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The Cocktail Lovers Magazine Issue 2

cocktail lovers magazine 2Available for download now – its free but they insist you register – is the second issue of The Cocktail Lovers Magazine.

The contents include:
Spotlight on spirited females in the drinks industry
The team from Callooh Callay add East End swagger to West End style
Tasting the best cocktails Berlin has to offer
London bars with birds eye views
Rebekkah Dooley talks to Tomas Estes, the tequila ambassador
Detox or Retox?
Plus 25 reasons we’re loving this season

CoolCucumber 22

coolcucumber 22The 22nd edition of coolcucumber tv is now ready and waiting at www.coolcucumber.tv.

This edition features a visit to Forman’s magnificent new place in the shadow of the Olympic Stadium – it’s new because the stadium now stands where Forman’s used to be. Lance Forman talks about smoked salmon, graffiti and East London. From the heart of the city to the depths of the countryside – the Lords of the Manor Hotel in Gloucestershire.

Gérard Bassett, OBE, the best sommelier in the world, introduces another of his favourite wines.

Venturing further into the country, there is a visit to the Pipe and Glass, a beautiful pub in a beautiful part of Yorkshire.

Returning to London, there is a chat with Greg Place, General Manager of the new Hilton at Heathrow’s Terminal 5, about his career, and life in the hospitality business.

And finally, in keeping with the record-breaking spirit of the Olympics, Darren Matson – Guinness World Record holder – demonstrates amazing skill with smoked salmon, while chef Michael Smith prepares a simple but beautiful salmon starter.

Alternative Christmas Cake Video

2011 The Great British Bake Off the extraordinaire Holly Bell has created an alternative Christmas Cake that we all still have time to make!! Here is a little festive film of her creating the masterpiece.


Christmas Cottage Cake from Stupid on Vimeo.

It’s a Christmas Cottage Cake revolution!
The perfect festive alternative to the traditional Christmas Cake. That you can still make in time for Christmas day or any other festive festivities.

With thanks to the wonderful Holly Bell from The Great British Bake Off.

Recipe by Holly Bell
For more tasty ideas visit: http://www.recipesfromanormalmum.com

Made By Stupid
http://stupidcreative.co.uk

See a selection of stills from the shot here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/madebystupid/sets/72157628371752947/

On The Menu by James Mackenzie

On The Menu James MackenzieThe perfect gift for Christmas? On The Menu: Seasonal Recipes for a Culinary Life by James Mackenzie.

This is a comprehensive reference guide and inspirational collection of 74 recipes with step-by-step instructions, showing you everything, from how to make the more challenging dishes, such as beer braised oxtails with deep fried oyster fritter, to how to make a simple but perfect chocolate brownie.

Jason Lowe’s exquisite photography effortlessly captures the remarkable food and this beautiful unspoilt part of the world.

With a foreword by the BBC’s Nigel Barden, the book perfectly captures James Mackenzie’s remarkable take on food at The Pipe and Glass Inn.

James Mackenzie is one of England’s brightest young chefs who uses his uniquely imaginative approach to produce an outstanding take on British food. Quality local and seasonal produce is at the heart of his cooking. James is the proprietor and head chef of the Michelin Starred Pipe and Glass Inn, which he and his wife Kate have owned since 2006. Having quickly established a reputation for unrivalled quality in the area, they have transformed the 17th century inn into a world-class Michelin-Starred destination. In their first year the Pipe and Glass Inn won the Yorkshire Life “Dining Pub Of The Year Award” and, in 2007, won the same publication’s “Restaurant Of The Year” title. Further recognition came for the Mackenzies in 2008, being named as the “Best Newcomer” in The Northern Hospitality Awards, entering the list of “40 Best Restaurants Outside London” at The London Restaurant Awards, also being voted into “The Top 30 Gastro Pubs in the UK” by PubChef Magazine and, finally, being awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. In 2009, the Pipe and Glass Inn won Enjoy England’s “Taste Of England” honour as well as retaining its Michelin Bib Gourmand. The ultimate accolade became reality when, in January 2010, the Pipe and Glass Inn achieved Michelin Star status, one of only ten pubs in the UK ever to gain this much coveted position.

ORDER YOUR SIGNED COPY HERE by Sunday 18th December to ensure delivery in the UK before Christmas. Or Order From Amazon.co.uk for £21.00.

Winter Warming Wines PodCast With Charles Metcalf

vins de loire logoA quick podcast featuring Charles Metcalf offering up his wisdom in regards to “winter warming wines” and the “perfect drop for your festive menus”.

Winter is here and for many wine lovers that means red wine season.

But while it may be a given that a red wine is the perfect drop for those heart-warming winter meals, knowing which variety of red to choose can be a minefield, considering the vast array of wines from around the world now available in Britain.

With Christmas approaching, many of us will be entertaining friends and family around the table in the next few weeks, so making sure you’ve got the right type of wine on hand for both unexpected guests and planned parties is paramount at this time of year.

Because when it comes to matching your food to your wine, whether pre-Christmas or on the big day itself, a little knowledge can mean the difference between a good meal and a great one. So which red will go best with your Christmas turkey, a hearty casserole or the traditional Boxing Day cold cuts?

Wine expert Charles Metcalfe knows exactly how to help you figure out how to match the perfect vin rouge to your festive menus, whether canapés or cordon bleu.

Charles has a particular interest in Loire Reds, which are lighter in style than other reds ensuring the festive flavours aren’t overpowered. He joins us with his top tips on buying and enjoying red wine this winter.

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