Posts Tagged “traditional”
Côte in Kingston. I am an unashamed supporter of Côte. ‘But it’s a chain,’ I hear my dear reader cry! Yes, it is and it’s a very good one. The food is delicious and well-presented with decent portions and all at a good price. They also offer special menus from time to time, and the…
It is Navy Strength Gin Day on 31st July 2022 It’s Black Tot Day on 31 July, marking the moment in 1970 when Royal Navy sailors were no longer served a daily tot of alcohol, a tradition that had evolved since the 17th century. Officers were given gin – specifically Navy Strength Gin – whilst sailors…
There can be nothing more iconic at Christmas than the pudding. One might argue that the turkey should have that festive accolade, but let us consider the history of Christmas dinner. Queen Victoria celebrated Christmas with enthusiasm, and her husband Prince Albert introduced German Christmas trees. Charles Dickens was also instrumental in creating the vision…
You, dear reader, will be unusual to say the least if you own one; your father probably didn’t have one, either; more likely your grandfather might have had one … or two or three. Take a look in your old family photo album and chances are there will be someone smoking a pipe and looking…
If we are new to sake we will likely be looking for a mild flavour and a light sake. Yes, sake does indeed have a different taste profile from wine. But Japan’s national beverage is distinctive, complex and can be rewarding to those who appreciate its layers and balance. I found Ozeki Dry Sake particularly…
London is moving east. There has been much investment in an area that already had good transport links. New building for both housing and commerce has revitalised local economies and indeed aspirations. H. Forman’s restaurant is best placed to enjoy the benefits of a rising population that appreciates tastes of the good life. Forman’s Restaurant…
The quality junmai sake, made in Uonuma City in Niigata, is a pure sake made of just 100% Japanese rice polished to 65% of its original size. The key ingredients are water and koji mould, which turns the starch in the rice to the sugars necessary for fermentation. With about 90 sake breweries, Niigata is…
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 got was a book the size of a coffee table but one which will hold my attention long after the furniture would have lost its purely functional appeal. Sake: The…
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 styles and each one has its own history and its own character. We are being offered a wider range of sake in Japanese restaurants but it’s a shame that non-Japanese…
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 one’s dreams are often woven around the acquisition of something small and sparkling, a new 3D TV, or designer shoes. MAFF invited me on my first trip to Japan for…
From BBC Food The Hairy Bikers’ slow-cooked classic Lancashire hot pot is perfect for a hearty, family meal. Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 1kg/2lb 2oz neck of lamb, chopped into bite-sized pieces 4 lambs’ kidneys, cleaned, trimmed, cut into quarters 2 onions, peeled, sliced ½ tsp salt 1 tbsp plain flour 250ml/9fl oz…
By Donald Russell Those who hail from south of the Border might not know what stovies are: think bubble and squeak, but minus the squeak. Stovies is a hearty plateful of meat, potatoes, onions and possibly some flavourful dripping from the Sunday roast – a great Monday night dinner. Ingredients 2 large onions,…
We, at least in London, are becoming more familiar with Japan’s iconic national beverage. We are tempted to take our first sips in the increasingly numerous Japanese restaurants in the capital. Sake is new to us but it’s been around for a couple of thousand years in some form or other, and there are families…
We in the West might consider that we know all about Japanese food and indeed all about Japan. It is, I guess, a consequence of globalisation. We see Japanese tourists on our streets, sushi fast food cafés are now common, and there are more Japanese restaurants in our larger cities. Yes, we know all about…
Originally designed by Charles Barry and his son, Charles Edward Barry, the hotel opened in 1884, after ten years in construction. It was extended in 1901 by Colonel Robert Edis. It’s this date that gives its name to the restaurant and wine bar. The Great Eastern Hotel, for that was its original name, had its…
Furoshiki is an ancient practice that seems to be very trendy now in Europe. I first came across it when a friend arrived from Marseille. She is a lady of impeccable taste and owns a shop filled with stylish and interesting goods. I had high hopes of a classy gift and I wasn’t quite sure…
This wasn’t, to be honest, what I expected. It has a bright and evocative picture on the front cover but this isn’t a book about colourful textiles, it’s about how the sari is worn and the place it holds in Indian society. It’s a simple length of cloth but to suggest that is all it…
Can there be a land that has given more to style than India? I admit I have a bias but it is evident that we in the West and particularly in Britain have long embraced all things Indian. Melba Levick is the photographer for India Color. She has several other books under her belt… well,…
There are some products that evoke memories. Dr. Pepper root beer reminds me of my friend Carolyn in the US, HP Sauce reminds me of my husband and Hoola Hoops remind me of our boy Peter. Golden Syrup reminds me of treacle tart while watching Sunday Night at the London Palladium (I was very young!)…