Dispatch, Riverside Debussy: An indulgent, fine-dining experience
Onboard the Riverside Debussy, you might pass by a nondescript door without second notice. The only thing that might make you pause is the sign outside: "Vintage Room."
What lies behind the door is an intimate and private dining experience for up to 10 people. The experience, which Riverside Luxury Cruises promotes as Michelin quality, can only be arranged once guests are onboard for $320 a person.
The first course: focaccia topped with tuna, foie gras and caviar. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman
My guest and I were invited to dine in the Vintage Room while on our Romantic Rhine cruise, where we indulged in an eight-course meal and wine pairings, along with five other passengers. The exclusive dining experience was orchestrated by executive chef Simeon Petkov and sous chef Timea Magony, while the accompanying wines were selected by sommelier Branko Lazic.
The experience was a delight, with the chef's creativity shining through. Petkov said the preparation for a Vintage Room dinner takes two days. The labor of love and attention to detail was apparent.
Braised ox cheek with celeriac, vanilla and beets. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman
We started our evening with a glass of Tattinger Nocturne, a champagne made from 40% Chardonnay and 60 % Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes from 35 vineyards.
Our first course was the perfect, decadent starter: a crispy slice of focaccia topped with tuna, buttery foie gras and caviar.
The decadence didn't stop after that.
The Summer Awakening dessert. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman
We enjoyed dish after dish, brought out by a team of attentive servers: lobster tail with pea foam, pineapple salsa and saffron cream; braised ox cheek (a dish Petkov had highlighted during our interview as one he was particularly proud of) with celeriac, vanilla and beets; a lime cucumber mint sorbet made with gin and topped with popping sugar and champagne; a venison filet with charred vegetables, truffle potato foam and dark chocolate jus; a goat cheese tart with truffle honey, red onion jam and fig; a dessert called Summer Awakening, made with a citrusy custard and sorbet; and petit fours to finish the meal.
The venison was my favorite bite of the entire meal, and maybe my favorite of the entire trip. The meat's flavor wasn't gamey and was cooked to a perfect medium rare.
Venison filet with charred vegetables, truffle potato foam and dark chocolate jus -- the best bite of the meal. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman
Our wines paired perfectly with our dishes: Brundlmayer Gruner Vietliner; Robert Mondavi Chardonnay; Gaja Sito Moresco (a blend of Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and my favorite drink of the night); Mas La Plana from Bodegas Torres; and Royal Tokaji Furmint, a dessert wine.
As we enjoyed our pairings, Petkov walked us through each dish, discussing his approach to the creative menu, while Lazic ornately described the wines' notes and the vineyards that produced the grapes.
After hours of indulging and enjoying every bite, the magical evening was over, leaving a lasting impression.
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Travel Weekly
5 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Dispatch, Riverside Debussy: An indulgent, fine-dining experience
Onboard the Riverside Debussy, you might pass by a nondescript door without second notice. The only thing that might make you pause is the sign outside: "Vintage Room." What lies behind the door is an intimate and private dining experience for up to 10 people. The experience, which Riverside Luxury Cruises promotes as Michelin quality, can only be arranged once guests are onboard for $320 a person. The first course: focaccia topped with tuna, foie gras and caviar. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman My guest and I were invited to dine in the Vintage Room while on our Romantic Rhine cruise, where we indulged in an eight-course meal and wine pairings, along with five other passengers. The exclusive dining experience was orchestrated by executive chef Simeon Petkov and sous chef Timea Magony, while the accompanying wines were selected by sommelier Branko Lazic. The experience was a delight, with the chef's creativity shining through. Petkov said the preparation for a Vintage Room dinner takes two days. The labor of love and attention to detail was apparent. Braised ox cheek with celeriac, vanilla and beets. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman We started our evening with a glass of Tattinger Nocturne, a champagne made from 40% Chardonnay and 60 % Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes from 35 vineyards. Our first course was the perfect, decadent starter: a crispy slice of focaccia topped with tuna, buttery foie gras and caviar. The decadence didn't stop after that. The Summer Awakening dessert. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman We enjoyed dish after dish, brought out by a team of attentive servers: lobster tail with pea foam, pineapple salsa and saffron cream; braised ox cheek (a dish Petkov had highlighted during our interview as one he was particularly proud of) with celeriac, vanilla and beets; a lime cucumber mint sorbet made with gin and topped with popping sugar and champagne; a venison filet with charred vegetables, truffle potato foam and dark chocolate jus; a goat cheese tart with truffle honey, red onion jam and fig; a dessert called Summer Awakening, made with a citrusy custard and sorbet; and petit fours to finish the meal. The venison was my favorite bite of the entire meal, and maybe my favorite of the entire trip. The meat's flavor wasn't gamey and was cooked to a perfect medium rare. Venison filet with charred vegetables, truffle potato foam and dark chocolate jus -- the best bite of the meal. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman Our wines paired perfectly with our dishes: Brundlmayer Gruner Vietliner; Robert Mondavi Chardonnay; Gaja Sito Moresco (a blend of Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and my favorite drink of the night); Mas La Plana from Bodegas Torres; and Royal Tokaji Furmint, a dessert wine. As we enjoyed our pairings, Petkov walked us through each dish, discussing his approach to the creative menu, while Lazic ornately described the wines' notes and the vineyards that produced the grapes. After hours of indulging and enjoying every bite, the magical evening was over, leaving a lasting impression.
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Forbes
How To Spend A Weekend In Cirencester: The Cotswolds
How To Spend A Weekend In Cirencester. getty Cirencester, known as the 'capital of the Cotswolds,' is an ancient market town founded by the Romans—once the second-largest town in Roman Britain after London—today, peppered with swathes of honey-colored independent shops, cute cafés, and fine art galleries. Strolling along its charming cobblestone streets, you'll be troubled not to uncover a myriad of historic jewels, from its gothic parish church of St John the Baptist to Cirencester's Roman amphitheater (open all day; free of charge), built in the second century, for 8,000 onlooking spectators. Or, pay a visit to its Roman-themed Corinium Museum, surf through its Market Place (a Farmer's Market is held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month), sip a pint at the 15th-century Black Horse—the oldest pub in town—and catch a glorious sunset at Earl Bathurst's 3,000-acre estate, Cirencester Park. But if you're looking to go further afield, Cirencester can serve as the perfect pillow stop while venturing deeper into the quintessentially English Cotswolds—from pretty chocolate-box villages to secret garden spas and gastropub-galore. So here is our guide on where to sleep, eat, and explore in the 'capital of the Cotswolds'—and beyond. Orchard Stable Luxury Cottages Nestled in the Cotswolds village of Ampney Crucis—just over 3 miles from Cirencester—the Orchard Stable is a chic 2-bedroom countryside retreat, set within Ampneyfield Farm, housing two other luxury barn conversions (The Milking Parlour and Haymaker Barn—ideal for group stays). Snaking across a little patio guarded by towering European hornbeams and an apple orchard, you'll reach the pretty barn door of this charming honey-stone cottage. Inside, spill into its cozy, open-plan kitchen-come-living room, elegant and homely, dressed in Cotswolds stone with exposed oak beams, a full-size pistachio kitchen (with a fridge freezer, electric oven, microwave, induction hob, dishwasher, and Nespresso coffee machine), a Victorian writing desk, and little country touches like vintage polo sticks, cricket bat trunks, and Edwardian shoe trees. Here, you can graze on grand feasts, sat at your farmhouse banquette table, or sink into comfy cotton sofas as you peruse Netflix, wrapped in snuggly woolen throws, with a toasty log burner. Orchard Stable Luxury Cottages Step up through an iron-latched door into a second snug living room with cross-stitched sofas, a vintage globe, art deco paintings, and a cool antique leather trunk—all hidden behind long wedgewood-style drapes. Meanwhile, a winding staircase flows into two attic master bedrooms, both evoking snug countryside-chic, with low beams, blown glass lanterns, skylight windows, super king beds (with fluffy woolen throws), and quirky farmyard prints—one with a direct en-suite (and an in-bedroom deep soaking tub) and the other with a small adjacent bathroom wrapped in pretty Parisian tiles with a rainfall shower. A secret door upstairs, however, reveals an iron staircase descending to a beautiful private courtyard—all yours—with whispering birch trees and an aromatic herb garden. This is Cotswolds utopia. Nestled in The Old Kennels of Cirencester Park, Roots + Seeds serves sustainable, farm-to-fork cuisine—utilizing suppliers within a 25-mile radius, alongside home-grown ingredients freshly picked, every morning, from its on-site Kitchen Garden (with a goal to hit 75% home-grown this year). Join for its famous Sunday lunch—grazing on starters like Welsh rarebit crumpet or prawn cocktail—before feasting on its Mixed Roast Sharing Board ($32 per person) made up of tender chicken pies, giant fluffy Yorkshire puddings, pork loin roulade, blades of beef, crispy roast potatoes, and rich creamed spinach. Pair it with tickling cocktails, from the Roots + Seeds Gin and Tonic to Kitchen Garden Chilli Margaritas (made with homemade chili syrup). The Crown Jake Eastham Once a 16th-century coaching inn, The Crown is an award-winning gastro pub in Ampney Crucis, nestled within the 24-bedroom boutique hotel, Wild Thyme & Honey—wrapped in Cotswolds stone, with rustic furniture, antler chandeliers, and cozy crackling fireplaces. As night falls, it offers a low-lit, romantic feel, where couples graze on small plates of 'Nduja Scotch egg, hot honey kissed burrata, and sesame prawn & squid crumpets—followed by glazed pork belly, char-grilled smoked haddock fillet, or a smoky 28-day dry-aged steak burger, cooked over glowing coals, Robata Grill style. Top tip—look out for its legendary Steak Night Experience, held every Friday—and stay overnight afterward in its lavish No. 3 London Road suite ($675 per night). Garden Room The Double Red Duke A 35-minute drive from Cirencester, in the tiny village of Clanfield, The Double Red Duke is well worth the visit—a quintessential Cotswolds pub and boutique hotel—bearing 19 lovingly-furnished rooms (think vintage furniture, Roberts radios, and roll-top baths), a beautiful beer garden with candy-striped parasols, and a snug spa set in a shepherd's hut (double rooms from $250 per night). Saunter along to the Garden Room with sexy olive booths, Greek busts, stained glass windows, and caged lanterns, as waiters—dressed in boiler jackets—whiz around with plates of crab rolls, beef tartare, and devilled lamb's kidneys. Juicy steak cuts are the real showstopper, however, with what's up for grabs scribbled on chalkboards and crossed out as locals waltz inside and take their pickings—from T-bone to thick Black Angus ribs—served with bone marrow mash or belly-filling chunky chips. Broad Avenue The Bathurst Estate The Grade I listed Cirencester Park has presided as the crowning jewel of the Bathurst Family for over 300 years—set across 3,000 acres, hosting calendar scribble-worthy events from adrenaline-pumping horse trials to the annual Cotswold Show, surrounded by striking sculptures, sweeping loop horse-riding routes (up to 8.5 kilometers) through Oakley and Hailey Wood, and the world's tallest yew hedge (park entry; $5 per person). Visit 'The Mansion,' as it's known locally, built by the 1st Earl (believed to be built on the same site as the original Cirencester Castle) on private tours held on selected days throughout the year ($35 per person), grab some doggy ice-cream from Beano in the Park, or visit the Cirencester Park Polo Club, established in 1894. Boasting 11 polo grounds, a polo academy, and its famous Pavillion Restaurant (serving decadent four-course lunches)—it has hosted some of the most influential figures of the world, from George VI to the Maharaja of Jaipur, the sultan of Brunei and the current Royal Family. The Pig in the Cotswolds Jake Eastham Dwarfing the Cotswolds village of Barnsley, just four miles from Cirencester, THE PIG-in the Cotswolds is a sumptuous Grade II-listed manor house hotel boasting original ornamental gardens designed by Rosemary Verey. Meander along the garden path, and you'll uncover its stone-walled spa, where you can indulge in contouring facials (using Gua Sha stones), volcanic hot stone massages, LED-lamp manicures and pedicures, Himalayan pink exfoliation scrubs, and full-body wraps (massages and facials from $170 for 60 minutes; $210 for 90 minutes). Afterward, retire to the Relaxation Room—wrapped in Cotswolds stone with Turkish rugs, candlestick alcoves, and giant floral murals, as you stretch out on a floral chaise lounge and sip ginger tea with dates and dried apricots for grazing. Or, make use of the outdoor hydrotherapy plunge pool, rattan loungers, and herb-scented sauna and steam room at the Fieldhouse (complimentary access for hotel guests only). Just across the road from the Fieldhouse sits The Village Pub, also owned by The Pig; an eccentric inn (with just six bedrooms) dressed with antique portraits, Hogarth prints, deer heads, and timeworn wingback sofas. Here, you'll devour small plates of pork pies and honey-coated chipolatas—while pub staples include smoked mackerel, devilled eggs, pork chops, or the Village Pub Ploughman's—paired with fine local ales on tap. Housing one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities from Corinium, Roman Britain's second-largest city, Corinium Museum (in Cirencester's town center) showcases exhibits from the Roman and Neolithic periods, all the way up to Victorian times—where you'll uncover the tools of prehistoric metal smiths, gawp at Roman mosaics, and discover Anglo Saxon grave goods (tickets from $11 per person). Rowing boat picnic on the Thames Cotswold Canoe Hire Dreaming of a romantic row along the River Thames? Head to the town of Lechlade on Thames at the edge of the Cotswolds (a 26-minute drive from Cirencester), where you can opt for Cotswold Canoe Hire's two-hour Rowing Boat Picnic on the Thames. Drifting along the River Windrush, padded with comfy cushions and wrapped up in snuggly blankets, you'll indulge in a Premium River Windrush hamper—think smoked salmon and cream cheese bloomers, fresh bacon and brie baguettes, homemade scotch eggs and sausage rolls, mini quiches, sweet cakes, and more—as you hear the gentle paddle of elegant swans heading for St Kenelm's Church ($135 per couple). Travelers in London can hop on a 70-minute direct train with Great Western Railway from London Paddington to Kemble. From there, it's a 11-minute cab drive to Cirencester. To book the Orchard Stable, visit For more information on the Cotswolds, visit
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
History of London's rollercoaster railway where 'passengers can be the driver'
Like a rollercoaster ride in slow-motion, travelling the elevated lines of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has become a much-loved experience for many Londoners. First opened in 1987, the railway has grown into a series of interconnecting routes over the years, stretching from the City to south east London. Initially built to serve the Docklands in the hope of spurring redevelopment in the area, the first trains ran from Tower Gateway or Stratford to Island Gardens. The trains were fully automated and driverless, giving passengers the opportunity to pretend to be a train driver for the day (let's be honest, we've all done it). READ MORE - Over the coming weeks, we'll be using maps to tell you the story of each of TfL's lines. The images used in this story have been provided by TfL Corporate Archives. To find out more about the history of the London Underground visit TfL's Google Arts and Culture page - London Tube map from 1988 showing the initial DLR branches from Stratford and Tower Gateway to Island Gardens (Image: TfL Corporate Archives) A station at Bank, which connected to the existing line through an Underground tunnel, was opened in 1991. Three years afterwards, an extension to the railway between Poplar and Beckton was in operation. Tube map from 1994 showing the extension between Poplar and Beckton (Image: TfL Corporate Archives) Before the end of the Millenium, a further expansion of the route had been built, taking trains underneath the River Thames from Island Gardens to Lewisham. The south side of the Royal Docks was the next area to benefit from the DLR, with a new branch between Canning Town and King George V opening in 2005. DLR map from 1997 (Image: TfL Corporate Archives) Four years later, an extension of this spur under the river brought trains to Woolwich Arsenal. In 2011, ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, the newest section of the DLR opened, between Stratford International and Canning Town via West Ham. Tube map from 2000 showing DLR extension to Lewisham (Image: TfL Corporate Archives) The first of 54 new walk-through, air-conditioned trains are expected to be rolled out on the network before the end of this year. A further extension of the Beckton branch is also expected over the next decade, with new stops at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. Today, the railway spans 34km of track and calls at 45 stations on three separate branches.
