Food, wine and a better life .....

The hype around Heston.......

2012-02-09T23:42:00.001Z

I am usually not one to get suckered in by celebrity, however with years of sustained hype I couldn't believe my luck when my sister in law generously gifted me a dinner at the Fat Duck.

Well last night was the night and I was damn excited. However, I cannot recall a meal where I felt as excited as a kid on Christmas day. After the amuse bouche, the level of anticipation went through the roof and the entire meal measured up in every single way.

The service allowed the food to sing and even though their professionalism was a close to perfect as you will ever get, the staff's individual character was allowed to shine.

Shall we begin....

Amuse: Beetroot Macaroon - all flavour and air

Aperitif: make mine a campari and soda with a dash of liquid nitro

Red Cabbage Gaspacho..... just superb

Mushroom "listerine" strips are the future
with quail jelly and crayfish cream

Snail and serano porridge..... the best porridge I have ever had

Foie Gras...... as sensational as it looks

The most creative fun dish ever.... just brilliant

The Mad Hatters Tea party including Mock Turtle soup

and I-pod with your fish....

and prior to this I was ridiculously sceptical about the combining an I -pod as fundamental part of the dish. If I want the smell and sounds of the sea then surely we should just go to the seaside.. ...WRONG.... I took the headphones out as I had eaten some of the dish it did lose the sense of escapism and enjoyment.

Liquorish Salmon that is an incredible combination of surprisingly subtle flavours.

Venison which was probably the most conventional dish of the night which was paired with a delightful sugar puff risotto (bottom right)

Desert 1 : taffety tart is stunning

Gluten Free version

Black Forest Gateau - just sensational

Whilst it's difficult to express the depths on my gratitude to Donna for her superb but memorable gift. I also cannot recall a meal that captivated me and took me on such a sustained magical carpet ride that this did. More often than not, the dishes wowed me and left you begging for more. A truly magical evening which was worth every penny that one would normally spend.

The grin still cannot be wiped from my face..... a truly phenomenal evening.

ABC is all you need ...........

2012-01-31T21:35:00.003Z

Au Bon Climat, Santa Maria Valley, Knox Alexander, Estate Bottled Pinot Noir 2007

Grape: Pinot Noir

Where: Santa Maria, California, USA

Booze: 13.5%

Food: Quiche, Roast Duck, Veal

Story: Certified Organic

Not that I advocate drinking to solve a bad mood, but just sometimes you need some inspiration, and the heavy weight Au Bon Climat Pinot 2007 is just the lifeline I needed.

The gorgeous red berry fruit and red cherry is nothing short of masterful. It is fresh with a kiss of vine leaf that practically has me dancing in my living room. And that is only after the first sip. On second pass, the wine delivers a leather pouch of soft vanilla spice. Very enticing.

With food, this has the acidity and tannin structure makes this a suitable guest at the dinner table.

It is not every day you enjoy a wine as good as this. Only if life was as good as ABC.

Available from D Vine Wine, for £35

If you're good enough, you're old enough ....

2012-01-08T09:30:00.001Z

Domaine de la Ferme Saint Martin, Les Terres Jaunes, Beaumes de Venise 2009

Grape: 75% Grenache 25% Syrah

Where: Beaumes de Venise, Southern Rhone, France

Booze: 14.5%

Food: Pulled Pork, Slow Roast Pork, Steak, Roquefort Salad

Story: Certified Organic

With the prospect of a couple of grilled steaks being served for dinner, I had a quick rummage in the cellar and pulled out a Christmas gift from one of my wine suppliers. I was possibly a tad keen and could have left this youngster to see in another Christmas before cracking it, but what the hell..... and it couldn't have been further from hell if it tried.

With a nose carrying flavours of black cherry, leather and a bit of black earth it was certainly going to be up to the task of a Roquefort salad and a grilled steak. During the dinner the acidity and tannins worked a treat and the cherry and white pepper flavours sat well alongside the steak. In fact I was taken back how well this was drinking now and will be listing this in the weeks to come.

Without breaking the bank, I was delighted with this wine which proves the theory.....

"If you're good enough, you're old enough"

Available from D Vine Wine for about £15.

Undeniably Australian........

2012-01-06T09:26:00.000Z

The Musician by Majella 2010

Grape: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Shiraz

Where: Coonawarra, South Australia

Booze: 14.5%

Food: Ribs or BBQ Lamb

Story: damn honest people and mainly sustainable

On a day where Michael Clarke came of age as Australian Cricket Captain with a score of 329 and declared in the shadow of several personal records, I just felt the need to toast to my homeland. Not because of Mr Clarke's fantastic efforts but because of the fact that occasionally I get homesick for 3 things...

my family
my mates (you know who you are)
the wine !

and tonight Bruce Gregory it is your turn to bat... on the wine front anyway.

12 months ago, Sara Lager and I sat in Bruce's lab as he was blending and we just went along for the ride and questioned this and that. I dare say it may have been this very wine.... maybe, maybe not. Even with Majella's level entry (the Musician) Bruce's character comes through..... interesting, diverse but most of all an understated quality!

First ball, the Musician delivers a waft of blackcurrant, bramble and eucalyptus to the nose which is backed up with a little leather and spice. Second delivery, a solid cover drive is comfortably played with those flavours coming to fore with a faint touch of oak, a little more spice and a lengthy balance dry finish. Straight away we know this wine has the guts (full bodied), modest tannin and acidity to hang a round a while............. and also reminds me that I must place an order for more.

I really think this wine is made well enough to evolve after a decade and it's not going to break the bank to do this.

If you fancy joining me on a case give me a whistle at D Vine Wine where we sell this reliable bottle for £13.50

p.s. Mr Bruce Gregory..... many thanks for a fabulous afternoon (previous post) and the opportunity to sample your craft on the 14 December 2010. May our paths cross again.

and well done Mr Clarke... you are undeniably Australian......... just like the Musician.

Every Audi dealer should have a fridge full...

2012-01-04T16:43:00.000Z

Van Volxem Scharzhofberger Riesling 2007

Grape: Riesling

Where: Saar, Germany

Booze: 12%

Food: Oriental seafood, or in my case a home made seafood ramen.

Story: No fertilisers, low yield..... sustainable.

It is 2012 already, and like many others, I drank too much of the same thing, the same old wine and same old styles. Well, I thought I would go for different selection in a German Riesling. My better half has been scarred by her parent's fascination with Black Tower many years ago, so I usually leave the Germanic styles on the shelf..... much to our detriment.

The Van Volxem Scharzhofberger has good fresh acidity and minerality are on queue with precise but balanced melon, honey and lime flavours all evolving further. The wine is wholesome, rounded and very complimentary with the salmon ramen I'm having tonight. Definitely a good start to 2012.

"Vorsprung durch Technik" should possibly be Vorsprung durch Wein

Available from D Vine Wine for £18.

Oh Milly !

2011-12-31T09:01:00.000Z

Macon-Milly Lamartine, Les Héritiers des Comtes Lafon 2009

Grape: Chardonnay

Where: Macon, Burgundy, France

Booze: 13%

Food: Alone but roast chicken or mushroom risotto is also good

Story: Biodynamic

It is the last Friday night of an exhausting year but very fulfilling year and I saw no point mucking about and decided I needed to celebrate the hard work but also grab a bit of inspiration for the year ahead. A good burgundy was just the one.

The aromas yield a bit of citrus, vanilla, fresh yeast and a bit of sandstone minerality that just pulls you in. Tastewise, a tinge of blood orange zing with a very balanced yeastiness just has you drooling for more. It's good, but could only benefit from a couple more years in the bottle.

"It's never a bad day when you have a wine like this"..... a perfect way to finish the year.

Available from D Vine Wine for £20

First date with Herve'

2011-12-17T21:27:00.009Z

Syrah. Herve’ Souhaut

Grape: Syrah

Where: St Joseph, Rhone, France

Booze: 12.2%

Foods: Pate, Roast Chicken

Story: Biodynamic

When I get asked to taste I feel a bit like being asked out on a date. So when Herve’ Souhaut asked me on a date, I invited my wife and sister in law. We absolutely adored the first impression …… a Simple stylish but inviting label that leaves you wanted to get to know them better. It is beautiful, glistening ruby with indigo highlights which radiates though on closer inspection. It is not a glass of Ribena with a somewhat grained complexion.

And if the looks didn’t pull you in, the perfume will. The blueberry and blackcurrant fruit with leaf just draws you closer. With the these aromas working the imagination into a frenzy, the initial indications tell you this date wants to go to dinner. The higher acidity levels are crying out for some food… any food.

At this point I am suspecting there will be no 2nd date. The flavours are sublte and seem a little flat. They are there, but just flat and for £16 I am looking for a little more substance. Perhaps it got bored waiting for dinner ?

As we are still at the bar having the crisps with white pepper, the flavours are eventually coaxed out and start lingering in parallel with those aromas. The light berry fruit, pepper and on point acidity.

At about £16 ish this is not a cheap date but a serious player who is so classy that you have spend some to enjoy and realise it’s qualities as opposed to eye candy and perfume.

Allow your palate time to adjust and resistance will only get harder.....

Available from D Vine Wine for £16.

So out of fashion........ but so damn good

2011-12-16T20:16:00.007Z

Gewurztraminer Gesetz, Domaine Lucas & André Rieffel 2009

Grape: Gewurztraminer

Where: Alsace, France

Booze: 12.5%

Foods: pork pate or terrine, creamy cheese

Story: Organic (pesticide free)

It's Friday night and I think I have reached a point in my life where if I want to do something, I will do it, as I really can't be bothered conforming with fashion. Gewurztraminer could not be more unfashionable and probably, almost as unfashionable as port is at the moment.

On opening, I dive in to the mineral, floral fragrance which is followed up with an irresistible melon, honeyed quince flavour. The acidity is so spot on it leaves a sensational zing which cries out for a soft cheese or a pork pate. It really is so good, so pure it couldn't be fashionable. In fact I would love to leave this for 5 years and see where it goes.... I just reckon it might be every bit of good as it was tonight, if not better.

Available from D Vine Wine for about £17.

Best label in the business

2011-12-14T21:36:00.001Z

Malvasia Bianca, Birichino 2009

Grape: Malvasia

Where: Monterey

Booze: 12.5%

Foods: Seafood

Story: Sustainable

The only other time I have seen a Californian Malvasia was from the Bonny Doon who labelled up their version with a cartoon school girl. But this version has the sexiest label I have had the pleasure of owning. The blossom on the label is an advert for the flavours you are about to receive. Elderflour, lime blossom hit you on the nose but the taste is clean and so bone dry. So much so my taste buds feel paralysed, and that is the problem.

After a glass, I am done and while I take immense pleasure from it's aroma and a great looking label, I am just not in love with it. It's not bad by any stretch and would please the huge legion of dry white fans. But this just isn't my bag at this time of year and I am sure I might enjoy it much more on a warmer evening.

No better way to celebrate a new job !

2011-11-26T20:27:00.007Z

Champagne Vouette et Sorbee, Sagnee de Sorbee

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir !!!!!

Where: Champagne, France

Booze: 12%

Foods: this is worth a celebration alone.

Story: Certified Biodynamic

Right, an extremely good friend, "Gosset Champagne Lover", has told me he has just landed a cracking job after some months of frustration. If nothing else, he helped us out on a dire market today and "it can never be a bad day when you have a wine like this!" (Kate Thal).

The campari loaded, yeastiness is just a delight... and that is just the nose. In the mouth is delivers some raspberry in addition to the clementine minerals. Purists may say it is slightly oxidised but it is moorish. It's drier than a dingo in a desert ! But so damn moorish...oops I said it again but you do keep going back for more. Fizz wise it does fade fairly quickly but hey when you have got this flavour who cares. The perfect aperitif !!!!

And while D Vine Wine is now in full on search mode for this pinot sensation, I must thank Kate Thal of the very good Green and Blue for tasting this with me about 4 years ago.

Peter's House

2011-11-26T00:03:00.008Z

Grape: Columbard and Ugni Blanc

Where: Southern France

Booze: 12%

Foods: with M & S

Story: ???? With a regional of "Vin de France" probably mass produced

What do I reckon ?

With every supermarket doing it's £10 meal deal with wine, I couldn't help being a little dubious. With a nose of grassy pear, the wine was clean with some back bone of acidity. The flavours are not that long but the wine is certainly OK enough, drinkable and reminder that some supermarkets can still do some reasonable wines. Chez Pierre is a fair attempt especially when you pay a tenner for meal and wine.

If nothing else, I know of a very good Columbard and Ugni Blanc that will be on the D Vine Wine list before to long.

The Scary thing about halloween.....

2011-10-31T20:29:00.011Z

Tenutoa di Valgiano, Palistorti Bianco 2010

Grape: 50% Vermentino, 25% Trebbiano and Malvasia, 25% Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

Where: Tuscany, Italy

Booze: 12%

Foods: Risotto, Pumpkin

Story: Organic, Biodynamic

What do I reckon ?

I hate halloween. Aside from the fact that it is the most pointless yet commercial festival of the year, it also thrusts an abundance of pumpkin on us that is enough to turn a bloke orange. On the plus side, I usually go in search of fun wine that will distract me from pumpkins. trick or treaters, goblins and ghouls in the neighbourhood.

Colourwise it is a slightly dull hay look but it's aroma is grapefruit, hay and a few other floral notes going on. Tastewise, rounded grapefruit and pineapple is there along with some chalkiness minerality and straw. It is dry, refreshing and a wine that transports me away from the doom and gloom. The wine is very interesting and works well enough butternut risotto.

While we haven't listed this yet I think I might with Tenuta's sensational Tuscan reds. Soon to be available from D Vine Wine for about £15.

"A bullfight in front of the TV"

2011-10-28T16:26:00.018+01:00

Laderas de El Seque 2010, Artadi

Grape: Monastrell 85%, Syrah 7.5% and Cabernet 7.5%

Where: Alicante, Spain

Booze: 14%

Foods: Pork and Serano Casserolle, grilled pork

Story: Organic, Biodynamic

What do I reckon ?

With my outlaws (sorry inlaws) based in the region, I can verify the area is not all about the beach, bull fighting and sangria drinking Brits. Infact, this region is dry, hot and mountainous which make it a superb area for Monastrell growth. Of and in case you are wondering.......

Monastrell (Spain) = Mataro (Catalan) = Mourvedre (France)

In the glass the ruby and purple tinged wine creates an aroma of dark plums, blackberry and some violet. When your lips caress the glass the spice, game and dark fruit flavours keep coming. Not massively earthy or tannic but there is some acidity which will take on a casseroles or the BBQ.

This wine is undeniably Spanish, a bit rustic, full on and fun which possibly why explains one critic recommend you enjoy this wine whilst "watching a bull fight on TV".

Don't know about watching blokes in pink tights murdering a bull .... but watching some footy with some mates sounds about right.

Supplied by ethical beef loving stockists such as D Vine Wine for £9.50

Allez les Blanc !

2011-10-27T20:46:00.006+01:00

Domain Arnaud Combier, "Mandeliers" Saint Veran 2010

Grape: Chardonnay

Where: Burgundy, France

Booze: 13%

Foods: Dover Sole

Story: Organic

What do I reckon ?

And after a month of the Rugby World Cup, there is now an "interest void" that needs to be filled to prevent the symptoms of boredom setting in. Fortunately this Saint Veran has put up defiant fight to the boredom and reassuringly flies the flag for chardonnay.

Initially the nose delivers a subtle aroma of under ripe pineapple, rain on stone and as it warms up a little some apple blossom. After diving in, there is a good skeleton of acidity strengthened with more fruit, a little vanilla, apple and the under ripe pineapple. After a mouthful there is a slightly bitter tang that disappears and leaves you with some lengthy fruit flavours that last longer than the haka. Will also last keep until the next rugby festival in 2015.

At £14.50 from D Vine Wine this represents great value.

Turning back time !

2011-10-19T17:28:00.010+01:00

The Urlar Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (organic)

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

Where: Gladstone, NZ

Booze: 14%

Foods: Seafood, white fish

Story: Biodynamic principles (organic)

What do I reckon ?

The other day I sceptically put my glass to my lips expecting an acidic jumbled mess of fruit juice cordial that has typified new world sauvignon in recent years. In fact, that style has definitely created an "anything but Sauvignon Blanc" trend amongst those trying to be uber cool ! Some years ago I was disappointed at the quality and value of acclaimed New Zealand Sauvignon's I abandoned them all together.

What actually followed was something I haven't experienced in NZ Sauvignon for at least 10 years... balance, fresh, clean gooseberry, passionfruit and lime aromas and flavour backed up with a little texture from some very restrained proportional oaking. The organic fruit is obviously first class as it seemingly allows the wine maker to do his job. The flavours were brilliantly layered and endless.

While the All Blacks attempt to turn back time to 1987 when they defeated the French in the first RWC, this wine also turns back time and reminds me of what great New Zealand Sauvignon used to be (should be) all about.

£13.50 from D Vine Wine.

"The wine is a child of the soil and the sweat of men"

2011-09-27T23:13:00.019+01:00

The Castelmaure Corbieres 2010

Grape: Carignan 50%, 30% Grenache Noir, Syrah 15%, Cinsault 5%

Where: Languedoc Roussillon, France

Booze: 14%

Foods: Cassoulet, Sausages or mushrooms

Story: handcrafted, hand picked, sustainable and made in an area where vines are being grubbed up. Fortunately this cooperative of lads are sticking to their guns.

What do I reckon ?

With a website littered with comments like "The wine is a child of the soil and the sweat of men" and "The machine harvesting, cyclopean monster has no place in the Paradise Valley"... apologies for the google translation, but you get the drift that these blokes are seriously passionate about creating great wine. Not wine to cellar or judge but wine to drink and enjoy now.

With the juicy deep red and dark fruits of grenache, syrah, mourvedre and carignan, those dark fruit flavours all come belting on the door. The blackberry is complimented by some white pepper spice, with even a touch of lavender. This gives a nice herbal edge without any tannins due to the use of carbonic maceration. There are many layers of flavour which lingers for ages and give the drinker a hell of a lot of wine for your money. I would drink now - 4 years as am not too sure where the wine will develop ...... but if you get lost there is even a map on the label.

"The wine is a child of the soil and the sweat of men".... love the ethos and love their work (i.e. the wine)

Sold by D Vine Wine for a tenner... ish.

Damn Kiwis are winning again !

2011-09-26T11:08:00.006+01:00

Peregrine Pinot Noir
2009

Grape: Pinot Noir

Where: Central Otago, NZ

Booze: 14%

Foods: Turkey, Pork and Guinea Fowl

Story: Handcrafted, Sustainable and made with Minimal Intervention

What do I reckon ?

As an avid rugby follower, watching NZ dish out another flogging (to Japan) is just tiresome, but, rugby is not the only thing they do well. Pinot Noir from Central Otago is simply phenomenal and proving to be a world beating combination.

Peregrine is no exception. In fact if it were a rugby footballer it would be Dan Carter. Incredibly balanced and surefooted, it delivers flavours and an aroma of dark fresh cherry, raspberry and smoked spice. The fine tannins and acidity make this a wine to enjoy with food. At approximately £22 this is a small price to pay magnificent balance and considerable length.

A true champion.

Available at D Vine Wine

A night with 2 Blondes and Andrew Will

2011-09-22T21:30:00.001+01:00

Andrew Will Two Blondes Vineyard
2008

Grape: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot and 7% Malbec

Where: Yakima Valley, Washington State, USA

Booze: 14.5%

Foods: As much as I enjoy drinking this on its own, it would handle duck, venison, pheasant and even chocolate

Story: Handcrafted and sustainable (recycled bottles too)

What do I reckon ?

At about £45 on the shelf there is a lot of work to do and in many respects it does. When you have a sniff, the darker cassis like fruit comes to the fore with some fragrant woody herbs and even some caramelised onion.

Speaking of onions this has just as many layers. As a cool climate higher altitude wine this has ripened slowly and it shows with its considerable clarity. Though not a classic I have had fun drinking this and would recommend this Rocky Mountain adventure on the odd occasion.

I just hope this is the only success the Americans have this week..... Australian Rugby couldn't handle it otherwise.

Available at D Vine Wine

Gran Cerdo : pigs do fly !

2011-09-02T23:21:00.011+01:00

When my supplier gave me the pricing of this biodynamic wine my response was "and pigs will fly". Exactly ! The front label is of a flying pig and it has an even more entertaining back label.

"Pig.n1. Domesticated mammal, short legs,big head, blunt and almost cylindrical snout, floppy ears and coil shaped tail that is raised for meat. Swine.

2. A person who does not care about personal grooming or a person that is repulsive for their lack of cleanliness. He is a pig, Always burping while eating. Unpleasant.

3. A person with a lack of manners or moral principles.

Gran Cerdo is a great wine dedicated to the bank executives that denied loans to us on the basis that wine is not a seizable asset. One day, these greasy and sweaty corporate suits will find that the best things in life cannot be impounded. Thanks to our friends help, we were finally able to bottle this wine. Now you can enjoy it with pasta or ham" "

The winemaker, Gonzalo Gonzalo is a legend (and not just for his name) because he has proved that you can make a fantastic biodynamic Rioja at an affordable price. The nose and flavours are an intoxicating combination of red and dark berries, faint lavender (or violets) and a slightly earthy edge. The herbacious flavours gives the wine a slight green finish with a little spice, while the tannin and acidity cry out for some red meat.

At the £10 mark I really hope Gonzalo is able to stick it to the bankers as well as many other commercial producers and prove that biodynamic wine can bring home the bacon.

Definitely one to squeal about !

D Vine Wine will be adding this to our autumn list very shortly.

Domain Terrebune Bandol 2006

2011-08-19T23:28:00.008+01:00

It's a Friday night in and with the building works disrupting my house, my house resembles a war zone. With no food and no TV it's so bad I am sure a bunch of militia would have moved out long ago.

With my cooking restricted to sausages on the naked flame of the BBQ, I needed something primal.

The Bandol is a rugged drink that was certainly primal enough and frankly, it smells bloody agricultural. Some dark bittersweet cherries and damson flavours are there alongside some pretty strong leather and earthy flavours. Not the most pleasant aromas but the flavours work we and show considerable depth that would credit some red meat. The wine is dry but not overtly tannic and would seriously sing after some hearty fare.

Drink as you are eating some dead animal and definately one to drink after you have been in a battle.

Quinta del a Rosa, Douro Doc Red, 2008

2011-08-14T07:51:00.000+01:00

It's not often I get to take salvation in the kitchen, but, with my wife taking care of her newly arrived puppy, let's go ! With the remnants of a leg of Serano ham, pork cheek and cannelli beans we had enough time to create a decent dish. However with these rustic flavours what wine is going to be man enough to take this on ? The Quinta del a Rosa, Douro Doc Red, 2008

As I dive in for a smell, I am reminded of my childhood memory of picking mulberries, sumptuously juicy and herbacious. There is also a bit of leather and peppery spice in the background as well. Then as you actually drink the wine, you pick up these juicy flavours, some mocha and minerality also sticks it's head around the corner. The acidity, alcohol (14%) and tannin will get their chance to work with the big meaty flavours. The tannins aren't obstructive but the flavours are bold and balanced enough to linger on the palate.

This wine is more than man enough for the meal and also could live with significantly bigger meat meals. In fact, red wine from this region deserves as much of the spotlight as its fortified brother (port) and at around £13 it punches well above it's weight.

Oh and in case you are wonderring this is what the meal turned out like....

and fortunately nothing for Daisy the dog....

Domaine de la Cessane, Marsanne - Viognier, 2010

2011-08-12T20:07:00.009+01:00

What a week!

London has been under siege from its youth, the financial markets tumble lower than the sewer (again), and the most concerning of all, the England cricket team look dead set certainties to claim the world #1 spot. The world has gone mad !

Whilst many in this fair city will be reaching for their summer bottle of Pinot Grigio or Sav Blanc, I am attempting to break some new ground with the slightly different blend of Marsanne & Viognier from Domaine de la Cessane (near Beziers, France). I tried this combination recently from another winemaker which was pretty harsh, but the lads at Cessane have weaved their magic deliver a wine which has fragrance of a grassy peach blossom and ripe pear. On the palate, these flavours ring true with a small hint of citrus and honey that lingers.

At £8.50 a bottle, even the most hammered investor could get some immediate pleasure from this. Available from Dvine wine (of course).

Get some before the market latches on or even worse, England's reign at #1 becomes normality.

Grand Prebois Double Act

2011-07-18T21:42:00.008+01:00

12 years ago the perception of VDP wines was that you could barely get cheaper more uninspiring wine. Well hopefully this has changed and people are a little more open minded to at least try the latest organic offering from Domaine Perrin who are also responsible for the fabulous Beaucastel.

Le Grand Prebois Blanc: 50% Viognier 50% Marsanne

Whilst interesting, the flavours of almond, stone fruit and honey sit well, I am still uncertain of the somewhat "angular" pith like finish that you are left with. It is certified organic and has very good depth of flavour for this price although I am just not sure.

La Grand Prebois Rouge: 60% Grenache 20% Mourvedre and 20% Syrah

With an aroma and flavours of dark cherry fruit with a hint of leather. There is little tannin so this is drinking well now and is perfect for a mid week bottle of wine or something for the BBQ. At this price point, I was bowled over as I never thought I would enjoy a sub £8.00 wine as much as this.

Both wines are certified organic and made with a considerable amount of care and are a great buy for £7.50. Although the red is leading the charge as one of the best buys of the year at £7.5

As I have said already, this great value all round and can be found at D Vine Wine.

Muriel is getting on a bit

2011-07-09T21:46:00.006+01:00

Wine: Muriel Rioja Gran Reserva 1999
Grape: Tempranillo
Cost: £8ish a couple of years ago

After working a market all day, I was so ravenous, I could have even the steak raw. So, it was a rare occasion when wine was an afterthought and as dinner was being plated up I sprinted to the cellar and found an old Muriel sitting on the shelf. A Muriel Rioja Gran Reserva 1999.

While I really should given Muriel more time to relax after introducing her to the light, I dived straight into the aroma of dried strawberries and leather. Flavour wise, Muriel proved to be a little jaded but still had some redeeming qualities like the dried wild strawberry, salted caramel, green pepper and some dusty leather flavours. As a tempranillo the alcohol is moderate and the tannins.

Not as exciting as I'd like, a bit dirty, but not bad... a bit like me really. So I suppose, that is no reason not give old Muriel a go.

Just don't leave her on the shelf too long as there is no where else to go.

It's almost July and it's Winter.....

2011-06-24T20:30:00.004+01:00

With Wimbledon on the box, it does seem a little strange that it pouring it down on a mile or 2 away. Speaking of strange, it is Winter time. OK at 11 C I could go on a sarcastic comparison about the worst British Summer in years but I might as well reflect on this

Weingut Winter, Pinot Noir Rosetrocken
Rheinhessen 2010

Check the delightful festival of pink and orange colours in the glass.

The aroma of wild strawberry, rosehip and minerals is very inviting. It also volleys up some good acidity, fresh zing of wild strawberry but this incredibly refreshing with a dry finish. The delicate pinot noir flavours are there but any sweetness kept in check be the acidity.

It's refreshingly good and almost as surprising as when a 19 year old German call Boris won Wimbledon....twice. Just a shame this isn't sold at Wimbledon.

Price: £12.50
Verdict: Definately make the quarter finals.

Suppliers: www.dvinewine.co.uk

Spanish Surprise

2011-05-23T20:15:00.018+01:00

Despite going to Alicante on several occasions, I never got around to jumping in the car and driving up to the vineyards in the Yecla and Pinoso region. This occasion we had both the time and the "sounds like a golf" Seat Leon to take us up into the hills of Alicante and Murcia.

With only one visit booked, we were driving blind which to be fair also means there we didn't have any perceptions to sway our opinions of the indigenous Macabeo and Monastrell (Mourvedre) grape varieties. The Monastrell bush vines are at least 30 years old and tended in the traditional fashion.

Bodegas Castano

Whilst one of the larger and older producers in the region, Bodegas Castano are still committed to their traditional roots by making several wines from Monastrell (up to 90 years old), Macabeo and Chardonnay (at least 30 years old).

Macabeo Chardonnay : Having not tasted Macabeo previously, I didn't expect the green peach and lemon flavours that whilst dry were rounded off by 2 months in French Oak. An extremely drinkable summer white.

Monastrell 2010 : this dark and inky purple glass fronts up with some ripe dark cherry and blackberry fruit and follows through with a bit of leather and fine tannins. With some moderate acidity it is really screaming out for some pork.

Monastrell Ecologica 2010 : this organic wine is a more in depth version of the above with some earthy flavours. Needs a couple of years though.

Hecula 2009 : dark cherry, plums, vanilla and licquorice with some white pepper spice. While very drinkable I would really love to see how this grow with a bit of age. Either way, a wine like this is seriously good value.

Price wise, none of these wines exceeded €6 which is more a reflection of the high duty and ridiculous taxes here in the UK. Excellent value nonetheless.

Vega Cuyar : Monastrell

The great thing about many Bodegas is the relaxed attitude toward the bottling of wine. Unlike most commercial vineyards, it is great to see odd shaped bottles beside a couple of barriques serving some perfectly drinkable wine. OK it is not going to win any awards but it's local and satisfying. Their bottled efforts were more noteworthy and even at €3.50 this deep dark fruit flavoured wine gives off some light lavender, fine tannins and medium acidity that will compliment most lighter flavoured meats.

Salvador Poveda

With a modern shell of a building, a solar panel farm and some well tended vines I really didn't know what to expect from Salvador Poveda. The range was massive and not necessarily for the better. The merlot, cabernet and riesling were all off the mark and summed up by the tropical tasting merlot.... just weird.

Their monastrell was certainly the best yet and was confirmation that the established regional varietals grow here for a reason. The fact that they drink well.

Borrasco 2004 : organic monastrell that tastes of dried raspberry and cherry with leather and treacle flavours. The depth and quality of this wine was a vast improvement over the rest of the range.

Fondillon Gran Reserva 1987 : this was one hell of an interesting wine. Still monastrell, it had evolved immensely to show figs, apricot, caramel and coffee. Seriously delicious and a great way to finish a meal.

Moscatel : deep floral notes with some dark honey flavours. Get me some of that treacle pudding.

With earth that makes the moon look fertile, I'm amazed the vines grow at all. Nonetheless, the product from these vines is truly superb. In fact I would say that the area is truly underrated and I for one will be coming back.

N.B. All tastings were undertaken as a consumer and the visit was self funded.

and there was one Green Bottle ... Sauvignon Blanc

2011-05-10T19:50:00.010+01:00

I cannot recall wanting to like a bottle of wine as much as this. OK, aside from those occasions when you are in a restaurant and you buy a wine that's more than your inheritance. Of course you want that to be impressive and you want it to be good value. Yet, in this case I really just wanted to like it.

The name kind of sums it up. Green Bottle is the enviro project of the high profile Joseph Mellott, whose vineyard is shrinking it's carbon foot print. Even more committed is their use of the plastic bottle which weighs in at 12 % of the conventional glass bottle which results in a dramatic reduction in fuel costs for transportation. In real terms, because you can transport more bottles per container, this means a saving in fuel and emmissions throughout the distribution chain. Personally, I have not seen a bigger leap of faith from a wine maker. Nor have the 10:10 environmental movement www.1010uk.org

But it's a plastic bottle .... Well, I am pleased to say the robust bottle is fully recyclable and crushes up to minimise space. More importantly, the wine was not tainted nor did it display any negative effects of the packaging.

Wine wise, the sauvignon blanc was quite conservative, lemon and lime citrus flavours and aromas coming to fore with some elderflower. The citrus flavours do last forever and the wine holds up when it gets a little warmer making it an ideal picnic wine. It also goes with asparagus, which is not bad at this time of year.

But... would I pay circa £8 for it? Not sure. That is probably because I'm a little bored of the "green" SB flavours. That said, I am sure many people would drink this happily. Either way, I am chuffed that a winemaker is not afraid to leap head first into the environmental world and sincerely hope we will see more green bottles sitting on that wall.

Bottle: 10/10
Wine: 7/10
Price: £7-8ish
Occasion: at a picnic with hippies or the
Green Party Conference
Available: D Vine Wine

P.S Thank you to Matt Jones @ FMV who kindly furnished me with this sample.

La Finca (the encore!)

2011-04-30T17:40:00.022+01:00

As fine as the Royal celebrations were, we had our own celebrating to do as it was mate’s birthday and took the opportunity to revisit one of my favourite restaurants, La Finca (Elche, Spain).

Our last visit, some 3 years ago, left us amazed, thrilled and spellbound. One highlight was their Foie Gras and Granny Smith Apple caviar which was reason alone to revisit.

Head Chef Susi Diaz’s classical menu was too good to resist, as was the Artemayor Cava (80% Chardonnay 20% Macabeo) from the wine list specials presented in a diary. As the papers have shown this morning, pictures are worth more than words.

Amuse Bouche: Russian Salad
Not just your normal potato, veg, tuna and pepper salad but a playful interpretation.

Dish #1: Asparagus Ice Cream, peanut brittle
Magnificent.... enough said

Dish #2: Fois Gras, Fig and Sauterne Jelly with Crips Wafer
In most places I would be rejoicing with a dish of this calibre but it did not live up to the Foie Gras caviar we had last time.

Dish #3: Carpaccio of Scallop with Truffles
An awesome marriage of flavour, that I did not expect to work but was really awesome and the surprise flavour

Dish #4: Sausage, mushroom and Yolk
The yolk, sausage, mushroom, rice crisps and seasoning were all balanced in tune and complimented by an excellent albarino chardonnay. Seriously good almond, toast, and grapefruit flavour that had the body to live with alongside the yolk and the forthcoming hake.

Dish #5: Hake
The hake was served with quedillas (a pepper), crisped skin and a reconstructed olive. The hake was a sensation although the olive thing was just a little unnecessary. Fish skin crisps to have a future! Fish courses of this calibre really make me question why I don't order it more often.

Dish #6: Lamb shoulder
The lamb was reformed with a mango salsa and an egg noodle crisp perched on top. While good it was not the same class as the other dishes. Something green was needed to counteract lamb’s natural fat content. Fortunately the Castano Monastrell Cabernet 2004 brought some good acidity, red berry, pepper and leather flavours to the table to work with this.

Dish #7: Chocolate 3 ways
The chocolate was particularly memorable for the edible straw that you inhaled the white chocolate through. This is once again, playful, fun and reminding you of what it was like to be a child. Monastrell proves to be a very versatile grape especially when made into this desert wine (Boca Negra) whose rich treacle and dark cherry flavour worked really well.

Dish #8 : Cheese
5 Cheeses all served with corresponding preserve. Although we had forgotten about the photo it was a very finely presented cheese plate.

Given that the staff barely spoke any English, their efforts were commendable although the first 3 courses felt somewhat rushed did ease up without prompting.
The menu was also well worn and the Union Jack stamp on the front did feel a bit menu touristico. The bathrooms aquarium style was also a weird but spotless.

If the newlyweds and guests in London ate as well as this, they would have been doing very well. Susi Diaz succeeds in her combination of temperature, textures and flavours that makes me excited and willing to return. The very inexpensive but locally driven (Aliante and Murcia) wine list is also a highlight. La Finca will defiantely become a permanent event on visits to my wife's parents in Spain.

and Dan this was definitely a celebration worth attending.

Food 2.0
Wine 2.0
Service 1.5
Look and Feel 1.5
Value 2.0
(€90 per head including 4 bottles wines share across 5 people)
_______________
All in 9 out of 10

Thank-you Dan (chef and birthday boy) for the photos and the excuse to enjoy a fabulous meal.

The Chilean Alternative

2011-04-12T00:31:00.009+01:00

With the Australian exchange rate reaching the stratosphere, Australian wines in the UK have pretty much taken their bat and gone home. One particular wine price increased by 40% from one month to the next. As a result D Vine Wine have been forced to look for a more marketable alternative... which is one of the joys of being a wine merchant.

Odfjell, Orzada, Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley 2006
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Ethos: Organic, Hand Crafted (and picked)
ABV: 14.0%
Price: £13 ish

Even when you pick up this bottle you want to like it. It’s weighty, dark and solid, just like the wine really. Currants, blueberries, dried figs, hedgerows and mocha aromas only fuel the desire to drink it. While I would not call this wine a tease, I am left a little flat because the smell is so divine! That said the flavours hold true and you also might pick up a stronger mocha and leather flavour.

The wine is 14% alcohol but has some mild tannins which means you can role up the sleeves and drink immediately although it has the acidity to develop over 5 years or so.

The Odjfell vineyard adheres to organic and biodynamic practices and were actually first vineyard in Chile to use “gravity flow” and is below ground level to minimise energy usage for temperature control. They even use horses to till the soil!

"Horsing around"

"100+ year old Carignan Vines"

Food Matches: BBQ Steak and other meats that have been introduced to the grill.

When to Drink: In the steak house ... the Hawksmoor on a Monday perhaps ?

PS their Armador Syrah is also worth checking out for it's blackberry a leather flavours... mental note, must go to chile at some point.

Big thanks and a beer must go to Garech Byrne who was my proxy photographer on his visit some weeks ago.

Will it be an Indian summer?

2011-04-04T22:37:00.008+01:00

Watching the recent Cricket World Cup from the vantage point of my iPhone and my PC was a slightly depressing experience. Watching Australia’s fall from their one day perch confirmed the notion that Australia have zero cricketing credibility, England only have credibility against Australia in a test and South Africa obviously thought they were playing rugby when they rolled over to NZ. All said I dip the lid to the fine Indian performance throughout the carnival of cricket.

So, when gifted with 4 Indian wine, it is only fair that I put them to test as they did to the other cricketing nations. After all with the emergence of India as an economic power, surely they can do anything right? Surely they could make a decent bottle to have around the BBQ this summer.

The wines were tasted solo and then with a home made Khara Masala Balti and onion bhaji.

Aryaa Sauvignon Blanc, 2007
Mercury Winery
Region : Nashik India

Nose: Asparagus, wet dry grass, gooseberry, clean
Taste: Gooseberry, moderate acidity, ashen and somewhat smoky.

Defined flavours give you something to think about, I am not sure whether I would take this over a Loire SB. I feel as though I had just smoked a cigarette. But when eaten with spice this mellows considerably. The cricketing equivalent of Canada.

Zampa Chenin 2009
Vallee de Vin
Region: Maharashtra, Nashik India

Nose: Papaya, cantaloupe melon, with some citrus straw, honey
Taste: Quite direct fruit, as highlighted above with honey. Doesn’t hang around but entertaining while it does. A bit of smoke too.

Direct fruit is crying out for some spice, which really brings this wine to the fore. Which did with our home made feast. Like Bangladesh with a couple of wins under the belt.

Zampa Syrah Cabernet 2009
Vallee de Vin
Region : Maharashtra, Nashik India

Nose: Red and Black fruits, morello cherry tobacco box spice, slight alcohol
Taste: Flavours above are all there yet overwhelmed by the intense smokiness.

The flavours from the nose are all there but don’t seem to integrate on the palate. Does however compliment sweetness of the onion bhaji. Like Ireland, some great results but just missed the play offs.

Aryaa Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007
Mercury Winery
Region: Nashik India
Nose: Dried red currants, wet tobacco, smoke
Taste: Flavours above are overwhelmed by the intense smokiness.

Once again its smokiness is a little overwhelming. French cricket anyone? OK maybe not that bad, Zimbabwe.

In short, the wines are fun and expressive but unlike its cricket team, are not really capable of competing against the established wine regions of the world on a regular basis. That said, when you are having spice and curry, these wines will cope with those big flavours where other wines wont.

In the main, we all hope for an Indian summer, I don’t really think it will extend to the wine on a uniform basis.

Wines were supplied courtesy of South Sea Wines.

Oh Bella !!!!

2011-03-17T21:40:00.005Z

Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot 2007

Grape: Cabernet Merlot
Country: Margaret River, Western Australia
Ethos: Sustainable

Over a decade ago (possibly 2) my girlfriend's nickname was "Bella" and I was smitten. Not too dissimilar to my infatuation with Stella Bella Cabernet Merlot (07) which has some ripe red fruit with some Smokey leather aromas. Drinking, you pick up all of the above plus some herb notes and fine tannins that will accompany a steak brilliantly well... as it did. I am really pleased that I have 6 more in the cellar as I reckon this has significantly more legs and potential that my relationship in the 90s.

Cracking Wine and enjoy with the wife (definitely not the ex)!

Midweek trip to Rhone.....

2011-03-14T21:58:00.005Z

Domaine de Chapoton Cotes du Rhone 2009

Grape: Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre
Country: Southern Rhone, France
Ethos: Sustainable

When I fail in an attempt to order a wine and have to settle for something else, I don’t see it as accident but an opportunity to taste something new. And this week that something new was a Domaine Chapoton 2009 from a family run vineyard in the Southern Rhone.

The deep ruby coloured young wine smells of mulberry, violet and liquorice. The same follows though when you taste along with some leather flavours which linger. The fresh ripe tannins are banging the dinner table for some wholesome flavours.

The wine will hang about for a while as it has some good acidity and tannin that means this Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre will still be drinking well in 5-10 years.

A worthwhile for a midweek wine that might even keep for a few years.

While the cat is away......

2011-03-10T20:50:00.008Z

While the wife is out, many blokes would be off to the pub for the footy, but the reality, is after watching Arsenal and Spurs this week, I just cannot be bothered with it. So.... whilst foraging in the cellar I find a neglected (quarter consumed) case of Peter Lehmann 2002 Eden Valley Shiraz that I haven't laid eyes on since Australia last won a series of test match cricket !

and it is bloody gorgeous ! The leather, eucalyptus, vanilla and the dark plum aromas are significantly more inviting than a pint at the pub. And more of the same when you drink it with a lingering leafy, white pepper and salted caramel flavour. While my tastes have become a little more niche and ethically focussed, it is always good to remind oneself that well made wine will evolve with time as this has. A real treat.

The wife, will no doubt think I am sad, but I am so content and entertained by this beauty in a bottle it would not be a loss if I finished the bottle.

Verdict: if you can find it, BUY IT, and drink it on your own.

Smokin !!!!!!

2011-02-20T22:45:00.011Z

A very good friend of mine gave me a smoker some time ago and it got put to the back of the cupboard and forgotten... until now that is.

Once you have brined up the salmon, all you need to do is through in some wood chips with a little water and place the smoke kettle onto the BBQ for half an hour or so. The results are nothing short of spectacular. No recipe required, just look at the photos.

I actually used the salmon for our trio of Salmon starter. Which complimented Hewitsons Gun Metal Riesling and Shadowfax Chardonnay.

A quest for great wines under £10

2011-02-08T20:55:00.016Z

Disappointing as it is, I am not Captain Kirk on a quest for new galaxies, however, some weeks ago I set out to find some great wines under £10(RRP) and until recently I hadn't even managed lift off.

I am not just after good wine that you don't mind drinking, but, I want to find wines that are full of character and memorable for all the right reasons. To make my quest a little bit more challenging, I insist that these wines are from an ethical source; either bio, organic or sustainable.

If this was £10-£20.... easy!

But at the lower price bracket, I have been feeling like I could invent the "warp drive" before finding something that meets this criteria. Until today, when I found some hope...

Even though I have already tasted (reviewed already)the Argentinian Vina Cabos Chardonnay and Malbec, I had to refresh the memory of these wines made by the fabulous Paul Hobbs. Both are both stunning and worth every penny. BUT at £10.50.... its close but no cigar. However, minutes later I found something.

El Escoces Volante Old Vine Garnacha la Multa DO 2008, Aragon, Spain

The El Escoces philosophy is to retain the traditional methods of the Ribota valley and surrounding villages in Aragon are maintained. All vines are handpicked and maintained by hand.

The wine yields a beautiful smokey black cherry aroma which follows through with some spice, coffee, dark plum and cherry tastes that linger.

While Aragon sounds like another galaxy, it doesn't really go where no man has gone before ........ but still some way to achieving my quest to find a great wine under a tenner. Just a shame a good photo is too much to ask.

Elderton in Command !

2011-01-14T08:53:00.001Z

If I were to give you a dozen names of a dozen Australian wine legends, Elderton would be one. This is primarily due to their excellent "Command" shiraz which deserves every accolade it gets. It s dark chocolate, blackberry, back pepper and cedar flavours are everlasting. In fact I remember this being pretty special when I tasted this 15 years ago.

With solar panels on the roof it is no surprise that Elderton have invested heavily in bio-dynamic and sustainable practices. This family owned winery is not only concerned with their impact on the environment, but their hand crafted approach is reflected in the final product.

Two prime exapmles of this are the "Ode to Lorraine" which was made ahead of Mum's 70th birthday celebrations. This cabernet, mourvedre and shiraz is luscious, herbal and fragrant which also has the smoothest finish. Thoroughly delicious.

The other Champion was the "Neil Ashmead GTS". It is magnificently packaged in a Formula 1 style with a gear tree on the top. The looks are spectacular, but the juicy blackberry fruit, white pepper and soft tannins really make this a spectacular wine which is make in accordance with bio dynamic principles.

An absolute star performer that demonstrate that a family run business can produce great iconic wines with sustainable and environmentally sound practices. Outstanding.

6000 year old vintage !

2011-01-12T22:30:00.001Z

Many nations want to stake their claim as the first to produce wine, but, this week it seems that Armenia have uncovered the world's oldest winery. A team of archaeologists have found a wine press, stone vats and drinking bowls in some caves in the Caucasus.

Following a discussion with winemaker Paul Hobbs earlier this year, he felt that Armenia was the next big thing. Looks like Paul might be a the odd 6000 years late....although at least he knows the grapes can grow there.

Man on a mission !

2011-01-11T18:26:00.003Z

Dean Hewitson's passion has no bounds.

Like his passion, Dean's 4WD has no bounds either and we saw some of the Barossa's finest vineyard close up including "The Garden" which are the oldest Mourvedre vines in the world. Thanks to phyloxera, these vines are found in the Barossa and Dean is no doubt the best man to bring out the best in this very fine fruit. The photo below is the man and these iconic vines.

So how do you describe a wine produced from some of the oldest vines on the planet ? Having tasted it from the barrel with Dean and I can tell you that I'll be looking to relive the "Old Garden". It is a piece of history.

Speaking of creating history, Dean and his vine growing partners are also nuturing some vines that are the offshoots of the old garden vines which produced the lively "Baby Bush".

I openly don't rate Sauvignon Blanc because I think has been exploited almost beyond all recognition. Lulu went some way to rebuilding its reputation. It is a class act from a single vineyard with grapefruit and elderflower flavours. Serious quality that could not be more different from the NZ style.

Equally magical is Dean's efforts with shiraz and grenache which are used to produce some of Dean's other wines including Miss Harry and Ned & Henry's.

With Dean's relationship with some of the best growers in the region and his winemaking team, the future at Hewitson Wines looks very bright, but, more exciting is the fact that Dean is producing great wines with quality befitting the finest vines in the region.

Mission achieved.

Listen to your mates : Samuel's Gorge

2011-01-07T08:09:00.000Z

When I was planning the trip through the wine country I had booked visits to vineyards on the back of my research, supplier recommendations and wines that I have tasted. Yet sometimes it is just wise to leave things to chance and listen to your mates. And so when Easto said to check out Samuel's Gorge I didn't question it and just drove down the the very unassuming gates to the rustic barn on the edge of Samuel's Gorge. At this point I suspected something special.

With 3 McLaren Vale reds, a grenache, tempranillio and shiraz, Winemaker Justin McNamee believes the terrior should guide the grape choice. And on the evidence of this tasting he could not be more correct. Why waste energy with anything else ?

Shiraz 08: Blackberry and Blackcurrant fruit, white pepper with good tannin.

Grenache 08 : Red Cherry, eucalyptus, honeysuckle, vanilla

Tempranillo 09 : dark berry, herby, cinamon with gravely tannin

All three true to type and all three equal to any wines in the region. In fact, I was knocked off my feet and immediately fell in love with the wines because they are made with minimum fuss, passion and devotion. Just they way it should be.

Andrew ... Thank you for the recommendation

The year is new and the wine is Blue !!!!!!

2011-01-01T11:03:00.003Z

Well after celebrating NYE Hong Kong style at Hutong I have spent the day meandering about this chaotic city.

Anyway, whilst window shopping (the wallet is still in intensive care after last night), I saw the most offensive wine I have ever laid eyes on. That right, even more offensive than Blossum Hill, Yellowtail or Gallo.

Blanc de Bleau

A Californian sparkling chardonnay with a hint of blueberry to give it a blue colour. YUCK ! I can't even look at a blue isotonic drink let alone an alcoholic one. Surely blue drinks should stop at the Blue Lagoon Cocktail and even that is pushing it. There is enough rubbish in commercial wine let's draw the line at this !

2011 can only get better from here.

Mitolo in McLaren Vale

2010-12-27T07:13:00.008Z

Mitolo is owned by the largest potato and onion grower (Italian family) in Australia. The family arrived in 1963 and started their small market garden business in 1973.

The family works with two parcels of land one at Barossa the other at McLaren Vale. The first vintage was bottled in 2000(G.A.M which is now one of their favourites) and in February 2011 the 10th anniversary blend will come to market.Fortunately, for us 60% of their wines are exported to the US and UK.

The family pride themselves on the fact that the wines have remained pretty much the same since their launch, and are meant to be enjoyed whilst accompanying traditional Italian anti pasti plates, which is just what we did.

Jester -Sangiovese Rose – 2010 is the best vintage – fruity whilst retaining some acidity – the wine is pale light pink in colour and nicely dry, which for me was reminiscent of long summer lunches in south west France – unlike most other Australian roses I have tasted!

G.A.M Shiraz 2007 - There is nothing complicated about what G.A.M means, this wine is named after Peter Mitolo's children. Ripe blackberry fruit, and an abundance of black pepper, mocha with fine, long silky tannins, noticeable alcohol.A true Aussie shiraz.

Reiver 2007 ( name for a Scottish border ranger )- picked from fruit from the Barossa – vines are 20 years old – this is a masculine wine - tobacco to the nose and aromas of liquorice – with white pepper flavour somewhat dusty and more tannic than the G.A.M.

The G.A.M was a brilliant comparison between the McLaren Vale and Barossa, but the real stars were to come......

Savitar Shiraz 2007 – fruit is hand picked, there are vanilla, blackberry jam and hedgrows on the nose. On the tongue the wine is very much the same with rich fruit, and dark chocolate flavours, highish alcohol.

Serpico - Cab Sav /2007 – named after Frank Sepico a NY police man who went outside the norm to do something unusual - aptly named! This was my favourite by far, a very special wine, made using the " amaraone" style by semi drying the fruit.This is the only Mitolo cabernet and tasted like caramalised strawberry jam, with flavours of green leaf and mild cinnamon notes. Smooth tannins, and the flavours lasted forever.

It was a real pleasure to meet the growers with Carmen from Mitolo who clearly are integral to the whole process and production of their wines, and a great way to spend time eating, drinking and talking about wine!

Magic Show at Majella

2010-12-21T00:46:00.015Z

Four generations of a small family have lived on the property that is now the Majella vineyards. Currently owned by 2 brothers the vineyard was a sheep station which has now been converted into a vineyard of the highest quality which is very much the envy of other winemakers in the region. To quote one competitor, "they have really been blessed by the wine gods up there. Their soil is fantastic."

The wine maker, Bruce Gregory, is a Coonawarra Lad who sports the look of man who could have been working on the sheep station. Nonetheless, he showed us around the vineyard which is very much focused on sustainable practices including water recycling, low (preferably zero) irrigation policy and a hands on attitude to the craft of wine making.

As we sat down in the lab where he had already been blending, he demonstrated the difference in one plot of vines where the first few rows have a different terrior to the rest of the plot. One was juicy and full the other was more earthy and "masculine". And Bruce's challenge is to produce the right blend for Majella. He even encouraged us to suggest the proportions .... OK Majella won't be riding on our estimations but they were not bad.

Anyway.... the tasting

Riesling 2009 – floral – orange blossom minerality, wet stone – clean fresh vibrant and no petroleum wax – a good uncomplicated drop.

Melody Rose 2010 – Shiraz base – bleed off free run (saignee method) delivers strawberry and mineral notes but is still quite sweet. As a result, I probably would not give up my Provence Rose but I can see how this would work well with Asian food spice.

Majella Sparkling Shiraz – 6 months in barrel in Borossa and then 2 years on lees. The result is an earthy blackcurrant jam with some leather. Very bold for a sparkling shiraz but very enjoyable nonetheless. For the dosage they use an Australian Vintage port (Touriga) – 25/26 grams of sugar black currant – bottle fermentation ..... great great summer BBQ sparkle

The Musician 2009 – only spends 12 months on oak, cabernet sauvignon and shiraz being the predominant grapes. It is easy drinking with red and blackberry fruit flavours with a background of mint and eucalyptus. Quite spicy with some firm tannins. Great value and something we will be stocking.

Merlot 2008 – Merlot is a difficult variety to grow in the Coonawarra but Majella have managed a small parcel from which they produce a straight merlot aged in French oak. The ripe red fruit flavours come at you with some cedar and chewy tannins. Quite jammy and a very good exhibit of the merlot variety.

Shiraz 2008– Unsurprisingly fruity and jammy with a little spice. The brambles and hedgerows are here with some cinnamon and pepper. In a way, these great flavours lost out to the alcohol which was quite warming and therefore either firmly committing this to the cellar for 10 years or a very cold winter's evening.... therefore half of the UK could be enjoying this now.

Cabernet Savignon 2008 - a big ripe juicy cabernet that has evolved with French oak (50% new oak). Whilst it is jammy it does carry some well structured light tannins. Very good and worth hunting down.

and finally.............

The Malleea 2008 – which is aboriginal for green pastures. The 55% cabernet 45% shiraz yield some gorgeous Blackcurrent and blackberry, cedar eucalyptus and white pepper. Eternal flavours that just keep eveloving. An exceptional wine that I believe is seriously underrated. Once again I will be looking to stock this.

Truly Magic

The Beautiful Coonawarra - Balnaves

2010-12-18T20:57:00.011Z

With a mate's wedding in Melbourne it not only gave me a reason to escape the cold weather, but it also gave me a reason to embark on my own South Australian wine tour. So after driving down the Great Ocean Rd from Melbourne, stop number 1 was the Coonawarra.

Vineyard Number 1 was the former sheep farm Balnaves where the Balnaves family still produce some awesome wines. The Head of the family, and patron of the Coonawarra, Doug Balnaves, was up a sheep farmer and only diversified into grapes when someone else asked if “ he could grow grapes for them”. Doug planted his vines in the 70’s at which time he openly admits he knew very little about vines, his can do attitude and advice from his mates, he has built a vineyard which produces fantastic hand crafted wine.

Doug was proud enough to take us on a tour of the area which was actually more akin to an A level geological lesson. The area is known for its layer of “Terra Rossa” soils which sit atop of limestone region that provides the framework for a sensational terrior as shown in the photo.

TJ the assistant wine maker walked us around the vineyard and explained that as a small boutique winery they definitely consider their wine to be hand crafted, they planting varietals which thrive in the natural conditions of the terrior, and require no irrigation system. The family are actively looking to identify means by which they can limit their environmental impact and lobby for sustainable water use.
First up we tasted Chardonnay so automatically my expectation was for big buttery and bold. How wrong could I have been?

The Balnaves Chardonnay was light in colour, with a lemony freshness, and herbaceous flavours coming through. Even though this has spent some time in French oak, the wine remains crisp and lean. It is not yet available in the UK which is a shame because this is a great example of the newer Aussie style chardonnay!

The next wine which I think is worthy of note and thankfully can be found in the UK is The Blend ( 2009 – cab sav /cab franc/merlot). In true bordelaise style the red fruit came to the fore with some eucalyptus and smoked cinnamon notes, at a price point of sub AUD $30, this is definitely worth trying and I would be interested to see how this develops over time.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - The grapes are taken from the younger vines to retain the rich fruit flavours. The wine is a prime example of Coonawarra cabernet, with red fruit aromas and smoked eucalyptus, the wine is well rounded and will age well. There are deep integrated oak flavours and a subtle earthiness which is far from over powering. This wine has a strong following, is produced in small quantities.

The Tally 2008, there is a diversity of red fruit flavours. Smoked eucalyptus, mushroom ,white pepper are all flavours and aromas which came to the fore when we tasted this wine of exceptional length. The Tally whilst not released every year is delicious, its name is taken from Doug’s sheep shearing days when “The Tally” was the measurement by which he got paid. A fine reward at the end of a working day!

Apollonio 3 : Salento Rosso Valle Cupa

2010-12-02T00:26:00.007Z

After taking a whiff of this, I couldn't help feeling I could recognise the violet perfumed, dried cherry and current feast. The reason for the recognition was that this uses the primotivo grape AKA Zinfandel where I tasted some similar flavours in the Napa earlier this year.

Apollonio Salento Rosso Valle Cupa 2004
50% Primitivo, 50% Negroamano

More of the same flavours came through on the taste with some white pepper. Very floral with a everlasting flavour and warming alcohol. Almost too much. If your are feeling the cold, you wont be after sipping this.

I like it, but you would have to choose the meal wisely.... in fact whatever you eat probably needs to have been shot ! Game on then.

Apollonio 2 : Salice Salentino

2010-12-02T00:15:00.008Z

After exhausting the UK supply of the Apollonio Copertino, I was offered a couple of alternatives.

Apollonio Salice Salentino 2004

80% Negroamaro 10% Malvasia Nera di Lecce 10 Malvasia Nera di Brindisi

After immediately pouring the nose appeared a little flat although it did wake up a little and an aroma of lavender and cherry with a few almost truffle notes lurking in the background. Not massive but interesting nonetheless.

In the mouth, the cherry and lavender are still there with a little black pepper and bay leaf. Moderate to high alcohol.

Not quite as good as the Copertino but an interesting lighter style. Not flying to the moon but certainly gets into orbit.

Every problem is an opportunity !

2010-11-27T20:28:00.007Z

This I week I had a problem, I could not get hold of one my favourite Cotes Du Rhone's which is unavailable until next years vintage. But as every sales manager will tell you, problems bring opportunity, and I was very fortunate to find the Vinsobres Rouge, Domaine Chaume Arnaud 2007 which is grown in the Vinsorbes villages.

With 60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre the rest a combination of Carignan and Cinsault the wine has a beautiful aroma of dark berries, violets and hedgerows.

And the taste only gets better. Imagine a Fruits of the forest jam with a tinge of violet and green leaves. The flavour evolves and closes the deal with black pepper and juniper to provide a long pleasant finish.

With such fine silky taninns, this almost as comforting as my silk pyjamas !

At approx £15 ... this is one deal that cannot be beaten.... an opportunity indeed.

Mr Paul Hobbs: Part 2

2010-11-25T19:13:00.022Z

A few weeks ago I got the call ! Not for my beloved Wallabies or the squad to face the POMS in this week's Ashes test, but, a seat at a tasting dinner of monumental proportions. To be fair this is partly due to the fact that prior to starting D Vine Wine I didn't really get invited to these gigs.

While they don't promote the fact, Paul Hobb's vineyards adhere to organic principles and are hand crafted. He has also had a hand some personal favourites such as Odfjell in Chile but defiantely knows his craft.

Before getting into the detail, I was fortunate enough to grab 5 minutes with the man himself. Sharp as an axe he is already working on his next vision where he is trying to produce a modern Cahors from his new vineyard in France. After raving about the Argentine cabernets (more later), he did say that he was working extensively in Armenia which can be found the first on the right past Turkey wedged in between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Definately something to look out for in the next 5 years. A really interesting bloke who was slightly diappointed that he hadn't had a punch at a vintage or 2 in Australia.

After a glass of prosecco to warm up the palate, we were all primed for the main event. I should also add that the food was great but, like a pro athlete, the focus never waivered from the wines which were tasted as follows:

Fellino Charonnay, Mendoza 2009
Harvested in the middle of the evening to retain their freshness, the wine wafts of pear and unripe pineapple. Flavourwise it resembles a grapefruit curd on toast. The most well balanced South American Chard. I have ever had. £13 a bottle is damn fine value.

Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Russian River 2007
Barrel fermented in French Oak this is very retrained and structured for a Californian. The peach floral smells emerge out of the glass, whilst it tastes of pineapple & lemon curd on toast with a little minerality and herbs. With exceptional length it is seriously good .... but also makes you think whether it is worth £32..... it is, but only just!

Paul's aim is to create something that is "Pure to Type" which this is in both quality and price....

Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, Russian River 2009
These vines are the result of Paul illegally smuggling a few cuttings in his luggage alongside the bottle of spirits and fags. This is also "pure to type" like the pinot and is restrained with a politely smoked red berry (raspberry and cherry) perfume which is reflected in the taste which also carries a leafy tinge.

This is very good for an American Pinot but at £30 a bottle I would be investing in a burgundy or an Otago pinot.

Felino Malbec, Mendoza 2008
The somewhat organic farmyard flavours jump out, but the dark mulberry flavours make it enjoyable although not overly memorable amongst this company. £13 is an OK price.

Bramare Malbec, Marchiore Vineyard 2007
Aromas of tobacco, blueberry, red cherry and vanilla follow through to the taste along with some earthy and menthol flavours. Has been shown some new oak which actually works well. At £22 pounds this is a good example of a modern Argentine malbec.

Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon, Marchiore Vineyard 2007
Cedar, currants and blackberry come through on the nose but upon tasting these are enhanced with cassis, bitter chocolate and tobacco. Some firm tannins make this a winner ! Lay down for a decade. Even a week later the flavours are coming back at me. Definately the best value of the evening at £18... in fact this prompted discussion that this should be the next big Maradonna for Argentina

Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2006
Typical North American Cabernet. See my review which can also be applied to this vintage which is has some chunky tannin and coffee lurking in the background. £32

Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2005
The flavours and nose are of caramelised strawberry jam laced with mocha and cedar smoke. The firm tanins make this work and will no doubt do the same in 10 years. Really well balanced and moorishly good but at £55 it is an expensive habbit.

Cobos Unico, Lujan de Cuyo 2006
Flavours and nose of blackberries and bluberries prevail over a leathery tar. Refreshingly rustic and had more layers than an onion ! You could ponder over this for hours but at close to £60 a bottle this is your Lionel Messi of the wine world !

Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Linsay Estate 2006
Red berry and plum flavours prevail with gentle clove, caramel and mineral notes in the background. I am reaching overload but this eclipses the earlier pinot by some way. The best North American pinot I have ever enjoyed £70

and finally .........

Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard Napa Valley 2005
The pinacle of the stable...... a fruits of the forest compote with violets, chocolate, coffee and even some hints of minerality. Even though my taste buds were in censory overload, this was one hell of a wine. Just disappointed my weary taste buds didn't enjoy this earlier. One of the finest new world cabernets I have ever enjoyed at £220.

The evening of fine wines and company will be branded on the memory for some time. Many thanks to Alliance for the invite.

The cricket is now on so thank you and Good Night Mr Hobbs !

It's minus 9 C......

2010-11-25T12:30:00.002Z

OK; the weather has been cold but not quite Minus 9 which is also the name of a wine I have been saving for the best part of 10 years. I bought this in Calgary whilst returning from a ski trip. The icewine from the Okanagan Valley in Canada.

Minus 9, Icewine 2000 Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery

Almost angelic ! The honeyed white peach and nectarine flavours that last forever which countered by some good acidity. Was not a syrup but really fresh and sat well with a home made panna cotta.

Definately a treat and I am really glad that I have hauled this special wine across 7 houses that I have lived in across the 10 years. I feel proud that I have managed to keep this for almost 10 years and fortunately it measured up.

Enjoy with the best wineloving friends !

Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet 05

2010-10-26T20:26:00.005+01:00

Some weeks ago, a couple of mates had a birthday dinner and I had the pleasure of putting together the wine list. Aside from the birthday boys, the star (most expensive) of our wine was a Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet 05.

Having enjoyed some cracking Californian Cabernets this year, the bar was well and truly set high. Once given some air, the deep garnet glass yielded some blackberry, and tobacco. On the palate, more of the same flavours, supplemented with a juicy cassis and cedar finish. The tannins were silky and very well balanced.

Mr Hobbs proved to be very popular with our guests, but, I personally thought it was a well made, balanced wine. It ticked all the right boxes but just didn't push the boundaries that I expected from a wine maker of Paul Hobbs calibre.

Would I invest £32 in the Crossbarn ? No. I would probably turn to the more expensive Frogs Leap or Ramey for my Californian fix.

Sometimes you forget how good burgundy is !

2010-10-22T21:39:00.005+01:00

Because I am not falling over buckets of cash, I don't regularly drink Burgundy or Bordeaux. So tonight my better half opened a birthday gift of white Beaune du Chateau and it was brilliant !

Despite a gentle hint of apple and oak on the nose, the taste of apple sauteed in butter and vanilla is addictive. While it is not good form to price your presents, at this price it is reasonable value and well worth the effort if you need to treat yourself.

Go and indulge !
Bouchard Père et Fils 2006 Beaune du Château Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
Bottle: £24.21

D Vine Wine Lives !

2010-10-20T22:06:00.012+01:00

For years, you could catch me day dreaming about running my own venture. Well finally, after considerable encouragement and assistance from my better half, D Vine Wine is now a reality.

Our first weekend of operations saw us trade at the Venn St Market, Clapham Common which turned out to be a real success. OK we traded well which is kind of essential, yet we really did have a lot of fun talking to customers about something I care about.

D Vine Wine is focused on supplying wines sourced from ethical origins which include producers who use Bio, Organic, Sustainable (Viticulture) or Fair Trade practices. We just feel the wine loving public deserve a better hand crafted alternative to the mass produced supermarket wines.

During the market we tasted some more unique varietals like Verdejo, Bonarda and Carmenere which all sold well and showed that people weren't afraid to try something different.

A home delivery service, wine dinners and tastings will follow in the weeks and months ahead, but we have started taking our small steps which will hopefully grow into something serious.

For now, we both still have our day jobs but looking forward to changing that someday.

D Vine Wine are at Venn St Market, Clapham Common the last weekend of every month.

2 tails of an Alsation !

2010-10-07T22:23:00.010+01:00

While I am a big fan of Alsace wine, a lot of my friends are not, which is why it has taken almost 4 years to open a bottle of Domaine Ostertag's Les Vieilles Vignes De Sylvaner 2006. Then like the Number 2 bus, another (the 2008) came along just days later. This producer is bio dynamic and has battled against the tide for over 10 years but I personally feel the persistence is paying off.

Domaine Ostertag's Les Vieilles Vignes De Sylvaner 2006

With some maturity on its side, this slightly golden aromatic, yielded lime, grapefruit and even some coconut flavours which proved quite rounded and was an extremely moreish way to start an evening meal. Definitely worth a look.

Domaine Ostertag's Les Vieilles Vignes De Sylvaner 2008

A couple years younger the 2006 is considerably fresher with considerable lime and grapefruit flavours. Even the zestiness of a barely ripe granny smith came through. This acidity will stand it in good stead in years to come.

To be fair the wine will probably develop like its older brother but I do not think the buying public have the patience to wait and will lose out on wine that is capable of maturing well beyond 4 years.

Grab some and lock it away in the cellar..... not a dog by any stretch !

The French Fight back in a glass......

2010-08-20T21:45:00.000+01:00

As I am about to sit and be humoured by my former colleague John Torode, I opened up a bottle of sub £7 chardonnay. It was French, so my expectations would normally be quite low with a French wine at this price point. But I have seriously enjoyed several bottles of this vinyard's red which was recently given a double thumbs up by on Wine Anorak. Even better still both bottles are stupidly good value.

Look: Clear, lemon colour

Smell: medium intense pineapple with a hint of vanilla.

Taste: a pineapple creaminess comes to the fore with the sweet spice of vanilla. When first opened (heavily chilled) you could even taste a hint of minerality. Has some medium acidity and great balance which will allow to throw it in the back of the cupboard for a year or 3.

At £6 this is a cracker of a wine and I would dare anyone to match a chardonnay at this price point and quality.

Marquis de Pennautier Chardonnay 'Terroirs d'Altitude' 2008
Vin de Pays d'Oc
bought at Majestic £6.99

This is a serious contender for the sub £7 category generally occupied by the new world. And in this case they have fought back ................so at least there is one winner in France this summer. Chin Chin

Steak off.......Striphouse New York Vs Boa Los Angeles

2010-08-19T22:31:00.009+01:00

On all US trip I have ever made, there a 2 certain elements, the first being the longest soul destroying ritual that is US customs, the second being the steak house experience that I have yet to experience in this country. And for the record, I just cannot bring myself to cash in my life savings and go to either Goodmans or Hawksmoor when I personally enjoying cooking a steak so much.

This year I was fortunate enough to be in LA a month prior to my New York visit giving me the opportunity to compare East Vs West.....

BOA - Santa Monica

It was Sunday night and I was pretty impressed by the funky modern decor which is undoubtedly a ploy to snare the fashionable young things just like their rival STK. That said the lighting was ridiculously dark. The service bright, attractive and so much more up beat from the usual steak house. With good company and a Californian wine list of biblical proprotions we were all set.

Starter: Caesar Salad made table side .... Now this is something I have not seen since my days working at the Brisbane Hilton in the early 90s, which whilst pretty damn good, it is still only a caesar.

Main: Kansas Ctiy Steak which is very similar to a strip steak with the bone. In some respect a little dry but well seasoned and cooked as requested.

The sides of macarone cheese, creamed spinach, mash with cheese and bacon and broccoli were all on the bland side. Perhaps the lack of seasoning is a California thing because we encountered this at serveral restaurants.

Deserts are always a difficult thing in US steakhouses and I am yet to have one due to volume of starters and main. Anyway, I would gladly return to this very restaurant, it was fun especially on the Saunday night where the wines are half price. I would however have the rib next time I go back and watch the pacific roll in.

Food 1.5
Wine 1.5
Service 1.5
Look and Feel 1.5
Value 1.5
_______________
All in 7.5 out of 10

Striphouse NYC

After a friends recommendation and some considerable hype I was looking forward to this. A lot ! The sultry red and more red decor made this a seriously veluptious place. At the par our bar man went to work and mixed up a couple of stunning cocktails with some good chat. As American's are partial to cloning, I would like to clone him and bring him back here for his craft.

Once seated in the restaurant, the 100 mile an hour New York service set in. Our waiter reeled off the 5 specials in just as many seconds and looked at me if was from Mars when I asked him to repeat it. Why is it, that NYC steak houses seem to have this attitude as I got the same Wolfgang's some years earlier ? From here on in he got the hint that I was expecting him to "wait" on us and not be a delivery boy.

We shared a tomato and buffalo mozzerella salad which was blindingly good. Why you ask.. 3 types of tomato, some of the best mozzeralla dressed with a basil oil can only be a good thing.

The main was a bone in rib (aged at least 28 days as the menu had various vinatges on their meat) with bernaise, and onion rings, fries and creamed spinach on the side. While it is certainly a diet free zone, I found it extremely hard to fault any of the dishes or sauce served. The steak was simply perfectly rested, seasoned and cooked; just stunning as pictured above. The fries were pretty good but played 2nd fiddle to the creamed spinach. The onion rings were disappointingly shreaded but that is small beer given the quality of the rest of the meal

The wine service was slow especially as I was having it by the glass, but I blame this on my waiter. The wine choices were OK and the house wines were well worth trying.

Once agiant the challenge of desert was too much.

But on the strength on steak alone... New York wins but this practice will be an essential practice in all my North American trips.......... one day i will get to what I believe to be steak heaven: Argentina.

Food 2
Wine 1.5
Service 1.0
Look and Feel 2.0
Value 2.0
_______________
All in 8.5 out of 10

NYC on a plate.... My Moma Said !

2010-08-18T22:45:00.002+01:00

While I was dreaming for the all American experience; a steak, a burger, ribs, or even pancakes, it just didn't happen. But to borrow the phrase from an irish stout company....."good things come to those who wait !" And as I wasn't really ravenous, I thought a trip to Momofuku was in order. A chef mate had visited some months before and really rated this, as did Luxe guide. So why the hell not ?

Even at 2.30pm this place was rammed and we were extremely fortunate to grab a couple of seats at the bar overlooking the kitchen. So in typical noodle bar style a few beers were ordered and the menu flowed.......

Tea Smoked Chicken Wings finished on the grill: these were damn good. Usually I get my fix of buffalo wings within days of arriving on US soil. On this trip these wings were a fitting replacement. So good I need to try to replicate some day.

Striped Bass and Olive Oil Custard: the striped bass was served ultra thin raw slithers with the mad olive oil custard which I would love to understand how this is made. And for the sceptics, it really is sweeter than a home made mayo....

BBQ Pork Bun : in my late teens I fell in love with char siu bao so the sight of this dish was irresistable. However it was different from anything I had ever had. The bun had been steamed and was flat, pasted with this sensational BBQ sauce, slices of cucumber and BBQ pork belly. Absolute Winner ...again.

Chilled chilli noodles with spiced sausage, cashews and spinach : was our finale which can only be described as hot stuff indeed.

This outing reminded me of an old haunt in Sydney I used to go to 15 years ago called Wokpool (Neil Perry ran the show). Both were inventive and superb at the same time. Only if we had something like either in London ..... Instead we have to endure Wagamamma's.

If you get the chance to visit any Momofuku gig, there is only one response....GO !

Food 2.0
Wine 1.0
Service 1.5
Look and Feel 1.5
Value 2.0
_______________
All in 8 out of 10

NYC on a plate......... Odeon

2010-08-18T22:32:00.000+01:00

When my better half was working in the Big Apple, I could not resist the lure of Manhattan... more specifically the lure of it's restuarants and deli's that could feed a small country in one meal.

On Friday night we went to Odeon in Tribeca, which would not have been my choice but we were guests, so I might as well go with the flow. Seated quickly, we were efficiently watered and breaded with the butter dressed in their branded paper. Nice touch, in fact with the exception of the prompt service the evening was quite European

While the wine choices were a superb Chablis and Bordeaux, I was a bit disappointed to miss out on the home grown wines. There would however be more opportunity for this later.

My Country Frisse salad was good. It was correctly dressed, with lardons, fourme d'ambert and an egg with the most golden yolk I have ever seen.. almost orange in fact. Was it the chicken's corn fed diet ... who knows but it did taste nice.

My veal chop must have been cut from a massive beast of a calf. Nonetheless it was OK, not as good as the last example at Bix but still OK.

Our kind hosts brought us to a European restaurant in NYC, which might have been a little short sighted, perhaps they just needed their Euro fix. Odeon was a fun atmosphere, a bustling atmosphere that reminded me of the Conran Restaurants in the 90s, but it was just more of an institution backed up with good service. I can see why so many locals have enjoyed it for so long.

I suppose it is not a bad way to start my New York marathon of food albeit a conservative reliable one.

Food 1.5
Wine 1
Service 1.5
Look and Feel (and music) 1.5
Value 1.5
_______________
All in 7 out of 10

Dinner of the Summer.....

2010-07-23T00:10:00.011+01:00

With a dinner party coming up I started to reminisce a fantastic dinner party we hosted last August. It really went well but one will always try to surpass one achievements.

Crostini : bacarone & salsa (homemade), aubergine puree and goats cheese with homemade chilli jam. Prosecco

Starter: Watermlon, Feta and mint salad.... I first enjoyed this over decade ago at the Sugar Club. Brilliantly refreshing and perfect for the summer. More prosecco

Main: Baked Cod w butter beans and pepperonata.......warm the butter beans (already soaked) with garlic, a few chopped rosemary leaves and seasoning.. then lightly crush. Pepperonata = roasted peppers, garlic, oregano, some cherry tomatoes, olive oil and a splash of cabernet vinegar.

Really easy and enjoyable... especially with a Stella Bella Semillion Sauvignon which really worked with the pepperonta

Desert: Apple Tart & lavender cream. Just caramelise some thinly slice apples with butter, Sugar and vanilla. Don't stew them though. Keep their form and arrange on some pastry and cook until it looks delicious. Serve with lavender cream (smash lavender heads with mortar and pestle and add to cream). Enojyed with a Muscat de rivesaltes

Now.... where to from here ????

The fun and games of cooking at home

Bix has more soul than a cereal

2010-07-15T20:59:00.005+01:00

While Wheet a Bix or Wheetbix is a cereal I have grown up with all my life, my introduction to Bix in San Francisco was a revelation.

First up, it is a Jazz cabaret restaurant and aside from working a George Benson caberet gig at the Brisbane Hilton in 1990 as waiter, I hadn't really experienced cabaret dining. I am sure I am not alone. Aside from the yet to be visited Ronnie Scott's, I cannot name another caberet style restaurant in London.

On arrival, most of the tables were full and the band were in full swing when we arrived and had an aperitif at the bar. Our threesome we fortunate enough to have the booth on the balcony overlooking the stage which would was one of the most seductive settings I can ever recall. Fantastic but what about the food..........

The house Chardonnay was brilliant ! Just beautifully Californian.... bold, sassy ... a bit like the music really.

We all had the same starter/slider assortment of Croque Madame, Burger, Steak Tartare and Prawn Terrinne wrapped in Parma Ham. No rocket science but qood qualiy and fun. Main course was well made retro fun. I enjoyed a veal chop served on potato rosti with green beans and my wife enjoyed her table side prepared Steak Tartare.

The Bella Old Vine Zinfandel was superb, but we knew this as we had been to the vineyard days earlier on a tip off in the Sonoma Valley. In fact it is a shame we didn't more time to explore the wine list further as I am absolutely certain there were more hidden gems amongst it.

To finish off we shared a plate of chocolate brownies and homemade vanila ice cream which seemed the perfect way for our last meal in San Francisco.

The service was unassuming but equally effective and informative.... faultless. The band was really good and made me think why are we deprived of this fabulous entertainment in London. OK it wasn't George Benson but a fabulous evening where everything was equal.

When in San Francisco I will be back in Bix... for all that Jazz !

Food 1.5
Wine 2
Service 2
Look and Feel (and music) 2
Value 1.5
_______________
All in 9 out of 10

A trip to the Laundry....... in Napa Valley

2010-06-17T11:15:00.034+01:00

Not just any laundry, but The French Laundry ! A restuarant that I have been wanting to visit for over a decade. So having read a considerable amount of press, good and bad, I wanted to sample the best of what the US could offer.

Aside from my wedding celebrations, I cannot recall a meal that I so eagerly anticipated. So much so, that I was determined to be free of any ills, jet lag or hangovers before I went. Ultimately, it was important...... when you wait over 10 years to go to a restaurant, you really want to savour the experience and remember it.

This anticipation is fuelled even more so, when a month earlier (to the minute) we made the reservation. Redialing a reservations line from multiple lines is more like the madness you would encounter in radio phone competition. Fortunately, 20 minutes later we had a reservation !

So when we rolled up .... perfectly greeted and seated in the lounge to admire the endless plaudits and awards.... no offer of a drink or menu to quell the anticiapation or in my case nerves ! Bizarely, I had waited so long, I really did not want it to fail. Moments later we were escorted to our table in the luxurious but somewhat understated room... afterall this is all about the food.

Aperitif ordered (local sparkle of course, you are then required to make a decision.... Full Tasting menu or Veggie ? Full Tasting it is then.

1. Smoked Salmon Cornet ! A black pepper cornet tuile was filled with salmon mousse and instead of being topped with 100s n 1000s it was topped with salmon roe. While the taste was brilliant, this amuse bouche was more fun than any crostini that I had ever had. Let the games begin.....

2. Oysters and pearls.... Tapioca, Oysters and White Surgion Caviar. The flavours work well together and leave me with the most enjoyable caviar experience yet. While I am not a big caviar fan and I prefer uncooked oysters, this still worked for me.

3. Gateau De Foie Gras et Fraises. I felt like a child who walked into a cake shop for the very first time. This was a trple layered Gateau made from brioch, whiped foie gras and wild strawberry preserve. This was brilliant ... in fact I am still glowing just thinking about it. Sara has the baby beet salad (also pictured)

4. Sole Veronique. Somewhat classical now.... but was I bored ? Not a chance. Extremely well balanced and just fantastic. Coupled with the El Molino Chardonnay 2007, this course was sensational. Sara and Donna (companions) enjoyed the Hibachi Grilled Hiramasa

On a side note, the wine list is massive. Never had I seen such an extensive array of vertical vinatges for each wine. In may cases there were over 10 vintages. In my case, I was well behaved and stuck to my budget.

5. Halibut served with wilted spinach and tomato concasse... good dish and worked well the chardonnay. This was an additional course slipped in under the radar... very nice of them.

6. Salmon Creek Farms Pork Belly. Whilst good, is this the best pork belly I have ever eaten... no. However, the flavours were where they should be and the best flavour in the dish was the english peas. Sara and Donna enjoyed the Lobster and Heart Romaine.

7. Marcho Farms Coeur De Veau with choucroute. Interesting, enjoyable but just not upto the level of enjoyment from the foie gras and Sole. The Keplinger Sumo Petit Syrah was also... a little bit flat. Not poor but not quite as expressive as I would hope.

8. Cote de Bouef - Wagyu beef slow cooked at 60 c served with Morel mushrooms, fava beans and jus. Good. In fact it was a very good dish, unbelievably tender with good flavour, but I think I have realised that beef is not something that needs a lot of messing about.

9. Comte, Green Asparagus, Tomato Compote, Ranch dressing and Frisee......did not get the point... good cheese does not need anything else.

10. Granny Smith Apple Sorbet.... WOW my taste buds definately woken up. Really good

11. Savarin au Citron ... the fruit driven desert when you can't have the Peanut Butter Bavarois that looked awesome. My wife enjoyed this immensely.

12. Mini chocalate mouse tart.... now we are talking really good chocolate.

13. Petit Fours...... just briliant as were the take away short bread.

The service was flawless, well informed and professional.... yet friendly and informative. To cap the evening off, I was given a tour of the kitchen as the team were having a de brief and caught these words above the door into the restaurant :

"Finesse: Refinement and delicacy of performance, execution or artisanship."

Something the entire team seem committed to.

So did the night measure up to my expectations ? Yes.

Two of the dishes were some of the best I could hope for. However, some were great creations but just didn't blow me away and a couple just seemed a like they were just trying to be clever and did not need to be. Comte is one example of this.... it is great in it's own right so there is no need to do anything else with it.

At almost $1500 USD for 3 people (2.5 bottles of wine and 1 fizz) and yes I was very well restrained on the wine.

Food 2
Wine 2
Service 2
Look and Feel 2
Value 1
_______________
All in 9 out of 10

If you are in the Nappa, have the money.... go !

Summer is finally here.....

2010-06-02T15:14:00.005+01:00

With the sun beating through my sky light I can confess that I have been reflecting on all that is good about the British summer. People with their legs out, Clapham Common, The parks, BBQs, tennis, asparagus, salads, prosecco and even Pimms have become great icons of this country's summer. So great, they have brought me out of blog hibernation to rave about some so simple............

A Tomato Salad !

That is right I have just made the most enjoyable salad with ripened plum tomatoes, rocket, basil, Virgin olive oil, parmesan, Belazu balsamic and my new herb favourite ...Dill. That's right, that puny wussy herb called dill is breathing life in all my salads and this tomato salad is simply the best yet. So much so, it is now the new standard addition to the basket along with milk.

With my change in career, I now have my life back and I have to make a mental not catch up with entries from Chez Paul (paris), French Laundry, Boa, Striphouse, Mamafuku to name a few.

If only I wasn't working I would crack a bottle of Franz Haas Traminer and the day would be perfect.

Life is great .... and I just have to find it again.

Don't mention the Ashes...just pass the wine

2009-08-26T23:25:00.004+01:00

With the cricket results this week, I could well do with a drink to ease the pain of the ashes series. Fortunately, Dan Coward @ Bibendum wine came to the rescue with an Aussie Wine tasting invitation.

With some great wines on show from Katnook, Petaluma and Darenberg the evening was never going to be a dud. Nonetheless, I was surprised with my favourite choices for the evening. To be honest, I had forgotten how good the Petaluma Reisling was and was even more surprised when "she who hates reisling" loved it. Winner #1 on the basis I will be drinking more of this.

Winner #2 was actually the the least expensive wine of the evening. The Stump Jump Sticky Chardonnay ......Baked Apple and brown sugar in a glass ! Not everyone's cup of tea but it'a fantastic easy desert wine that should see an end to the BB Orange Floral Muscat that blights our supermarket shelves.

and Winner #3 has to be the NV The Nostalgia Rare. A fortified grenache which is not too dissimilar to a tawny port. OK the purists will insist it is no tawny port, but I reckon it offers you something different. I found it quite complex and would happily entertain a bottle (£15 only) after dinner.

Dan: thank you for a great evening.

and despite my countrymen losing the ashes I am somewhat relieved that our winemakers at the top of their game.

The talented Mr Mark Hix............

2009-08-04T11:35:00.007+01:00

After a couple of ordinary visits to Rivington Grill some years ago, I didn't really take to Caprice Holdings. Sure their exec chef Mark Hix was responsible for their growth and profitability, but I didn't really want to hand over more hard earned for another disappointing meal.

So, when he pulled stumps at Caprice Holdings and opened the Hix Chop house, I was keen to go and see what every critic worth their salt was raving about. Well time past and I forgot all about it until a mate suggested we lob in their for dinner.

When we walked in, the decor reminded me of St john just around the corner. Simple uncomplicated decor that suggested their priorities lay with the food. The waitress was both knowledgable, friendly and chilled all at the same time.

Nibbles: Sprats and caper mayonaise
Pork Crackling and apple

Both nibbles were good. Altough the crackling was a bit light on the salt. Perhaps I am a salt loving dinasour.

Salt Ox Cheek and bean salad
Ham Hock terrine and Piccalily

both very good examples of English produce.

Rib Steak
Fillet Steak

It's ages since I have eaten steak in a restaurant and was not disappointed with either the steak or it's cooking. As always when I do a comparison with a fillet steak, I am always underwhelmed with it. Nice enough, but the Rib will always be king for me. The absence of sides was a disappointment although we hardly needed it.

Desert/Savouries

Ice Cream
Welsh rarebit

I didn't try the ice cream as I was besotted with my Welsh Rarebit. I have never had "savouries" as I usually just opt for the cheese but I can tell you it was a great thing.

The wine list has some very good economical options by the caraffe, but it also scales to some fantastic heights.

I couldn't afford to go often, but it was obvious to me the Mark Hix is talented at producing good seasonal dishes show casing some of Britain's great produce. I was a shade over £200 including nibbles, 3 courses and 2 bottles of £25(ish wine)

Food 1.5
Wine 1.5
Service 2
Look and Feel 1.5
Value 0.5
_______________
All in 7 out of 10

Real Family Style in Nice !

2009-08-03T09:42:00.029+01:00

Some years ago at a corporate getaway, our organiser said we would eat "Family style" !!!!! OK I worked out that our meal was to be shared across the table but I was offended that someone would even dare compare family to a very commercial corporate dinner. Family dinners are about sharing food, wine and laughs amongst the generations.

So a couple of weeks ago we were invited to a friend's family B & B in Nice, where I expereienced something that was pretty much bang on with my perception of a family style dinner. The man of the house, JC, loved his food. But what really impressed me was the simplicty. No foam, no mousse, no messing. Just good, really good wholesome ingredients, cooked well with easy drinking wine. It could not be more simple.

Breakfast: easy.... fresh baked croissant, french stick, and 10 home made jams. Special mention must be made of the vanilla and apricot.

Dinner : home grown Tomato and herb tarte, saucisson, grilled pepper, the giant radish and tomato salad, char grilled duck breast all shared and devoured by everyone.

Lunch: Local ham, awesome melon which defied belief, stuffed Veal Pouch (stuffed with artichoke, spinach, lardons, herbs and some other stuff lost in translation) and leaf and tomato salad.

While extremely simple, all of the meals with Estelle, Raph and their family made this one of the most enjoyable food weekends I can recall. JC and Brigitte thank you..... I am sure I will enjoy the Apricot and vanilla jam.

Now that is what I call family style !

P.S. The B and B is pretty damn good as well so if you are ever looking for a place in Nice.................

la Tour Manda

Le Chateaubriand is a real Parisian treat

2009-07-22T19:39:00.010+01:00

As one would expect, Paris has more Michelin starred restaurants that you can poke a stick at. But how many would represent excellent value ?

When Chef Dan recommended I vist the 40th best restaurant in the world , I wasn't expected to get out of it with my wallet in intact! Nonetheless I went forth with some solid expectations of this fun filled "bistro".

Sure I heard some moans out there, but were these people wanting flash Paris as opposed to phenomenal food in the charismatic bistro atmosphere. The 5 course menu was a steal at £45 which included:

Lardons and aubergine puree
Leeks cooked 3 ways
Lotillon, Tomato Bouillabaise
Lamb & artichoke
Strawberries and Cream

The wine list was an adventure which ignored Bordeaux and barely exhibited anything outside Rhone, Burgundy or Languedoc-Rousillion. Our Rose could have passed for a light earthy red and our pinot noir was only marginally heavier.

Great Food, Fun wine served with charisma ...brilliant and not for the price I expected at one of the best 50.

5 courses (for 2) + 2 bottles of wine = 160 Euro

Food 2
Wine 1.5
Service 2
Look and Feel 1.5
Value 2
_______________
All in 9 out of 10

129 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 4357 4595

Le Cave du Daron

2009-07-01T18:24:00.004+01:00

Having been to many many wine bars, I don't think I have been to a samller one than Le Cave du Daron. That said it was brilliant.

Half retail half bar, the place was only marginally bigger than my local cobbler. With an ingenious racking system and compact bar Daron was able to offer a dozen glasses of wine with the most expensive a 7 Euro Champagne. Awesome value with some chorizo apperitif which was a great prelude to le Chateaubriand across the street.

Whilst there was a fatastic array of French wine I was surprised at both the German, Spanish, Italian and even Hungarian wines available.

Apologies for the lack of photos.

La Cave du Daron
140 Avenue Parmentier
Paris

On the Lagoon at Lineadombra

2009-06-10T22:59:00.013+01:00

After some considerable trawling through guide books and the web, we decided on Lineadombra for our blow out meal on our Venetian weekend. Set on the edge of the Guidecca Canal, this restaurant has some of the most spectacular views of this fabulous city. The food received some generally good reviews so why not sit back and enjoy the view.

Once seated at our waterside table we settled in with yet another fantastic local wine which was a find amongst the many highly priced vintages. At least the good quality bread basket soon distracted me.

Being unable to eat crustacea, the modern menu was quite restrictive as a large amount of the dishes were out of bounds for me. That said the sauted monkfish on a disc of polenta was better than expected as were the tian of crab and beef carpaccio. The parmesan cheese from the carpaccio was the highlight all on it's own.

The Main courses were also good with the scallop pasta and sea bass were both good although they did seem to try a little too hard. My turbot wrapped in vine leaves on top of a potato puree was OK as the vine leaves did nothing for me although the turbot itself was delicious.

Both the lemon cheescake and cheese plate were both fine dishes to finish off the evening.

As the evening chilled, our ever attentive waiters brought a pashmina for each of the ladies dining outside.. nice touch. Although the service lived up to the setting, the food wasn't quite at the same levels of excellence. Good but not great.

Nonetheless, an enjoyable evening even at €90 per head

Food 1
Wine 1.5 (marked down because of the lack of cost effective options)
Service 2
Look and Feel 2
Value 1
_______________
All in 7.5 out of 10

La Zucca... Venezia

2009-06-09T20:40:00.011+01:00

It's Saturday night in the glorious Venice, I have just had the most underwhelming (and costly) experience at the skyline bar and I'm still getting to grips with the vaporetto system. The street map of Venice is doing my head in and I'm running 45 min late for my reservation at La Zucca. I'm starting to feel it is one of those nights and I am sincerely hoping La Zucca does not live up to it's namesake (pumpkin).

We arrive and are greated by smiles all round from the staff which is a nice change from london where a smile is a fogotten memory.

The wine list is quite large, different yet very affordable. 15€ for a bottle of prosecco is a steal and gives me hope of turning the evening around. The veggie lead menu is brilliant. I want it all but due to our late arrival on the last night of their week, a few dishes had run out.

The irresistable pumpkin flan is beautifully spiced with cinnamon while the bressola salad and cannelli bean ragu are both fantastic rustic dishes. The mains of "Guinea Fowl, apricots and balsamic", Gorganzola & pistachio Spaghetti are both jam packed full of flavour. The avocado and chicken salad was good although a cop out from the guest in question.

There were a couple of good natured blips in the relaxed service, the wine list committed to the regional varietals and the food was just damn good. If I am ever in Venice again I will definately return as you can only respect such an honest good natured restaurant despite a couple of errors.

3 starters, 3 mains and 3 bottles of vino 98€....fantastic..If I'm in Venice, I will be back.

Food 1.5 (due lack of some dishes)
Wine 2
Service 1 (due a couple of errors)
Look and Feel 1.5 (rustic)
Value 2
_______________
All in 8 out of 10

Osteria La zucca
San Giacomo dell'Orio
Santa Croce 1762 - VENEZIA

Happy Birthday Giaconda Dining Rooms

2009-06-05T01:05:00.008+01:00

12 months ago the Giaconda Dining Rooms were the toast of the town with any critic worth their salt giving them the double thumbs up. The big question is, could they replicate the perfomance a full year on ? So many restaurants with great reviews fall away 12 months on.

The menu has been refined with a few changes, but it is still the same no fuss, quality driven menu. The wine list is increasingly solid with a few more options.

I couldn't resist the Chicken Liver parfait (again) and the lamb and mediteranean veg for 2, which were both nothing short of sensational. My friend's creme brulee was so good I was not even spared a taste, but to be fair my dinner guest couldn't get near by chocolate mouse cake.

So in short, congratulations Paul Merony for not only maintaing the high standards but imrpoving it again. Thank - you ...again. I really must come back more oftern

Food 2
Wine 2
Service 2
Look and Feel 1
Value 2
_______________
All in 9 out of 10

Giaconda Dining Rooms
9 Denmark Street
WC2 H8LS
London

Cafe Spice .......indeed !

2009-06-04T10:07:00.004+01:00

I have never seen the point of an upmarket Indian. Whenever I have read the menu of such establishments, I have always felt they are messing with something that should be perfected rather than reconstructed. Tayyabs and current my fave Mirch Masala are seemingly successful on the back of good quality food rather than cutting edge cuisine and don't need to follow the fashion trend so they can jack up the price.

So with a healthy dose of trepidation, I went to Cafe Spice with a former colleague and indulged in a procession of the most fantastically spiced dishes I can remember. Sure a couple of the dishes had kick but the combination of aromatic spices was a sensation from the first papadam to desert. The Pigeon Masala, the Sheek kebab, Tandoori Salmon and an unpronouncable Lamb dish (21 ingredients) were all excellent dishes with the perfect balance of spice, however the winner was the Rose Kulfi which was the most stunning ice cream of rose petal essence.

Even though I enjoyed what I ate, I was continually dsistracted by the flavoursome spice aromas from the neighbouring tables. Fortunately it was not as perplexing as the overtly colourful decor.

The service was very attentive and fortunately never felt in your face.

Has it changed my attitude ? No, because there are still a lot of other restaurants offering £10 tikka marsalas on white plates. Cafe Spice is a serious gig with quality produce and ingredients that you will not see in most indian restaurants. Was a surprising experience for the senses.

Food 2
Wine 1 (I enjoyed a beer in lieu of wine)
Service 2
Look and Feel 1
Value 1
_______________
All in 7 out of 10

Chais Nous

2009-06-04T08:49:00.006+01:00

With the invitation from my French Rugby mates to a French bistro, I had very healthy expecatations of great evening with some solid french bistro food. With a small group of us we sorted a set menu of

* Geysier or Chevre Chaud Salad
* Andouillette or Bavette with frites and green beans
* Tarte Tatin or chocolate mousse
+ 1/2 bottle of wine per person
all for £25 per head

The Geysier Salad and Bavette (cooked perfectly rare) were all OK. The Chocolate mousse yielded some extraordinary excitement that is rarely seen amongst grown men......then again they are French. The wine was what you would expect in most french Cafe, perfectly drinkable totally inoffensive.

The decor is all a bit kitch, random and totally consequential of the tight budget of an unfasionable small independent. Even more concerning was the fact that the service did nothing to change our stereotype of "French service", the toilet seat fell off and a mini bottle of tepid Carlsberg cost me and eyewatering £3 !

At around £30 pp with wine and a minature warm beer, there are far better quality options around for similar or less damage to the hip pocket.

Food 1
Wine 1
Service 1
Look and Feel 0
Value 0.5
_______________
All in 3.5 out of 10

Chais Nous, South Kensington
21 Bute street, South Kensington, London SW7 3EY

Giving a seriously simple reveiw.....

2009-06-02T10:28:00.003+01:00

OK I have ranted and raved about some restaurants, but, it's just words which make it hard for me to compare how a place stacks up against the competition. So after a moment's thought I will rate venues on:

Food
Wine
Service
Look and Feel
Value
_______________
All in

Each aspect of a restaurant will be given a score between 0 and 2, thus creating an overall score of 10. 0 will be regarded as why bother, 1 good and 2 exceptional. It will no doubt result in some harsh scores all round where an overall 5 is the pass mark.

I'm out tonight so I will give a it a whirl then.

The Wine from Middle Earth !!!

2009-05-17T21:08:00.029+01:00

As any proud kiwi will tell you, a large slab of the Lord of the Rings was filmed in Central Otago. But can it yield a decent wine ? Having learnt to ski down there 10 years ago, I had some pretty average NZ plonk which has caused me to dismiss anthying other than Sav Blanc and the odd reisling.

So with plenty persuasion from Kate Thal @ Green and Blue, I signed up for the Wild Earth (Central Otago) tasting dinner with mate Chef Dan. After a life changing day at the London International Wine Fair, the bar was set to a ridicoulously high level.........changing my perception was going to be a battle. Especially when you consider, most Australians (like me) can be a little harsh when it comes to NZ wines. Afterall, we have copped enough cainings at the hand of the All Blacks, so we don't need it in the vineyard aswell.

With the outstanding Quintin Quider (Wild Earth director) pouring my glass, we tasted their :

Pinot Noir Rose : Although Quintin calls this his favourite 5 o'clock wine, I think he isn't giving this wine enough credit. It's balanced strawberry and mineral taste is nothing short of fabulous...... put me down for a case !

Pinot Gris : nothing ! absolutely nothing. OK Pinot Gris is not usually high on my favourites, but this was not in the same class as the rose. Very restrained and not a lot else.

Reisling : Now we are talking. Great minerality, floral notes and a balanced fruit that seriously kicks a traditional reisling where it hurts. It's not ridiculously sweet either.... top drawer.

Pinot Noir: Now I don't usually go for NZ pinots because I don't think they are good value. I have generally found them a bit light on especially when compared to a burgundy. How wrong could I have been. The spiced plum flavour is balanced by the minerality yet again which to be honest, makes this one of my favourite pinot's.

The battle over the wines of middle earth has left my perceptions in tatters and begging for more. At under £15 per bottle the Rose, Riesling and Pinot are extroadinary value and will be taking position in my cellar very shortly indeed.

and if you still are unclear...............I aboslutely love em!

Sitting next to Quitin made me realise that my career flogging software has got to come to an end. I wasn't envious of Quintin's job, but I was envious of the fact that he was pursuing his passion. How can I be so passionate about food and wine and not want to get involved ? Continuing in my current profession would be nothing short of fraud against my dreams and aspirations.

The search for "food, wine and a better life" just got serious.

The Trinity !

2009-04-22T10:04:00.013+01:00

Revisited (26 July): Still Divine

I know there are some views about writing about re-visits to a restaurant but why not ? Menu's change with the seasons, and as restaurants deal with living, breathing and evolving people it make sense to pass comment.

Anyway, my wife and I just wanted to spend lunch together and we couldn't think of a better option than having a relaxed sunday lunch at Trinity for £25 for 3 courses.

The Salt cod and macheral fishcake with saffron aoli was superb. While the cockles and cider needed a bit more seasoning we could probably discount that as our tastes. Mains of Kent Duck and Cherry sauce was good but the Pot au Feu (brisket, pork sausage and duck)was a triumph. Deserts of a Vahlrona Chocolate pot was delicious but it probably needed another 30 seconds in the oven. The Cherry Tart was faultless

Food 1.5
Wine 1.5
Service 2
Look and Feel 1.5
Value 2
_______________
All in 8.5 out of 10

Either way, I still love it.

Trinity: noun (pl. trinities) 1 (the Trinity or the Holy Trinity) the three persons of the Christian Godhead; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 2 a group of three people or things.

Aside from the definition above, Trinity happens to be a local restuarant on the North East edge of Clapham Common and fortunately has little to do with biblical things. That said, head chef and owner Adam Byatt is certainly doing his absolute best to spread the gastronomic good word.

With my parents, my wife's parents, sister in law and our selves, this Sunday lunch is a challenge. Potentially a nightmate ! How do you satisfy everyone ? Conservative enough for the parents, but exciting enough for us and the usual killer, good value. Well I am very pleased to say that Trinity nailed all 3.

Our table was nestled underneath the open window to kitchen where the head chef and team pretty much presided over the whole thing. Even when I was trying to decide between the lamb or guinea fowl main courses, Adam Byatt (head chef) guided me toward the Guinea Fowl. In fact he spoke and listened quite a bit which is possibly a result of a mediocre service some years ago.

My starter of Duck hearts and fried duck egg was a well crafted dish as were everyone elses. The mains were also delivered and devoured with the same glee as the first course. To prove the guinea fowl was the right choice he even sent a small protion to lamb to verify the decision. The service was perfect, and the humble sommelier guided us through the wine list without trying to break the bank.

On the strength of this perfomance we booked again and were treated just the same. Trinity has indeed matured into a fantastic local restaurant that will make the local's question their devotion to Chez Bruce. Adam has always been a good chef as I discovered at time, and now it appears he has the service team to match.

Trinity (redefined) : a superb combination of seasonal produce, exceptional culinary craft and fine service.

Not sure it's holy but it is certainly Divine.

T R I N I T Y
4 The Polygon · Clapham Old Town · London SW4 0JG
www.trinityrestaurant.co.uk

When a pub exceeds all your expectations........

2009-04-21T14:01:00.006+01:00

Am I in a dream, so drunk it doesn't matter or I just could be in one of the few pubs on the planet that is the real deal. Fortunately I am in the latter, "the Hind's Head" or as many know, Heston B's pub which was at the end of my 40 mile cycle from London.

I simply cannot recall a pub meal that tasted this good. Our table of 3 devoured...

Potted Shrimps
Powdered Duck with Fig jam (really) - Winner of the 3 by a nose
Hind's Head Tea Smoked Salmon

Lemon sole n Crab
Chicken, ham and leek Pie (winner)
T'bone in triple cooked chips

+ extra chips (which are so good it defies belief)

British Cheeses which whilst interesting were not earth shattering.

I suppose my only criticism is that it is too perfect ! The interior is so spot on that you could be excused for thinking you turned up in a faux pub at Disneyland. Fortunately the food is the real deal.

While the Fat Duck menu looked very intriguing from this side of the street, I have to admit I could not have been more satisfied with the fare that lay infront of me. Perhaps I am a simple man at heart.

With a business this good it must be tempting for Heston to spread the love and do a "Gordon Ramsay Holdings", I just personally hope he keeps it unique (i.e. 1).

Hind's Head Hotel
Bray

It was the night before Christmas....

2008-12-29T13:12:00.003Z

Since pitching my tent here in the UK some 10 years ago, I have generally gone to the pub on Christmas Eve with the family, the mates or whoever is around. Not this year...

Chef Dan and Urszula borrowed my kitchen (house) to recreate a Polish Christmas ... as I like fish and vodka, the Polish Christmas could only be a good thing !

Tradition states there should be 12 courses to represent the 12 disciples and on my reckoning we got there...

Borscht with tiny dumplings called "uszka"
Home cured Salmon with beetroot cream.
The absolute best Salmon enCroute ever... photo below
Herring
Smoke Eel
Smoked Trout
Fried Carp
Cod and pickled mushroom
pierogi stuffed with sauerkraut and mushrooms
Polish Salad & Potato and Dill Salad
Red Cabbage
Urszula's Mum's Cheesecake

Whole Salmon with Borschcht Soup with ears (in corner) ..Chef Dan at work.

From Polish Christmas Eve

That Salmon encroute...... layers of Mushroom Duxelle, Cabbage, Dill-Sultana Rice, two sides of Salmon which was all enveloped in pastry... gorgeous

From Polish Christmas Eve

The cod w mushroom....

From Polish Christmas Eve

Where is the table ?

From Polish Christmas Eve

In all, I have never eaten so well on Christmas Eve and probably wont unless I am with Dan and Ursz again.

And the Christmas Cookup Begins.....

2008-12-29T12:21:00.003Z

Like any festive season at my place, the coooking starts a week out, and this year was no exception. Although, with a chef friend's restaurant booked for Christmas day it meant one thing ..... .... No Ham ! That's right, the Maple glazed ham that I've cooked for the last couple of years will sadly have to be shelved this year. Baked ham is one of my all time Christmas faves, even when growing up in Oz, I loved munching on it days later.

So to get my pork fix over the festive season I decided to make my first pork pate in an unused terrine dish (despite being 2 year old).

500g of minced pork, 500g pork liver, 250 gram of minced fatty pork belly, a load of streaky bacon (half of it minced), crushed garlic clove, salt, juniper berries and pepper, cinnamon, fresh time, splash of armangac and white wine. Line the terrine with half of the bacon and mix together the rest of the ingredients which will need to marry together for a couple of hours before cooking. Wrap bacon over top and garnish with a couple of bay leaves and juniper berries. Put terrine dish inside a tray of water and cook for 2 hours at 170 c. Once complete, place a load of weight on top of the terrine to compact it and refrigerate (with weights) for 24 hours.

Before

From Christmas Preparations

After

From Christmas Preparations

Ok it doesn't evoke the child hood memories of snacking on it from Grandma's fridge but it sure goes well with a slab of toast and glass of wine.

There are bubbles and then there are bubbles !

2008-12-18T17:09:00.005Z

After numerous rescheduled attempts we (my better half) and I finally got to complete our "School of Wine" champagne and sparkle session at Green and Blue.

Our tutor (and store owner), Kate, is a little anti establishment. In fact, she is quite organic and will generally sell wines of this focus or bio dynamic. Not a bad thing. But when it comes to Champagne, she wont promote any of the really big Champagne houses. With a hatred of Mercier and Moet this is can not be a bad thing.

Deep down, after numerous Champagne visits and tastings, I was very intrigued as to how much I would learn. A lot in fact. Half the Champagne history in France is utter rubbish so it was refreshing to hear the unbiased version that the recipe for Champagne was in fact perfected in England ! Due to the superior glass strength in the UK in the 1600s it enabled the producers to safely harness their bubbles.

Theory lesson over we got into the odd glass of Bubbly:

NV Domaine Les Tres Cantous Mauzac Nature, France........ very different.

2007 Bellenda Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, Italy .... perfect cocktail mixer

Louis Roederer Quartet - California

NV Louis Roederer Brut Premier, France ........ still my favourite mainstream sparkle

2003 Louis Roederer Brut Vintage, France ........not worth the ££ over the NV

NV Larmandier-Bernier Blanc de Blancs, France....great 0 dosage blanc de blanc

NV Bertrand Gautherot Rosé Saignée de Sorbée Extra Brut, Champagne WINNER by a long way. On this case alone, Bio dynamic is the way forward. Stunning.

2006 Vittoria Bera et Figli Moscato di Asti, Piedmont, Italy ... this baby is a cracker for desert.

So, I woke this morning with a very gentle hangover pleased in the knowledge that Champagne is the drink of drinks and that there is no end to my enjoyment of sparkle. Just a shame it leaves the wallet considerable lighter.

and on the 3rd day of Christmas....

2008-12-16T17:55:00.003Z

my true love sent me..... to the Landau.

To the where ???? Yes the Landau is at the Langham hotel where my wife's family and friends descended for our pre-Christmas lunch. Perhaps the pastel decor offended me but I didn't expect anything above a standard hotel meal. .... Wrong !

The "Oeuf Froit Albert" salmon, hen's yolk and artichoke was awesome. The Foie Gras parfait was equally excellent. With the biggest yorkshire puddings, I could not resist the roast beef which was just too polite. Perhaps I will learn that a gleaming dining room like this is not going to serve a rustic rib of beef. Nonetheless it was OK.

The deserts were back to the form of the starters. Excellent and all for £35. Just a shame we didn't control the wine choices.

On the 2nd day of Christmas.

2008-12-16T17:40:00.004Z

my true love said to me........

To be fair she didn't say much as we were both nursing a slight hangover. That would soon be cured as Saturday = Rugby ! Or at least on this occasion I was able to watch rather than play.

Our pre-match lunch was at the Albany in Twickneham which was one of those rare occasions where I expected nothing and I left surpised with my wallet intact.

The goats cheese and fig salad was great and the gammon, egg and chips was remarkable ! Really ! No slap it on a plate rubbish here. A fine piece of gammon served with a perfectly fried duck egg and pineapple chutney was sensational. The only downside were the over-sized chips. But for £12 it was fantastic. Better still they listed a Blue Pyranees red which I have not enjoyed for at least a decade.

Not bad for 2 courses and a couple bottles of wine
£25 per person

Certainly more enjoyable than the rain swept seat at the stoop.

The 12 days of Christmas.......Anchor and Hope

2008-12-16T17:03:00.003Z

I suppose you could say the 12 days of Christmas started last Friday (12/12) and boy did it start. Having managed to lay low for some weeks and keep out of restaurants, I was like a bear coming out of hibernation...pretty much desperate for a few beers and a good meal.

The Yorkshire Chef and I decided to decend upon the Anchor and Hope where our 8.45 arrival did little to keep us sober. A bottle of wine later we sat our table and chose a boars head terrine, warm pigeon salad and a main of Cassoulet. The starters were excellent and the Cassoulet was OK. Perhaps I have eaten too much Cassoulet in and around Toulouse, as this version whilst enjoyable just wasn't as gutsy as those I have enjoyed in the past. From memory the Cheese (especially the Stichleton) held it's own against the Corbieres.

The Christmas season has begun !

......

and my beautiful wife.........

2008-10-31T10:59:00.003Z

What do you do on the second anniversary ? And this is a not a lame way of canvassing ideas, just part of the thought process.

After a matinee at the theatre, do I cook a stunning meal with a couple of awesome wines from the cellar that my fair lady has bought for me in the past ??

or

do we go to a restaurant for the evening ?

My lovelly wife doesn't really enjoy ultra high profile ponce restaurants, so therefore, were are looking at St Alban's, Luciano, Bentley's, Upstairs in Brixton or even Patara in honour of our oriental honeymoon.

On the basis that I couldn't afford to pay restaurant prices for the calibre of wines from my own cellar, I am probably swaying to dinner at home with a menu of ....

Home made chicken liver pate (to share of course)
........ Louis Roderer Rose - 98

Fillet, wild mushroom risotto and balsamic glaze
.......the Cyril Henscke 95

Cheese..... Tunworth

Vanilla infused Apple Crumble
.......... "9 c Ice wine"

Is it worth the hassle of cooking ......??????????

Perfect Day in London........

2008-10-14T14:31:00.007+01:00

A fellow gourmet, Krista has laid down the challenge and asked to come up with the perfect day in London.

Easy...

Well not quite. You see, London is such a diverse town I am sure we could all come up with numerous best day's according to season, events, friends etc. Anyway my perfect chilled out Saturday 'food and wine fest' would be....

10.00 Brindisa (Borough Market) for coffee if there is a table otherwise find salvation at another coffee provider.

10.30 Borough Market to buy some produce for light lunch although the primary reason is just to soak up the atmosphere.

11.00 Neal's Yard Dairy to indulge the senses and buy cheese for.... enjoyment! Other cheese stalls are great but not a patch on NYD in my opinion.

12.30 Get home, pick veg (spinach) from garden for lunch.

13.00 Cook lunch.. at this point thinking of grilled fish served with hollandaise, Sauteed spinach with onion.

15.00 Stroll (or if raining) or more likely catch the bus to Clapham.

16.00 Green and Blue wine bar Clapham for their Saturday afternoon wine tasting.

19.00 Meet friends for a laid back dinner at Anchor and Hope, Lamberts .... or if we are in a curry mood, Hot Stuff in Vauxhall. OK neither are gastronomic revelations but they are all great for decent chilled out food. If I want more formality I will go to Bentley's or Chez Bruce. If I am feeling stupidly flush, Maze.

22.30 Possibly sneak a night cap at Bentley's Oyster Bar or an anonymous bar with friends before jumping in a black cab home.

23.00 Bed ! which is probably the one constant among all of my favourite days in London.

The best Chill Jam !

2008-09-17T14:15:00.001+01:00

And for reference purposes only. I need to save my Chilli jam recipe.

CHILLI JAM

INGREDIENTS
6 cups vegetable oil
3 Spanish onions, peeled and chopped
4 red peppers, seeded and chopped
6 long red chillies, seeded and chopped
10 small Thai red chillies, chopped
10 cloves garlic, sliced
2 knobs ginger, peeled and sliced
2 punnets cherry tomatoes
2 cups caster sugar
1.5 cups fish sauce

METHOD
• In a large heavy-based saucepan, heat oil until smoking. Add onions, peppers, chillies, garlic and ginger and cook until they start to turn golden. Stir.
• Add tomatoes and stir, cooking until they go a very dark brown. When the vegetables start to go dark golden brown they will blacken very quickly so be careful, but if the vegetables are not taken to a black enough colour, the jam will be too sweet. Add sugar and then caramelise. Add fish sauce.
• Remove from heat and blend. Don’t remove the oil that rises to the top as the jam settles – it helps preserve the jam in the fridge.

Best Baked Ham....

2008-09-17T14:12:00.003+01:00

OK it might be random that I am suddenly throwing in a recipe but this revives a dish that is rarely seen these days... Baked Ham

Whether it is for Christmas Easter or whatever, your guest and family will love it.

"Maple Syrup Glazed Ham

Glazed ham makes an excellent centre piece for a family Easter brunch, it is goues down well with the young and old. You can vary the size of the gammon you cook according to the number of guests you are serving. Allow 20 minutes boiling/baking per 450g/1lb plus an extra 20 minutes (half boiling and then half baking) . Adjust the amount of the glaze according to the size of the gammon. Here I have prepared a small gammon for 4-6 people just double the size of the gammon and glaze ingredients for 10-12 people.
image

Portions: 4-6 Portions

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Ingredients
Ham

* 1.3-1.5 kg (3lb-3lb 5oz) uncooked gammon
* 1 celery stick, halved
* 1 onion, peeled, halved and studded with 6 cloves
* 1 carrot, peeled and halved
* 1 garlic clove
* 2 bay leaves
* 2 sprigs of parsley
* 5 peppercorns
* 500ml cider

Glaze

* 1 tbsp dijon mustard
* 1 tsp ginger, ground
* 100g golden syrup
* 150ml maple syrup
* 1 tbps soy sauce
* generous amount of cloves for studding the gammon

Method

1. Weigh your gammon to calculate the cooking time. Place the gammon in a large saucepan so that it fits firmly. Pour the cider over the gammon and add enough water so that it is just covered. Add the onion, carrot, garlic, bay leaves, parsley and peppercorns. Bring the water to the boil then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook it for 40 minutes or your calculated time (20 minutes per 450g/1lb). Check it regularly and add more water if necessary and skimming off the scum which comes to the top.
2. Remove the gammon from the liquid and drain it thoroughly.
3. Preheat an oven to 180C/425F. Strip the ham carefully of the skin leaving an even thin layer of fat. Using a sharp knife score the fat in a criss cross fashion so that you have diamonds. Place the cloves in each corner of each diamond.
4. Mix the mustard, golden syrup, maple syrup, ginger, garlic and soy sauce together and then rush the gammon generously with it.. Mix the maple syrup, sugar and vinegar together and brush it evenly over the ham and sprinkle the sugar over it.
5. Place the ham in a baking tin and place it in the preheated oven and leave it to bake for 20 minutes, basting it regularly (you may wish to increase the cooking time slightly for a large joint). If serving it hot allow it to stand for 10 minutes in a warm place before serving or allow it to cool and refrigerate.
6. To Serve: Serve the ham hot or cold with your choice of accompaniment eg. Chutney, mustard or Cumberland sauce, salad and or new potatoes. "

Great Recipe resource online.....

2008-09-17T14:00:00.010+01:00

While I detest paying for a subscription website such as those operated by our celeb chefs there a some fantastic resources out there....

Some may be product endorsed... so what ....they are allowed to suggest ways of using their product and if it improves the enjoyment it can only be a good thing.

www.belazu.com/recipes/all-recipes.html

OK that is generally olive based product but if you are ever stuck for BBQ..

www.weber.com/recipes

And this one which has an awesome roast ham.

www.bareingredients.com/index.jsp

Bon app

Is there ever a better dinner than with good friends....

2008-07-30T02:12:00.007+01:00

Especially not when it includes some of the wines we included. the meal went as follows:

champagne: Alfred Gratien, Blanc de Blanc. For me a stunning wine, yeasty but not OTT and if nonthing else it prepared for what was to come.

Nibbles

Chateau Turcaud - entre deux mers 2005. Alhtough I wasn't keen on pushing this as I was crap adn could not get to the wine cellar we ended up with this. Honest wine nonetheless.

Chevre Salad : while eaten out many times never relicated at home. I just hope I did it justice.

Chateau De La Tour Clos Vougeot 93

Roast Duck Breast, figs with red wine redux accompanied by savoy cabbage and bacon

Cheese Board: Tunworth, Stichleton and Keens Cheddar.

Tokaj Aszu, Disznoko 6 Puttonyos 93

Apricot Semi-fredo with poached apricot.

All in in all, a fantastic night in ...OK the duck was slightly overcooked but the flavours still worked well.

Aside from the company which is why we had dinner in the first place, the highlight for me was the Chateau De la Tour which was totally unexpected gift from the guests.

A winner of an evening that certainly surpassed some recent restaurant experiences ...even if I do say so myself.

SOW II

2008-07-16T09:41:00.003+01:00

I have neglected you.... especially considering the fabulous indulgence of Rome, Milan and Champagne. Anyway School of Wine 2 starts this evening with Alsace. Looking forward to it in a big way with a view to topping up the knowledge for the red wine gig in September.

talk tomorrow.

Louchebem !

2008-05-30T10:28:00.011+01:00

Well it's been a bloody long time and I have been indulging at a lot of different venues and places which in fact makes me even more guilty of neglect.

So where to start...

Toulouse ! My food, wine and rugby mecca. Whilst on a visit to watch Toulouse play Cardiff I managed to squeeze in a few restaurants and of course the marvelous Victor Hugo Market. But as I am at work I will keep it short and sweet.

I went to Louchebem which is a steak place above Victor Hugo market adorned with rugby supporters scarves. No fuss, no w@nk just great beef and reasonable local wine by the carafe.

The steak was fantastically flavoursome of a real cow reared locally. None of this textureless rubbish void of flavour... real beef where mustard, frites and a good glass of red are required. My wife had a perfectly fillet as shown and the photo and I had the 600g rib. In hindsight the massive 900 gr rib to share would have been fun but it was still damn good and great value for under 40 Euro with wine/s.

To be totally fair the place can be summed up by its no nonsense sign. Also good to see them specialise my other favourites.. cassoulet and foie gras..

What a start to the weekend !...ambitious as I am off to one of my favourite bistros, Beaux Arts for the evening

Oh I love Toulouse !

In the evening had oysters (awesome), a good Cassoulet and the chocolate profiteroles (with kettle of pouring chocolate) at the Beaux Arts. Good night but possibly a step too far after lunch, an afternoon drinking Rose in the sun and then dinner.... what the hell you only live once.

Finally eating again......

2008-03-27T09:24:00.002Z

With the teeth back to normal I have indulged in some wine fuelled dinners at a couple of mates restaurants.

First, The Warrington where Head Chef Dan is revelling in his first post as head chef. Snooty receptionist aside, the meal was exceptional. Then again when you are with the chef's wife it should be. A black pudding salad was then unexpectedly followed by a mini trio of the remaining starters, brilliant. Mini Steak tartare on crostini was a revalation. Anyway as wife doesn't eat lamb, I therefore don't get to eat it at home. So with this in mind Dan produced a magical chump of lamb on Celariac with redwine jus...... and after a couple bottles of good Cote du Rhone a damn fine night was had.

Then it's Easter Sunday .... while I would normally be up for the challenge of an early spring cooking extravaganza, time was not on our side and so dinner at Bentleys with wife and Chef Dan was the best option. OK another mate is the GM so we were always going to get good service but I hadn't prepared myself for the awesome procession of wine.....

Serpico from Greece
Pecorino(yes it is a wine from the same area as the cheese)
Mas....Languedoc
shaw smith m3 chardonay

They were all awesome as were the maldon oysters and dover sole.

Which such an ample indulgence, I am back to a diet to shift some pounds no doubt gained from the indulgence.

Have also started to look at sites for own venture.... very exciting although challenging at the same time.... Bring it on.

Soft foods anyone ?

2008-03-11T10:08:00.003Z

After a wisdom tooth extraction (ouch !) 2 days ago, I am living off a supply of juices, soup and rice pudding. Which is not all bad, but it is suprising how much you miss textures.

Anyway, Monday was a fabulous peppery mushroom soup (so easy) and today is a soft minestrone. Later this week I might make up a pea and lardon as I have some leftover lardons in the fridge.

Rice pudding is something I used to love as a kid but never actually eaten it as an adult. Fortunately Sara came to the rescue. It is such underused desert accompaniment. How good would a poached peach be if served on a base of rice pud. In fact with some pre-poached peaches I will do just that, just as shame that a nice desert wine is off the list due to the painkillers.

At least I had a kiler meal the night before the extraction. Roasted Rib of beef, jus and a fresh horseradish cream which was accompanied by roasties, beans and some cauliflour cheese which ably used up some vintage Gouda. Cauliflour cheese is great enough but the more you invest in the cheese, the better it will be.

Fresh horseradish is something else ! Never will I go back to a jar.

As the pain lessens I will get onto more textured stuff. Fish is probalbly next on the list which will give me to opportunity to road test a new fish monger down the road in Herne Hill. Perhaps gourmet larder is not dead yet !

Simple food anyone?

2008-02-27T10:23:00.009Z

Sometimes the simple food is just what you need.

Last night after a gut wrenching rugby training session (literally), I got home late to a bowl of Carrot soup (I made made earlier this week) along with Sara's cheddar and red onion toasted sandwich. Simple but Damn fine.

With that concept of simpleness, I started to think of the best restaurants where simple food just works. And out of that came the Steakhouse. No fuss, no window dressing but just great grilled beef supplemented with a bottle of claret.

So what are my TOP 7 Steakhouses (any order are)

* Vlados, Melbourne : The ultimate meat feast ! In heaven there must be a Vlados.

* Flemmings, Houston : the rib was nothing short of fabulous

* Wolfgangs, New York : great rib just a shame about the New York service attitude

* Iluka Steak House, Surfers Paradise : age 14, my first really brilliant steak, sirloin I think. Juicy, flavoursome and still memorable 20 odd years later.

* Entrecote, Toulouse : not strictly a steakhouse, but, you wont find better fillet and bottomless plates of the best matchstick frites. Shards of potato !

* Huys, Whistler : a little formal for a ski town, nonetheless my first steak cooked "Pittsburg"....black and blue.

* Prime 112, Miami : bizarely it was the first time I have actually ordered a T-Bone and loved it. Mind you the Red Car, Shake Rattle and Roll Syrah 05 (above) was awesome

The Rib Room, London misses out because it is just not a steakhouse although it is a classic grill serving a sensational rib table carved.

Mind you, as good as all these places are, there is a certain satisfaction to cooking a great piece of beef yourself and grabbing a great bottle of wine from the cellar.

I love Borough Market....

2008-02-25T14:17:00.003Z

How good is Borough Market ! No damn supermarket gets close. Where else could I spend close £50 on produce for 3 meals and feel it was money well spent. With friends down for the weekend, this is a small price to pay for food this good.

Neal's Yard cheese is the unrivaled supplier of British Cheese. The Tunworth, the mature Caerphilly, Benleigh Blue and Westcombe Cheddar were all gorgeous. As was the pork sausages, sliced to order bacon and black pudding. All flavours just as memorable as each other...brilliant.

Wild Beef's, beef shin was also put to marvelous effect in the Osso Bucco (river cafe blue)

The only downer for the weekend was a fish pie which was a little watery.... Not being a huge fan because my shellfish allergy only means I will have to try harder next time.

Anyway, after a few bottles of vin rouge I was given a couple of queries which need researching.....

How good is red wine under 13% alcohol ?
Is induction cooking a real alternative to gas?

After such indulgence, back to the gym tonight.

All about the wine.

2008-02-14T09:06:00.006Z

Last night I started a 13 week wine course to do something a bit more regimented than my haphazard tastings over the years. If nothing else it will serve as guidance and an indication of how these courses are run.

The course tutor, Kate is excellent and while her confidence improved as the evening went on, her knowledge was phenomenally extensive. Her commitment to organic and bio diverse wines is paramount to her philosophy. That said, she fortunately knew when to stop short of becoming a wine snob. Could I present such a course...yes !

But like an over-fertilised vine my pallet needs to be revived. Yes it's true I have trashed it with volume drinking and not regularly challenging it to identify the flavours and composition of wine. This was highlighted by the fact that I have no confidence in it any more. On the blind tasting I wrongly went against my initial gut feel (of the wine being cold climate) and listened to everyone else. Ye should have more faith.

Of the wines tasted

Frankland Estate Riesling - steely, crisp and lime driven
German Riesling - fruiter blossom like nose, sweeter and more subtle and longer pallette.

Savioe white - very lite subtle white

Cote Du Rhone - Aphilattes
Cote Du Rhone - Mathilde

Beaujolais -
Beaujolais - Brouilly

Chardonnay from just outside Chablis region.....

Fun and I will already be looking forward to next week's installment.

Dinner: was a functional wrap before and instant ramen noodle when I got home. Uninspiring.

Oh well, a new day, another valentine's day and busy day on the work front. Bring on the weekend.

Day One.....

2008-02-13T13:41:00.000Z

Some one told me that you are more likely to achieve something if you write it down.

With that notion in mind, I am going to document my dreams, desires and setbacks to gain a perspective of my journey toward a more passionate and fulfilling career. If life is too short to drink bad wine, it is definitely too short to be stuck in a job you don't enjoy.

OK ... I confess to enter the lottery on a regular basis but that is hardly a career plan is it ?

So I am going to set out in pursuit of a career in something I enjoy.. food and wine. I have a couple years professional experience in restaurants but this was the only time where work did not feel like work. Surely this is a good thing. Anyway, it is a good enough reason to start this exploration for a better life in food and wine.

The blog might be boring, it might one god awful waste of time, but on the off chance it works I reckon the end result of a new career is going to be damn site better that staring at a computer screen flogging software I really don't care about.

Is it too much to ask to want to go to work in the morning .........