Italy has a reputation for being the spiritual home of peasant food. Whilst this is historically inaccurate, with much of what we see as peasant food being the historical preserve of nobles, it is also unfair. Italy has some cutting edge chefs in its midst. This much was evident from my visit to this year’s Identita.
Pierre Herme Macarons
The newest kid on the macaron block is Pierre Hermé. They love to get playful with their flavours, and I’m not talking about salted caramel here, I’m talking about some truly innovative concoctions.
Tramezzino: Italian for Sandwich
The meat was succulent and the fillings were tasty, colourful, fresh and most importantly generous. There’s nothing worse than a stingy sandwich.
Cigar and Cognac Tasting Dinner
Wiltons is pleased to be hosting its first cigar dinner on the 16th of November in their private dining room.
Scholtès Centre of Excellence Presents…“A Moment on the Lipsâ€Â
Unconventionally marking the opening of Scholtès’ Centre of Excellence at 98 Wigmore Street, London, a multi-faceted play was staged around the brand’s high-end appliances encased in a brave, tactile scheme by designer Patricia Urquiola.
Powder White!
If you’re of the opinion that all chalet wine is barely drinkable plonk served in anonymous carafes, then it’s time to think again. Powder White, one of the UK’s leading ski holiday specialists, is busting that myth offering a better class of house wine to all, unusually including a house rose, and for those looking for something superior to that they work with renowned wine merchants such as Berry Brothers & Rudd – wine supplier to the Royal family – and Le Verre Gourmand to source exemplary stock to offer premium wine lists to oenophile powder hounds.
Parmigiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma
But of course, violets, Verdi and film director Bernardo Bertolucci aside, Parma and its surrounding region of Emilia-Romagna are most famous for Parmesan cheese -Parmigiano-Reggiano – and Parma ham – Prosciutto di Parma – both of which have seen worldwide sales rocket. Over the last two years, UK sales of Parmigiano-Reggiano shot up by over a fifth while UK exports of pre-sliced Parma ham increased by nearly one third between 2008 and 2010. That’s a lot of grated cheese on our lasagnas.
Halloween at Harrod’s
Every time we get one of those little green bags we just know we’re in for something special. This year Harrod’s is stocking some pretty creepy Halloween goodies that will go down well not only with the little ones, but with us grown ups too.
Taste of Christmas 2011 ticket offer
You’ve got until 31st October to save £20 on a pair of tickets to this year’s Taste of Christmas and the chance to see top celebrity chefs in action, get inspiriation for your own festive feast and eat your way round the exhibition.
100 years’Michelin Guide’ Dinner at The Grand Eastbourne
Ever fancied pushing aside molecular cuisine and eating a la ancienne? The Grand in Eastbourne offers the chance with their 100 years ‘Michelin Guide’ Dinner. A snip at £65 for five courses, matched wines and champagne from chef Keith Mitchell. A real taste of how it was all done yesterday.