Archive For February 2022
‘A Perfect Lady’ Gin Cocktail for Mother’s Day is just Peachy Deliver the ingredients for The Perfect Lady to your perfect mother, this Mothering Sunday (27 March 2022). Made with Rock Rose Gin Spring Edition (£37.50 for 70cl), this is a frothy, delightful treat for your mother. The Perfect Lady cocktail is a classic 1930s gin…
A taste of South America Ceviche is now popular around the world but it originated Peru and Ecuador. It’s mostly made from the freshest of raw fish. It isn’t actually cooked, but cured in fresh citrus juices, spices and chopped onions, salt, and coriander. The name is thought to have come from the Quechuan word…
Septem Quercus to keep Montlobre Estate is over 300 years old and steeped in history. In the 19th century, the buildings were adapted to become a penal colony run by the clergy for the education of wayward young people. Some may have been criminals, but others were sent there by their parents. The cellar of…
Cucumber ‘Prolific’ (sometimes also known as ‘Brocade’) A fascinating and useful cucurbit originating in South East Asia. It is a versatile variety known locally as ‘Sambar Southekai’ that can be used in a wide range of dishes. Fruits can be stored in cool dry conditions for months after harvest. Plants are similar in growth to…
Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala now open for business Exactly one year ago this month, Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala began the painful process of emptying the old Victorian magistrate’s court in East London that had served as the home of Café Spice Namaste´, their acclaimed Indian restaurant, for a quarter of a century. Besides taking with…
Treat that special lady for Mother’s Day Well, that came around quickly! Just finished getting the pine needles out of the carpet from the Christmas celebrations; the dustman hasn’t even collected the champagne bottles (OK, so it was prosecco) from Valentine’s; and now it’s Mother’s Day. But what to give that wonderful woman? A box…
A Fruity Expression of Tequila There are possibly thousands of cocktails documented. There are likely a few dozen which one might describe as iconic. A Margarita is one such, and it’s the most celebrated tequila cocktail. Using Rooster Rojo Smoked Pineapple Tequila adds a point of difference and allows an adventurous mixologist to experiment a…
Quality red from Languedoc Ournac Frères Pinot Noir is a delicious expression of the elevated styles of wine in the Minervois in Languedoc. One is enticed by the delightful label which is somewhat reminiscent of sketches found in Dickensian novels. It was however designed at the end of the twentieth century. A sign in the…
Cocktails and More Cocktails are more popular than ever. We have our favourites. We seek the best place to enjoy them, and we discuss our preferred recipes. But there is one special element to the cocktail experience, and that is the glassware. Good choices add so much to that cocktail. The Mikasa Cheers set of…
Unique Sumatra Gin I am a spirits reviewer, that’s true, but I am not actually much of a gin drinker. I find that so many are samey, harsh and uninteresting. This Sumatra Gin from Birch is perfectly to my taste and doubtless to that of many others. I had expected good things from this small…
Ancient Peru till 20 February 2022 The Joseph Hotung Great Court Gallery The central Andes in Peru, South America, are one of the most geographically rich and diverse regions in the world. To coincide with the 200th anniversary of the independence of Peru in 2021, this exhibition will highlight the history, beliefs and cultural achievements…
Celebrate Margarita Day with Rooster Rojo Tequila: 22 February 2022 To salt or not to salt the rim of your glass? That is the key question on the forthcoming International Margarita Day on 22 02 2022. What isn’t in question is the Tequila you use. Pick up a bottle or two of some of Mexico’s…
Pays d’Oc IGP – Red wine When we were living in France I would not have promoted the wines of Pays d’Oc, preferring to keep them a delicious secret for us locals. Now we are back in the UK we are grateful that the UK has found them. Baccalarius from Domaine de Bachellery is a…
Bullard’s have created a delightful Valentine’s Cocktail – Pomegranate & Basil Spritzer Ingredients 25ml Bullards London Dry Gin Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil Mixer 50ml apple juice 1 tbsp of pomegranate syrup Pomegranate seeds and basil to garnish Method In an ice-filled glass, add the gin, apple juice and pomegranate syrup. Top with Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil…
Pink Fizz for your Valentine Well, that came round quick. We are just about drawing breath after Christmas and the New Year and it’s the next celebration. Yes, Valentine’s Day is here and that’s a special occasion for even those of us who are past the first flush of youth and have been long married….
Outstanding Presentation Perhaps we are all getting a bit jaded but it’s not often we find something that actually impresses. But the Hepple Spirits Gift Box does indeed impress, in both beautiful and delicious fashion. It’s coming up to Valentine’s Day and this would certainly charm any gin lover. But it’s the perfect gift for…