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Archives for January 2019

Falling off the Wagon into Verjus !

January 26, 2019 by admin

Be careful – other than the above sign it’s down an unmarked narrow Alley.

Falling off the Wagon into Verjus !

I am in Paris for a few days, meeting up with my daughter to have some quality time together, and to attend a Snow Patrol concert together – the band being my daughters favourites for many, many, years.

After delays for both of us due to snow hitting Paris the day of our arrival, all plans are slightly rescheduled and we are having a pit stop before dinner at the Bar and – I would never have predicted this – but my first drink of 2019 is a Paul Ricard with water – How Very French. Tastes good and warming, on a very chilly Paris night.

We have one night free before the Gig, so of course I wanted to visit a Cool Paris restaurant. I am not a regular visitor here, so what is regarded as trendy now in Paris escapes me, but I narrow down the possibilities and increase my opportunities of visiting a good establishment by referring to the web based Food Reviewer “Infatuation” – notwithstanding they had rejected my application to become their new London based staff Food writer during the past week. I hold no grudges !

One of their top rated recommendations was a restaurant in the 11th Arondisiment named Verjus. I appreciated they would only have a tasting menu available, but looking at what they were offering at a price of EU79 it appeared unusual and good value. A little more research and I established that the Chef was self taught Braden Perkins who travels the world experiencing various cuisines before reinterpreting and personalising them for his restaurant. His partner is Laura Adrian who curates a pairing wine list which focuses on organic and biodynamic wines. Braden and and Laura used to run an internet based Hidden Supper club from their own apartment before moving to this permenant establishment some 7 or so years ago. They are both US citizens, so I supposed you could call them the original Americans in Paris taking on local gastronomy and chefs of high French Cuisine.

Arrival at Verjus

After walking straight past the restaurant using google maps – beware it is off the main road and down a narrow alley – then the welcome was friendly and the decor would not have been out of place in Shoreditch. Wooden tables, very relaxed and shabby chic feel to it, and we were offered a circular table in the corner, which in my view was probably the pick of the tables. The menu appeared which also offered the aforementioned wine pairing option at EU55 which we opted for on the basis my daughter had not tried this before.

The first course consisted of an assortment of canapés that all arrived together and represented a table of food that I did not recognise from any other restaurants visited recently.

Clentine Egg Yolks

First up were 2 eggshells containing a very slightly warmed egg yolk combined with chives and mandarin. You basically carefully scooped out the yolk from the fragile eggshells and then just savoured a citrusy infused egg yolk. Delicate, fruity and moorish. I wonder if bread soldiers would have worked more than a dainty spoon ? Great start. Then Chickpea Socca crunchy Tacos filled with fragrant fresh herbs.

The strong flavour of the dill and mint awoke your tastebuds so that they were dancing around awaiting the next course, which were purple carrots and blood orange on little wooden skewers. It had the colour of beetroot, and the appearance of meat, but when tasted you discovered were sweet and earthy carrots with again a citrus kick. They were presented with buckwheat and sunflower biscuits which provided the contrast in texture.

Purple Carrot and Blood Orange

The final part of the quad of starters was a large disc of paper thin golden coloured sliced potatoes sitting atop some dots of horseradish cream. You could basically break off shards of the cremated smokey potato’s and dip them into the modestly spiced Horseradish before they melted into your mouth. It reminded me of a jacket potato prepared on Bonfire night – smokey burnt umami taste, and not something experienced in this form before. A fantastic offering of snacks which would be appreciated by anybody who enjoys new flavours.

Potatoes and Horseradish

Our next course was headed up Scallop, Watercress and Marrow. It arrived with a small layer of raw scallops at the bottom of a shallow dish over which a veloute of Watercress was poured which very slightly cooked the scallops before you the polished it off far too quickly. There were crunchy little bread croutons to provide some texture and the Marrow must have been hidden in there somewhere to, but the overwhelming taste was of the silky scallops against the Watercress.

Back to Black

What appeared next resembled a black oil slick on a plate which was not what I was expecting when I read the ingredients of the dish – Celeriac, Chestnuts and a Truffle. The Celeriac had been roasted and cut into a circle with the centre stuffed with a type of mushroom pate studded with big bold chesnuts.

It was black as it was smothered in a charcoal and truffle cream. On the plate it did not look appetising – question mark over presentation – but all fears were gone when you tasted the dish. Celeriac always teters on the brink of love and hate with me, but this time it just about crossed over to the Love cabin, helped by the contrasting tastes of the powerful chesnuts and earthy mushrooms.

The remaining savoury course was Duck served with a huge bowl of (just about) dressed Radicchio on the side, together with an unusual, but beautifully presented beetroot and apple Tarte Tatin. To complete the meal a bowl of new potatoes smothered in a potato cream. The duck itself was an indelicate hunk of breast sitting on a sauce of blood red beetroot sauce which in turn had a white beetroot purée on the side. Whilst being a die hard beetroot hater this dish came together spectacularly well and the Tarte Tatin was a revelation.

Duck / Beetroot

Beautiful Beetroot/ Apple Tarte Tatin

A quick note on the Wine, very well chosen, and complimenting each course but a special word for the Pierre Goigoux IGP Puy De Dome, Damascus Noir 2015, a blend of Syrah and a grape variety almost extinct due to phylloxera, and the Great War called Black Damas ( a Syrah variety) , and researched and brought back to life over the past 15 years by Pierre Goignoux who was fascinated by the grape. His vineyard is apparently now unique in the Workd being the ink producer of this grape variety. A lovely delicate red with black fruit and a volcanic minerality.

To desserts – the first of two was a classic from Brittany, a “Far Breton” which is basically eggs, cream and prunes made into a type of flan. Rich and yet light – no complaints here. To finish we had something which could have been served for breakfast or dessert – a Carrot, Yoghurt concoction topped with Clementine Granita. Refreshing, and brought us full circle to the first egg yolk dish also infused with Clementine. I don’t know if this was deliberate but it worked for me.

Far Breton from Brittany

Downstairs in the restaurant was a tiny and very trendy looking wine bar which had its own entrance in a different street to the restaurant. Apparently they do good sandwiches at lunch.

We really enjoyed Verjus – it was unstuffy, the service was excellent with a little story being provided for each of the wines, and the food all hit the spot in a very un French way. But maybe I am just not familiar with the current Food scene in Paris. Whatever, it is a far cry from the establishments still insisting on suits and ties to be worn in the evenings – a la Tour D’ Argent with its famous name but crazily priced menus.

Our next venue after our lovely evening at Verjus was a Blues Club called Cafe Utopia. This is where I really fell off the Wagon, and got back to the Hotel at 4am after being poured into an Uber by the Singers Wife – but that’s a whole different story……..

Rating – VeryHotpan – 4/ 5 , great value but maybe a little more attention to some indelicate presentation ?

Service 5/5 – Could not be faulted

Verjus– 52 Rue De Richelieu, 75001, Paris.

+33 (0) 1 42975440

Verjusparis.com

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

Mr 100% – That’s Tom Kerridge

January 19, 2019 by admin

Tom Kerridge, whilst at Wednesday nights Times+ event commented that if he worked in The News building at 1 London Bridge – where this interview was taking place on the 17th floor – he would not be able to do anything all day other than just admire the view out of the window. Well it’s a good job he is not based there, as he has rather a few tasks on his plate at present, and staring out of the window all day is not one one of them.

This evening was clearly scheduled as a tie in to Toms new book “Fresh Start” and his new TV Series, but it is also another rather exclusive event organised by The Times for members of its Times+ Club. I have attended other evenings involving interviews with Lou Reed, Suede , an Oscars Prediction Night etc and these are well organised and curated events which differentiates the Newspaper from its peers. This evening was hosted by Lisa Markwell the Tines Food Editor, and alumni of Leiths School of Food and Wine.

The evening only lasted some 90 minutes (plus a book signing opportunity to close ), and was structured in the way of questions from Lisa for the first hour, and then a Q & A from the floor for the last 30 minutes.

What did we learn from Tom during this evening ? Well, other than his well documented change in lifestyle and dramatic weight loss over the past few years, the quote that me chuckle the most was that Tom is almost never Star struck ( David Beckham and family were refused their request for a table when they made contact with the Hand and Flowers on the day when they were seeking a reservation for that same evening), but who he was most in awe of when they did make a visit, was Nancy Cartwright. Most, if not all of the audience, scratched their heads when this name was mentioned. Tom quickly followed up with – she is the voice of Bart Simpson, and luckily one of his kitchen staff recognised her voice when she arrived or she would have passed incognito at the restaurant. That’s who Tom recalls with most reverence at his 2 Star “Pub”. He did also mention George Clooney had eaten there, alone, and in the corner, and had requested no special attention, phones,selfies etc. He had Fish and a Chips and nobody noticed he was there !

One of the issues Lisa was curious about was how Tom managed his time and be in attendance and visible at all of his 3 restaurant locations. In response Tom explained that 4/5 times a week he is in the kitchen in the evening at his Bar and a Grill at the Corinthian Hotel, but after Service he travels back to Marlow along the M4 to be ready for the breakfast and lunch service at The Hand and Flowers. It could of course give people the impression that he must have been cooking the previous evening if he was appearing at breakfast, but Tom commented he would always be honest (100%) and apologise for not being present the previous evening if taken to task on this. He praised his long serving and loyal staff for him being able to work in this way, and he has complete trust in them to produce the quality of product whilst he is not present. He of course could take the easy way out and take a room in the Corinthian after service in London, but prefers to be home and ready early at Marlow the next morning.

Regarding the current TV programme, Lisa said she was dying to know if the kitchen in the programme was actually his. Not his, he replied emphatically, but it was a posh house was’nt it ! Anyway the fridge was not big enough, and the door did not close very well. On a more serious note, he was conscious to draw a line between his real home life and the make believe of TV Land, and wished to maintain a distinct separation between them. In any event we did not want to see him tip-toeing down the stairs in his nightie a la Nigella – did we !?

Regards his new book he wished to ensure people did not regard it as a “dietary” tome, but rather a collection of recipes that were not too “Cheffy” and people should be able to cook at home without stressing over the ingredients and method too much. Obviously Ottolenghi has produced a similar book to counter the arguements his recipes are usually too complex and/or involve far too many ingredients. Tom explained that programmes like Masterchef are good in their own context, but that we should remember that the contestants are very much cooking for themselves, and too impress judges- hence the use of Sous Vide, productions of gels/foams etc – not the sort of thing most people will do after arriving home from work and wanting a tasty and fresh bite to eat. This latest collection of recipes are meant to to be very accessible, and to encourage people to cook again, not to be scared off by what they see on TV. Of course there are some lighter meals involved, but also traditional dishes wherein he is providing tips to lift them from the ordinary to the next level. A good example of this he chose to highlight – namely browning mince in an oven until it goes dark and crumbly – when making a Spag Bowl or a Shepherds Pie. This Caramelised the mince and introduces the Umumi kick, whilst at the same time draining of fat. This compares to the grey sludge most people would normally produce when adding the mince to their onion and garlic in a pan, and he says will shock you with the difference in taste it gives.

An amusing little side story he also told was how he originally mis- led his Bank to establish a loan for the refit and opening of The Hand and Flowers in Marlow. He knew that as a young man trying to get a business loan for opening a restaurant back then would be impossible, so he approached the bank on the basis of money (£50,000) for an extension to his house, which on this basis was approved. Of course later on the bank established the truth, but by then it was too late and the bank were in for a penny and in for a pound.

During the Q &A session I was able to pose my own question which was “ It is well documented that you have changed your lifestyle quite drastically, but if you could time travel back to your 24 year old self, what would you have done differently, and what advice would you give yourself ?”


Tom gave up his time to sign books and pose for selfies after the event, and had a word for everyone. After signing my book, I asked if his recipe for his infamous Glazed Lobster Thermidor Omelet was in the book. Unfortunately not he replied – guess it’s a bit too cheffy !

Toms answer was a pleasure to hear “ 100% would not have changed a thing. What I have done in my life is what makes me who I am today and I would do it all again.” He added rather cheekily “ I have had some amazing nights when I have been drinking. My PR people here might suggest I should have done things differently but 100% I would not”

Overall Tom came across as a very humble, warm, genuine and erudite human being whom I greatly warmed too throughout the evening. Tom used the phrase 100% a lot during the evening to emphasis certainty on the way he feels or stands on issues – I am even more a fan 100% after this enjoyable evening.

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

The Adventures of ”Superdryman”experiencing his first Dry January.

January 15, 2019 by admin

  • Achtung – Ein, Zwei Zero ! No alcohol Riesling from Waitrose !

THE ADVENTURES OF “SUPERDRYMAN” EXPERIENCING HIS FIRST DRY JANUARY

Should it be concerning that when I mention to Friends and Family that I am doing Dry January for the first time their response is either one of shock and awe, or one of hysterical laughter ? Is my reputation and relationship with alcohol such that there is disbelief that I can go 31 days sans alcohol ?

Well it is day 15 – and mid day – which my reckoning is exactly half way to my goal. So far so good. But why did I decide to undertake this daunting task ?

There was no plan involved, it all started as a practical economical response to what I was faced with on my New Years holiday in Mauritius. Like most people ( or so I believe) I like a drink on holiday, but then again I like a drink on any day ending with a “y”. But first day, first beachside lunch, I am reading the resort menu and doing my utmost to translate Mauritian Rupees into good old dependable Pre – Brexit UK sterling. I must be pressing the wrong buttons on my phone as the cheapest wine I can find on the wine list works out to £65. That’s for an uninspiring South African White something or other. Maybe as it’s lunch and very humid let’s try a local beer. Gaseous Gnats Piss ( not even a pint) works out to £6.25 ! I don’t even like Lager. Ok they produce Rum here, that should be cheaper. Nope, £6 a shot for the cheapest. So, methinks – quickly – and work out that over 9 days I can save about £500-600 by not having wine/beer for our party of 4. Indeed I have excelled in my alcoholic intake during December to the extent that on an aggregate basis I have probably imbibed enough to cover at least the first quarter of 2019 during a crazy few weeks in December. Decision taken. This is going to be a healthy/detox (cheaper) vacation.

There we have it. The genesis of a Dry January. 9 days bumming around on the Beach was not difficult, the challenge would commence upon my return. I had scoured my calendar to look at potential dates that could possibly bring me down, and the first few days back already contained 2 precarious events.

Returning on a Wednesday evening I had scheduled a Friday night dinner with Friends – albeit hosted at the home of a non drinking Wannabee Chef- (Auggie) – Saturday night – Bowie Celebration Gig – Shephards Bush Empire. Hmmmm! Usually both of these evenings would involve a fair share of alcoholic beverages. I texted my friend Auggie to determine the timing of dinner and announced to all on our WhatsApp group that I was undertaking the Dry Jan challenge. What an encouraging response I received ! Auggie’s partner was also partaking in an alcohol free month, and another friend immediately announced the same. 4 out of 5 at the Dinner would not be partaking in alcohol- that would make the evening run smoothly. Or ? Smoothly, is that the right phrase !? I cannot recall the last time I attended a dinner party and did not drink. This will be an experience. And what do you take to the hosts house when you understand almost everybody is alcohol free ? Certainly not a Keg of Double Diamond. Not even Egg Nog.

I could not really foresee hours of conversation with only water at hand, so there must be something else that non drinkers luxuriate in ?( Barring Coke/Sprite etc ) I had tried my favourite Brewers Brewdog’s Alcohol Free offering – the cleverly named Nanny State – so this could be one option. Then I thought about alcohol free wine – not low alcohol but free from alcohol. As luck would have it there was an article in The Times about wine to drink during Dry January and they recommended a Riesling that Waitrose was selling at £6.99 by the wonderful name of Ein, Zwei Zero. Apparently it is made and fermented in the traditional way but then has all of alcohol vacuumed out. Ordinarily a preposterous idea, but apt for my current predicament.

Nanny State – my least Favourite Brewdog Beer !

So I attended the dinner party with a box of Nanny State ( later realising it is 0.5% ABV and feeling guilty about it) and a bottle of alcohol free wine, and it all went very well. The wine Was very popular, very citrusy, fresh and not unpleasant. In fact so not unpleasant I was asked why I had not brought along more bottles ! Maybe it’s psychological, but seeing a wine bottle and drinking from it using a wine glass helped me feel a little at home, even though clearly the taste was more of a fruity grape juice than of alcohol itself.

Home at midnight, totally conscious, and waking up in the morning with a clear recollection of everything said and everything I ate – quite liberating ! Of course there are times when both the food and conversation are more wisely and thankfully forgotten, and other times when all is a blur whereas you actually would prefer to remember the night. But at least this morning I could lay in bed upon waking and not have to worry if I had a) lost my phone, b) lost my wallet c) lost coat/scarf, d) scroll through phone upon locating it to check what time you called an Uber and where from, e) check how many phone calls made/received. Oh, my god 8 missed calls from the wife, a call I returned at 11.52 for 14 minutes and I do not even remember making the call…….will need to tread carefully about that , and Wow , all of that behind me ( for one night at least). I lie in bed with a smug grin.

Next challenge – Saturdays gig. But wonder upon wonders, another friend attending said concert is also doing Dry Jan ( yes of course we will support each other ) , and other 2 friends say that they will also abstain. This is getting easy ! Enjoyed the gig with just one pint of Pepsi Zero in hand. Probably a glass of red wine would have been healthier, but I am still on course.

Monday back to the office. Tell all that I am not visiting the pub at lunch or after work. Most colleagues fall of chairs, but now I am on a roll and feeling like Superman !

I have agreed to one exception. I am going to Paris for 2 nights to meet my daughter, and it will be the first time we have spent time together one on one without her son/my grandchild around since he was born 15 months ago. As she lives in a France we rarely see each other and we are catching up using a Snow Patrol concert in a Paris as our meeting point. My daughter has begged me to join her in a few drinks as she will not be able to relax and will feel guilty drinking alone. So I am doing Dry January in what I call “ Alex Style”. My French friend Alex did Dry January last year but he said it only applied whilst he was in the UK. When he travelled back to France at weekends etc he was drinking. I love that plan ! So my Dry January is Alex style, and I will have 2 nights off to ease the pain. Maybe I will need to go a few days into February Dry to make up for it, but in my own mind I think that’s acceptable. So 15 days with a small break to go.

I am Superman ! Or maybe more accurately Superdryman !

Filed Under: LATEST NEWS

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