Monthly Archives: October 2011

WSET Diploma Studies: Champagne Part 2 – The Champagne Trade

My only regret in life is that I didn’t drink enough Champagne“ John Maynard Keynes   Champagne covers just 34,500 hectares, yet is spread over 301 villages and 19,000 growers – including a good many part-time growers with tiny parcels of grapes. … Continue reading

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WSET Diploma Studies: Champagne Part 1 – The Champagne Region

Champagne is more than just a drink it is a statement, a lifestyle, and for some, a way of life.  “So we came to the Ritz hotel and the Ritz Hotel was divine. Because when a girl can sit in a delightful bar … Continue reading

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WSET Diploma studies – Champagne and Sparkling wine what it is and how it’s made?

Champagne and sparkling wine has the ability to enhance any drinking occasion and add a certain sparkle to proceedings. In order the create wine, grapes are crushed and fermented. During fermentation the grapes’ sugars are converted into alcohol, the byproduct … Continue reading

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Yo ho ho and 400 bottles of rum: RumFest 2011

Rum is such a versatile spirit with plenty of romance. It comes in a plethora of different styles, it can be white, golden or dark, made from sugar cane juice or mollases, distilled in pot or column stills and be … Continue reading

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My favourite cookbook of 2011: Comfort and Spice by Niamh Shields

I am seriously loving Comfort & Spice by Niamh Shields, it is my favourite cookbook of 2011 and is helping me become more of an organised cook. Having seen the difference a bit of forward thinking can make to a meal, I’m now spending my weekends soaking … Continue reading

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The Barcelona Supper Club by Codorníu – Jamón carving, Catalan Cooking and Cava Masterclass

On 16th November, Spain’s award-winning cava producer (my client), Codorníu, is hosting a Barcelona Supper Club at L’atelier des Chefs. This interactive supper club evening includes not one, not two, but three culinary masterclasses followed by a four course supper … Continue reading

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