The Hot and Dirty Martini

Grrrrrrrrrrr    This is a very simple variation on the classic martini, and its obviously got a very arresting name.    I first had a hot and dirty martini at the Mermaid Inn in New York. It’s an excellent aperitif as it really gets your digestive juices churning. It’s perfect before a special dinner, whether it’s Sunday lunch, seafood, a romantic meal for two or … Continue reading The Hot and Dirty Martini

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

A martini using gin infused with coriander/cilantro

I have previously mentioned that Coriander (cilantro) is the Marmite of the herb world (you either love it or hate it). I have also previously mentioned that I love it. So I infused some gin with it. Coriander is already one of the flavours infused into many gin varieties, although juniper is (or should be) the dominant flavour. Being a traditionalist I would normally want … Continue reading A martini using gin infused with coriander/cilantro

Dishoom Packs a Punch

‘Dishoom’ is a traditional Bollywood onomatopoeic word (like ‘Kapow!’) used to express the noise of someone getting punched or slapped in an old film or comic book. In London, Dishoom Shoreditch is an eatery inspired by Mumbai cafe culture. It is easily identified by the queue outside its doors most evenings. It gets points for its evocative, eccentric decor, attentive service and excellent array of … Continue reading Dishoom Packs a Punch