Paired Perfection

Ever wondered which Champagne would best accompany your main course at a dinner party? Turns out the above equation of pairing science and champagne, leads you to the answer.

Here we look at the science behind the most successful flavour pairings with fish and meat, amongst other delicious food.

In your palate, you have four basic tastes: salty, sweet, sour, and bitter – more or less according to the food or dish, but also umami, a savoury taste imparted by glutamate.

But what actually is Umami? Well, it’s a savoury taste, similar to characteristics found in a stock broth, the powerful flavour of shitake mushrooms, and seafood. Umami occurs naturally in many foods including meat, fish, vegetables, and dairy products, particularly when fermented or aged.

Now you will find the same in champagne, more or less of each, according to the style and cuvée. The sourness comes from the acidity of the grapes, the sweetness from the dosage, a tiny bitterness may come from the tannins and the winemaking process, a certain saltiness comes from the minerality imparted by the chalky soil of Champagne, and finally, Umami comes from the extended aging on lees and the consequent autolysis.

From fish and chips to prawn tacos and meat, here are ideal, if somewhat surprising, food and champagne pairings from Comité Champagne.

SCIENCE + CHAMPAGNE = THE BEST FOOD PAIRINGS

Fish & Chips with Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Have you ever found that Fish and Chips leaves you feeling bloated and ‘heavy’? Blancs de Blancs Champagne can definitely help with this…This British classic dish pairs well with a vibrant and zingy Blanc de Blancs champagne, a 100% chardonnay style with citrus notes, which matches seafood and cuts right through the oil in the batter. As a result, the meal will feel much lighter, and you have enjoyed the wonderful benefit of Champagne.

Prawn tacos with Rosé Champagne

For a nice end to the sunny summer we’ve had, enjoy a light meal of prawn tacos and a pairing of Rosé Champagne. This pairing rewards you with a complex yet fruity experience that is ultimately a delight to the tastebuds. Rosé Champagne is forever growing in popularity and comes in an array of styles. Enjoy a light to full-bodied – and colours – from pale to salmon hues. This style of champagne is extremely versatile and actually partners well with spicy food, including Mexican and Indian.

Meat and Vintage Champagne

Younger (5-10 years old) vintage champagnes are perfect for a wide variety of dishes including poultry and light meats (veal and pork), and many kinds of cheese. Vintage Champagne is the ideal style to serve at a dinner party this coming Winter, as you prepare a Christmas feast fit for a king with an array of meat, and Champagne. Japanese dishes such as sushi also work well. Older vintage Champagnes (10+ years) are great with lightly smoked foods (salmon), hard mature cheeses (Parmesan, Cheddar), and truffles.

H A C H E

BURGER SOCIAL

With seven locations from Balham to Shoreditch, Haché offers some of London's best burgers in a chic, Parisian-inspired setting. Boasting neighbourhood all-day dining, Haché regularly offers new limited edition burgers so the menu is always fresh.

The Truffle Croissant Burger features Haché’s signature 6oz steak patty, topped with the finest French flavours. With truffle mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and enough melted Gruyere and Comte cheese to satisfy any fromage fan. For the finishing flourish, all this is loaded into a flaky and buttery croissant burger-bun and topped with a cornichon. Available until 9th October, you don't want to miss out.

Other highlights from the flavour packed menu include; Croque Monsieur Arancini; Green Goddess Nachos; the Beyond Cheese burger with Beyond Meat vegan patty and Violife Cheddar; 'Chicken Malibu' burger, with chicken breast, melted mature cheddar, smoked bacon, avocado, mustard mayo and beef tomato; and finally, the show stopping Steak Le Fume with caramelised onions, smoked bacon, Gruyère cheese, slaw, Bloody Marie ketchup and presented in a smoke-filled dome.

And that's not all, brunch is also served until 4pm with the Haché Full English, Smoked Salmon and scrambled eggs, and a variety of salads and sides. There's also a bottomless brunch on the weekends.

Dessert doesn't disappoint with the likes of Basque Burnt Cheesecake, and Stuffed Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches taking centre stage.

With something for everyone and every taste, Haché is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family alike. Make sure you try one of their signature cocktails like the Creme Brûlée Espresso Martini with Grey Goose vanilla vodka and Borghetti coffee liqueur, and the Cherry Bomb Spritz with Bonanto cherry aperitif, vanilla, cherry and Prosecco.

Take a break from al-desko dining and opt for the ‘Quickie Lunch’ at Haché, available from Monday to Friday until 5pm, allowing you to tuck in to a main course, side dish and a drink for just £15 (menu attached). This offer is available at all Haché’s excluding Holborn and Kingston.

oche

Food with a side of games has become big business over recent years and looking to bring an added piece of luxurious style to the mix is the latest establishment to open its doors on the Strand, Oche.

Taking the game of darts to the next level with an exceptional food and drink offering alongside numerous packages for both leisure and business visitors, this is a destination to be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you're looking for a weekend brunch with a difference or aiming to hit the target with some potential new clients, Oche will cater to your every need with a friendly, attentive and well-oiled staff at your service.

Fresh, flavoursome food is delivered in a sharing style, taking inspiration from Asia and Europe. Dishes from the sharing menu include the likes of the delicious spicy tuna cone and Oche slider, two must tries which both feature on the Oche Menu - a five plate sharing menu that also includes a Korean pork san choy bow and spicy feta cheese croquettes - and Chef's Menu - an eight course sharer that adds some delectable British oysters with yuzu and wasabi into the mix alongside halibut ceviche and antipasti.

If you prefer to make your own selection, there's a host of extra options to choose from to create your perfect menu and if you are vegetarian or vegan, there are dedicated 'Oche' and 'Chef's' menus for you to enjoy.

For those after more of a pizza and beer type affair, a choice of seven flatbread options perfectly stonebaked are on offer made with Italian organic flour, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and burrata. You can opt for a classic margherita, spice things up with n'duja or venture into the chef's mind with 'today's pizza' a daily creation from the chef behind the scenes.

A healthy menu of drinks is on hand to wash down all of that delicious food, from spectacular cocktails to sparkling options and a plethora of draught beers. There are of course a variety of low/ non-alcohol options for you to enjoy too.

Take the Bull by the horns...

As a prestige vehicle and asset broker, we can offer you greater choice and fl exibility

• Finance solutions tailored to suit your requirements • Prestige, Executive, Sports, Classics and Supercars • Professional and personable service • Interest rates from 3.9% subject to status • Loans from £15,000 to £3,000,000 • Wide range of products • Private, High Net Worth Individuals and Business users • Most assets considered

Call today for your tailored quote 01245 245678

info@forzafi nance.co.uk

your

COACHBUILT POWER

Bringing the W12 engine to the fore, Bentley's stunning Batur delivers an exclusive and explosive experience for just 18 lucky recipients. Boasting the most powerful output from the iconic unit ever combined with unique coachbuilt body, this is one reserved for serious collectors.