BOOKS, FOOD, AND LIBRARY LOVE AT THE RMS QUEEN MARY’S SECRET SPICE CAFE DINNER AND TOUR
NOVEMBER 2 @ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
What’s better than a Day of the Dead book event that offers gourmet dining, and takes place on an 85-year-old, Art Deco, haunted ship? How about one that offers all that, and raises money for a new library?
This fall, the RMS Queen Mary will debut a spectacular event for literature and library lovers, history buffs, ship aficionados, and gourmet foodies, at the Queen Mary Secret Spice Cafe Dinner and Tour, on Saturday, November 2, 2019 in Long Beach, California.
Join author Patricia V. Davis for an exceptional and unique evening of dining, book talk, and a customized ship tour designed to delight readers of The Secret Spice Cafe, the trilogy of metaphysical novels set aboard the modern-day RMS Queen Mary. The novels are Cooking for Ghosts, Spells and Oregano, and Demons, Well-Seasoned, respectively, with the final book of the series to be released in late November 2019:
“Davis throws in well-developed secondary characters and many engaging details about food, magicians, psychics and the stately ship herself, all without sacrificing the compelling pace; in fact, these details are equally as engrossing as the heart-racing suspense. …Perfect for readers who enjoy both the supernatural psychological suspense of Jennifer McMahon and those who love Nora Roberts’ storytelling prowess across many genres.” – Becky Spratford for IndiePicks Magazine
“Beautifully-structured novels that build layer upon layer of meaning, held together with gossamer threads and magic…” –Huffington Post
The historic ship now serves as a hotel and museum permanently docked in Long Beach, California. Guests will enjoy a fabulous meal created by the Queen Mary chefs, with dishes named after the characters in the novels: Shrimp Rohini, Luca’s Linguini, and Angela’s Chocolate Truffle Tarts. The tour, led by Queen Mary tour guide Chris Perley, will feature stops on the ship where the action in the novels take place. There will be special guests, and plenty of book-themed surprises all along the way. The evening will conclude in the showcase Observation Bar where the author will read, answer questions, and talk about her mysterious experience aboard the ship that inspired the works. Each guest will also receive a paperback copy of the final installment of the trilogy, an exclusive sneak peek for attendees only.
The best part? A portion of the ticket price will go toward the new Long Beach Billie Jean King Library.
Davis, who is a former teacher and the founder of the Women’s PowerStrategy™ Conference, says, “We need libraries and librarians today more than ever. Authors, readers, teachers, and parents need to be cognizant of all they offer us. They’re currently under siege, not only by cuts in government funding, but by publishing house embargoes, both of which are short-sighted decisions. If our libraries go under, I can’t imagine what our society would be like without them.”
The Secret Spice Cafe trilogy is an official selection of The Pulpwood Queens Book Club, and Breathless Bubbles and Books.
For more information about the event: www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/secret-spice-cafe/home/
For more information on the novels and the author: www.TheSecretSpice.com
For reservations contact: Lory Espinosaat the Queen Mary (562) 499-1658 lory.espinosa@queenmary.com
#QMSecret
#QMComesAlive
Dear Readers,
As you may or may not know, The Pulpwood Queens are taking another historical and literary adventure. This time to help launch Pulpwood Queen Book Club Author, Patricia V. Davis event onboard The Queen Mary docked in Long Beach, California. Eight of our Pulpwood Queens are flying in from northern California, Texas, and Kansas for this event. Patricia V. Davis as sent me the following so check it out. To have an author host such an event is something to experience as I did years past when Pulpwood Queen Author Deeanne Gist did the same type of thing for her book set at The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina. I was blown away and will never forget that trip. So here we go, I do believe tickets are still available to contact Patricia V. Davis on Facebook and also on the Queen Mary Facebook page too.
Things to Know About the Queen Mary Before You Step Aboard for
The Secret Spice Café Dinner and Tour
Dear Friends and Readers:
You’re one of the lucky ones. Soon, you’re going to experience the history and beauty of the ship that inspired The Secret Spice Café Trilogy. I’m sure you’ll find her as mysterious and fascinating as I do. However, before you step aboard, here are some things you should plan for:
You are on an honest-to-goodness vintage ship, a ship that was built in the early 1930s. While she was remarkable and unique for her day, today she is almost 85 years old. And like any other eighty-five-year- old, she has her creaks and groans. She is very safe. Her electrical system, her fire safety system, has been updated to code. She even has new Wi-Fi in the rooms, something which didn’t exist when I first visited in 2007. But her pipes are old, and you may experience low water pressure at certain times of the day. Many of the fixtures in your bath will be original, such as the saltwater taps from back in the day when bathing in saltwater was considered healthy. Those taps are for historical reference only and are no longer connected, but as for the other fixtures, while they appear intriguing, they might occasionally be persnickety. And, unless you have reserved a suite, such as the ones the women in The Secret Spice Café had, your bath will be tiny. You are, after all, in a ship’s cabin.
The heat and air conditioning go not always regulate. In November, you might feel cold, because we’re on the water and the air is damp at night. On the other hand, it might be unseasonably warm. Be prepared for changes in temperature so that you won’t be uncomfortable. Utilize your portholes, if you have them, to bring the fresh harbor air into your room, and to help regulate the temperature.
Walls are thin on a ship. You might hear the people in the next cabin. All visitors are required to silence their TVs by 11:00 pm. If your neighbor doesn’t comply, feel free to call down to the concierge and they will handle the problem for you.
Decks are uneven. The wooden decks dip in the center. This is not due to age, but design. Ships have uneven decking so that when sailing, any water taken in by rough seas can slide out more easily. Please be mindful of this when walking on the uncarpeted portion of the ship. If you use a cane to help you balance, it’s wise to have it with you as you traverse the decks. There are working elevators for those who cannot climb steps.
There may or may not be genuine paranormal activity. Some say yes, some say no. But, if ever anything would draw the spirits of the past, it would be this ship because of her remarkable history. In my experience, the activity is never frightening or life-threatening.
Familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship. All the rooms are either on the same deck (floor) as Reception, or down the main staircase. The ship is huge, so as you walk to your stateroom, try to keep track of where your room is, as it’s easy to get turned around.
The restaurants and shops are on the Promenade Deck, the deck that is up the main staircase from Reception. That is also where the famous Art Deco Observation Bar is.
The dinner will be held in The Verandah Grill, which is up from the Promenade Deck and out. It’s the most elegant room aboard the ship, and you will recognize it by its shape, which is circular. Again, I recommend a comfortable pair of walking shoes to get around the ship, and if you’re wearing heels or vintage footwear, bring them in a bag to change into once you arrive at the restaurant.
After dinner, our tour guide will show us around the ship where the action in the novels takes place. You’ll see Jackie’s swimming pool, one of the suites that looks like the ones the characters in the novels live in, the Sports Deck where Angela met Lee, Sir Winston’s, which is the real-life restaurant upon which The Secret Spice Café is based, the Grand Salon, the Engine Room, and more. Most of it is easily accessible but much easier to walk if one has flat footwear. The last part of the tour will be the Propeller Box, where very important action in Book III takes place, but I do not recommend anyone with a cane or serious problems walking attempt that portion, as we’ll be climbing up two flights of steps to reach it. If you forgo the end of the tour, you can meet us in the Ship Model Room for the book signing and book giveaway which will take place immediately after the tour ends.
Some Other Fun Things to Do While On Board
For Those Who like the Educational:
The Heritage Room: You will meet war bride June Allen at The Secret Spice Café Dinner and Tour. She is a dear friend and one of my V.I.P. guests. Now listen to her tell her story. The Heritage Room, located outside the Observation Bar, features videos of June and other historic travelers aboard the Queen Mary whose stories will amaze and inspire you.
Winston Churchill Tour: Learn about Churchill’s association with the Queen Mary during WWII, and see the film sets from “The Darkest Hour,” starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill.
The Glory Days Historical Tour: It is full of interesting anecdotes, fun facts and compelling true-stories about the legendary Queen Mary, including her service during WWII.
The Cunard Story: New Exhibition Aboard, The Cunard Story An exhibition on the Queen Mary, one of the most celebrated Cunard® ocean liners—explores the rich history of the extraordinary company that designed and built more than 150 ships over the past 175 years. Today, Cunard offers the most
luxurious and unique cruise experiences available—adventures curated for travelers who savor the world
For Those Who like the Mechanical:
The Steam & Steel Tour: Will take you approximately 25 feet below the waterline, where you will have a chance to walk through Boiler Rooms 1-4, as well as the Water Softening Plant and the Turbo-Generator Room 1. The tour will conclude with a visit to the Engine Room and Propeller Box where the last remaining hip propeller is visible in a specially built water chamber attached to the outside hull of the ship. The tour is historic in nature and will not include any of the paranormal stories of the ship.
For Those Who like the Gastronomical:
The Queen Mary Royal Sunday Brunch: Takes you on a worldwide culinary adventure and features over 50 unique dishes from around the globe. Pricey, but worth it. Reservations are recommended.
Watch this Travel Channel feature on the Royal Sunday Brunch. And don’t miss this slide show where Conde Nast Traveler names The Queen Mary’s Royal Sunday Brunch the No. 1 hotel brunch in the world!
You are also onboard the last day of DARK HARBOR, so expect to see some spooky costumes!
Thank you for Joining Me on The Queen Mary Secret Spice Café Dinner and Tour!
My assistant, Jane and I are here to help you. Please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions!
Vodou gris-gris, with Papa Legba keys and blue beads to ward off the evil eye, anointed with sacred oils from Voodoo Authentica New Orleans. Gifts for attendees of The Queen Mary Secret Spice cafe Dinner and Tour November 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Truly, Tiara Wearing and Patricia V. Davis Book Sharing,
Kathy L. Murphy
- The Pulpwood Queen Talks about Creating and Sharing BEAUTY! - August 20, 2021
- The Pulpwood Queen Embraces Enchanted Living Magazine! - June 23, 2021
- The Pulpwood Queen Shares Her Gratitude for all the Lifelong Friends and Friendships through her 20 years of Running Her Book Club! - June 16, 2021
- The Pulpwood Gives List of Books That She Will Never Forget, 65, in Fact! - June 12, 2021
- The Pulpwood Queen Shares Ethan Hawke’s TEDTALK! - June 10, 2021
- The Pulpwood Queen Celebrates National Women’s Fiction Day! - June 8, 2021
- The Pulpwood Queen Updates from her Little Cabin in the Woods, Murphy’s Law! - June 5, 2021
- The Pulpwood Queen Shares All New Reading Initiatives! - April 26, 2021
- The Pulpwood Queen Wants to Tell You A Story! - April 1, 2021
- The Pulpwood Queen Presents now through the end of April, 2022 Virtual Girlfriend Weekend Offer for $99! - March 23, 2021
