16 minute read
Rosé Tinted Glass
It's time to enjoy the summer with a fresh selection of rosé, whether you're after something traditional, or a little out of the ordinary, there is something for everyone.
Looking to the future, Château Galoupet, a progressive wine estate, is challenging the status quo of rosé wine drinking through its first of its kind eco packaging solution: an amber eco-glass bottle and a flat, ultra-light recyclable Prevented Ocean Plastic bottle - a radical new format for the rosé wine category. This Côtes de Provence estate in organic conversion is committed to crafting exceptional wines using the unique terroir of Provence in the most respectful way to the environment and has unveiled two new rosé expressions: Château Galoupet Cru Classé Rosé 2021 and Galoupet Nomad 2021.
Re-discovered in May 2019, the Château Galoupet estate has been on the map since the 18th century with a history rich in the biodiversity and unique ecosystem of the 77 hectares of protected woodland and 69 hectares of vineyards, which has been nurtured over the past 3 years. Château Galoupet Cru Classé Rosé 2021 is presented in a 70% recycled amber glass bottle, weighing just 499g, in comparison to an average bottle of Rosé weighing 770g. Crafted from 100% owned grapes, Château Galoupet Cru Classé is a pure terroir wine. An intricate and layered creation working with Grenache, Rolle, Syrah and intensely aromatic Tibouren. Minerality meets creaminess, grapefruit zest gives way to peachiness on a long, sinuous journey to a fine saline finish. This rich, naturally aromatic palette of Provence is crafted with a blend of grapes from unique terroirs - land characterised by wild bushes full of arbutus, the untamed salinity of the sea and the powerful surrounding winds.
For those looking to enjoy the flavours of rosé without the alcohol, Wild Idol is on hand. Following two years of patient searching to find the perfect ingredients - the expert team of winemakers travelled the globe to find the most skilled producers, grapes and technology to realise the vision for creating a truly authentic, non-alcoholic wine experience.
The grapes are carefully chosen for their clean, naturally fruitforward flavours and aromatic character. Dornfelder, Merlot and Müller-Thurgau varietals feature in the 2020/2021 vintages, which were found in the famed winemaking region of southwest Germany.
© Quentin Pastor
Produced using the same carefully considered techniques and patient craftsmanship found in traditional winemaking. However, unlike alcoholic wine or ‘de-alcoholised’ non-alcoholic alternatives, Wild Idol’s grapes do not undergo a process of fermentation.
Vibrant, handcrafted, and naturally alcohol free, Wild Idol Sparkling Rosé is a beautiful twilight pink in the glass, with delicate bubbles and abundant in fresh, aromatic fruit notes.
For something a little more traditional, you can't argue with the signature of Château Minuty, the "Or" range. The result of meticulous plot work, these vintages are distinguished by their naturalness and the immediate pleasure they give. An estate wine, first appearing in 2009 as the makers wanted to take the winery’s signature subtle flavour and intense aromas to the next level. To make the dream a reality, the winery’s three main terroirs were expertly blended to capture the Château Minuty flavour in Rose et Or. This vintage is all about elegance; the aromas of sun-drenched and freshly-picked ripe fruit ranging from vine peach and pear to melon. It’s full and crisp on the palate, powerful yet pure like flavoured spring water. Serve cold (8-10°) in summer and chilled (10-12°) the rest of the year. The Rosé et Or vintage’s delicacy and body mean it goes with a wide variety of dishes as it brings out the spices. Perfect to accompany some fresh seafood on a beautiful sunny day.
ROSÉ WITH A TWIST
One of the world’s only Rosa tequilas, Código 1530's Rosa Blanco is a deliciously light and floral drink perfect for a little summer libation. It can be served on its own or mixed to create a refreshing summer cocktail. This expression begins with the purity of Blanco, which is then rested for one month in the finest uncharred Napa Valley Cabernet French White Oak wine barrels. The direct contact with the Cabernet imparts a subtle pink hue, leading with a bright agave character and finishing with the soft, floral red wine notes of Cabernet.
Código 1530 Rosa Blanco, 700ml £45.75. Available at The Whisky Exchange.
LA TERRAZA BY IBÉRICA
Transporting guests to 1950's Marbella, La Terraza by Ibérica, located in Cabot Square is a wonderfully stylish location in the heart of Canary Wharf providing fantastic cocktails and delicious food.
With an elegant olive green and cream palette, the terrace is decked out with bohemian flare and timeless glamour, providing a Mediterranean mirage in contrast sky high buildings that surround.
Guests can enjoy relaxed Spanish-style al aire libre drinks and food from a Spanish pavement dining-inspired menu, cooked using the age-old charcoal method on the traditional Josper grill out on the terrace.
Start the meal with some award winning cured Juan Pedro Domecq Jamon that's been cured for over 42 months; Artisan cheeses and the quintessential Spanish sunshine snack, Boquerones (anchovies) with crisps.
Moving on to mains and there is a wide selection of grilled meats, fish and vegetable dishes cooked on the Josper. Highlight dishes include the juicy free range Pluma Iberica Iberico pork with a side of hassleback Josper potatoes; and grilled hake served with bilbaina sauce, boiled potatoes and salad leaves. To finish there's crema Catalana and strawberries with yoghurt.
The varied menu is perfectly paired with a list of over 50 expertly curated Spanish wines, craft gins, Spanish beers, hand-selected sherries and cocktails. Why not have some classic sangria? As Group Bar Manager Nacho Ordiz says, ‘without drinks, a proper Spanish feast is nothing!’
The 100 (seated) and 160 (standing) capacity terrace also plays host to a live DJ every Wednesday and Thursday with relaxed, Balearic style sets from 6pm until 10pm making it the ideal spot for summer socialising and escaping city life.
El Norte
Celebrating the gastronomic heritage and quality of Spain, El Norte in the heart of Mayfair delivers an inviting, upscale atmosphere in which to enjoy a plethora of Spanish delights. The curated interior space includes a beautiful lounge area complete with stylish bar serving up a selection of irresistibly moreish Spanish crafted cocktails alongside a dedicated bar menu serving up classic Spanish tapas with a modern twist.
However, step through to the main restaurant and you can indulge in the fresh and flavourful palate of Spanish cuisine in this chic, modern setting. Perfectly amalgamating an elegant, contemporary space with traditional features, El Norte transports you to an upscale corner of Spain that will engage all of your senses, especially once the food starts flowing.
A selection of tapas are of course on offer, with signature dishes including a truly indulgent tortilla de trufa, classic croquetas de jamón and the simple yet undeniably delicious Joselito Iberico ham which are all not to be missed. From there, you can continue to enjoy the many tapa on offer, sample some of the salads and crudo dishes such as the fresh red prawn tartare with lime olive oil or move on to something a little more substantial.
There are plenty of options from both meat and fish sections - not so much on the vegetarian front - that will cause some decision making dilemma as there are too many incredible options to choose from.
Glazed Iberian pork with potatoes delivers a classic Spanish culinary experience supported by a unique but equally flavoursome wild Dover Sole dish finished with a distinctive white wine vinaigrette. And if you feel like you haven't quite had your fix of delicious Spanish dishes, then you can add some of the inviting sides such as patatas bravas and grilled green asparagus with almond sauce.
To finish, if you find some space after your feast, there is a selection of desserts to interest even the most experienced of diners with some intriguing flavour combinations on offer as well as a Spanish cheese board for something a little more savoury.
Wine is a key feature in any Spanish establishment and El Norte is no different. Providing a sufficiently alluring wine list featuring plenty of Spanish variants, the menu includes a small selection from France, Italy and the USA should you wish to venture off-piste for some reason.
With such a welcoming space despite its sophistication, you can enjoy a meal with friends, family or colleagues for lunch or dinner and enjoy the Spanish tradition of sharing in luxurious comfort.
YOUR COCKTAIL
Pina Colada, Daiquiri, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai, Hurricane, Paloma, Screwdriver, Bloody Mary! What do all these cocktails scream out loud? Fruit! Lots of delicious juicy fruit!
Summer is here and fruits are in their prime so load up your cocktails with nature’s sweetness both inside and outside your glass and let the alcohol take second place (or perhaps joint first).
July sees UK-grown fruits appear on the shelves of your trusted local grocer and do wisely check sourcing labels in pesky supermarkets and avoid Peru et al. Apricots, blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cherries, figs, gooseberries, loganberries, peaches, raspberries, redcurrants, rhubarb, strawberries, tayberries, whitecurrants are all abundant this month.
Pick up a punnet of blackberries, gooseberries, some figs and a few stalks of rhubarb and try these three simple combinations:
Blackberry Fig Smash 2 parts tequila | 2 parts lime juice | 1 part water | 1 part agave syrup 8 blackberries (chopped) | 1 fig (chopped) Shake with ice and strain into a salt rimmed glass filled with ice. Spanish Rhubarb 2 parts gin | 2 parts fresh lemon juice | 1 part manzanilla sherry 1 part rhubarb syrup* . Shake with ice, strain, garnish with mint leaf. *To make rhubarb syrup combine: 2 cups water | 3 cups chopped rhubarb | 2 cups granulated sugar Boil, strain and chill. It will keep for a month.
Gooseberry Fizz 12 gooseberries | 1 tablespoons of caster sugar | juice ½ lemon 3 tablespoons of elderflower cordial | chilled sparkling wine Muddle fruit and sugar together in shaker then add lemon and cordial. Shake and strain and pour into glass. Top with fizz.
While fruit works wonders inside the glass don’t forget the outside of your glass as fruit can make a vibrant and striking garnish. Being fresh, clean (remember to take off the sticker) and perfectly formed are all prerequisites it is the tools that really set you apart.
Here are three suggestions for implements to add to your home bar to improve your fruit garnishes:
A Melon Baller
Don’t scoff! This is a wonderful tool to add various soft pulp fruits to your glass. Experiment with contrasting sizes and colours and you can also pop them in the freezer for a slowly melting ice cube. We recommend: Vogue Double Baller £7.54. Available at nisbets.co.uk
Short Glass Straws
Aside from the classic use of drinking use the strong glass edge to cut through the centre of fruit to core and thread on as a garnish. This works well with blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries and strawberries. We recommend: Hay Cocktail Resusable Straws £17.00. Available at kinhome.co
A Knife Sharpener
Reputed to be the best knife sharpener on the market today the Horl is a German made sharpener that uses a magnetic angled pad to hold your knife at the correct angle while you roll a diamond ended grinder against the blade. Innovate, simple and very effective. Their instagram account @horl1993 demonstrates some very precise cutting of fruit to inspire you. We recommend: Horl 2, from £99.00. Available at www.horl.com
MIAMI TO IBIZA
AT SIX BY NICO
Six by Nico have launched their latest six course tasting menu at Canary Wharf and with sunsets, sea and sand they will take you on a transatlantic adventure from Miami Beach to the top summer party destination of Ibiza. Promising an exciting, culinary journey, memorable Balearic plates with new American cuisine inspired dishes will allow you to immerse yourself in a summer of beach lounging and delicious food with the feel of a party that pays homage to 80’s nostalgia as well as 90’s Ibiza club nights.
For this incredible menu, Six by Nico customers were invited to co-curate the ultimate menu alongside inspirational founder, Nico Simeone and the Six by Nico chefs. They voted for the new menu in an online public vote over a weekend, pitting dishes from Miami against those from Ibiza, with over 25,000 votes cast. Chief Creative Officer at Six by Nico restaurants, Andy Temple said: “This theme enabled our customers to assist us in curating the six courses. Twelve dishes were created over the weekend and piped against each other in a public vote. In Miami, we explore the ultimate food in Southern America, and in Ibiza, we celebrate the iconic Balearic party island.”
To get in the mood before your meal enjoy a delicious Miami Vice aperitif which includes strawberry, lime, pineapple liqueur, coconut rum and coconut mist for a very reasonable £7.50.
Featuring six incredible dishes from the two continents, the tasting menu includes; The Ibiza Sunset - paella bombs with saffron emulsion, roasted red pepper sauce, wild garlic oil and crispy chorizo; Miami Beach - seared tuna with bonito emulsion cucumber, spring onion and chilli ponzu dressing; The Cuban - pressed pork sandwich with mustard mayo gherkin relish, choucroute, pickled mustard seeds and crispy kale; Es Vedra - sea bass with grapes, samphire, celery, smoked potato, verjus and ajo blanco; and Churrasco - rump steak with BBQ Rib, smoked emulsion, onions and chimichurri.
The perfect moment of comfort comes at the end of the meal with Little Havana - a delicious coconut and rum parfait with pineapple, brandy snap cigar, passion fruit mousse, white chocolate namelaka and pina colada. Each course can be complemented with a glass of carefully selected wine expertly paired by Six by Nico’s in-house wine-sommelier.
The Ibiza to Miami menu runs until Sunday 17th July at Six by Nico Canary Wharf and is priced at £44 per person with the option to enjoy an expertly selected wine pairing for an additional £35. Also available is a vegetarian alternative for every course as well as snack sides available from £6.50.
CAFÉ BILTMORE TERRACE
Café Biltmore Restaurant and Terrace has undergone a summer makeover for their outdoor dining space this season, partnering with the award winning Italian aperitivo brand Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto.
With a black and white design mosaic floor inspired by the renaissance period, the Mediterranean summer terrace boasts leafy foliage and a bespoke terrace cocktail bar serving delicious Italicus cocktails.
Perfect for welcoming in the sunnier climes and whisking away Londoners to the Italian coast, drinks include the Italicus Spritz: rosolio di bergamotto with champagne and olives; and the Italicus Sgroppino: a refreshing mix of Italicus rosolio di bergamotto with citrus sorbet and sparkling wine as well as an exclusive Italicus lemon and gin sorbet, for the ideal way to indulge in the summer sunshine.
Alongside this, food curated by Jason Atherton does not disappoint. Guests attending the Café Biltmore brunches can enjoy bottomless Italicus spritz cocktails, or free flowing bubbles paired perfectly with delicious dishes such as crispy duck leg with kimchi, fried egg, Asian salad and English muffin; buttermilk pancakes with vanilla cream, berries and maple syrup; and buttermilk fried chicken sandwich with iceberg lettuce, Churchill sauce, brioche bun and fries.
Traditional favourites such as fish and chips; wood-fire pizzas; and club sandwich with fried Clarence Court eggs are also on the menu.
Those who have room, can enjoy an array of desserts from date and walnut sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel sauce and stem ginger ice cream to a milk chocolate and orange ice cream sundae with butterscotch sauce, chocolate brownie, and crushed meringue.
Drinks and delicious dining are not all that Café Biltmore have covered this season! Guests can also enjoy the beats of the Med with a live DJ programme to run through the summer on Wednesday to Saturday evenings from 6 to 10pm and live music continues al fresco at the Saturday and Sunday brunch (11am - 5pm) as it moves outside.
Walk-ins are welcome. The Terrace can also be hired on an exclusive basis for private and corporate events.
Laurel's On The Roof
Laurel’s On The Roof is East London’s newest rooftop restaurant and bar located at the Mondrian Shoreditch. Inspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, Laurel’s is an all day-dining and drinking hotspot infused with glamour and offering London’s most sought after tables.
Serving up Californian inspired dishes and cocktails, offering a seamless transition from dawn until long after dusk, with a laid-back vibe to match, the rooftop features relaxed lounge seating, low-hanging rattan chandeliers and a playful neon ‘Laurel’s’ sign.
With escapism at its core, the Laurel’s playlist is accented with nods to the Mondrian’s East London neighbourhood through ambient soul, funk and electric beats, long in to the evening, intermixed with references to the musicians who remain synonymous with the bohemian Laurel Canyon; including the likes of Joni Mitchell who produced the album ‘Ladies of the Canyon’ and Neil Young and Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. The music concept is also extended to live DJ sets every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.
Transporting diners on an exploration of Los Angeles, Laurel’s offers an evolving all-day, highly seasonal menu. From lunch to dinner, Laurel’s draws upon Californian classics with signature dishes including cod tacos with pickled red cabbage, white cabbage, chipotle mayonnaise and beer battered fish; and the Malibu shrimp cocktail accompanied by Roma tomatoes, jalapeno, red onion and marie rose sauce.
Mains don't disappoint with a juicy California lobster roll; roasted aubergine with burrata, tomato pesto and roasted mushrooms; cobb salad; and The Laurel's Cheeseburger with 170gm Wagyu patty, gruyere, pickled jalepeno and rocket.
Similarly, the drinks offering also mirrors the playful nostalgia of the food menu, incorporating bold flavours served in 70’s inspired glassware; choose from an eclectic menu including frozen spicy margaritas, Japanese garibaldis with campari, yuzu, grapefruit and lime; canyon cobblers served with pisco, lime, honey and sparkling wine; and the wet gibsons blending Oxley gin, martini ambrato and silver skin onion.
The perfect spot to while away long summer evenings whilst overlooking the bustling Shoreditch neighbourhood, Laurel’s On The Roof is the go-to place for both Londoners and out-of-towners in the know.
© Rusne Draz Photos
