Message in a bottle.

Today was the first day of Hotelympia, which as the name suggests is an important trade show for the hospitality industry. I concentrated mainly on the food section in the hope that there may be something new and exciting to find – and there was: Norfolk Cordial. As always, I’m a sucker for eye catching…

Getting saucy.

I realise that I do like pun headings, but I make no apologies: after all, this is my blog, and about 3 people (including my mother) probably read this anyway. And for the benefit of that happy trio, no, I’m no longer in the USA, but yes, I’m still in an American state of mind…

In the Realm of the Senses

Although I do work with Valrhona Chocolate, it doesn’t stop me from trying and/ or appreciating other brands: after all – a little objectivity never hurt anyone did it? In this case, I don’t believe these are actually available in the UK as yet, but I’m sure it won’t be long before someone snaps them…

Beyond Uncle Ben’s

Apparently in Germany, rice is a growing and commonly used staple. So much for the humble potato and kartoffelsalat. But of course, with commonality comes a lowering of value perception.  Lotao, a new rice brand aims to reverse this. Lotao specializes in hand-picked, rare rice varieties, infused rice oils, and organic spices. By enriching the…

Raw food crisps from Gourmet Raw

British raw food specialist Gourmet Raw will be launching a new addition to their range in mid January 2012. Their new raw crisps are the perfect snack, with nothing to feel guilty about: made from sprouted buckwheat, which is full of protein and fibre, Gourmet Raw then add locally grown vegetables, herbs and seeds that…

It’s all Greek to me

A traditional crop of the Mediterranean, I’m quite surprised that in my purchases of Olive oil, I have never thought to buy a bottle of Greek olive oil, tending to pick Italian, Spanish or even Australian before even considering Greek. In part, this is hardly surprising: Italy and Spain actually produce over 60% of the…

Seeing the light

Magma is a new mineral water. Neither sparkling or still, it is a unique proposition from Spain, presented in distinctive 500ml aluminium bottles.  Part of its USP is that from the moment the water is drawn from deep underground until it has been poured into a glass, this water has never seen the light of…

Africa – the undiscovered country?

The continent of Africa is the second largest landmass on Earth, and is home to hundreds of different cultural and ethnic groups. This diversity is also reflected in the many local culinary traditions in terms of choice of ingredients, style of preparation and cooking techniques. And as such, it is a little difficult to generalise…

In good spirits

A brand on the cutting edge of the premium cordials market, Thatcher’s Organic Artisan Liqueurs are made from sustainably farmed, all natural ingredients that are USDA certified organic . The brainchild of Dave Racicot, a former vice president of marketing for Campari and SKYY Spirits in the USA, Thatcher’s Organic Artisan Liqueurs are a line…

Def Jam: SQUIRL

SQUIRL is a new take on traditional preserve and jam making. Based in Los Angeles, SQUIRL only works with farmers who farm organically. The fruit is then preserved simply with a minimal amount of organic cane sugar, naturally occurring pectin and crafted in small-batch copper jam pans handspun by nearby coppersmith, David Burns, of Rough and Ready….