Txakoli: The Drunkard, Zarauz, by Joaquín Sorolla Usually, it’s the wine itself that inspires the desire to write about it. However, at other times, inspiration comes courtesy of an entirely different subject. This time, Art has inspired me to write about a less well-known yet distinctive Spanish white wine called Txakoli. The Drunkard, Zarauz The painting shown above is The …
Pie and Mash – an authentic taste of London
Pie and Mash – an authentic taste of London While I live ever more distant from my London birthplace, that doesn’t wholly quell its siren call. There are many things I don’t miss, but one thing I crave is Pie and Mash, proper authentic London food. There is, sadly, an ever-dwindling collection of emporia in London in which to eat …
The Great Vine – the World’s Oldest Grapevine?
The Great Vine – the World’s Oldest Grapevine? Where is the world’s oldest grapevine? Perhaps in continental Europe, which has been growing grapes for centuries. Alternatively, in a place that’s a cradle of winegrowing, such as Georgia or Syria. Surprisingly, the world’s oldest fully documented grapevine is thriving in London. This is The Great Vine, which it’s now 252 years young. …
St John Bread and Wine – offal needn’t be awful
St John Bread and Wine – offal needn’t be awful Back in 1994, Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver opened the St John restaurant. It’s still around the corner from Smithfield Market in a once dilapidated part of Clerkenwell. The emphasis is on British recipes, simplicity and seasonality. It also includes all the meats now ignored by squeamish Brits. Yes, we’re …