Posts Tagged ‘Tables’

The Wood, The Legend: A Brief History of Cypress Tables

Cypress tables, though beautiful, rarely get a second thought. That is because few people are familiar with the diverse and interesting history of the wood that stems from ancient times. Also, because the tree is not indigenous to the United States, a lot less is known about how it stacks up to popular American species, like teak, cedar and oak. The following fact versus fiction set-up will help the potential buyer to make an informed decision before settling on anything else at the expense of cypress furniture.

Myth: Cypress trees are only found on Cyprus

Truth: Yes and no. The species is indeed native to the island of Cyprus, but it is also common to other regions in the Near East and Mediterranean. As a matter of fact, the cypress, Latin name Cupressus Sempervirens, was the tree of choice for Persian royal gardens thousands of years ago. Since then, the popularity of the wood has spanned the globe because of its attractive grain and durable nature. In the colonial era, cypress was often used to build homes, and today it is often seen in furniture, bridges, porches and more.

Myth: The oldest tree in the world is a Cypress planted in the year of Christ’s birth

Truth: This one is also a half-truth. The cypress species, a conifer in the family Cupresseaceae, is credited with having the oldest specimen in existence. It can be found in Soma, Lombardy, a region of Italy. However, researchers have found that the tree is in fact older than first believed, having been around for about 40 years before the birth of Christ. At an impressive 120 feet high, it is also the tallest known cypress tree. Another famous cypress, this one in Monza, Italy, measures 90 feet and is said to be 150 years old. Most trees, though, rarely grow above 50 to 60 feet tall, unlike some other towering hardwoods. A cone-shaped branch structure and short stem give the tree its unique and unmistakable shape.

Myth: Cypress is a softwood, and therefore no good for building

Truth: The truth is, cypress actually is a softwood, but because of its properties, is often grouped with and grown alongside hardwoods. The wood of the cypress tree is hard and durable, owing to its evolution in a variant climate. The straight, close grain of the wood makes it strong, while being naturally resistant to fungus, insects and weather damage. In addition, cypress tables are coated with cypressine, a naturally produced oil which preserves the wood and helps against cracking, warping and splitting. For building, the wood is ideal because it is lightweight and with few knots.

Myth: Cypress wood is not as good-looking as cedar or other richly colored woods

Truth: Completely untrue! Cypress tables can take on a lighter color, but the most common shade is a gorgeous reddish-brown hue. Over time, this color, like any other wood left untreated, will fade to an elegant grayish silver as a result of exposure to the sun. Besides, not many other woods can claim the lush, spicy aroma of cypress resin.

Myth: Cypress brings bad luck

Truth: This is also untrue. Cypress has gotten a bad rap because of its involvement in mythology. In Greek legend, it was associated with the underworld, grief and mourning. It also played a predominant role in ancient Roman funerary rites. In modern times, cypress trees can still be found in many Western and Muslim cemeteries. However, these negative connotations should not deter the buyer. Take chrysanthemums as an example. Considered by Americans to be a beautiful blossom which makes a great gift in bouquets, in Japan the chrysanthemum is given solely at funerals and is called the flower of death. Rest assured, cypress tables can do wonders livening up a dull room or patio setting. Though not as well known as American woods, cypress furniture is some of the most unique and worthwhile available on the market.

Disney?s Top Tables

With so many choices, it’s difficult to decide where to spend your dining dollars at Walt Disney World. Hopefully this list will narrow the field a bit for you.

Best For Families

Coral Reef Restaurant – Kid’s feel like the Little Mermaid at this one-of-a-kind dining room where just a trident’s throw away is Epcot’s Living Seas’ 6-million-gallon aquarium rife with coral reefs and sea life. And adults feel like Poseidon after just one bite of the restaurant’s stellar seafood and the oh-so-delicious pepper jack cheese grits.

50’s Prime Time Café – What kid doesn’t want to experience life way back when. They’ll get a fun dose of it at this Disney-MGM Studios’ restaurant. Dine on savory renditions of good old American comfort food watching Leave it to Beaver and Topper on black and white TVs sitting on the counter between the toaster and the blender. “Mom” herself is your server, making sure everyone in the “family” observes good manners.

Whispering Canyon Café – Honest-to-goodness, rib-stickin’ barbecued vittles served piping hot in an iron skillet is right up a wannabe cowboy’s alley at this fun-loving restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge. Come prepared for plenty of hootin’ and hollerin’ and please, whatever you do, don’t ask for the ketchup unless, that is, you like a lot of attention.

Best to Book Ahead For

California Grill – This sensational restaurant at the Contemporary Resort should be at the top of every visitors list. From exemplary sushi to the exceptional New American cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list each available by the glass, this place has it all. From its lofty heights diners can see the Magic Kingdom, the sparkling Seven Seas Lagoon, and, best of all, a picture-perfect view of the Wishes fireworks. Just try to time your meal around the fireworks and head outside to the super observation platform for a bird’s-eye view of the extravaganza.

Cinderella’s Royal Table – If there was ever a place to plan ahead for, this is it. Exactly 180 days prior to the anticipated day, countless parents rise at the crack of dawn to be one of the first to call for dining reservations. All just to insure that their darling little ones will be among the lucky few to be seated high atop Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. If you don’t snag a reservation your children will never forgive you.

Victoria and Albert’s – Demand is high for this fantastic dining spot at the Grand Floridian Resort. Once you’ve secured your spot, just sit back and prepare to be wowed by tables set in Wedgewood china, Christofle silver, Frette linens, and Riedel crystal, and cuisine that will knock your socks off.

Best For Vegetarians

Victoria and Albert’s– Here is one place that vegetarians won’t feel short changed. A seven-course vegetarian menu, expertly overseen by the illustrious Chef de Cuisine Scott Hunnell, is offered nightly. It can’t get much better than that.

Boma – The essence of Africa is potent beneath Boma’s circular, thatched roof where hearty foods prepared with an African flair (and a dash of American cuisine for the picky eater) are the fare. An entire section (or pod) of meatless dishes with such items like vegetable lentil kofta, braised greens, vegetable skewers, and several kinds of exotic salads are par for the course.

Best Character Dining

Crystal Palace – Winnie the Pooh, and his friends, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are your hosts in a sunlight-drenched, conservatory-style restaurant found at the castle end of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Here you’ll find a surprisingly good and bountiful buffet, definitely one of the better spreads in the park.

1900 Park Fare – At this popular spot at the Grand Floridian Resort is Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter for breakfast; in the evening hours the characters from Cinderella are in attendance. And the food is perhaps Disney’s best buffet.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Those who love the idea of ethnic dining should try this atypical one housed at Epcot in a replica of Oslo’s Akershus Castle. Disney Princesses are in attendance at all meals and may include Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Mary Poppins.

Best Wine List

Citricos – This Mediterranean influenced restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort is rightly proud of its global wine list, a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner. On the menu you’ll find a suggested wine to accompany each course.

Jiko – At the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s signature dining room you can order from the most extensive list of South African wines this side of Johannesburg. Also a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, more than 65 of South Africa’s boutique wineries showcase their vintages here.

California Grill – As if the spectacular food and the mind-boggling view isn’t enough, the outstanding California wine list is also exceptional with 100 wines offered by the glass.

Victoria and Albert’s – Yet again this, Disney’s most acclaimed restaurant, makes the cut, and has the distinction of being Disney’s only restaurant to receive the coveted Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence”, with 700 selections on the menu and 4,200 bottles in its cellar.

Best Hip Scene

Todd English’s Bluezoo – There’s plenty of buzz surrounding this dreamy outpost at the Walt Disney World Dolphin where it’s worth the cost of dinner just to check out the stunning, underwater-like fantasyland dining room adorned with air bubble light fixtures, shimmery silver-blue organza curtains, and carpeting mimicking an expanding drop of water. But if dinner isn’t in your plans, the lounge here is just as cool where martinis and a raw bar are on order.

Raglan Road – It’s easy to imagine you’re in the heart of Dublin at Raglan Road, Downtown Disney’s newest restaurant and pub. Come in for a drink, a snack, or for a meal… whatever, just don’t miss this fantastic spot. Irish musicians provide authentic entertainment accompanied by delicious, contemporary Irish cuisine.

Disney’s Top Tables

With so many choices, itâ??s difficult to decide where to spend your dining dollars at Walt Disney World. Hopefully this list will narrow the field a bit for you.

Best For Families

Coral Reef Restaurant â?? Kidâ??s feel like the Little Mermaid at this one-of-a-kind dining room where just a tridentâ??s throw away is Epcotâ??s Living Seasâ?? 6-million-gallon aquarium rife with coral reefs and sea life. And adults feel like Poseidon after just one bite of the restaurantâ??s stellar seafood and the oh-so-delicious pepper jack cheese grits.

50â??s Prime Time Café â?? What kid doesnâ??t want to experience life way back when. Theyâ??ll get a fun dose of it at this Disney-MGM Studiosâ?? restaurant. Dine on savory renditions of good old American comfort food watching Leave it to Beaver and Topper on black and white TVs sitting on the counter between the toaster and the blender. â??Momâ? herself is your server, making sure everyone in the â??familyâ? observes good manners.

Whispering Canyon Café â?? Honest-to-goodness, rib-stickinâ?? barbecued vittles served piping hot in an iron skillet is right up a wannabe cowboyâ??s alley at this fun-loving restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge. Come prepared for plenty of hootinâ?? and hollerinâ?? and please, whatever you do, donâ??t ask for the ketchup unless, that is, you like a lot of attention.

Best to Book Ahead For

California Grill – This sensational restaurant at the Contemporary Resort should be at the top of every visitors list. From exemplary sushi to the exceptional New American cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list each available by the glass, this place has it all. From its lofty heights diners can see the Magic Kingdom, the sparkling Seven Seas Lagoon, and, best of all, a picture-perfect view of the Wishes fireworks. Just try to time your meal around the fireworks and head outside to the super observation platform for a birdâ??s-eye view of the extravaganza.

Cinderellaâ??s Royal Table â?? If there was ever a place to plan ahead for, this is it. Exactly 180 days prior to the anticipated day, countless parents rise at the crack of dawn to be one of the first to call for dining reservations. All just to insure that their darling little ones will be among the lucky few to be seated high atop Cinderellaâ??s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. If you donâ??t snag a reservation your children will never forgive you.

Victoria and Albertâ??s â?? Demand is high for this fantastic dining spot at the Grand Floridian Resort. Once youâ??ve secured your spot, just sit back and prepare to be wowed by tables set in Wedgewood china, Christofle silver, Frette linens, and Riedel crystal, and cuisine that will knock your socks off.

Best For Vegetarians

Victoria and Albertâ??sâ?? Here is one place that vegetarians wonâ??t feel short changed. A seven-course vegetarian menu, expertly overseen by the illustrious Chef de Cuisine Scott Hunnell, is offered nightly. It canâ??t get much better than that.

Boma – The essence of Africa is potent beneath Bomaâ??s circular, thatched roof where hearty foods prepared with an African flair (and a dash of American cuisine for the picky eater) are the fare. An entire section (or pod) of meatless dishes with such items like vegetable lentil kofta, braised greens, vegetable skewers, and several kinds of exotic salads are par for the course.

Best Character Dining

Crystal Palace – Winnie the Pooh, and his friends, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger are your hosts in a sunlight-drenched, conservatory-style restaurant found at the castle end of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Here youâ??ll find a surprisingly good and bountiful buffet, definitely one of the better spreads in the park.

1900 Park Fare â?? At this popular spot at the Grand Floridian Resort is Mary Poppins, Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Alice in Wonderland, and the Mad Hatter for breakfast; in the evening hours the characters from Cinderella are in attendance. And the food is perhaps Disneyâ??s best buffet.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Those who love the idea of ethnic dining should try this atypical one housed at Epcot in a replica of Osloâ??s Akershus Castle. Disney Princesses are in attendance at all meals and may include Belle, Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Mary Poppins.

Best Wine List

Citricos â?? This Mediterranean influenced restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort is rightly proud of its global wine list, a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner. On the menu youâ??ll find a suggested wine to accompany each course.

Jiko â?? At the Animal Kingdom Lodgeâ??s signature dining room you can order from the most extensive list of South African wines this side of Johannesburg. Also a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winner, more than 65 of South Africa’s boutique wineries showcase their vintages here.

California Grill â?? As if the spectacular food and the mind-boggling view isnâ??t enough, the outstanding California wine list is also exceptional with 100 wines offered by the glass.

Victoria and Albertâ??s â?? Yet again this, Disneyâ??s most acclaimed restaurant, makes the cut, and has the distinction of being Disneyâ??s only restaurant to receive the coveted Wine Spectator â??Best of Award of Excellenceâ?, with 700 selections on the menu and 4,200 bottles in its cellar.

Best Hip Scene

Todd Englishâ??s Bluezoo – Thereâ??s plenty of buzz surrounding this dreamy outpost at the Walt Disney World Dolphin where itâ??s worth the cost of dinner just to check out the stunning, underwater-like fantasyland dining room adorned with air bubble light fixtures, shimmery silver-blue organza curtains, and carpeting mimicking an expanding drop of water. But if dinner isnâ??t in your plans, the lounge here is just as cool where martinis and a raw bar are on order.

Raglan Road – Itâ??s easy to imagine youâ??re in the heart of Dublin at Raglan Road, Downtown Disneyâ??s newest restaurant and pub. Come in for a drink, a snack, or for a mealâ?¦ whatever, just donâ??t miss this fantastic spot. Irish musicians provide authentic entertainment accompanied by delicious, contemporary Irish cuisine.