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CONFIDENTIAL South west London’s latest food news, served with all the trimmings W o r d s R O M Y VA N D E N B R O E K E
A Great Match Wine and food pairings for the month of May B y J a n e Pa r k i n s o n
Crab cakes
he succulent and fruity nature of crab meat makes it a no-brainer match with dry and crisp whites or dry and fruity rosés. When it’s served fishcake-style, though, the wine needs to be especially fresh to cut through the richness of the oil in which it’s been deep-fried, but also needs to be fruity enough to match the chilli sauce that’s often served on the side. Austrian’s signature white grape is a great option because it’s dry, zingy and fruity and is fantastic value for money, Signature Grüner Veltliner 2013 £6.99, Morrisons. T
Roast l a mb
amb is actually one of the most versatile meats when it comes to pairing with different wines. When it’s roasted with rosemary and garlic you could go all out with a big Tuscan red like a Brunello di Montalcino or you could try a delicious blend of grapes from the south of France, where you can pick up a serious bargain. This one, made from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes, is so fruity and herbal it’s crying out for roast lamb, Tesco Finest St-Chinian 2013, £8.99. L
Chocol ate & nuts
here are far too many scare stories out there about matching wine with chocolate, but it can be really a successful pairing, and both with dry and sweet wines. However, when it comes to milk or dark chocolate covered in nuts, or honeycomb, or both, there is one hedonistic match, and that’s a Rutherglen Muscat from Australia. For a gooey but fresh one that’s full of honeyed, toffee loveliness, try Campbell’s Rutherglen Muscat, £12.49, Waitrose. T
Absolute Feast Absolute Abode
Design emporium Absolute Abode in Raynes Park have upped their game with their café’s spring culinary offerings. Choose from light salads like the one pictured above, or delicious baked goods, our favourite being their scrummy banana bread. absoluteabode.com
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ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES
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