Forget Babycham or pear cider, craft English perry is the genuine article and makes for a refreshing, autumnal alternative to wine, ale or cider, writes Caroline Sargent.
Indulgent Christmas sweetmeats form Pierre Hermé
If you are looking for an amazing indulgence this Christmas, or a novel gift idea, exclusive seasonal creations from renowned French Pâtissier Pierre Hermé might just fit the bill. For our own sheer indulgence we sampled a box of Pierre Hermé macarons and decadent little confections they are too.
Roussillon, Pimlico
I think it was when the keen young waiter gamely attempted to interest us in his breadbasket for around the sixth time that P’s patience finally snapped. ‘If he reappears with that bread one more time,’ she snarled to me sotto voce, ‘he’s going to find himself with a mini baguette in an unusual place.’
Ron Zacapa, the story behind the rum
‘When you make rum just to make rum, you make Ron Zacapa.”Those would be famous last words if they weren’t the first thing that Master Blender Lorena Vasquez tells Qin Xie about Ron Zacapa, the Guatemalan rum brand established in 1976 to celebrate the centenary of the city of Zacapa. Qin Xie met Lorena at Rumfest to learn more about the rum, which although hasn’t officially been launched in the UK, has been growing in popularity amongst bartenders and now the public.
Try Welsh True Taste sausages during British Sausage Week
Enjoy a massive array of sausages from some of The Wales The True Taste Award-winning producers during British Sausage Week 1-7th November. Whether you want a comforting dinner of sausage and mash, a casual hot-dog to watch the fireworks with or an extra special fry-up breakfast, there’s a brilliant banger from Wales that’ll do just the job.
Pho, Wardour Street
I’ve been keen to review Pho for a while, having endured a frantic September filled with meetings, weddings, stag parties and business trips. I found it’s ideal for a quick meal and an escape from the zombie filled Oxford Street.
Cigalon/Baranis
Brought to you by the minds behind Smithfield’s Club Gascon, what was the formerly burger heavy wine bar, Hodgson’s has emerged leavened.
Foodie things for Halloween weekend
With Halloween falling on a Sunday this year, there’s a whole weekend of ghoulish foodie events to attend. we’ve picked a couple just to get you started.
Sienna, Dorchester
Chef Russell Brown is showing us a crippled lobster with one claw. Once a warlord, it now lives in an oxygenated tank in a fish processing plant. These mighty fallen are part of the Dorset fishing haul that makes up the Michelin-starred chef’s menu at his Dorchester restaurant, Sienna.
British Sausage Week 1-7th November
It’s British Sausage Week from 1-7th November and there’s a whole host of places bringing out the bangers for you to enjoy!