In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Sir Toby Belch asks, "Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale?" Well, fear not, virtuous Anglotopia readers! You can get your fill of both at The Shakespeare Pub and at Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe and Afternoon Tea in sunny San Diego, California. I want to give a shout out to my brother-in-law, a long-time … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Cakes and Ale in San Diego at The Shakespeare Pub
Eating British in America: Double-Decker Dining – British Buses Turned Into Restaurants and Cafes in the USA
The jaunty red double-decker bus is one of the most iconic symbols of England. Routemaster double-decker buses plied the streets of London for almost 50 years, and modern versions still roam London today. Other versions of the double-decker have also been used in London and across the country. Over the years, many old Routemasters and their descendants have made their way to … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Double-Decker Dining – British Buses Turned Into Restaurants and Cafes in the USA
Eating British in America: Enjoy the Best of British in Davenport, Florida
I took a road trip back in May, and naturally, I prepared for it by researching British and Irish shops and restaurants along my route from Chicago to Orlando. That's how I discovered Best of British Café and Pub in Davenport, Florida, a relative newcomer to the Eating British in America scene. Owners Anne and Jimmy Jones are originally from Durham, England. They bring great … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Enjoy the Best of British in Davenport, Florida
Eating British in America: Taste of Britain Shares the UK with Georgia
I’ve visited British stores all over the United States, but despite numerous trips to Georgia, I’d never visited Taste of Britain in Norcross, Georgia, until this year. As soon as I stepped through the door, I realized I’d been missing out on a fantastic Eating British in America experience! This venerable store has been around since 1989, and during that time, the store’s … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Taste of Britain Shares the UK with Georgia
Eating British in America: Brit’s Brings a Classic Pub Experience to Minneapolis
I stumbled across Brit’s Pub and Eating Establishment in Minneapolis shortly after it opened in 1990, and right away, I knew it was a special place. It's grown even better with age, and it's always at the top of my "Must Do" list when I'm in town. STEP INTO A CLASSIC Brit's is located on Nicollet Mall, a popular shopping and dining corridor in the heart of downtown … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Brit’s Brings a Classic Pub Experience to Minneapolis
Eating British in America: Exploring the World of Tea at Charleston Tea Garden
As Anglotopia readers know, the British drink a lot of tea. Per capita, tea consumption in the UK averages 4.3 pounds a year, and in Ireland, it averages almost five pounds a year. Last March, I wrote a column called Finding Comfort in a Cup of Tea, which discusses the many forms that tea drinking takes in the UK, from a quick mug of tea during a mid-morning break all the way … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Exploring the World of Tea at Charleston Tea Garden
Eating Irish in America: Fiddler’s Hearth, South Bend’s Salute to the Celtic Nations
In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, I'm highlighting one of my favorite Irish-American pubs, Fiddler’s Hearth in South Bend, Indiana. As a Celtic pub, Fiddler’s also celebrates the food, drink, and cultures of Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, and Galicia, which adds to the fun. I’ve visited dozens of Irish pubs across America over the years, and Fiddler’s … [Read more...] about Eating Irish in America: Fiddler’s Hearth, South Bend’s Salute to the Celtic Nations
Eating British in America: The Iconic AGA Cooker
I’ve been dishing up lots of soups, stews, and other cold weather comfort foods lately, and thinking about comfort foods reminded me of one of my favorite British kitchen icons: the AGA cooker. I read a lot of Mills & Boon novels when I was growing up, and I remember being mystified by the occasional references to AGAs. These seemingly magical appliances could roast a … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: The Iconic AGA Cooker
Eating British in America: Jungle Jim’s Caters to Your British Cravings
Jungle Jim’s International Market is both a multicultural festival and a supermarket on steroids. The Ohio landmark is the brainchild of Jim Bonaminio, who started selling produce from a truck by the side of the road in the early 1970s. Bonaminio opened his first brick-and-mortar store in Fairfield, Ohio - about 25 miles from Cincinnati - in 1975. The space has been expanded … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Jungle Jim’s Caters to Your British Cravings
Eating British in America: The Joys of Cider
Autumn is the time of year when our thoughts turn to apples. When I was growing up, that meant visiting apple orchards, drinking fresh apple cider, and making taffy apples. However, I’d never heard of hard cider until a trip to England in the early 1990s. In the British Isles, 'cider' refers to an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It was the first thing I … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: The Joys of Cider
Eating British in America: The CODFather, South Carolina’s Proper Chippy
Ask the average American what they know about British cuisine, and their answer will probably include fish and chips. According to the UK's National Federation of Fish Friers, there are more than 10,000 fish and chip shops in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These shops, which are often referred to as chippies, are the guardians of one of the UK's most popular … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: The CODFather, South Carolina’s Proper Chippy
Eating British in America: Stay-at-Home Baking for Anglophiles – Tips, Resources, and Share Your Bakes!
Have you been bitten by the baking bug? Baking has become an extraordinarily popular pastime during these “safer-at-home” days. Stores have been running out of flour as fast as they can stock it, and Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are filled with pictures of homemade bread, cakes, cookies, and other tempting treats. In my last column, Finding Comfort in a Cup of Tea, I wrote … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Stay-at-Home Baking for Anglophiles – Tips, Resources, and Share Your Bakes!
Eating British in America: Finding Comfort in a Cup of Tea
“In Britain, a cup of tea is the answer to every problem. Fallen off your bicycle? Nice cup of tea. Your house has been destroyed by a meteorite? Nice cup of tea and a biscuit. Your entire family has been eaten by a Tyrannosaurus Rex that has travelled through a space/time portal? Nice cup of tea and a piece of cake.” Mr Stink by David Walliams Originally, I planned to … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Finding Comfort in a Cup of Tea
Eating British in America: Pancake Day and Easter Treats
This month I’m looking at Shrove Tuesday and Easter food traditions from the British Isles and sharing ideas for enjoying these traditions in America. You’re probably familiar with Shrove Tuesday, even if you don’t realize it. It’s the day before Ash Wednesday. In the United States, it’s better known as Fat Tuesday - the last day of Mardi Gras - but if you’re British, Shrove … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Pancake Day and Easter Treats
Eating British in America: The Enduring Popularity of the Pasty
Cornish pasties are hearty, hand-held pies traditionally filled with beef, potatoes, onions, and turnips (also known as swedes or rutabagas). I love the traditional filling, so that's what I stick with when I make them, but pasties come in a wide variety of flavors. For example, the Cornish Pasty Co. in Arizona makes traditional pasties and more than two dozen additional … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: The Enduring Popularity of the Pasty
Eating British in America: Favorite Christmas Foods
British foods have been an important part of the Sehy family's Christmas celebrations for more than 30 years. We're particularly fond of sausage rolls and desserts like chocolate Yule logs and sherry trifle. Are you interested in adding more British foods to your holiday gatherings? Then read on for lots of ideas. TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS FOODS It would be easy to assume that … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Favorite Christmas Foods
Eating British in America: Tina’s Traditional Brings English Teatime to Indiana
No discussion of British food would be complete without a mention of afternoon tea. Many Americans consider it to be the quintessential English meal, and although few Brits sit down to lavish Downton Abbey-style spreads on a regular basis, tea and teatime treats are still a big part of the national psyche. This month I’m featuring Tina’s Traditional Tea Room, with locations in … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Tina’s Traditional Brings English Teatime to Indiana
Eating British in America: A Guide to Hearty Autumn British Fare
For my husband, autumn means it’s time to start making chili. As an Anglophile, I start thinking about hearty British dishes like bangers and mash, Cornish pasties, and shepherd’s pie. I’m sure many Anglotopia readers feel the same way, so this month’s column focuses on finding recipes and provisions to make your favorite British comfort foods at home. FINDING RECIPES I’ve … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: A Guide to Hearty Autumn British Fare
Eating British in America: Balmoral Restaurant Brings Fine Scottish Dining to Illinois
I recently discovered an outstanding Scottish restaurant about 40 miles west of Chicago in Campton Hills, Illinois. Balmoral Restaurant just celebrated its first anniversary in July, and ordinarily, I wouldn't write about a place with such a short track record. However, when I dined there in June, I was so impressed with the quality of the food, the scope of the menu, and the … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Balmoral Restaurant Brings Fine Scottish Dining to Illinois
Eating British in America: The Queen Vic, A Small Slice of the UK in Washington DC
Do you love a good British pub? Then head to the Queen Vic in Washington, DC, where you’ll find a large selection of British beers, great pub grub, and a warm welcome from owners Ryan Gordon, his Welsh wife, Roneeka Bhagotra, and their friend, Kevin Bombardier. The hands-on trio opened the Queen Vic in 2011, and you’ll often find one of them on the premises, as I did when I … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: The Queen Vic, A Small Slice of the UK in Washington DC
Eating British in America: Myers of Keswick, New York City’s British Grocer
Anglophiles will revel in a visit to New York City’s venerable British grocery store, Myers of Keswick (pronounced ‘Kezzick’). The first thing that catches your eye as you approach the West Village store is the jaunty striped awning. Take a closer look and you’ll find that the windows are filled with beloved British products like Weetabix, HP Sauce, Bird’s custard, and Green’s … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Myers of Keswick, New York City’s British Grocer
Eating British in America: Dining with a Dose of British Attitude
Editor's Note: Let's give a big Anglotopia welcome to Colleen Sehy, who is going to write about British food in America for Anglotopia. Welcome to my new monthly column, Eating British in America. I’ve spent more than 35 years traveling across the United States exploring places with links to the British Isles. My travels increased significantly while I was conducting research … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Dining with a Dose of British Attitude