Dispatch From London: Tea At St. James

How fitting it is that our little blog began so inauspiciously eleven years ago today at the St. James in London, having afternoon tea.  We strolled through Windsor Castle on that trip and, yes, even through the very St. George's Chapel where Prince Harry will exchange vows with American Meghan Markle as the entire world tunes in to watch.  Whatever one's stand on the modern idea of a Monarchy might be it will never stop the avalanche of media coverage that is now happening.  Millions and millions of people the world over will be watching the ceremony, including millions of Americans who will be up before dawn to watch it live. 

We love the pomp and circumstance, the ceremonial glory and, yes, the romance.  I can tell you personally that when one stands in that dining room at that table where one hundred guests can be seated, with the glow of candles, the flowers arranged so perfectly, the glittering sterling silver centerpieces, the fine china perfectly arranged with the use of a measuring stick, it is overwhelmingly elegant and impressive.  It's not bad for the weekend getaway they mostly use it for.  Not bad at all.

And although this blog may not be getting millions of viewers today we actually have had millions over the years.  People from all over the world, many on their way to Boston and they want to know exactly what everyone else wants to know when they travel:  Where should I eat?  Where should I go?  What should I do?  They seem to enjoy it and we love doing it.  Hopefully, we'll be around for eleven more years.  And we thank you for the love and support!

Paul Bakery

Several years back, on my first trip to London, I found myself out very early in the morning, still getting used to the time difference but also because I love roaming the streets of a new city as it comes to life at sunrise. The rows of white townhouses, stately and large, that lined the streets of this South Kensington neighborhood were just like those I'd seen in the movies.

Eventually I wandered into a small cafe, the scent of fresh pastry baking and coffee brewing drawing me inside. It was the first time I discovered a Paul Bakery and we went back every morning for delicious morning treats. The place was beautifully laid out with a level of quality rarely seen in the USA and everything we tasted was a match to that sophistication.  It was all was as fresh as it could be, served beautifully, elegantly.  I was in love with this place.  When I returned home and began singing the praises of my find other friends who'd traveled abroad joined in.  I learned, unbelievably, that it was a chain of shops that began in France.

So, you cannot imagine how thrilled I was when I learned they were coming here.  And almost in my backyard! With Natick and Assembly Row locations now open and Downtown Boston opening soon, you will have a choice and whichever one you visit will be, I'm sure, the same quality.

The macarons are my favorite and, without question, on par or better than any other in Boston.  For that alone it's worth the trip.

Paul Bakery
Assembly Row
631 Assembly Row
Somerville, MA  02145
Telephone:  617.440.1049

Photo Credits:  Lisa Richov