Buy George… Treat Someone This Christmas With George Clooney’s Award-Winning Casamigos Tequila

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

TREAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS TO RANDE GERBER, GEORGE CLOONEY AND MICHAEL MELDMAN’S AWARD-WINNING

CASAMIGOS TEQUILA

Brought To You By Those Who Drink It

Let the good times flow this Christmas by treating friends and family to a bottle of award-winning Casamigos Tequila. “Brought To You By Those Who Drink It,” Casamigos Tequila is privately owned by George Clooney and longtime friend, bar and restaurant mogul Rande Gerber, and Discovery Land Company CEO & founder Michael Meldman.

Casamigos is named after Gerber and Clooney’s houses in Mexico, and roughly translates to “House of Friends.”

Tequila-filled nights with friends is how Casamigos was born. Casamigos was originally created out of Clooney and Gerber’s desire to enjoy the best-tasting, smoothest tequila and was always intended for personal use, to be shared with family and friends.

Casamigos is currently available in Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. These small batch, ultra-premium tequilas are made from the finest hand-selected 100% Blue Weber agaves, grown in the rich red clay soil and cool climate of Mexico’s Jalisco Highlands for a minimum of seven years. After harvest, the agave piñas are roasted in traditional brick ovens for seventy-two hours before undergoing an extra-slow fermentation process over an additional eighty hours, nearly double the industry standard. Casamigos’ Blanco rests for two months, whilst Casamigos Reposado and Casamigos Añejo are aged 7 and 14 months respectively in the finest premium American white oak barrels, which have been carefully reconditioned after being used to age the finest premium whiskey.

“Casamigos Blanco is crisp and clear, with subtle hints of vanilla and a smooth finish, Casamigos Reposado is smooth and clean with hints of caramel, and Casamigos Añejo is a perfect balance of sweetness from the Blue Weber agaves, layered with barrel oak and subtle hints of spice with a lingering smooth finish. All expressions are great served neat or on the rocks, and are the perfect base for premium cocktails,” says Gerber.

Before going into the bottle, each batch is tasted and approved by our master distiller, Gerber and Clooney, to ensure the highest quality. Each batch is then numbered and signed by Gerber and Clooney. Casamigos’ authentic minimalist design reflects the men who created it.

“We worked on the creation of Casamigos Tequila with our master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico, for years and held many blind tastings until we knew we got it right. We’ve been drinking Casamigos with friends and family for over six years,” says Clooney.

Casamigos is available in the United States, Bahamas, Canada, Hong Kong, and the UK, and has garnered the highest accolades from the spirit industry’s most well respected authority figures. Awards and ratings include the highest rated gold medals from Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, The Beverage Testing Institute, The New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, The Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition and many more. Additionally, Casamigos was rated “Excellent, Highly Recommend” by The Ultimate Spirits Challenge, received the coveted 5 star rating from BevX Magazine, “A perfect tequila,” A rating, from Good Spirit News, named “Best Tequila in the World” by Men’s Journal magazine and Oprah Winfrey lists Casamigos as “The Smoothest, The Best.”

Casamigos Tequila is available to purchase at Selfridges and Harvey Nichols this Christmas:

www.selfridges.com

Casamigos Blanco: £62.99

Casamigos Reposado: £69.99

Casamigos Añejo: £77.99

www.harveynichols.com

Casamigos Blanco: £62.50

Casamigos Reposado: £69.50

Casamigos Añejo: £75.00

For more information on Casamigos Tequila, please visit www.casamigostequila.com.

Follow Casamigos Tequila on Facebook at Facebook.com/casamigostequila, and on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest @Casamigos

About Casamigos Tequila…

Brought To You By Those Who Drink It. Privately owned by George Clooney and longtime friend, bar and restaurant mogul Rande Gerber, and Discovery Land Company CEO & founder Michael Meldman, tequila-filled nights with friends is how Casamigos was born. Launched in the UK in March 2015, these small batch, ultra-premium tequilas are made from the finest hand-selected 100% Blue Weber agaves grown in the rich red clay soil and cool climate of Mexico’s Jalisco Highlands for a minimum of seven years. Casamigos Blanco is crisp and clear, with subtle hints of vanilla and a smooth finish, Casamigos Reposado is smooth and clean with hints of caramel. Casamigos Añejo is aged 14 months and has a beautifully pure and refined complex aroma, with soft caramel and vanilla notes.

About The Amigos…

It’s safe to say these men know a thing or two about toasting good times. As founder of the Gerber Group and Gerber Spirits, Rande has extensive experience within the restaurant and bar industries, previously owning establishments in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and around the world. George Clooney is an Academy Award-winning actor, director, producer – and now, tequila maker. Mike Meldman’s Discovery Land Company consists of 17 luxury residential private club communities and resorts including Baker’s Bay in the Bahamas and The Yellowstone Club, Big Sky Montana.

Déjà-Vu Boutique Offers The Ultimate Christmas Gift… Bring On The Stellé Bling!

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

It’s around about now, a week before Christmas, that the ideal gift for that special person is nowhere to be found, and time is running out!

So before you resort to the obligatory perfume and last-minute gift voucher, I’m about to save the day.

Introducing…

Stellé Audio Mini-Clutch (Dazzling Diamond)

The Dazzling Diamond mini-clutch is quite possibly the ultimate bling accessory this season – perfect for Christmas parties, a thoughtful birthday or prom gift to squirrel away or the ultimate gift for the bride-to-be! But this clutch has a hidden secret. It’s not just a clutch bag, it’s a high-tech, state-of-the-art box of magic which will pair with any Bluetooth device, with a built-in speaker for hands-free calls, lasting up to 15 hours once charged, so can even be used to charge your phone if it’s running out of juice!

Personally, this clutch accompanies every evening event I attend, not just because of its dazzling looks, but teamed up with my phone, I can make and receive calls when space is limited or I need a conference-call type conversation with other members of my team. The Dazzling Diamond mini-clutch is packed along with the Louboutins for cruising, allowing me to listen to internet radio anywhere in the world with a crisp and clear sound quality expected of a superior brand such as Stellé.

The clutch opens up to reveal an inside pocket – big enough to hold a lipstick, a bank card and a little cash… but the opposite side is dedicated to a larger than average sized mirror!

The bag comes complete with an across-the-body chain and a detachable chunky plastic quality bracelet featuring the Stelle logo – so stylish!

Offering the best in sound quality and design, the Stellé Mini-Clutch Speaker^™effortlessly pairs with any Bluetooth-enabled device, has a built-in speakerphone for hands-free calls and can connect to non-Bluetooth devices via aux-in jack and can charge any USB-enabled device.

You’ll find the Stellé Mini-Clutch Speaker^™ available for purchase at Déjà-Vu Boutique Ipswich, offering a ‘chic & unique’ shopping experience.

Renowned for being the top-to-toe ‘unique boutique’ in the area, you’re sure to be inspired by the gorgeous fashion, bags, jewellery and accessories on show, shop in style within their elegant surroundings – their ranges are hand-selected specifically so that customers can find something different in-store and not ‘run of the mill’, with ethical chemical and cruielty-free beauty ranges perfectly complimenting their in-store offer, providing something different from other shops.

http://www.dejavuboutique.co.uk

The Stellé Audio Mini-Clutch is also available in metallic purple…

…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS… STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…

I understand quantities of the Dazzling Diamond are extremely low for Christmas 2015 and the metallic purple clutch has sold out completely in-store, but both products are available to pre-order for 2016.

Technical details about the Stellé Mini-Clutch Speaker^™ …

The Stellé Mini-Clutch Speaker^™ includes a powerful six-watt stereo digital amplifier, delivering optimal audio performance, a stereo speaker system with two 1-inch full range drivers and bass radiator, built-in microphone for Speakerphone capabilities and a Bluetooth^® wireless range of up to 50 feet.

Product Dimensions: 6.4” (W) x 4.3” (H) x 2.9” (D)

Product Weight 1.5 lbs.

Pocket fits mobile devices up to 5.5” x 2.75”, including the iPhone 6.

Price: Dazzling Diamond – £169 (plus postage and packing) – please call for stock availability for Christmas delivery! Metallic Purple – £129 (plus postage and packing) (2016 pre-order only)

About Deja-Vu Boutique…

^{No. 10 Norwich Road

Ipswich

IP1 2NG

(Close to Coes)}

Opening Times

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	10:00 am – 5.30pm
Wednesday	10:00 am – 5:30pm
Thursday	10:00 am – 5:30pm
Friday	10:00 am – 6.00pm
Saturday	10:00 am – 6.00pm
Sunday	Closed

Tel: 01473 404592

info@dejavuboutique.co.uk

Dram & Smoke: A Winter Highland Hideaway Serving Scottish Beer From Harviestoun Brewery

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Following a sold out run in 2014, Scottish pop-up Dram & Smoke is returning to its former home in a leather tannery warehouse in London Bridge for four weeks this winter.

2-3 Black Swan Yard London Bridge, London, SE1 3XW

As usual with D&S, robust fare that’s all about celebrating the best of Scottish produce will be served from an open kitchen alongside whisky cocktails, great beer and banging tunes in a suitably unique venue in the shadows of The Shard. A private house party vibe is the order of the day from the moment guests enter the vast candlelit space through a clandestine doorway just off Bermondsey Street and are welcomed with a warming hot toddy.

This time around, as well as a brand new five course menu, a slew of other fresh twists are in the mix as part of the £40 ticket. Ping pong, foosball and a host of other games will be available for those with fidgety feet and a competitive spirit. At the bar, guests will find a whisky cocktail menu courtesy of The Naked Grouse that ranges from punchy classics for the seasoned drinker through to lighter options for the uninitiated. A short but well-formed wine list is accompanied by craft beer from Scottish brewers Harviestoun Brewery who will be launching exclusive brews at the event, and serving limited edition beers soon to become extinct.

The list includes new brew Raspy Engine (Harviestoun’s Old Engine Oil infused with Scottish raspberries and crafted with a twist) and the very limited edition Ola Dubh 30 (Old Engine Oil aged in 30 year old Highland Park whiskey casks; this is an exceptional rare run with the last bottle due to be served at Dram & Smoke).

When it comes to the scran, things kick off in a typically tongue-in-cheek Highland style – Duck Donuts served with Irn Bru Chilli Jam. A turn of elegance brings proceedings to Potted Smoked Mushrooms, Dunsyre Blue Cheese & Homemade Pickles as well as shooters of intense Lobster Broth. Epic carve-at-the-table Roast Rack of Pork gets the Scottish treatment with a hit of Stornoway Black Pudding and is joined by chargrilled plums and buckets of crisp crackling (but veggies needn’t fear – an alternative menu will be on hand by request). Finally, sharing trays of Whisky Bread & Butter Pudding with jugs of Malted Milk Custard bring things to a comforting close.

With food served up at large round 10-12 person tables (plus a banquet table for 20) D&S is all about getting stuck in and hanging out with your neighbours. However, for those searching for their very own slice of highland hospitality, Dram & Smoke is also available for private-hire throughout the festive season – that’ll be Christmas soirées minus the floppy hats, stale ambiance and boring food then.

Either way, this is the highland hideaway for great scran, free-flowing bevvy and a healthy dose of general flumgummerie this winter.

Tickets are available online via DesignMyNight:
https://www.designmynight.com/london/whats-on/pop-up/dram-smoke-scottish-winter-pop-up

PRICE
£40 per ticket includes:
Welcome cocktail upon arrival
5 course tasting menu (vegetarian options available)

Chichester Christmas Market

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Tracy Baines

Not another Christmas market I hear you mutter. Exactly. That’s what I thought as well as we drove into Chichester and saw the signs at every roundabout. Another market, same stalls, same goods on offer but I was delighted to find that it wasn’t like that at all. It was perfect serendipity – we had arrived for a business meeting and stumbled upon something quite special.

The tree was up in the square, the choir singing carols, lights lit a little too early but then it is Christmas after all. Even Joseph was there with the baby Jesus and two Donkeys – although Mary was nowhere to be seen.

We wandered along the stalls drinking in what each one had to offer. Yes, some stalls were repetitions of what you would find on any market but I was delighted to find most of them weren’t. I was immediately tempted by the festive wreaths at Farmyard Flowers, two of the florists busily working in the background to finish orders. They really were quite stunning and very affordable. A festive table decoration was £10 which won’t break the bank.

West Green Pottery offered something different for those wanting something more lasting. Potter Sue Mills has been hand-throwing stoneware pottery since 1976 and each item is beautifully decorated with hares, owls, mice, birds, butterflies and oak leaves. She also has an Etsy shop.

Dog lovers could be satisfied with the items on Bottle Green Homes. I immediately checked out the Springer Spaniel Tea towels – quite accurate with The VeryVeryVery Spirited Springer. Oh yes, I’ll have one of those.

Artist Rob Huxley was hard at work behind a beautiful display of his paintings and I was happy to stop for a moment to watch him transform a small canvas into a boat awash on a dark sea. I hope he didn’t mind me looking over his shoulder, it would drive me mad. Suddenly conscious of this I moved swiftly on.

Working my way among the stalls I slowly filled my bags with a little something for everyone else but managed to rein myself in before I damaged my credit rating. I’ve always fancied my very own War Horse and this family would look lovely in my garden but sad to say it was still there when we left. I didn’t think I could squash it into a Mini Cooper.

We finished off with a pot of tea and a toasted teacake at The Buttery which is housed in an old crypt. It felt very Christmassy sitting there in the golden glow of the afternoon and I was loathe to leave but an aversion to traffic jams galvanised me to move.

The market is certainly something to plan for next year. There is a free park and ride but we always park in the Festival Theatre car park. It’s relatively cheap and you can use the underpass to get straight on to the main shopping thoroughfares.

CHRISTMAS PAST & PRESENT by Jenny Falcon

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Margaret Graham

The lights garnishing the tree twinkle

Peeping out from amongst the shiny baubles

Dotted between the dark green pine branches

The sparkling ornaments, the foil wrapped chocolates

The olive trees stand still, silent, protective

Lit by the myriad stars, one shining extra brightly

The leaves gently flutter, quietly applauding

Sensing their privileged position by the stable

The street is full of noise and colour

Crowds bustling in and out of bulging shops

Carols playing, children squeaking with excitement

Preparations reaching a festive crescendo

Inside the stable, it is peaceful

The donkey, a little restless, hooves muffled by the straw

Knows this day he’s carried a special load

His big brown eyes watch in awe

Supermarket tills are working to exhaustion

Trolleys groan under the weight of Christmas fare

Pyramids of goods, demolished in seasonal frenzy

Unbelievable quantities, gratuitous excess

The inn keeper offers some bread and gruel

He has little to spare, the inn is full

He promises a lad will milk the cow

To give to the young mother, cradling the infant

The smell of roasting turkey, goose or beef

Mixes with the rich wafts of Christmas pudding

Mince pies, crouching in their crisp pastry coats

And spicy cinnamon immersed in the mulled wine.

The hay spread thickly on the earthen floor

Smells sweet, though slightly damp

Wood smoke blows through, just gently

As the door to the inn opens and closes

Guests arrive, parcels are placed under the tree

Fascinating shapes, brightly wrapped and ribboned

Soon to reveal the secrets within

Leaving forlorn piles of discarded, crumpled paper

Shepherds shuffle in, sheep trot behind

The Wise Men, majestic, mysterious offer their gifts

The new parents, happy but bewildered, smile their thanks

The baby, focus of all attention, sleeps on

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Serves Gentleman’s Wager Cocktail at Mayfair’s Galvin At Windows

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL has created a beautiful bespoke cocktail

‘THE GENTLEMAN’S WAGER’

now being served at iconic GALVIN AT WINDOWS, Mayfair

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the leading luxury Blended Scotch whisky, has created a bespoke cocktail with whisky at its heart, to celebrate the launch of the short film

‘THE GENTLEMAN’S WAGER II’

The short film, starring Oscar-nominated actors Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini, tells the story of two men who enter a wager over a priceless vintage Delahaye 135S car.

As we follow Jude’s efforts to win the wager, we see that it is only through the gratitude he shows people along his journey that he is able to succeed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzME9i03PpI

Boris Ivan, Bar Manager at Michelin star London restaurant Galvin at Windows, at London Hilton on Park Lane, created the cocktail with the beautiful setting of the film – Italy, France and Monaco – in mind. Ensuring the warming flavours paid homage to the stunning European landscape and cultures.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label forms the base of the drink, which is blended with Antica Formula, a particular type of vermouth from Southern Italy, and is of geographical and cultural importance to the area. The ingredient represents the location where Jude and Giancarlo start the race, and its warm and rich flavours embody the luxury and elegance of the Italian way of life.

By contrast, the nutty and sweet Creme de Chataigne represents Monaco, the principality in France where the race fishes, and evokes the flavours of wood given to whisky while aging. A touch of chocolate bitters completes the cocktail to give a round, rich finish.

Commenting on the launch, Boris Ivan states: “The Gentleman’s Wager cocktail is the very embodiment of The Gentleman’s Wager II and was inspired by the beautiful setting in which the short film took place. I wanted the cocktail to be warm and full of flavour, without overpowering the senses, so I drew cues from the rich and memorable tastes, sights and smells of Italy, France and Monaco, which all feature in Jude Law’s the journey to win the wager.”

The Gentleman’s Wager cocktail (£14) is available now from Galvin at Windows.

About Johnnie Walker Blue Label…

Johnnie Walker’s most prestigious whisky. Probably THE most famous super-premium blend, made up of the finest old-aged malt and grain whiskies. The Cristal of the blended whisky world, Blue Label’s bold, multi-layered palate and silky delivery ensure that it sits unchallenged at the top of the Johnnie Walker pile.

About Galvin at Windows…

Galvin at Windows has maintained a Michelin star every year since 2009. The restaurant has set the bar for French haute cuisine with Chef Patron Chris Galvin and Head Chef Joo Won at the helm in the Kitchen and is known for the outstanding service and attention to detail all overseen by General Manager Fred Sirieix. With over 30 awards to its name Galvin at Windows is one of the great success stories of recent years and a true star of the London restaurant scene.

www.galvinatwindows.com

About Boris Ivan…

Born in Poprad, Slovakia, Boris started his career in the bar industry whilst at University in Slovakia, working part time at different bars. In 2004 he moved to London and took a position at the Soho Hotel. After over two years working behind the bar Boris decided to and move to Prague where he worked as Assistant F&B manager at the Crowne Plaza. During the four months that he lived in Prague, Boris studied the art of Japanese mixology and together with Stanislav Vadrna worked as external bar consultant in award winning bar, UFO.

In August 2008 he left Crowne Plaza when he was asked to come back to the Soho Hotel as senior bartender before moving to Hush, Mayfair. At Hush Boris was part of the development team and won several awards for molecular mixology at the First Bar Show in Barcelona.

In 2010 he joined the Disaronno Mixing Star Competition and won 1^st place in early 2011 represented UK in European Mixing star final. After a busy year, Boris left Hush bar and accepted position in newly opened Mint Hotel, Tower Bridge, where he ran the Sky Lounge bar for the next 8 months. In August 2011 he left the Sky Lounge team and started as Bar and Club Lounge Manager in Le Meridien Piccadilly. In April 2013 he joined Galvin at Windows team as Bar Manager where he looks after every aspect of the bar and makes London’s best cocktails.

Borderfields British Infusions Gift Packs for Christmas

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Frostie

Want a healthy choice for cooking? Here it is: Borderfields Original Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil. It retains its health properties, even at a high temperature and they taste delicious. These are the perfect gift for foodies.

With the festive season drawing ever closer, Borderfields – the expert in premium cold pressed rapeseed oil – is calling on foodies to infuse some flavour into their Christmas cooking this year with the launch of an inspiring range of tempting infusion gift packs.

Fusing cold pressed rapeseed oil with a first-class selection of flavours – including aromatic garlic, fresh basil, fiery chilli and zesty lemon – Borderfields British Infusions Gift Packs are the perfect match for Christmas; offering the ideal way to spoil a loved one, impress at a dinner party or simply add a little zing to all manner of festive favourites.

Boasting all of the benefits of Borderfields Original Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil – including a high ‘smoke point’ which, unlike olive oil, means it maintains its natural benefits at high temperatures – the gift packs make a deliciously healthy, versatile and delightfully simple option for roasting, frying, drizzling, sizzling and basting.

What’s more, it contains half the saturated fat of olive oil, as well as near perfect blend of omegas 3, 6 and 9, and is made using a unique five-times filtration process. This sees each carefully selected batch of rapeseed gently pressed, filtered five times and bottled to ensure a pure, simple and top-quality product with a subtle, buttery flavour.

To continue the festivities after the big day, why not try inspiring your Christmas leftovers with Borderfields’ British Infusions? The perfect match for a turkey soup or creamy curry, mouth-watering gammon sandwich or hearty pie infused with flavour.

The Borderfields Infusions Gift Pack range includes:

· Borderfields British Infusions Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil Gift Pack (3x125ml)

o Including Garlic, Chilli and Lemon Infusions made with 100% British cold pressed rapeseed oil – RRP £7.99

o Available exclusively online from www.amazon.co.uk

· Borderfields British Infusions Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil Gift Pack (4x125ml)

o Basil, Garlic, Chilli and Lemon Infusions made with 100% British cold pressed rapeseed oil – RRP £9.99

o Available exclusively online from Amazon.

Share your festive cold pressed rapeseed oil creations with Borderfields on Twitter, @Borderfields, Facebook, and Instagram, @borderfieldsoil. For more information on Borderfields and delicious recipe inspiration, please visit: www.borderfields.co.uk

Great Christmas wines for a fiver

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Jack Shamash

Very cheap and very good

Anyone wanting to buy good wines this Christmas is in for a treat. There’s a bit of a price war at the cheaper end of the market. Aldi has been selling its very excellent ‘Exquisite Collection’ wines for just over a fiver and recently announced that it would be selling its wines on the internet, for home delivery. All of this has created consternation among the other retailers.

Asda has responded by putting some excellent wines on sale at a fiver and labelled them as ‘Extra Special Selection’. I bought about a dozen bottles yesterday and I can tell you that the ones I opened are excellent.Most of them are well known varieties such as Chardonnay – slightly floral and citrus – Sauvignon Blanc- flavours of tropical fruits. but there are one or two more unusual varieties such as Viognier and Fiano – which is from Sicily and has undertones of lemon and rosemary. They are superb wines and the sort of thing you might normally expect to pay about £8 or £9 for.

As part of the range there is a pouilly fume, which is a classy sauvignon blanc, which has a slightly flinty flavour. This cost £10.75 and was a decent wine and reasonably priced. It’s a well known wine, so it’s a good thing to impress your friends.

In the middle of the photo is a slightly smaller bottle. This is a bottle of sauternes, which was also a fiver. This is a dessert wine and very reasonably priced. It’s a lovely thing in the house to have over Christmas. It has a lovely, slightly resinous flavour of dried fruit. Serve it in small glasses and offer it to friends who come around. In Italy they drink it with biscotta or a slice of panetonne. But it would be equally nice with a mince pie.

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Monthly Archives: December 2015