The Salt and Vinegar Martini at the National Portrait Gallery
If you’re in London, it’s time to visit the National Portrait Gallery. Even if you’ve been before, it’s had a refresh. And while you’re there, it would be rude not to pop upstairs for a meal and a drink at the rooftop restaurant, The Portrait. The Venue Richard Corrigan’s brasserie reopened in July after a refurbishment and it’s got a very tempting menu. One of … Continue reading The Salt and Vinegar Martini at the National Portrait Gallery
Hebridean Blue Cheese
This is a delicious, sharp but creamy cheese that goes really nicely with a martini. The Hebrides are a beautiful – if wet – constellation of islands located off the west coast of Scotland. One of these islands is the Isle of Mull, which like many places in this part of the world, has a wealth of culinary produce. Much of this produce goes exceedingly … Continue reading Hebridean Blue Cheese
Mini Onigiri to serve with Martinis
Onigiri are like a Japanese equivalent of a sandwich, consisting of rice, mixed with certain ingredients and then shaped, often into triangles. They can last up to three days (although this can depend on the ingredients and amount of salt and they are usually best eaten within 24 hours). They are often used in packed lunches or eaten at picnics. They are satisfying, tasty and … Continue reading Mini Onigiri to serve with Martinis
A Maghreb Martini with Preserved Lemons
This is an unexpected martini, with quite an intensely flavoured garnish of salty lemon. Naturally this would go very well with Moroccan food. Continue reading A Maghreb Martini with Preserved Lemons
A Martini with Caorunn Gin
This is another high quality Scottish gin. It’s made in Balmenach, a distillery located in the whisky heartlands of Speyside. The flavour profile is unusual and refreshing, with locally foraged botanicals including rowan berries and heather. It also contains bog myrtle, which stood out in particular for me, giving it a flavour reminiscent of Swedish akvavit. The gin is distilled in small batches in a … Continue reading A Martini with Caorunn Gin
BYOB at Ar Bòrd, Dervaig
This is a beautiful, intimate restaurant in Dervaig on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, sourcing a wealth of good quality local produce. Continue reading BYOB at Ar Bòrd, Dervaig
Prunes with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto
This is a delicious warm umami-salty-sweet nibble to accompany a frosty martini. It’s a little bit of a faff to prepare but it’s worth it! Continue reading Prunes with Blue Cheese and Prosciutto
Happy Hour at Seabird, London
A review of the fabulous oyster and martini happy hour at the rooftop establishment Seabird London. Continue reading Happy Hour at Seabird, London
Sea Urchin Caviar
Caviar in almost all of its forms goes very well with a martini. Sea urchin is one example – although it’s not to everyone’s taste. It is very much a delicacy in Japan, where it is known as uni (うに) but it is not as widely consumed or farmed in the West. It is creamy and rich with a slightly pungent aftertaste. You can get … Continue reading Sea Urchin Caviar
Popcorn Recipes
These are some easy popcorn recipes to mix up your repertoire. Continue reading Popcorn Recipes