Taittinger Champagne | Weddings

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

At Frost we have been reviewing Taittinger champagne for you. I know, it is a hard job. We reviewed three different bottles.

Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV, RRP £47, John Lewis, Harrods, winedirect.com

The Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV is a pale yellow champagne with delicate bubbles. It has overtones of yellow peaches and dried apricot. A wonderful, classy champagne which is rich and smooth. The wine is aged for at least four years and is the perfect champagne for desserts and wedding toasts. I could drink this everyday.

Tattinger Brut Réserve NV, RRP £38.99,

A delicious and light champagne. The Taittinger Brut Reserve NV is renowned for it’s golden yellow colour. The nose is light and delicate with hints of fruits and brioche. The wine has depth as it is aged for 3-4 years. Perfect with white meat, fish, shellfish and canapes. Also perfect as an aperitif.

Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV, RRP £49, Majestic, Oxford Wine Company, Fortnum & Mason

A brilliant, pale yellow with silvery highlights which is reflective of the high proportions of chardonnay. Subtle and fresh with floral scents and hints of elderflower and spicy cinnamon overtones. The flavour is dominated by intense fresh citrus fruit. This wine comes from the top Grand Cru sites and is made from the first pressing. It is aged for 4-5 years, sometimes more. A real treat, wonderful.

Perfect if you want to really treat your guests. Goes with grilled & roasted white meat. fish/shellfish and as an award-winning aperitif.

Taittinger’s is one of the champagne brands that everyone trusts, and what is better for your wedding than not having to worry about what people are drinking? They will enjoy one of these bottle, we certainly did.

I can’t tell you which one was our favourite as we all chose different champagne and each one has it’s perfect situation, but Frost Loves Taittinger.

Kizzy’s Cookies Vegan Cookies Review

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

At the risk of sounding like an old woman; food just isn’t like it used to be. Pesticides, preservatives, GM crops…the list of horrible chemicals and stupid farming tactics seems to grow by the day. You now have to pay more money to eat natural food without all of the nasty chemicals in them. I love organic food. I also love vegan food, small businesses and anyone taking on the food giants. These are all things we support at Frost Magazine: environmentalism and good, natural food.

Which is why Kizzy’s Cookies might go in our hall of fame. These classic chocolate chip cookies are vegan. They are freshly baked and made from scratch without preservatives or chemicals. While some organic and vegan things lack flavour, Kizzy’s Cookies are the best cookies I have ever tasted in my life and our other writers agreed. They also taste fresh and pure. You can really taste the difference.

I predict, and hope for, big things from Kizzy’s Cookies. Frost loves….

The Best London Restaurants To Watch Fireworks

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Frostie

BONFIRE NIGHT 2013

On November 5^th, the London skyline will dazzle with fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes night. Enjoy the show at one of these top London restaurants:

Angler

Michelin starred British seafood restaurant Angler, located within South Place Hotel, offers guests a stunning terrace in which looks over the City of London from its location near Liverpool Street station. Enjoy some seafood winter warmer dishes such as the Angler and lobster pie, while watching the sky light up and sparkle in between the skyscrapers. www.anglerrestaurant.com

New Street Grill

After tucking into a delicious steak at meat house and grill restaurant New Street Grill, head outside to the terrace shared by adjacent venue The Old Bengal Bar. Sip on some warming colonial cocktails, such as the Royal Daiquiri, while snuggling up under blankets and enjoying the capital’s firework displays. www.oldbengalbar.co.uk

Vivo

Newly opened in Islington, and inspired by the traditional gastronomia and pasticceria of Italy, Vivo is an all day casual dining affair serving authentic and regional cuisine. With a cozy terrace situated on the roof, diners can watch the crackling comets set the sky alight with prosecco in hand, served on tap, and a slice of authentic Romana pizza. www.vivotaste.com

AD12 atT42

Anthony Demetre’s three month pop up restaurant, located on floor 24 of iconic high rise building Tower 42, is the perfect venue to gaze at the stunning fireworks across the capital. Indulge in Demetre’s contemporary European menu which showcases his signature style from his restaurants Arbutus, Wild Honey and Les Deux Salons. Dishes include crisp pigs head, potato purée, pickled turnip; and turbot, butternut squash, girolles, shrimps, salted butter. http://ad12.co.uk/

Min Jiang

Situated on the 10^th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, Min Jiang offers views of Kensington Gardens and London beyond. As the skies light up on 5^th November, guests can sample the firey Chilli Sensation menu and cocktail flight. Available throughout November and costing £65, three fiery cocktails will be paired with a set menu of spicy Chinese specialities. Starters include a choice of Bi Feng Tang Soft Shell Crab or Sichuan Chicken paired with a Sichuan Mary – a hot Bloody Mary. For the main course, a Chilli Caipirinha accompanies a choice of Gong Bao Prawn or MaPo Tofu, both with steamed rice. For a spicy but sweet dessert, a Sichuan Pancake is served with a Chilli Chocolatini. The chilli cocktails can also be sampled at the Min Jiang bar, priced individually or accompanied by Bi Feng Tang Soft Shell Crab for £22.

www.minjiang.co.uk

Where will you be going?

Roasted Christmas Day Lunch ‘Cottage Pie’ With Cheesy Mash Recipe

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Frostie

Roasted Christmas Day lunch ‘cottage pie’ with cheesy mash

By Paul Merrett

After the excess of Christmas Day this is the perfect comfort food. It also manages to use up just about every savoury ingredient from a Christmas Day lunch which is a bonus too!

Use whatever you have left over to make your version of this dish, but this recipe will serve as a good guide.

Serves 4

About 500g of roast turkey – brown and white meat – roughly chopped

4 or 5 leftover chipolatas (if they’re wrapped in bacon that’s even better)

2 or 3 tablespoons of leftover stuffing

25 left over sprouts

Spoonful of leftover carrots

2 or 3 leftover roast potatoes

4 left over parsnips

Handful of peas from the freezer

1 pint of left over gravy (or make with gravy granules if you didn’t have any leftover)

2 teaspoons redcurrant jelly

Splash of Worcestershire sauce

Mashed potato – leftover or made from scratch by peeling 4 large potatoes, then chopping into large chunks. Boil for around 10-15 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and return to the pot before adding a large knob of butter, salt and pepper and mashing.

Handful of grated cheddar

Find a large sauce pan and add the turkey and the gravy before bringing to a very gentle simmer
Meanwhile chop up the chipolatas in to bite sized chunks and tip them in to the pan
Do the same with the sprouts, carrots, parsnips and roast potatoes – again return the pan to a very gentle simmer – by now the mixture should be moist but not too wet
Add the peas and add the Worcestershire sauce and red currant jelly to taste
Finally chop the stuffing into chunks and add to the pan
Stir the pan very gently and then tip into a large shallow casserole dish
Pipe or spoon the mash on top and scatter with grated cheddar
Bake in the oven at 170C for about 20 minutes until golden brown and piping hot

Wine match

Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir

This voluptuous Pinot Noir has rich fruit notes of cherry, raspberry, plum and strawberry, making it a great lighter red wine to pair with white meat, pastas and even seafood. Young and refreshing with subtly smoky hints, it’s a perfect wine to match with food.

Stockists

£5.61 (25% off) in Sainsbury’s from 16^th October-5^th November and from 11^th-31^st December

£5.99 in Tesco from 23^rd October-3^rd December

£5.99 or £30 for a case of 6 in Musgraves from 28^th October-17^th November

£6.99 in One Stop from 5^th November-3^rd December

£6 in Morrisons from 19^th November-6^th January

£5.99 in The Co-operative from 20^th November-3^rd December

£5.50 in Asda from 5^th December-1^st January

£7.49 in Ocado

Chor Bizarre Celebrates Indian Cinema With Launch of The Basement

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Frostie

Chor Bizarre is a favourite restaurant of ours here at Frost. In fact it was one of the first restaurants we ever reviewed.

Inspired by the thieves market in India, Chor Bizarre, one of London’s iconic fine-dining restaurants serving authentic Indian cuisine is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a new Head Chef and a new menu. The restaurant has been refurbished and has now launched its new private dining area, the Bollywood Basement. To toast the centenary of the Indian Film Industry, Chor Bizarre has created this specially-designed decadent entertainment space. The room can accommodate up to 30 guests and can be booked for private parties and day-long conferences.

The Bollywood Basement is a ‘Bollywood-themed Party Room’ which oozes glamour in its Indian-cinema inspired decor. With jewel-like chandeliers and gold walls with opulent gilded frames and etched mirrors, this is the perfect Party Room to compliment Chor Bizarre’s eclectic menu. The Bollywood Basement is a passage into the world of Bollywood with walls dedicated to the greatest film icons. The much-loved faces of Hindi film heroes and heroines, villains, vamps and legendary romantic couples surround you. Along with the owner’s personal collection – most of the photographs of Indian Cinema icons are by legendary lensman, the late Gautam Rajadhyaksha.

The restaurant presents itself as an ideal location for fine-dining corporate events, full-day conferences, birthdays and other gatherings that require an extra glam quotient in a ‘Bollywood-bling’ surrounding. In addition to the Bollywood Basement, other spaces within Chor Bizarre can also be hired for exclusive and bespoke private dining, luncheon meetings, dinner parties and weekend events.

The iconic restaurant has teamed up with the award-winning Rhubarb Food Design to bring the very best cuisine, service and style to any special occasion. Chor Bizarre has partnered with Rhubarb for caterings at the V&A, Old Billingsgate and over 60 of Rhubarb’s other venues. The Chor Bizarre menu offers the entire pantheon of Indian cuisine, from Kashmir to Kerala. The restaurant can cater from small sit-down dinners to serving gourmet cuisine at large-events of up to 2000 guests. Chor Bizarre’s previous roll call of honour includes catering at the Cannes International Film Festival, The Ritz Paris and at the Conservative Friends event for UK Prime Minister David Cameron, amongst innumerable other events.

Located on Albemarle Street Mayfair, Chor Bizarre offers a distinctive ambience with imaginative flair. Inspired by the ‘Thieves Market’, a market unique to most ancient Indian cities, the whole restaurant is infused with distinctive and eye-catching décor. The gorgeous furnishings are a collector’s delight, sourced from the various bazaars of India and tastefully arranged to please the eye. Vintage furniture, antiques, innovative touches such as a canopied old-world four poster bed for seating, combined with old-world memorabilia and heritage fabrics, create an arresting landscape for an unforgettable meal.

It’s not surprising that Chor Bizarre, the London brand of New Delhi’s eternal favourite, has been adjudged ‘One of the 50 most romantic places in the world’ and included amongst ‘The Top 10 Restaurants in London for Fun and Atmosphere’ by The Independent, as well as ‘The Best North Indian Restaurant in the UK’ by The Cobra Good Curry Guide.

Restaurant News: VIVO – An All Day Italian Dining Experience in Islington

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Frostie

If you are anything like us you love Italian food and are always looking for somewhere new to go. So we are pretty excited that a new Italian bakery, Vivo, is open on Upper Street in Islington.

Vivo, a vibrant Italian bakery, is now open in the heart of bustling Upper Street in Islington, North London. Inspired by the traditional gastronomia and pasticceria of Italy, Vivo is an all day casual dining affair serving authentic and regional cuisine. The neighbourhood restaurant is an informal venue for both locals and visitors to the area. Vivo is the first venture from brothers Will and Ben Thompson who have drawn upon their travel experiences and passion for Italian food and culture for this exciting project.

The focal point of Vivo is a striking, 14 metre granite counter with a separate drinks bar, from which orders are taken and the food and drink served. Dishes include freshly baked ciabattas and focaccias; torte rustica (Italian savoury pies), authentic Roman pizza ‘al taglio’ (rectangular slices); speciality cheese and meat boards. Guests looking for heartier dishes can opt for hot signature favourites such as beef or vegetarian lasagne and pork cannelloni. A selection of Italian desserts, pastries and sweets are also available such as Gianduja, hazelnut and raspberry tart and Strawberries and prosecco tiramisu. The varied menu makes Vivo the perfect destination for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In keeping with continental cafe culture, coffee supplied by renowned Neapolitan roaster Kimbo is a key staple at Vivo. Guests can also choose from a selection of wines from various Italian regions as well as Prosecco on tap and a range of Italian beers, spirits and cocktails. Customers visiting during the early evening can enjoy aperitivo hour: complimentary snacks served to accompany drinks.

Vivo’s interiors balance modern, monolithic features with rustic earthy tones. Design features include the use of split face timber panels, dark granite surfaces, Portland stone walls and a combination of oak and York stone flooring. The ground floor caters for up to 50 covers with a mix of communal and individual tables whilst the open air roof terrace (seating 35) offers the perfect setting for al fresco dining in the warmer months.

Co-owner Will Thompson says, “The Vivo concept has developed from a love and study of Italian cuisine. We have travelled extensively throughout Italy, discovering unique regional dishes served in traditional ‘gastronomia’, high-end bakeries and Pasticcerie in the cosmopolitan, style conscious cities of Milan, Turin and Rome”.

Offering a delicious slice of Italy in the heart of North London, local restaurant Vivo is a colourful addition to the London foodie map, now open on Upper Street, Islington.

www.vivotaste.com

London’s First Beer Trolley Has Arrived At Honky Tonk

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Frostie

London’s first beer trolley has arrived! Diners at both Honky Tonk Chelsea and their brand new venture Honky Tonk Clapham, will be able to try and taste the most delicious and refreshing beers on the market, all from the comfort of their seats. The trolley will be wheeled around the restaurant by a specially trained beer sommelier allowing you to pick your beer of choice. There will be a large selection of everything from the extra malty to the light and fruity, so that all needs are catered for. So whether you’re a regular beer drinker or more used to ordering fruity cocktails there will be something for everyone.

Honky Tonk is the brainchild of Mark Cutler, one of the founders of Notting Hill institution, supperclub London and looks set to become West London’s destination diner of choice. supperclub London is well loved for its innovative performances and creativity and Mark has developed this in Honky Tonk too. There will be regular live music and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on a variation of the blues, jazz and rockabilly played over a hundred years ago when the first honky tonks sprung up in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

This autumn a little slice of the big apple has also arrived in Clapham in the form of a second Honky Tonk. Following on from the success of Honky Tonk Chelsea, the venue offers an American-inspired restaurant, late night bar and live performances.

Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588
W: www.honkytonklondon.com/

Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am

Honky Tonk Clapham
16A Clapham South Side
London
SW4 7AB
Tel: 020 7627 6257

Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 5 pm to 12 pm, Thurs 5pm -1am,
Friday 5pm-1.30 am, Sat 12pm- 2am, Sunday12pm-11.30pm

The Great Wings Challenge London

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Frostie

FRANK’S RedHot present The Ultimate Eating Competition in London!

Fancy a tasty challenge? With the rise of food challenges, following the success of TV programs such as Man V Food, we would all like to think we can get our teeth stuck into an eating competition! Well, FRANK’S RedHot is hosting one and asking how many Buffalo wings you can eat in five minutes? Taking place at StickyWings on Brick Lane on Sunday 13^th of October, FRANK’S RedHot will be opening its doors between 1pm and 10pm to host a five minute four-person battle on the hour every hour. People will be treated to an afternoon and evening of eating, great fun and a healthy level of competitive spirit!

Competitions have already taken place in Bristol and Manchester where regional winners have been selected. Following the event on the 13^th, two London winners will complete the four person line-up for an epic wing eating competition final which will be held on the 14^th of November at 7pm at StickyWings. One person will be crowned ‘The Official FRANK’S RedHot Wings Eating Champion 2013’ and will be awarded a prize of £1500.

Come along and enjoy the original mouth-watering FRANK’S RedHot Buffalo wings, served exactly as they were in Anchor Bar back in ’64 in the UK’s very own Buffalo Wing Shack.

There is a small fee of £10 to enter so sign up at https://battleofbones.eventbrite.co.uk/ or in person at StickyWings Restaurant, 40 Brick Lane, to take part in one of the five minute London slots and be in with a chance of holding the ultimate title of FRANK’S RedHot Wings Eating Champion.

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