Burn’s Night At Seven Park Place By William Drabble Review

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Situated in the luxurious St James Hotel and Club, Seven Park Place is a Michelin-starred venue with all the class you would expect. I joined a fun and varied group of women for a Burn’s Night Preview; a six-course meal with matching wine that finishes with a glass of Highland Park 18-year-old whiskey. This is what we had:

(Sorry about the pictures. They were taken on my Blackberry so I could be discreet)

Uig Lodge smoked haddock soup with whiskey

Seared hand-dived Scottish scallops with garlic puree and parsley oil

The wine we had with these courses: Solo Quinta, Cramele Recas, Romania, 2012

I have never had soup with whiskey before but what a clever idea. This soup is just stunning, with perfectly cooked smoked haddock. I love scallops and these seared scallops with garlic puree and parsley oil were perfect on every level.

Poached Scottish langoustine with buttered cabbage, foie gras sauce and truffle

Ravioli of haggis with confit of turnip, whiskey and thyme jus

The wine served with this course: Riesling Trocken Qba, Sybille Kuntz, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany 2010

The poached langoustine was just superb, one of my fellow diners called it a ‘posh prawn cocktail’. It just tastes like some sort of heaven. The ravioli of haggis is a stunning invention from William Drabble. It is such a smart idea and it tastes amazing, as does the sauce which sounds like a weird combination but really works.

Saddle of Scottish highland venison with beetroot

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon Royale, Koyle Estate, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 2009

The venison is perfectly cooked and the whole meal just works amazingly.

Selection of British cheese by Paxton & Whitfield

A wonderful selection of cheese. Very tasty.

Souffle of Scottish raspberries with dark chocolate sauce

Wine: Coteaux-Du-Layon Saint-Aubin, Domaine Des Barres, Loire Valley, France, 2012

This souffle is impressive not just because it tastes delicious, but also because it was huge and arrived from two floors down still beautifully risen. It is the best souffle I have ever had and the dark chocolate sauce is perfect. The texture of the souffle is great. A wonderful dessert. Seven Park Place is a Michelin-starred venue and even if you didn’t know this before you went, it would soon be obvious. The food will be some of the best you have ever tasted and the imagination of the chef is truly impressive.

Chocolate and Apple Truffles

These truffles were unbelievable. And the one in the middle was like a very posh apple fruit pastel. I could eat these everyday and not even care if I got fat. Wow and wow.

And to finish….

A glass of Highland Park 18-year-old Whiskey

What to say? Great whiskey: true luxury.After the meal we got to have a chat with William Drabble and I promptly made him an honoury Scot. I complimented William on his cooking and he swept away the compliment by saying it was the good, Scottish, ingredients. He is far too modest and also said that the food is simple as you have to realise that the other people in the kitchen cannot cook as well as you. William manages to make food heaven in a small kitchen, two-floors down, with a staff of only six. Both impressive and surprising. Williams mantra is, “Make it simple, think about it and make it idiot-proof.” Sounds like the perfect system. In the kitchen they drink tea in the morning and water to clean their palette so they can taste the food properly.During the evening sommelier Marco Feraldi told us about each wine. Marco really knows his stuff and every single wine was amazing. I am very fussy about wine but I loved it all. Especially the Solo Quinta, Cramele Recas, Romania, 2012. I had never tried Romanian wine before but I am now hooked.I had a wonderful evening, the food truly was stunning. The perfect place for the perfect Burns Night.

You can catch the Burn’s Night Menu at Seven Park Place between January 20-26.

Seven Park Place, St James Hotel and Club, 7-8 Park Place, SW1A 1LS.

£72 or £126 with paired wines. (£13 supplement for cheese selection) Phone:020 7316 1615

stjameshotelandclub.com

YMC x Men’s Health x Liberty Party: Samuel L Jackson Attends

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Frostie

MENS HEALTH x YMC x LIBERTY

WHAT: Fashion label YMC celebrated the launch of their AW14 collection at London Collections: Men’s with an exclusive after party at Liberty Menswear with Men’s Health Magazine.

The evening featured special guest performances from Telegram and DJ sets from The Horror’ Rhys Webb and Martin Green

WHERE: Liberty Menswear, Regent St, London

WHEN: Tuesday 7^th Jan 2014, 7.30- 11pm

Following the success of last season, Men’s Health and Liberty teamed up for the second consecutive season at LC:M, this season with YMC, who celebrated their AW14 show in the menswear basement of Liberty in central London.

Guests enjoyed canapés by Gaucho and drinks from the Milk & Honey bar which included cucumber infused Gordon’s gin and tonics, Reyka Vodka Moscow Mules and pale ale and larger from the Meantime Brewing Company.

Performances included a set from Telegram and DJs sets from The Horrors’ Rhys Webb and Martyn Green.

WHO:

Tinie Tempah	Harold Tillman
David Gandy	Dylan Jones
Samuel L Jackson	Bonnie Wright
Wretch 32	Telegram
The Horrors	Princess Julia
Louis Smith
Eliza Doolittle

Dirty Apron Restaurant Pops Up At Simmons Bar

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Frostie

Looking for somewhere new to eat? Dirty Apron has teamed up with Simmons Bar to offer you a fun, playful dining experience, serving up a range of delicious home cooked treats that will suit everyone’s palette. At Simmons King’s Cross choose from a range of scrumptious delights including barbecued pulled pork, lamb and harissa meatballs and crispy polenta fries.

Dig in to a variety of hot deli sandwiches at Simmons Camden including a Dirty Yanker – pastrami, mayo, Swiss cheese, balsamic cabbage and American mustard. Or go wild with the yummy Dirty Jerk – jerk chicken & plantain with lime and pineapple salsa. Prop yourself at the vintage school desks and wash these delicious dishes down with a couple of Simmons scrumptious cocktails while they blast out an eclectic mix of music to keep you entertained.

Don’t miss out on the Simmons experience get yourself down to both venues on Wednesdays and Thursdays to experience the hearty, healthy food and delightful cocktails for yourself!

Dirty Apron pops up at Simmons King’s Cross every Wednesday 12pm – late and at Simmons Camden every Thursday from 5pm – late

Simmons King’s Cross

32 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DT

Opening Times: Sunday to Wednesday 4pm – 12am, Thursday – Saturday 4pm -Late

Simmons Camden

7 Camden high Street, Camden, London, NW1 7JE

Opening Times: Sunday to Wednesday 4pm – 11.30pm, Thursday – Saturday 4pm – Late

www.simmonsbar.co.uk

Twitter: @SimmonsLondon Facebook: SimmonS

Christmas Art Attack Night

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Frostie

Paola Berta hosted a cosy, VIP Charity Christmas night for the creative industries at brand, newly refurbished, venue “BUCCI” located in the heart of Knighsbridge.

Guests were encouraged bringing along presents (i.e. toys) in support of the “BE MY SANTA” Klash Entertainent TV Christmas project. On Christmas day, the presents will be gifted to those, less fortunate, children which will be spending their Christmas at the Ormond Street Children Hospital.

Graham Swain in the center! #Christmas party 2013

Michelle Castillo #Christmas party 2013

Maria Inonectima #Christmas party 2013 #live_art

Paola Berta, Chanise Thompson #Christmas party 2013

Robbie Moffat, Paola Berta #Christmas party 2013 #BUCCI #Knightsbridge

Tony James #Christmas party 2013

The event started with a Christmas inspired live art painting by Maria Inonectima and carried on with an intro to life coaching by Dr Anna Maria Sanna, followed by dance and singing performances.

Dr A. M. Sanna introduced guests to the the importance of developing a method to achieve successful results in life, something people might want to particular evaluate at the beginning of a New Year.

Inonectima Fashion brand in collaboration with Aneta Ka, showcased – via a fun and surprising undressing dance sequence “Emanation” – a new piece from the latest Inonectima Fashion brand collection.

Actress and singer, Michelle Castillo – originally from Los Angeles, recently, relocated in London – performed some lovely songs.

In between the guests in attendance producer Robbie Moffat, filmmaker and musician Paul Wiffen, performer and broadcaster Graham Swain, actress Mary Bennett, TV presenter Chanise Thompson.

Guests enjoyed the red carpet photoshot by the live art painted banner and were treated with goodie bags sponsored by Chinara Enterprises and Wild Cat Energy Drinks.

Photography by Sergio Mattioli

Le Secret des Rôtisseurs Restaurant Review

Posted on December 22, 2013 by Frostie

The family-run Le Secret des Rôtisseurs has a lot of things going for it. First of all, it has introduced the art of rotisserie-roasted chicken to London’s Canary Wharf. You can watch as the chicken is slowly flame-roasted (This method of roasting also ensures the meat is cooked without retaining fats and oils, resulting in a chicken that is healthier and juicier than any other). The restaurant smells amazing.

This newly opened riverside French restaurant comes with a stunning view of the Thames and is beautifully designed, everyone is knowledgeable and friendly. The furniture includes unique pieces that originally furnished Altitude 95 in the Eiffel Tower. Designed by the highly esteemed Vassilew Slavik, the furniture graced the national landmark until 2007, when Alain Ducasse took over the license for the restaurant. It all feels very authentically French.

For our entrée we had snails on toast with mushrooms in butter and garlic. This was the first time I had ever eaten snails and they were actually very tasty. They were cooked well and came with a lovely garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon. The salad on the side was also good and came with a delicious dressing. A very good entrée.

We also had a salad francaise classique. Baby leaves, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and Parmesan. It had nice flavors and the Parmesan was delicious. I did find it a bit leafy and too large for my taste. I would like to have seen a larger range of starters to choose from, there were only three available, although the focus is on the rotisserie roasted chicken.

For a main course. I had the roast chicken with “secret” sauce and fries. When the waiter brings it over I say that looks amazing. ‘That’s because it is’, he replies. He’s not lying. It is amazing, the best chicken roast I can remember eating and the secret sauces is great, I am later told it is based around tarragon with sixteen different ingredients. The free-range birds are from carefully selected English farms to ensure the quality of the poultry. The roast is the best I have ever had in a restaurant.

Master Roaster Maistre Benoit, who has worked with France’s most elusive rotisserie oven craftsman, ensures all meat is cooked to his exact, secret standard, making it the best chicken in town. The technique dates back to 1248, when King Louis IX ordered the establishment of guilds, which included ‘Les Oyeurs’ or ‘goose roasters’.

If you are in the mood for something other than chicken, on weekends (Fri-Sun) meat changes weekly, with carnivorous delights such as the rolled shoulder of pork and succulent veal shank served with Le Secret des Rôtisseurs’ special sauce.

We also tried a beautiful piece of pork. The pork was succulent and moist but had a tasty crispy skin giving a beautiful different texture. It was cooked perfectly, something tough to do well with pork.

It came with a rhubarb ketchup. It was a great accompaniment and worked very well with the pork. Our sides of chips and broad beans were well seasoned and well cooked.

Throughout our meal we were treated to some superb wine. We started out meal with a glass of delicious Chablis from Burgundy. One of the very few wines at Le Secret des Rôtisseurs which is not from Bordeaux. The restaurant is justifiably proud of its wine list.They have an amazing cellar of Bordeaux wines that you can see if dining upstairs, or going to the bathroom. The restaurant goes to great lengths to bring the best wines direct from the vineyards and cuts out any middle man. Some of the wine they get is exclusive too only a few restaurants.

The chateaux Clauzet is a rich indulgent opulent classic red Bordeaux wine. It was particularly warm and comforting on a cold day.

For dessert I have the special, which is a chocolate mousse. It was beautifully presented and not only delicious but had a texture that was more like a cake. Yum.

We also had a great plate of different French cheeses.

37 Westferry Circus, Canary Riverside, Canary Wharf. E14 8RR

Le Menu Parfait, £18.95
Half roasted chicken with any entrée and any accompagnement, £18.95.

www.eatlesecret.co.uk

An Evening With Sylvester Stallone

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Frostie

Hollywood’s much-loved action hero Sylvester Stallone is set to enthrall, enlighten and entertain the UK at a unique ‘An Evening With’ event at London’s iconic Central Hall, Westminster on Saturday, 11^th January 2014. This un-missable event is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s biggest stars in the grandiose setting of Central Hall, Westminster. The event is presented by leading entertainment impresario and event organiser Rocco Buonvino and entrepreneur Joe Ricotta, in association with film producer and founder of entertainment company Sterling 2 Ent Teji Singh.

Sylvester Stallone, who is famed for his roles in such cult classics as Rocky, Rambo, Demolition Man and The Expendables, will treat the audience to an intimate evening of anecdotes about his illustrious career, private insights from his life as one of the world’s most admired screen idols as well as partaking in a special question and answer session with audience members.

Sylvester Stallone rose to worldwide recognition as an actor, writer and director since he played the title role in his own screenplay of Rocky, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and was nominated for a staggering 10 Oscars. Rocky grew to a franchise of five sequels and in 2006 Stallone concluded the series with Rocky Balboa, a critical and audience success which resolutely confirmed both Stallone and Rocky as iconic cultural symbols. In more recent times, Stallone wrote, directed and starred in Rambo, which continued the saga of Vietnam vet John Rambo 25 years after the debut of Rambo: First Blood.

Stallone then released his most ambitious project, the action thriller The Expendables, which he wrote, directed and starred in, and for which he hired an all star action cast including Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Eric Roberts, Dolph Lungren and Steve Austin – as well as Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It opened to Number One at the Box Office – making Stallone the only actor in Hollywood history to open a Number One film across five decades.

Seen as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Sylvester Stallone will be seen at Christmas 2013 starring in Grudge Match with Robert DeNiro. In March, 2014, Rocky the Musical will open at The Winter Garden on Broadway. The musical is based on the original film written by Sylvester Stallone with music by Stephen Flaherty and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

‘An Evening with Stallone’ is undoubtedly an exceptional occasion to catch an icon in the flesh. Tickets start from £45 (plus booking fee) and can be purchased from www.seatlive.com For VIP tickets, please contact Sterling Media on 020 7801 0077 or 07503 231 715.