Archive for the 'Food and drink' Category

In the Middle Ages some of the greatest minds concerned themselves with the lifelong pursuit of turning base metals into gold. While the answer to that one has not yet been found, leading oenologists are the alchemists of our times – creating the ‘Nectar of the Gods’ out of the soil of south-western France.

The southwest of France is an area with one of the most prestigious traditions of any winegrowing region in the world. Wine has been produced here since classical times, and its vintages have long since counted among the very best in the world. Names such as Chateau Rochebelle, Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafitte Rothschild are internationally revered and add a distinctly aristocratic air to this region. Representative of the very finest quality and refinement, they personify the concept of wine both as a tradition and as an art.

Continue reading…Liquid alchemy…

Despite their unenviable reputation for insularity, Britons have enthusiastically embraced the cuisine of other countries over the past few decades. These days every British town, however small and insignificant, can boast at least one Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurant. However the latest culinary craze to find favour is the Spanish tapas bar.

Continue reading…A little bit of Spain in London…

Strolling through the restaurant district just off the Granvia Marqués del Turia, in the centre of Valencia, we finally found the Mercatbar while actually looking for another restaurant. Since Quique Dacosta’s Mercatbar was very much on our ‘to-do’ list we were happy to abandon our original plans and give this very Spanish interpretation of the deli-cum-gastro-bar concept a try.

Continue reading…The Mercatbar, a haven for foodies in Valencia…

Based in Ribarroja in the province of Valencia, Verdifresh was founded in 2000 in answer to Mercadona’s need for a reliable supplier of fresh vegetables for use in pre-packed but unprocessed salads, soups and other convenience dishes.

At a time when construction, finance, IT and many of the other economic staples of recent times are suffering severe contractions it is good to note that there are still sectors out there that are showing impressive growth. The fact that some of the most successful drivers of growth are in the Valencia region, and that they focus on sustainable industries such as agriculture, makes it even better news.

Continue reading…Verdifresh, fresh perspectives for growth…

With his hard-earned Michelin stars and reputation as ‘mad chemistry professor meets innovative chef’, few followers of haute cuisine would imagine that a simple family cookbook compiled by El Bullí’s Ferran Adrià would fly off the shelves. Yet, as this internationally renowned culinary wizard has proved once again, only the reckless or extremely stupid would underestimate the talent of this remarkable king of the kitchen.

Continue reading…El Bullí’s Ferran Adrià shares his family recipes…

The Spanish climate encourages a great deal of outdoor living and al fresco dining. While the BBQ has undergone a complete transformation over the past couple of decades, with gas-powered versions allowing amateur chefs a great deal more scope for invention, the usual combinations of meat and fish are still the most common dishes.

Continue reading…The coca – Spain’s BBQ secret weapon…

When visiting Valencia it’s impossible not to notice the huge paella dishes occupying pride of place on a myriad restaurant tables. This popular valenciano dish is a particular lunchtime favourite with Spanish locals, although those who are serious about their paella like to impose their own quality control, purchasing ingredients at Valencia’s bustling Mercado Central and taking them home to be cooked in the well seasoned family paella pan.

Continue reading…The best of paella, Valencia style…