I received these images from Founding President Régine le Coz today. I'm not sure how she managed to get to the time to sift through the hundreds and share all the pics of me, but I know she works with an incredible "dream team"- her affectionate name for the team that works tirelessly to help her put the event together each year. Some images of the dinner the night before and a little fun.
My experience in Monte Carlo, Monaco - a judge on the panel of 45 for the Women and Wine of the World International Competition 2012 (Femmes et Vins du Monde Concours International). The women, the wines, and the gorgeous city. A Cape Town writer's experiences
Adeus Cape Town and dear, dear friends. Tomorrow morning, after around 24 hours of travelling, via le chic ooh la la city Paris, we will (hopefully) arrive in Lisbon, our new base for the next few months. I fell in love with Lisboa a few years ago and we vowed to return. In the morning, grumpy and in need of a shower and a good breakfast, we look forward to opening up that phrase book and calling out a confident "Bom dia!"
Smoked Spanish almonds from E & A Gispert, master roaster in Barcelona, founded in 1851 - a lovely crust for garlic and lamb chops.
Squid or cuttlefish ink takes me to the Mediterranean and remind me of travels to Italy and Spain. I am always on the look-out for unusual or indigenous food items when we explore - sometimes repeat visits yield new items afresh each time. I picked up a box of fine short squid ink vermicelli in Andorra three weeks ago, and with careful packing it made the journey . more or less unscathed. I made this dish with it.
Do you know the story of carpaccio? Yes, it is the Italian word referring to thinly sliced red meat and sometimes fish but is actually named after Venetian painter Vitorre Carpaccio, who was prolific in the 15th century and renowned for his vivid reds.. Also carpaccio has its roots in famous Harry's Bar in Venice - the story and a refreshing pineapple carpaccio with,mint and praline.
A tour through the stalls of the La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, arguably the best food market in Europe - what not to miss, when to go and the top tips on some of the tastiest tapas at the market. *Warning, image not suitable for sensitive readers*
I really do travel to eat and sample the delicious. I unearthed these pictures last night, of myself in 2009 in London (two or so days after long and complicated root canal surgery). And what was I doing? Standing in a 25 minute queue, in the on-off rain, in Portobello road, Nottinghill (their first ever store) waiting for my turn at the counter of the Hummingbird Bakery. Have I mentioned that I seriously dislike waiting? For anything. But for this, I was determined. I even allowed my swollen post-surgery cheeks a smile.
My visit to S. Pellegrino's 2nd best restaurant in the world, El Celler de Can Roca in May- the venue, the menu, the men behind the 3 star Michelin restaurant.
Chocolate Brownies made with Catalan Torro (nougat), a soft, golden coloured confectionery and with the delightful nubbliness of macadamia nuts. Dedicated to F.C.Barcelona winning the Audi Cup over Bayern Munich. Ole`!
