Lexpert magazine features articles and columns on developments in legal practice management, deals and lawsuits of interest in Canada, the law and business issues of interest to legal professionals and businesses that purchase legal services.
Issue link: https://digital.carswellmedia.com/i/707166
LEXPERT MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2016 69 TRAVEL The Azores: Like Hawaii in the Atlantic Hot springs abound in this far-flung Portuguese archipelago a host of miniature items that actually function: "ere are Purdey's shotguns that 'break and load' (and may even fire), monogrammed linens ... electric- ity and lis, a garage of cars with engines that run. It even has running water through its tiny pipes." Equally extraordinary is the wine cellar in the basement. e bottles are half an inch tall, each stop- pered with cork and sealing wax and labelled with reproductions of real labels. ey were filled with the actual wines — First Growth clarets and Montrach- et. e Veuve Clicquot Champagne bottles each have their own straw sleeve. "e entire cellar amounts to 22 cases of Cham- pagne, ten cases of claret, 14 cases of port, four cases of sherry, two cases of Madeira, four cases of white burgundy, two cases of Sauternes, two cases of Graves, two cases of red burgundy and two cases of hock; then it's on to brandy (four cases), gin (four cas- es), rum (one case) Scotch whisky (one quarter cask and 13 cases), Irish whiskey (ditto), French vermouth (two cases), Italian vermouth (two cases), liqueurs (seven cases) and beer (17 cases and two casks)." Much of this was handwritten into the cellar book that I had in my possession; and I wanted to find out if it was indeed the model for the Q ueen's dolls' house cellar book. So, some 40 years ago, I took it down to Berry Brothers & Rudd, Britain's oldest wine merchant at No. 3 St. James Street. e facade looks exactly as it must have looked when the store was opened by "the Widow Borne" in 1698. No. 3 St. James Street has changed little since the widow opened shop as a purveyor of coffee to the London clubs. e coffee scales and the mill are there still, along with records of customers' weights span- ning three centuries. Anthony Berry, the then director, told me that the handwritten entries were made by his late father, who had been commissioned by the Palace to lay down the cellar for the dolls' house. He eyed the volume with the same kind of acquisitive desire that Q ueen Mary must have experienced when she happened on a min- iature that she wanted for her collection. Looking around at this magnificent old building I thought that the cellar book really should be here — so I presented it to Anthony Berry. Now Berry Broth- ers has a magnificent selection of old ports, and I was thinking that he might just reward me with a bottle for my gi. "ank you, old boy," he said to me. "And I would like you to accept this." He reached behind and took a book from the shelf. It was a history of No. 3 St. James. He even signed it. It was one of the wine books that I divested myself of when I moved to the condo. THERE'S A TENDENCY to head for the tried and true when it comes to Europe. Flights to Paris, Rome and Prague are popular, but chances are high that you'll look across the aisle and spot the client you thought you were taking a holiday from. Instead, play it safe and go somewhere yet to be overrun by tour- ists. e best part about the Azores islands? e deeper you dive into them, the better you'll feel. > Deep (São Miguel) – Start in Ponta Delgada, the archipelago's capital and only true city. In the São Pedro district, ocean views, vibrant murals and black and white mosaic sidewalks of offer plenty of photo-snapping moments. e Hotel Marina Atlantico keeps you in the heart of things and close to the popu- lar Azorean steak lunch at Alcides Restaurant. Pop in for picnic staples at the local market and then run away to Furnas. e hydrangea lined route will keep the camera clicking, especially as you pass the volcanic steamed pits used to cook the local Cozido — a mix of meats and root vegetables. en spend your days at Terra Nostra Garden Hotel: renowned for its outdoor, therapeutic geothermal mineral baths and 12-hectare gardens. > Deeper (Pico) – It's well worth the extra flight to Pico to get that "different planet" feel. Book into the large rooms at the Aldeia da Fonte eco-hotel and spend your days dipping into the natural swimming pools along the Atlantic Ocean, touring the rocky landscape and admiring the unique vineyards that produce the islands' award-winning whites (best when sipped at Ancoradouro Restaurant). e more adventurous will enjoy touring the caves at Gruta das Torres, hiking Pico Mountain or boarding a zodiac for whale watching. > Deepest (Faial) – From Pico you can hop on a ferry to neighbouring Faial. e crater at its centre offers magnificent views, and in the port town of Horta you can explore the tiny parks and stunning architecture or catch up with lo- cals over a signature G&T at Peter's Café Sport. For a unique dining experience head to Genuino's. Decor is inspired by its namesake owner's solo sailing trips around the world, and he is oen on site ready to bend your ear with a tale. | DETOURS | Heather Greenwood Davis is a lawyer and freelance writer. Reach her at www.globetrottingmama.com. Tony Aspler is the author of 17 books on wine, including his latest, Canadian Wineries. PHOTO: PHOTOSHUTTER