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Our first entry is an exquisite establishment on Palace Lane called Hambry's. The owner/operator takes great pride in his menu of shadow cuisine and showcases one particular dish each night. The most popular dish is the Albernon White Ryhme. This succulent seafood is prepared in a light cream sauce, (Secret recipe. Believe me, I've tried) and then placed on a bed of Remban kale. A few shallots are added and then it's whisked off to your table. The preferred wine with this delicacy is Teitonion dry white. For a wonderful dinning experience, ask for the garden view. Remember that space is limited so you need to make reservations at least one week in advance.
Second on the list, but by no means second best, is a quaint little shop, (seating capacity is 12) called The Blue Unicorn. This magnificent little eatery is home to the famous Pheasant D'Arden. The cook is rumored to be a retired ranger, and to have obtained the recipe from Prince Julian himself. To perfectly compliment your pheasant, choose the Black Hill's Chablis. There are a few other items on the menu but none can compare to the pheasant. Remember to make your reservations well in advance.
Our third entry takes a dramatic turn from the previous two. The place is called Mikey's and is actually a vendor booth in the center market. They serve chilidogs, Rootbeer, and Rootbeer Floats. These are just a few of the many items brought back by the late King Eric. I must warn you, if your plans include an intiment evening, you might want to try this particular cuisine another time. Or, just go light on the chili, and especially the onions.
The next stop is out by the docks. This establishment is called Bayside, and is run by a good man named Farson. There really isn't anything spectacular about the place, except for the fact that it attracts every sort of Amberite. The atmosphere is relaxed, cheerful, and very pleasant. The menu has the same items as most others; fresh fish, fresh fowl, mutton, salads, bread and cheese, and of course... ale. This is a good place to catch up on some of the latest news and gossip. You may even "bump into" Prince Caine.
I think you are really going to love this entry. Let's start with a brief history. It is said that this restaurant was the first building in Amber. It is also said that the restaurant has been handed down from generation to generation since its foundation was laid. This seems accurate enough. No-one can remember when, or if, it DIDN"T belong to the Dover family. Currently it is in the very capable hands of Tzara Dover. She has maintained the ambiance of the ancient
Architecture with the massive timber rafters exposed and decorated with banners and crests from families long gone, as well as those who are around today. There are three portraits on the walls. Two are familiar, Oberon and Eric, may they rest in peace. The third is an interesting man, whose eyes seem to follow you anywhere you go. None are certain who he is, though some speculate he was king before Oberon. Well, on to the menu. There are many items to choose from and if I had to choose just one, it would be the Blackened Filet Mingnon, cut from the finest stock Azroth has to offer. Of course it is accompanied by the best trimmings available. To perfectly round out the meal, I have a glass of Amber's own red Chardonnay.
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The first stop is a wonderful gentleman's club (sorry ladies.) simply called The Club. Or in lesser circles, The Bubble and Squeak. The Club has grown quite considerably since it's humble beginnings, both in membership and in programs. Where there was once a room with three baths, now there are three rooms with three baths. This is just an example of many different ways to take advantage of membership, which is VERY hard to obtain. There are two large sauna rooms. Massages are offered. Dressing rooms and showers are also available. AND, there is a full service bar. As I mentioned before, membership is hard to acquire, The application process is long and tedious. So good luck. Oh, if you do get in, keep your eyes open, you might just bump into Prince Bleys, Prince Caine, or even Prince Julian.
Culture, culture, culture!! This entry is dripping with culture. If you haven't guessed by now, I'm talking about the Winslow Opera House. This establishment is also rumored to be one of the oldest in Amber. If you are out to "bump into" the royal family this is probably your best bet. Frequent guests include Princess Fiona, and Prince Bleys who has been known to contribute to the repertoire of the company. Other royal guests include; Princess Florimel, Princess Llewella has on occasion made a trip from Remba, and Queen Viale was seen here once with her lady in waiting, Lady Elizabeth. You may also see these prominent figures; Lord Rein, who is an exquisite musician in his, own right and of course The Duchess Barbara.
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Many of the good parties I have attended have been last minute affairs, put together with only a week to prepare. But most have been the annuals. The top four just happen to be thrown by The Duchess Barbara. She masterfully celebrates the changing of the seasons. Every year she holds; a masquerade ball in honor of fall, a fling on the lawn in honor of summer, a meeting in the garden in honor of spring, and an extravagant gala in honor of winter.
The Duchess is not the only source for parties. Lord Rein has been known to host as well as numerous others.
And of course there are MY parties, though I don't host near as many as I attend. You can expect to see quite an array of nobility at such events. As for the royalty, now they're a little more scarce. Prince Auric is more likely than any one else, to be seen at these events. Though all of the royal family loves a good party , they tend to keep as much distance from each other as possible, so finding two at the same affair is a rarity .
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The most extensive estates belong to, in descending order:
Prince Benedict, whose estate covers most of the outlying foot hills of Kolvir.
Followed closely by the Gaelon family, whose vineyards are extraordinary.
In turn followed by Princess Florimel, whose estates include extensive kennels and aviary.
The only other estate that stands out is Prince Armond's. It's not for the home, though it is lovely, it's the landscape. In particular, the black and the white roses. No one knows how he grows them, and he's not telling.
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