Word of mouth
p>GUERILLA RESTAURANTS PUT A WHOLE NEW SPIN ON “FAST FOOD” CATCH THEM IF you can. The new twist in exclusive dining comes in the form of guerrilla restaurants. These stylish venues open for a few weeks only, with great food and atmosphere, but you’ve got to be in the know to find them before they close [...]
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GUERILLA RESTAURANTS PUT A WHOLE NEW SPIN ON “FAST FOOD”
CATCH THEM IF you can. The new twist in exclusive dining comes in the form of guerrilla restaurants. These stylish venues open for a few weeks only, with great food and atmosphere, but you’ve got to be in the know to find them before they close again.
The idea is thought to stem from Cuba’s paladres, which for a time were the country’s only restaurants. They are based in people’s homes and are only found through recommendations.
The idea has been developed into Ghetto Gourmet in the US, and Amsterdam has also embraced the idea, with various places opening – and closing – this year.
So keep your ear to the ground for the next venture. A tip-off for December: The Reindeer, East London will open 1-23 December (www.thereindeer.co.uk), so book now before it’s too late. Naples, London, Leeds
Creative cribs
NAPLES IS HOME TO SOME UNUSUAL NATIVITY SCENES
EVER IMAGINED A NATIVITY scene with Mother Teresa instead of the Virgin Mary? Or David Beckham instead of Joseph? In Naples everything is possible, thanks to the art of presepe.
Every year Neapolitans set up large crib scenes in their homes and churches, which they decorate with figurines of anyone from the holy family to personalities of the day. The most popular place to purchase these is on Via San Gregorio Armeno, a narrow street that groans with artisan shops selling everything from mass-produced figures to works of art. Fine terracotta works can sell in the low hundreds, but recreations of the elaborate 18th-century style, with hand-dyed cloth and precious stones, could set you back more than €1,000.
The tradition for presepe started with Saint Francis in the Middle Ages, when he created a nativity scene with live animals. Churches and aristocrats picked up on the idea and had soon created their own scenes with beautifully crafted figures, some of which are now museum pieces.
The Museum of San Martino houses one of the largest and most beautiful nativities. It is made up of several scenes and several hundred figures, and shows off the unique craftsmanship of this unusual and enchanting Neapolitan tradition.
Christmas sparkle
GET INTO THE spirit of Christmas with candlelight, music and mistletoe. Discover the history of English Christmas traditions at the Christmas Past exhibition at the Geffrye Museum, London (www.geffryemuseum.org.uk), and enjoy its candlelit concert on 14 December. Join in the singing of Hark the Herald for Breast Cancer Care (www.breastcancercare.org.uk) in the beautiful candlelit setting of St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, London, on 14 December.
Or explore the magnificent setting of Castle Howard (www.castlehoward.co.uk), the setting for the BBC drama Brideshead Revisited. Only an hour from Leeds, it opens its doors at Christmas for the first time, with candlelit rooms, warm fires and an amazing historic collection.
Shaken and stirred
DISCOVER HOW 007 has influenced modern filmmaking with The Art of Bond, £30, (www.panmacmillan.com). This new book is lavishly illustrated with on-set photographs and concept artwork, and is a must for any fan.
If music is more your thing, The Ultimate Bond, £15.99 (www.silvascreen.co.uk), a collection of tracks from all the Bond films, performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, will help you relive the drama.
Las Vegas, Dublin
Christmas cowboy
DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE ULTIMATE WESTERN RODEO
DID YOU EVER want to be John Wayne and be the best of the West? It’s a dream many cowboys and cowgirls have in the US today, but the competition is tough and they face raging bulls and wild horses on the way to the top.
The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, 30 November-9 December (www.prorodeo.com), is the ultimate Western competition and brings out the greatest names in the sport. Last year’s Bull Riding Champion, Matt Austin, will be back chasing a new title, but knows that he’s got to keep focused as “the bulls are getting stronger and stronger”. Cowgirl Kelly Kaminski is chasing the ultimate prize, the shiny gold buckle, but first has to tackle the gruelling Barrel Racing Competition, which is a real test of nerve and skill: “I get very, very nervous, but I just want a smooth ride and to let my horse, Rocky, do his job.”
Inspired? Then get your 10-gallon hat, spurs and boots at the on-site Cowboy Christmas Gift Show. www.nfrexperience.com
LITTLE BLACK BOOK: TEMPLE BAR, DUBLIN [MIDDLE ABBEY STREET; LUAS TRAM STOP] COBBLED STREETS AND NARROW ALLEYWAYS CONCEAL DUBLIN’S HIPPEST NEIGHBOURHOOD
THE TEMPLE BAR Situated on a corner of two cobbled streets, this lively pub is perfect for enjoying a pint of Guinness and some spirited conversation with the locals. It also boasts daily, impromptu concerts performed by some of the city’s finest musicians. 48 Temple Bar; + 353 (0)1 672 5287
DESIGN YARD This is one of Dublin’s most interesting craft stores. It specialises in sculpture, jewellery and contemporary design, with works from over 80 different artists. Expect the best in cutting-edge innovation. Cow’s Lane; +353 (0)1 474 1011 THE TEA ROOM This is the place to be seen, as the restaurant is set in the stylish, U2-owned Clarence Hotel. The traditional menu is full of fresh, local produce, while the setting is contemporary and airy. An unforgettable dining experience. 6-8 Wellington Quay; + 353 (0)1 670 9000
Classic Christmas
FEEL GOOD THIS Christmas with Picturehouse cinemas’ special seasonal presentations of the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. There really is no better way to kick start the festive holiday than by snuggling up in front of this heart-warming tale of good deeds and loving families. Why not treat your nearest and dearest to one of the screenings on 23 and 24 December nationwide? www.picturehouses.com
