Category: FOOD & DRINK

Nespresso launches ‘Reviving Origins’ to bring back lost coffees

Coffee cups

Nespresso not only makes good coffee, but they do good things for coffee, too. For example, they recently announced that they’re launching a new campaign to bring back life to coffee regions that’ve found themselves under threat. Called Nespresso Reviving Origins, the new program – through its AAA Sustainable QualityTM Program – is working with farmers in regions that have been devastated by conflicts, economic hardships or environmental disasters. Nespresso’s also launched two new single origin coffees for the hardcore lovers, one from Zimbabwe, Africa and the other from South America’s Colombia. Called Tamuka mu Zimbabwe and Esperanza de Colombia, these exquisite and rare coffees have been virtually unknown, slowly disappearing for decades. Now, through Nespresso’s investment and the commitment of partners, coffee farmers in these two regions are starting to rebuild sustainable livelihoods, restore their local economies and bring much-needed development to their rural communities. Tamuka mu Zimbabwe and Esperanza de Colombia will be available in Australia from May 2019 – one of only 18 countries to receive the rare seasonal blends, which Nespresso is working towards establishing as part of its permanent range through the Reviving Origins program. If quality, untouched coffee is your thing, then head to the Nespresso website to see more.

There’s a new street carnival coming to London: The New Street Summer Carnival

New Street London festival 1

This Friday, just before the madness of World Pride descends onto London town, New Street Grill, Fish Market, Old Bengal Bar and New Street Wine will join forces to host a fiery fiesta of fun to launch their two new summer terraces, The Backyard BBQ Garden and Chippy in the City. They’ll be keeping the whole set up open until September, but keeping it fresh with a number of residences taking over so they can transform the spaces into summertime havens and a retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby Liverpool Street. From 5 July, the space will take on a carnival vibe, complete with bottomless booze, delicious street food, live entertainment, gin and vodka masterclasses and wine tasting. Complete with DJs in the evening to other entertainment, food will be plentiful with food truck Chippy in The City serving up seafood plates with Moet & Chandon whilst the The Backyard BBQ Garden will feature STAKEhaus specials and classics alongside Peroni beer. If that’s not enough, Old Bengal Bar will be serving up The Backyard BBQ Garden Menu with Peroni beers, too. The BBQ menu will consist of Aberdeen Angus & Hereford beef burger; Suffolk Texel cross lamb shoulder with minted yoghurt and the Buttermilk marinated chicken. There’s a lot more going on, too, check out the full spread at the New Street website.

Mr Fogg’s London and Penhaligon’s launch a new cocktail

Mr Foggs Penhaligons cocktail 1

Mr Fogg’s is not just an establishment, it’s an experience. Much like Penhaligon’s don’t just do scents, they do olfactory adventures you never want to end. Join the two together and you’ve got one insane combination of two of Britain’s leading brands in lifestyle that are making some serious magic for everyone to enjoy. Mr Fogg’s Residence in Mayfair along with Penhaligon’s has a new limited edition, Liquid Gold cocktail inspired by the historic brand’s newest fragrance, Cairo.  From 26 June, the drink will be available in Mr Fogg’s Residence for one month only. Inspired by Cairo – part of Penhaligon’s new Trade Routes collection – it’s a vibrant perfume centred on the richness and sensuality of the fabled Egyptian city. Using iconic ingredients from the ancient spice trade route – saffron and woods – the scent takes inspiration from perfumer Christophe Raynaud’s recent travels to Egypt.  The Liquid Gold cocktail features a muddle of Henricks Gin, Fernet Branca, lemon juice, vanilla syrup and egg white. it all makes for a light, super smooth cocktail, the concoction is garnished with edible gold vanilla spray, patchouli incense which is set alight before being served, and hibiscus powder, mirroring the floral and earthy notes found in the fragrance.  To try it for yourself, make a booking at the Residence now.

Morty & Bob’s London team up with Patty & Bun do toasties right

Mprty Bobs toastie 3

For a while now, Morty & Bob’s have been doing their Melt Collaborations, partnerships of awesomeness that mean they pump out some seriously delicious food alongside other people who do the same. The latest in the line up? Patty & Bun who’ve joined forces to create a special, drool-worthy burger-inspired toastie for the month of July. It’s called the Jose Jose Grilled Cheese and will use flavours from Patty & Bun’s Jose Jose Burger, available at Morty & Bob’s in Coal Drops Yard from 1 July.  The new piece will combine sobrassada – a raw, cured sausage from the Balearic Islands – along with paprika, capsicum and pickled onions with the end result being similar, and as tasty as Patty & Bun’s Jose Jose Chilli Burger with the addition of Morty & Bob’s secret recipe of oozing melted cheese.  It’s the kind of thing you need in your mouth, in your life and on your mind; so go, while it lasts. Find Morty & Bob’s here.

Rainbow brunch for London Pride: VIVI Restaurant and Bar goes gay

VIVI_Pride (19 of 32)

As rainbows descend on the city of London for Pride this month, you can’t hide away from the fact that as sure as gay is here to stay, you need to eat. So, with that in mind, VIVI Restaurant and Bar in London – see more of it here – is putting on a spread worthy of a kween. Kicking off at 11.30am, VIVI will open up the menu for anyone to enjoy three courses of delicious colourful brunch dishes and bottomless bubbles, Bloody Marys or Aperol Spritzes alongside live music from London’s hottest DJs playing the best of Cher, Gaga and much more! Tickets are £35 for the three-course brunch, and you can go bottomless for just £17.50 extra. VIVI will donate £1 from each ticket to LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity akt. Get your ticket at this website.

Bluebird Cafe London is putting on a frozen afternoon tea with Halo Top icecream

Halo Top Bluebird

This American Independence Day, we’ll be celebrating in our own way across the pond in London: Bluebird Cafe is doing something new. Renowned as one of the places to go in Chelsea and White City, Bluebird Cafe is joining up with the American icecreamers, Halo Top, to put on a frozen afternoon tea you want to try. It’s all for National Icecream Month and will be all about dazzling locals combining classic cakes with playful ice cream flavours. The two names in food have worked closely to create a special take on the traditional afternoon tea, fusing unique ice cream flavours with classic desserts. Complete with heart-stoppingly sweet ‘freak shakes’ of cookies ‘n’ cream with whipped cream and a chocolate slice, or a boozy iced tea for those wanting to spice things up, it’s a far cry from your regular Thursday wind-down bevs. Here’s more of the menu to look forward to: Gateau Opera Birthday Cake: an elegant, sprinkled cake layered with a vanilla sponge and birthday cake flavoured ice cream Strawberry Cheesecake Stick: a strawberry cheesecake ice cream stick dipped in white chocolate and topped with dried strawberries Cinnamon Roll Royale: an ode to another very special British/American pairing, this cinnamon roll ice cream treat is lined with candied apples, piped into a ginger snap cylinder and topped with burnt meringue, similar to a classic American pie flavour in a crisp British ginger snap Candy Bar Macaron: a luxe ice cream sandwich in the form of a macaron filled with candy bar ice cream… Read More

Where to eat the best oysters in London this summer

Oyster Chop House 1

For the times you just need the flavours of the ocean and you’re nowhere near one to get your fix, the Butlers Wharf Chop House is calling your name. Combined with fine English sparkling wine, Nyetimber, the two brands are bringing London what they’re calling The Oyster Shack. It’s open from 5 June – 31 August and will live in the foyer of the restaurant. They new pop up will specialise in the world-famous Colchester Rock Oysters with their meaty and firm texture, served alongside Nyetimber’s high-quality and complex sparkling wine. They’re also doing packages, of the likes of: Four Colchester Rock Oysters with a glass of Nyetimber Brut (£21.50) four Colchester Rock Oysters and two glasses of Nyetimber Brut (£32); dozen Colchester Rock Oysters and a bottle of Nyetimber Brut (£95); and a seasonal seafood platter (£46).  For more or to make a booking to visit, head to the Chophouse’s website, or find it at 36e Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE.

The Sydney South Coast Food & Wine Festival is back

South Coast food wine 1

Down in Berry, South of Sydney, the South Coast Food and Wine Festival is back, serving up some of the country’s best regional food and wine. From Friday 13 – Sunday 15 September the festival promises to showcase the very best the South Coast has to offer. To the tune of over 15 events, there’ll be cooking classes, demos and tastings from local hero chefs, hatted restaurants hosting pop-ups, first-rate South Coast vineyards, and superb local producers, all supported by a vibrant array of free live music and entertainment. Food and wine on offer is 100% from south coast producers, thanks to the talents of over 50 stallholders expected to be showcasing delicacies from all over the region. Think seafood, cheese, berries, wines and much more for hungry and curious food lovers. Tickets to the South Coast Food & Wine Festival cost just $28pp and are on sale now at the Festival’s website. WHAT: The South Coast Food & Wine FestivalWHERE & WHEN: Friday 13– Sunday 15 September 2019 Berry Showgrounds, Berry, NSWTICKETS: $28pp

Taste of London: Blondie’s Kitchen does delightful desserts

Blondies Kitchen

The weather in London couldn’t be worse for it, but the food festival known around the world as Taste is back in town and showcasing a tonne of great foodie favourites. From Wednesday 19 – 23 June, Taste will take over London’s Reagent’s Park (get tickets here) in Marylebone – right near the food hub of Fitzrovia – to celebrate the London food scene and put the spotlight on some city favourites. One favourite of which is Blondie’s Kitchen: an independent operation by Chelsie and Kristelle whose love for food and the the chemistry they had working alongside one another in the kitchen gave birth to their proverbial food baby that’s taking the city, one sweet tooth at a time. They’re super excited to be apart of the festival this year, offering up some items that can only be found in the grounds. “We’re going to be serving hot cookie dough, fresh from the oven, topped with ice cream and we’ve never done this before,” said Chelsie. “You can expect lots of sweet happiness this year! We’re even topping our hot milk choc cookie dough with Frosties cereal milk ice cream. We’re also super excited to be the only dessert offering in the Deliveroo restaurant pop up. It looks so cool! You sit down, sample some dishes from around Taste and get served to your table,” she said. The festival’s all about making food accessible, enjoyable, social and much for fuel for the bod as it is about bringing people together for a chill and… Read More

Save the bees by drinking cocktails in London

Honey Skylon dessert

The bar’s been decked out in flowers and summer blooms for the season, but it’s the drinks Skylon will be serving that will have the biggest impact. Benefitting most from what the bar’s doing, the bees of London will score a boost to conservation’s funding by immersing drinkers into a beetime utopia. They’re donating £1 to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust from each person’s bar bill. From the 17th June, Skylon will be launching a beehive installation transporting guests into a dripping honeycomb of dreams. As well as a visual treat, the bar on Southbank, will collaborate with Laurent Perrier to design three cocktails, each focusing on the versatility of Champagne while enhancing the unctuous floral flavour of honey. Think drinks like the Bee Old Fashioned, Honey! featuring a muddle of Bulleit bourbon, apple, hazelnut, orange, applewood honey smoke, and Laurent Perrier Cuvée to make one tasty, smoky cocktail. Then there’s the Honey Bear, made with Zacapa 23-year-old rum, amaretto, turmeric, honey, peach, citrus and Laurent Perrier Cuvée, is a delightfully refreshing drink with mild spicy notes. While the Queen Bee wraps up the spread nicely, made of Tanqueray No10 gin, Hibiscus, Pimms cup No1, wild berry shrub, honey paint and Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rose. If you’re a bit hungry, too, the menu’s also taken on a honey-inspired slant, with honey-inspired dessert to coincide with the installation, the Honey Nut Hive. It’s a textural delight, the pudding comprises a toasted walnut cake and burnt honey ice cream, topped with shards of honeycomb and bee pollen.  See more at the Skylon… Read More