Umami Kelp and Wasabi – an introduction
London’s Icetank Studio was the venue for an informative and friendly seminar on Umami hosted by the Japanese Culinary Academy UK and supported by JETRO...
Travels & Tapas in Basque Country – travel review
We have likely heard of it but if pinpointing this region on a map was a capital offence then it’s probable a few of us...
Vassilis Papagiannakos at Domaine Papagiannakos Winery – interview
A few years ago one might scoff at the prospect of a visit to a Greek winery. The memory of old-school Retsina lingers on. That...
Cream Tea Cruise from MBNA Thames Clippers – travel review
I am a Londoner and I am ashamed to say that I rarely take advantage of visiting our iconic and internationally-appreciated historic and cultural sites,...
Sake: The History, Stories and Craft of Japan’s Artisanal Breweries – book review
I was told to expect a book. I was told to expect a big book. I was told to expect a coffee-table book. What I...
Taruzake Sake – cedar difference – travel review
Sure, the world of sake is new and mysterious to most of us. Japan’s national beverage is made of few ingredients but there are many...
Food Sake Tokyo by Yukari Sakamoto – travel guide review
Tokyo is a vibrant modern city but tradition is still evident. We might be looking for the latest technology in Akihabara or fashion and pop...
Okinawa and Awamori – the spirit of the islands – travel review
Awamori is the celebrated spirit originating in and unique to the Ryukyu Islands (Nansei Islands in Japanese) of Okinawa. It is made from long-grain Thai...
Sake in situ – the overlooked tourist attraction in Japan – travel review
A dream came true for me recently and it was courtesy of the Japanese Ministry of Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). That might sound unlikely when...
The Princess, the Palace and the Painter – travel review
OK, so I have lied and we are only into the first paragraph! The Princess, the Palace and the Painter is an intriguing title with...
Warren House, Kingston – hotel review
We might be in London for a short holiday. We see the sights, monuments, museums. We shop till we drop and we are swept along...
Swan Upping – travel review
Swan Upping is an annual ceremonial event and an activity that has endured since the 12th century. The mute swans on part of the River...
Travels in Germany with MS Jane Austen – travel review
It sounds like the title of a Victorian novel – Travels with MS Jane Austen! Well, it is actually a few words about a delightful...
Rennes – living with history – travel review
History is everywhere in Rennes but it’s actually considered by thoroughly modern folks to be one of the most liveable cities in France. That’s a...
Memphis in London – theatre review
The Shaftesbury Theatre is both beautiful and historic, and a worthy presenter of a show that is beautiful in a very different way. Memphis is...
Hop-On Hop-Off – Day and Night Tour in Kuala Lumpur – travel review
This city makes an ideal stop-over for long-haul passengers heading for Australia or New Zealand, although Malaysia has enough to delight, tempt and inspire those...
Lambrusco – another taste – wine review
If you are of a certain age then even the name ‘Lambrusco’ will likely raise a smirk. Once the smirker’s composure has been restored then...
Parmigiano Reggiano – a cracking good cheese – travel review
If we are sent on a mission to buy a flavourful hard cheese we will likely want to buy Parmigiano Reggiano. If we are looking...
Balsamic vinegar in Emilia Romagna – travel review
Balsamic vinegar, in Italian ‘aceto balsamico’, is a vinegar originating in Italy – the syrupy dark-brown condiment that one finds in Italian restaurants and gracing...
Bayeux – A stitch in time – travel review
It’s inevitable that the first thing people think of when you mention Bayeux is the tapestry. Though it’s not actually a tapestry but a very...