Food & Drink September 29, 2023

September Food & Drink Round-up

Autumn is the season to hunker down and enjoy some of the best food and drink launches around the UK. Delicious drinks and tasty food are waiting for you to delve head first into this month.

We’ve included sweet treats, breakfast cereal, juice and vitamin shots, sodas, soft drinks, and alcohol too. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Food

Rude Health, Apple & Cinnamon Instant Bircher Muesli

Start your day the bright way this autumn! Introducing the fruity new Apple & Cinnamon Instant Bircher Muesli, featuring their signature oats that go soft in seconds. The muesli contains the same base of finely milled oats, along with pieces of dried apple and cinnamon for a touch of spice. A perfect choice for autumnal overnight oats in an instant. Priced at £3.50 (375g) from Waitrose.

Food Thoughts, Oat Mylk Chocolate Chips & Chocolate Coated Nibs

Introducing Oat Mylk Chocolate Chips and Chocolate Coated Cacao Nibs – two extraordinary offerings crafted with the finest ingredients, making your chocolate creations irresistibly delicious and nurturing your well-being, all while being nut-free, gluten free, and dairy free. Available from Ocado, Waitrose, H&B, Food Thoughts. Priced at £4.60 per tub.

OPPO Dipped, Chocolate Coated Frozen Fruit

This autumn it’s time to switch up your fruit game with Oppo Brothers’ latest innovation – Oppo Dipped. Oppo Dipped uses only the finest fresh fruit picked at the peak of their ripeness and frozen directly at the source. Then they are combined with luxurious thick Belgian milk chocolate or mouth-watering white chocolate. Choose from strawberries & raspberries in milk chocolate, banana & caramel in milk chocolate, or pineapple & coconut in white chocolate. Priced at £5 (per 150g box), from Ocado (1st October onwards) and 16th October from selected Sainsbury’s stores.

Crosta & Mollica, Italian Biscuits

Treat yourself to new sweet biscuits from Crosta & Mollica, and experience truly authentic Italian comfort in one bite. Four delicious biscuits including Crunchy Amaretti, Soft Amaretti, Chocolate & Hazelnut Baci, and Almond Cantucci. Whether a fan of crunchy or soft, nutty or chocolatey, there is a biscuit for everyone from this new range. Available from Tesco, priced at £3.15 per box (140g-170g).

Häagen-Dazs, Nut Collection including Pistachio & Cream

The new mini nut collection from Häagen-Dazs has introduced pistachio & cream into the mix, for an autumnal twist. The mini cups include new pistachio & cream, macadamia nut brittle, dark chocolate & caramelized almond, and pralines & cream. Available now from Tesco, Asda, Ocado, and Waitrose. Priced at £5.35 (4 mini tubs).

Soft Drinks & No Alcohol

jAGA, Sodas & Shots

jAGA sodas are a range of refreshingly light sparkling drinks that are powered by a calming and uplifting blend of adaptogenic Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms, along with Ashwagandha, Magnesium, L’Tryptophan and L’Theanine.Available in a 330ml, 100% recyclable can, each beverage is caffeine free, vegan and gluten-free friendly. Flavours include Pomelo and Passionfruit, Mixed Berry, Mexican Lime & Mint and Watermelon. Priced at £20 (8 x 330ml cans), from jAGA Drinks.

jAGA shots are a range of functional and delicious health shot drinks, in a handy on-the-go 60ml bottle.Each shot is made with an energising blend of premium, natural ingredients, designed to be your own personal health kit, whether you need a pick-me-up or a wind-down. The shots include Awake, Energise, Detox, Collagen, and Calm. Priced at £20 (10 x 60ml bottles), from jAGA Drinks.

The Artisan Drinks Co., Fiery Ginger Beer

This autumnal drink is made with 100% natural ingredients, and the can’s initial refreshing flavour comes from both natural root ginger and cloudy lemon. The aftertaste offers a fiery finale through the brewed ginger, which is intensely combined with a hint of chilli. At only 68 calories per can it contains 20% less sugar than standard ginger beers, and it works well with a dark or spiced rum as well as on its own. Available from The Artisan Drinks Co., priced at £21 (24 x cans).

Pentire Coastal, Spritz (non-alcoholic)

The Pentire Coastal Spritz features Pentire’s signature coastal botanicals, carefully blended with blood orange, sea rosemary and oakwood to create the perfect balance of natural bitter flavours and refreshing coastal tones. The perfect serve is with light tonic or soda and garnished with an orange wedge or bay leaf. Plant-based, outdoors inspired and low calorie, it’s a perfect go to for a healthy hangout. Priced at £27 (70cl bottle), from Waitrose.

Alcoholic Drinks

JURA, Single Malt Whisky, Rum Cask Edition

The tiny, island community of Jura whisky makers took inspiration from the sun-soaked Caribbean for this Rum Cask Finish. Beginning in American White Oak Ex-Bourbon barrels, the spirit was placed in Caribbean Rum Casks to complete the creation. This single malt opens with aromas of guava and coconut and a touch of citrus. A mouth-watering smoothness follows, as hints of creamy sweet vanilla are balanced with the exotic flair of mango, banana, and guava. Priced at £40 (70cl bottle) from Asda and other retailers.

JOY, Wine

JOY, a new category of lifestyle wine that has been specifically created with Gen Z and millennials in mind. This is an exciting newcomer to enter the wine industry as JOY has made a vibrant debut to the masses. There are three wines and one spritz in the brand-new collection including, red, white, rosé and orange spritz. Priced at £5.50 per bottle from Asda.

Accessories September 25, 2023

All about Brooklyn Eats Famous Food Guide

Just a quick hop on the subway and you will find yourself in Brooklyn. There are so many great eats across the East River, I simply could not leave Brooklyn out of this New York City guide.

Gair

Dumbo’s premier destination for elevated, distinctive cocktails, Gair serves locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired dishes in an unmatched environment. Located on Washington Street, guests can snap their iconic Manhattan Bridge photo before heading to Gair for delicious cocktails and appetizing share plates. My drink pick is the Mezcal based cocktail, Under the Influencer and you will want to order the Fried Chicken Sandwich. Conceptualized and owned by architectural designer and Dumbo local Kevin Cimini, Gair was developed to create an elegant yet approachable destination that serves as an oasis for its community, and an authentic New York experience for visitors.

The Norm

The Norm’s food is inspired by the cultural diversity of the Brooklyn Museum’s namesake borough. The menu encourages a gastronomic exploration of the borough’s multi-cultural heritage, using local produce and global flavours. As it is a Great Performances restaurant, seasonal ingredients from the catering, hospitality and events company’s organic Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, NY are incorporated throughout the menu. While located in the Brooklyn Museum and designed to give guests the sense of dining within the cultural institution’s inner sanctum, The Norm can be accessed directly off the museum’s lobby without any admission payment.

elNico

Located on the 11th floor of The Penny Williamsburg, the name is derived from ancient Greek and Italian roots meaning “victory for the people.” At the helm, is emerging Chef Fernanda Serrano who comes to elNico after serving as executive sous chef at The NoMad London. A native of Mexico City, Serrano’s menu is a journey through her life, featuring casual, yet elegant colourful dishes that are rooted in her Mexican heritage. elNico is filled with colorful and unfussy elements that are both relaxing and bold, setting the stage for an elevated but approachable food and drink adventure.

Fandi Mata

Positioned in the heart of Williamsburg, Fandi Mata is a bi-level space featuring a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant downstairs, with a secluded mezcaleria upstairs. The rustic and industrial establishment is shielded by sky-high ceilings, with lush, verdant foliage and colorful mosaic accents giving an indoor-outdoor feel. On the ground level, the restaurant offers a seasonal, cross-continental menu, ranging from seafood-focused small plates and vegetable-driven mezze platters to hearty, spice-fueled mains. Meanwhile, on the second floor, an intimate mezcaleria, Little Oaxaca, brings a line-up of delicious and creative cocktails, crafted by bar industry veteran, Milos Zica.

The Osprey by Dan Churchill

The Osprey at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is pleased to announce its partnership with Dan Churchill, Australian performance chef, author, and CEO, to offer The Osprey by Dan Churchill, a brand-new dinner and brunch menu. The menu will prioritize creative, plant-forward, and locally inspired cuisine with a robust selection of Australian wines and beverage pairings. Every bite and beverage will spotlight indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking methodologies, and local customs that honour Australian culture and emphasize our shared desire to prioritize the wellbeing of the planet in everything we do.

Sustainability has always been a key ingredient at The Osprey—from supporting local farmers and growers to upcycling food scraps—and Churchill’s passion for healthy and sustainable cuisine makes this collaboration a seamless fit. He has mastered the art of designing flavorful meals that nourish the body, mind, and palate while minimizing food waste, uplifting the planet, and telling a beautiful story of culture and unification along the way.

Ainslie

Ainslie offers year-round dining in the heart of Williamsburg, with decor and a menu that enchants. Under the masterful guidance of Executive Chef John DeLucie, savor the sublime, from wood-fired pizzas that dance with charred perfection to succulent pastas, free-range chicken, New York Strip Steak, and Atlantic Salmon. Foodies who drop by on weekends can enjoy All You Can Drink Brunch, a delightful affair from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, that promises to elevate your senses and raise your spirits.

Isla & Co.

Nestled beside The William Vale in Williamsburg, this gastronomic haven beckons foodies with an Australian menu that traverses culinary boundaries while retaining its distinct essence, evolving with the seasons to tantalize your taste buds with signatures like Spicy Shrimp Vodka Rigatoni, and a supreme brunch spread. My pick is the Kangaroo Tucker (Australian rubbed Kangaroo skewered over herbed tahini, marinated cucumbers, pickled onions, fried lentils) and Crispy Halloumi (almond romesco, honey, Spanish dukkah) to share, with the Braised Lamb Shoulder (Swiss chard, crispy fingerlings, labneh, zhoug) as a main.

Little Rascal

A warm, intimate gathering place founded by brothers Halil and Öner Gündogdu, the cocktail list at Little Rascal features unexpected flavor combinations, classic techniques, and house-made ingredients led by world-renowned bartender Keith Larry. Try the Flaco and Audrey (Fundy Gin, preserved cherry blossom, chamomile cordial, London Essence, white peach soda, egg white), or the Dough of Existence (rum, soursop, lime juice, house-made falernum, avocado-pit orgeat, wormwood bitters). Add a Mediterranean-inspired plate or two (Fan-favorite Smoked Salmon Fattoush) to complete your visit at Little Rascal.

Slate Rooftop

Visit the Slate Rooftop above The POD Brooklyn Hotel (247 Metropolitan Avenue) for breathtaking, open-air views. The atmosphere pairs perfectly with an amazing menu of shareable bites, and frozen drinks from Executive Chef Darryl Harmon and Liquid Lab NYC. As the sun bids adieu, engage in an evening of spirited amusement with signature games like Sub Soccer and Giant Jenga, igniting the night with playful camaraderie.

Fornino

Experience the Fornino legacy and watch the sunset at their seasonally open Brooklyn Bridge location, a quaint rooftop at Pier 6, overlooking Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River. Chef Michael Ayoub’s masterfully crafted menu, found at Fornino’s year-round Greenpoint (849 Manhattan Ave.), and Time Out Market New York (55 Water Street) locations, provides a historical approach to delicious pizza with First Generation Neapolitan, Second Generation Regional Italian and Third Generation Original Fornino varieties made in a wood-burning oven plus salads, sandwiches and a comprehensive wine list.

The Springs

The Springs is a Palm Springs-inspired retro bar, lounge and massive patio located in Greenpoint at 224 Franklin St. Guests can come to chill, soak up the sun, and drink frozen Aperol Spritz cocktails on Monday – Friday beginning at 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 2 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, guests will be able to order small bites and Brioche Donuts from Eat with Nana NYC. The spot is also dog-friendly as long as you keep a leash on your furry friend.

Ten Hope (Temporarily Closed)

Ten Hope’s new brunch with bottomless brunch options is sure to delight taste buds and satisfy brunch cravings in Williamsburg. The brunch deal offers a generous 90 minutes of bottomless brunch for $35 per person with the purchase of just one entree. While their menu boasts an array of mouth-watering options, some standout items include their Mezze Platter with assorted Dips like Stuffed Mushroom and Babaganoush, the New England Crab Cakes, and the Chorizo Hash.

Accessories September 13, 2023

Tai Kwun: From a former police station to the cultural heart of Hong Kong

The contrast could not be greater. Tai Kwun in Hong Kong was formerly the much-loathed Central Police Station, Magistracy and Victoria Prison. It was a symbol of the colonial times back when Great Britain ruled Hong Kong. Nowadays, it has been revitalised and reopened since 2018 as Tai Kwun. A centre of excellence for heritage and arts.

Located at 10 Hollywood Road, Central. It is mere steps away from the likes of Lan Kwai Fong and the business district. It is a minor miracle, that this prime real estate wasn’t sold off to developers but instead turned into a cultural hub for locals and tourists. Tai Kwun Contemporary is a non-profit visual arts program and they try to curate five to eight exhibitions each year to highlight socially relevant issues. This September, they will present “Killing TV”. It is a fascinating, brand-new exhibition on how modern-day artists deploy, disrupt, and deconstruct television as a medium. The different artists involved in the exhibition explore the themes of identity, consumerism, and human connection in society. This is often displayed in a tongue-in-cheek manner.

The venue is also a wonderful performing arts centre. Throughout September, they have the “Chilled Steps” concert series. In their fourth year, they previously the focus was on jazz music. However, this year, they’ve expanded to cover pop, folk, Western and Chinese music. Between September and October, they are also offering free film screenings of classic teen films from the 1950s to the 1980s. The carefully curated films show the youth of Hong Kong from a bygone era as they embrace the increasing influence of Western culture.

A significant part of the Tai Kwun experience is about the heritage of the site. The former Central Police Station compound had more than 170 years of history. This is brought back to life for the audiences of today through interactive tours, heritage storytelling areas, eclectic education programmes and focused heritage exhibitions. The guided tours are 45 minutes long, in Cantonese, English or Putonghua. It runs twice a day Monday – Friday and three times a day during the weekends. It is also free of charge. They have an insightful behind-the-scenes online section on their website where you can visit the hidden gems of the site. You can see the secret underground passage to the Central Magistracy or see how the compound was once a WWII Air Raid Shelter.

Of course, it isn’t all about education and learning. Tai Kwun is also a great venue to savour gastronomic delights, sample innovative cocktails and shop at independent boutique stores. One of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Hong Kong is based in Tai Kwun, Madame Fù Grand Café Chinois. The refined, colonial decor is matched by tantalising dishes such as sautéed diced Angus beef with Yunnan chilli and garlic. Their free-flowing dim sum offering during lunchtime Monday – Thursday is always popular with locals and tourists alike. The art noveau-inspired, Dragonfly bar offers some of the most innovative cocktails in town. Expect to sip on the likes of Hi Lazies, which contains Irish whisky, pineapple, lime, pimento liqueur, orgeat and baby spinach. It might sound peculiar but their talented mixologists know how to serve up a winning concoction.

Numerous world-class art galleries are also based at Tai Kwun such as Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery and Ora-Ora. The former focuses on 20th-century French art and modern and contemporary art in Asia. While the latter sell groundbreaking, modern art pieces from across the globe. There are also numerous boutique shops on offer such as Pap Studio which sells handmade Turkish-inspired lamps and Touch Ceramics which sells beautifully crafted and handmade ceramics and porcelains.

Although it only opened in 2018, Tai Kwun has rapidly developed into a must-visit destination for tourists when they visit Hong Kong.

For more information on Tai Kwun, please visit –

https://www.taikwun.hk/en/

Food News & Views August 31, 2023

Best outdoor and sun- filled restaurants in London

From the best rooftops to the prettiest terraces we’ve rounded up some of the best summer dining spots in London.

POCKETSQUARE

Cocktail Connoisseurs assemble, there’s a sexy spot in the city that’s about to become your new favourite spot for sipping top notch tipples. Head to Aldgate East and go all the way up to PocketSquare Skyline Bar and terrace which is located on the 9th floor of the Hyatt Place London City East and perch against the railings, cocktail in hand and take in sweeping views of London.

This charming oasis has an impressive selection of inventive, abstract handcrafted cocktails that use the finest spirits and the most interesting ingredients. We loved the Robberbaron, a heady mix of Hepple gin, benedictine, spiced wine reduction and everleaf forest, inspired by Robin Hood’s escapades and the lush estate of Sherwood Forest. For something a little more playful, Hunny is a sweet concoction that combines Toki, Beesou, Bee Pollen chutney and honey (ofcourse) and is presented in the cutest vanity box like contraption. We also loved the Kushty, which also happens to be the best seller, it cleverly combines Hendricks, mint lassie, pineapple and fair passion fruit and makes for a tropical inspired delight. The Halcyon everleaf marine, lemon & bergamot and chamomile syrup is another great choice and pairs well with most of the dishes.

Should you be feeling peckish , the food here is also excellent with a menu that offers lip smacking selections including deliciously creamy saffron and taleggio arancini, and slow cooked beef meatballs with parmesan oregano and tomato sauce. Those with an appetite will love the flatbreads, with the fennel sausage with nduja and burrata guaranteed to be a winning choice. Their fritto misto is also excellent and the watermelon and saffron and pecorino salad is another standout option, cleverly combining compressed cucumber, red chicory, black olives and is glazed with a delicious balsamic beetroot dressing.

PocketSquare is the perfect Friday night spot for gazing out onto the metropolitan sprawl and soundtracking your cocktail sipping with clinking glasses, friendly chatter and the house DJ spinning into the night.

FERN

Fern, which is located in East Croydon and serving modern European cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most exciting restaurant openings in South London recent times. Located opposite East Croydon train station on the ground floor of Ten Degrees, the world’s tallest modular skyscraper, it’s a great addition to the Croydon dining scene and easily accessible for both local diners and visitors from far and wide.

Fern is an all day bar and restaurant serving an impressive array of cocktails and sharing dishes. The vibe is relaxed and informal. The decor which is heavy on the exposed brickwork, wooden fixtures and tall windows is evocative of a cool downtown New York eatery.

Dishes are delivered from the kitchen, tapas style as and when they’re ready, and the food does not disappoint. The menu is cleverly divided into distinct segments: plant, sea and land for easy navigation. From the appetisers ,the glistening and perfectly roasted padron peppers set you up beautifully for your culinary journey. However it’s the baked sweet potato with crispy onion feta and truffle aioli that will steal your heart with its stunning combination of flavours.

The roasted tenderstem broccoli with cumin, mixed seeds and tahini is an elevated take on a staple that works beautifully and is sure to tickle tastebuds. From the ‘sea’ part of the menu, baked scallops with chorizo emulsion, garlic and herb crum and lemon is a vibrant dish that bravely takes on scallops and does so exceedingly well. The chargrilled tiger prawns with romesco and lime are bursting with flavour and will delight seafood lovers . The braised short rib with carrot puree, chipotle and crispy onions is by far one of the standout dishes, its creamy melt- in- your mouth fare that delivers on flavour in spades.

Wash down these dishes with their enchanting cocktails. You’ll be spoilt for choice but we promise you that you’ll love the Jasmine, a vibrant concoction that blends Tanqueray, jasmine, lychee lime and soda. For a super refreshing option, we also recommend the passion fruit spritz from their spritz selection, which combines passion fruit liqueur lime and bubbles. Oh, and it’s a very pretty looking libation too.

Round off your evening with something from the pudding menu, the Basque vanilla cheesecake is a good choice, beautifully blending blueberry, maple and caramelised white chocolate. The Lemon panna cotta which is a wobbly delight of turmeric, lemon curd berry gel and basil is also a great option for rounding off an impressive dining experience.

AVIARY

As far as rooftop locations go, Aviary London with its breathtaking 10th floor location atop the Montcalm Hotel is hard to beat. A light and airy dining room complete with floor to ceiling walls overlooks a stunning terrace. If you didn’t know, Aviary recently launched its bottomless brunch in partnership with Whispering Angel which means free flowing rose, alongside prosecco, beer and cocktails is the star of the show. The vibe is city slicker meets casual glam and the dining experience is pretty casual with a buffet style set up when it comes to the food.

A busy grazing station proffers up every type of brunch dish that you can imagine. Giant king prawns catch your eye immediately alongside an extensive charcuterie selection and cheeseboard. Hummus and babaganoush make an appearance together with toasted flatbread. You’re spoilt for choice with the delicious salad selection that includes a delectable chicory, orange, fennel and green olive creation. This is alongside bagels with toppings including truffled chicken mayonnaise.

For the sweet toothed, the baked goods station overflowing with every pastry imaginable, together with freshly made waffles and pancakes that come with a selection of nut butters, nutella and honey and maple syrup will be hard to resist. For the calorie watches, there is the option of healthy granola with yoghurt and fruit.

If you’re lucky enough to find space, head out onto the terrace for sweeping views of London’s iconic skyline and groove to the DJ as he spins the decks for a spectacular weekend soiree.

Peckham Arches

Just two minutes from Rye Lane nestled beneath the arches of Peckham Rye station, Peckham Arches is the ultimate South London spot for outdoor dining with 600 capacity space to accommodate bustling crowds. Expect chilled vibes, rustic setting, delicious wood fired pizzas and pumping music to take you from day to night. The choice of pizzas and drink is huge, but it’s the large open fire kitchen where everything is cooked on a charcoal grill that has made this all weather terrace a draw for foodies.

You’ll be hard pressed to choose from an inventive menu that offers a variety of thrilling delights. From the bites, there is the nocellara olives and scene stealing courgette fries. From the pizza we were impressed by the classic douple pepperoni, chorizo and peppers and nduja and chilli tomato base options. We also loved the Funghi, Roaster Aubergine & Kale,and Parma & Asparagus on their signature parmesan and garlic cream base.

The drinks menu is extensive with options to satisfy everyone, There is a diverse range of boh draught and bottle beers and several options for wine drinkers. There’s a choice of traditional cocktails alongside the latin inspired concoctions such as the Passion Fruit Mezcalita, picante and the Skylarking Margarita. It doesn’t end there, across the road is Peckham Arches’ sister bar Skylarking where pizza lovers can indulge quite probably the best homemade wood fired sourdough pizza south of the river.

Coco Canary Wharf

A new restaurant has opened its doors in Canary Wharf. This new joint is brought to you by the same team behind Coco Grill and Lounge and Coco Asia, offering a unique alcohol free experience alongside their Anatolian cuisine menu. It is located on a prime spot on West India quay along the bustling river facing terrace with incredible views of Canary Wharf. Coco Canary Wharf is an instagrammer’s dream thanks to the plush seating, glimmering fixtures, bright neon lights, dark furnishings, and dishes presented amongst an impressive plume of smoke. With both indoors and all weather outdoor seating, you have the option of dining indoors before moving out to the shisha terrace fro post dining

Coco Canaray wharf whips up a huge selection of mouth watering dishes. From the starters, which include the outstanding king prawn puri cooked in Asian spices and served in fried bread to the fiery cauliflower in Korean spicy sauce, there’s plenty to satiate your appetite.

From the grill, the wagyu rib eye steak (which can be accessorised with 24k gold if you’re feeling flush) is a statement dish to try. For a more modest option, the lamb shish with tzatziki and chilli sauce will certainly not disappoint. It’s the coco korai curry which can be ordered as vegetarian, lamb or chicken curry that is the real standout dish at Coco Canary wharf, perfect with either paratha or chapati to mop up all the juices. If that’s not enough for you, there’s a robust dessert menu with delectable choices including lotus cheesecake or the pistachio flavoured baklava that comes with coconut ice cream.

Despite being an alcoholic free venue, Coco Canary Wharf proffers an impressive drinks menu that has wine alternatives, milkshakes and mocktails including a sweet and sour strawberry dakari that’s worth ordering for the theatrical bubble alone.

Zuaya

Latin food has grown in popularity over the last few years and firmly established itself as a favourite in London’s dining scene. From ceviche, to tacos to Mexican street food, you’re never faraway from a taste of Latin America. Skating up the scene is Zuaya where you don’t have to choose between the different latin specialties, thanks to a menu that cleverly fuses the very Brazilian, Mexican and Peruvian dishes.

Situated just off Kensington High St, diners have the option of dining indoors or the stunning outside terrace. Unsurprisingly, tapas is the name of the game at Zuaya. The flavours are bold and flavourful, with impressive starters including tuna avocado tacos and garlic prawns with lime and chilli to tickle the taste buds. The meat tapas are also very good, the wild rice, shitake mushroom and confit duck is magnificent. From the salad and vegetables menu, the tomato, avocado and pomegranate salad together with the equally impressive patatas bravas are also not to be missed. They also make a mean cocktail at Zuaya with several latin inspired specialties including classics such as Cuba Libre, Caiprinha and a classic Puerto Rico Pina Colada that packs a delicious punch.

The Stafford

Nothing says British Summer Time quite like the perpetual search for the perfect outdoor dining spot to soak up those summer rays, cocktail in hand, praying that it doesn’t rain. One such spot can be found nestled in St James’s place, a stone’s throw away from Green Park, in the majestic Stafford Hotel London’s American Bar.

A few short steps through the stylish lobby and you find yourself in the Hotel’s cobbled courtyard, home to the American bar which is truly one of the Londons’ loveliest secluded alfresco spot. It’s genuinely a hidden gem where you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Food and drink at this secretive spot is an utter delight. The enviable cocktail menu is purveyed by the legendary Bar Director Benoit Provost. Start your evening with a cocktail from the specially curated summer menu that has some very cleverly named concoctions including Adios Amor, which is a mix of Casa Noble Blanco Tequila, White Mint, Citrus, Champagne Chocolate, Mango, Jalapeño, Apricot Citrus Sherbet, Agave Syrup or for a truly summery cocktail got for the Tropical storm which is made up of Bayou Reserve Rum, Pistachio, Briottet Creme Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, Citrus, Champagne d’Abricot Liqueur, Citrus, and Orange Blossom Honey.

Dining in the American bar is a relaxed affair, with an extensive menu of plates that are perfect for sharing. The menu is a mix of British and elevated take on American classics. There’s plenty of meat and seafood so carnivores will be delighted. Start with the jambalaya glazed prawns coated in a delicious lime yogurt or the cute mini sausages in American hot sauce from the smaller plates. Then from the large plates go for the grass fed rib eye steak, a plump and juicy cut of meat that comes replete with giant onion rings, bearnaise sauce and gravy. Homemade warm doughnuts drizzled with hazelnut chocolate sauce.

On weekdays, don’t miss the excellent new BBQ menu menu, purveyed by Lisa Goodwin-Allen featuring dramatic Kamado grills for some thrilling open- fire cooking. . The menu has mouth watering creations including Lamb pastrami with potato flatbread,cucumber and mint yoghurt or the succulent salmon with fennel salad and citrus creme fraiche. More exotic dishes include Tandoori monkfish kebab with slaw and flatbread and Curried cauliflower steak with toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds. Spiced rum-glazed BBQ pineapple provides the perfect sweet treat to complete the summer dining experience.

The best bit? An exciting new cocktail list is also available alongside the BBQ menus. The specially curated barbeque menu is available weekdays from 12pm to a leisurely 3pm.

Food & Drink August 29, 2023

Delectable Food & Drink News This August

Don’t let this weather ruin a perfectly great summer of food and drink launches. Just because we haven’t been able to picnic in the park as often as we’d like, or have a regular Thursday night BBQ in the garden doesn’t mean we can’t embrace all the new launches this August.

Throw caution to the wind and have a carpet picnic in your living room, or simply add some BBQ flavours to your mid-week meals. There’s always a way to enjoy summer here in the UK!

Food

Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, Rudy’s Bake At Home Pizza

Now available for nationwide delivery straight to your door, Rudy’s Bake At Home Pizza is an exciting launch this August. The Bake At Home range is hand-made using the same fresh double fermented dough and Neapolitan ingredients as used in the pizzeria. Delicious topping include Margherita, Calabrese, Carni, Portobello, Vegan Portobello, and Garlic Bread. All priced between £7.40 – £7.90, from Rudy’s Bake At Home.

HECK, Gluten Free Lamb Burgers

HECK’s latest launch is their GF lamb burgers, exclusively available with Ocado. British lamb patties with a light seasoning and hint of mint. Perfect for late summer BBQ’s or a quick after work meal. Visit Ocado for pricing.

Savoursmiths, Truffle & Rosemary British Crisps

Available from the Harvey Nichols Food Hall Leeds, these crisps are a luxurious hand-cooked British snack. The flavour is wild and earthy with black summer truffle, alongside fresh and fragrant rosemary. A tasty treat to enjoy with your favourite drink. Priced at £24 (250g tin), from Harvey Nichols Food Halls and online.

Tropical Sun, Jerk Sauces & Marinades

Packed with fresh ingredients including spring onions, garlic and thyme, the Tropical Sun range of jerk sauces and marinades are all made in central Jamaica. With so much choice like Boston Bay Jerk Seasoning, Caribbean Browning, and Jerk Sauce, it’s hard to know what to try first. We’re in love with their sweet, smoky, and spicy Jerk BBQ Sauce, it’s perfect on chicken. Available from Tropical Sun or the world food isle at your local supermarket. Jerk BBQ Sauce priced from £1.79 (285g).

The Groovy Food Company, Chipotle Agave Nectar and Hot & Smokey Agave Nectar

Two newly launched Agave Nectars include Hot and Chipotle from The Groovy Food Company. These new vegan products are fat free, contain no artificial flavourings, and are Kosher certified. Harvested and produced in Mexico, the tasty new sauces are made from the Blue Weber agave plant, combined with a hit of chilli and smoke for real depth of flavour. Priced at £3 each (250ml), from Ocado.

Janice Wong, Mooncakes

Janice Wong Chocolate Mooncakes, available to buy in a box of two, includes Peanut Butter Snickers and Coffee Chocolate presented in an old-school red tin depicting rabbits against a glowing moon. The decadent chocolates are decorated using an array of colours with hand-dripped splatters, each piece reveals a chocolate ganache centre whipped with elements that do not correspond to its outer shell for a delightful surprise. Priced at £16 from Selfridges and Janice Wong online.

The Glasshouse in Edinburgh, YTL Luxury Shortbread

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Glasshouse (part of YTL Hotels) has launched new overnight packages, a bespoke YTL Tartan, and partnered with local business Shortbread House of Edinburgh to produce branded YTL luxury Shortbread for every guest to purchase at £7.50 per box. Visit The Glasshouse Edinburgh to find out more.

Drink

Good Company Kefir with Modern Milkman

Modern Milkman has partnered with Good Company to announce the launch of Kefir drinks to be delivered to doorsteps nationwide. All served in reusable glass bottles, preventing millions of bottles of plastic waste. The Kefir fermented milk drink (drinking yogurt) is packed full of health-enhancing ingredients like probiotics, which are ideal for the gut. Available from Modern Milkman, priced at £2 per pint.

Cawston Press, Sparkling Tropical Drink

Brand new launch from Cawston Press is their limited edition Sparkling Pineapple & Grapefruit drink. The new flavour is made the Cawston way, with simple, clean and honest ingredients – No Jiggery Pokery. Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean in a can! Available from Cawston Press and Amazon, £20 (12 cans).

Belvoir Farm, Woodland Trust Edition

Belvoir Farm has worked with students from London College of Communication, University of Arts, to design limited edition bottles that showcase the company’s partnership with the Woodland Trust. The new designs, which put nature front and centre, will help raise awareness of UK biodiversity and woodland protection, and will be on supermarket and retailers’ shelves for consumers to enjoy from September. Visit Belvoir Farm to find out more.

LECAP, Low Calorie Rosé Wine

Looking for a new low alcohol, low calorie rosé wine to love? Introducing LECAP, a brand-new wine that delivers on everything we love about drinking a chilled blush but with less alcohol. At just 5% ABV and half the calories at 56 per serving, this is a stunning glass of blush with crisp apple, Turkish delight, elderflower, sour cherry and sweet pineapple flavours. Priced at £14.99 per bottle (75cl), from LECAP Wine.

The Balvenie, Cask & Character 19yr old Single Malt

The Balvenie launches A Revelation of Cask and Character, a 19 Year Old, limited-edition whisky as part of The Stories Collection – the first whisky in The Balvenie range to be solely designed by Kelsey McKechnie as Malt Master.Matured entirely in Sherry casks, the whisky highlights the expertise, intuition, and the craft of coopering needed to create this rich and luxurious flavour profile unlike any other in the collection. Priced at £309 per bottle (70cl), from The Whisky Shop.

Belgrove Rum

Belgrove Hazelnut Rum makes for a perfect cocktail, including the world-famous Piña Colada. Whether the sun is shining or not, Belgrove Rum will brighten your evening. Available from Master of Malt, £29.99 (70cl).

How to make:

40ml Belgrove Hazelnut Rum, 60ml coconut cream, 120ml pineapple juice, 10ml lime juice. Garnish: wedge of fresh pineapple and pineapple leaves.

Method:

Combine Belgrove Hazelnut Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice & lime juice in a shaker with ice, shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice, garnish with wedge of pineapple & pineapple leaves.

Afternoon Tea August 18, 2023

High Seas High Tea at The Landmark London

The furnishings have a mixture of vibrant greens, blues, and gold that transports you to the Jazz Age era. For those seeking a quintessentially British experience, indulge in High Tea at The Landmark London amidst this elegant setting. The grande dame of luxury 5-star hotels in London, The Landmark, has recently undergone a major £1.3m refurbishment. Part of that project is to launch a brand-new luxury Champagne Bar, nestled on a mezzanine level on their famous garden terrace. The vision of tropical palm trees and the eight-storey-high glass atrium recalls a bygone era of glamour and high society. The Champagne bar, designed by Alex Kravetz Design, is created to blend in with the luxurious surroundings, with the main bar hidden under a foliage-laden glasshouse.

Savor the Sea: High Seas High Tea at The Landmark London

Accentuating that imagery is their High Seas High Tea offering. The hotel offers a traditional afternoon tea at their famous Winter Garden Restaurant but at the Champagne Bar, it is very much seafood-focused. It is available every Saturday and Sunday between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. You will also hear the melodic piano sounds emanating from the Victorian Winter Garden atrium. They use the term ‘sandwiches’ but what is served up at the beginning is more tartlets of umami delights from the sea. They offer a tartlet of Scottish lobster, a tartlet of poached langoustine, salmon pastrami, Cornish white crab and yellowfin tuna. Focusing on local produce, the freshness of the seafood is top-notch. The salmon and tuna exuded healthy omega-3 fattiness, whilst the shellfish had a gentle sweetness when you bite into the firm, fresh meat. Each creation has been carefully crafted to maximise the flavours of the seafood. For example, the yellowfin tuna is served with ponzu, black sesame, toasted rye, and fennel butter. The citrus notes from the ponzu are a match made in heaven with the enticing tuna.

Indulge in Exquisite Delights: High Tea at The Landmark London

The fruity flavours were very much in evidence with their scones and desserts. The scones were either freshly baked apple or raisin scones. All the condiments you would ever need were present from clotted cream to a plethora of jams. The options included Bergeron apricot, London marmalade, strawberry, rhubarb, redcurrant & vanilla and raspberry deluxe. Each scone was generously sized and I have no doubt, they would offer you a refill if you asked.

The desserts were exquisitely presented with a parade of appetising colours. If you are looking for something subtle and delicate, there is the tartlet of nectarine, ginger, mascarpone and raspberry gel. The nectarines were sliced with military precision and presented in an intricate rose shape. If you are looking for textural variety, there is the black cherry and pistachio bakewell. The key is all the creations were sweet without being overbearing. And they do offer boxes for you to take away anything you can’t finish. They only use the finest of ingredients from Valrhona dark chocolate in their choux to English strawberries in their Swiss rolls.

Elevate Your Tea Experience: Tea Selections and Evening Delights at The Landmark London

The tea offering also shines brightly in this regal afternoon tea experience. They have green teas, herbal teas, oolong tea and white tea. That includes very high-end options such as Snow Buds white tea. which is high-altitude-grown white tea made entirely of silver-haired tea buds. That creates an elegant, sweet-flavour profile with delicate vegetal notes.

The afternoon tea is available at £75pp or £88pp with a glass of Ruinart Champagne Brut.

If you visit in the evenings, they do still offer seafood-focused small plates, as well as heritage tomato tart and British cheese plates. They also serve a caviar selection that ranges from platinum caviar to the rare, golden osetra. They have a lengthy Champagne selection that includes on the top end, Krug, Grande Cuvée MV. They can offer a Taittinger Champagne flight, which is 100ml per glass which is great if you want to pair your glass of bubbly with your seafood.

If you want to impress friends or family with a special treat, do consider inviting them to a High Seas High Tea at The Landmark London.

To find out more about the afternoon tea, please visit

https://www.landmarklondon.co.uk/dining/champagne-bar/

Food & Drink July 28, 2023

Scrumptious July Food & Drink Round-Up

It’s summer and we’re all over it here in the UK. Summer isn’t summer unless we’ve been to a picnic with the fam, garden party at the neighbours, BBQ in the back garden, and a festival with our mates, you name it we’re into it, especially if it involves food and drink.

Whether you’re planning your own party, you’re visiting someone else’s, or you’re staying home this summer we’ve compiled a list of delicious food and some great drinks to showcase too!

Food

Holy Moly, Guacamole and Smashed Avocado

Is there a better party dip, we think not! Holy Moly use 100% wonky avocados from Columbia, and 80% natural rainfall as the main source of irrigation in Columbia before the guac and smashed avo is made. They also work with growers who support the ‘Zero Deforestation Agreement’, and who have excellent worker welfare. So, you can rest assured that you are eating fresh, farmed avocados with a sustainable background. Available from most high street supermarkets.

RawQ, Buckwheat Energy Bars

The UK’s first buckwheat energy bar has just launched with RawQ Foods. The RawQ bars are 100% natural, vegan, and gluten free. Born from a collaboration between certified nutritionist Arina Kuzmina, former pro athlete Daria Medvedeva, and Grand Slam champion Daniil Medvedev. Available in three flavours including Coconut, Spirulina & Almond, also Bilberry, Apple & Hazelnut, and finally Mango, Banana & Cashew. £3.20 per bar (pack of six or 15) from RawQ Foods.

Gaia’s Farming Co., Gaia’s Hemp & Peanut Butter

Gaia’s Hemp & Peanut Butter (almost smooth) is extra high in protein and omegas 3 and 6, is 100% vegan and is free from palm oil. The secret to this nutritional value is that it contains Hemp Hearts as well as High-Oleic Peanuts, both of which boost protein content. Hemp also contains all 9 essential amino acids, is high in magnesium, and contains unsaturated essential fatty acids, making it a pretty amazing all-rounder ingredient. £4.49 (330g), from Amazon and Gaia’s Farming Co.

Chicago Town, Deep Dish Vegan BBQ Chick’n Pizza

The new deep-dish pizza is topped with Chicago Town’s signature smokey BBQ sauce, vegan mozzarella and smoked gouda, red peppers, sweetcorn, and Squeaky Bean’s chicken style pieces. The perfect accompaniment to any house party! £3.05 from Farmfoods and Tesco.

LEON, Fish Finger Wrap

LEON has reignited the OG favourite and reintroduced the Fish Finger Wrap to the menu this summer. They’ve taken it back to the original recipe for all die-hard fans. Crispy cod fish fingers from sustainable shoals, paired with tangy gherkins and LEON tartare sauce, all wrapped in a grilled Khobez wrap. Priced at £7.49, in LEON restaurants now.

Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmesan Cheese

A new collaboration between Parmigiano Reggiano, brand ambassador, Gennaro Contaldo and three renowned chefs has led to some delicious recipes. Our favourite is with Ravinder Bhogal who created a fusion of Indian and Italian food to produce Paneer and Parmigiano Reggiano Gnudi.

Ingredients: For the paneer gnudi: 2 lt whole milk, 1 lemon (juice of), 7g egg yolk (half an egg yolk), 50g Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated,
grated nutmeg, black pepper, 200g semolina flour, 30g ghee. For the saag: 500g baby spinach, 30g ghee, 1 onion (chopped), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 thumb-sized piece ginger (grated), 3 cloves garlic (chopped), 1 green chilli (finely chopped), 20g butter.
For the cavolo nero: 2 bunches cavolo nero, olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (finely sliced), 1 red chilli (finely chopped), 1 lemon, sea salt and black pepper, 60ml extra virgin olive oil. To garnish: 2 preserved lemons (finely chopped, rind only), 3 tbsp pine nuts (toasted), Parmigiano Reggiano (finely grated).

Alcoholic Drinks

Vinca, Organic Wine in a Can

Grown under the Sicilian sun, the award-winning pale rosé wine (made with 100% syrah grapes), white wine (made with catarratto grapes), and red wine (made with both nero d’avola grapes and frappato grapes) are 100% vegan and organic. Served in ready-to-pour recyclable cans, with a special organic lining, so the wine never touches the aluminium, meaning the flavour is never affected. To buy from Abel & Cole or via Vincawine. Priced from £16 (6 x cans).

The Cocktail Co., Summer Selection Box

What better way to celebrate summer than with a bar quality, ready-to-drink cocktail that not only tastes good but looks good too. Simply pack your picnic basket with your favourite nibbles, and add a Summer Selection Box from The Cocktail Co. and you’re ready to go. The Summer Selection Box of 6 includes; Passionfruit Martini, Solero Colada, Mojito, Zombie, Cosmopolitan, and Apple Of My Eye. Priced at £30 from The Cocktail Co.

Neurita Tequila, Tequila for Margaritas

Margarita lovers rejoice! Neurita Tequila is the first premium tequila brand made with Margarita’s in mind. With two different flavours to choose from, the unique blend, natural flavour infusions, and modern take on the spirit is the ultimate expression of what makes Margarita moments so special. Available in Sicilian Orange & Tangerine, or Raspberry, Strawberry & Pomegranate this tequila is made from Tequila Blanco from Jalisco in Mexico. Bottles are priced at £29.99 each or a Starter Kit is priced between £36.99 – £39.99, from Neurita.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Belvoir Farm, Canned Mocktails

Your favourite fruity drinks brand just released three fabulous canned non-alcoholic mocktails. Belvoir Farm Peach Bellini, which is luscious and indulgent, Belvoir Farm Lime & Yuzu Mojito, which is zesty & cooling, and Belvoir Farm Passion Fruit Martini which is exotic & vibrant. Available soon from Amazon and other supermarkets later in the year.

Flawsome!, Wonky Fruit Water Cartons

An award-winning wonky fruit brand, Flawsome! Just launched a brand-new range of wonky fruit water cartons, natural and healthy. They include three flavours, Apple, Mango & Orange is the first, Sweet Apple is the second, and Apple & Sour Cherry is the third. All are made from surplus fruit and are cold-pressed before being served in a paper carton with paper straw that is fully recyclable. £1.09 each (200ml carton) or £19.99 (27 x 200ml cartons) from Flawsome Drinks.

Talonmore & Wilfreds, Limited Edition Non-Alcoholic Spritz Cocktail

Just in time for National Spritz Day, Talonmore has teamed up with Wilfred’s to create a limited edition non-alcoholic spritz cocktail, the WilMore Spritz! A refreshing alternative spritz cocktail with notes of ginger, grapefruit, and rosemary – all made without alcohol. Visit Talonmore to buy products.

WilMore Spritz Recipe: Fill a large wine glass with plenty of ice, add 50ml Wilfred’s NA Aperitif, then 50ml Talonmore NA Spirit, add dash of premium light tonic water (100ml), stir briefly, garnish with grapefruit and rosemary. Enjoy!

illy Coffee, Cold Brew, Ground Coffee, and Coffee Capsules

A pioneer in the sustainable coffee industry and B-Corp certified, illy has an incredible variety of delicious coffee products; from refreshing ready-to-drink cold brews to compatible coffee capsules and ground coffee. The illy cold brew is perfect for picnics and to cool down this summer. The illy ground coffee is loved for its intense aroma that promises an amazing taste in every cup. The illy capsules blend the incredible taste of artisan-made coffee with ease and accessibility and can be used in both illy and Nespresso original machines. Prices vary and are available from most high street supermarkets plus the illy website.

Ritual Cacao, Cacao Pods for Hot Chocolate Drink

Founded by Rebekah Shaman, the Ritual Cacao brand inspires conscious change and promotes drinking ceremonial-grade cacao as part of a wellbeing practice, and a healthy alternative to coffee and alcohol. The ideal hot chocolate drink after a hard summer’s day! Daily Dose Cacao Pods, £33 from Ritual Cacao.

Accessories June 28, 2023

Taste London – showcasing the best gastronomy the capital has to offer.

Taste London returned to Regent’s Park this June for it’s ninth year and whilst this food festival is well established and firmly marked in the calendar of London and out of towner foodies alike, attendees can always guarantee each edition will feel new and exciting with the promise of some of the best chefs, culinary people of note and producers alike.

This year was no different as crowds gathered under blue skies to witness the likes of Big Zuu and Ben Tish demo BBQ skills, sample goods from two Michelin starred chef Henrique Sa Pessoa, enjoy offerings from some of the capitals best restaurants including STK, Hoppers and Macceleio plus masterclasses and workshops.

Taste is a one stop shop for both experienced food lovers and those just starting out in their ‘holy moly I think I’m a foodie’ journey to come together and experience the best the capital has to offer. London is known for its culinary innovation and creativity and Taste manages to break down barriers and ensure some of the best chefs are accessible to everyone. Restaurants with long wait lists and high price tags allow everyone to sample their wares.

I have always championed the notion that food is more about than what is put on the table, it is about bringing people together, sharing plates, grunting at each other in sheer joy as morsel after morsel is consumed, discussing favourite bites and personal preferences and nothing showcases this better than Taste London – sitting and watching the crowd gently sway from one vendor to the next, trying samples, sipping drinks, taking a pew on an inflatable avocado whist pondering the next restaurant to hit. Everyone is there for the same reason, to rejoice in some of the best gastronomy our fair city has to offer.

The diversity on display at Taste is part of what makes the festival so magic – this year’s highlights included Visit Portugal showcasing some of the countries best chefs along with live fire masterclasses at Flames of Portugal Churrasco Cook School, Korean American Iron chef Judy Joo, vegan Caribbean specialists Likkie Dutch Pot plus and the OG Ramen slingers, Bone Daddies to name but a few.

Winning the title of best plate for me personally was the Hoppers Goat Taco which two weeks later, I am still thinking about – pulled goat shoulder sitting on top of a roti ‘taco’, garnished with gram crisps, herbs and pickled onions – it was a sensation!

After an amble around the park and a lap to pin point all the places we wanted to try, we walked to the VIP garden, arms laden with plates of the aforementioned taco, pork ribs, Korean wings and cocktails of Kulfi Colada slushis and Punjabi punch and here we sat, sated and watching the sunset over one of London’s best events, safe in the knowledge that London still remains king pin when it comes to food.

Visit Taste London for upcoming news and tickets releases.

Food & Drink June 23, 2023

Exciting Food & Drink Round-up This June

As we all enjoy summer days filled with sunshine and wonderful longer and lighter evenings, it’s a treat to try something new and tasty.

Whether you are into trying new flavours of ice cream or cereal, wine or whisky, we’ve thought of everything for your picnic hamper so that you don’t have to.

Savoury Treats

Payst, Thai Sauces

Plenty of amazing flavours to choose from with Payst Thai Sauces, including curry pastes, curry kits, stir fry sauces, vegan sauces, and gift packs. Prices start from £4.25 (per paste) to £5.49 (per sauce), and from £13.50 (stir fry sauce gift pack) to £80 (the ultimate gift pack). Visit Payst for a flavour sensation.

Crosta & Mollica, Arancini & Pasta Fritta

Newly launched indulgent Italian bites from Crosta & Mollica includes, Truffled Mushroom Arancini, and Cacia e Pepe Pasta Fritta. These aperitivo oven-ready snacks are enjoyed in Italy as a light nibble with a drink. Exclusively available from Ocado, priced at £5.50 each box.

Charlie & Ivy’s, Blackberry, Thyme & Basil Bread Dipper

Cold pressed rapeseed oil, and balsamic infused with whole blackberries and fresh garden thyme. Perfect when poured into a bowl alongside hearty chunks of crusty bread to generously dip. Equally delicious served over duck, game or goat’s cheese. Priced at £6 (200ml bottle), from Charlie & Ivy’s.

Sweet Treats

Rollagranola, Nootropics Range of Granola

This four-part range from Rollagranola the proper granola company includes, Calm (cashew, mango & chocolate), Energise (cappuccino & white chocolate), Body & Soul (berries & walnut), and Complete Vegan (hazelnut, cranberry & pea protein). Nootropics are compounds or supplements than can enhance cognitive performance such as memory, focus, mood and energy. Priced from £7, available from Rollagranola.

Häagen-Dazs, The Mini Joys Collection x Co-Op x Barnardo’s

An exciting limited edition from Häagen-Dazs; The Mini Joys Collection includes four classic and beloved flavours, salted caramel, Belgian chocolate, strawberry cheesecake, and macadamia nut brittle. Jointly with Co-op and Barnardo’s, Häagen-Dazs will raise 50p per sale to help bring communities together to help tackle the growing challenges that young people face today. Priced at £5.65 (4 x mini cups), exclusively from Co-op. Visit Co-op to find out more.

Just Love Food Company, Vanilla Celebration Cake

The UK’s leading Inclusive Celebration Cake company known for its allergen-safe vegan and gluten-free cakes, has launched a brand-new cake. Filled with vanilla frosting and delicious plum and raspberry jam, it is finished with soft icing, decorations and stars. From Asda, priced at £8 (serves 10).

KIND, Chocolate Chip Cashew Bars

An exciting addition to KIND, the Chocolate Chip Cashew is made with 81% nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts), and dark chocolate chips. They are high in fibre, and are a great source of protein, plus they contain no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives and are gluten free. Available from Sainsbury’s and Boots, priced at £1.39 (per bar).

Soft Drinks

Volvic, Touch of Fruit Kiwi & Lime

Adding to Volvic’s popular sugar free range, this refreshing thirst-quencher combines kiwi and lime to give a crisp, refreshing, and tangy drink. Perfect for a hot summer’s day! Priced at around £1.40 (1.5l bottle) from Sainsbury’s and Asda.

MOJU, Gut Health Shots

MOJU helps people build healthier habits and kick-starts their day with power, quality and flavour with a range of gut health and immunity shots. A new bottle design along with improved flavours, including Ginger, Turmeric, Multi-Berry, Hot Mango, Raspberry, Tropical, and Ginger Extra Strength. Available from all good supermarkets, plus Amazon, Wholefoods, and MOJU Drinks, priced from £6.95 each bottle (7 shots per bottle).

Boozy Drinks

Casillero del Diablo, Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc

From the Colchagua Valley, Chile this white wine stands out for its freshness, with aromas of tropical fruit mix with soft herbal touches. On the palate it is expressive with notes of citrus and grapefruit. Ideal with fresh fish, shellfish, and creamy fatty cheeses. Priced at £9 from Asda, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, and more.

Echo Falls, Sparkling Summer Garden

With irresistible flavours of strawberry, orange, elderflower, cucumber, and mint this gluggable and refreshing wine is the perfect accompaniment to summer 2023. Pour a glass and enjoy Echo Falls: Sparkling Summer Garden. Priced at £4.95 from Tesco and other leading supermarkets.

Glenglassaugh, 12 Years Coastal Malt

The newly launched 12 Years Old embodies the Glenglassaugh signature coastal style. Matured in bourbon, sherry, and red wine casks. It is luminous gold in colour, and has an aroma of sweet ripe apricot, fig, toasted vanilla, and tropical flora. The taste incorporates candied pistachio, date, sweet fig, morello cherry, whipped cream, and fresh coastal air. Priced at £50 (70cl), visit Glenglassaugh to find out more.

Berry Bros & Rudd, 2023 Spirits for Summer

This is the 325th anniversary year of Berry Bros & Rudd Wine & Spirit Merchants. They have released six Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, an Exceptional Cask Blend Malt, and a Brazilian Rum to celebrate. The 2023 Spirits for Summer release includes: Malthouse 2017 Cask #16 (£125), Exceptional Blended Malt 1979 Cask #5 (£450), Small Batch Benrinnes 2010 (£70), Glen Moray 2008 Cask #5710 (£90), Dufftown 2008 Pineau Finish Cask #96 (£100), Caol Ila 2010 Oloroso Finish Cask #311751 (£108), Orkney 2006 Oloroso Finish Cask #5051 (£120), and Epris 2011 Cask #11 (£105). From Berry Bros & Rudd.

Nohrlund, Pre-Mixed Cocktails

The premium organic Danish cocktail brand Nohrlund has released a collection of pre-made cocktails. The range includes: Passion Martini, Mojito, Espresso Martini, Bramble, Raspberry & Peach Collins, and Gin & Mango Smash. Available from Sainsbury’s and Amazon along with Abel & Cole. 180ml sized bottles are priced at around £2.60 – £2.85.

Croft Sherry, Summer Spritz

Croft recently partnered with Great British Bake Off star Sandro Farmhouse, launching this summer’s must-have sundowner spritz. Croft Original is priced at £13 (75cl) from all leading supermarkets including Sainsbury’s.

Ingredients
1 x orange, 1 x lemon, 200ml Croft Original, 2tbsp pineapple syrup, 300ml sparkling wine, 100ml soda water, ice cubes, fresh mint (to serve), candied peel (to serve).

Method
Cut orange and lemon into wedges, add wedges to cocktail shaker, add Croft Original along with pineapple syrup and shake vigorously. Pour drink from the shaker into wine glass and top with wine, water, and ice. Garnish glass with candied orange peel and fresh mint. Enjoy!

Cook Book

Wholesome Bowls, Food for Mind, Body & Soul by Melissa Delport

Wholesome Bowls are a deliciously simple concept: one dish recipes that use only fresh, whole foods to build a bowl of flavour, comfort and nourishment. All the recipes are designed to fit busy lifestyles and allow you to fall in love with cooking.

Heal your relationship with food: take the time to get to know your body, treat it with respect and enjoy real, fresh foods that fuel you and leave you feeling energised.

Melissa Delport is an international award-winning cookbook author, integrative holistic health coach, private chef and wellness retreat facilitator who found fame after entering MasterChef in South Africa.

Originally published in South Africa, Wholesome Bowls is a bestseller – selling over 10,000 copies and the book was also awarded World Gourmand Award for Best Photography 2019!

Find out more about Melissa Delport. Buy the book from Watkins Publishing for £20.

City breaks June 22, 2023

Lai Ching Heen: Is this the best Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong?

Regent Hong Kong Hotel recently reopened after their most extensive renovations in three decades. Their prime location on the Victoria Harbour waterfront has always meant it is a beloved institution by locals and tourists alike. It is the perfect location to catch the daily light and sound show, ‘A Symphony of Lights’ or the New Year’s Eve fireworks. It was always regarded as one of the big three hotels in Hong Kong along with The Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental.

Their in-house Cantonese restaurant which stayed open during the renovation, Lai Ching Heen is a world-class institution that has been showered with countless accolades from two Michelin stars to two diamonds in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. The dishes they offer are often Cantonese culinary treasures given a contemporary update. The decor is the definition of refined elegance. There are touches of gold and jade throughout the restaurant down to your place settings but the designs are never garish or forceful. Most guests will be more distracted by the floor-to-ceiling window showcasing a dynamic view of Victoria Harbour.

Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai has over three decades of experience working with the hotel. Whilst head chef, Cheng Man Sang has worked with the executive chef for over two decades. What you get with their kitchen team is expertise married with innovation. The hotel has given them the platform to evolve the cuisine and always bring new ideas to the dining table.

Their ‘Premier Delicacy’ dinner menu is the showcase offering where you can taste their greatest hits and the immense variety of Cantonese cuisine. You’ll get to try Hokkaido scallops which are very much akin to their Orkney counterpart known for their clean, sweet taste. Their barbecue pork ‘char siu’ with honey is arguably the best version you’ll find in Hong Kong with the perfect ratio of meat to fat served up with an irresistible sweetness. Their clear Chinese soup offering is something you rarely encounter in the UK or Europe. Double-boiled fish maw with sea whelk and russula mushroom soup might sound exotic, but the ingredients provide countless benefits. For example, russula is used in Chinese medicine to treat liver and eye conditions.

The eye-catchers on their menu are undoubtedly the steamed lobster with tofu and crabmeat roe and braised whole abalone in oyster jus. The former is one of the most perfectly executed dishes on their menu. The tender, firm, succulent lobster meat injects the silky smooth tofu with both sweet and umami flavours. Any element that is over or undercooked would significantly impact the dish. Abalone is the definition of luxury in Cantonese restaurants and it’s still very much a delicacy waiting to be discovered by the Western world. Their version at the restaurant is a Japanese fresh abalone that has been braised and served in an oyster jus.

At Lai Ching Heen, you get to sample the finest of wagyu beef. Their set menu offers beef from Kagoshima, which produces more wagyu than any other prefecture in Japan. It is the epicentre of the country’s beef industry. Their wok-fried Kagoshima wagyu has a firm appearance on the outside, but a buttery soft tenderness on the inside. It is presented with an onion ring, peppers, lily bulbs and garlic. It is ideally paired with their fried rice wrapped in a lotus leaf to offer extra fragrant aromas.

Cantonese desserts are a hugely underrated gem. When executed well, they are more than a match with the finest crème brûlées and pastel de natas of this world. Their baked sago and custard cream pudding is similar to a rice pudding but littered with addictively chewy sago pearls. And their taro paste with black and white sesame roll is the perfect way to end a meal with subtle nuttiness and sweetness that will send you away from the restaurant with a satisfied grin.

Please note, they do have a dress code – smart elegant: closed-toed shoes, sleeved shirts and long trousers are required for gentlemen.

Lai Ching Heen