tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903389955757818082024-03-05T18:08:41.146+08:00Eating Hong KongSlurping, sipping, licking and burping ones way through Hong Kong. An attempt at a food and wine blog.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.comBlogger466125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-9053068955367969322010-08-20T13:51:00.013+08:002011-02-16T22:04:27.614+08:00Bosue Vineyard 'Cellar Blend' 2008<span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong><span style="color:#663366;">St Ewe, Cornwall, £10.50, cork seal</span></strong></em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />A week in Cornwall and it's time to try a local wine. The Bosue Vineyard lies in the little village of St Ewe, a couple of miles inland from the south coast fishing port of Mevagissey. It's made <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyB1l1KyERJkE02Cv2QEYiwm7guaPC-Ibyq8tfFszBy7yiwmwQ1wCao0QtQRjDSuoyRDmNPMsDZL28e8KB3_rylF6O8FdW02Y1gDJVXxQMnE73FXqB3m4cxJwo5yVNJMvlLxgw5RWZdc/s1600/Bosue+Vineyard+Cellar+Blend+2008.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563544680473768002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyB1l1KyERJkE02Cv2QEYiwm7guaPC-Ibyq8tfFszBy7yiwmwQ1wCao0QtQRjDSuoyRDmNPMsDZL28e8KB3_rylF6O8FdW02Y1gDJVXxQMnE73FXqB3m4cxJwo5yVNJMvlLxgw5RWZdc/s400/Bosue+Vineyard+Cellar+Blend+2008.jpg" /></a>from a blend of Seyval Blanc, Ortega and Kernling<br /><br />The label claims this has a 'rose blush', but no it's golden yellow in colour and looks pretty much like a white wine to me. On the nose there's not much to sniff at, though the hints of stone fruit and citrus are pleasant enough. Again the palate is light and lacking punch with peach being the main flavour accompanied by a hint of lemon in the background. This is off dry and benefits the initial touch of sweetness that adds a little weight to what's a pretty thin palate. <em>Bosue Vineyard 'Cellar Blend' 2008</em> is pleasant enough, but really does lack intensity and interest.<br /><br />Visit winery <a href="http://www.cornwallwines.co.uk/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-57336119294296990992010-08-19T21:57:00.012+08:002011-01-24T14:25:41.280+08:00Making Pasties<span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Homemade Pasties<br />18th August 2010</span></strong></em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />After Germany it was time to visit my mother's family in Cornwall. This was Joey's first visit to this spectacular part of the world and I wanted to ensure she got a good impression and for me a big part of visiting Cornwall is getting stuck into the local delicacies; <a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2009/07/cornish-pasty.html">Cornish pasties</a>. My cousin's husband, a good Cornish lad, stepped up and volunteered to show us his handy work and whip up some homemade pasties.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563538059190249250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgppzIDjyWs-dzxKjmBfrfUxQePWYlbQd4NpthSagfd1rzoxGcPQbawfrTIJpNaNZs0YUu4T1q5Mm_iIFksAosNi7UXGzYI3T0xK48DJYR0cziPn7cfR61ZXIarY0KL_zUM-OV_YSZ-I/s400/Making+Pasties+1.jpg" />An action shot of Matt rolling out the homemade pastry.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563538050210920882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT-ftspdmFfToRq2z9mgv9FF-4GvW9FEXwb0QrZDSHLqG94ALo2zYJr9SsmWvjQtPnRAPrq-MQaU-TZuUSemftknABJx14VqOBglpu-mqwPqFAqo6G5_s8X2ExHtdqMkQ05nP06B8J_s/s400/Making+Pasties+2.jpg" />First in goes the onion, swede and potato; then it's chunks of Cornish beef.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563538043982749074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_6deohneDGQ8lUuSGrMQ0r3sqVe5sfV30ZdLdkOS8bwRc-oUzWdgERRlKmA1I-6CG-994ZxFwhZvyXzOQzlisiys_uYoExoZhIsqp1O0YfVUIzO6UL2-h4kiNaOmnvQdq_26yGYoRNA/s400/Making+Pasties+3.jpg" />The finished packages of goodness; absolutely superb.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-46582932707841400532010-08-16T21:55:00.025+08:002011-01-19T00:17:16.712+08:00Snap Shot Germany<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Visit to Germany<br />9th to 15th August 2010</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Joey and I had a fantastic week in Germany. We caught up with friends, brushed with history at every turn, soaked up the spectacular beauty of the Bavarian Alps and just ate a lot of pork.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563202241145645458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZzwuaqW21Zk9OT9p-QckyZyIhNbMhaOb8W8NDo_t_95Wwzxqhyi6gt5Y5xM9Vb39b-rv-id2qxFZNYpSsw6pl9hLy0VEq5KEQ_KR8jHXYwRDuK78vqWACr_ceYZ-rEvr1De1bySijNM/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+1.jpg" />First stop was Munich a fun city with plenty to see and plenty of beer. Here we have the Marienplatz, the old town square and centre of town; the highly decorated facade of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Town_Hall,_Munich">Neues Rathaus</a> towers over the shinny topped <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marienplatz">Mariensaule</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563202234001078770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cB-hZ49Nao-k1_fvwAQ1DiXF01Fgj9djHVU0MLoIBfnPLLj5LCT6T6K9lsN95XJl5QIZX3_KMreZTpPzBEjxZayWWV46n7Zt50BjpiGrcVJi-7nR_SolSV_CcmVZYJHNMItVMvgb72c/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+2.jpg" />The Neues Rathaus's three levelled <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathaus-Glockenspiel">Glockenspiel</a> comes alive and the little men dance.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563202223485596626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6Eu9Eie7d3h-4eh8BlOkkBm-_wLW5rjpPcUO95WtiLHUYH2b0V3Y3luQI5agP4yZ8_09lnbiKPgeZCvEBUAHgEpaKAP3AO64OCEYRHfDRi2q2VGOjR-2k3BRTjm2IaV_XQ6qCKn5nA0/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+3.jpg" />Munich's massive <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Englischer_Garten">Englischer Garten</a> or English garden's; a least a couple of those basking in the sun were clothed.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563202218922322450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiharQDjhekBEjjSPVDzBc2eoaX0kOYILNPSc3GP0kEM9Fid0GOwPOB1wpXx-u5MbsmsrZX4bDkY7o0ZRI0Uxv3Zvyc9C7cnLxC5VK6_4bEKqqNC4nYQ-QLxAZeMUdoSagF8hxNM864wgM/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+4.jpg" />A big beer at the big <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Hofbrauhaus">Hofbräuhaus</a>; Munich's most well know (and well visited) beer hall.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563202520008777474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTAeVuNm83853jH_4f3730Y_OcUEsTWFzPp4d-AkU8wWulTTCZfNIKUbJxN1AYqyoIHmWtABstuEDkUyVwmzu5PAdSOJRHIZQy5H39TreJkfHMPypNL1sFlXI1gJPoyuiD_F3cNaGtAE/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+5.jpg" />We went on a tour to and check out the Swan Boy - King Ludwig II's - fairytale castles and <a href="http://www.schlosslinderhof.de/englisch/palace/history.htm">Linderhof</a> above was my favourite. I preferred its spectacular grounds and detailed rooms to all the showy glitz of Neuschwanstein.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563203180098055202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFki6Iga3goZgr5SiE9ovohQVAnhRFr09QwHfywVzPzKp7J18TzLus73jHStAptY61-Ppa5XLrnG1fWq740hfw0gCe7ezt5fJW_KlDvWJUFVVcenThRMFjtJeS6ekGlrX4XjyrpUJ7WU/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+6.jpg" />It was hard to snap a good picture of <a href="http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/index.htm">Schloss Neuschwanstein</a>, but the view of the surrounding mountains (with glimpse of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hohenschwangau_Castle">Schloss Hohenschwangau</a>) was sure spectacular.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563523447595841490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxJWvPXcp-OxEyqZFUfmBCZM-oIkiMgym0rKPN_HBFu6zFKhRXmuQgQL2sVQR0psqqJPOGMilD7dhYpYOnfwAXUcDFDYVSRiG3frLCd1Y8eO7NIhlkz3s7wUXZsVAEa0cVbpG2XjSdwQ/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+7.jpg" />Next stop was charming Nuremburg.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563523467422124018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrXau_MLFFsEB-N-1SDcHfaH_Vh0hYa0PcUq6uRK5ycXdcIxSu20ZMu4V_aXn6a6mK4dYQ_N3SFya6jaSc833zq05b_54dWFw_AGmtSpnO3DceqWALha4U3j51xzHmVcjho5yJRxWDBQ/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+9.jpg" />While not particularly photographic the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_party_rally_grounds">Reichsparteitagsgelände</a> was certainly worth visiting for an insightful, yet shocking look at its role as a centre of Nazi propaganda in the <a href="http://museums.nuremberg.de/documentation-centre/">Documentation Centre</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563523457877742466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZiMnJd-tpmHIJcWO_4-JgYScxGRbiSWnL3yhPCoLN_YGgO0guKfts-tRFlHPyzWgbHYROXxDujQBV6ntvioggK_5j8_dsLr9KVuzZrrUYLDlgJL4jNnk7VHTaRoePStICjfr1W9QZ60/s400/Snap+Shot+Germany+8.jpg" />Nuremburg's market and just look at those tasty chanterelles.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-90872556595047327692010-08-16T21:50:00.022+08:002011-01-12T18:15:42.871+08:00Snap Shot Wurst<span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Eating Germany<br />9th to 15th August 2010</span></strong></em><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Germany is an under-rated tourist destination; spectacular landscapes, vibrant cities, a rich history, a great music and arts scene, a plethora of beer, some of the World's best white wines and the food, well the food is... . A week in Germany is enough to turn off even the biggest devotees of roast pork, but aside from the knuckles, sauerkraut and kartoffelklösse Germany is also the land of the sausage. My motto is "a sausage a day is the German way".<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560336713044462962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSn_HKg6J95V1UuyHDQriivKhK6UCDBLN-BSknT0EokI-DRC83fGbChXbtZk9DF6zfFoCq84bwdIb4V42occmoAo-ciHcJVjsmPBhsz8QQOupy2VWzOFDiUHVB13-GcyzarRSgCIDKWA/s400/Snap+Shot+Wurst+1.jpg" />Mmm, tasty stuff to start; the classic Bratwurst.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560336707223404498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bUiRinyNC484fZUSEw2nW4GZWzL2JuRP7iIAwx-Di7qwo7LJkN0_o7vhKso51ulY8jAqqk3zhLapQjjQG-qeC2zbgdLiWg45P73eWyibTesgSJxw_xx23lLdLadG-D-eoBnhP1rNut0/s400/Snap+Shot+Wurst+2.jpg" />Grilled not boiled; Bockwurst at its best.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560336315656862018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtu3cFPwsGRMmE0c2mlYr0-rJG2zVgYBpu2Hy9Er-CPi_A0ZQwJPmzOYOstH4M4kZ02q_KCOAwUwQkOtgEcl9ZG58_53mMFJIiY7RrTIUw0yT9dALt2c7W8ykrR1aZw2BEOukN1dllxc/s400/Snap+Shot+Wurst+3.jpg" />Doubling up; a delicious pair of bratwurst.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560336307707432098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShG4piwy9T6AefiaQJuGCsIgerkciOsMPy5vql_fl6CT2F8CYy3-Wwu8bjws0A5EjXV87uQ3YIbq9rFXtgZfldLRUo41KKmKqB05cbrEGe5fP_zO374urQ5q38mnP7C_SBael8ILHtEs/s400/Snap+Shot+Wurst+4.jpg" />OK so it's not technically a sausage, but it's still pork in bread. A rather tasty roasted cured pork roll; a speciality of Munich.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560336302601413026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCL0_vlhnXF12vVhADvFHQZCUrRkxD8QSm7tDFqkqDJ0rWyHsLHA2uj9XFHMD4vWzr-4wA4uVK1Eh_Bgg3aoKIFRHAjM3GU6zd-gOfX4Fo5khfQKdBdSLQZo-Vh0lY_0mVCqsfChP-H7Y/s400/Snap+Shot+Wurst+5.jpg" />They're little but there're three of them. The Nuernberger; a trio of grilled Nuremberg sausages, a speciality of, well Nuremburg obviously.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560336301301721778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyF641LKtEYQFWlkOx1daoAP83Ja79HGV6zwyXdU4uBhTzPbNYYTyS0MPPpdO996U_2yg2UlKgNfkVACiVAg75vVRK4RMI4FCmdAi1Mvb8IAwXDEU_OLEonuazn4knMR2gSXEK7jr37o/s400/Snap+Shot+Wurst+6.jpg" />The sausage was good; the view in the background is the streets of Nuremburg.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560336294688245442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXnfSDSp2bQk1fh-b_JjL801LH5zF5cTwEnOL_BWhZIgHZTZjyAtN9Ud2WucsS3ooWTDvJjyxx9dRU8Ov8ce7mbJIBwNzszF2tMWLPR_jKpS0a6h6kNGT6kJ9kfPXrdhA3YT1P6jI0ik/s400/Snap+Shot+Wurst+7.jpg" />Currywurst; I'm normally a fan but this one was pretty uninspiring. The sauce was too sweet and the sausage dry and overcooked.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-90921646776569312452010-08-15T19:38:00.015+08:002011-01-11T22:04:51.075+08:00Königschaffhausen Scheurebe Auslese 2007<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Baden, €16 for 375ml, cork</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />My friend’s been in Germany for well over a year and her boss decided that her education in local culture somehow required indoctrination in classic 80s movies. To say I was excited when she handed me a pile that included the <em>Alien</em> series and this absolute-classic-one-of-the-best-movies-ever-even-though-white-sneakers-with jeans-aren’t-cool-but-Queen’s-soundtrack-<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlPktsJaox6dGwEoqlVEZ7oEMpkWFQD90ZeQT3y3hTA62MO9oZgcHpCMi_jPchBsKE_1j1ifOkl5fcj46KPGntHqLdXLsoc3ut0z0n_kX02yTe_I0-eawd9jon-ObQEWJp8ZMOZNexYU/s1600/K%25C3%25B6nigschaffhausen+Scheurebe+Auslese+2007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 377px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560928843524132770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlPktsJaox6dGwEoqlVEZ7oEMpkWFQD90ZeQT3y3hTA62MO9oZgcHpCMi_jPchBsKE_1j1ifOkl5fcj46KPGntHqLdXLsoc3ut0z0n_kX02yTe_I0-eawd9jon-ObQEWJp8ZMOZNexYU/s400/K%25C3%25B6nigschaffhausen+Scheurebe+Auslese+2007.jpg" /></a>certainly-is-man-this-ruled-my-childhood, would be an understatement. So after dinner and a bottle of <a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/08/georg-gustav-huff-dornfelder-2008.html">Dornfelder</a> we all settled down with <em>Highlander</em> and a bottle of Auslese Scheurebe. I’ve never tried <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheurebe">Scheurebe</a> before, but from what I can gather, it was originally thought to be a cross between Riesling and Silvaner, but is considered a cross between Riesling and a mysterious wild vine. The wine’s made by a co-op that is actually called <em>Winzergenossenschaft Königschaffhausen</em>, but that's just too long and silly to fit into the title of a blog post.<br /><br />It’s an Auslese wine, it’s 9.5% alcohol and of course it’s a lovely deep golden colour. This smells of the rot, with botrytis inspired apricots, dried tangerine peel and marmalade aromas alongside the dominant smell of honey. On the palate there’s honey again, but taste wise this is all about apricots. Sure this is sweet, but it’s well balanced with noticeable acidity that does a lot to keep things fresh and lively. <em>Königschaffhausen Scheurebe Auslese 2007</em> is a nice wine, it’s well made and tasty, though it lacks the complexity to be really engaging. There can be only one!</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-5362207212001524952010-08-15T08:33:00.017+08:002011-01-10T17:45:35.337+08:00Georg Gustav Huff Dornfelder 2008<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Nierstein-Schwabsburg, Rheihessen, €14.50, cork</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Day number six of a weeklong visit to Germany and it's been a non-stop diet of beer and pork, only interrupted by a couple of decent Rieslings and a certain evening that involved a bucket load of mojitos (don't ask). Tonight Joey and I are having dinner at a friend's home, and apart for the chance to eat something other than roasted pig, it's also an opportunity try a few different German wines. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560478923666233458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbTssrxeNTlGe4cb6SeOIULY-t3ZrLC8oKO9cPmL-tJs1BAyC6FY7XGIkDi1qVyIJdjkQu-qXprUqZQ2AnavpUVyzgjNx7_oZG51F0H-2Q53pW3FUIo4bmZX2gVyaR4gWMFi9tqa42T4/s400/Georg+Gustav+Huff+Dornfelder+2008.jpg" /><em>Georg Gustav Huff Dornfelder 2008</em> is bright, vibrant and a distinctly, plummy purple colour. I was honestly surprised by how exotic and complex this smelt. There’re aromas of cherries, plums, spicy Christmas cake and a sniff of Morocco; not sure why I said Morocco, but I think this kind of smells a little like sandalwood. There’s also a distinct whiff of blueberry bubblegum that reminds me of Pinotage. On the palate there's black fruit and spice, along with an obvious lick of oak that adds a creamy, richness. This is a well crafted wine with a smattering of tannin, no noticeable alcohol and decent length. In a blind tasting I would never pick this for German; the weight and richness of it surprised me. <em>Georg Gustav Huff Dornfelder 2008</em> is an interesting, well made wine, and while it's perhaps a touch too rich for my taste, the quality can't be denied.<br /><br />Visit German only <a href="http://www.weingut-huff.com/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-16352436464309022452010-08-05T21:56:00.014+08:002011-01-06T14:24:06.102+08:00Snap Shot Norway<em><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#663366;">Visit to Norway<br />23rd July to 5th August 2010</span></strong></em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I loved Norway, what else is there to say? The chance to camp, fish and hike in such a beautiful country was the perfect antidote to life in Hong Kong.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558694883789506770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQW4YWHQVXagW85Zcy2JBg4fA_XTq5WWkFviADDBsX4ObPaySCwQ7_p8C-h1dDHOtH8vG0yIJVJZ956dhcnKVryYHb8r8sFDKzSX4ssgHp7wZnxPxq3klTF-WobompWNQF4P1DwZwOIjQ/s400/Snap+Shot+Norway+1.jpg" /> After leaving <a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/07/snap-shot-bergen.html">Bergen</a> I took a train north to UNESCO, World Heritage listed <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/55">Røros</a>. This tiny, former mining town's buildings are made entirely of wood and I kept expecting to see Hobbits. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558694878434577346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPUfn1J5rqz0LGDqVu-lqPjKxu_vwVenhdpYLcyGZxypYwlhQOaQjeANMAH-3D5IWLFRlZTljSGqWWkg7CDVse6Zeusxxa5IS-SA7WtJ4QgEmcrm3MYJg8ZeeiktATaqRymVOaGzLnTc/s400/Snap+Shot+Norway+2.jpg" />Røros' mining heritage has been preserved; I enjoyed a ramble over the mullock heaps. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558694873467107442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHmAYZO8oejLf1dh-wcEY0qeWtZeBUUeJwBKhASnWytZMWY-fj0kzPZpL2wskJXpC5OmlENX183U7vC4V4PmR1BkisZvEaU7d-V5bu-M9G2CsOoAg7INzd-dk98Tx381oP2XDTOp9bMac/s400/Snap+Shot+Norway+3.jpg" />From the <a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/08/snap-shot-lofoten.html">Lofotens</a> I caught the Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry <a href="http://www.hurtigruten.com/Norway/Fleet/Hurtigrutens-fleet-/MS-Nordkapp/?tab=facts">MS Nordkapp</a> north to the Arctic city of Tromsø.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558693255850022946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OXeCt97_D5FTwMbqTjuL1JK4pwfLjwGVUNmfT-3JKoMosbJOBl71e-flp59w28ZFHxO09a0XjDofOawPzIrgQvui3Q_sfLK4M4YYXB9LVp4yyJJV_m-eJr533FIxYmUx4j64mDVd_jI/s400/Snap+Shot+Norway+4.jpg" /><a href="http://www.destinasjontromso.no/english/">Tromsø</a> itself is a fun and relaxed city, with interesting museums, good food and (like much of Norway) spectacular views.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558693245593807298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqUJULAbkejOdhMU8SN1VTKP0IjZYypO0N1VtRk2w4HWzzex0ytIF5uDCITZ-DmB2FO10nTaSb-L5PbCf9_4YhAWpuYRSkmeWl06F7D2p9eX0giGaT2o35hzf6FWDKFkUvo0gB52mnLw/s400/Snap+Shot+Norway+5.jpg" />Tromsø's spectacular <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_Cathedral">Arctic Cathedral</a> glistening in the sunlight.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558693237674350834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGwu9UzBBU5GFB3lnovUu6Jt7UgiFxOIgLulAMvsXQRPrJ6YEOk2qnQAfQ-Agv6IyXXeRKwwSd7WQn8EWs472YxpaKqifFjTTAMVXAk7OUkpVnpg4aDo_Ujn7rtrkg0J8zAHAZWDZPsU/s400/Snap+Shot+Norway+6.jpg" />I arrived in Oslo in the evening with just enough time for a stroll down to the <a href="http://www.kongehuset.no/c27322/seksjonstekst/vis.html?tid=28697">Royal Palace</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558693235271812130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjMIPcVcNg9bba7Gazf7pdw0WF0pMicVdCXoIQJABa4hlnl1hPaQ8sVefYuhSDt-M2iB4KEIYTtfoFuJaM8gwNtWHE_gVYI9PCMTuYgmJDxMFaX3nCSBdPSaj4IT-uLCiIp64NK6eR3s/s400/Snap+Shot+Norway+7.jpg" />A short ferry ride from central Oslo is the Bygdøy Peninsula, a suburban area that just happens to be packed with awesome museums. Seeing Thor Heyerdahl's original raft at the <a href="http://www.kon-tiki.no/e_aapning.php">Kon-Tiki Museum</a> was a highlight as was a visit to the enthralling <a href="http://www.norwayguide.no/ta/viking-oslo.htm">Viking Ship Museum</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558693230840411474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1eLZuGHVSSHA1CRW6gk7pTfIkoQeRFBG7lk45e_64w-VAO3VJ4kY4lPYmiwiNWKt47Keih-_9zsmGBlBfhYF88b5yNvWRhVXe_BDHwPDEzmWe86pvxB-5fwxdNiNl3DCLjXeT3Yy8nI/s400/Snap+Shot+Norway+8.jpg" />The view downtown from <a href="http://www.nasjonalefestningsverk.no/akershus/emner_akershus/English%20summary">Akershus Fortress</a>; Oslo still very much a maritime city.</span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-58273863769731144272010-08-04T07:18:00.022+08:002011-01-05T20:11:33.196+08:00Emmas Drømmekjøkken<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">8 Kirkegata, Tromsø, Norway<br />Visited 3rd August 2010</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558113045458379138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZhM2SHN5J1lOkhTRPvGq3cmNLrdQ-YPD0Oy-nuF7z5pJKq9yFRX91MBjtUBfoYBriVT5pdI62C3gBmOZHyR51kCReUaVLl18iO6bVEyev3tvAxUnElLGstXlhhOdMZaEHxwR2rtw4to/s400/Emmas+Dr%25C3%25B8mmekj%25C3%25B8kken+1.jpg" />Norway is spectacular, but Norway is expensive. Camping, nights sleeping on ferries and trains and a diet of fruit and sandwiches (though sandwiches packed with reindeer salami I might add) all helped to make my trip that little bit more financially feasible. During my two weeks in Norway I only ate at three restaurants, basically because that’s all the budget could handle. Anyway the previous day I’d celebrated my birthday with a couple of pints and a sleep on a sofa of the <a href="http://www.hurtigruten.com/Norway/">Hurtigruten</a> coastal ferry. Back on dry land and in the Northern city of <a href="http://www.destinasjontromso.no/english/">Tromsø</a> I decided it was time to treat myself to dinner and splurged at <em>Emmas Drømmekjøkken</em> or 'Emma's Dream Kitchen' as it translates.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ06k4N0vNu7jYI8XdAKj8QrorxNo8yNkwEV4x5P6AfPazLJbEiRvrtNArYHjs2RCtEbEw6LKZ1yv9RkFqfjmNP1MUBLbp1TFxi8p5ju9t0pgXWDDAxp4K3IArHFA8B4RdE4qLMyl7TQ/s1600/Emmas+Dr%25C3%25B8mmekj%25C3%25B8kken+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 222px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558671589214764946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ06k4N0vNu7jYI8XdAKj8QrorxNo8yNkwEV4x5P6AfPazLJbEiRvrtNArYHjs2RCtEbEw6LKZ1yv9RkFqfjmNP1MUBLbp1TFxi8p5ju9t0pgXWDDAxp4K3IArHFA8B4RdE4qLMyl7TQ/s320/Emmas+Dr%25C3%25B8mmekj%25C3%25B8kken+3.jpg" /></a> The cute little restaurant is located opposite Tromsø's unique wooden <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troms%C3%B8_Cathedral">Cathedral</a>.<br /><br />The influence of local, fresh produce is obvious across Norway (well at least during the summer) and the menu at Emmas Drømmekjøkken featured plenty of it. I started with a lamb and feta salad. Lettuce, asparagus and vodka poached tomatoes were topped with crumbly feta and locally cured lamb. The freshness of the greens nicely complimented the gamy lamb, however my only grip was that he vodka poached tomatoes were flavourless and kind of weird. The previous week on the <a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/08/snap-shot-lofoten.html">Lofotens</a> I'd caught a fair few <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_char">Char</a> so couldn’t resist indulging in a dish of this Arctic salmonoid. Poached until tender the fillet of fish was accompanied by a creamy basil sauce, asparagus and new potatoes. Simple and honest; the reason I loved this dish was the quality of the delicious Char. To drink they matched a couple of glasses of wine to my meal; the first was an OK Italian white, but the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_5EQDO5lqDWyNXZe9FPDaMbCwyXhN269ssg-K74lbNu35q6bQ1YK6MlzS-WqmIm5tGkZRuXO8PKemSORlBwiJ6nMP46ZPd6Xy3xOFaf-LlTTI4k06CyDNRRD1SXiUD8ksMNNVYr4mn8/s1600/Emmas+Dr%25C3%25B8mmekj%25C3%25B8kken+4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 247px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558671784703148050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_5EQDO5lqDWyNXZe9FPDaMbCwyXhN269ssg-K74lbNu35q6bQ1YK6MlzS-WqmIm5tGkZRuXO8PKemSORlBwiJ6nMP46ZPd6Xy3xOFaf-LlTTI4k06CyDNRRD1SXiUD8ksMNNVYr4mn8/s320/Emmas+Dr%25C3%25B8mmekj%25C3%25B8kken+4.jpg" /></a>Loire Chenin Blanc that was poured with the Char was fantastic. It was a perfect match; delicious and with just a touch of sweetness to complement the richness of the fish.<br /><br />Maybe I just needed a bit of civilization, but I walked away from dinner at <em>Emmas Drømmekjøkken</em> a satisfied man. The food was excellent – well prepared and made with what were obviously quality ingredients. The staff were knowledge, friendly and more than happy for a chat whether it was about fishing or wine. Value is a matter of perception and while I honestly can’t remember what my meal cost (maybe I’m just blocking it out), whatever it was it was worth it. If you're ever lucky enough to be visiting Tromsø definitely pop into <em>Emmas Drømmekjøkken </em>for a feed. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558669525934287058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH7eJ3y-LocR-ietCMdSRADyJJ1nX9I6h7zCLxESj7NSBACc0NVSiu09VvjY-rR9UoH3pNLMTzQ2orQ3FUvFkq08wov2dycRVLWjJe0V5wealf3J37KDi9EpM_OxW0zjeZh2n2dzHPgk/s400/Emmas+Dr%25C3%25B8mmekj%25C3%25B8kken+2.jpg" />Visit restaurant <a href="http://www.emmasdrommekjokken.no/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-36953993152232177272010-08-03T21:57:00.019+08:002011-01-04T12:58:44.550+08:00Snap Shot Lofoten<em><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#663366;">Visit to Lofoten Islands<br />28th July to 2nd August 2010</span></strong></em><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><br />The nearly 40 hours of travel it took me to get to the Lofoten Islands was certainly worth it. This archipelago off the coast of Nordland and within the Arctic Circle has to be one of the most gorgeous places I've ever visited. The views of red tinted fishing villages perched where steep, lofty cliffs meat a tumbling ocean are truly spectacular. My days were filled with hiking, cycling and fishing and my memories of Lofoten are nothing but positive.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557980041732248002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBhsSOW4HcleAtVjpTMCWuxFuTHeU4uWKWQto1Qj3DZkBB8LhSPGxwvwNesnKn6IUo5wRb8hENVQQmnF8VGs-sHAyYjkrPRu_nfR-4nhVI4YgiBhVcUv-IGmLpr-SFXRIbTv0VJl0isM/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+1.jpg" />First stop was the Lofoten's southern most town; the spectacular <a href="http://www.viewlofoten.no/viewpoints/a-i-lofoten.html">Å</a> on the island of Moskenesøy.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557980034861826562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tdXznfeyNcS65WbeufIyr0_FCnHW-fgGmsUCQ9gBv7Z1Wzm8T4Gz8DFBOAvjk9CR9X39_2zAmgb-K7iNzI9532cannNzbaoB3mkrlTyJ34MdviO-uvs8i9rxbTEN74lst27cHamWFQ4/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+2.jpg" />Home for a few nights.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557980026107087586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdgtafJpMy1lM9YREfUOsoxf0yOa7BLqPn0bFGm_UIxdvkM43xMl0gJ_WXmDHcQDOPj1yPnPsMVzp_EVqMF4XUop9bB7h7zPUSxbbh1gSerJNCATNVBIXsJ_TFMdAcq7TQnkPeC-Fm40/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+3.jpg" />Looking south towards the steep cliffs of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A6r%C3%B8y">Værøy</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557980021742863250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfkRmIADdSRuYJowKEDGBZYzJC6eZ0xI0XFNNTE9Oa14UU79Ds2ix4uy-BCH2zE1ekKGrgvPC6pLUlJEwYZ9kGpm0yokuW84bStvRmLGBkTeLgTeeDSI7d8L2rFPIduTBmxBCNv4DeUA/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+4.jpg" />Fishing from a charter can at times have its rewards; I was pretty happy with this decent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollock">Pollock</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557979395622781586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sghNE4s4y0Khvkrjr7XetCUVhPwvYdxkgoNhH9oEk3r54SVk9Fy7mEVQeX6mpB9CVbbnme35g1c-IShfpabsuIDAMhjggLJwjMDqdVFAR8UJKUXxlU7Q2YMyS18SKOqXU2-5e6PiJ4s/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+5.jpg" />Norway seems to have no shortage of gulls.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557979394308986994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi340FRGZo0sI7lf8gBMj3Yl23pjgcvcIZCibzeElUFP6VCS9GVH1zuhD_cwmpJYyrfHWL_evcgmWuDZ4nSjnU8xyxOFwD82aPyIGETGs1w9S7D8km1wUW4NCMRusMqmBYTzFjjlT0-Bs/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+6.jpg" />On my final day at I walked up to the pass above my camp for some spectacular views. Å is at the far end of the lake, my camp lost in the cliffs below.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558000153128036338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBrrdnQg9eG9c_6eNBIMEIlsnVelt4sbZUQfbE-Xy5A9FW2gylTn8ISrexFzpAbnBkFx4Ymj4k8v-MZW3q-ixRvghpyME_uadUm4yy-sGoDuIVO4EOSh6krmr42IfDM2ZfI5BuvUu0ik/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+10.jpg" />After Å I moved to the island of Flakstadøya for a couple of nights camping at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramberg,_Flakstad">Ramberg</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557979385533463538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhau1yd6bRWc0M9svJPqkHNtgIh2T7XHJAfzv4JORqvG_ChuWOARYMDrzCWHfB9zdiRCOHbLsA9PMNqJMpOXiBICGi2Hd4qOf0RIX9U4zYLj5iR2KO2IBXrOqSL0VUcaw9BfxJQRr-3TSE/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+7.jpg" />A definite highlight was a cycle to the tiny village of <a href="http://www.nusfjord.no/EN/Nusfjord/index.html">Nusfjord</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557979381616233506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF8EmUnKN1_U5rTMZl9W-84PpybGfMdDeOsxuOo91Bw1fMX7A4XWj6L4AV-zBMv5JpMQzmOhss5lOEp-DED_-4zm7GvSqzisT01MtSLqnnKl6gYoE3cVhTiO9FNKhFySCcNL1apv2j9Y/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+8.jpg" />Not sure if this fellow is a Norway native, but he's sure cute.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557979377634233250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy9rSF5hI55UX6uAlvHxcaAP_xtcA_Ripnl5yeDK8iXulGlCLZpxuXAXCyvuTCOoiDZHZD79c0zh06VvmAjHP5CdAN3rNpYyR1IfL5ofYxutv7_UOZTY0CBPKd-XGvVs1zhkZ7rkTFN0/s400/Snap+Shot+Loften+9.jpg" />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stave_church">stave church</a> at Flakstad.</span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-88492369453962039512010-07-26T14:29:00.011+08:002010-12-27T20:33:28.090+08:00Snap Shot Bergen<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Visit to Bergen<br />23rd to 25th July 2010</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />OK enough of the sitting around <a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/07/g-kelly.html">eating</a> and <a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/07/gordons-wine-bar.html">drinking</a> in London, it's adventure time. This summer my first stop was Norway; the winner of my internal 'where do I want to most visit battle'. I was joined for the first part my brother and his girlfriend and we had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend exploring Bergen.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554147424941543202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6y-W5OaGFqm523Ez-Hp0kuiexLltwjUTJ3bhQyY3hIPJHaJyX9yBxRAjG6wkMp1jWm9vGq_V7aFcUHy0c1_PJfN3baqwlLSFy4N8yEl4L5_xCDLgNOOokaKadzDL_7EKMsnmvUOhmpqM/s400/Snap+Shot+Bergen+1.jpg" />The distinctive old buildings of the <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/59">Hanseatic wharf</a>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554147418914105170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnRfJaKBxtbV9Vbto5BeFQkhev_q0HEnv8RMDv5VQYx2hLgapitaRekRjC6ujmzdKA6ZNRNV5IO69tVGCXbhpFrL1yTIZQpHYFjIqjGn9XWkneeSGC-TEY5E_pdTqSpQVlvUeEnidKx4/s400/Snap+Shot+Bergen+2.jpg" />On our first day we took a <a href="http://www.norwaynutshell.com/">Norway in a Nutshell</a> tour; an accessible way to soak up Norway's spectacular scenery. Here we have <a href="http://www.sognefjord.no/en/">Sognefjord</a>; Norway's largest fjord.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554147415948895618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUhWIGMWrFjXKIzvuhGa-evPtUPgLN5koWi3QkyIwcUlOqMP_s7CPIxQ4XOGODau4hxgl0XGpmxiNDpv9Tjr9WQCBRfrF3Jf4yU0CqdeGT1VokTgCbV9f_mTUVrdjW2_Rd7WvfF65vxs/s400/Snap+Shot+Bergen+3.jpg" />There were plenty of gulls tailing us on our cruise.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554146642532914962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50Cx0BYz5jCWkHZTrxSoKY75sMjt90QPKxbdpbhyRdNqYc3Cn675CjTDXSJL2wuy26ZFTPRpQ-zuSgT7ZW4RdDsIcGlqSnV0IztFjGg8_fb5dfLfYJdHuZU6C_SXbhFGGPu-QOyEKTXM/s400/Snap+Shot+Bergen+4.jpg" /> An isolated, but majestic landscape for the villagers perched amongst tSognefjord's steep glacier valleys.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554146635735851506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBDbn11QBmkBB1gjDdNN3HNfeD2NKRhIpwj0ilKnolDoKAjQwkH3kr2krQwWbW_q1J5S4twcnwkaGXg3Ef7-8H-woUEmgRFMtx5_-eMP6SQTdUwC99-JtCILgGbcf18AizVOWl89IvZM/s400/Snap+Shot+Bergen+5.jpg" />Bergen is Norway's second largest city, yet still maintains its charm.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554146632404384146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dXsgvOCd1kKoy_W6lXJaE12C4MOIjANFx4wbunYskWSeaO72NEyQJ_MsDsdO2V1ibbVBid_jFXBQNBcZStrnj2uX7_nBrg-LA8ul2oRIEOQQ3pwsb7B3y_XsmvkHxdW3cfAsa6Ry4D8/s400/Snap+Shot+Bergen+6.jpg" />The view of Bergen after a trip up the <a href="http://www.floibanen.com/">Fløibanen</a> funicular<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554146618879949858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplqdI1lZp4YrRFAv-QobHRPLQfAh2MyxcvPd3GJW01BRO5rO9zrqNwPbE-FAD7gNryDWqAe4_xvEJjvUQMkwQxKr3ShnzAGUpkC2bEcT8ASqXK-yfdLqFF-e8LwwG7eaj20lebtCpck8/s400/Snap+Shot+Bergen+8.jpg" /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%B8yen">Mt Fløyen</a>, the hill above Bergen, has plenty of opportunities for walking.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554146622361964418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OkoZU7Ia7QF6jvAoAq_mEJTiMJvUK4wTBB0HpeXstov3J6Uly6ByhjlMzAdoCWSECp2711F4XzHD7vbCHb16NDnHx6rgRTalOvGsjMVc2gdoCnJBczcjpq0sDdyKpNA8pbPBPMscHX4/s400/Snap+Shot+Bergen+7.jpg" />and mushrooms...</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-42643419893484508012010-07-23T23:00:00.008+08:002010-12-22T12:48:56.633+08:00G. Kelly<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">526 Roman Road, Bow, London<br />Visited 23rd July 2009</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Well I'm certainly having all the authentic London experiences aren't. A visit to <em><a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/07/gordons-wine-bar.html">Gordon’s Wine Bar</a></em> and then I stumbled across <em>G. Kelly</em> while looking for fishing tackle near my brother’s place on the Roman Road. This joint is about as traditional as you can get. Apparently the Kelly family started selling eels and pies in 1915 and one of their sons Gordon opened this pie and eel shop at the market on Roman Road in the 1930s. Inside its white and shinny; all tiles and lino, and about as old school as you can get.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553281439646152754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOdGA6t8gjtOQHObQuQnK-dpEoIFgUdRrHtOqgqvIUyIiL1xPvg8mlSlWLXcfgY0HE3vE0eO1Z-YKoSKDY9qgZ-R5u5Iq9hPJGXR2mHrACKcNqVaq2sbxy7P2qYl5Dc8-VxT1evamXmA/s400/G+Kelly+1.jpg" />Ordering at <em>G. Kelly</em> is pretty simple as they sell the same traditional English delicious they’ve been selling for years: pies, sausages and eels, accompanied by mashed potato and either traditional parsley sauce or gravy. I went for a couple of Cumberland sausages with mash, parsley sauce and a sly little pie on the side. The thick sausages were really tasty; meaty and flavoursome. The stupidly big pile of mash was a tad dry, but went down OK when smothered in parsley sauce that was interestingly made with the dried herb rather than fresh. As a good Aussie boy I’ve eaten plenty of pies in my time and the crisp, flaky little package I got a <em>G. Kelly</em> was the best I’ve had in a while. Apart from the excellent pastry it was filled with good quality beef that was nicely seasoned with plenty of pepper. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553281440726415218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IqXMzT2uyEoz9vZijLQ8-36EZxk_DBEdf3SOLz8LRtBO7OchgSp1YPb5Zy9cJd4R1mPMMi-MN_FbZnKgK0-UZIcXLjFOqgZdhiB7XnPGE_06JRYWUr1TVY1pDcAd-0ododifiwe5yq4/s400/G+Kelly+2.jpg" /><em>G. Kelly</em> is about as far as you can get from fine dinning, yet there’s something pretty satisfying about a plate overflowing with simple, nourishing food. I really enjoyed both sausages and especially the delicious pie; I enjoyed the retro setting and I enjoyed the prices are seem to be from several generations ago. £2.80 for the sausages and mash and another £1.60 for a beef pie; £4.40 is a bit of a bargain for what was literally an overflowing pile of food. <em>G. Kelly</em> is London as it should be.<br /><br />Visit restaurant <a href="http://www.gkellypieandmash.co.uk/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-44806855151435434862010-07-22T17:45:00.018+08:002010-12-21T19:24:07.519+08:00Gordon's Wine Bar<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">47 Villiers Street, London<br />Visited 21st July 2010</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I arrived in London on a spectacular sunny afternoon, yet somehow found myself spending this beautiful, balmy evening sitting in a damp, old cellar. Sorry I’m making in sound worse than it is. Established on the present site in 1890, <em>Gordon's </em>is London’s oldest wine bar (and maybe the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwsMllzKNnDSqu4vN9VwIHxX_9yufcOfYJzOHIts2tFcka4TQyUulmgTy9_K0P7gzb20_U7SYvUMjdP0Hs2vZo9ORdZjHbCFAGhS_pRL8lntTxyuDQa1KgkDo64U7HylRwtqgCI3_tJ8/s1600/Gordon%2527s+Wine+Bar+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 230px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553094443818970290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwsMllzKNnDSqu4vN9VwIHxX_9yufcOfYJzOHIts2tFcka4TQyUulmgTy9_K0P7gzb20_U7SYvUMjdP0Hs2vZo9ORdZjHbCFAGhS_pRL8lntTxyuDQa1KgkDo64U7HylRwtqgCI3_tJ8/s320/Gordon%2527s+Wine+Bar+2.jpg" /></a>world's); it is one of the most atmospheric places around. Located between the river and Trafalgar Square, <em>Gordon’s Wine Bar</em> is better the deeper you go. We descended into the original cellar where trestle tables, old barrels and candles are the order of the day.<br /><br />Booze not food is the priority here, yet amazingly for the UK no beer or spirits are served; it’s a wine only affair. Their selection is decent, and more about drinkability and value rather than rare, old or prestigious labels; which suits me just fine. They also have a good selection of Port, Sherry and Madeira, some even served from barrels. We got into the summer theme and enjoyed a couple of decent bottles of rose; one from Portugal, the other a pleasant Cotes de Provence, before trying the oh so fantastically named <em>Fat Bastard Pinot Noir</em> from the Languedoc. With all vino there’s a need for nourishment and foods not totally forgotten with a selection of cold cuts, cheese and antipasti. We gorged on a plate filled with generous hunks of cheddar, camembert and some tasty parma ham.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553094325874479778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh4u2T-f0DrpzeO2Tw64tbD7ReYqHCnLqvcCjRrmxsNrPGi3J-ThAvV78EQwtA6lKG_1JuNapyaknWnIS1ZbckioJDoup5-XXQzb4mNUnj9FTLsMjfy65OtlQUOAl4j4BV73hFbuIBTE/s400/Gordon%2527s+Wine+Bar+1.jpg" />I had a fantastic evening at <em>Gordon’s Wine Bar</em>. The setting is one that’s so, so London; historic, old school and once inside difficult to determine what century you’re in. Yet modern wines, international snacks and friendly staff give the whole place an almost modern, vibrant feel. For London, which can very often be the city of big bills, <em>Gordon’s</em> offered pretty fair value; all the wines we drunk were under £20 and our massive plate of nibbles was only £11. I really loved <em>Gordon's Wine Bar</em>; my only complaint is that I didn’t bump into Sherlock Holmes.<br /><br />Visit restaurant <a href="http://www.gordonswinebar.com/default.php">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-40395342818414394772010-07-21T17:42:00.014+08:002010-12-21T00:27:46.529+08:00Snap Shot Dubai<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Trip to Dubai<br />18th to 21st July 2010</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Summer holidays and I'm off adventuring in Europe, but first something a little bit different; a couple of days visiting friends in Dubai. This city in the sand is in many ways a place of contrast -raw nature and man-made glitz, wealth and poverty, searing heat and indoor skiing - but it's also surprisingly vibrant, multi-cultural and engaging. Thanks must go to S and F for showing me such a fantastic time.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552791004480409074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkWAo1jn7g8yxky954axMuzVZ39qL8qMflJKhyphenhyphenK7RnXomXmthzieFLQpf9mjYyaT_qQaanBxdPWoNKO3twlVcRn9n8H0dxTMKMbfC6yFD3fKpfQsCWoMdS6OOVygepOOyL-9fR58FE8I/s400/Snap+Shot+Dubai+1.jpg" />The first thing I did after arriving was to leave again. The <a href="http://www.alphatoursdubai.com/tours_subsection.asp?page=Mountain+Safari">tour</a> I booked of the Hajar Mountains and Hatta was spectacular; awesome scenery and sand dunes aplenty.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552791000543101138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6o1qyJ2q-fUw4I6T2wC5upbbbV5h3aju-H7yOWtDBsVMBZnFWTJjCWuPyRrfjXydFWarLfP74Y_4B8QsAfaj6dKp_eRfWwFLwyjSBrap4_qCb9RQGgPphEVyv57_L0xmYHgrRsPdtyDQ/s400/Snap+Shot+Dubai+2.jpg" />A yes, of course there were camels.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552790290280409938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zEIkeP8D-NtYOT314-9As-4mm_bZ07k5ytSi4eCXCN5LtUuLNbiVIE_mCUECko-iVgJRspx9BdRXcImFJGEGdjBDZWDKlAyY5S6Sdx-GiZq60nYXVPlW0EqlLxKiWaCORIPkKZ-GsQc/s400/Snap+Shot+Dubai+3.jpg" />Sharks in a <a href="http://www.thedubaimall.com/en/section/entertainment-section">shopping centre</a>.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552790287936472882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9keT1s7c__SIVbnTXAqxz14BS2dyOsPBTRmVIN_w6Vty6Y_A61v0QGrpSk6OcLqPivA7aCjU05VWYsqXFB-CGTXOcd7AkWsIKdUGcfOUyFup-kKR4Q1mU1m7HxejnNnV6r6ke-chr0g/s400/Snap+Shot+Dubai+4.jpg" />Dubai; city of sandcastles. The view 124 stories up from the <a href="http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/language/en-us/home.aspx">Burj Khalifa</a> observation deck. Unlike Hong Kong the haze on the horizon isn't pollution, but sandstorms raging out in the desert.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552790282130014274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcTsRHxeRxFSaA443WKuE5Hmwen8XlPUI0nDLCzGkHNTVXOh6B3MX6EmDSe0DNbOofJzabtRAHnzsChZ3ydOMKY-4Li_UStYZKRiivn77s5bsMe42sD_WC2bB6XAUXRLvcJWewfZjkgE/s400/Snap+Shot+Dubai+5.jpg" />Goods for sale at the atmospheric <a href="http://www.dubai-information.info/deira_dubai.html">Deira</a> Spice Soulk.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552790279615357042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfoG9J_D6hrGVdM_sWHFNqHwhBtSvKNaIl2bitSkH-XUYbUGCNm0NUYZ79fxtXBHiP0EEr-Rc3xIKjjEKWu1LuK-0fe_tGAEv0n7omKkcDYU88F9oLKSO0TebCDaFUovlNNCp-OJrMeM/s400/Snap+Shot+Dubai+6.jpg" />Waiting to ferry passengers across Dubai Creek to Al Bastakiya.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552790273289880818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1DUwsDFQvd_Rl7hM9d5Aabk9gLfT2VtvUNOdFyOyxwyRKVnuoRqiMGdngipdEw8b5YiMwbOAtgewXG-Bf2GdRUEcf1IYdHwgluy0nJorB8GrnVigeUcVhvYqdzgD_rQeuRvpucJT6Eg/s400/Snap+Shot+Dubai+7.jpg" />Too big to fit in a photo! The Burj Khalifa by night.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-34952406473498347592010-07-13T12:26:00.012+08:002010-12-22T18:28:50.999+08:00Marques de Riscal Rueda 2008<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Rueda, $120, screwtop</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I've got my WSET exam on Saturday and probably the biggest gap in my knowledge is Spanish white wines. So I was able to purchase and drink this little number and call it homework. <em>Marques de Riscal</em> have been producing wine for over a 150 and are perhaps most well know for Rioja, however they have also have extensive planting in the Rueda DO. This is made from a mix of 85% indigenous Verdejo grapes and 15% Viura. It's good to see a Spanish wine sealed with a screw-top. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550180888197017010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJA6cGmUVs9yxMeEyhZ7AgKsringCzNqpvmTQJcn9oOxYFNNBs1QI06nB2tca0xsXd5RfVw2tJCi0ZQVS5y7H7iBsOyK7kLbD5Ty5ieWmY-ubG_bhjj6RLxM5rB4G9UFkstoF5pm1V8E/s400/Marques+de+Riscal+Rueda+2008.jpg" />This is lemon yellow in colour and medium intensity (that's getting all WSET on you). The nose is fresh, floral and echoes spring-time. There's aromas of white blossom, plus a touch of lime and pear. On the palate the flavours are green apple and pear and a hint of bitter, green almonds on the finish. <em>Marques de Riscal Rueda 2008</em> is a tasty wine, it's soft and round; there's not much acidity, but plenty of drinkability. I enjoyed this.<br /><br />Visit winery <a href="http://www.marquesderiscal.com/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-5684112793059287202010-07-10T12:36:00.013+08:002010-12-12T22:05:41.435+08:00Mitolo 'The Jester' Cabernet Sauvignon 2008<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Willunga, McLaren Vale, screwtop</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><em>Mitolo Wines</em> are a family owned producer in South Australia's McLaren Vale. I like a good, flash-free, website and their one is pretty informative. Apart from telling me that 20% of the grapes were dried Amarone style for over five weeks and it was made by Ben Glaetzer <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwBkyUtsCFCI08RWtw84NC5JDkFBxaTLN0ZoZo4ej4OpXjdW6xLGiJcMXZT88Ke46CLpPzOW3_HBTXIQ5oTccKKUDoCF_2c7BGOfD73VekfirsceiORC8d5h0V-bEX6i_BvQ-K9O6xSU/s1600/Mitolo+%2527The+Jester%2527+Cabernet+Sauvignon+2008.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 280px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549796482132739346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwBkyUtsCFCI08RWtw84NC5JDkFBxaTLN0ZoZo4ej4OpXjdW6xLGiJcMXZT88Ke46CLpPzOW3_HBTXIQ5oTccKKUDoCF_2c7BGOfD73VekfirsceiORC8d5h0V-bEX6i_BvQ-K9O6xSU/s400/Mitolo+%2527The+Jester%2527+Cabernet+Sauvignon+2008.jpg" /></a>I was also able to discover that the jester featured on the label is Monarcho; "the most eccentric of all Jesters in the court of Elizabeth 1" who also happened to feature in Shakespeare's <em>Loves Labour Lost</em>. We drunk this next to the similarly priced <em><a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/07/chapelle-de-potensac-2005.html">Chapelle de Potensac 2005</a></em>, a Cabernet based Bordeaux.<br /><br />This is dark, purple and inky in the glass. Having a sniff and it's hello Mr Cassis; this boy just screams black current. There're also more savoury, earthy aromas along with spice and liquorice. Sipping this and the first thing I notice is an initial lick of sweetness, but things settle down and then it's all aboard on the black fruit train. Smooth, integrated tannin, decent length and a touch of oak derived creaminess make this an obviously better made option than the <em>Chapelle de Potensac 2005</em>. The wine does what Monarcho on the labels promises; it offers a fun, easy drinking drop with plenty of flavour. However it's certainly not the most complex red going around and I actually thought it a touch one-dimensional. It wins the bout, but I probably still wouldn't recommend it.<br /><br />Visit winery <a href="http://www.mitolowines.com.au/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-81459914995447389292010-07-10T10:19:00.011+08:002010-12-12T21:09:46.578+08:00Chapelle de Potensac 2005<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Medoc, Bordeaux, cork</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Providing inspiring wine on a budget is always a challenge, so when I was bullied into organising the booze for <a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2010/07/zone-d.html">dinner</a> with a heap of my colleagues I thought it would be <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPAVW1p_dYvmF-zJsq8DH1j_f6OAKUdbh35kh5YZvCiiIrAt1ocVJrcTAZCvxYhy0SjkqC3WDePdw46PbWT3QkdOnoIIAbO1A0TQNVXYzHeSsPcP83ZjLzrjKUb5TsYNmIJwyL42yhUc/s1600/Chapelle+de+Potensac+2005.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 272px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549782113332786594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPAVW1p_dYvmF-zJsq8DH1j_f6OAKUdbh35kh5YZvCiiIrAt1ocVJrcTAZCvxYhy0SjkqC3WDePdw46PbWT3QkdOnoIIAbO1A0TQNVXYzHeSsPcP83ZjLzrjKUb5TsYNmIJwyL42yhUc/s400/Chapelle+de+Potensac+2005.jpg" /></a>interesting to do a bit of a New World, Old World thing and open this next to an Aussie Cabernet. <em>Chapelle de Potensac</em> is the second label of <em>Chateau Potensac</em> from Bordeaux's Medoc. The wine is made of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest being Merlot and Cabernet Franc; it comes from the stellar 2005.<br /><br /><em>Chapelle de Potensac 2005</em> is a dark ruby colour. The nose isn't particularly intense, but there's an attractive whiff of mint, tobacco, mulberries and plums. The palate is a bit of a one horse race; there're plums and well more plums. There's a bit of tannin that helps to fill out the mouth, but my main issue with this wine is that it pulls up short; puff and it's gone. Uninspiring.<br /><br />Visit winery <a href="http://www.potensac.com/">website</a> (if you're lucky).</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-89633718979189477492010-07-10T10:15:00.030+08:002010-12-10T12:58:46.304+08:00Zone D<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Room 16, 4/F, 16 Matheson St, Causeway Bay<br />Visited 9th July 2010 </span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><em>Zone D</em> was the scene of what become a rather boozy dinner with a group of my work colleagues. The tiny restaurant - located up some dodgy stairs near Times Square - styles itself as a private kitchen (though I’m not really sure what makes this a ‘private kitchen’ rather than a small restaurant?). Inside it's a dark, intimate space, with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZyhUNG5zoiH7i5HWFACot2DVk4qdGAaxwMuJw92VthZ9cvw1q56UP9N7vpk3A73-1QH74xpjNlhf-ut0qwlkjB1Yg-IMjfmkA5tx87W2mDTKx9cQDZo3sway79-zA2RGWZy6_YRuKu4/s1600/Zone+D+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 296px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548912684128981842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZyhUNG5zoiH7i5HWFACot2DVk4qdGAaxwMuJw92VthZ9cvw1q56UP9N7vpk3A73-1QH74xpjNlhf-ut0qwlkjB1Yg-IMjfmkA5tx87W2mDTKx9cQDZo3sway79-zA2RGWZy6_YRuKu4/s320/Zone+D+2.jpg" /></a>room for our group of eleven plus a couple of other tables (and I did feel a bit feel sorry for the bloke who had the serenity of his date shattered by certain of my friends).<br /><br /><em>Zone D</em> styles itself as an Italian restaurant, though I can't see how as the food on our visit was pretty generic western fare with only one pasta dish remotely resembling Italian cooking. Dinners are offered a five course set menu with a choice of main and dessert. The bread basket to start I thought was pretty average; some of my mates got excited about the ‘pizza’ in it, though I felt it was all way too dry. I enjoyed the first course of seared tuna; crusted with black pepper and served with finely chopped tomatoes; it was well executed and tasty. Next up was my favourite <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW-4jzTCjTzYAF8r_fpsBZ72h_fEv05EjrnHDQeeokM8wAPRms7dsVXplgM77G1WSj2YkFtPyYkJsh66fFw4mY_WcbBbMeZfAASZlYRATDTS99osaROUo6SBm0st-0Zc0W8oqgRyZ5zM/s1600/Zone+D+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548912811927567314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW-4jzTCjTzYAF8r_fpsBZ72h_fEv05EjrnHDQeeokM8wAPRms7dsVXplgM77G1WSj2YkFtPyYkJsh66fFw4mY_WcbBbMeZfAASZlYRATDTS99osaROUo6SBm0st-0Zc0W8oqgRyZ5zM/s320/Zone+D+3.jpg" /></a>dish; a mushroom cappuccino soup. The soup was thick, balanced and flavoursome and had a hint of truffle. The spaghetti with pawns that followed was pretty boring. Served it a scallop shell there was no hint of scallops, but just two average prawns and a gluggy wine flavoured sauce. For a main I selected the beef short-rib at an $80 surcharge. I wasn't asked how I wanted the meat cooked, but it arrived medium, served atop a pile of mash. I'm not normally one to order a steak, but I had cravings and was really looking forward to a hunk of beef; unfortunately I was disappointed by tough, flavourless meat and boring mash. The final dessert was a great looking crème brûlée accompanied by a couple of delicious marinated strawberries. While the custard was tasty, it was kind of difficult to eat because the toffee top was so hard and thick that actually getting into it was near impossible. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548912321683999186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrARqpLC5ajeU4MDTWPSRuaA4rIldhJLHklEw5xN0fDY1YN-cb04WONIR5pdEeCELWErWcS34xYfkWI0duneudLrSDALW4HysLXi6Ys_ltwfeJRGt2iCrkGXIcEhqoV_nptUTtlf_gRM/s400/Zone+D+4.jpg" />So was <em>Zone D</em> in the zone? I actually had a really enjoyable and fun night; the company was great, the wine flowed and the cosy atmosphere perfect for our group. However we were at a restaurant and the food is what really matters and the food at <em>Zone D</em> just did nothing to inspire me. Some of the dishes were good, some not so good, but most of it just simply OK. The couple of staff working the floor were pretty good, though a bit frustrating with the wine service, there were times when I was rather parched and one bloke didn't quite seem to get the point of decanting. $300 a head for five courses isn't a terrible price; especially as we were able to save a packet by bring our own wine corkage fee free. The $80 supplement for a bit of average beef took things to $380 which starts to look a bit pricey for a meal of questionable quality. While it's obvious I didn't love the food, I didn't dislike the restaurant and enjoyed my evening at <em>Zone D</em>. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548912319043672258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qy3ILuZF8_p3EUEKId4E67m64vvGDZ8O7zvo1G2BTYxZ-93qdshQInCybtRI-vQ42xV_-h0LxU7N8hjshUhaxwVWD61NWuE0GZWAQ8DShAb0K_FlPURlvUyvrHdHkjfq12pnSJn30bM/s400/Zone+D+5.jpg" />Visit restaurant <a href="http://www.zone-d.com.hk/site/zone-D%20ristorante%20Italiano.aspx">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-30928719760701131002010-07-10T10:13:00.010+08:002010-12-08T00:40:46.661+08:00Turkey Flat Rosé 2010<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Barossa Valley, South Australia, $120, screwtop</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Responsible for organising the wine for a dinner with a group of my colleagues, I certainly wasn't surprised when this little pink number proved to be one of the most popular bottles of the evening. <em>Turkey Flat</em> is a stalwart producer in the Barossa, who along with other things, are stewards of the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknKEU4h4v5duJOegNTyfhw9kqQ5Cf3rGo29hbjTM3Fq5RHsoavUyhvezwDOZbt4H2xCX4A-bGxTxFz84kbqV__a0umYk7Vt2SXvQ1aCwkkXtcGuYpCX66m-EUmeOa_qmOz_oWCqcX820/s1600/Turkey+Flat+Ros%25C3%25A9+2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 292px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547947946490541938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknKEU4h4v5duJOegNTyfhw9kqQ5Cf3rGo29hbjTM3Fq5RHsoavUyhvezwDOZbt4H2xCX4A-bGxTxFz84kbqV__a0umYk7Vt2SXvQ1aCwkkXtcGuYpCX66m-EUmeOa_qmOz_oWCqcX820/s400/Turkey+Flat+Ros%25C3%25A9+2010.jpg" /></a>World's oldest Shiraz vines. They are also pretty serious about their Rose with a vineyard specifically dedicated to it, rather than the usual scenario where rose is a by-product of red wine production. It is a blend of 54% Grenache, 28% Shiraz, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Dolcetto.<br /><br />Talking about a wine's colour is something I'm not normally bothered with, but this is just so pretty. It's a soft baby pink and shins in a very sexy way. And boy does it smell good; there's red fruit aplenty, especially cranberries, but also a seductive herbal edge that gives it moreish, savoury quality. The palate has the same delicious red fruit and the whole package really is an explosion of freshness and flavour. Looking at my tasting notes a single word kept shinning up at me; "lovely".<br /><br />Visit winery <a href="http://www.turkeyflat.com.au/home/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-57484141890499979042010-07-08T22:23:00.039+08:002010-12-07T11:40:41.801+08:00Fook Yin<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">11/F, 488 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay<br />Visited 7th July 2010</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547722233014533298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG3eFCf_tafly_KmvUgYGR4hk_FlGNXyE-4gIss5Ddhjg3KnqizMfaEHNrmEWRAAVs4GPkKYO0tfXyo27QUFj3W1IKSmd5h9I7pvWkup4_yCSYjpXQKuxXvysj5a2WcZy0qeCqygK_0Y/s400/Fook+Yin+1.jpg" />The theme for my tasting group's wine dinner this month was Riesling, and we headed across to <em>Fook Yin</em> to match it up with some Shanghainese food. I'm not a 100% certain about how I've translated the name, but the Chinese is '福宴'. Private Kitchens are all the rage at the moment, but many aren't really 'private’ kitchens at all, but just tiny, purpose built restaurants. This however is not the case with <em>Fook Yin</em> where you really feel like you're dinning in someone's home. The room we were ushered into had just enough room for a table, trinket filled side boards and the very homely touch of a TV.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547722248165063074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp5IEzjGpGB7qW605rzSd_uFsnJWfKkTW1Hn1CHlqc9cml4781mIIxY6p0j4OZWeIwuJqsoov4DABe10bwM2Zm9Ggv1Qy-STmo-R3AwWvtznR7s4HdssLeJh_6Aea4qPkFaPsN6ZLAc4/s400/Fook+Yin+2.jpg" />There’s no choice at <em>Fook Yin</em>; just a list and a never-ending stream of Shanghainese dishes. First off we munched our way through an extensive selection of snacks. I loved the delicious, rich and earthy sautéed mushrooms, though I wasn't as impressed with the uninspiring mashed broad beans. The fillets of fried fish were pretty good; tasty, but dry. I'm a fan of flat noodles with cucumber and sesame and wasn't disappointed with the big pile we got. The pigs’ ear salad was also really good; crunchy slithers of pig ear contrasted with fresh herbs and crisp salad leaves. Rich, smoky and flavoursome the preserved chicken was tasty, but really intense. I was a bit uninspired by the plate of chicken feet and bowl of tofu topped with preserved egg, but these aren’t dishes I particularly get excited over. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547722266877444722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Nn_U58nm4MlBjrVKxcc7eWSdTpOjTOy6TXioYaRuaAcPNmkBtTY785LANeadlv0sSbpUv_uGk4XgTTND6yTskLF7u9merGcEfVEhWZv5G3V1rXojNqq2B5coEkOzNDc0mkocv1JYL9s/s400/Fook+Yin+3.jpg" />The table full of dishes I listed above was just the appetisers so when the mains started to arrive I was almost overwhelmed by variety and amount of food. The first of the main dishes was a plate of beautiful smoked eggs; these were magnificently cooked with delightfully runny yokes and plenty of flavour. Next was a bowl of noodles with prawns in a chilli based sauce. The dish was sweeter and milder than I expected but still pretty tasty. Then it was a couple of different types of handmade, tofu wrapped dumplings served in a tasty soup. The steamed Grouper atop tofu that followed was probably my favourite of the mains. The fish was beautifully cooked and the well complemented by the silky beancurd and mild sauce. Next where three massive 'lion head' meatballs with bok choy and a sweet and sour sauce. The huge balls of pork were pretty good and appropriately meaty, though the sauce seemed to lack richness needed to complement so much meat. I enjoyed the sea cucumber and fish soup that followed; it was fresh, clean and rather delicious. The final main was a smoky, roasted chicken that was OK, though nothing special.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547722609119481218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXZnfWsaypESVgXbjG0q0ZPbPOZ8LmteBBWS2Qq5mqBzpgl3xosrQBFavX3U4bFCCu6x5yrFLYA7Qa5ByGshJQQC0wLOgEE031oUFLEoLx2g2TBX7JQN-tNes0bTq1gtc40q5EfiCyes/s400/Fook+Yin+6.jpg" />I'm a big Riesling fan, but I was a little underwhelmed with the line-up of wines we tried. As a result my favourite was pretty easy to pick; the rich and complex <em>Domaine Weinbach 'Cuvée Sainte Catherine' Alsace Grand Cru 2000</em>; a truly lovely drop. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547722282162747106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU0apMJLUXrdb3BfAVEfiSUJQLCmyp4w7D1Ew4Jh-lijlC8aKV0Difyrvqn6j4CxOWhqPQXUjWGL9cSDy62bUEL1b_6Xdws9rxVnJZsasoiCK55C3Lnbjx3HYJcSyUVokP1DfXkyuuqQ/s400/Fook+Yin+4.jpg" />I enjoyed my feed of authentic, fresh and tasty food at <em>Fook Yin</em>. A lot of the guys I was with thought that at $300 a head the meal was over-priced, but I thought it decent value considering the amount and variety of food. I was also impressed with how well the food worked with the Rieslings we tried. I’m sure people will argue that there’re better Shanghainese restaurants out there, but for me <em>Fook Yin</em> was perfect for our needs. The intimate ‘private’ environment worked well for our group and the wine, food and company all contributed to a lovely evening.</span></span> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547722289014218834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw7QY3wpm1yuO2WPScznj0p8kvpuY6LNHF5B_zDLbGEXzUSyKbnnMqpFiUdt3xWQC7XtUVngWJNq8Di9UIPZJhm9hbVQ5GoKTQna23AYK2oGl5Er7VCQc-7r35LqeIQcheg7ACNrqVqk/s400/Fook+Yin+5.jpg" />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-62139775181703266912010-07-06T10:06:00.026+08:002010-11-12T00:25:51.261+08:00Bindi 'Composition' Pinot Noir 2007<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Gisborne, Macedon, $355, diam cork</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />My Pinot loving friend is still in town so tonight things got a tad more serious. While personally I've got a sentimental attachment to the Macedon Ranges (and the cheesecake at the café in Gisborne near where this is from), but the name <em>Bindi</em> should be known to every Aussie wine lover. Producers of high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay they do things along organic <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_4VNFwDv7vYUqfegHAfB7RPm-RS5Dg5-oTKho1EutfW4bvUVDxWAebvDpIfw-DFDjxuxMSF96c2-c_iKhzkHaydDeKBctj6v0mpr2MZn7lWED2LucHUAsh4F4YUo4IsU2VbjIbRPTYI/s1600/Bindi+%27Composition%27+Pinot+Noir+2007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 316px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530831271200817490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_4VNFwDv7vYUqfegHAfB7RPm-RS5Dg5-oTKho1EutfW4bvUVDxWAebvDpIfw-DFDjxuxMSF96c2-c_iKhzkHaydDeKBctj6v0mpr2MZn7lWED2LucHUAsh4F4YUo4IsU2VbjIbRPTYI/s400/Bindi+%27Composition%27+Pinot+Noir+2007.jpg" /></a>and biodynamic lines and are all about terroir, rocky soils and small yields. The ‘<em>Composition’ Pinot Noir </em>comes from “the quartz rich 'Block K' vineyard and from older vines in lighter quartz/ alluvial and volcanic soils”.<br /><br />Smelling this is really a matter of defining the term 'floral'; I'm talking flowers, spice, flowers, cherries and flowers. The palate was an alluring mix of red fruits, smoke, star anise and savoury herbs. Initially I wasn’t blown as way as much as I expected by this; it’s a refined wine that’s more about subtle power than an explosion of fruit. It’s lush, silky and seems to go on forever, yet it’s a tale of depth, intensity and structure. I appreciate the quality of this but was wonder if it’s worth the money. And oh, how much must you love a wine that's label features a teacher?<br /><br />Visit winery <a href="http://www.bindiwines.com.au/index.php">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-22085020980354039182010-07-05T08:34:00.034+08:002010-11-09T23:02:46.229+08:00Lung King Heen<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Four Seasons Hotel, 8 Finance St, Central<br />Visited 4th July 2010</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537327794427493122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCuF5gR5QGID0-mX8DE2KuzNY1R20n9ATAuQIqTG7NUksg5NdWf3HO6KvoWwyl65ButYapxsxe9b3ew3Qv6Lsl7LMyO_GbX43FZVGIdOMbLtk7JM9dBp8CaKR-aPjvYZQv-4XtOY8zOI/s400/Lung+King+Heen+2.jpg" />A friend and her fellow - who’s a chef - are in town and there’re not mucking around with anything but the big names. I couldn’t make dinner at <em>Bo Innovation</em> and unfortunately work got in the way of what was apparently an epic lunch at <em>Robuchon á Galera</em> in Macau. So after missing out twice I certainly wasn’t going to miss dinner at <em>Lung King Heen</em>. This Cantonese restaurant in the <em>Four Sasons Hotel </em>has the distinction of being the first and only Chinese restaurant in the Universe to receive three Michelin stars. We were shown through the stylish, but subdued interior to a window table where it was all glamour and seaside views. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537327786105018146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOd5-NaTxMnf5kllYo0VlA40sxrZxBdUW9RxGtQVxLeoaSdMpAgZCsY6EsXqNEMrPWlwBZASgsKGfb21EDKOMh7kx4pUtUbPdSsxdGlAR5exYdwzuqcWVC5QwHJ9mwsbOFbpZWUpAqFk/s400/Lung+King+Heen+1.jpg" />The food is pretty standard selection of Cantonese offerings, with the expected premium seafood holding up the menu. I let my friends choose and we ended up with tasty, but predictable dishes. First off was their signature appetiser; pears with scallops. Tender, plump scallops were set atop a piece of pear and deep fried in a light, crisp batter. I thought the scallops were excellent and the batter showed a deft touch, but the thick slice of basically raw pear was<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4K1UjEbW0BZbUmx0EyBQ1GNPLTfZPDGqduBJ9xjf72_ZJIxMOV9n7SFh6EdRDmXuPJGY6AfYWnuW5wBSASXpsWVKVpvbRThqRjC49UlAzwCVPcgnzT5MrYfoN3SbeG7yEqDyXdWi3-A/s1600/Lung+King+Heen+8.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537332532298434370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4K1UjEbW0BZbUmx0EyBQ1GNPLTfZPDGqduBJ9xjf72_ZJIxMOV9n7SFh6EdRDmXuPJGY6AfYWnuW5wBSASXpsWVKVpvbRThqRjC49UlAzwCVPcgnzT5MrYfoN3SbeG7yEqDyXdWi3-A/s320/Lung+King+Heen+8.jpg" /></a> too crisp and seemed somehow dominated the delicate seafood. Next up were Sichuan-style roast lambchops; these were tender and well cooked, though the sauce was very subtle and not what I expected at all for Sichuan flavouring. Beef with blac<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiPxUCAzxvd0h-1WlatvieoCwH5xdFINYj2e6SifMhpaZ5Brq_1iENPAXAzzYTf4JX1rBbEH3ngX7UqQK1JaW4bY9vypUEK2Qt7DL2UIlVZPm5BB-khRj7Zrg25ij1bMIVGcQMUhko1Q/s1600/Lung+King+Heen+8.jpg"></a>k pepper isn’t something I’d normally order though I enjoyed the tender cubes of beef that were wok tossed with spring onion, garlic and fragrant black pepper. The minced pigeon in lettuce that came next was one of my favourite dishes; really tasty stuff. Though simple I also thought the sautéed zucchini with mushrooms was excellent; pure and fresh this was perfectly cooked and the different varieties of mushrooms packed plenty of flavour. We finished with half a roast chicken. This is meant to be something of a signature dish, but it was pretty disappointing. Joey swears the chicken tasted frozen and while I struggle to believe this, I'd much prefer the roast chook at <em><a href="http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2009/06/tai-wing-wah.html">Tai Wing Wah</a></em>.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537327797635495138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmRBZYAmwEivuSBjwWj1LAzLRCUxPTJsVzBNR9G-WwcdONT17aRadgZi4uV-8k6d1aL48PGmODMwFxAZUkcQX0SU19-foRpu_Us94c4uP8ufLM8rZQ8nRXtybc0tA_rU-yIO-M34Rnfg/s400/Lung+King+Heen+3.jpg" />I not a big one for desserts, but, as so often the case, my opinion didn't count. We shared sesame balls, custard puffs and a serve of mango and sago pudding and barley cream. The mango pudding was pretty tasty with slivers of fresh fruit, but nothing obviously special. The barley cream had faint traces of almond, but was really watery and was a pretty average dish. Again the sesame balls and custard puffs were OK, but nothing overly exciting. My favourite desert was the complimentary petits fours; crisp almond cookies and cubes of wolfberry jelly. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537327805538748594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGEfD2tUI_4ae5ceLYeD_WkMOv9kjajhXyckbqQtqJK6uY3-4ET0R-OIpFwyv9PLr8B2gSkc2rzgsfoa5q8cMPz2sySfcoehJ1KTZkFqdHnQlbkzoc0HHKb8T6nHF2Upwg-Vgj97953k/s400/Lung+King+Heen+4.jpg" />To drink we ordered an OK bottle of Chablis and an extortionately priced bottle of sparkling water. While I thought the food really well priced the drinks were disgustingly expensive; no matter how good the food is a bottle of water should never be $95. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6wIFo4LtC0jLraYAVo91I8zxw1u-FiwFB8iW2SbqjV81mVV3Y2UlrD1WjQZrEj997MXiEKKh63SJOV1uHu2bdhISevLp9Db-U78rMQOumQXnJNjLx3ykMSa0y9ID7nY0_rb5I-CWG9o/s1600/Lung+King+Heen+7.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 218px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537332199960626786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6wIFo4LtC0jLraYAVo91I8zxw1u-FiwFB8iW2SbqjV81mVV3Y2UlrD1WjQZrEj997MXiEKKh63SJOV1uHu2bdhISevLp9Db-U78rMQOumQXnJNjLx3ykMSa0y9ID7nY0_rb5I-CWG9o/s320/Lung+King+Heen+7.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The quality at <em>Lung King Heen</em> was obvious; top-notch, fresh produce prepared with care and precision, but somehow I felt the whole think lacked the wow factor. Maybe I'm just judging harshly because of those shinning stars, but I really couldn't figure how this was any better than twenty other Cantonese joints around town. What it lacked in innovation, it certainly made up for in competitive pricing; every dish we had was under $200. Our bill came to just over $500 each, which with desserts and alcohol has to make <em>Lung King Heen </em>the cheapest three star Michelin restaurant going. While the harbour views and interior were spectacular I was actually a bit unsure of what I thought about the service. The staff were ultra efficient, but the whole show lacked personality and I almost felt I was being looked after by attentive,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SWvRsezY1NUsdd8BgmOoHgE0ANsFh5XwpO2Y9ajblrhbAiNvFvgH1q_CHZpNMxciqqzX46-r176aYQOfOLfqMKMzqqhteCH4vkkPDR2ovO0GUxSi4crlC2GLpAZHz8HiWqIUPwVYs2A/s1600/Lung+King+Heen+6.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 272px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537564709037724466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SWvRsezY1NUsdd8BgmOoHgE0ANsFh5XwpO2Y9ajblrhbAiNvFvgH1q_CHZpNMxciqqzX46-r176aYQOfOLfqMKMzqqhteCH4vkkPDR2ovO0GUxSi4crlC2GLpAZHz8HiWqIUPwVYs2A/s320/Lung+King+Heen+6.jpg" /></a> but aloof robots. Despite what the French tyre makers think <em>Lung king Heen</em> isn't the best Chinese restaurant in the universe, but it is pretty good; the harbour views and traditional menu certainly make it a good option for wooing visitors.<br /><br />Visit restaurant <a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/hongkong/dining/lung_king_heen/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-1660498421135337002010-07-02T10:38:00.023+08:002010-11-08T21:59:52.806+08:0042° South Pinot Noir 2007<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Coal Valley, Tasmania, A$22.50, screwtop</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />A mate's visiting who's a bit of a Pinot fan and this bottle just happened to be sitting on the bookshelf calling to be drunk. We weren't rude enough to yell back, but instead calmly walked over and unscrewed the stelvin seal and finished the bottle. Forty-two degrees south refers to the latitude of Tasmania and also in this case the second label of Coal Valley Winery <em>Frogmore Creek</em>. 55% of the fruit for this comes from Campania and Richmond in southern Tasmania's Coal Valley, the rest from Relbia in northern Tassie. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537177929671511602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwmCCEu84c4vsEq2HstQLkarOqEr_1isHgmZpwk6gia7pk9H32Lduo-8ozmAxV2pQVp3vcEkXJbQQFkO10NWVn74KtVqzaJltofAYI7oTPmuwV4vzWmDLMKdVUKlRKfhggVjDtgw0RQg/s400/42%C2%B0+South+Pinot+Noir+2007+2.jpg" />Ruby in colour this is pretty intense for a Pinot. The nose is just oozing red berries; it's a good old fashioned fruit orgy with red cherries, strawberries and raspberries all flashing their pink bits around. There's also a whiff of sweet spice, perhaps cinnamon and star anise. The palate is bright, fresh and packed with all the lush fruit we smelt on the nose. What I liked about this wine is that it not obviously sweet; sure it's fruity but it's not over the top and there's a beautiful creamy texture in the mouth. <em>42° South Pinot Noir 2007</em> is not the most complex wine in the world, but it still wins out for pure deliciousness; there's lots of enjoyment to be had here.<br /><br />Visit winery <a href="http://www.frogmorecreek.com.au/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-66698407921588148072010-06-30T07:40:00.020+08:002010-11-05T09:16:18.557+08:00Homey Cafe<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">15 Manhattan Plaza, 23 Sai Chine St, Yuen Long<br />Visited 29th June 2010</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I’m always keen to check out a new Yuen Long restaurant, especially if they’re serving burgers and fish and chips. Joey and I met up with a couple of mates to check out the <em>Homey Café</em> on what must have been one of their first nights of opening. This small restaurant is located on the corner just near the Immigration building in Manhattan Plaza. Inside <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNJZIFNIvqZEHrAc4v7lSseR6BDjkKUlCv5MNfjpZqYCbS-fVOnH955eewrPkDrxn_PwTedN6Kav6vd36JfeCjBWP0pe94RrnD9MZmjkVHGYx3ndHhxGd1pK8X9-z_YlQd0DkHbiDuJ4/s1600/Homey+Cafe+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 310px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534727026160871362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNJZIFNIvqZEHrAc4v7lSseR6BDjkKUlCv5MNfjpZqYCbS-fVOnH955eewrPkDrxn_PwTedN6Kav6vd36JfeCjBWP0pe94RrnD9MZmjkVHGYx3ndHhxGd1pK8X9-z_YlQd0DkHbiDuJ4/s320/Homey+Cafe+2.jpg" /></a>it’s simply decked out, but well done; there’s a big blackboard, open kitchen and comfortable booth seating.<br /><br />The food at the <em>Homey Café</em> is really more American diner than European café; it’s all about burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, with a few fried snacks, salads and pasta dishes. We started off sharing a plate of potato skins; topped with bacon, spring onion and sour cream these were pretty standard, but really well done and deliciously fluffy. My friends all went for burgers while I thought I’d give the lamb kebab a shot. The kebab consisted of two skewers of really tender grilled lamb, pita pockets and salad. I wasn’t expecting great things and was surprised how good this was, especially the delicious lamb. Joey’s fish burger was served in a surprisingly good white roll which was jammed with a couple of crisp, crumbed fillets; again all good though the fish was perhaps a little flavourless. My mates enjoyed a steakhouse burger <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NUyc9qt0OYQbxEjty1Z9fMuWbSDnhwvyQSUyQ88LNsZyzbstwZgYRGd1VZZefLp_fFDSNACElK3TrbAu8SgKWga0qQV8LMwa0981gY2gUUy_qKljurNff-sVR7xMygckGDEVDrduq-Y/s1600/Homey+Cafe+3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 294px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534727469013442082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NUyc9qt0OYQbxEjty1Z9fMuWbSDnhwvyQSUyQ88LNsZyzbstwZgYRGd1VZZefLp_fFDSNACElK3TrbAu8SgKWga0qQV8LMwa0981gY2gUUy_qKljurNff-sVR7xMygckGDEVDrduq-Y/s320/Homey+Cafe+3.jpg" /></a>and double cheese burger; big juicy pieces of meat that were interestingly served on a wholemeal bun. They hadn’t finalised their liquor license yet so we just grabbed a few beers from a convenience store.<br /><br />I enjoyed my meal at the <em>Homey Café; </em>the food was fresh, well prepared and tasty. While the <em>Homey Café</em> isn’t somewhere you’d go for a gourmet meal or a date, I'd certainly recommend it as an excellent spot for lunch or a casual dinner. The guy running the show was really friendly and staff generally enthusiastic about doing a good job. At just over $75 each I'm certainly not complaining about the bill. There are no surprises at the <em>Homey Cafe</em>, just simple food, well done.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534726814803153794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeQTgV_z4Qfg3gJBgfGYYQV18aawyooo1TuCcKYYO2Yuwb-AGHYmZsI8u-ROObcMGX-lZh2kX8cez2esmNMmxiuXjft5FsPd467QEJyK4jj_FNTu73soYIDC9_4KERsCbpAxu7lZZ2ss/s400/Homey+Cafe+1.jpg" /></span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-20044801064311772532010-06-28T15:15:00.016+08:002010-12-02T14:06:42.881+08:00The Myth of a Smoking Ban<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Dying of Lung Cancer</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I'm into the World Cup - watching Dutch games at Grappa’s, extremely satisfying English games at friends’ homes and Australia's matches at 2.30 in the morning on a computer screen. The pathetic, profit grabbing arrangement where the World Cup can only be watched on pay TV means that I've<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMdb4FQNZQ0hboaPEV69D4UX2sq_zgMphGHFBx_ZxDDmhLrY_s4zEBviutWPRbd-lLkDs21mslXpGOC-EvXAcWk4RXEZzan9ow5usYjElROwmDDXXjXEW2-xta78lV-x6viayXZAlCzY/s1600/no_smoking_sign.jpg"></a> also been frequenting Yuen Long's 'local' bars in desperation to catch a game. With supposedly fairer prices and no ridiculous service charge I was looking forward to some quality local pub time. My expectations<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S-W7C5tU3-2Buw345PrGJfeoukwZ8WRgoD3UV0TFeEALJQHgEvYWjT2pg_W7qKE6rnD0ymFwpyC-D54QbL_WZqjlNq9_rDCjwU0pw9PvgvVZB14DzQ8bOMwP4lbMu1JGLXLmLEkjXeI/s1600/no_smoking_sign.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535197617137682194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6S-W7C5tU3-2Buw345PrGJfeoukwZ8WRgoD3UV0TFeEALJQHgEvYWjT2pg_W7qKE6rnD0ymFwpyC-D54QbL_WZqjlNq9_rDCjwU0pw9PvgvVZB14DzQ8bOMwP4lbMu1JGLXLmLEkjXeI/s320/no_smoking_sign.jpg" /></a> however have been shattered by minimum spending amounts, having to buy peanuts and worst of all nearly dying from smoke inhalation.<br /><br />Smoking in public spaces such as bars and restaurants is illegal in Hong Kong. It has been since 1st July 2009. A visit to Wan Chai or Lan Kwai Fong will reveal the puffing hoards pathetically perched out on the street, while inside the fresh air rules. It’s probably pretty obvious I hate cigarette smoke, I understand smoking is a personal choice, however what I really don’t like is having to be subjected to clouds of foul smelling, toxic filth. I’m really pissed off about Hong Kong’s discriminatory and pathetic application of the supposed ‘anti-smoking laws’. These laws seem to only apply to those frequenting western style bars in popular areas and are blatantly ignored in every ‘local’ bar I’ve been to; whether in Causeway Bay, Tin Hau, Mong Kok or Yuen Long. No smoking means NO SMOKING and it's about time the Hong Kong Government got off their arses and did something about enforcing this so called 'law'.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590338995575781808.post-74619766414702094992010-06-25T07:16:00.019+08:002010-11-01T16:43:15.664+08:00Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2006<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em><span style="color:#663366;">Alexander Valley, Napa, US$24, screwtop</span></em></strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />The duty free selection at New York's JFK airport was extremely average; <em>Jacob's Creek</em> dominated and this was the only US offering. I really have no idea about North American wine, but a bit of research on the web shows that <em>Ferrari-Carano</em> are a family run company who have<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2CZX_d21PTqPJ4I0p1ImSb2vDVCahqARTzNRa2XZpwkP4sxuo4TgKxMTrB_RJkL4hgFzQkg9eoD7WMVnEx1drGyPY9WzT-knzxaB_fLUoeB575bRAr4oG3b8Sq_hj68JUuBigf13SOY/s1600/Ferrari-Carano+Chardonnay+2006.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 286px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 386px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487262075250683074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2CZX_d21PTqPJ4I0p1ImSb2vDVCahqARTzNRa2XZpwkP4sxuo4TgKxMTrB_RJkL4hgFzQkg9eoD7WMVnEx1drGyPY9WzT-knzxaB_fLUoeB575bRAr4oG3b8Sq_hj68JUuBigf13SOY/s400/Ferrari-Carano+Chardonnay+2006.jpg" /></a> vineyards scattered across Napa. It's worth checking out their website to see the smiling proprietors looking oh so Californian.<br /><br />This is pretty deep gold in colour and having a sniff the age is noticeable. There’s plenty going on with the nose; lot’s of tasty fruit – grapefruit, peach and apricot - but also a bit of late night toast smeared with honey. This is tasty stuff; the palate’s ripe and lush with tropical fruits, peaches, and plenty of melon; there’s also a nice lick of caramel on the finish. I was expecting buckets (or barrels) of oak, but was impressed with how balanced this was. The 13.5% alcohol was really well integrated. <em>Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2006</em> is certainly a lovely wine; full bodied, complex but well balanced. I’m starting to get worried; the last three Californian wines I’ve tried have impressed me…<br /><br />Visit winery <a href="http://www.ferrari-carano.com/">website</a>.</span></span>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05855162150273950842noreply@blogger.com0