Redwood Creek wines

The Redwood Creek range of wines from Californian is being marketed, to some extent, to those who are ‘rugged’ and outdoorsy. So as non-outdoorsy people, OK neither are we rugged, we decided to try some of these fruity Californian wines and let you know if this was a pre-requisite to enjoying them.

Drop the Juice for a big ginger kick

For the first time that I’m aware of there’s now a ready made ginger juice in 100% natural organic form. The invention of Hester Camilla, the Drop the Juice micro brand is a result of her unswerving passion for ginger and all its unsung health benefits. I knew it was good for staving off colds and indigestion but did you know it can help improve circulation, soothe muscle pain and relieve nausea too?

Chez Gerard, Tower of London

The restaurant has an authentic French feel about it reminding me in its style of several I have visited in Paris over the years. Chez Gerard, Tower of London, certainly didn’t feel like part of a chain, the food was very good indeed. We certainly enjoyed our meal there.

Flavours from Piacenza

‘Aperitifs as 7.00pm – Dinner at 7.30pm’, the invitation from the Consorzio Piacenza Alimenttare and Confindustria Piacenza said. So not wishing to be a rude guest, and being quite ready for an aperitif we arrived at the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrave Square soon after 7.00pm.

Building a wood-fired oven for bread and pizza- Tom Jaine

I am ‘fired’ up myself by this book and have marked out the area required in my garden already. I may never get any further than that but I already feel rather proud of my efforts. The book is itself a fascinating read and one to pore over when it’s raining outside and your thoughts turn to comfort food.