Archive for October, 2009

Creating the Perfect Cup of Coffee

by Andrew on October 23, 2009 in Television, Radio, Video, Film with 1 Comment

coffee_videoNothing beats the rich and sensuous aroma of freshly ground beans or the dark notes that waft from a recently poured cup of coffee in the morning.

While much of the flavour will depend on your choice of bean – whether it be Arabica, Liberica or Robusta – the altitude at which it’s grown, alongside precise blending and roasting processes are all key factors that culminate in creating the perfect cup.

Whether you prefer the richness of a Columbian Robusta or are more partial to an Ethiopian Arabica, for those of us who are serious about our coffee, the flavour and aroma of each magical cup is part of a ritual that helps set us up for the day ahead.

Yet when it comes to making our own coffee, it can be difficult to recapture that professionally made coffee most of enjoy from our high street coffee shops.

In this video feature, expert barista David Cooper will show you how to make the perfect espresso, latte and cappuccino – using both Bean-to-Cup and Bar-Pump machines. Having judged the 2008 World Barista Championships, David certainly knows his beans and gives us an insight into the history and culture of arguably the world’s favourite beverage.

To learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee, CLICK HERE

Restaurant In Our Living Room: Episode 5

by Andrew on October 22, 2009 in Television, Radio, Video, Film with No comments

restaurant_in_our_living_ro Thursday 22nd October, 9pm on Virgin 1

Two couples from Bristol open their homes to complete strangers as they compete to host the most successful home restaurant. Peter and Duncan serve up zebra and crocodile in their African themed restaurant complete with stuffed animals, whilst rivals Wayne and Tessa offer up a bohemian bistro – but Wayne’s attempts to serve steaks cooked to order comes a cropper when faced with some tricky customers.

Check out the Facebook fan page and become a fan for more delectable content, including all the contestant’s recipes from each episode: http://www.facebook.com/restaurantinourlivingroom

To join the ‘pop up’ revolution you can also add yourself to our interactive map:http://restaurantinourlivingroom.virgin1.co.uk/

Network with other Foodies and see what pop up restaurants and homegrown produce is available in your area!

New this week is a downloadable file containing all the recipes from the show so far! You too can recreate the Chocolate Tart with Cream and Raspberry Coulis from Episode 2 or the Summer Minestrone with Pesto made by Tim and Andrea in Episode 4.

The Wine Gang’s First Consumer Wine Fair

by Andrew on October 21, 2009 in Tasting Events/Shows with No comments

wine_gang_logoThe Wine Gang, the unique collaboration between five of the UK’s wine critics including Tim Atkin MW of the Observer, Anthony Rose of The Independent and Olly Smith off Saturday Kitchen – is to hold its first consumer wine fair in the run-up to the festive season. The Wine Gang Christmas Fair, showcasing some of the best wines the Gang has reviewed, takes place in a lively and fun atmosphere on 7th November at Vinopolis on London’s Southbank.

The Wine Gang was formed to empower wine drinkers to buy smarter and drink better, so each month’s online report gives independent assessments of at least 200 wines. At the Christmas Wine Fair, there will over 500 wines to taste, from more than 70 different retailers, many of whom will be making special offers to visitors on the day. Other highlights will include a series of free ‘Wine Walks’ conducted by the Gang, where visitors will be guided around some of their personal favourites and perfect wines for Christmas entertaining. The Fair will also see the announcement of the inaugural Wine Gongs – the Gang’s awards for the best wines of the year.

There are two sessions on the 7th November, one running from 11:00am – 2:00pm, with tickets priced at £20, and one running from 3:00pm – 6:00pm, with tickets priced at £22.50. Members of the Wine Gang can book these tickets with a substantial £7.50 discount, bringing the prices down to just £12.50 and £15.00 respectively.

Tickets for the fair can be booked via the Vinopolis web site or by telephoning Vinopolis on 0207 940 3000. Those who wish to join The Wine Gang first and enjoy the £7.50 per ticket discount can do so at www.thewinegang.com. As members, they will be able to access a direct link to book their discounted tickets.

Joanna Simon, one of the five members of The Wine Gang, said: “Since the Gang formed in 2008 we have uncovered hundreds of wine gems for our members. If there’s one time in the calendar when we all want to have a bottle of something special in the rack, it’s Christmas. So, our first Christmas Fair will give wine lovers some great ideas on what to buy this festive season, all in a fun and friendly atmosphere.”

Edinburgh School of Food & Wine Evening Classes

by Andrew on October 20, 2009 in food, On The Web with No comments

edinburgh_school_food_wineThe Edinburgh School of Food and Wine opened in 1987 and offers a range of cookery and wine courses to suit everyone from one day courses to a 6 month diploma. Whether you are an enthusiast or a beginner there are a variety of one day cookery courses, evening classes, master class sessions available which include demonstrations and practical sessions. The ESFW team also provides the relevant training and support to those wishing to pursue a career in the hospitality and food industry. The school is situated just 12 miles west of Edinburgh city centre within a former 18th century Coach House on the grounds of Newliston House.

Courses range from Panic Free Entertaining, a one-day practical cookery course held on Saturdays aims to take the stress out of entertaining (£120) though to a Glenfiddich Gourmet Cookery Session for Men a practical cookery course held on Saturdays aimed at developing both culinary expertise and malt whisky nosing and tasting skills (£130).

Food & Wine tastings are held on selected Friday evenings. These are occasions to taste quality wines from different countries throughout the world and to sample the flavours of that country (£55). Coming up are Canapes & Party Food (14th November £120), Game Birds (21st November £120) and Complete Christmas Cookery (5th December £120).

Bookings can be placed online via the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine website.

Win A Holiday To Barcelona With Unearthed

by Andrew on October 19, 2009 in On The Web with No comments

unearthed_productsUnearthed is celebrating its first anniversary on British shelves this month by hosting a competition to win a holiday in Barcelona.

Seeing as we’re so busy introducing our new Catalan Cooking Sausages to supermarkets nationwide, we only had time for a slice of cake and then it was back to our desks to unearth even more in the world of food. So how do we celebrate a year of activity and the birth of an exciting new addition to our range….we give away a holiday of course! That’s right, we’ve got a great competition to win an amazing weekend in – you guessed it – Barcelona (the capital of Catalunya). One lucky person and their guest will enjoy a short break in Spain’s culinary coastal metropolis.

The winner will receive:

Two nights at the four-star Hotel Melia Barcelona on a room-only basis in a standard double room
Return airfare (including taxes) for two people on Easyjet from anywhere in the UK that flies direct to Barcelona departing on (12th December) and returning on (14th December)
Two tickets to the Barcelona football match in B seating to see Barcelona play against RCD Espanyol

To enter:

is follow our Twitter feed on www.twitter.com/foodsunearthed or check our website every week for the next six weeks until 31 October 2009. Over the course of the six-week competition, we will be revealing a special keyword that you need to record down. Scrawl down five of the keywords in a note along with your contact telephone number, email address, postal address and name and email the details and keywords to: unearthedcompetitions@bottlepr.co.uk. Entries will be accepted until midnight on 31 October 2009.

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