The meat was succulent and the fillings were tasty, colourful, fresh and most importantly generous. There’s nothing worse than a stingy sandwich.
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.
Uncovering Contemporary Italian Cooking at Identita
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.
Nielsen-Massey’s Vanilla Trifle
Whip up a treat this Christmas and serve a great British trifle with a modern twist. Developed by Will Torrent, award winning patissier &chocolatier and rising celebrity chef, this delicious festive favourite is sure to excite everyone’s tastebuds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Courvoisier launch new Connoisseur Collection featuring first Cognas with an age statement
The old and the new collided when I was invited to learn more about the Courvoisier’s new range of cognacs at a tutored tasting at the top of the Gherkin in an intimate private room, allowing uninterrupted indulgence. The occasion was the launch of the first range of cognacs to publicise their ageing time: Courvoisier 12 and 21 year old.