Hampton Court was first a Tudor Palace developed by Cardinal Wolsey and later Henry VIII, alongside a baroque palace built by William III and Mary II. In fact, the first buildings at Hampton Court belonged to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, a religious order founded in the 11th century. In the early 1500, Wolsey built a vast palace at Hampton Court, immeasurably transforming the private house into a magnificent bishop’s palace. Even if Henry VIII has more than 60 houses, his favorite always was Hampton Court. His six wives stayed there. We were very impress by the gardens all around the palace.
We return to London in mid-afternoon and we went shopping on Oxford street. Marcel bought jeans at John Lewis.
We had an apero at The Grenadier before having dinner at About Thyme. Thalking about gastronomy, I had to say that it is a shame to think London doesn't have much to offer in gastronomy matter. Well, that can be biased by a bad experience or based on a old misconception. I tried many restaurants, pubs and wine bars and I have many very positives experiences. Of course, I choose my places just like I do in Montreal, and of course some time my choices are not as expected but most of the time it is great gastronomic experience. From this trip, so far we've been impressed by Paradisio (italian), Vat (wine bars-bistro), Da Mario (italian) and About Thyme (bistro). Just to give you an aperçu: tonight, Helene ate Chicken Breast Stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach Served with Roasted New Potatoes, Jean-Luc: Fresh Swordfish Steak with Green Beans and Olive Oil Salsa, Marcel: Wild Rabbit, Spinach and Tomato Ragout Served with Roasted New Potatoes and me: Barbary Duck's Breast, Potato Rosti, Braised Red Cabbage and Red Currant Jus. And to had at the pleasure, the coffee was nothing less than excellent. I know you drool over our menu right now...
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