We spent the first part of our trip exploring rural England (the Cotswolds!) on foot. We stayed at the totally amazing Barnsley House (if you find a reason to splurge- stay here!) where we ate well, slept well and spent our days walking through farms, pastures and woods, befriending both locals and local sheep. We ate delicious pub food (and drank “real ale”) and had porridge with whiskey for breakfast (brilliant!). It was a really beautiful time and I can’t wait to go back.
We then moved on to London, where we spent our days wandering around museums, parks and department stores. We enjoyed learning what a flat white was, and then we enjoyed drinking one. On my birthday (how much fun can be packed into one month?!) we had lunch at Dinner, the new Heston Blumenthal enterprise. It was fantastically good and just the friendliest most pleasant place to enjoy a leisurely lunch. Another splurge, but we were honeymooning! The “meat fruit” (look it up) was spectacular, as was the tipsy cake (which I am determined to recreate at home). For dinner that night, we ate at Lunch- just kidding! We ate at NOPI, the new restaurant by Yotam Ottolenghi and his crew. That meal was my favorite of the trip. It is one of the most beautifully designed restaurant spaces I have ever seen (even the bathrooms!) and I loved literally every single thing I ate. Such a friendly bunch working there that you felt right at home. This is what all restaurants should be, full of love and good energy. We also enjoyed breakfast at The Wolseley, dinner with dear friends at Dishoom, the most delicious caramel ice cream at St. John and wonderful everything at Ottolenghi. It was a fantastic few days.
I have an overwhelming amount of love for Paris. I don’t know what I am going to do about it. Delicious meals at old favorites like Paul Bert, La Palette, Chez Omar, and Da Rosa. Heaps of pastry from Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, Fauchon, and La Pâtisserie des Rêves. I became obsessed with the pain d’epices from Poilâne, which I was smart enough to bring back with me. This time around, the standout meal was at Vivant. It is an incredibly beautiful space and the food is simple and perfect. A starter of polenta topped with mushrooms and buffalo mozzarella knocked my socks off. The organic wine pairings were incredible (even when they got super weird), and the big bowl of raspberries we ate for dessert was the perfect finish. We spent our days eating and wandering, sometimes stopping in favorite shops. It was hard to leave.
It was the best trip and totally inspiring. I have a list of things I ate on the trip that I want to try to recreate here. I came home re-energized and happy to be back in my kitchen.
A of Little Alexander says:
October 28th, 2011 at 8:46 am
That sounds like the perfect trip to me, walking and eating in beautiful places :) Congratulations again, you two. (And I look forward to reading about your version of tipsy cake, once you’ve got it figured out).
Nishta says:
October 28th, 2011 at 8:51 am
Is it slightly stalker-ish to say that I have been checking back regularly, hoping for wedding pics?
Honeymoon looks like it was just about perfect. Hooray!
Kathryn says:
October 28th, 2011 at 8:53 am
I still have dreams about the tipsy cake at Dinner! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip and such wonderful pictures!
Tim says:
October 28th, 2011 at 8:56 am
Thanks, all!
Nishta, I’ll share some wedding pics, I am doing things in reverse order for some reason. I actually have no idea why I did that. Oh well, soon.
NicoleD says:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:04 am
Looks amazing!!
betht says:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:11 am
You are amazing and I am elated for you. Looks like an awesome trip.
Tim says:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:18 am
Thanks, Beth! You are amazing. I hope there is a reunion soon. xo
amelia says:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:24 am
WOW. just wow!! what an amazing trip! Those first few photos look like they might be stills from the movie The Trip, which was hilarious but also filled with such beautiful shots of the English countryside. Aaaanyway: WOW. And yes, wedding photos please!
Judi says:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:26 am
What a glorious trip! SO HAPPY for you two!!!!
kickpleat says:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:28 am
Sounds like a wonderful trip! Your pictures are gorgeous as are your descriptions of your meals. Want to hear more about this tipsy cake!! Hip hip Hooray for honeymoons!!
Tim says:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:34 am
Thanks, friends! Amelia, I had not heard of that film until now. Looks good. Will watch. xo
Angharad says:
October 28th, 2011 at 9:34 am
Congrats again, Tim. This was such a lovely round up to read (and of course got me selfishly excited for my own trip to the UK!). Love the picture of you and the sheep :)
Sarah says:
October 28th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Congrats!! What an amazing honeymoon. I loved reading it because I worked in London this summer and took a side trip to Paris. It brought back many wonderful memories.
On your next trip, check out Scotland. Edinburgh blew me away.
Sasha says:
October 28th, 2011 at 10:16 am
beautiful pictures and a beautiful honeymoon! your description of eating in london and paris is making me want to book a flight.
Tim says:
October 28th, 2011 at 10:18 am
Sarah- Edinburgh is high on our list! Bryan lived there for a while, but I have never been and am anxious to check it out.
Sasha- Book a flight!
Katie says:
October 28th, 2011 at 11:05 am
I’ve only set foot in the CDG Airport as far as Paris goes, where I still managed to stuff my face with Ladurée goodies. I am definitely keeping this post close at hand for when I get to go to Paris for real. Sounds like you had an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing :)
p.s. I love the picture of you and the rows of bread.
melodi says:
October 28th, 2011 at 11:24 am
I adore your blog – pore over every entry, then go back and wistfully reminisce about the recipes, your stories, everything.
How cool is the picture of your shadows upstaging the Eiffel Tower??
So happy for you both!
Much Love and Congratulations!
Marcia says:
October 28th, 2011 at 11:43 am
Charming. All of it. Simply charming.
Liliana says:
October 28th, 2011 at 11:51 am
Beautiful pictures! Congratulations to you both and best of luck.
Pam @ Sticks Forks Fingers says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
If your time was a lovely as your photos, you are lucky men! Thanks for sharing your joy and love. The world can use all of that we can find!
Offering my very best virtual friendship to you and Bryan. May a lifetime of happiness, healthy challenges and deep joy be yours.
tracy says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Congrats!!!!
I love the that cloud swirl in the sheep picture. So much awesomeness. Looking forward to seeing more from the big day!
eranfaraway says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
What a lovely adventure! I took notes for a future visit. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the tispy cake, I would love to have the opportunity to recreate your recreation!
January says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
This looks so wonderful. Did you get any fresh sheep cheese from your sheep friends in Country England? It seems as though this was inspiring.
Kim Lennert says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Looks fantastic! Congrats! I am sure we will see more of this trip!
SG says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
amazing! i love all your pictures ( you + a sheep!) and everything looks full of love. You two are so cute and I can’t wait to see the wedding pictures. Congratulations!! Very much looking forward to your recreations.
Rebecca H. says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
What a wonderful trip! Congrats to you guys!
linda says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
mog…what a wonderful honeymoon…a treasure!
glad you are inspired & we all look forward to reaping the benefits!
all the VERY VERY BEST to you & bryan!!
Caffettiera says:
October 28th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
i m such a lucky gal to be living in the uk- I recognized it immediately although it was weirdly sunny! I guess it was a special wedding present for you guys. Congratulations again!
Stephanie says:
October 28th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Looks like an amazing honeymoon!! Congrats to both of you! I’m sitting here totally envious of your travels!
Kelly says:
October 28th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
congratulations! you two make a handsome and happy couple!
your trip sounds amazing.
Julie says:
October 28th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Congratulations! What a fabulous trip to celebrate your wedding. I hope we’ll hear more. Thank you for the great pics.
tj says:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
…Congratulations you two and what a lovely, lovely honeymoon! That is the stuff dreams are made of! :o)
…That photo of you and the sheep? Priceless! *giggle*
…Wishing you:
May your troubles be less
And your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door.
…Best Wishes & Blessings too :o)
amanda says:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Absolutely delighted for you!
Jacqui says:
October 28th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
What a lovely trip for you two! Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to see your cooking inspiration!
charlotte au chocolat says:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Sounds wonderful! Congrats!!!
Tim says:
October 28th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Thanks for all of the warm wishes! It makes us both very happy. xo
Sheila says:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Aw, congratulations to both of you! You two are a very handsome couple! And I can’t help but admire both of your readers. I know this might be strange, but could you tell me where you purchased your eyeglasses? And just to let you know, I have impressed so many people because of your recipes! I made Tomato Cobbler a month ago, and my room mate still talks about it and continues to share your recipe! Thank you!
Shaheen says:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
So fun! Very happy for you, Tim. Looking forward to the wedding photos!
Kimberley says:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
I love all of this. Especially the top diptych, the two of you on a train. Congratulations, again! So awesome.
Carollina says:
October 28th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Mazel tov! It looks like it was a great trip. Enquiring minds want to know what you brought back in the empty suitcase you packed.
Tim says:
October 28th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
Thanks, friends!
Kimberly- Saveur loves you! Congrats!
Shaheen- Lucky you to be in France!
Shelia- Not strange, thanks for the compliment! Bryan’s are from Warby Parker (and were sort of unbelievably inexpensive) and mine are from a company called Dita.
Louise says:
October 28th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
I am heading to Paris in November so I will check out some of your suggestions – thank you!
Molly says:
October 29th, 2011 at 7:36 am
What a wonderful trip! Congratulations!
Sivan Harlap says:
October 29th, 2011 at 9:25 am
TIMMY!!! The pictures are gorgeous! This all looks and sounds amazing!! And I’m so glad you made it to Nopi and Ottolenghi (one of the owners is a friend of mine, thro my cousin.. arg just now thinking how you and Brian would have loved meeting Omer and Charles.. should have hooked you four up for a treat at canela or otto.. next time!) I already missed London.. now even more! Welcome home and take me with you next time!
michelle says:
October 29th, 2011 at 11:47 am
What a wondeful time by the sounds of it. I am so glad that you two had a wonderful time. I honestly look forward to what is going to be coming out from your kitchen. I would love to hear about the tipsy cake and other pastery inspirations….
emma says:
October 30th, 2011 at 3:12 am
wow, this sounds like the perfect honeymoon!
I just love all the places were you’ve been, and maybe we even were in Paris at the same time :)
I have to say I’m glad you’re back because I can’t wait to see your new recipes!
Louise says:
October 30th, 2011 at 3:13 pm
Your photos look like you had a terrific trip and some great food. And, at some future time, you can go back and do it all again. :-) I think we all look forward to some of your new recipes.
SKM says:
October 30th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
What a wonderful trip! Congrats and thanks for sharing such wonderful pics!
heather @ chiknpastry says:
October 30th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
congrats! the pics are gorgeous – I haven’t been to London or Paris yet, but hope too soon! can’t wait to see what you cook up now that you’re back :).
Dawn (KitchenTravels) says:
October 31st, 2011 at 11:19 am
You both look so relaxed and happy — just as it should be on a honeymoon. All the best to you! Thanks for sharing the great pics. The whole trip looks and sounds amazing. xo
Natalie says:
October 31st, 2011 at 6:56 pm
Congratulations! The trip sounds wonderful and it is obvious how happy you both are. Thanks so much for sharing.
Brian says:
November 1st, 2011 at 2:42 am
tim, big congrats and it’s so nice to see your travels in england & paris. looks like you ate very well…
(& mark my words: flat whites will be huge in the US in 2012)
cheers to you guys.
Gilda says:
November 1st, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Congratulations, Tim! Sounds like such an incredible, amazing, and lovely honeymoon! xoxo
Patty McEnaney says:
November 2nd, 2011 at 7:08 am
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your experiences and recommendations. The best picture (besides you and the sheep) is the last one of you two looking relaxed and content.
fernanda mendez says:
November 2nd, 2011 at 3:30 pm
your faces are pure happiness! congrats again!
Ellen says:
November 2nd, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Congratuations to y’all! What a wonderful trip and wedding! Your insights into the best haunts in Montreal were perfect for the honeymoon my wife and I took 2 (almost !!) years ago. We packed our bags full of wares from Les Touilleurs, I enjoy them every day!
Best to you, Ellen & Bridgette
Luisa says:
November 4th, 2011 at 6:30 am
You two are so handsome. The trip sounds like it was perfection. Hooray for honeymoons!
NMaret says:
November 5th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Congratulations
and Thank you for sharing!
goldenblind221 says:
November 6th, 2011 at 1:28 am
Aww, it makes me happy that you had a lovely time and are back safe and sound. :-)
Sara says:
November 7th, 2011 at 9:33 am
OMG, how cute are you two?? Congratulations on the wedding, Tim! And the honeymooning looks so fabulous. My heart swells thinking of Paris and how much I love it and what a great time you two must have had there and how great it always feels to be back from a wonderful trip. Wishing you all the best, and can’t wait to see what you’re cooking up soon!
sarah @ two tarts says:
November 28th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
WOW – stunning photos. I want to be there! And congrats :)
Rose says:
January 8th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
My favorite photo is the bread and you. Magnificient!
rachel says:
February 15th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Oh gosh. I just can’t tell you how much I agree with your love of Paris. The hubs and I just returned from a trip there about a month ago. When I saw the picture of Poilâne, I had a visceral reaction that can only be equated to a drug addict seeing someone getting a fix after they’ve sworn it off forever. I miss those pain du chocolate like they were a part of me that I have lost forever! I’m so glad you had a wonderful time, it looks like it was a trip of a lifetime and I hope Paris calls you back soon!