USA TODAY International Edition
Canada’s butler serves up favorite spots
Traveling in luxury and style isn’t just about money, says Charles MacPherson, author of “The Pocket Butler’s Guide to Travel” ($14.95, Penguin Random House). Instead, it’s how the experience makes you feel. “I’ve been to many wonderful places around the world,” says MacPherson, who runs North America’s only butler school. “It wasn’t about being the most expensive. It wasn’t about being the cheapest. It was about the places that made me feel really special.” The author, who makes regular appearances on Canadian television and radio as “Charles the Butler,” shares some favorite spots with USA TODAY.
Afternoon tea at the Milestone Hotel and Residences, London
MacPherson learned of this boutique hotel when his employer had him organize a birthday party there. It’s consistently rated as London’s top for service. “It’s private, discrete and low-key. It’s not the Savoy with a huge room. “But they bring you the very traditional afternoon tea. It’s the most luxurious.” milestonehotel.com
Pink’s Hot Dogs, Los Angeles
Butlers may know their way around champagne and caviar, but that doesn’t mean they can’t appreciate a good hot dog. MacPherson remembers attending a butler’s convention in Los Angeles, when one of his colleagues invited him out to eat. “I thought it would be some highfalutin restaurant, but it was a stupid little stand serving a wonderfully delicious greasy hot dog.” He was amazed to see movie stars and celebrities indulging as well. pinkshollywood.com
Itoya stationery store, Tokyo
While the rest of the world tweets and texts, MacPherson still believes in the power of handwriting. “The rich and famous still do write pen notes on paper,” he says. That’s why he loves this stationery emporium in Tokyo. “It’s like a department store, several floors, that’s all about pens and paper,” he says. The first time he visited, he bought a fountain pen that he had inscribed with the date of his purchase, and remembers his visit every time he uses it. ito-ya.co.jp/store/itoya/shibuya/
Residence Hoteliere du Phare, Libreville, Gabon
Luxury can be found anywhere in the world, MacPherson says. He discovered this hotel and restaurant while on business in Africa, and it has become one of his favorites. “The owner served this green salad with the biggest, most beautiful marinated shrimp. The simplicity made it so good. I had it four times.” lepratiquedugabon.com
Stubbs and Wootton, Palm Beach, Florida
While this upscale shoe store might seem out of reach for most shoppers, MacPherson says it’s worth a splurge to pick up a pair of their slippers, which have wooden soles and heels, and can be had for $125 on sale. “They’re the most comfortable you’ve ever worn. The rich and famous wear them around town. You can look cool and hip.” stubbsandwootton.com
Gran Melia Hotel, Rome
It’s not hard to find good food in Rome, but MacPherson swears by the cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) pasta served at this hotel near the Vatican. He suspected it was a good place when he found himself seated near German Chancellor Angela Merkel, but was sold when he had his first taste. “I had it every night for three nights in a row.” meliahotelsinternational.com
E.A.T., New York
Good food doesn’t have to be fancy, MacPherson says. He cites the $18 egg salad sandwich served at this café and takeout spot on Madison Avenue. “I thought for that price it better be the most incredible egg salad sandwich I’ve ever had.” It was. “To this day, I’ve never had one so good. Every time I go to New York, I get one for take-away.” elizabar.com/eat-to-go.aspx
Victoria Hotel, Montreux, Switzerland
This classic hotel on Lake Geneva feels straight out of the 1920s, which is why MacPherson finds it so wonderful. “There’s an art deco phone booth. They bring silver platters to the table to serve you. It’s stuck in time, like an Agatha Christie novel.” victoria-glion.ch
Mallard Cottage restaurant, St. John’s, Canada
Canada’s eastern province of Newfoundland isn’t considered a culinary capital, but MacPherson has clients that will fly to the country’s Atlantic coast just for dinner. The historic building, set in an old fishing port, offers a sophisticated take on regional dishes. “They make you feel special. The food is just out of this world.” mallardcottage.ca
Carson’s Ribs, Chicago
The Windy City has trendier restaurants, but MacPherson recommends the steaks at this rib house, which recently relocated near Navy Pier. “The steak and food are so good. It’s very famous, yet it’s obtainable. They don’t make you feel out of place, they make you feel comfortable.” ribs.com