Apero… drinks and a recipe
There are whole aisles devoted to it in French supermarkets. So, what is it? Well, it’s like an extra course at lunch or dinner. It...
Tesco Finest 1531 Blanquette De Limoux
Under-priced and under-estimated Blanquette De Limoux Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée is great value for money. Yes, it’s certainly more expensive here than in France but far...
Christmas Unearthed
International foods at Waitrose and Ocado It might seem a bit early to be thinking of planning your festive meals, but a bit of organisation...
Cap Gin from the Côte d’Azur
It’s new to me, Cap Gin, but this spirit has character and it’s far more than a novelty. Yes, it’s a French gin. Well, we...
Dishing it Up: The Story Behind Twenty Icons of French Food & Drink
Dishing it Up: The Story Behind Twenty Icons of French Food & Drink is by one of my favourite food writers. Paola Westbeek isn’t French,...
My Winter Kitchen: Warming Recipes for the Coldest Month
What a great little book. My Winter Kitchen: Warming Recipes for the Coldest Months is a book for cooks. Its small format makes it ideal...
Monsigny Brut Champagne from Aldi
It’s the Festive Season and thoughts turn to fizz. Supermarkets fill their shelves with bottles of sparkling wine from Europe and the New World. Let...
Nicolas Feuillatte Travel Bag Réserve Exclusive Brut Rosé
This classic Brut Rosé by celebrated Champagne House Nicolas Feuillatte would make a perfect gift for any lady. Note I say ‘lady’ rather than ‘girl...
Borough Wines – Maison 54 Pét Nat
Maison 54 Pét Nat was a totally new wine for me and it was a revelation. If this is the quality of naturally sparkling wine,...
Jean-Didier Gouges at The Petersham
There are few hotels I like more than the characterful Petersham, overlooking the River Thames in Richmond. And to compound the joy, there is a...
French Pâtisserie – A baking class – review
Master Recipes and Techniques from the Ferrandi School of Culinary Arts Mostly Food & Travel Journal Baking Book of 2017 I review many books during...
Le Garrick: Steak with je ne sais quoi – restaurant review
Le Garrick restaurant and wine bar is conveniently located in the heart of Covent Garden in London’s West End. I am no stranger here even...
Rack of Lamb Provençal with Mustard, Thyme and Rosemary Crust
by Royal Warrant butcher Donald Russell Ingredients 1 Rack of Lamb with fat scored 2 Shallots (finely chopped) 3 tbsp Olive Oil 2 large...
Côte – Dinner in Kingston – restaurant review
This is a lovely spot on the River Thames and well patronised by shoppers during the day and socialisers in the evening. But despite its...
Le Garrick, Covent Garden – restaurant review
Le Garrick restaurant and wine bar is conveniently located in the heart of Covent Garden in London’s West End. It’s a little gem and after...
Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte, Canary Wharf – restaurant review
We are spoilt for choice in London, and indeed in many cities. We can chance a fishy Japanese breakfast, indulge in lavish Italian lunches, feast...
French Market Cookbook by Clotilde Dusoulier – review
This is a unique and surprising book in so many ways. It’s a Parisian cookbook but it’s a vegetarian recipe book. It’s undoubtedly French but...
Chocolat by Eric Lanlard – yes, its chocolate – review
The world loves chocolate, and combine that with a dashing chef with a rich French accent and recipes for goods that have graced many a...
Brompton Bar & Grill, London – restaurant review
(This restaurant has now closed) This has become, after just one visit, a favourite restaurant. Brompton Bar & Grill is a confident and classic establishment...
Macarons by Pierre Hermé – review
Pierre Hermé is the fourth generation of a family of bakers from Alsace in France. He has been working and learning his trade since he...