In June, we embarked on a delightful culinary journey, crafting a Japanese-inspired canapé menu to complement the exquisite wines from Grace Wines, a distinguished Japanese winery. This was my first encounter with these wines, and they surpassed all expectations with their spectacular flavors and incredibly well-balanced structure. The wines were delicate and subtle, yet possessed a profound depth that underscored their elegance.
Read MoreAdmittedly, a touch of food fatigue tinged with trepidation had creeped upon me approaching our lunch at Hide Upstairs. Two previous days of Michelin starred eating had consequences, two stars in two days… blah blah blah. How was I to consume more! I know it sounds pompous and at a level of wanker-ness that my wife says I’m only capable of, but I was almost a little over Michelin.
Simon Rogan’s brilliant interpretation of English food had left me impressed, the flavours of Elystan Street were so deep one could bath in them, and then there was a rather anonymous late-night Club Sandwich and a bottle of Champagne in the depths of the Fulham. And then on the second last day in London we were booked into Hide, Ollie Dabbous Piccadilly restaurant.
Read MoreThe offer of this private dinner came though an a rather simple email asking if I was interested in cooking a birthday dinner for around sixteen people all of whom loved wine. Attached was an outline of the flights of wines to be served and the vintages. Latour, Petrus, Grange, DRC the list was incredible and far to tantalising not to say yes too. So armed with this list I set about trying to create a series of dishes that may work with the differing flights. A menu, not too far off what was eventually served, was sent to the client. Then the process of “tweeking” was undertaken. A fish dish added and a pork croquette replaced, a lamb course dropped and the foie gras ice cream added as requested. The order of dishes was changed to reflect the wines and the oysters and sashimi added a a shared starter rather than a course. Waitstaff, crockery and food was ordered, organised and prepared.
Read MoreWhile in London I regularly purchase wine from the Jeroboams store on Heath Street, which is an agreeable distance from my flat. I like, on each trip, to concentrate on an individual wine region. Last year it was the wines of Tuscany. Mainly Sangiovese based wines. Super concentrated wines with tight tannins and big flavours, Chianti’s and Montepulciano and the like.
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