New BBC Series Tells the Story of Selfridge London's Legendary Merchant

Well, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has done it again. This time their winning series is Mr. Selfridge, the story of the rise and fall of Harry Gordon Selfridge, American merchant extraordinaire.

And although Selfridge began his career in Chicago at Marshall Field, it was in London that he won lasting fame as the founder of Selfridges Department Store. Within its elegant walls, he redefined the shopping experience from one of merely purchasing an item into an exciting and singular experience.

He was the first to connect celebrities to in-store product promotion. He created such lasting marketing phrases as “Only XX days left ‘til Christmas” and “The customer is always right”. He blended dining, relaxation and style into a new form of client interaction that still affects our world today.

When a restaurant trains their wait staff to be informative rather than aggressive, they can thank Selfridge for establishing that prescient.  When diners are aware of (and expecting to enjoy) exotic ingredients from around the world, again it was Selfridge who first suggested such items should be offered to shoppers along with the traditionally expected.

Based on Lindy Woodhead’s book, Shopping, Seduction & Mr. Selfridge (not excluding, of course, Selfridge’s own text, The Romance of Commerce), the new series traces Selfridge raise to the heights of Edwardian society (complete with his very own castle) to the sadder days of the Great Depression and World War II.

Definitely a must-watch series, Mr. Selfridge offers a glimpse into the mind of a brilliant, yet very human, man whose courage and creativity still inspires us today, right down to the phrase, “How may we serve you?”

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2013

Hurray for Christmas Gingerbread Houses Large or Small

Nothing heralds the arrival of Christmas like the appearance of gingerbread houses.

And although there are two forms of gingerbread (a soft form called Lebkuchen and a harder form), it is the stiffer dough that is associated with constructing gingerbread houses).

This firmer German style gingerbread has long been linked the sweet-covered witch’s house in the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. The Brothers Grimm were the first to write down the story of the brave witch-battling brother and sister in 1812.

But the story did not begin there. Folk historians believe the events that prompted the fairy tale sprang from the tragic days of the Great European Famine of 1315–1321 when massive famine caused desperate parents to abandon their young children in the hope the children could find food elsewhere.  Sadly most died wandering lost in barren drought-striken landscapes.

This tragic tale is so closely associated with gingerbread that the story’s evil child-eating witch is named “Frau Pfefferkuchenhau”.  Her name actually means "gingerbread house" in German.

Later these houses, covered with a stunning array of colorful candies and decorative icings were built in surely happier times to reassure both parents and children that such dark days would never return again.

Today children around the world delight in making and visiting gingerbread house collections. In the United States one of the most elegant is at the White House. Indeed it is a model of the White House itself, complete with a healthy kitchen garden and a model of the Obamas’ beloved pet dog, Bo. 

In London it is the grand Dorchester Hotel that elicits cries of delight. And why not - their gingerbread 'house' captures the essence of their grand structure. Afternoon tea anyone? Say yes - say yes!

But it is in Bergen, Norway that you will find an entire city made of gingerbread houses. Each year the city sponsors Pepperkakebyen, the Norwegian name meaning "Gingerbread City".

It is the world's largest such assemble of gingerbread houses with each child in the town (under the age of 12 please) entitled to make their own house for what must be one of the world’s sweetest Christmas cities’.

So take heart - it’s not too late to found your very own town. After all, Santa Claus has had his very own town for centuries! What would you name your's? 

Post Note, November 30, 2012: If you're wondering what the rest of the White House decorations look like, take a fun walk-though with Bo, the First Family's beloved pet dog.

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012

Fortnum & Mason Gets Ready to Set Christmas Holiday Decorating Trends

Thanksgiving is only a few days away which means that the Christmas season will soon be upon us. But have no fear - Fortnum & Mason is near.

For whether you live in London (lucky you!) or anywhere else, London's legendary store is close at hand, thanks to the Internet and the international post and, of course, the original founders William Fortnum and Hugh Mason. 

From candles and tea to the Scotch Eggs (which they invented), everyone every where, who enjoy the best, love the robin blue boxes that have been a hallmark of style for over 300 years.

Among those who have relied on Fortnum & Mason for the best in gourmet delights are Queen Victoria, Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra - even explorers on Mt. Everest and weary soldiers in distant battle zones. 

And this year Fortnum & Mason has created holiday treats that will be equally treasured.

From traditional English Christmas crackers (the pull apart type) to elegant tree trimmings, Fortnum's has it all and this year they are celebrating all things London.

And why not - London has just completed a wonderful year that's includes the Queen's Diamond Jubilee AND the stunning Summer Olympics! Congratulations to all in London on a job well done!

Post Note, November 16, 2012: As the Lord Mayor of London says, " No one does Christmas like Fortnum's." And just to prove his point, here is the open of Fortnum's 2012 Holiday window displays...

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012

London's Soaring Shard Tower Was Designed on the Back of a Restaurant Menu

Change always concerns some people. And the proof of that statement is now being born out in London as Europe's newest AND tallest skyscraper, the Shard Tower, nears completion.

Developed by property magnate Irvine Sellar (who made his first fortune selling flared hip-hugger pants on Carnaby Street to the flower-power generation in 1960s) and designed by famed Italian architect Renzo Piano (Paris' Pompidou Centre was an early collaboration) first conceived this soaring structure on the back of a restaurant menu.

Yet the English Heritage Group is not impressed. They feel it is an intrusion on a World Heritage Site. They fear that the 1,016 feet building will alter the beloved skyline of London.

Leading members of the international business community have no such fears. Such style-defining firms as the Shangri-La Hotel system have already signed on as tenants, offering both rooms and restaurants with stunning high views.

For those still concerned, please remember that London has always been a city of change. Once Roman, it became medieval only to reshape itself after the Great Fire of 1666, thanks to the then 'modern' architect Christopher Wren. Even Hilter could not destroy a city so full of life and living history.

The Shard Tower is just another wonderful part of a City that's always reaching for the future, no matter the Age. And that is why London will delight all those who visit her now and in future - eternally young, classically grounded for this is how London has always soared towards the expression of its singular spirit. 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2012

New James Bond Movie SKYFALL Launches at Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar

Yes, James is back and just in time for the 50th anniversary of Hollywood’s longest and most successful film franchise. The new film, entitled Skyfall, will premiere in the fall of 2012 and stars once again the fabulous Daniel Craig.

And where did the over 100 reporters from around the world go to attend the film's press launch?

Why none other than the famed Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar in London.

If you doubt this amazing restaurant’s popularity with celebrities, just consider that Johnny Depp also appeared there for the press launch of his latest installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean series – On Stranger Tides. 

Given the setting for the film (water, water everywhere) – this legendary seafood restaurant seems the perfect destination for Depp and his fellow actors. (Not to mention the lucky attending members of the press – thank you Johnny!)

But back to Bond. The new film will be the 23^rd time Bond has dazzled and with Craig, acting as our daring savior from disaster, this film is sure to be a worldwide hit.

Speaking of worldwide, the film’s still closely guarded plot is projected to range from England to China to Istanbul and finally to Scotland.  Such a wealth of destinations is sure to trigger (pardon the pun) new culinary trends and flavors.

Hosting all this wonder at El Massimo is Chef Patron Massimo Riccioli himself.  

Beginning in Rome, he directed the culinary delights at La Rossetta, the oldest Michelin star rated restaurant in Italy.

Now London is the lucky city able to enjoy his memorable feasts from the sea to shining sea.

Let’s just hope that the celebrities attending the launch don’t forget to enjoy those vodka martinis that James made so very popular as they dine on the best that chef and the oceans can offer.  

To be sure, “Shaken, not stirred” should help boast beverage profits around the world as countless movie goers applaud Ian Flemings’ 007 hero one more time in true cinematic style. 

Your Culinary World copyright Ana Kinkaid/Peter Schlagel 2011