A Taste of All Things Italia at Bellavita Expo This July

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For three days, The Business Design Centre in Angel will be host to the largest Italian Food and Drink Festival in The UK. Expect to see your favourite celebrity chefs Gennaro Contaldo and Aldo Zilli and indulge in the very finest and luxurious food and drink from the best Italian producers. The show will host over 260 exhibitors offering traditional, innovative and modern Italian products and expect to leave fully educated on all that Italy has to offer right in the heart of London.

The headline chefs will be on hand offering live cookery demonstrations and sharing their expertise on the shows opening day. Across the next couple of days expect food masterclass and wine masterclasses from the very best Italian experts. Renowned Wine Expert, Anthony Rose, will also be hosting a tasting in the Bellavita Wine Theatre where consumers can try some complimentary Prosecco straight from the largest producer of Prosecco in Italy, Villa Sandi.

New to the show, you can browse and buy whatever products you wish and have them delivered straight to your door with the Bellavite E-Shop www.bellavitashop.co.uk which can be accessed at the show.

For a limited time, you can also register for a free ticket to the show using code FREEBELLAVITA at www.bellavita.com

What more could you ask for? Register now and lets all raise a glass to Bellavita. Cin Cin.

Bellavita Expo
17th – 19th July
Islington Business Design Centre – 52 Upper St, Islington, N1 0QH
10.00 am – 5.30 pm

Capturing Mumm’s Daring Spirit with New Grand Cordon Bottle

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Maison Mumm have continued to pride themselves on their innovation and their daring spirit. Being sponsors to a host of sporting events throughout their production including The Vendée Globe, Formula 1 and Le Mans to name a few, Mumm have recently become proud sponsors of The Fia Formula E Championship. In 1876 Georges Hermann Mumm decided that he would pay homage to all of his prestigious customers by adding an iconic red ribbon to every bottle representing the highest of all French Honours and encapsulating the motto of GH Mumm of “only the best”. The red sash aka the Cordon Rouge has now become synonymous with the extraordinary achievements Mumm supports today and marking their latest sponsorship with Formula E and 140 years of the iconic red sash, Mumm have revealed a brand new revolutionary bottle, Grand Cordon.

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Frost were honoured to be invited by Mumm to the Formula E final and witness the new bottle in action at the infamous Victory Podium. The origins of the Champagne spray started all the way back in the sixties where Le Mans winner Jo Siffert accidentally sprayed the crowd due to a Champagne bottle which has been left out in the sun causing a build up of pressure. The next year, another racer deliberately re-created the happy mistake and thus was born this momentous tradition. Having upgraded to Mumm’s Jeroboam bottle which is a staggering 3 litres, there is now double the amount of Champagne to soak the anticipating crowd.

Having arrived at Battersea Park with not much knowledge of Motor Sports we were given the low down on what Formula E entailed by the fantastic hosts and representatives of Maison Mumm.

Jean-Eric Vergne and Bruno Senna Mumm Grand Cordon champagne sprayEssentially, Formula E is The World’s first auto race which uses electric cars. Formula E represents a vision for the future of the motor industry and being the sponsors of the tournament, Mumm are proud to back the efforts of sustaining and maintaining a cleaner and greener future. The series started in 2014 in Beijing and is contested by ten teams of two drivers each. This year, the contest was comprised of ten races with the final being in Battersea and it has recently been revealed that next year will consist of fourteen races with the final being on the streets of Brooklyn. The drivers are divided into four groups with each group having 6 minutes to set their best lap. The five fastest drivers then go out again to determine their grid position. The race itself is over within 55 minutes with each driver changing cars once throughout, after all, they are electric cars. One of the most interesting features of the Fia Formula E is the Fanboost which allows the fans to have some power over their favourite drivers by voting for them using social media channels. The three most popular drivers receive an extra energy boost potentially changing the outcome of the race. Points are then awarded using the current standard FIA system with drivers who set the fastest lap being awarded two extra points. This years final was won by Sebastien Buemi after a thrilling final race taking the lead and spraying the anticipating crowd with GH Mumm Jeraboam.

Mumm Grand Cordon

Mumm produce Champagne’s which capture the essence of adventure and victory and their constant celebration of this has been their inspiration for their Limited Edition Victory Bottles. Each of the Mumm Champagne bottles are uniquely produced and turned by hand to remove any sediment and are monitored for over two years before they are released. The Grand Cordon bottle designed by multi-award winning designer Ross Lovegrove is inventive and creative to say the least true to Mumm’s daring style. Breaking the convention of the original bottles, the bottle has no front label, instead the G.H. Mumm signature and eagle emblem are printed in gold directly on the glass. The neck of the bottle is also unusually longer designed to encapsulate the development of the aromas of Mumm’s legendary Cordon Rouge Cuvée. The most striking addition to the new bottle is that the iconic red sash, only altered twice in as much as two centuries, has now been transformed into a genuine red ribbon which has been indented into the glass. A true celebration of over two centuries of excellence and tradition.

So if you would like a slice of victory on your wine rack;

Mumm Grand Cordon is now available to buy;
www.sohowine.co.uk
RRP: £39.99

Nightjar Unveil Their New Summer Cocktails

Behind the fascinating black door with the gold bird lies one of The City’s best, hidden cocktail bars. I don’t use the term ‘best’ lightly here, coming from this part of London I have scaled the bars in the area and Nightjar is unlike any other. With a cocktail list which serves up cocktails of a bygone era and some of the most unique spirits on the market, Nightjar breaks the mould when it comes to an eye for detail and outstanding cocktails so it’s no wonder they have won World’s Best Bar on a number of occasions. It could be the exclusivity of the place, or the sexy speakeasy ambiance but here’s one thing for sure, their cocktails pretty much define what a cocktail should be. I can’t quite put it into words myself but just know this, when you visit Nightjar the possibilities are quite endless.

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Just in time for Summer, Nightjar are offering up a series of creative cocktails which use unusual fruits and flavours to evoke tropical themes. Having launched mid-May, the new cocktails are the first to have launched under the direction of new bar manager, Martina Breznanova. We were lucky enough to bag an invite to the launch of the inventive new cocktail list and were blown away by the execution, the attention to detail and inventiveness. In true Nightjar fashion they’ve used a combination of unique flavours and challenging spirits and everything possible to drift you away into a tropical sensory Heaven. The new menu is made up of four main sections, interweaving history with innovation throughout. Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition and Postwar, all of which are filled with the groundbreaking reinventions of bygone cocktails, whilst the Signature section fully embodies Nightjar’s invention and creativity.

The Tiki style drinks which feature on the new menu focus on the more tropical and exotic flavours from around the world. We recommend;

The Lei Lani Volcano;

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This Tiki style drink includes tropical ingredients such as banana bread beer and coconut blossom nectar served over peanut butter ice.

From the updated classics menu we chose

The Mayflower;

Originating from a bygone era, The Mayflower is a unique take on The Flowing Bowl (1892) which swaps out herbal Kummal for Mozart Dry chocolate spirit infused with dill pollen. This stunning cocktail is served with real dried roses.

From The Post War Era;

Cocktail a La Louisianne;

Evoking the true spirit of New Orleans, this cocktail pays homage to its musical roots and also the voodoo culture. Served in a cloud of patchouli and Palo Santo smoke, this cocktail is reminiscent of the intoxicating smells of rituals and ceremonies. Made with Johnnie Walker Gold | Mancino Rosso Amaranto | Benedictine | Orange Liqueur | Agnus Castus Berries | Nightjar Bitters | Absinthe.

So whether it’s to just satisfy your curiosity and experience some stunningly made drinks, or to soak up the ambience of this unique bar and admire the theatrics of each crafted creation, Nightjar is most certainly the bar for you.

Just to get an idea of what Nightjar are about, they have kindly offered up a recipe for Cocktail a La Louisianne for you to try yourself;

–       45ml Johnnie Walker Gold
–       30ml Mancino Rosso Amaranto
–       5ml Benedictine
–       5ml Grand Marnier
–       1 pinch Agnus Castus (Monk’s Pepper)
–       2 dashes Absinthe

Stir and serve in a cold coupette

 

Nightjar

129 City Road

London, EC1V 1JBT

0207 253 4101

www.barnightjar.com

Bookings: info@barnightjar.com

Live Music every night from 9pm

Gaucho Premieres present Ab Fab

 

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Yes Sweeeeety Daaaaarlings! You heard it here. Gaucho have managed to bag the hotly anticipated Absolutely Fabulous Movie and it’s set to be premiered at Gaucho O2 on Saturday 2nd July. Forget the cinema, how else could you possible enjoy Absolutely Fabulous without a cocktail in hand. Thank you Gaucho for making this one possible, expect sexy Argentine Steak and Stoli Cosmo Cocktails… no, really!!! Each guest will receive a Stoli Cosmo on arrival followed by a two-course meal before being escorted to Gaucho’s private premiere screening.

Tickets cost £55 per person

Absolutely Fabulous Movie
Saturday 2nd July
13:00
Gaucho O2

Peninsula Square
London
SE10 0DX

For more information and to book, please visit:

http://www.gauchorestaurants.com/events/event/gaucho-premieres-absolutely-fabulous/

Garmence Wine Studio SS16 Capsule Collection

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I know what you’re thinking, A capsule collection for wine? ‘WI-NE NOT’ we say. Indeed, we are in a renaissance of wine and Garmence Wine Studio are leading the way with their capsule SS16 Collection. Garmence Wine Studio are a fresh, new wine company committed to bring you wine which is ‘crafted with love’ by people who love wine. The new concept created by the hard-working Charlotte Calvet, who’s family have been in the wine business for generations, is, in a nutshell, based on blending the highest quality wines which are the most memorable and fragrant to match the Garmence unique tasting profile. Their aim is to make it easier for you to select wines that you enjoy based on your own unique taste and aim to deliver a high quality wine to you at a fair price. Helping you to pick your wines with the help of a food pairing wheel, they want you to find exactly the wine you’re after and aim to help you pick something you’ll enjoy.

Essentially, Garmence Wine Studio work with wine growers and producers from all over Europe and have selected wines that ‘evoke a unique sensorial experience.’ Their cooperative approach means that even smaller wine producers get a look in. These guys have done all of the leg work capturing the best of the best and it’s clear that this concept can only be overseen by someone who has an immense passion for wine and after meeting and speaking with Charlotte and her Father you are safe in the knowledge that they really know and adore their wines.

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The SS16 collection is created with the premise that consumers’ taste changes with the seasons, so alongside their ‘core collection’, there are a few Spring/Summer heroes that feature with a lighter, fresher taste. Lucky for you, us at Frost got to do all the hard work and attend the wine tasting and here are our top picks;

The Whites;

Pouilly-Fumé

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This Sauvignon Blanc has got to be one of the sexiest wines I have ever tried. Deliciously crisp and energetic, this Pouilly-Fumé has flavours of green apples, stone fruits and lemons. This fantastic little number will go well with seafood, Italian food and poultry.

Serving suggestions; a bottle of this on a date will go a long way!
£18

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/16-pouilly-fume-france.html

The Reds:

Fleurie

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This fruity wine is King of the Beaujolais region which makes it perfect to drink chilled. Perfect for the summer this wine is fresh and light with almost no tannins. Hints of strawberry, cherries and bramble spice this wine is well paired with all meats and of course a cheese board.

Serving suggestions; A foolproof dinner party wine.
£16

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/28-fleurie.html

The Heroes;

With some collective positive thinking, hopefully the Summer will be here in no time, but in the meantime Garmence are on a mission to create you the best Rosé. Exclusively to their SS16 collection they have two on offer for you to try.

Côtes De Provence

ROSE DE PROVENCE – FRANCE £15 (2)

The clarity of the wine is enough to let you know it’s going to be sublime. Putting Rosé back on the map, this delicious blend of Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah make the perfect balance of citrus, exotic and white fruits. Great paired with steak, seafood and veg.

Serving suggestions; This elegant wine is a showstopper at a BBQ or picnic.
£15

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/26-rose-de-provence.html

Crémant De Bordeaux

CREMANT DE BORDEAUX – FRANCE £20

Because who doesn’t love a bottle of pink fizz! This one is every bit as delicious and exquisite as it looks and just bursting with aromatic fruitiness. Fresh and fizzy, this wine is produced according to the “Champagne traditional method”.

Serving suggestions; Suitable for every occasion
£20

http://www.garmence.com/beta/shop/27-cremant-de-bordeaux-rose.html

These are just our top picks but visit their website to choose wines based on your flavour profile. The minimum order is three bottles and once you’ve selected your wines, pick a day and a time slot. Bottles are stylishly wrapped and delivered in fantastic wine storage boxes which can be doubled up as a wine rack to suit your home.

So visit Garmence for their full collection.

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“Fewer, better wines – Crafted with love”

Get Set for The Spirit Show launching December ’16

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This Winter see’s the UK launch of the alcohol industry’s hotly tipped Premium Spirit Show and we’re happy to announce its going to be hosted it in good ol’ London Town. Taking place at The Business Design Centre in the heart of Angel, traders from all ends of the Spirit world… not the phantom kind, will be showcasing their brands to traders and consumers alike. From a host of Premium Whisky Distilleries to a number of Boutique Gin and Vodka producers, this will certainly be the place to be for all customers/traders wishing to explore something old or new and discover something inspiring. With Organisers expecting close to 10,000 visitors over the two-day duration, no wonder it has been billed as “The Ultimate Tasting Event.”

The Spirit Show will focus on it’s premium market of Whiskies, Gin, Vodka and Rum but will also feature Champagnes, Wines and Fine Foods making it the ultimate fancy, boozy weekend. The weekend will also feature tastings and expert discussions, cookery demo’s and a host of other fun-filled activities all set within a backdrop of Live Music, entertainment and some other surprises.

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We’re sure this is going to be a sell out so get into the Christmas Spirit and sign up for The Spirit Show’s newsletter for information about pre-sale tickets. Corporate and group packages are also available in case you fancy ditching The Christmas Party. Or avoid the Christmas Party complete and impress someone with the must have ticket of the year.

Ticket’s will be launched soon so sign up for info here;

The Spirit Show

December 9-10

The Business Design Centre,
Upper Street
Angel Islington.

Spoil Dad with Steak this Father’s Day

Say it with Steak this Father’s Day with the luckiest of all gifts. This Sunday, Heliot Steak House inside the infamous Hippodrome Casino are hosting a mammoth treat for all Dad’s who love nothing more than a hearty Steak Supper. Treat Dad to A Giant Steak Supper which includes a free drink and you’ll be rewarded with a £50 Win Chip for Dad to have a little flutter. Select from a number of mouth-watering cuts of their USDA Prime Beef Steaks and not only will you be upgraded to a large Steak for free but you can also choose from a free pint of a glass of wine for Dad too.

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So Steak your bets and choose from London’s only Crap’s Table, Poker or a number of fantastic Casino games with your £50 Chip. Needless to say this is only one for the big kids as the Casino operates a strict over 21’s policy.

Heliot Steak House

Cranbourn Street
Leicester Square
WC2H 7JH

http://www.hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges/

Toast Father’s Day with “only the best” Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne

With Father’s Day less than a fortnight away we’re ditching socks in order for something a bit luxurious, Mumm. No, we didn’t mean our mums, after all it is Father’s day. We meant the finest, most luxurious Mumm Champagne on the market. The prestigious G.H Mumm Champagne traces back to the Knights and Barons of the 12th Century. Now one of the largest Champagne producers in The World, the motto of Georges Hermann Mumm remains “only the best” and we think that’s nothing short of what our Dad’s deserve. After all, Mumm is not just for Mums.

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So why not raise a toast to Dad this Father’s Day and celebrate in style. Whatever your budget, we have a round-up of the best Mumm Champagne’s to suit you. All of which feature the iconic Cordon Rouge Champagne summing up the style and spirit of the Mumm Champagne house. Crafted from a blend of 50 different wines from up to 77 different vineyards with a high proportion of reserve wines from five different vintages, Mumm Cordon Rouge provides aromas of lemon and grapefruit, with notes of white peach, apricot and apple, plus lingering notes of vanilla, dried fruit and honey. We were lucky enough to review a bottle of G.H Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne and this is what we thought.

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The sun is out…almost, and the popping of a Champagne cork is the most heavenly sound. Decanting Mumm into the flutes reveal a luxurious straw colour filled with lots of little bubbles. Light and chilled to perfection, this is one of the most crisp and more-ish bottles of Champagne on the market. Made up of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this wonderful Champagne is perfectly balanced in every way, rich without being too overpowering. The fruity notes of peach and apple on the nose and hints of citrus is what strikes me straight away as it’s almost like a summer crumble, definitely winning already. Don’t be fooled by the lightness, this delectable glass has a strong taste without being as overly dry as some of it’s other competitors which is a great indication to me that I will not be suffering from the dreaded Champagne headache making it a very palatable glass of fizz. Again because of the great range, you could pair this Champagne with anything from poultry to meatier fish and game. Or if you’re like me, add a few strawberries to the bottom of your glass, pour over and enjoy. With an average price of £25 per 75cl bottle, this Champagne is excellent value for money and having been the official Formula One victory Champagne, if it’s good enough to be sprayed all over Lewis Hamilton, it’s good enough for us.

Whether you’re looking to splash out on the biggest bottle of bubbles or get a more reasonable priced bottle in addition to a pair of socks, we’re here to help you pick something to suit you, because after all, “only the best” for Dad.

On a Budget:

MUMM Half Bottle (37.5cl)

If you’re looking for a great introduction to Mumm give this a go. Perfect as an accompanying gift;

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Serves 3-4 Glasses

RRP: £17

The Champagne Company

Value for Money:

MUMM Bottle (75cl)

The Classic and unbeatable full size bottle serves perfectly as a stand alone gift;

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Serves 5-6 Glasses

RRP: £27.50

The Champagne Company

A Little Pricier:

MUMM No.1 Victory Limited Edition Bottle (75cl)

For any Formula One enthusiast, this specially designed Victory bottle is perfect. With its iconic red sash you get to create your very own victorious Formula One podium moment presenting this to Dad;

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Serves 5-6 Glasses

RRP: £50

The Champagne Company

Feeling Flush:

MUMM Jeroboam (300cl)

Equivalent to 4 standard bottles, this boxed Jeroboam is designed for sharing. Presented in a wooden gift box let the Jeroboam take pride of place atop a bar or at the front of a drinks cabinet until it’s time to celebrate. After all no celebration is complete without everyone toasting with a glass of Champagne;

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Size of 4 standard bottles; presented in a beautiful wooden gift box

RRP: £185

The Champagne Company

So make it Mumm this Father’s Day with “only the best” Mumm Champagne

For a full range and Next Day Delivery before 3pm we recommend you use

The Champagne Company