experience has been elevated and the two Grill restaurants have been redesigned to offer more table size options and space.

The King’s Court buffet has been redesigned to create a more open and central buffet area. The Carinthia Lounge – QM2’s Winter Garden – is now unrecognisable as it has been reconfigured into a refined, airy and versatile new venue. The Verandah replaces the Todd English restaurant.

Exactly 80 years after the first Cunard Verandah Grill went to sea on Queen Mary, the latest incarnation of The Verandah concept is now available on board Queen Mary 2 and offers contemporary premium French cuisine.

The Queen Mary 2 fun facts.

- She is four football fields in length – a total of 345 metres - She is equal to the height of a 23-storey building with 17 decks that tower 200 feet above the waterline - She covers an area of 3.5 acres - Her whistle is audible for ten miles - Her speed of 29.5 knots is double the speed of a Caribbean cruise ship and nearly three times the speed of a blue whale - She’s constructed from some 300,000 pieces of steel; her hull is made up of 94 steel blocks and weighs 50,000 tons (more than a school of 330 blue whales). The QM2 gross weight is 151,400 tons. - She carries 343 different wines on board with annual wine sales estimated at around 230 000 bottles. - In total over one year, passengers will consume 38,000 lbs of smoked salmon, 346,000 gallons of fruit juice, 249,000 lbs of potatoes and 420,000 packets of breakfast cereal. Excluding wine, the QM2 serves 1.5 million drinks per annum. - There are 1310 staterooms in total of which 955 (73%) cabins feature balconies. - The maximum capacity is 3090 passengers, with a staff 1290 staff members, which explains the high level of detail that those on board experience.

A voyage on the Queen Mary 2 is certain to create unforgettable memories. This particular cruise journey continues onwards to Port Elizabeth, Mauritius, Reunion and culminates in Australia in April. This will be the first stop on her world cruise following her remastering.

Don’t be thinking that a trip onboard is out of your reach, a 7 day cruise can cost as little as R30000pp all inclusive. Or you could save up for the 118 around the world life altering experience. Packages include an onboard spend for meals and drink, and you can top up if needed.

This route has them sweeping over the Indian Ocean on a 16-night cruise. After Cape Town, the QM2 will pause for the game reserves of Port Elizabeth before touching down in Reunion, with its rugged, volcanic interior - then on to beach-fringed Mauritius. Eight days later, historic Fremantle will welcome them to Australia. Here’s a look at pricing should you hope for a similar experience.

For more information see www.whitestar.co.za and follow RM@ on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RMSQueenMary2.

Thank you to Wired Communications for the invitation to join you for a tour and delicious lunch onboard

#Oceanliner #Whitestar #Queen Mary 2 #QM2Remastered

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whimsically-ominously-auspice · 5 years ago

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For yoh 300+ in group chat..

You seek Alex to learn more

0% of yoh ask him to seek me for knowledge when he says he doesn't know nor care.

Why? Why have you done this to yourself and the world?

Why? I pay you millions of dollars and you don't have the ability to foresee if you ask him to seek me i would post here and help the entire world -- Zillions of people.

Why is this so? Why do you not have the ability to help?

Is it fear of the Alex? Fear of me?

Or you just trust me So much that you know it will work?

Remember others do not. And i do not know the questions you seek answers to until i asked.

So help me help them, if you don't understand they (the world) don't either.

Only 49% have made the correlation to human traffic Victims comfort and the Quarantine and Social Distancing.

I make it graphic, i make it so visibly disturbing that they remember and understand on a Depth level that the heart forces the mind to comply.

So seek me So i can help the world to understand. I need questions worded a certain way. Without complaints.

Oh and also all illegal aliens and evil people -- the 45% of the known population -- will now have access to their DNA4U immediately disconnected. And all money that was available will go to a charity introducing childhood chastity and for more gifts for our living and survivors.

In places where access to DNA4U is used to gain access to food and other commodities you will br jailed indefinitely.

Simple swab will reallow you into the system. So allow the officer to swab you.

.... ....

Amazon employees got credits of $300 each because i had a public fit degrading their characters. I degraded the character of each employee. For that i apologize whole heartedly with tears because i was in a panic. It was hours until my precious people were kidnapped. So please enjoy your credits to shop on smile.Amazon.com -- remember world shopping at smile.Amazon.com allows Amazon to donate money based off a percentage of your shopping price to the charity of your choice.

Using the app donates to: Thorn (9 years), Cancer Society of America which prevents cancer treatments with chemo and radiation and uses only necessary surgeries, Shoes for Kids Across America, Turtle Evaluation to keep record of my endangered sea turtles i love so much, Food Distributions for low income families and homeless.

They get 1% each of each sale made in the Amazon app. We take 5% of all sales then we put it in a pot. At the end of the month we take it and divide it by 5 then pay it out.

But at smile.Amazon.com you get to pick where your 5% goes directly to.

Amazon employees must use smile they are not allowed to purchase from the app. They must independently choose where their donations go.

When using credits up to 15% of their purchase prices will be donated. At least 7%

Susan Coleman gets 4% normally cause they send 1% to another charity so we also send another 1% to the Muscle Dystrophy of America. So they get 8% and Muscle Dystrophy of America ends up with 4%

Money does not heal all wounds so remember social distancing. Remember wealth is in your heart and not in your hands unless it is a good human body that you touch.

Susan Coleman is Susan B. Anthony so that is an exciting home school project! She made the United States of America's 13 colonies flag. And much more.

So she also designed your colonies flags when you rejoin the Union. Up to 6 choices. For some she made 10. Queen Elizabeth II don't worry about a seamstress for your honors. We in the Americas remembered to honor and love home.

So we will gift you a wall template of all 6 flags per home. Also the voted pick in multiple sizes. And your personal 2nd and 3rd votes in smaller sizes. 3x5 and then a hand waver for each pick. 2 of each for the most voted

You are colonies. May your flag wave proud from the privacy of your bedroom where you've named it a sovereign country as you are allowed to.

Your vote choices you are allowed 3 for your colony's flag. You will receive a velvet embroidered cloth flag -- velvet on both sides. The size of a Queen size bed.

Then you will receive a printed microfiber blanket that mimics velvet of the United States of America Flag and then your current local state you reside in.

for all other countries. Like Italy. Italy is broken into Provinces. You will receive 2 embroidered velvet blankets of your Flag of Italy, your Province reasoning explained On the verse side. Then you will gain long 84" sheer curtains with the Constitution of the United States legible printed on them and the Declaration of Independence.

The curtains are see through. It allows light and sight to expand in the explained mind.

Futhermore the print is dark dark the darkest of black that looks almost like you can put your hands through the curtains lettering.

The words live. They float in the breeze of the air. They enter your heart, your mind, your tummy filled with guts.

There is nothing hidden behind or in the words. You can clearly see that. The words are honest and good and what we live by via government standards.

Worldwide are curtains. Blankets also.

Alex and i love the dark in a bedroom so the blankets include a black linen fabric to protect the flags and the blankets have loops. They are discreet and blend in with the blanket in an acceptable style and fashion.

So you may like to hang them. Also you can hang on walls. And curtain hooks and so on are provided as well.

Picnics. We will have better land. So the grass will be super soft and kind to us like velvet. But if you like to claim your own space and have s more valid sense of cleanliness they would be great especially for movie in the park nights.

Keep in your car for emergencies where you don't have a coat and you end up stranded. Or you want to stay over to sleep impromptu. Because drinking or late night film watching.

Don't worry we put yours and the world favorite names on them and your soulmates too

Aleins Favorite is Cleopatra. So i have allowed that as well it will help us realize our miskates. How we were used and manipulated.

Alex's favorite is Jesus.

World Favorite... Bonnie and Clyde.

Human favorite is Echinacea.

My favorite is Sabrina Leigh Jennings-Telles... Oh and you know all the rest i do just love me to death.

Tree favorite is Super Echinacea Archive. The Sea. And Tree original names. And since we knew all the same things they called me that too. It is i crested them when we went to live underwater as mermaids. I had to leave wisdom and guidance behind. So that is their Official Name. And if you have something very serious or dear to you all trees will turn in and completely 100% focus on you and will not multi task. As they usually do. They will treat you different. Very very formal as if you rule the world. And you do. I often think each mind is it's own world.

So on either side of the blanket one side lists who the other what.

Favorite of:

Humans

Animals

Etc

The other side of the same verse of the blanket flag has a column of names that is the favorite. The "what" because you will ask "what made it their favorite?"

So animals also get flag blankets of their preferred material.

So for the names you fold the blanket length wise them open one colum side and you can easier see the matches there will be instructions included.

You will not have a family crest. You will have half a crest at the center bottom or top of some of each flag blanket. It will match to the soulmate you have. Fold one and lay it atop the other.

Also you'll have s shield for your bedroom or if family wants to design living room or hallway is the absolute best with the crest upon it.

Then in the school store you'll have it uploaded and you can buy crested gear.

So we sre bringing the Pride of the Medieval as we have survived all wars.

So surf the wars upon your couched and sofas and favorite comfy chairs... Remember ice cream time.

Savor the cow milk flavours in the future you MUST make it at home with human breast milk.

Enjoy it. Cheese should be expected also.

Next week we add Cheese to your Whine. Both are ordered to ring up cheaper world wide and kids may sip or drink sparkling cider. The white grape is alcohol free but taste JIST like wine.

Countries worldwide are in competition for lowest prices and will receive prizes. There is a minimum of $1 per item. Or one Euro. Wherever you live that translates into about $1 for some countries it's 25 cents and that is fine.

South America you'll have the same fine free. Complying to be happy is your competition.

We have happiness meters on our cruise ships believe it or not. We have big Care Bear meter in all dining halls. Because the sky is scary to some so. We can turn it off if necessary.

The sky btw is recorded live with a 3 second feed lag time. So you will actually see what is outside your ship. The Windows also. So you won't miss a thing. Even when you're laying in bed. Rooms tho are a projection t.v. not all screens. So it's not crystal clear perfect like the dining halls. Unless your room is absolutely dark aside from the projector.

So many features come with that also. Like the bed can pretend to be a kayak and you pretend to row and it actually takes you to,real life where you row in real time.

It will automatically record and save to the DBR if you are in contact with sea life. Its a pretty amazing feature. It puts you and your boat outside and so it merges the reality of what occurred. You can talk to the sea life with esp. And even pet them with your soul metaphysical and they will see you in,their mind the reality of where you are. Its amazing.

So you will,get saved what they saw and what you saw and then a merge so it's like you was out on the water for reals.

They can even take you under water to see their homes.

Its one of the most blessed contraptions I've ever made. So,much love and amazement was poured into it.

There's rules and you could get banned. But I don't think anyone would really except a wild child and they would have a therapy conscious meeting with tree to see if the ban was necessary

Like some whales will say "hit me and we will go" but when you hit its a soft gentle pat. Even if you try to wham them. So if you're whacking every sea creature you see that is not correct behavior and you must listen to each animal to see how they went to be treated.

Dolphins and some whales will jist throw you on their back and take control of your whole day.

Turtles will ask you "now would you like to go see...." "Do you want to go with me now to..."

And you must ask to pet them. "May i touch you?"

Turtles hide their soft skin in their shell. They act afraid like an abused victim.

So ships with abused victims from violence will spend a lot of time in turtle areas. Because they will feel most comfortable. They will have the understanding.

Hyper activate children that aren't gentle will also be there.

First with the shark bait undertool swamp mate. Very similar to the blue whale. He will say to touch him.

Then the transfer information to the turtle well,the turtle Didjt say? What do i do?

Hopeful the child then thinks for itself and thinks oh i should ask!

If a turtle offers a shell,ride he will give rules about touching his body.

So this is per room. It will be real animals and you mind teleport there. Using technology to help clear it in your minds.

Because of the Zulululu and Orbits we have severe damage. To,what we can see, this will heal us

I have extreme damage. Alex has none. 92% of all world population. 32% of outdoor land has damage.

My total damage is 34% but it feels like 100 sometimes

Alex says it looks like it

But when he's being good with me he will say "you're seeing the visual wrong but yoh understand"

It's good enough to rule the world.

Again i have to experience so i can heal others. Or see.

In the future i will only have to window look like I used to.

But too much damage was occurring and how ?

So for the last 58 years Alex and I have gone through every social disorder imaginable that aliens created and gave to my precious humans.

So when i say i will kill on your behalf its Because i have experienced the Hell you have. Not licked it. Ate it and died from it. I have.

Survive and Fight for my own dignity i will. I stand for you my loved ones. My humans whom have no ideas they are special.

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modifysimplelife · 5 years ago

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Holiday dinner is a week away! Where did this month go?!?! Preparing for the feast and the dining table may have already swapped places with gift shopping and card sending. A few weeks ago Savor the coffee…embracing the moment was posted about intentionally living in the present and fully enjoying life experiences. The holidays are a time to take delight in gathering with friends and family. Often, however, it can be a flurry of activity making sure everything is perfect and using tableware saved for such special occasions such as fine china, crystal, and silver, which leads to special care and hand washing. Hand-painted holiday themed glassware is also popular today and requires special handling. As much as all fine tableware can look lovely on a holiday table, this year I asked myself…”Is it really necessary?”. Below are some suggestions that for an amazing holiday setting without the fuss and hassle of using your finest, especially if entertaining a large group.

White dishes are best for versatility and ideal for a holiday table! I prefer bone china or porcelain over stoneware because of durability, microwave and dishwasher safe, and less expensive than fine china. Mikasa everyday bone china has served me well…never a crack or chip. And, simply designed dishes can be used to dress-up or dress-down your table. Read Difference Between Fine China, Bone Chine, and Porcelain for additional information that may guide you in your next tableware purchase.

Everyday stemware works just fine in place of fine crystal glasses or painted glasses. If you want a splash of color, add a ribbon. FYI…heavy sparkle ribbon will glitter your table and can be messy. One and a half inch (1 1/2″) ribbon width, I have found, ties best. When stemware is dishwasher ready, have a pair of scissors handy to clip ribbon for disposal. You can also add a sprig of faux red berry for added embellishment.

Chargers offer a great and easy way for a set table to look festive and formal. Hobby Lobby currently has a sale on select chargers. CLICK HERE for an available assortment. Best to purchase in store to be assured color and texture meet your needs.

Cloth napkins also contribute to a theme table setting. I happen to have green cloth napkins. Adding a Christmas tree napkin ring along with a white sparkle pinecone (on sale for .99 cents each at Hobby Lobby) gives each place setting a nice touch of Christmas. Paper napkins work well, too. Tuesday Morning and TJ Max/Home Goods carry beautiful holiday themed napkins, 32 each in a package, for $4.99. You can save on laundry and definitely go the paper napkin route.

A centerpiece can be an arrangement you already display on your dining room table and simply add red berries and holiday touches to dress it for the occasion. This picture shows a before and “Christmas” after that took little time and was cost effective! Although this arrangement will need to be moved during dinner to open the space and welcome conversation.

If you prefer a centerpiece to remain on the table during dinner…a low arrangement is best. This photo illustrates the centerpiece positioned at the width of the table rather than the length. This allows space for food platters, bread baskets, or water and wine bottles. Also, an awesome hack for candles that wiggle in candleholders is floral clay strip tape available at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. Sleek fix for straight candles!

This holiday season plan ahead for the feast to be easier on you and more enjoyable for everyone else! MODIFY your usual routine so all can have more time around the table (not in the kitchen!) to share stories, make memories, and delight in laughter. Be intentional about living in the moment!

From my home to yours, wishing you all the best this holiday season and may your New Year be joy-filled!! Remember, always identify a designated driver so you and all those driving on the road are safe. Look forward to posting the next blog…January – 2020!

Around the Holiday Table

Holiday dinner is a week away! Where did this month go?!?! Preparing for the feast and the dining table may have already swapped places with gift shopping and card sending.

Around the Holiday Table Holiday dinner is a week away! Where did this month go?!?! Preparing for the feast and the dining table may have already swapped places with gift shopping and card sending.

#Christmas Table Ideas #Christmas tableware #Decorating the Holiday Table #home spaces #Idea for straight candles in candleholders #Modify Contemporary Floral Designs #White bone china

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samuelmmarcus · 5 years ago

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Modern English Country Home Design

Happy new week, my friends! How wonderful it is to start a brand new week with you all! The weather is starting to get quite cold here and the colder it gets out there, the more Christmassy it becomes. We’re supposed to get some snow this week and I am planning on starting my Christmas decor soon. Have you guys started to decorate your home yet?

Isn’t this the best time of the year? I feel extra happy about everything and having a new home by Pike Properties (previously featured here, here & here – make sure to check these house tours!) certainly makes my heart sing!

Here, the builder share some insights on this new-construction:

“Working with an award winning home design firm, this home was conceptualized and planned out with the utmost in attention to detail. Unique architectural elements abound, with the most prominent being the curved window set with extended roof overhang that looks a bit like a watch tower. Painting that feature a dark color, ensured that it remained noticeable without overtaking the front facade. Extensive cedar was used to add a bit of rustic charm to the home, and warm up the exterior. All cedar is stained in Benjamin Moore Hidden Valley. If you look at each side of the highest gable, you will see two cedar beams flaring out. This was such a small detail, but well worth the cost for a crane and many men to lift and secure them in place at 30 feet in height. Many have asked the guys at Pike what the style of this home is, and neither them nor the architects have a set answer. Pike Properties feels it blends many architectural styles into one unique home. If we had to call it something though, it would be Modern English Country.”

Make sure to pin, save and share this beautiful home.

Modern English Country Home Design

Main Body Paint Color – Benjamin Moore Olympic Mountains.

Dark Accent Paint- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal.

Shingles- CertainTeed Landmark Pewter.

Porte-Cochère

“This home measures around 100 feet in depth, and that allowed for the most unique feature, a Porte-Cochère that leads to a motor court. Porte-Cochère’s originated in the late 18th and early 19th century in luxury private mansions and public buildings, to allow horse carriages to drop off passengers in all weather conditions, without passengers being exposed to the elements. Today, many luxury private residences, and still many public buildings, have them.”

Gas Lantern- St. James lighting Montrose Large – Others: here, here & here.

Cedar

The porch is covered in bluestone which is a great material for a clean, simplistic look. The builder was able to vault part of the porch to make it feel grand. V-Groove was chosen for the ceiling trim, as it is stylish and durable. Cedar is stained in Benjamin Moore Hidden Valley.

Porch Chairs: here – similar.

Entryway

The builder incorporate windows on the side wall of this foyer so it wouldn’t feel dark and closed in. The windows overlook the Porte Cochère where guests may very well have parked their car. If you look closely at the ceiling, there is some intricate trim detail that forms four large quadrants with a central diamond.

The paint color through all main living areas of the home, hallways, closets, mudroom, and laundry room is Benjamin Moore Dove Wing with Benjamin Moore White Dove trim.

Pendant- Visual Comfort Plantation 4-light in Antique Burnished Brass Other Foyer Lighting Ideas: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Beautiful Runners: here, here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Kitchen

The kitchen of this home was a labor of love. At the heart of it is the 10 foot wide by 4 foot deep White Oak island with plentiful room for 4 people to sit comfortably.

A cabinet front Thermador fridge can be found at the far right of this picture.

Counterstools: Arteriors – Other Great Counterstools: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Kitchen Lighting

The builder chose to hang three pendants over the island. Pendants are Hudson Valley Lighting Latham – similar here.

Kitchen Faucet

This Brizo Litze bridge faucet gives continuity with the black and gold color scheme.

Range

Placing the range in front of a window was a unique and very nice setup, however that meant that there is no way to have a traditional range hood like most people are used to seeing. The solution is a flush mount range hood.

Island Range Hood with Wireless Remote Control: Zephyr Lux.

Range: 48″ Thermador Pro Grand Dual Fuel Range.

Tying the whole kitchen together is the mosaic backslash tile. The tile is visually stunning and brought all the color tones of the space into harmony. The mosaic tile is Soho Studio Empress Helena – Other Luxurious Backsplash Tiles: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Kitchen Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Garden City.

Pull-out Utensil Pantry

Working with a custom cabinet maker allowed the builder to add neat features like this utensil drawer next to the range. It offers a perfect spot for cooking utensils and knife storage with material to keep knives sharpened.

New Kitchen Ideas

“Another neat element of the custom cabinets are the fact that tucked away inside their own cubbies are two built in White Oak cutting boards and two built-in White Oak serving trays. When stowed away, the pop of wood again the gray cabinets looks amazing.”

Kitchen Cabinetry

The builder chose gray as the cabinet color, specifically Benjamin Moore OC-52 Gray Owl. They wanted a color that wasn’t too bold and would take away from the other elements of the space. Gray cabinets are in trend right now and for good reason. The cabinetry was custom crafted in Charlotte and is all beaded inset.

Cabinet Hardware: Schaub and Company Menlo Park in Satin Brass Pulls & Knobs. Cup Pulls are Nostalgic Warehouse Farmhouse Cup Pulls in Satin Brass.

Dining Room

Painted in Benjamin Moore Dove Wing, this dining room also features wainscoting and X-beam ceiling with V-groove inlay.

Beautiful Dining Tables: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Dining Chairs: here, here & here (similar styles) – Other Chairs on Sale: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Affordable Neutral Rugs: here (Best seller!), here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Chandelier

Chandelier is Hudson Valley Lighting Mason in Aged Brass.

Scullery

This pantry is adjacent to the kitchen through a cased opening, and functions as a perfect spot for additional storage, wine storage, a coffee station, and much more. The builder added a large wall of open bookcase style shelving to cover one wall and it can be used to store fine china, bar ware, cookbooks, etc. Cabinet color is Benjamin Moore Soot.

Wine Fridge: Thermador Freedom.

Hardware: Pulls, Knobs & Farmhouse Cup Pulls.

Bar

The wine rack is custom made out of White Oak by the cabinet maker who constructed all the cabinetry, and boasts an enamel center with LED backlighting. With the flip of a switch, the wine rack comes to life.

Beautiful Wine Racks: here, here, here & here.

Faucet: Delta Trinsic Pull Out Spray in Matte Black (Often recommended by builders and designers).

Living Room

The afternoon sunshine pours into this living room and creates the perfect spot to sit and relax. The fireplace was kept simple and clean with a cast stone mantle and black granite hearth. The tray ceiling adds the perfect level of volume to the space, and flush mounted cedar beams add warmth and texture.

Lighting: Hudson Valley Lighting Durham in Aged Brass – Large.

Floor Lamp: here.

Mirror: here.

Windows & Floors

Windows and natural light abound. The 4 panel French door set leads outside to a screened terrace.

Hardwood Flooring: The same flooring you see here spans throughout most of the home. It is 4 1/4″ White Oak finished off in an Eco-Friendly product called Rubio Monocoat. It is a finish that is eco-friendly and durable. The best part about it is that if any spot is damaged or needs to be touched up, you only need to touch the one spot, and don’t have to refinish all the floors on that level as with traditional poly stain. This finish is their Oyster color.

Similar Hardwood Flooring: here & here.

Sofa: Gabby.

Inspired by this Look:

(Scroll to see more)

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Powder Room

This vanity is great because it looks sleek and clean as a vanity in a guest bath should, but also offers 2 drawers of storage space. The builder maintained the brass and black color scheme found throughout many spaces of the home. Wall color is Benjamin Moore Moonshine.

Vanity: Restoration Hardware Reclaimed Russian Oak Vanity in Reclaimed Natural Oak – similar here.

Mirror: Restoration Hardware Niccolò Floating in Lacquered Burnished Brass – Similar here – Others: here, here & here.

Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Bowery in Modern Aged Old Bronze.

Faucet: Brizo Levoir in Brillance Luxe Gold.

Floor Tile: Soho Studio MJ Nibiru – Others: here, here, here & here.

Staircase

The design of this U-shaped staircase with the unique staggered windows allows so much natural light to flow into the home and creates visual interest without the need to add trim detailing. It’s sleek and clean, like the whole home. Metal railings were used to further the modern, sleek vibes.

Bench: Gabby Gayle Bench.

Grand Staircase

The upstairs hallway wraps around the open staircase, making the whole house open and well connected. The metal staircase railing is custom.

Windows & Chandelier

We painted all interior window trim in Sherwin Williams Iron Ore to make them pop, and that is also the same color as all interior doors.

Chandelier: Visual Comfort Choros Two-Tier.

Kids’ Homework Nook

Set aside off the upstairs hallway and with an interior window that actually overlooks the stairway, is a built-in desk space designed to be a kids homework nook. The countertop is a simple engineered quartz. Cabinet paint color is Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue HC-156.

Home Office

Here is the inside of the curved window set we saw out front. This is an inspiring home office space meant to help the homeowner be as productive as possible.

Pendant: Arteriors Swami.

Master Bedroom

In the master bedroom, the vaulted ceiling provides airiness, but due to it’s relatively low slope, it maintains warmth to the space. V-groove painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove covers the ceiling and blends almost seamlessly with the walls. The large wagon wheel style chandelier keeps with the scale of the space, and adds a touch of elegance. Paint color is Benjamin Moore Halo”.

Chandelier: Hudson Valley Chambers in Aged Old Bronze.

Bed: Noir – Other Beautiful Beds: here, here, here, here & here.

Rug: here, here, here, here & here – similar.

Master Bathroom

High windows let in natural light and let you observe the sky and trees with you wash away your worries. This shower is actually controlled by a Steammist touch screen panel and temperature can be adjusted to the exact degree.

Tub- Mirabelle Hibiscus 66″.

Chandelier: Hudson Valley Lighting Bethesda.

Shower Wall Tile: Jeffrey Court Wall Street White 3×9 – similar here.

Shower Floor Tile: MSI Telaio.

Floor Tile: Soho Studio Epoch Asian Statuary Hexagonal – similar here.

Vanity

It’s always a nice touch to accent a vanity wall with either trim detail, tile, or wallpaper. Spa vibes are created from the hexagonal marble tile floors and up. This is one of two identical vanities in the Master Bath. Wall paint color is Benjamin Moore Halo and shiplap is Benjamin Moore White Dove.

Vanity- Restoration Hardware Maison Single Extra-Wide – Other Beautiful Bathroom Vanities: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Mirror: Restoration Hardware Industrial Rivet in Lacquered Burnished Brass – Others: here, here, here & here.

Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Cortland in Aged Brass.

Faucet: Brizo Faucet Levoir Widespread.

Guest Bathroom

The builder chose a floor tile that would stand out from the neutral white/cream tones of this bathroom, and give it a bit of a coastal vibe.

Vanity- Allen and Roth Presnell 49 inch – Other Vanities: here, here & here.

Mirror: White Beveled Wall Mirror.

Faucet: Delta Ashlyn 8″.

Light- Kichler Braelyn.

Floor Tile: Jeffrey Court Hexagon Mosaic – similar here.

Guest Bathroom

Clean and simple guest bathroom space. Can’t go wrong with that! Paint color is Benjamin Moore Moonshine.

Mirror: White Beveled Wall Mirror.

Faucet: Delta Ashlyn 8″.

Vanity- Allen and Roth Presnell 37 inch in White – Others: here, here, here.

Floor Tile- Jeffrey Court 1″ Hexagon Ivory – similar here.

Faucet- Delta Dryden Widespread in Chrome.

Guest Bathroom

The builder had some some fun with floor tile in this bathroom, making it perfect for a kids bath.

Vanity- Allen and Roth Presnell 37 inch.

Mirror: White Beveled Wall Mirror.

Faucet: Delta Ashlyn 8″.

Mudroom

This drop zone space is accessible from the attached 2 car garage and from this glass paneled door leading from the motor court, making it centrally located and highly functional. Cabinet paint color is Benjamin Moore Sea Haze.

Floor Tile: Jeffrey Court Union Mosaic Grey – similar here & here.

Best Friend

A built-in dog feeding station with pot filler for easy water refilling. This above drawer and shelving also functions as great pet storage, so you can keep all your dogs stuff in one easy to access and remember spot. This cabinetry was custom made and a granite slab was used for the top.

Pot Filler: Danze Opulence.

Screened Terrace

Outdoor living is made easy no matter the season with this spacious screened in porch. Designed to have two separate areas, you can dine and lounge outside in style. When the weather is cool, the gas fireplace is there to add the perfect level of warmth. The same bluestone and V-groove ceiling from the front porch are replicated out back on this screened living space.

Fan: Fanimation Spitfire.

Architecture

“As a luxury spec home builder, each year Pike Properties builds a home that tests their limits and pushes their budget to the max. It’s their opportunity to show what they are capable of, learn how to execute more challenging building elements, and build up their portfolio. For 2019, this was that home.”

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templified · 5 years ago

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Best WordPress Wine Shop Themes, Wine Bars, Vinyards and Online Wine Sales | Templified

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Best WordPress Wine Shop Themes, Wine Bars, Vinyards and Online Wine Sales

These WordPress wine shop themes could be just what you need to set up an amazing online wine shop. Let’s not limit it to that. These themes could be ideal for breweries, brew pubs, liquor stores, distilleries and more. Anything aimed toward selling and marketing potent potables. If you’re setting up an online wine shop, you’re going to need the perfect theme. Wine, as well as beer or home distilling, is a big business. Reviewing wine? Selling products related to wine? Running a winery or wine tours? Check, check, check. No matter what, you’re sure to find the perfect theme in this collection.

Wine Maker

Wine Maker is an elegant, attractive WordPress theme built to deliver a great user experience. It delivers fantastic results for any wine maker or online wine sales eCommerce website. It’s also fantastic for restaurants and bars, or even cafés. This theme has three different variations. Each one is a custom looking homepage giving you an attractive presentation for you’re beautiful wines. This 100% responsive theme works with WooCommerce too. That allows you to sell wine online, if that happens to be legal where you live. It’s not everywhere, though. You should check with your local authorities to find out more information.

But what if you’re promoting a wine bar or vineyard? This theme is attractive and helps to give your content an elegant look. Keeping in touch with your customers shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. Wine Maker delivers a fantastic user experience. It’s easy for anyone who comes to your website to get more information. From your location, hours of operation and how to find out more about your business. It’s all right at their fingertips.

DemoMore Information Get Hosting

Tracian

Purpose built for wineries, Vineyards and wine shops, this WordPress theme has plenty offer. Tracian has a clean shop page and it offers one click demo import. It’s got Visual Composer for page building and Revolution Slider to grab the attention of your readers. There are five different homepage styles as well as five header styles and two different footer styles.

It doesn’t matter what language either. You can translate your website into any language. Considering the popularity of wine around the world, that’s a nice feature to have. If you have a worldwide marketplace, you’ll want to have that feature. With WooCommerce, you can sell just about anything from digital downloads to, well, wine. That’s why we’re here, right? This theme is the perfect combination of a lot of different features and functionalities. Those features make it an ideal as a starting point to build a successful online shop. The fact that it has an elegant look only helps Tracian cause. Here’s a bigger collection of WooCommerce themes to choose from if you want a few more options.

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Thelma

This is Thelma. Thelma is a winery and wine shop WordPress theme for winemakers. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s perfect for vineyards and wine lovers alike. With half a dozen different demo styles to choose from, you get plenty of options. You’ll get the look you’re looking for for all your wine needs. This theme integrates with WooCommerce too. It’s also up to dat with the latest versions of WordPress. This responsive theme is great for wine blogs, wine clubs, winemakers and shops.

You can create an all inspiring website with any one of the pre-made templates. Or, create your own using WP Bakery page builder. There are many different home page layouts to choose from. Each one giving a different look and feel to your website. They’ve added several different premium plugins to the mix. You get Slider Revolution and Contact Form 7 just to name a couple. It’s time to raise a glass and toast one of the better wine related themes I’ve seen in the last few months. Here’s to Thelma.

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Mauna

Mauna is a multi-purpose theme with a dazzling winery or wine bar demo that could be perfect for your needs. This WooCommerce ready theme has great impact. The full screen image or video splash page grabs your attention right from the start. (The shot above is actually from a video clip, it’s pretty cool.) Mauna is a portfolio and blog theme with WooCommerce support too, so you can set up an online shop. Typography is easy to manage and easy to change up to fit your branding. Mauna is mobile friendly, so people can access your website on any mobile device. Mauna is a fullscreen portfolio theme that’s got a creative and attractive wine shop demo site included. That’s why I think it’s perfect for this collection. WooCommerce ready, optimized for fast loading times. Easy to manage, and customize. It’s easy to see why this is one of the highest rated themes for wine related websites.

Mauna is responsive and retina ready for the best looking site you can get. SEO optimized, Mauna helps you rank for your keywords. The full screen portfolio looks amazing. It helps show off the images that you want to feature. There’s an optional home parallax effect. For layouts, you can choose grid, masonry or row portfolio pages. There’s even a Ken Burns effect on the home page. Mauna has an announcements and news section, built in blog, which is crucial, and more. Mauna is also easy to set up and customize, so you can fit the style of your site to match your branding. This is a great looking theme for any wine bar, wine shop or winery. Don’t forget free support and lifetime upgrades! Here’s another selection of portfolio themes that get the juices flowing.

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Wine House

If you have a winery, you need the right kind of website to go along with it. Wine House wants to be that website. With WordPress and Wine House, you get the perfect online portal. Great for building a wine bar website, a wine shop or winery site. What about agrotourism? That’s a great fit too. Wine House comes with several plugins to help make running your site easy and fun. There’s an integrated booking system, perfect for allowing your customers to book event space. No matter the purpose, whether it’s for meetings, weddings or birthdays. The simple and modern design offers just enough style to keep your readers engaged with your content. With Wine House, you get a crisp, responsive WordPress theme and all the added features you need. Crafting a design that fits what you want to offer is what Wine House is all about.

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Jardi

If you have a winery, a vineyard or you’re a producer of wine, Jardi is a theme you need to take a serious look at. This premium theme is ideal for anyone who wants to make and sell fine wines, from Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti to Pinot Grigio, this theme is an ideal fit for wine makers and sellers. Jardi is great looking, the design is smooth and modern, it’s responsive to look great on all devices and the little features that Jardi offers make it perfect for a winery website. Jardi works with WooCommerce and Visual Composer to help you create a classy, elegant wine shop or winery theme. Jardi helps you channel your inner sommelier and the built in blog is a charming way to help you build an audience of adoring fans.

Jardy installs in a flash and it’s super-intuitive to set up and update too. The mobile optimization is wonderful touch, swipe effect is fully enabled, it’s completely responsive and more. There are four predefined homepage setups to choose from, but more are possible thanks to Visual Composer. Shortcodes help add functionality, Jardi is SEO optimized and the support is outstanding as well.

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Prohibition

Prohibition was designed to be a website for a brewery, but it’s flexible enough for any sort of restaurant, including a wine shop. For a lovely and well designed selection for making a gourmet brewery website, one that’s absolutely constructed for ales, lagers, food friendly gastro brewpubs, fine dining or fast food, maybe even the popular trend of sour beers, this one is a great selection. Quite often it appears there isn’t the time needed to grow business for your food service business, which is the reason why it is normally the best idea to pick a premium theme that has already been perfected. For any sort of brewery, brew-pub or wine bar style business, this could be a tremendous winner. Build your food menu, hype up your tap list, show off upcoming events, sell merch and more with Prohibition.

Demo More Information Get Hosting

Shopkeeper

Shopkeeper is a stylish and modern, fun and practical theme for selling your products with eCommerce. eCommerce WordPress themes have come a long way in the last couple years and Shopkeeper delivers a wonderful user experience and a boatload of features that make running your online wine shop a breeze. It’s so dynamic, so malleable, I think it could work really well for a wine store. There are showcase features for your products, as well as customer reviews, a shopping catalog, header options and both a light version and a dark version, so that the style of presentation is up to you. Shopkeeper also offers elements like recent products, favorite products, best selling items, pie charts and graphs, as well as a number of other shortcode driven elements that help build a unique and easily navigable theme.

What’s more, Shopkeeper incorporates Visual Composer plugin that permits you to construct pages with their own unique layouts for all of your posts, pages and the landing page of your site, with a ‘drag and drop’ feature that is easy to use and customizable on both back and front end editors. It likewise incorporates a Revolution Slider plugin to webmasters who would love to create striking slideshows for your niche. From products to portfolio pieces, you can give a striking design and wonderful responsiveness. eCommerce has never been easier than with Shopkeeper. Build a blog too, it’s pretty straight-forward with Shopkeeper.

Demo More Information Get Hosting

Weisber

This theme is called a Weisber. That’s almost, but not quite, Weisbier. That’s a variety of wheat beer that is among the oldest known to man. The earliest wheat brewing took place sometime around 10,000 years ago, though it might be even further back. Wheat fermentation is first known in historical record in Europe, specifically in Bavaria. The first discovery of this fact was made in 1934, a Celtic burial mound contained residue that was determined to be the remains of a dark wheat beer.

Pretty cool, right?

But, that’s not what this review is about. This is about a WordPress theme that wants to be your Brewpub template of choice.

DemoMore Information Get Hosting

Vino

Vino says it all, doesn’t it? I mean, when you hear the name, you know this theme is going to be about fine wines, wineries, vinyards and wine shops. It stands to reason. With a name that Vino, it’s got to be good. Well, let’s take a look at the features. Vino is a WooCommerce ready theme, it includes the WP Bakery Page builder plugin for effortless page layout creation, the overall style is elegant and refined, engaging and comforting. I absolutely love the typography in this theme and I think a lot of folks will agree with that. If you need a great looking website for anything in the wine industry, including reviews, wedding rentals, wine shops and more, this theme has the right look and the right set of features to help save you time and energy. In Vino Veritas!

Demo More Information Get Hosting

Wibar

This is Wibar, a nice looking theme that we’ve selected as one of the best wine shop or winery WordPress themes. This WooCommerce compatible theme has a clean and well organized design, great for blogs or eCommerce sites. Even restaurants.With Bootstrap code, this WPBakery powered theme allows for maximum flexibility for any sort of wine related website. Wibar is SEO optimized, making it great for ranking those wine reviews or blog posts about wine. With Wibar, creating a professional and well organized website is well within your reach, even if you’re a beginner.

Demo More Information Get Hosting

Saras

Saras is a boutique wine theme for WordPress, it’s modern, user friendly and ready to help make your winery stand out from the crowd. Saras was created by one of the leading niche theme producers and probably the absolute best at specifically creating winery and wine shop templates. Saras is WooCommerce ready, it’s responsive and elegant, sophisticated and I think the layout provides an amazing canvas for your content. Saras has product page designs that make everything very clear and squared away, it’s got featured image boxes for promoting your most important content, a history timeline for showing off your winery or wine shop’s history. The shop page is clean and the image carousel lets you showcase amazing, high quality images to help tell your story.

Demo More Information Get Hosting

Villenoir

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Luxwine

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Luxury Wine

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Diwine

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Passo Bosco

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Royanwine

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Good Ol’ Wine

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#Wine Shop

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shopcheaponline-blog · 6 years ago

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michaelfallcon · 6 years ago

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The Coffee Drinker’s Guide To Tijuana, Mexico

You can tell a lot about someone by how they react when you suggest going to get a cup of coffee in Tijuana. There are the old “painted donkey and piñata” stereotypers, the “isn’t it dangerous?” types, and the “that sounds like so much fun, when can we go?” people who you want to hang out with. Baja California’s gateway has been welcoming strangers for decades, and just as the USA’s relationship with its neighbor has waxed and waned, so has the attitude of San Diegans to the city which is at once part of home and yet very different. However, Tijuana doesn’t need to be viewed through the lens of San Diego or the United States. It stands alone as a cultural, culinary, and coffee destination. And when you view Tijuana from a chair on a plaza with a delicious cortado, it seems anything but intimidating.

Entering from the US means negotiating the world’s busiest land border at San Ysidro, which—unlike Tijuana—is not showing any signs of becoming more welcoming or interesting. But once you cross into Mexico, the town is easy to negotiate by foot, bike, or ride share. English or Spanish and dollars or pesos are equally accepted at most shops and prices for an espresso drink are in the $2 range.

The Baja wine and food scene has been booming for years, with fine dining at Mision 19 and more affordable (but no less delicious) spots like the Telefonica Gastro Park serving the city’s young, growing, and unsurprisingly not-that-different-from-the US middle class. Unlike much of the wine and food, which requires a drive south, the majority of the speciality coffee shops are focused in the downtown area and serve locals as well as the tourist crowd. Recently, Mexican coffees have been more prominent on the speciality market and most Tijuana roasters tend to source from their home country, which means that a short trip around town can acquaint you with some delicious origins which might not yet have made it to your local roaster.

Coffee shops in Tijuana tend to stay open late, often closing at 8:00 or 10:00pm, and are as much of a “third place” coffee culture as you’ll find anywhere in the US. Expect excellent customer service as the speciality coffee scene is still growing in Tijuana and people—customers and staff alike—are excited about it, meaning your barista or fellow customer might love to hear about your other coffee experiences. Oh and Tijuana gets hot, so don’t sniff at grabbing a cold brew to-go. Most coffee houses offer bottled coffee alongside their regular drink menu.

Nativo Coffee Community

Armed border guards can be pretty intimidating, which is why I always like to follow the somewhat unwelcoming and officious border experience with a much friendlier one at Nativo. A cold drink in one of Nativo’s signature cactus-shaped Mason jars provides the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of “the line” and their outdoor seating makes a great place to sit, grab some wifi, and plan a day in TJ. The shop is just a block away from the new PedWest border crossing, making it a great first stop for a Tijuana coffee crawl, so long as you don’t get there before their 9:00am opening time. On weekends, you can grab a drink and wander around the farmers’ market that takes place outside.

Nativo’s menu mixes espresso classics with more inventive drinks that combine their own coffee with Dr Pepper and orange juice amongst other ingredients that pair surprisingly well with sunshine and succulents. The shop itself isn’t large, but you’re only a short walk from a beach, garden, or plaza that makes for a great setting to linger over your drink and one of their donuts, or the deliciously international avocado bagel. There’s also rarely not a dog on hand for petting, along with frequent dog meet-ups, making this one of my overall favorite coffee spots to go to when I absolutely don’t want to get work done.

Nativo Coffee Community is located at Larroque 271, Empleados Federales, 22010 Tijuana. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Container Coffee

Situated in an old shipping container in Tijuana’s busy and touristy Avenida Revolución, Container’s architecture might be disposable, but the shop bucks the trend of the area by selling something customers will enjoy and come back for rather than throw away when they realize nobody needs a novelty poncho or sombrero.

Container invites customers to take a moment to enjoy their cup of coffee in a part of town that feels like it stops for nobody. Customers pick from several coffees, all sourced from Mexico, and then select a brewing method in consultation with the knowledgeable and friendly baristas. Then it’s time to take the cup on the shop’s patio and while away half an hour watching the carnival of enthusiastic hawkers engaged in their timeless pursuit of relieving hopelessly clueless tourists of a few dollars as local teenagers strut their stuff and sneer at the whole spectacle. Container has plenty of power outlets, but it isn’t the place to bring your laptop—“Av Rev” provides entertainment enough. If you’re on the go, or a manually brewed coffee isn’t for you, there are delicious single origin espresso and milk drinks from a national level competition barista and bottled cold coffee to keep the post-lunch slump at bay if you’re on your way to, or from, the nearby Telefonica Gastro Park.

Container Coffee is located at Av. Revolución 1348, Zona Centro, 22000 Tijuana. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Electric Coffee Roasters

A little further from the hustle of the middle of the city is Electric Coffee Roasters, where everything from the clientele to the Instagram account lets you know that you’re in for a curated speciality coffee experience that merits a short Lyft ride or a longer walk. Situated just across from the Estadio Caliente Xoloitzcuintles, the Electric’s Nuova Simonelli machines, scales, Chemexes and bare wood countertops set the scene for the sort of coffee shop anyone would be glad to have in their neighborhood and a great spot to grab a pick-me-up before a game or concert. It’s definitely a local hangout and not a tourist trap, especially in the afternoons when the small shop’s tables can be hard to lock down while local freelancers and students take advantage of the quiet space and curated soundtrack to work. If you find yourself down by the beach in Playas, there’s a branch there as well and the friendly locals are more than happy to offer coffee, dinner or beach tips (or, at least they were to a Spanish-speaking Englishman with a ridiculously large camera).

There’s a full espresso menu as well as several manual brew options for hot and cold drinks. The baristas also craft custom drinks, combining honey, cinnamon, chocolate, and other local ingredients with their espresso, which is roasted right in house. If you’re grabbing something to go, don’t overlook the delicious bottled cold brew, which has fueled many a drive south to Baja’s incredible surf breaks.

Electric Coffee Roasters is located at Av. Hipódromo 9- A, Hipodromo, 22020 Tijuana. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Caffe Sospeso

Sospeso isn’t a shop you’re likely to bump into on your way to or from the border; it’s in the part of town where suits are more common than sangria-swilling tourists. The shop is more spacious, and local professionals frequently meet here for a coffee and a chat. Meanwhile, local coffee aficionados stop by to sample the variety of roasts, chat with baristas and take home one of the many coffees on offer.

Sospeso is a bigger setup than anything else on this list, complete with TV screens, point-of-sale displays explaining the roasting and harvesting process, and a Kickstarter page to fund their aims to expand north of the border. It’s an operation that turns out phenomenal coffee and really deserves a greater recognition outside of the immediate area. Their online sales program means that even if you’re a long way from TJ, you can now sample their national and international roasts.

This was the only cafe we visited that roasts an international selection of beans. Indeed, the shop’s owner, Alberto Song, is a certified Q grader and a judge at the Cup of Excellence. Sospeso offers Kyoto-style cold brew and bottles of concentrate to-go that look more like the Tequila that you’ll see tourists clutching as they nervously transit US customs. There’s also a brew bar and to-go cups with sleeves that describe the processing method of the coffee you’re drinking.

Caffe Sopreso is located at Joaquín Clausel 10312, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana. Visit their official website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

James Stout is a freelance journalist based in San Diego. This is James Stout’s first feature for Sprudge.

The post The Coffee Drinker’s Guide To Tijuana, Mexico appeared first on Sprudge.

The Coffee Drinker’s Guide To Tijuana, Mexico published first on https://medium.com/@LinLinCoffee

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