Food & Wine Archives - Page 4 of 21 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Sideways look at California Wine Month

2nd August 20242nd August 2024 funtime65

To this day we can never buy this bottle without commenting f*****g Merlot… but let us explain on our Sideways look at California Wine Month.

Sideways is the cult movie where a groom-to-be and his best man take an oenophiles’ road trip through California.

Connecticut’s own Paul Giammati’s repressed character Miles delivers an immortal line about SoCal students favourite Merlot.

When pal Jack (Thomas Haden Church) asks him to make up a double date.

And wine snob Miles reluctantly agrees but says ‘I am not drinking any f*****g Merlot.’

Stomp of approval

Californians, of course, drink from the vine all year around but they deem September to be Wine Month.

And our friends we have met and wined and dined with in the Golden state have laid out the table for us.

Only they want us to work for our supper.

Hitting the right key: Entertainment with your wine

Visitors are invited to trample the grapes underfoot while marvelling at the sight of colourful hot air balloons floating over the vineyards.

And there is, of course, no shortage of vineyards in Temecula Valley, an hour and a half south of LA.

With wineries including Callaway Vineyard & Winery, South Coast Winery, Europa Village, Temecula Carriage Company, Ponte Estate Winery, Somerset Winery, and more.

The full Ponte

The stomping is pretty much what it says on the barrel.

So you step into a vat and start stomping.

And all with a background of live music, dining, dancing and even a Lucy lookalike competition.

Now our Californian chums have kindly laid out the swathe of fancy accommodation options for our road trip.

And keeping in the spirit of Sideways we thought we’d perm the romantic getaways for you.

Air Miles

As a sample booking the non-members 22nd Annual Grape Stomp at Ponte Winery brings 20% off the standard room rate for non-members which you can access via their site.

And because we can’t just zip down the coast like Miles and Jack, we do the next best thing.

And fly Aer Lingus Smart with pre-clearance from Dublin from €819.81.

Something to think about then as you sip your f*****g Merlot wherever you are.

It’s how they do it in the Golden State, it’s a Sideways look at California Wine Month.

Countries, Food & Wine, UK

Currying favour with Billy Connolly in Glasgow

30th June 202430th June 2024 funtime65

And for reasons too long to go into (naturally another Scary One misbooking around a Pink gig) we find ourselves currying favour with Billy Connolly in Glasgow.

Alas, The Big Yin can’t be with us in person but we’re guided to the best Glasgow nights out with his latest book The Rambling Man.

Glasgow patter: Billy Connolly in his youth

And reminisces about Glasgow’s West End with him at the cricket from when we both lived in the south of England.

When we retraced shared memories of barbers and curry nights in our hometown and his own fave, the Koh-I-Noor.

Billy memorably summed up our city’s fascination with curries by recanting proudly how he had conquered the Glasgow Marathon.

Twenty-six pints and two cuuries.

The Curry Canyon

Of course Billy is a long-time sober now.

But he still speaks warmly of those days and I will channel that too in our trip down Memory Lane…

Or Gibson Street, as it was long known and established in Glasgow.

Alas it is no longer the Broadway, Rodeo Drive, Las Vegas Strip or Bourbon Street of Glaswegian Subcontinental food.

Gibson Street, or the ‘Curry Canyon’.

Being the one-time home of the Maharajah, the Himalaya, the Shalimar and the Shish Mahal.

Curry on celebrity

Twas where, of course, celebs came currying favour with Billy Connolly in Glasgow, Naan Mean City.

The dining scene has now branched out across the West End, City Centre and dare we say it, South Side.

The most famous curry house in Glasgow, the Shish Mahal, is alas lost to us, a victim of Covid’s crush on hospitality.

But it will remain in the hearts, guts and on the palate.

Of all who tuck into a Chicken Tikka Masala.

The brainchild of Ali Assam who concocted a chicken tikka offshoot.

After a customer had asked for something a little less dry.

And infused it with cream, yogurt and spices, and in some stories tomato soup.

Ruby bring your food to town

The spices were in truth in Mr Ali’s blood having learned the traditions at the hand of his father Noor Mohammed.

At Glasgow’s first curry house, the Green Gates Café on nearby Bank Street.

And so wherever we find ourselves, a Mother India or a Mr Singh with his haggis infusions, we will raise a glass.

To Noor Mohammed, Mr Ali, Billy Connolly, Lulu and generations of Glaswegians.

Who loved a Ruby and a late-night lager at a time when the pubs shut at 10pm.

And continue that tradition to this day.

As we will and tell you all about it in the morning after we get our heads down later at the Premier Inn in Pacific Quay

America, Food & Wine

Connecticut Ah-beetz the competition for the American pizza crown

22nd June 202422nd June 2024 funtime65

Now sometimes you’ve got to get in there for a slice of the action… and that’s where they’re at in New Haven as Connecticut ah-beetz the competition for the American pizza crown.

All of which came to my attention as I wolfed down a Burrata cow’s milk cheese and cream primo, or starter.

At Contini in George Street, Edinburgh… while looking enviously at my host’s ravioli.

Too rushed after ah-beatzing about the bush around Edinburgh.

But worth it to meet old friends and new from Boston and New England.

And hear that New Haven’s relentless push to be recognised as the US’s prime pizza spot has taken on a new life.

Now, of course, there is the small matter of a Presidential race this year in the States which the good folk of the Constitution State will cast an eye over.

And for balance it is worth mentioning that both Bushes went to New Haven’s Yale University as well as Bill Clinton.

Slice of the Capitol action

But most important to New Haven’s politicians thus far this year is their Ah-beetz or apizza.

And that is why Connecticut governor Ned Lamont took the momentous decision on National Pizza Day in February.

To unilaterally declare the university town as ‘the Pizza Capital of America’.

While that was just the appetiser for the Connecticuters who took over Congress recently, all in the name of apizza.

House Representative Rosa DeLauro only took to the floor.

To enter an official statement into the Congressional Record declaring ‘New Haven the pizza capital of the United States.’

The Democrat had led a delegation of more than 100 pizza makers from around Connecticut to Washington DC to showcase the state’s pizza industry.

Now Connecticut has more than 1,300 pizza-making establishments which is the highest portion per capita in the country.

And they produce more than 150 million pizzas, equalling $3.5 billion in sales per year. All of which the proclamation related.

While New Haven’s 75 pizza-making establishments support thousands of jobs and over $100 million in sales, feeding 2 million customers annually.

Taste of New Haven

‘Many things are debated in the Halls of Congress and Washington DC.

But one thing that’s not up for debate is that New Haven has the best pizza in the country.’ reported New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker.

Justin being on the trip along with the Connecticut pizza delegation, including Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally’s Apizza and a raft of others.

Hat’s-a-boy Colin will take you on a tour

All of which will be music to my old friend Colin M Caplan, of Taste of New Haven

For it was he who turned me on to their distinctive Naples-inspired and infused pizza.

The Ah-beetz is from the Neapolitan accent of those early immigrants to the New England state.

And it is a no-nonsense tastefest, a thin-crust, coal-fired Neapolitan.

Franks for the pizzas

Originating in 1925 at New Haven’s Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana.

And now served at many other noted pizzerias in the area, like Sally’s Apizza.

A ‘plain’ New Haven apizza is typically comprised of crust, oregano, tomato sauce and a little bit of grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

But don’t just take our word for it as to its zing… well, do.

Conan’s smokin: And a big New Haven apizza fan

But Frank Sinatra, no less, and Sir Paul McCartney, Hillary Clinton and Conan O’Brien have all been fans.

And Conan once signed a pizza box for the staff at Sally’s.

And wrote that the shop is ‘not the best pizza in New Haven — the best pizza EVER.’

Flying tonight

A word in the ear: Mascot Handsome Dan IV at Yale

Now we’re well served for Connecticut with the Bradley International Airport connecting to Europe.

So let’s all ah-beetz a path there to sample (in my case, again) the best in the States.

Because Connecticut Ah-beetz the competition for the American pizza crown.

And it’s up to you now, Chicago, where I hope to head next year.

And my old friends and family in New York to prove me wrong.

Countries, Europe, Food & Wine, Sport

At the football with the Germans in Munich

14th June 202414th June 2024 funtime65

Football is an international language and we had Stein in common at the football with the Germans in Munich.

The Stein I was bigging up was the legendary Celtic and Scotland manager Jock Stein.

The Stein the Bayern Munich fan standing next to me was more familiar with was the drinking vessel beloved of Bavarians.

In between we took in the Bavarian derby, Bayern v Nuremberg, which the hosts won 1-0.

Before my head now full of gutteral-sounding German footballers I headed back to the Oktoberfest.

Only to walk into an argument between the girlfriends of opposing football fans outside the Hofbrauhuis.

Fighting frauleins

All of which I ought to have known about from too many Saturday nights out on the town back in Scotland.

And my act of gallantry ended up with one of the fighting frauleins catching me with a haymaker.

And the next thing I knew I was being ambulanced to the hospital with a suspected broken nose.

The German doctor was as efficient as you’d expect and an hour or so later I was back on the road.

Carry on camping

Only dizzy with the beer and the bloody nose, I could not remember the camp site where I was staying.

Thankfully the taxi driver took a punt at the camp where the Aussies and Kiwis would annually fill up.

With the Antipodeans my coach mates for the week.

Now if the Munich Beerfest is Down Under Abroad at that time of year.

With the (very) odd Scot who has stumbled on to a budget Top Deck coach thrown in for good measure.

Then this weekend is all about the Jocks with 200,000 Tartan Army foot soldiers having invaded the Bavarian capital.

Munich revisited

It’s 40 years since my act of chivalry at Oktoberfest.

Jock Stein died later that year after collapsing on the touchline helping Scotland en route to World Cup qualification.

I would hope though that my Munich mate is still cheering on his beloved Bayern.

That the two frauleins made up and now warn their kinder to behave when they go to the football.

And to indulge well-meaning hairy-faced Scotsmen who just wants all football fans to be freundes.

Just like I have gone on to be from the Ruhr to Hamburg and all points east and south.

And will be there in spirit with the Tartan Army as Schottland face Deutschland in the Euro 24 opener.

At the football with the Germans in Munich.

Asia, Countries, Deals, Food & Wine, UK

A new Westminster haunt for Sushi Sunak

5th June 20245th June 2024 funtime65

So where will Britain’s Prime Minister go to relax away from the election hustings… may we suggest a new Westminster haunt for Sushi Sunak?

We’ve all got to know a lot more about the Tory leader these past months and among the titbits is he’s a lover of Japanese food.

And coke, or cola, as he quickly corrected himself in front of a room of kids.

Sushi Rishi may be of Indian heritage but his culinary tastes stretch further east.

Big in Japan

Pinny your hopes on me: Sunak time in Japan

As we discovered when he attended the G7 summit last year in Hiroshima with his wife Akshata Murty (and we’re still trying to find a family link here).

And good sport that Rishi is he signed up for a cooking class to make okonomiyaki.

For those of us who are yet to savour its delights it’s said to be a Japanese pancake.

And so you get a heaped mound of batter, cabbage, noodles and often meat before frying on a hot plate and smother with savoury sauce.

Meaning ‘cooked as you like’ it is widely considered ‘soul food’ in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Now the Japanese restaurants like to fry it in front of the customers.

While it is also common for others to let the customers fry it themselves.

Sushi and sunshine

Whether Rishi has persuaded the House of Commons or his favourite private clubs to put okonomiyaki on the menu we couldn’t possibly say.

Official Secrets Act and all that.

But we dare say that he would be particularly taken by the new summer season Sushi and Sunshine menu at the Westminster institution that is St Ermin’s Hotel.

With guests and visitors dining alfresco on the revamped terrace, which overlooks the hotel’s lush courtyard.

Where you can graze on freshly rolled sushi designed by Executive Chef John Kouphou.

The exquisite menu offers a selection of Uramaki, sushi rolls with filling and nori seaweed.,

Wrapped in sushi sauce, served with wasabi, pickled gingers and soy sauce.

Each portion contains eight beautifully prepared rolls which include Spicy Tuna (£12), Prawn Dynamite Roll (£12), Classic California Roll (£14), Crab Uramaki (£14), St Ermin’s Vegan Class (£10), and the Executive Chef’s special Beef Uramaki (£12).

Salmon and vegetarian poke bowls are also available on the menu alongside carefully curated Asian-influenced cocktails.

And while Rishi will sipping on his coke through a straw, other guests can choose from… a selection of chosen wines, beers, and spirits, including St Ermin’s London Dry Gin.

The gin is made from hand-picked botanicals from the hotel’s rooftop garden and honey.

All direct from the beehives and is a refreshing and uplifting alfresco drink.

Rishi’s Bee & Bee hotel

St Ermin’s Hotel is renowned too for its afternoon tea, served in the first floor mezzanine Tea Lounge, which has just completed an extensive redecoration.

Afternoon Tea is served daily in The Tea Lounge and library, 12pm-5pm.

Cost is from £43 per person or £48 per person with a glass of champagne.

St Ermin’s rightly plays up its history, eclectic styling, rooms and suites.

As well as its enigmatic Caxton Bar and Terrace plus award winning signature restaurant, The Caxton.

The four-star deluxe St. Ermin’s Hotel which is a member of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.

London life: With everything on your doorstep

And caters for all, with dogs welcome and even bees with resident Buckfast bee hives on the third-floor wildflower terrace.

Which gives rise to calling itself London’s only ‘Bee & Bee’ hotel.

So for the election times that we’re in, it sure sounds like a new Westminster haunt for Sushi Sunak.

St Ermin’s has kindly given us their lead in prices which are:

So a standard double superior room from £329, family room from £459, suites from £599 and family suites from £599.

And we figure then that a stay at St Ermin’s would be nothing for the generously-off Rishi and his minted Murty wife.

Countries, Food & Wine

Quel fromage France’s fête cheese

4th June 20244th June 2024 funtime65

Quel fromage France’s fête cheese is almost upon us.

And so we’ll be on a roll with cheesy puns as we celebrate all things curdled.

The Fête des Fromages de Savoie will roll into Chatel, Porte du Soleil, between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, on July 6 and 7.

The 19th Fête des Fromages de Savoie in the Abondance region goes behind the scenes to discover the skills that go into the cheese-making process.

Now, of course, the experts will be there to show us how it’s all done.

While, here’s the best bit, we get to sample the Savoy cheeses and imbibe the best vin.

Those cow eyes

Now our friends in Savoie have good reason to be entranced by the cow eyes of their cattle with the produce they yield.

With the tourist board waxing lyrical thus about the two types who plod the valleys, Abondance and Tarentaise…

‘The former is named after the valley they come from in Haute-Savoie.

‘They are very easy to spot with their mahogany coloured coats, white heads and patches over their eyes making them look like they are wearing glasses.

‘The latter comes from the Tarentaise valley in Savoie. These cows are hazel in color with dark eyes, as if they were wearing make-up.’

So now you can explain to your partner why you’re gazing longingly into the cow’s eyes… or maybe it’s the wine talking.

Walk this way

You can walk it all off, of course, on guided tours of historical sites.

And hikes through high mountain pastures.

Experience tells us from our ramble in the French Pyrenees that the mountains are never fixed.

When the impending avalanche cleared our heads and put a spring in our heels.

And leave with mementos of your visit from the local specialties market.

A seven-night stay at Les Avenieres, arriving 4 July is from £302 pps in a studio apartment on a self-catered basis. Flights and transfers extra.

So bon vacances and Quel fromage France’s fête cheese fest.

Countries, Europe, Food & Wine

I’ll never forget the Algarve

16th May 202416th May 2024 funtime65

And it’s always important to remember where we come from, and for us that means I’ll never forget the Algarve and for different reasons Bulgaria.

With the Portugal hotspot and the Black Sea beaches among our first trips as a couple.

And Europe’s most affordable fly and flops.

This reveal seeped in as I returned today from the Post Office, who held this survey, to exchange unspent money from LA.

Holiday savings

And I reflected on the family of four we met in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, 27 years ago, who were on their second trip that year.

Because it was so affordable that they couldn’t spend all their budget.

Now, the downside was that the facilities and services were on the slide.

And featured later that year on TV’s Holidays from Hell.

Check in with the Post Office

All of which is a reminder that we should always do our homework to get value and delivery.

Which is, of course, what we got in multi-gen Cabanas.

Forty destinations were surveyed for the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer.

Where eight items that visitors typically purchase on holiday were assessed.

Value for money

A three-course meal for two with wine, cup of coffee, bottle of local beer, can of cola, glass of wine, bottle of still water, sun cream and insect repellent.

Portugal is the only European destination in the top five most affordable destinations.

The Algarve is also the best value place across 40 destinations worldwide to buy a glass of wine at £1.76 and a coffee at 0.88p.

The Post Office reports that prices in resorts and cities are one of the biggest concerns for holidaymakers planning trips abroad.

Their research shows that 84 per cent, rising to 89 per cent of family travellers said that costs for items like meals and drinks were paramount.

Across the Algarve

Our friends in the Algarve have done a deep dive on their region.

And, yes, it is a hub for scuba and water sports fans too.

Hugo Nascimento, Executive Director of Algarve Tourism, tells us: ‘Accommodation in the East and West of the region is typically more affordable than the central area.

‘Of Portimão, Albufeira and the ‘Golden Triangle’ area between my old favourite Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Amancil.

‘For those that don’t want the expense of hiring a car, towns like Loulé, Faro and Olhão are good choices as they are close to airport.

‘Or head inland for an off-the- beaten track holiday to regions such as Aljezur, Vicentina Coast, Silves and Monchique.

‘Where again prices are less expensive.”

The full package

All good reasons why I’ll never forget the Algarve.

And why now with fresh money burning a hole in my pockets from my savings from my trip to California…

I’m looking back now nostalgically at those old Algarve holiday pics.

Countries, Europe, Food & Wine, UK

Steamin’ in the Garden of England

14th May 202414th May 2024 funtime65

You won’t give it much thought when you’re drinking hoppy beer but it’s all around you in Kent… and here’s an offer to get there and get steamin’ in the Garden of England.

Go to any authentic Kentish country pub, so that’ll rule Weatherspoons out then, and you’ll see hops hanging from beams.

So hops, what are they and why are they important to beer?

Now here is an area I felt I needed to research.

And that is why I sought out the answers in two of the homes of hops… Kent and Czechia.

Hop over to Czechia

Look at the head on that: Zatec, Czechia

Now I’ve shared the allure of Hoptown, Czechia, or Zatec as its called locally.

Its Astronomic Clock which is a parable on drinking, its Hop Museum.

And its Hop Festival which includes competitions including ‘Biggest Gut’, and, yes, I’m working on it.

I must though get back to Kent after a dozen years away after a family Dickens and Chaucer family holiday there.

Unfortunately the excellent Dickens World attraction has been consigned to history after hitting Hard Times (soz!)

But, of course, you can take your own tour, and sup in the pub where Charlie had his favourite beer transported to his house nearby.

I drank mine with a kangaroo burger… now, that was hoppy.

We’ll meet again

So for the day that’s in it and because my globetrotting pal Jo is championing the Garden of Ireland’s home charms.

I’m happy to share that you can travel back in time through the luxury of steam travel to classy Kent.

With Steam Dreams Rail Co.’s Garden of England Lunchtime Tour.

Tour de fields

Making a splash: The White Cliffs of Dover

This nostalgic tour offers passengers a view of Kent’s picturesque landscapes and the majestic White Cliffs of Dover.

You will depart from London Victoria, before cutting eastward to the North Downs and crossing the River Medway to Canterbury.

You will climb to the southern tip of the Kent Downs before descending to meet the South Coast at Dover.

Steaming beneath the famous White Cliffs alongside the Channel.

The train will then run northwards, cutting across the heart of Kent to Tonbridge before passing through Sevenoaks en route back to London Victoria.

You’ll get a glass of Champagne and canapés, followed by a three-course lunch, accompanied by a half bottle of wine per person and concluding with coffee and petit fours.

First-class guests are welcomed on board with Bucks Fizz and freshly brewed coffee and tea.

Additional drinks can be purchased from the luxurious Hippocrene Bar.

Make it a date

The 2024 departure dates for the 70000 Britannia are 20 June, 9 July, 16 July, 23 July, 30 July, 6 August, 13 August, and 20 August.

Prices are Premium Standard (non-dining) from £85pp, First Class (non-dining) from £145pp.

And Pullman Dining from £225pp.

So, it’s full steam ahead for Kent, whether it’s your first time or you’re a returnee.

We all like to get steamin’ in the Garden of England.

Countries, Food & Wine, UK

Absolutely Quakers for the history of Easter Eggs

30th March 202430th March 2024 funtime65

Yes we know they’re past their shell-life but indulge our wordplay this weekend as we go absolutely Quakers for the history of Easter Eggs.

Because while the Christian movement might have failed to persuade most of us to join them they have converted the world to Easter Eggs.

Although there were already devotees aplenty in Aztec civilisations to the spiritual qualities of the bean.

Not that anyone cracking their Easter Eggs today will give a second thought either to Fry’s or even know who Joseph Fry was.

My Dear Old Mum certainly did, and it was a bit of a tradition in our household that I would gift her a bar of Fry’s Chocolate Cream a penance.

For something I’d done wrong which I recollect would be most weeks.

Thank Fryday

Now the gooey white-filled Fry’s Chocolate Cream is the oldest brand of chocolate in the world, dating back to 1847 which, of course, I don’t have to tell you.

Or that hollow chocolate Easter Eggs, rather than the previous Medieval custom of filling actual hollow eggs with chocolate, were first sold out of Fry’s from 1873.

Apothecary Joseph Fry had set the family on the way back in 1728 selling to Bristolians as a cocoa health kick from 1728.

Alas Fry’s Somerdale Factory in Bristol closed in 2011 and the company long since joined up with fellow Quakers Cadbury in Birmingham.

That Fry, Cadbury and another not-so-ordinary Joe, Joseph Rowntree, of York ventured into chocolate was no mistake.

With their Quaker faith central to the venture and the mission to steer the public away from alcohol.

Choc it up to Cadbury

And of course the Cadburys built a new brave world in Bourneville where the workers’ rights, health and leisure, in and out of the factory were valued.

All of which you can enjoy with samples of the famous chocolate to leave with at the end of the tour.

And channel your inner Willy Wonka at the factory where one-time worker Roald Dahl was inspired to build a land of pure imagination.

Roots of Rowntree

Joseph Rowntree for his part was putting his chocolate footprint on York and bettering his fellow Tykes’ life.

All of which you can learn at York’s Chocolate Story.

The Rowntrees founded the village of New Earswick for low income families in 1902.

And education was provided for both children and adults.

Of course the Rowntrees continue to change the world, with their the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Where ‘they work to speed up and support the transition to a future free from poverty’

Worth remembering as we scoff ourselves silly this weekend.

And go absolutely Quakers for the history of Easter Eggs.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Food & Wine

Sardines and taste in the Algarve

19th March 202419th March 2024 funtime65

Now there are some foods that must only be eaten in certain countries and so we turn to sardines and taste in the Algarve.

Because it doesn’t matter how many sardines I’ve eaten.

And they are a real go-to as they’ve been an easy make since first I started cooking them as a student.

Scale the heights: The Sardines Festival

They’ll never taste of the Algarve and the beach or roadside barbecue.

Always helped of course by a cool bottle of Sagres.

All of which smells wafted back to me and tastes settled on my palate.

Fishy festival

With our Algarvian pals bringing their Sardine Festival this summer to our attention.

Their free fishy fest runs from August 1-6 in Portimão.

This year, the landmark event will be held along the riverside area of the River Arade.

For five nights, the streets will be lined with craft stalls and grilled sardines.

There are also concerts and historical reenactments of the unloading of the sardine and a ‘sardinhada’ – a classic charcoal grilled sardine – for all hungry visitors.

Racing cert

Now Portimao is an hour’s drive west from your airport entry point Faro.

Where my old pal from Ireland and adopted Portugueser Carole is championing the town.

And telling all to spend some time there rather than just use it as a fly-through.

Now helpfully the Algarve chiefs have pointed us in the direction of a range of apartamentos to stay.

And also the Algarve Race Hotel & Resort, overlooking the international race track.

And as the name suggests it will be right up your street if you’re a petrolhead.

If you’re minded to check it out this spring ahead of returning in August then they have an offer on for the Spring from €53.

And on the menu there will deffo be sardines and taste in the Algarve.