On this occasion, the nearby All-Bar-One was not busy and we got served our drinks and smarties fast enough. But not so fast that I did not notice the dozen or more security cameras dotted around the walls, much the same model as is used on trains. the same little black glass hemispheres full of camera.
Melda was very good. Nocturnes up to expectations and mazurkas exceeded expectations - with the four all being very different in tone and style. Somehow, without instruction, we got the clapping right, only clapping at the end of each set. Rewarded with an étude by way of an encore.
Out to the Caffé Caldesi of Marylebone Lane for an excellent lunch. Washed down with some greco di tufo for a treat, this not being a wine which is served that widely. But here they seemed pleased to be asked. A rather good combination of 'Benito Ferrara' and 'Terra D'Uva'; with reference 3 seeming to be nearly, but not quite right. They also did an excellent tiramisu which, being served in a cocktail glass, may well have been assembled on the premises rather than bought it.
After which we strolled up Marylebone High Street, taking in the various sights.
First stop, Daylesford in Blandford Street, an establishment which was not quite sure whether it was a café or an expensive grocer, masquerading as a farm shop. But very friendly staff and we left around £10 poorer but clutching some organic & vegetarian cheese and a brown loaf. The cheese being named for a very small village in Gloucestershire, Adlestrop. Not bad when you get the taste of it, but I expect I shall revert to cheddar going forward.
Second stop, we finally got into the Catholic church at Spanish Place, passed in the past but hitherto having failed to find an entrance. Very impressive inside, 19th century gothic revival and much bigger than you would expect from the outside. On reflection, what you might expect when the architect has to do the best he can with a small urban site. Can't spare any space for a yard or for outside graves.
Third stop, Daunts, where I was pleased to find some handsome Penguin Maigret, on which I shall report in due course. But rather dearer per story than my French collection, bought in bulk.
Fourth and last stop, St. Marylebone Parish church, perhaps our second visit. Built early in the nineteenth century and made over (rather well) late in the nineteenth century. Another very handsome church, but for some reason I felt a lot more comfortable in it than I had in the Catholic church earlier. Odd, given that I am an atheist and rarely attend Divine Service, that I should care at all. Perhaps this church was more suited to a northern European, with the Catholics still ruling the roost in the rather hotter southern Europe. Maybe it was the soothing tones of the organ.
Passed through but did not stop at the Wetherspoons which had been the Metropolitan Palace Hotel, a place I think I remember from its days as a hotel. Got as far as taking a little something at Earlsfield, having changed there for the train which would take us to Epsom rather than Strawberry Hill. No aeroplanes.
Reference 1: https://twitter.com/LaraMelda?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor. Melda does not yet run to her own web site, but she, along with potus, does do twitter. I suppose it has to be expected in one so young.
Reference 2: http://caldesi.com/caffe-caldesi/.
Reference 3: http://www.benitoferrara.it/vini/greco.htm.
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