Physalis – my (second) Favourite Martini Fruit

My favourite martini fruit will always be a good quality lemon. Let’s get that out of the way right now. Unless we’re talking about lemons, or the (let’s be honest: somewhat lower deck) world of fruity cocktails, martinis and fruit tend not to mix very often. Sometimes there’s grapefruit, lime or orange peel – the citrus world is certainly compatible as a garnish for gin. … Continue reading Physalis – my (second) Favourite Martini Fruit

A Roasted Seaweed Snack

If you live somewhere around the UK coast, you may have access to gutweed (Ulva intestinalis), which you can harvest, wash and roast into a highly tasty snack. If the sea in your area is clean, head to a rocky beach and seek out rockpools, and/or areas where fresh water runs into the sea. Here you may find bright green, but somewhat unappetisingly named ‘gutweed’. … Continue reading A Roasted Seaweed Snack

Hazelnut snacks

   Hazelnuts have been consumed by humans for thousands of years. I am currently on the Island of Mull in the Hebrides. On the nearby island of Colonsay evidence suggests that local residents were consuming large amounts of the nut in 7000BC. The Hebrides can often feel very far from civilisation so the fact that people living here enjoyed this tasty snack several millennia before … Continue reading Hazelnut snacks

Asparagus skewers to accompany a martini

   This is dead easy.    Asparagus is tasty and a bit of a luxury so it naturally pairs well with a martini. I love its distinctive flavour, visual appeal and most of all, its satisfying fresh and crunchy texture.    My brother and I were having a martini before dinner, but after we had drunk the first one we really just wanted to have … Continue reading Asparagus skewers to accompany a martini

Korean spinach – Sigeumchi-namul

Annyeonghaseyo.    This is a really tasty, easy and even healthy vegetarian dish that you can serve as a vegetable side, a starter or, most importantly of all, as an appetiser to accompany a martini (obviously). I first ate this delicious dish in Koreatown, Manhattan. Of all the wondrous and unusual dishes I gluttonously consumed that night (my favourite being a gigantic simmered squid, still … Continue reading Korean spinach – Sigeumchi-namul

Egyptian Duqqah to accompany a martini

This is a simple snack item consisting of ground nuts, herbs and spices served with bread and some good quality oil. I’ve always been drawn to Egypt, old and new. It’s such a fascinating country with both grand and tumultuous history and I am delighted to include it in my blog with a contribution to the martini world. I wanted to write about duqqah, which … Continue reading Egyptian Duqqah to accompany a martini