5 minute read
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Joe Grant
We all know wine and food go well together, but…watch out wine, there’s a new pairing on the block. It’s time to forget the stuffy rules about what ‘should’ go with what and expand your mind (and palette) to match your favourite dish with beer. It may be frowned upon in some circles, but food and beer have been enjoyed together since the 17th century and now with the variety of styles and flavour profiles in modern beer there’s a plethora of combinations for you to choose from. Yes, there are certain hops that complement certain dishes, but for us, it really is a playground to experiment. Liam from Spice Island Chilli recently asked us to pick a beer to accompany a recipe created by local food blogger @amyeats_southsea and food snapper Jason Buckner and. It was so interesting to make the rich, smoky dish and work out what style to pair it with. Jason supplied a selection of beers for us to sample and we’ve recommended a pairing for you to enjoy. We went for a hoppy pale from Deya which elevated the dish with its citrusy flavour profile. Why not visit www.spiceislandchilli.com for the recipe and let us know what you think.
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Jason Buckner. Photo: Emberlea Ashes
RESTAURANT 27
A great place to eat and a great place to work
‘Ilike to think we are offering an amazing dining experience and by serving a tasting menu of eight courses we build a level of excitement and expectation, it’s almost a performance of food and service’ explained Kevin Bingham who began Restaurant 27 twelve years ago after working in some of the South of England’s top Michelin star restaurants. ‘The tasting menu has served us well too, it’s what we have become known for, it’s allowed us to mature and evolve, to the point that we are busier and more popular than ever’ said Kevin.
‘We are also very much a family business, we still live upstairs and Daisy, our daughter, who is hoping to go to medical school, helps out in the restaurant, along with my wife Sophie, while our son Louis has just started at the UTC college. Family life is important to us, which is why we only open 4 evenings a week and for Sunday lunch. Also, by living above the shop it means I can come downstairs and prepare for the day and be on hand for deliveries of some of the wonderful locally sourced produce that we use.
Teamwork is crucial to running a successful restaurant and I think it’s fair to say the staff, both front of house and in the kitchen, really enjoy working here and have gained a lot of valuable experience. In fact, I’m actively looking to appoint a full time Chef De Partie as part of the team, they need to have some kitchen experience, but it could be amazing opportunity for the right person. If someone is interested, I’m happy for them to drop their cv through the door at the restaurant, or to send it via email’ explained Kevin.
Whether you’d like to book a meal,or join the team Kevin would be delighted to see you.
27a South Parade, Southsea PO5 2JF 023 9287 6272 info@restaurant27.com
Looking to create magical memories this October half-term with your little ones? The Queens Hotel has come up with the perfect way to create a memorable stay for your little princesses. Our funky party room with a capacity for up to 6 people, is perfect for a couple of mums to bring their youngsters to the heart of Southsea and have a great time together. There’s plenty of opportunities for dressing-up and our beauty salon area is ready for you to have some fun with make-up and hair. And we can even offer special Princess Packages where youngsters can: • Enjoy a pamper session with a trained beautician • Be visited by a princess in their party room • Capture the memories with a professional photoshoot Catherine Austen, General Manager, said: “We created our party room with the idea of offering Princess Packages. We are working with a professional team of actors, beauticians and photographers to ensure the experience is truly magical.” A range of experiences will be on offer from a pamper and beauty session suitable for a child to a visit from a princess and the opportunity to have your memories captured in a photo session. For more details of prices, availability and to book a Princess Package please call our reservations team on 023 9282 2466.
JOIN US FOR THE MOST STYLISH NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY IN THE CITY…
We will be pitching the elements of fire and ice together to create a fabulous New Year’s eve experience at the Queens Hotel. Bring 2021 to a dramatic close by joining us for an evening of fun and flamboyance at our Fire and Ice Ball.
Ditch the little black dress in favour of something far more daring and unleash the fiery side of your personality. We hope ladies will opt to wear red and raise the temperature in the room, while gents are encouraged to slip on a cream dinner jacket to reflect the ice theme. You can expect gorgeous surroundings, delicious food and drink and great company for an evening of feasting, fun and dancing. The evening starts with cocktails and eye-catching performers bringing a little drama to the room before our dinner is served.
Champagne will be flowing at midnight to mark the new year and there will be music until 1am.
To book your place and for more details email events@queenshotelportsmouth.com
