Breakfast, poetry, and parrots: A morning in the Emily Dickinson Suite

One thing that is unique about Cliff Cottage is that each room has its own theme, and the Emily Dickinson Suite is no different. As you enter the living room area, stepping inside from the wooden porch, it seems to embrace a Caribbean feeling—with oversized paintings of parrots and colorful, dark-skinned island native dancers in the living room area. Bamboo curtains and ceiling fans whose blades have the appearance of giant leaves. Even wallpaper with an exotic jungle look: elephant ears in abundance and shades of green. An artificial yet realistic banana tree and tropical plants, behind a beautiful crimson lounging couch, complete the look.

I was excited because a friend was joining me for breakfast in the suite this morning. She had stayed in Cliff Cottage before but had only seen one of the rooms and was excited about seeing what the other ones looked like. We opted for the French toast, sausage patty, and fresh fruit option for breakfast, and while waiting for her, I made coffee in preparation. As she drove up, I saw the staff member bringing our breakfasts on an antique silver tray. The timing could not have been more perfect. The gentleman placed the tray on our porch table and asked if I needed anything else, to which I replied, “No,” and thanked him. For a second I paused to consider having breakfast on the outside porch but decided to opt for the elegant privacy inside.

Their French toast at Cliff Cottage was a unique variation that almost reminded me of bread pudding in New Orleans—rich and filled with fruit. Delicate buttercream icing on top, though, instead of bourbon sauce as my grandmother served it. But I think Grandmother would have approved of the delicious taste—very similar. And the fruit that accompanied our French toast and savory sausage was some of the best I’ve had lately. I haven’t had watermelon as good as the slice on my plate in quite some time, in all honesty. Whoever was picking out the fruit for them was good at what they did. I say this not only as a chef myself but also as someone who was receiving agent for fine restaurants in New Orleans.

The bedroom broke with the Caribbean theme, and as you walked through the sliding door, you entered a different era. Creamy off-white walls were decorated with a strip of antique flower prints at the top of the ceiling. A four-poster bed seemed quite welcoming. An abundance of mirrors and paintings on the walls, illuminated by lamps with stained glass, lent the room an elegant quality. Vintage ceramic frogs and statuettes were strategically placed around the room. Similar to the collection of shoes seen in the Sarah Bernhardt room, the theme here for ceramics appeared to be frogs. But there were also unique little statuettes of children, a variety of portraits of Emily Dickinson, and books of her works dotting the bedroom. A smiling teddy bear sat in one corner, as if an amused witness to the numerous comings and goings of staff and guests.

The suite’s large bathroom was gently divided with French doors. A triangular-shaped hot tub beckoned in the light from both a stained-glass frosted window next to it and the fluted antiqued vanity mirror lamps. Across the room sat a utilitarian sink equipped for dishwashing if needed, atop a towel rack guarded by a pair of colorful ceramic frogs on bicycles, grinning broadly.

My friend and I shared a lively and touching conversation, along with the delightful breakfast. It’s always nicer to have a little company with a good meal. The atmosphere was reminiscent of times I’ve spent in New Orleans’ French Quarter. We toyed with the idea of eating some of the delicious cookies that were included in the room for guests, but we were so full that it was unnecessary—although the variety of cookies was impressive. My friend loved the stained-glass lamps and windows that were all around the suite, saying they “…lent the interior a warm glow.” As we wrapped up her visit out on the cozy porch with a hug and kiss and she exited the lot, I turned to go back in and relax, stretched out on the quite comfortable bed adorned with numerous pillows. A wicker rocking chair beside the bed was my companion for the moment, lost in memories of the conversation and my dear friend’s company. Life was quite good at that moment.

Originally posted here:

https://www.iloveureka.com/post/oh-muriel