A little bit of opera in the evening

As I sit nibbling my tapas in the romantic candle lit bar at 190 , the rather glamorous girl I have been covertly observing, suddenly bursts into thrilling song while orchestral music swells from hidden speakers. As I pause, prawn halfway to my mouth in shock, she’s answered by a rich male tenor who sweeps into view to join her for a duet. Welcome to Opera Night.

Wine evening at Vivat Bacchus

Vivat Bacchus hosted wine evenings promise unpretentious wine and food matching, entertaining and knowledgeable hosts and good company. We went to meet SA boutique winemaker Peter Finlayson and try his gorgeous wines.

Pommery becomes Frieze Art Fairs official Champagne sponsor

Now in its seventh year, Frieze Art Fair encompasses the very best contemporary art galleries from around the world, bringing together works by today’s most exciting artists. Over the four day event, Pommery Brut Royal NV, the marque’s signature Champagne, will be served at each of the 165 gallery stands, as well as in the VIP area and Hix Oyster Bar & Restaurant.

The Criterion

The menu states that the seafood has been driven from Looe in Cornwall that very day and I imagine a bleary-eyed Cornishman belting his Vauxhall Astra up the M4 at dawn with a glum-faced turbot sat in the back. Is this good for the Criterion’s carbon footprint? Is it good for the turbot?

I Know How To Cook!

You’ve probably never heard of ‘Je Sais Cuisiner’, not many people outside of France have, yet it’s been around since the 1930s but only previously available in French. A compendium of French classic recipes, it’s been the touchstone of Gallic cooking for generation after generation of French families and many a top chef today will tip his toque to it as well. As it appears in English for the first time, we talk to its editor, Clotilde Dusoulier.

Bacon, Sweetcorn and Potato Cakes

Similar to the Swiss classic Potato Rosti, but with the addition of egg, these lovely potato cakes are delicious, easy and versatile. It’s also a good recipe to make for children and even better, get them involved in the whole process! They are a great as snacks, as a side dish for roast chicken or a meal in itself!

Warm the Insides with Maille Mustard

Mustard is mainly used as a condiment, something we put on the side of our plates, but what some of us don’t know is that it is also an ingredient. There are two varieties of Maille mustard Dijon and Wholegrain, stirring in just a couple of tea-spoonfuls of either, really adds piquancy and depth to casseroles, sauces and gravies alike. These recipes are just perfect for beating those winter chills, so embrace the forthcoming winter months and experiment with Maille mustard.