Food & Drink - House Of Coco Magazine

City breaks June 24, 2021

A Summer Staycation At The Mitre Hotel Hampton Court

The Mitre Hampton Court pulls you in with its charm and sophistication before you’ve even walked through the door. Sitting snug on the banks of the River Thames, you can almost taste the crisp glass of Whispering Angel rosé on the sun-drenched terrace before you’ve parked your car. Experience the allure of The Mitre Hotel Hampton Court. The delightful Grade II listed property is grand and boasts a great deal of character, both on the outside and inside.

Steeped in history, The Mitre pays homage to King Henry VIII through its design and the rooms are aptly named with playful nods to the late ruler – including the Catherine Parr suite. For a stay away from the bustle of the city, or something luxurious and relaxing post-lockdown, The Mitre is, undeniably, the idyllic bolthole you’ve been searching for, positioned a stroll away from boutique and antique shops, pretty cafes and independent restaurants. There’s also the ability to rent a boat and meander up the river, or explore the nearby Hampton Court Palace.

Experience Timeless Elegance and Modern Comfort

The hotel, part of the luxurious Signet Collection, opened in 2020 but it was built in 1665, and you can feel the grandeur and history perfectly mixed with the modern. You’re immediately at ease due to the friendliness of the staff, who were quick to hydrate us with summery drinks, and you can sink into a plush sofa as you get checked in while taking in the design skills of Nicola Harding who has opted for an environment “rich in soulness and atmosphere.” The walls of the airy and beautiful hotel are lined with historic nods to the surrounding area, or quirky pieces of artwork including a lion splashed against a yellow background with ‘I won’t eat you’ playfully scrawled above – a delightful piece by Kate Boxer.

No two rooms are alike, with standout spots including the ethereal lounge with floral-patterned wallpaper and the Baz Luhrmann-esque Minstrel library, which bursts with books and boasts an honesty bar and jukebox – two post-dinner must-haves. I had the pleasure of visiting the striking hotel in early summer and even took my dog along to this incredibly pooch-friendly hotel. Following a stroll around the area on a delightfully sunny day, I checked into my beautiful room for the night, named the Music Room. Swinging from a little drawstring bag were freshly baked cookies, and a ginger liqueur with two glasses beneath it was the tipple that whet my palate before dinner. It’s little intricacies such as these which really show attention to detail. For my dog, Luna, who, might I add, was just as elated about our stay as I was, there was a snug bed, a lion toy, treats and even poo bags, the latter of which are always handy when you’re a dog owner.

Indulge in Luxury and Culinary Delights

The Mitre has 36 rooms in total, of which no two are the same. Some have delightful internal courtyards, while others boast views of the Thames and Hampton Court Palace and have fire pits and jacuzzis. For special occasions, why not opt to stay in one of their two signature suites, including King Henry VIII and Catherine Parr rooms, with a VIP car valet service, personalised turndown and gin decanter being just a smattering of the inclusions? Our stunning room was booming with character and it ticked the box of being both spacious and snug at the same time. In one section of the room sat a grand, pink sofa perfect for sprawling across with magazine and G&T in hand. The large beds are soft to the touch with only the finest Egyptian cotton used, and the warm and smart bathroom with classic styling housed a sensational shower which set me up for my day. As the doting dog mum that I am, one of the aspects of the room I found charming was the dog bed which sat in its area. We sank into our beds after dinner and found them very comfy indeed – so much so that even the summer heat didn’t disturb the slumber. In the morning, should you wish, you can ring and one of the staff members will bring you fresh milk for your coffee or tea. It’s the little things.

Dining at The Mitre was such a delight. It was a warm evening, life felt back to normal after the hardships of lockdown, and you could feel the building buzzing with laughter and excitement. We dined al-fresco on the 1665 terrace, which I’d highly recommend. The restaurant is named after the year The Mitre was built, and you can take in beautiful views of the river while feasting at the all-day brasserie. We were wined and dined by the wonderful waiting staff, who never failed to wear smiles on their faces and each course delivered was accompanied by fun conversations and laughter, courtesy of the person placing it on our table. It’s an idyllic spot for a romantic meal, or to house a birthday party with pals, at which a good dose of Whispering Angel rose wine is a must. The Mitre has the world’s first stand-alone Whispering Angel hut, and this crisp and moreish rose is the perfect sundowner on the terrace tipple. As well as the enticing wine hut, there’s also a centrepiece bar inside the stunning restaurant and an open kitchen.

The food was simply scrumptious, much to the dismay of my dog Luna who sat patiently at the table while we dined. It is wonderful to be able to bring your pooch along to the restaurant, again playing into just how dog-friendly the venue is. We began with crispy cauliflower popcorn with teriyaki and soy, which burst with flavour and set the tone for the rest of the meal. The English asparagus was a standout starter, as was Devon squid with rocket and chilli salad. It’s a real treat for the taste buds to be able to savour food from different parts of the UK and to find an appreciation for where we live through fare, especially in a time when people, unable to go abroad, are finding the beauty in our home soil. Every dish was so flavourful, and each was presented beautifully. We went from turf to surf for our main courses and opted for fish dishes. I delved into the pan-roasted sea bass, which was utterly delicious, and the broccoli, petit pois and lemongrass lent perfectly to the feast.

Culinary Delights and Exceptional Service

Did we do dessert? Silly question. Seeing strawberry Eton mess cruise past us to be positioned on different tables in the surrounding area was envy-inducing enough for me to order one. It billowed out of the glass, with strawberries, chantilly cream, elderflower and mint swirling around in the glass to create the perfect palette ender. I chased it with an espresso martini and my guest enjoyed a decaf coffee and, with bellies full, we headed to bed. The exquisite, quintessentially British food and drink at The Mitre is helmed by Culinary and Operations Director, Ronnie Kimbugwe, whose infectious personality makes your stay even more memorable. Ronnie’s background includes over six years with the Gordon Ramsey group at Claridge’s and the Bel and Dragon Country Inns, so we were in good hands with his knowledge and choices during our stay. Like food, drink and a cosy room are musts during a hotel stay, so too are front-facing personalities as wonderful as Ronnie’s and his staff. As well as the 1665 terrace, you also have the option of the vibrant and stylish CopperNose restaurant, which takes its name from Henry VIII who was nicknamed “CopperNose” after he issued cheap currency. At this all-day dining spot, you’ll take in views of the Thames and some delicious food to boot, with sample dishes including Atlantic lobster and flamed English asparagus. Breakfast is just as brilliant as dinner, with friendly waiting staff quick to get you seated so that you can get your tea and coffee fix. Offerings include hearty full English breakfasts, mango smoothie bowls, sweet corn fritters, pastries and more, to get you set for your day.

The Mitre does its part in being environmentally friendly and grows food onsite, including herbs on the orangery roof. It houses beehives on the main roof and they even smoke their salmon. The Mitre also brews its draft beer called ‘The Six Wives,’ – apt! We were informed that they hope to eliminate all single-use plastic products and I am sure they will be passionate to do so. We were invited to learn about The Mitre’s near plans for its Pamper Spa Suite, which launched in June 2021. The Pamper Spa Suite comes in collaboration with Lola’s Apothecary, and it allows guests to sink into the hands of therapists for massages and facials, in luxurious trappings created by Nicola Harding. Guests can sip on Lola’s Apothercary’s wellness tea range supercharged with adaptogenic herbs most-treatment, before retiring to their rooms to get ready for a sumptuous dining experience.

Van Gogh was a tourist at Hampton Court and sang its praises when he wrote letters to his brother Theo after his visit, and he was right to do so. The beautiful setting of The Mitre is unrivalled and the hotel captivates you with its history and luxury as soon as you walk through the doors. Whether you’re after a relaxing staycation, a trip with your pooch or perhaps you’d like to hit up the Orangery for an idyllic Thameside wedding, this hotel ticks all the boxes and it’s a British bolthole you won’t want to miss off your list. Thank you to The Mitre for a memorable and beautiful stay.

Fancy staying? Visit mitrehamptoncourt.com

Food & Drink June 23, 2021

6 tips for 5-star food without leaving the house

When it comes to eating dinner at home, we tend to stick to what’s quick and simple. Oftentimes this might mean avoiding cooking altogether, and just sticking a pizza or some pre-cooked meat in the oven. After all, cooking is tricky and time-consuming, and best left to professional chefs with years of training under their belts, right?

Wrong. Home cooking doesn’t mean lesser cooking. You don’t need to settle for bland food just because you’re not at a 5-star restaurant. Creating impressive, delicious dishes in your own kitchen is surprisingly easy once you know a few tricks of the trade.

From ordering a fresh butchers meat box, to appreciating the miracle of good seasoning, here are a few easy and effective ways to make 5-star food without leaving the house.

Meat delivery

You can’t make a quality meal without quality ingredients. Meat is the star of any dish it’s a part of, but unless you have an exceptional local butcher, it can be tricky to know whether the meat you’re buying will be full of flavour, or full of water.

Ordering meat boxes online is the best way to ensure that the meat you buy is both flavourful and ethical. Companies like the Dorset Meat Company source their animals from twenty small family-run farms in Dorset and Wiltshire, where the free range animals are raised slowly on a 100% grass diet. This results in delicious meat bursting with vitamins and minerals.

Build your own meat box today and have it delivered to your door at a time that suits you. You’ll never settle for supermarket meat again.

Seasoning!

We all know seasoning adds flavour, but with so many kinds of seasoning available, choosing the right one and the right measure can be intimidating.

You needn’t worry too much about adding exotic or unfamiliar spices. That knowledge can be gained slowly over time. But the one seasoning you should never skimp on is salt. If a sauce, meat cut or stew tastes bland, try adding a helping of salt before tossing in more ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how much it brings out the flavours.

Alternatively, a pinch of sugar might be what’s needed to make your dish sing. Sugar helps to balance savoury flavours, such as tomatoes, roasted carrots and beets. The same is true of acid, such as a squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar, which will cut through fat and brighten an overly stodgy meal.

Keep it simple

5-star food doesn’t mean complicated food. Forget all the plates of artfully constructed nonsense you’ve seen on cooking programmes, and think about how best to cook the food you actually want to eat.

If you’re hosting a dinner party, you might be tempted to prepare several courses of food you’ve never cooked before. Ignore this impulse, and instead focus on cooking a single dish to the best of your abilities. Roast chicken, pasta dishes and hearty stews are always safe bets.

Be patient

Resist the urge to constantly prod, poke and flip your food in the pan, and instead let the heat do its work. This tip is especially pertinent for meat, which you should also let rest for a few minutes after cooking so that all the juices and flavours have time to redistribute throughout.

Waste nothing

Almost all the ‘waste’ you produce when cooking can be used to further improve your food. All the brown burnt bits at the bottom of your pan? That’s called fond. Deglaze it with wine or stock to form a scrumptious base for your sauce. That pasta water? Keep a little of it spare to help the sauce cling to the pasta, better absorb the flavour, and thin it out if it’s too thick.

Take care of your tools

Any artisan will tell you it is essential to have to right tools, and even more important to keep them in top condition. You cannot hope to make the best food you’re capable of making if your knife is warped or blunt, or your pan flaking.

Don’t let subpar equipment stand in the way of your culinary dreams. Invest in new ones or take care of the old ones, and watch your kitchen transform into a 5-star restaurant.

Food & Drink June 20, 2021

Raise a glass to dad this Father’s Day

Because he deserves more than just a Toblerone

Struggling to find the perfect Father’s Day gift for dad/grandad/stepdad/milkman-who-looks-suspiciously-like-you-but-definitely-isn’t-your-dad? Fear not, here’s our rundown of the perfect boozy gifts for you.

CHAPEL DOWN

Brut NV Magnum

Ideal for sharing and celebrating with those you love or the perfect gift for the those who are impossible to buy for, Chapel Down Brut NV is an elegant blend of four classic grape varieties and a great example of a quality English sparkling wine, now available as a 1.5 litre Magnum. A superb English sparkling wine with aromas of red apple, lemongrass and freshly baked read together with hints of strawberry and quince on the palate and fine persistent bubbles.

The Chapel Down Brut NV Magnum, 1.5ltr will be on offer for £50.00 for the month of June and is available directly from Chapel Down here.

GLENFIDDICH

Grande Couronne 26 Year Old

To celebrate the launch of the Grande Couronne 26 Year Old, Glenfiddich has partnered with acclaimed artist David David Aiu Servan-Schreiber to unveil a limited-edition design paying homage to the earth’s beauty. Showcasing the magnificence of the earth, the new striking design will feature emblematic crackles symbolising the smoked wood grains of the meticulously sourced finishing casks during the whisky maturation process – a natural juxtaposition of the regal filigree which adorns the Grande Couronne bottle. Designed to elevate occasions and ooze grandiose, Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old offers vibrant and lively notes with an abundance of toasty oak sweetness reminiscent of a French patisserie.

The ideal gift this Father’s Day or the perfect addition to one’s liquor cabinet, 50 limited-edition bottles will be available exclusively from Selfridges for £475.

The Cocktail Man and Glenfiddich ‘The Daddy of All Cocktails’ Collection

Serving swanky bar-standard cocktails, gift wrapped and delivered straight to the special person in your life’s front door, take the fuss out of mixology and try your hand at a selection of three delicious concoctions at varying price points. Whether you’re after an Apple & Pear Highball (£24.99), a luxury gift box featuring a Blood Orange Whisky Sour (£34.99), or a spiked Peach and Honey Iced Tea (£64.99) creating 22 serves, there is a delicious dram to be enjoyed by all.

The Father’s Day Collection is available to purchase directly from https://www.thecocktailman.co.uk/collections/fathers-day

THE BALVENIE

The Balvenie Week of Peat 14 Year Old –

Part of the coveted The Balvenie Stories collection, the Week of Peat 14 Year Old is a heavily-peated single malt, steeped in honey, vanilla and citrus notes with an extra layer of delicate smokiness. Inspired by the tradition of distilling peated malt for only one week every year, this expression is a delicious introduction to The Balvenie range that can be shared throughout Father’s Day.

The Balvenie Week of Peat 14 Year Old is available for purchase online for £65.00 (RRP 70cl). Select retailers include Waitrose and The Whisky Exchange.

Monkey Shoulder and Fever-Tree

Ginger Monkey

For those looking for a quick and easy mix and enjoy experimenting with their at-home drink, the brightly coloured pack features a 20cl bottle of Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and four cans of Fever-Tree’s premium Refreshingly Light Ginger Ale to create a fresh tipple take on a classic Whisky-Ginger.

Monkey Shoulder x Fever-Tree Mixer Pack is available to purchase online for £14. Select retailers include Sainsbury’s

Food & Drink June 11, 2021

World Gin Day, oh yes it is!

Has there been a more appropriate year to get into different gins from across the UK and beyond?

World Gin Day takes place annually on 12th June, and this year it falls on a Saturday, tomorrow in fact. Have you invested in a new gin to try?

Let us ease your worries by showcasing a few gins that you can buy from the supermarket, from the distillery itself, from a specialist supplier, or from a city centre bar.

Isle of Harris Distillery

Isle of Harris Distillery, £40, from Harris Distillery

The award-winning Isle of Harris Gin is the distillery’s inaugural spirit, distilled in Tarbert in a small copper gin still, known as ‘The Dottach’. Juniper, Coriander, Angelica Root, Orris Root, Cubebs, Bitter Orange Peel, Liquorice and Cassia Bark all play their role in defining the taste of the gin, but it is Sugar kelp that marks out this spirit. Sustainably harvested by a local diver from around the seas of the Outer Hebrides, the Sugar kelp creates subtle coastal notes. The distillers discard, instead of recycling, the ‘heads’ and ‘tails’ of the spirit run, leaving only the best of the distillate’s ‘heart’ helping to create an exceptional smoothness.

Salcombe Distilling Co.

Salcombe Distilling Co., Start Point Gin, £40, from Salcombe Gin

This Salcombe-made flagship gin was inspired by ‘The Start Point’ lighthouse and the exotic fruits brought over by Salcombe sailors in the 19th Century. Start Point is characterized by a zingy citrus flavour due to the hand-peeled fruits, which are added moments before distillation. This gin is smooth on the palate, complex and very versatile.

Porter’s

Porter’s, Tropical Old Tom Gin, £34.25, from Porter’s Gin

Porter’s Tropical Old Tom sees a classic juniper base lifted by exotic notes of passion fruit, guava and white tea. Remaining true to the Old Tom style of gin, a traditional recipe, which was popular in the 18th and 19th Centuries, Porter’s have combined sweetened gin with enticing botanicals to create a perfectly balanced and sophisticated tropical old tom recipe.

Manchester Gin

Manchester Gin, Raspberry Infused, £35, from Manchester Gin

A delicately sweet gin that is perfect for a refreshing G&T. This “Pink Manchester Gin” has a subtle aroma of the sweetest raspberries and an unmistakable soft pink hue. A wonderful raspberry aroma with a trace of fresh citrus and aromatic juniper. A sweet yet subtle raspberry flavour, underpinned by a clear gin character with a slight floral tone is followed by their signature smooth finish.

Robert Burnett

Robert Burnett, Old Tom Gin, £850, from The Whisky Exchange

Online antique marketplace, LoveAntiques.com, has revealed a list of vintage gins to celebrate World Gin Day. A 68cl bottle of 1940s Robert Burnett Old Tom Gin worth £850 tops the list. Would you invest?

STRYKK

STRYKK, NOT G*N, Non-alcoholic Spirit, from £18, from Tesco and from STRYKK

For a non-alcoholic option, STRYKK™ NOT G*N provides the best non-alcohol alternative without missing out on any of the flavour or notes and aroma’s. The carefully crafted STRYKK™ distillation process is 100% natural with no sugar, no fat, no carbs and no artificial flavouring, yet fuelled with the unmissable vibrant and exciting taste you would expect from your traditional boozy drink of choice.

The Lost & Found

The Bubble Popper at The Lost & Found, £10.25 per glass in venue, Greek Street Leeds

Discovered by pure accident after a small yet bubbly explosion in the gardens of a bubble-making factory. The bubbleologists behind it claimed they were simply trying to capture ‘the very essence of pure and fantastical fun’ within each bubble. We believe they somewhat succeeded based on the delightful berry nature of the cocktail, crowned with a single bubble to serve. Featuring No. 3 Gin and Martini Fiero.

So, whatever your plans for World Gin Day enjoy it, and be drink aware.

Cocktails June 10, 2021

Raise a glass this Father’s Day with our pick of top tipples

This Father’s Day don’t default to socks and shaving kits, instead remind your dad just how much he is appreciated with one of these premium spirits. The perfect gift for dads who love a tipple.

Pink Pepper Gin Gift Box-Book

A truly unique Pink Pepper Gin Gift Box-Book designed so that the inner box flattens out and is re-folder to form six pages showcasing the cocktails and a guide to the perfect G&T – the outer box refolds to create a hardback cover leaving you with a stunning cocktail recipe book and a bottle of Pink Pepper Gin

RRP Currently £46 (was £57.70

Grace O’Malley: Award-Winning Premium Blended Irish Whiskey

This premium blended Irish Whiskey boasts one of the highest malt contents in the blended whiskey category at 46%, providing a smooth complexity. Grace O’Malley’s Blended Irish Whiskey launched in the UK in March 2021, making it a lovely new brand to gift to dads this Father’s Day.

RRP £33.99

Audemus’ Umami Gin

Audemus Spirits, the innovative spirits brand behind Pink Pepper Gin, is launching Umami Gin in the UK. This latest creation takes the definition of gin and expresses it very differently to what gin aficionados will have tried before, through infusion unique ingredients (incl. Parmigiano Reggiano and capers) to create a savoury – or umami – flavour.

RRP £38

Mr Black Father’s Day White Russian Kit

Kit includes:

1x Mr Black 700ml
2x Chase Vodka 50ml
2x Limited Edition 10oz Enamel Mugs

Recipe: Combine 30ml of Mr Black Coffee Liqueur and 25ml of Chase Vodka. Top with milk or milk alternative e.g. oat or coconut and serve in enamel mug over ice. The kit will make 4 White Russians – and the Mr Black will make as least 10 more tasty coffee cocktails!

RRP £50 (including shipping)

Cocktails June 10, 2021

Plan for the weekend : Be More Carnival thanks to Rum Kitchen’s Brighton opening

If you are like #TeamCoco, you may have been loving the all-day party vibes that the UK has been basking in since the sun came out. What a better time for Caribbean-inspired restaurant and bar, Rum Kitchen, to be launching their newest venue in coastal party capital of Brighton?

This the fourth venue from Rum Kitchen – but the first outside of London and we’ll be heading down this Friday to check out the tasty food, and even tastier cocktails. Who needs to wait impatiently on the latest international travel news when life-enhancing evenings out like this are to be had?

Check back next week for our Print Editor’s thoughts on this new opening. We have a feeling she’s going to fall in love. Will we ever get her back from Brighton if the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling and the Soca is beating?

Rum Kitchen open their fourth venue in Brighton from tomorrow, Friday 11th June

therumkitchen.com

Food & Drink June 8, 2021

Be Part of World Oceans Day on 8th June

What a great day, a day that focuses on our oceans and how to keep them clean, less polluted, safe, and available to all.

As you know we are huge fans of travelling here at House of Coco, and we love nothing more than to be by the open water watching the waves crash into the shoreline. So, we figured that we should help to keep all our oceans preserved not just on World Oceans Day, but in the future too.

There are plenty of ways that we can all help, from reducing our carbon footprint to using fewer plastic products. Another way to help is to be an ocean-friendly pet owner and don’t let your pets foul on the sand. You can buy sustainably sourced fish, travel on the seas responsibly, and clean-up your local beach. These are just a handful of ideas.

One of our favourite ways to be part of World Oceans Day is to support businesses that are working hard to protect the oceans. Ocean Beer is one of these amazing businesses.

Ocean Beer

Ocean Beer is not just another beer; it is a beer with a purpose. The Ocean beer family are aiming to connect people through their great beer that accelerates positive change in the ocean. Want to know more?

By purchasing Ocean beer you are contributing to improving and protecting ocean health. The team behind Ocean Beer hope that their mindful consumers will choose their ethical brand, helping to limit human-induced damage and restore ecosystems for the long-term benefit of all life on earth.

The brewers come from the world of surf, which gives them a ‘surfer soul’ and makes them fiercely protective of the ocean. They are fully committed to the planet, and you can be too if you purchase Ocean Beer.

100% of the profits from Ocean Beer go into ocean conservation and clean-up, and they are 100% dedicated to marine life. The team are brewing for a better planet.

Visit Ocean Beer to find out more and to place an order for Ocean Lager, Surfer IPA, and Ocean Beer 0.0% alcohol free.

Cocktails June 2, 2021

Book A Table At Newquay’s Newest Nightspot

With another summer of UK staycations on the cards, Cornwall will undoubtedly be more popular than ever this year. If you’re heading to surfer’s paradise Newquay during the summer months, there’s a new name you need to know when it comes to dining out.

Cove24 may have first opened briefly last summer and between the various lockdowns, but having now wedged open its very elegant doors for good it still feels refreshingly new. It’s an elegant experience in the heart of Newquay, with an open-spaced restaurant downstairs and a cocktail lounge gracing the upper floor.

Downstairs focuses around a central bar, with cosy corner banquettes set away from the main floor making it the perfect spot for an intimate dinner. Decor is chic and elegant with an art deco edge, while faux foliage hanging from the ceiling brings the feel of the outside in. Just across the road from Towan Beach, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in lunch and then roll out the door for an afternoon sunning yourself on the sand.

The menu takes advantage of the abundance of fresh ingredients from local fisherman, farmers and Cornwall’s bounty of natural ingredients, including local crab, prime cuts of meat, and samphire which adorns the Cornish coastline. This is fine dining accessible to all; we visited for lunch and it was buzzing with a mix of family diners, girls on a boozy brunch and cosy dates. The lunch menu includes a selection of hearty ciabatta sandwiches – we recommend the tender beef with rocket, garlic and aioli and the utterly moreish baked mozzarella with tomato and herb dressing, while if your stomach allows it there are also mains including a fantastic burger, marinated halloumi with roasted pepper, tomato, balsamic, rocket and a slightly spicy sweet potato, and a deconstructed Caesar salad with grilled baby gem lettuce, chicken breast and a perfectly boiled egg to finish. The dinner menu makes the most of the local seafood, with grilled mackerel, cured sea trout and moules marinière all featuring, accompanied with a map of all the local suppliers Cove24 works with, a lovely local touch.

We’d recommend booking in for dinner, if not for the stunning views out over Towan Beach and the sea from the upstairs cocktail lounge then for the cocktail list itself. One of the largest in Newquay, Cove24’s creations are lovingly created by a team of expert mixologists who can conjure something up to suit any taste, season or occasion. Our money is on the refreshing O’Natural with Brentingby gin, mint, cucumber bitters and lime juice, or if you’re brave enough try the aptly named Sudden Headache, with Trebbiano white, Belvedere vodka, Cointreau lime juice and orange juice (maybe just the one though…).

The perfect location for both lunchtime people watching and whiling away the evening watching the sun go down with a drink in hand, Cove24 its sure to book up fast this summer. We’re secretly smug we managed to get in when we did; book now and you won’t regret it.

www.cove24.uk

Food & Drink June 1, 2021

How to cook an onglet steak

It’s a cut you may not have heard too much about if you aren’t a steak expert. But it’s certainly one you’ll want to put on your plate once you’ve read this article.

Onglet is a French term for the more commonly known “hanger steak” (taken from near to the flank of the animal), and it just so happens to be France’s best-kept secret. The onglet steak is renowned for its strong, beefy flavour, and is well regarded in the world of food. With its popularity soaring, we want to introduce you to the best way of making the most of this delicious cut, by cooking your onglet steak to reproduce that flavoursome, chef-standard dish!

Whether you’re looking to host an upcoming dinner party (national restrictions allowing) or just want to cook up a special meal for your family, here’s how to go about it:

One onglet steak cut into four pieces

Herbs of your choice (we’d recommend marjoram)

Olive oil

1 Crushed garlic clove

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

The instructions:

Firstly, marinate the meat for at least an hour before cooking. Rub the onglet with your olive oil, your herbs of choice and heavily season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover your onglet and leave at room temperature

We’d recommend barbecuing your meat, especially in the summer months! Place the onglet pieces on the grill when your coals turn white. The onglet requires no longer than just two minutes per side to cook to perfection. It is best served rare, to benefit from the tenderness of the cut. Once cooked, leave the onglet steak to rest for 4-5 minutes before serving.

There’s a huge array of options to have with any steak, and the onglet steak is no exception. If you’re looking for a healthier option, we’d recommend it alongside chopped shallots, a red wine jus and steamed green vegetables. Alternatively, if you’re going entirely for flavour, why not try a new take on the classic steak and chips, by placing your steak on top of loaded homemade fries, topped off with manchego cheese sour cream and crispy bacon?

Not sure where to get your onglet cut? Don’t worry about traipsing around supermarkets or far-flung butchers, you can order quality cuts online from meat delivery services like the Dorset Meat Company. This website offers both convenience and quality, serving up beef onglet cuts from British born, grass fed, native bred cattle, reared on local Dorset and Wiltshire farms.

As always, the flavour is reflected in the quality of life enjoyed by the animals in their natural pasturage filled with nutritious flora and fauna. Whilst this is certainly a more ethical option than your usual supermarket choices, there are also huge health benefits to eating grass-fed beef. Firstly, the extra Omega-3: There is up to three times more Omega-3 in grass fed than grain fed beef – a nutrient that is both essential for good eye health and normal brain and eye development. Grass-fed beef is also loaded with antioxidants and is packed full of iron, zinc and selenium. For the very best onglet beef you should look for meat that has been allowed to reach maturity at the age of 30-36 months – this is crucial to ensuring that the flavour is well and truly sealed into your onglet steak.

The onglet steak is truly a forgotten gem that deserves to be revived. But choose to follow this recipe and you’ll have a resulting dish that is an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Food & Drink June 1, 2021

Natural wines: fad, trend or the future?

The popularity of natural wines is on the rise, but this phenomenon has been around for a while

Natural wine has been a popular choice for many wine lovers since the turn of the century. The original Noughties boom came from Paris, and it quickly became a staple among bourgeois circles and the more refined wine fans out there.

And recently, natural wines have become even more popular, achieving something of a second wave. Yet what exactly makes a wine organic is also largely up for debate. People have been making fermented grape juice without additives for thousands of years. Far from being just a fad or a trend, natural wine is actually the traditional way to make wine.

Let’s take a closer look at the history and future of natural wine.

What is natural wine?

Natural wines are increasingly becoming the go-to option for many people, with online sellers like Forest Wines specialising in high quality, organic and natural wine options. The term itself is actually more of a concept than a well-defined category. In the strictest terms, it refers to wine made from unadulterated fermented grape juice and nothing else.

Referred to as naked, raw or low-intervention wine by some, natural wine is both complex and delicious. Usually, the wine-making process involves two key components: growing and picking grapes, and then fermenting them into wine. For natural wine makers, the grapes used are not sprayed with any pesticides or herbicides, and they rely on native yeast to spark the natural fermentation process.

Unlike most wine makers, those who produce natural wines also don’t use any additives like sugar, acids, egg white or flavouring. Sometimes, natural wines will contain sulphites, which help to preserve and stabilise the wine. By using sulphites, wine makers can ensure that the wine you drink taste similar to the way it did when it went into the bottle.

In an interview with GQ magazine, long-time natural wine advocate Pascaline Lepeltier discussed the sheer variety of natural wine now available, saying: “Whatever you like as a more traditional wine drinker, you can find a natural alternative everywhere in the world.”

Common misconceptions about natural wines

For some natural wine zealots, the presence of sulphites disqualifies a wine from being classed as natural, despite the fact that natural wines tend to used as little as ten times less sulphites than conventional wines. Others believe that natural wine is inherently strange, cloudy or ‘unclean’, due to the lack of processes used to preserve it. However, natural wine doesn’t have to be an acquired taste. With so many options out there now, it can still honour your palate even if you’re used to your standard supermarket options.

Conventional wine is the standard for most of us, and the idea of switching to a wine which uses none of the herbicides, pesticides, additives and extras which are so common in conventional wine may be a strange concept, but it can also be an enticing one. Natural wine is a way to take wine back to its roots; to the toiling wine makers of rural France.

Fans of natural wine will argue that, despite the misconception that natural wine is a fancy or elite option by nature, it’s actually for everyone who enjoys a glass of the good stuff. Switching to natural wine can also be a great way to support more organic wine makers, and invest in wine making processes that don’t harm the environment. With climate change being such an important topic right now, this can only be a good thing.

In the end, like most wines, natural wine is not just one thing. It’s a broad spectrum of flavours and styles and, by that logic, there really is something for everyone.