About Breakfast

When it comes to breakfast, at Abbington Green we have always been very skeptical of words like "gourmet". They tend to be over-used these days. And you're probably wondering if those descriptions are right up there with words like "hand-crafted" when applied to mocha lattes at chain coffee shops across America.

So, what does Abbington Green actually offer? Is it really gourmet? Bottom line, can the chef really cook?

The answer is an emphatic, "Yes!"

As a young child, Valerie became her family's baker. There is nothing like a keen sense of smell, discerning taste buds and a lot of practice to hone fine cooking skills.

As an adult, Valerie lived in New York City's Greenwich Village for 12 years surrounded by some of the best ethnic food in the world. The best greengrocers, butchers, cheese shops and bakers provided the materials for her test kitchen.

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner was always Valerie's favorite: people get together, laugh, talk, cook, then sit down together to enjoy great food. (Who knew then that breakfast at her Bed & Breakfast, years later, would feel exactly like that?)

For starters, she made her way cover-to-cover through "The Fanny Farmer Cookbook" and two volumes of Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" while a mother, community volunteer, and later, a corporate executive.

Since then, dozens of cookbooks have been added to her library shelves. Some of those books have been brought back from France and seven trips to the British Isles. Don't worry, the Brits really do know a lot about beautiful countryside and farm fresh food.

For Valerie, preparing food is a creative process…that also gives pleasure to others every day. For over a decade she has greeted her guests each day with a smile and a lovely breakfast. Come and taste our custom ground coffee, English tea and candlelit breakfasts served at 9 am every day on china and crystal in the Dining Room.

Come and experience it at Abbington Green, our "bit of Britain" close to home.