Tag Archives: red wine

10 Top Tempranillo Red Wines

It’s as Spanish as castanets and paella. Tempranillo (temp-ra-neo) makes some of Spain’s best red wines. The main red grape variety used in Rioja’s red wines, it has an unmistakeably savoury flavour, with hints of leather, tobacco leaves, and fruit … Continue reading

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Drink Wine, Support a Bicycle, Change a Life with Nederburg’s Qhubeka Project

Nederburg, South Africa’s acclaimed winery, believes in giving back … and in the power of bicycles to change lives. We’ll drink to that! Continue reading

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Dinner at Benares with Les Vignobles Foncalieu

An invitation to indulge in an intriguing assortment of Les Vignobles Foncalieu wines at one of London’s haut-est Indian restaurants turned out to be a memorably delicious dining (and drinking) experience. Continue reading

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Far North Foodie Adventure in the Faroe Islands (Great British Chefs)

Chris takes us on a journey through the very scenic and serene Faroe Islands, a tiny island nation that’s also one of most fascinating places for food he has been to! Continue reading

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Toro Gordo: Stylish Tapas for Hammersmith

Spanish bar and restaurant Toro Gordo brings piquant panache to West London. I had a fantastic time tasting my way through its menu of contemporary and stylishly presented tapas and reckon if you’re in the area you could do a lot worse. Indeed, for drinky drinks and scrumptious nibbles with a convivial vibe that’s just a short stroll away from Hammersmith Tube (not to mention Ravenscourt Park) you’d be hard pressed to find a better venue. No bull! Continue reading

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Faroes and Away: Koks Restaurant and Its New Nordic Kitchen

One especially delicious ‘just go’ reason to visit the Faroe Islands is the opportunity to dine at Koks restaurant. Located at Hotel Foroyar with sweeping views over the town of Torshavn and across the bay to the island of Nolsoy, the restaurant features haute cuisine dishes “designed to delight guests with the essence of Faroese culinary heritage” using ingredients almost exclusively sourced locally. For English speakers, the restaurant’s name might sound a bit unappetising, but don’t let that put you off … or expect anything salacious. It simply means “cooks” and is apt enough given the magic done there. Continue reading

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Get it Fast and Fresh at Vapiano Soho

Not the first (and probably not the last) Vapiano outlet to open in London, but the new Wardour Street location of this global restaurant group with its fast casual take on serving freshly made Italian cuisine was worthy of a visit and my recommendation. Continue reading

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Good Stuff

Good Stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Good Stuff

Good Stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. RHS Chelsea Flower Show Did you … Continue reading

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Portugal Please: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

My Portuguese adventure coming to a close, I was left with only one more night to savour before flying back to Blighty. Good thing my last night was in an absolutely fantastic setting! Otherwise, I might have started to doubt for a second the hospitality show to me throughout this lovely little country as well as the foodie expertise that’d gone into the execution of my Festival of Food itinerary. As the trip unfolded though, I never once questioned the restorative benefits of my adeptly planned week-long ramble through Portugal. Indeed, I arrived back home eager to share the stories of my time abroad. The story I’m sharing today is one of a luxury homestead that’s an easily recommendable destination: Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. Continue reading

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Portugal Please: Evocative Evora

Leaving the Almojanda farm, I hit the open road for an afternoon in UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora. The hour and a half drive was pure scenic joy. I’d been to Evora before years ago and getting to go back there was a treat – and something I’d be happy to repeat several times over. Indeed, when talking with the Sunvil folks about the design of my Festival of Food itinerary I specified that I was especially keen to stop in Evora. Continue reading

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Portugal Please: Coimbra

Capital of Portugal during the Middle Ages with a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site university established in 1290 (making it the fifth oldest in the world), Coimbra is a city steeped in age old tradition yet imbued with a youthful spirit. Continue reading

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Portugal Please: Suckling Pig Paradise, Bairrada

From Aveiro, I drove south to the town of Mealhada for a meal that had me squealing with piggy delight. Mealhada and its region of Bairrada (still within the greater region of Centro) seem to be the suckling pig capital of the world, where the main drag through town is lined with restaurant after restaurant boasting leitão à Bairrada (as suckling pig is called there). For my feast, I paid a visit to one of the most popular and best established eateries, the rather prosaically named Restaurante Típico da Bairrada. Continue reading

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Portugal Please: Morgadio da Calçada

Situated atop a plateau yielding (yet more) beautiful panoramic views of the Douro River and its undulant valley, the tiny ancient village of Provesende was my final stop in the area. Here I took a quick wander round the village and a proper snoop inside 17th century mansion (with contemporary accommodations) Morgadio da Calçada. Continue reading

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Portugal Please: Even More Douro Valley Quintas

No, I didn’t just lounge around at a couple of scenically situated hotels while in the Douro (although, that would be a terrifically recuperative way to spend one’s time). When I wasn’t enjoying my stay in the luxury laps of Quinta do Vallado and Quinta Nova, I was bopping all over the rest of the valley trying to visit as many different vineyards as possible – and loving every minute of it. Here are a few brief notes about the rest of the Douro Valley quintas I visited, including Quinta do Crasto, Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta do Panascal and Quinta do Seixo. Continue reading

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Portugal Please:  Quinta Novo de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

A lovingly restored 18th century manor cum 21st century four star hotel and the centrepiece of a lofty patchwork of vineyards rolling down to the Douro River: Quinta Novo de Nossa Senhora do Carmo was my home for a night. Leaving Vallado for a full-on day of winery visits around the Douro, my second evening in this idyllic valley wound down in equal parts elegance and comfort. Continue reading

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Portugal Please:  Sniffing Around Quinta do Vallado

After a quick sightseeing jaunt and overnight stay in Porto, I was off to the Douro Valley for a few days of scenic sipping. My first night there, I had the ultra-luxe pleasure of spending some time – and a very restful night – at Quinta do Vallado. To put it plainly, I loved everything about this place. It hurt a little to have to leave and I’m aching to return for another chance to admire in situ this wine hotel’s blend of tradition with modern design; savour more of its homey food; and, of course, enjoy its fabulous wines. Continue reading

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New Regional Wine & Cheese Menu at Theo Randall at the Intercontinental

Allow me to commence this rave by saying that Theo Randall’s Head Sommelier, Yuri Gualeni, is a frickin’ genius and Chef Randall is a very wise man indeed to let Gualeni do his thing. Case in point: the young sommelier’s new wine and cheese pairing that’s been “designed to be a journey through Italy’s terroir and traditions.” I tried it last night and loved every moment. Priced from £24 per person – and tailored to guest preferences – the menu includes four Italian wines paired with four regional cheeses. Continue reading

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Turin: City of Foodie Firsts (CheapOair)

Turin is a city of firsts in many ways. The northern Italian city is home to the country’s first official capital. It’s the birthplace of the Fiat automobile and is essentially the go-to scene for contemporary art in Italy today. And … Continue reading

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Tasty Tales from the Italian Ham Highway: Torino Unshrouded

Initially pursuing an opportunity to visit Torino (perhaps better known to some of my readers by its anglicized name, Turin) was what eventually led to me coming up with my the full blown “Ham Highway” itinerary. The city was (and I assume still is) keen to have bloggers visit to write about the city. There was a chocolate festival scheduled for when I knew I would be able to go, and I was pretty sure I could get a commission to write about it. The more I looked into Torino, the more I of a hunch I had that it would be the sort of “content rich” place that I’d enjoy checking out. Continue reading

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Wine of the Month by @willbedwards: 2011 Barda Pinot Noir, Bodega Chacra

Up and coming wine writer, Will Edwards is back with a second Wine of the Month review. A “relative newbie” to the world of wine, Will works in the Chelsea shop of independent wine merchants Lea & Sandeman where he loves “to hear what our customers are enjoying to drink”. With the festive season fast approaching, Will finds an intriguing choice from a rather unexpected New World region to share with us. Continue reading

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Limited Edition Truffle Lusciousness at Coq d’Argent, EC2

An invitation to try a seasonal truffle menu led to me discovering what a crème brûlée is really supposed to taste like and where for an impeccable wine and dine in the City. Continue reading

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Wine of the Month by @willbedwards: Le Petit Roy 12eme année, Domaine Jean Royer

Here’s a new wine review from tikichris contributor Will Edwards, a “wine and food enthusiast who has fled the idyllic hills of Devon for the golden streets of London. A “relative newbie” to the world of wine, Will works in the Chelsea shop of independent wine merchants Lea & Sandeman where he loves “to hear what our customers are enjoying to drink”. These days – and just in time for nippy autumn – a good many of these Chelsea shoppers seem keen on Le Petit Roy 12eme année, Domaine Jean Royer. Continue reading

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Restaurant Review: Central & Co, Great Marlbourgh Street, Soho

What’s with all this “& Co” business in London these days? Here’s my third review in a row of an eatery with such a suffix to its name. Fortunately, my & Co trio has provided me with more than decent grub. In the case of Soho brasserie with chic basement bar, Central & Co, I found an especially convenient and fairly swank venue offering a something-for-everyone approach toward food and drink. Continue reading

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Sweet Thursday: De Beauvoir Town Pizzeria Pleases Any Day of the Week

Sweet Thursday is a new(ish) pizzeria and wine shop in De Beauvoir Town. The shop’s unusual name pays homage to a novel by John Steinbeck. Look it up. As far as I’m concerned the Sweet Thursday folks could call their friendly establishment Sour Monday, and I’d still rave about it. The pizzas are proper and the atmosphere ideal for a casual meal any day of the week. Continue reading

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Hush Brasserie: A St Paul’s Restaurant Worth Shouting About

If you’re working or sightseeing around St Paul’s and looking for a quality meal, you’re in luck. The newly opened Hush Brasserie is an excellent option, maybe even your best choice … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2011 Monte delle Vigne Lambrusco 2011

It’s crimson and velvety. It sparkles. It even comes from the ancestral lands of St Valentine. So why Lambrusco isn’t the official wine for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day is a bit beyond me. Having recently tried Monte delle Vigne Lambrusco 2011 during a low key and rather romantic evening out, I thought this lightly frizzante vino rosso would make a fine choice for February’s Wine of the Month. Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Sophie’s Reserve Rouge 2011 – House Red at Sophie’s Steakhouse

One aspect to my lunch at Sophie’s still stands out as exceptional: the house red. Sophie’s Reserve Rouge 2011, IGP d’Oc is a great wine. At £4.75 for a 175ml glass and £16.95 for a bottle it’s great value too. A blend of Syrah and Grenache created by the restaurant’s “own team”, I liked it from the first sip and thought is was an especially smart and easy drinker to go with red meat. Good ‘n’ juicy with a medium body, it’d be a nice one to drink on its own if slipping into Sophie’s for an evening at the comfortable (and I hearing ridiculously popular) bar. Continue reading

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In Parma … in London

Just under a year old, Fitzrovia restaurant, In Parma, has been bleeping wildly on my foodie radar all this time. I finally got round to having a meal there earlier this week, and I’m happy to report that my visit was just as delightful, delicious and autentico as what I experienced in the actual city of Parma itself. Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Cave du Château de Chénas, Moulin à Vent 2010

I grabbed a bottle of this Cru du Beaujolais after a bout of consternation and staring blankly at a wall o’ wine at Waitrose. I was trying to find something that would go well with turkey; yep, this was the … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: Bouchard Aine & Fils, Beaune, Clos du Roi, Cuvee Signature 2009

Wow. Earthy onion soup bouquet (like you wish your mom used to make for you). Cherry and black currant depth on the tongue, followed by a rich licorice aftertaste. Bouchard Aine & Fils, Beaune, Clos du Roi, Cuvee Signature 2009 … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2010 Berrys’ Argentina Malbec, Pulenta, Mendoza

Valentine’s Day came late at tikichris towers this year. A week late actually, on Pancake Day. So maybe next week I’ll get around to doing a little pancake flipping in honour of the belated celebration. Until then, I bring you … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2007 Château Marsau, Côtes de Francs

I love it when one blog post segues nicely into another. In this case my recipe review of Marcus Wareing’s cheeseburgers presented a tasty excuse to pop open this month’s WOTM, 2007 Château Marsau, Côtes de Francs. Best enjoyed with food, … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2010 Berrys’ Chianti, Badia a Coltibuono, Tuscany

Yes, I’m well aware that it’s been more than a year and a half since my last WOTM review. Hey, just trying to live life these days sometimes gets in the way of trying to live the good life – … Continue reading

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Wine of the Month: 2009 Juliénas, Les Paquelets, Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Eve & Michel Rey

This month’s pick is a flavourful number! Available from Berry Bros & Rudd for £15.50 per single bottle, 2009 Juliénas, Les Paquelets Vieilles Vignes, Domain Eve & Michel Rey is a feisty Beaujolais demanding of taste bud attention. Dark and … Continue reading

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