Wine Cultural Centre to launch in Bordeaux

There are plans to launch a new, exciting state of the art, International Wine Cultural Centre in Bordeaux City Centre.

Designed by Parisian architect X-TU (www.x-tu.com) and London based museum and exhibition design agency, Casson Mann Limited (www.cassonmann.co.uk), the new visitor attraction will sit on the banks of the River Garonne when it opens in 2014.

In harmony with the evocative river, the building's curved design is reminiscent of wine flowing through stemmed glasses and also draws comparisons to a decanter. Environmentally sound, the structure will be constructed form wood and glass, themselves materials used in wine.

The city of Bordeaux is inextricably linked to its wine. With prestigious terroirs and famous châteaux, as well as négociants, oenologists and winegrowers with centuries of tradition behind them, Bordeaux has spread the science and love of wine around the world.

The region's wine roads have been travelled by connoisseurs from every continent, Bordeaux’s listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognises the city’s historic unity, and celebrations such as the Bordeaux Fête le Vin prove that this wine region knows how to have fun. Bordeaux is truly a cultural capital of wine.

But in the past the city has -inexplicably- lacked an emblematic location to reflect this reality. Now Alain Juppé, Mayor of Bordeaux and Minister of Foreign Affairs in France, supported by the wine industry, is working towards creating this new visitor attraction.

Described as ambitious, surprising and innovative, the future Wine Cultural Centre will be a major facility of international stature. Designed to offer visitors an entertaining voyage of discovery, the centre will include exhibitions on the regions of Bordeaux, the great terroirs of Bordeaux, as well as the history, lifestyle in modern society and much more.

When the futuristic Centre opens in 2014, 400,000 visitors are expected to pass through its doors each year.

www.centreculturelduvin.com/en/index.php

Would Your Dad Enjoy A Dram On Father's Day? Then buy him some of these!

When you want your Dad to know he is the best Dad ever, Father's Gold is the answer. This is a 700ml Cubana bottle of 10 year old Caol Ila 46% single malt whisky from Islay. This is one of Demijohn's most popular malts, with a peaty taste and a wonderful smoky hint at the finish which can be likened to burnt grass or smoked meats. Your father will love a dram of this after dinner. Priced at £69, this bottle can also have a great personal message added for free. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=GF0038DJL

If your father is more of a cheeky dad then Demijohn recommends their Bramble Scotch Whisky Liqueur. This deep red concoction of Scottish brambles (or blackberries) and Scotch Whisky has been voted amongst the top 100 liqueurs in the world with its rich, fruity taste. It is best drunk either after dinner or take in a hip flask when out walking or in need of a nip. At a very affordable price of £21.40 for this beautiful 500ml Antica it is bound to be a winner. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=GF0058DJL

For the hip, swash-buckling dad, then Spiced Rum Liqueur will go down a storm. As the basis for many cocktails, this clever blend of Demerara Rum from the Caribbean, caramel and spices, transports the drinker to palm-fringed beaches and crystal clear seas. Demijohn's latest cocktail, The Bloody Pirate, made from equal measures of Spiced Rum Liqueur and Raspberry Vodka, will give your Dad a Father's Day to remember. The Spiced Rum Liqueur is priced at £4.10/100ml. www.demijohn.co.uk/product.php?product=LQ0020DJL

Angus Ferguson from Demijohn says: "As a father myself I know how much I would appreciate receiving an interesting bottle of food or drink on Father's Day with my name on it. Our Father's Day gifts have been specially created to give your Dad something unusual and delicious, with the offer of a free message to add a personal touch if required."

The Father's Day presents are available online on www.demijohn.co.uk or from the shops in York, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Brighten Up The Barbecue With Redwood's Delicious Meat Free Treats for Veggies And Vegans

Make certain veggies and vegans don't get a raw deal this year! Just take a look at the host of tasty meat-free treats now on offer from ethical food firm Redwood.

From mouthwatering burgers and sausages to succulent chicken-style pieces and spicy Cheatin' Chorizo (EDITOR: My favourite!) multi award-winning Redwood produces a host of delicious meat-free foods that are great for barbecues.

Sure to prove a firm favourite this summer are Redwood's Vegideli gourmet meat-free quarter pounders - amazingly realistic 'burgers' naturally flavoured with traditional onion & seasonings.

Look out too for Redwood's award-winning Lincolnshire Style Sausages and tasty Vegideli Hotdogs, which have all the authentic taste and texture of a genuine pork Frankfurter yet are totally meat-free.

Perfect for kebabs are Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and also Cheatin' Chorizo, its spicy, meat-free version of the highly flavoured Spanish cured sausage.

"Vegetarians and vegans often get a raw deal when it comes to barbecues, so we've put together some quick and easy BBQ ideas that not only taste delicious but are ethical too," said Lee Rockingham of Redwood, which produces all its animal-free foods from 100% natural plant-based ingredients.

Here are a few tips:

• Redwood products are ready to eat so only need heating through
• Keep away from direct flame and very hot areas
• Use BBQ trays to protect the food

Recipe suggestions

'Chicken' & 'Chorizo' Parcel with Shallots, Asparagus and Baby Plum Tomatoes

Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of a square of tin foil. Sprinkle on one clove of chopped garlic. Chop two shallots and four baby plum tomatoes and add to the parcel. Add a handful of asparagus tips with one pack of Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and one pack of Cheatin' Chorizo Style Chunks. Fold the parcel over & cook for 5-6 minutes each side and season to taste.

'Chicken' Parcel with Baby Peppers, Onion, Chestnut Mushrooms and Sugar Snap Peas

Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of a square of tin foil. Add one chopped green pepper, one chopped onion, slice 3/4 mushrooms and a handful of sugar snap peas. Add Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces and mix together with vegetables. Add a tablespoon of mango chutney over the top of the parcel before folding. Cook for 5/6 minutes each side and season to taste.

Sweet Potato and 'Chorizo' Parcel with Red Chillies and Green Peppers

Chop one sweet potato in half and slice thinly. Drizzle plenty of oil on the bottom of the parcel, sprinkle on one clove of chopped garlic and one chopped green pepper. Add the sweet potato slices and a packet of Cheatin' Chorizo Style Chunks. Add chopped red chillies to taste. Drizzle with plenty of oil again before folding. Cook for 10-12 minutes each side turning once half way through cooking. Season to taste.

Veggie Kebabs

Add a selection of your favourite vegetables as well as some of Redwood's Vegideli Gourmet Chicken Style Pieces or Lincolnshire Style Sausages to a kebab skewer. Brush with oil before applying a marinade or apple juice. Place the kebabs over a BBQ tray to keep them off direct heat. Whilst cooking frequently apply oil or marinade or spray with apple juice and turn to avoid burning. Delicious served with coriander chutney.

For more inspirational ideas for the summer barbecue season, including pepper & 'feta' parcels and hot & spicy sweet potatoes, visit www.redwoodfoods.co.uk. You'll find Redwood foods in good health food stores, including Holland and Barrett, selected supermarkets and at Redwood's online shop www.redwoodfoods.co.uk. Everything in the range is free from animal ingredients and derivatives as well as cholesterol, artificial colours/preservatives, lactose, casein, hydrogenated fats and GMOs.

(www.redwoodfoods.co.uk)

FACTFILE:
Owned by charity campaigner Heather Mills, Redwood is the leading supplier of vegan foods to the health trade and 100% British. Rated the UK's most ethical vegetarian foods supplier by The Ethical Company Organisation, Redwood produces more than 50 different foods under the Vegideli, Cheatin' and Cheezly brand names at its animal-free factory in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Everything in its range is made from 100% natural plant-based ingredients so free from animal products and derivatives as well as cholesterol, artificial colours/preservatives, lactose, hydrogenated fats and GMOs, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans as well as those looking for healthier and more ethical lifestyles.

Widely recognised as one of the most innovative and inspirational vegetarian food companies in the UK, Redwood is renowned for being at the cutting edge of food manufacturing and exports to 18 countries worldwide.

Online retails codes site serves up newly-sourced deals to help people save money when eating out

Enjoy Italian and Spanish food throughout the rest of May and all of June and save money! How? Because DiscountVouchers.co.uk has announced some new deals that will help people save money at restaurant chains including Wildwood, Ask and La Tasca.

Since its launch Ask has become one of the country's top Italian eateries with branches throughout the land serving pizza and pasta to families and couples. The latest DiscountVouchers.co.uk deals introduced this week include new Ask Restaurant deals like 2 for the price of 1 on main courses to help people save money. Which is always a good thing!

Another popular diner to be saved at via DiscountVouchers.co.uk is Wildwood Restaurant. The restaurant is aimed at both couples and families and right now diners can log on to the DiscountVouchers.co.uk website and get hold of a free freshly-made Italian food starter with every main course.

Tapas and paella can also be enjoyed on a budget in May and June thanks to the new DiscountVouchers.co.uk dining out deals. A new choice of La Tasca vouchers is available on the money-saving website to help people enjoy 3 tapas for just £7 on Mondays or dinner for 2 for only £12 (subject to terms and conditions) at the popular Spanish restaurant.

Claire Hayes, spokeswoman for DiscountVouchers.co.uk, points out: “We're delighted to bring some new great value dining out deals to our site users right now. Leading name Mediterranean-themed restaurants like Ask, Wildwood and La Tasca are ideal places to go to enjoy a private, romantic meal or a group night out.”

DiscountVouchers.co.uk offers consumers money saving deals at major high street brands and specialist retailers, includingTesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Travelodge, First Choice, lastminute.com and Boden.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk

Encona perfect for your Barbecue

Encona is a range of cooking sauces and condiments with flavours from all over the world – Caribbean, Far East, Asia and the Americas.

Encona is the still the UK’s number 1 hot pepper sauce brand but has different heat levels to suit both chilli lovers and chilli novices! The range is wonderfully versatile – the perfect condiment for meat, chicken, fish, seafoods and vegetables, also drizzled into stir-fries, rice dishes, dips and salad dressings.

Great too as a marinade brushed onto food during grilling or barbecuing, stirred into soups and stews or simply as a delicious, everyday table sauces.

(EDITOR: I first came across Encona hot pepper sauce many years ago. It has been a long and fruitful relationship consisting of many meals shared with friends and family. To find out more about Encona and to see why it is so popular, visit www.enconasauces.co.uk)

“Captain Tiptoes and the Occasional Snack Company!”

Full of fun? Yes! Indeed! But Captain Tiptoes also has a serious pedigree. “When everyone else seems to be going down the health and nutrition route in a bid to attract consumers the tone can sometimes be a little preachy and pious.  

"We felt that something a tad leftfield and thoroughly buffoonish to make folk smile and relax is just the ticket right now – especially in this current climate.  Having said that, be under no illusions that we don’t take our food seriously.  We do. Everything we source, roast, puff and season inside the packs is as good as it can possibly be,” said Giles Henschel, newly moustached founder of Captain Tiptoes and award-winning Dorset food company Olives Et Al. 

Now Captain Tiptoes has joined the band and the new snacks need to be tasted – especially the *Wasabi Flaming Rice........phew!   Arriving perfectly preened and packaged for the very first performance are;

Irresistibly taut Cajun Spiced Nuts

Grippingly stout Fire Cracker Rice puffs    

Courageously pert Chilli Harissa Nuts

Undeniably crisp Salt & Pepper Nuts

Redoubtably firm Wasabi Flaming Rice Fire Balls

Who is Captain Tiptoes?  We know the Captain is always well buffed, snipped, clipped, neatly trimmed and eagerly wishes to present, for your delight and edification, a brand new range of snacks with a curious twist, a knowing smile and the occasional moustache. 

The journey never just ends at the bottom of the bag. Everyone’s invited to join the Captain’s Troop (or is it a troupe?) of Occasional Snacketeers with a dive-in-able website packed full of the Captain’s own inimitable style of lollygagging tomfoolery that’ll be right up your alley.  You can go on-line at www.captaintiptoes.com and ‘tache yourself up and then upload your photo. 

Let your imagination loose.  Expand your chest, blow out your cheeks, take a bag and join Captain Tiptoes on a journey into the land of buffoonish snacketeering.  

Retail price: £1.25 (big bag) £2.00 (bigger bag) as Captain Tiptoes has just arrived on the snack stage, look out for packs in good food shops, wine shops, cinemas, on aeroplanes, bars and other unusual places... 

Climb aboard, hold on tight, have a peek and a nibble.  Call Captain Tiptoes and his troop on 01258 474300 or email ahoy@captaintiptoes.com

Although Captain Tiptoes is chock full of fun and a fair share of buffoonery, it does have some very serious  credentials.  Captain Tiptoes’ snacks are the latest idea of artisan nut-roasters Olives Et Al in Dorset – known for winning awards for being olivey and saucy.  

Every ingredient in each Captain Tiptoes pack has been carefully and lovingly chosen for the best tasting results. Made with carefully sourced, all natural ingredients, which are then kiln-roasted with bags of know-how and more than a little secrecy at each stage of the roasting process - Captain Tiptoes may be the new moustache on everyone’s lips, but there are years of splendid snackage expertise up the Captain’s sleeve!

(*EDITOR: My wife is now a very firm convert to the Wasabi Flaming Rice Fire Balls. The only trouble is, I do not think that there will be any left from any packets we buy for our weekend barbecues!)

Olives Et Al at your Barbecue

Those really clever people at Olives Et Al have really done it, again! They have created some truly mouth-watering and ultimately scrummy dressings, dips and sauces and marinade that will help you to ensure that your guests will make your barbecue their favourite summer parties, ever!

You will find

Dressings – (lovely on salads, fishcakes, as marinades or for dipping into) – £4.00 each

Chilly Billy Jelly – (good with sausages, burgers and fish) – £3.50

Chillimole Sauce – (great with white meats to used as a marinade) - £4.00

Putney Sauce – (perfect for cheese, lamb chops or dipping into) – £4.00

Sticky Onion Marmalade – (a delicious savoury marmalade, great with sausages) – £6.00.

The only thing you need to add is the meat or the vegetables (don't forget the veggies amongst your friends!) and you will be set fair for some top fare!

Patak the Barbecue this summer

For many, the warmer weather can mean bucket loads of lacklustre salads and uninspired barbeque food; fortunately Patak’s has something a little different for you. They have developed a selection of new recipes to ensure everyone can get their fix of Indian flavor during the coming summer months:

Tandoori Chicken Naanchos

An Indian twist on nachos – brilliant for sharing with friends!

Chettinad Chicken Bites with Red Pepper Salsa

Perfect finger food, great for buffets and street parties

Balti Crab Cakes

Move away from the traditional (and boring) fish cakes with these lightly spiced crab cakes

BBQ’d Fish Kebabs

This light and delicately balanced dish is a real winner at barbeques

Halloumi Stuffed Red Peppers

An impressive, delicious and simple starter or side dish, the halloumi works fantastically when combined with the subtle spices

Lemon Rice

A refreshing accompaniment, excellent at buffets or served as a side at a barbeque

MEAT EATERS

Panfried Duck Breast with Cloves and Cinnamon

Impress at summer dinner parties with this succulent duck dish

Baked Chicken with Yoghurt Sauce

A relaxed and simple curry dish to warm the cockles during colder evenings (because the good weather in the UK rarely holds for long)

South Indian Lamb Cous Cous

Cous cous, commonly found in Moroccan or Mediterranean dishes, is delicious hot or cold!

Spicy Meat Balls in a Yoghurt Sauce

The spice of these meat balls is cooled perfectly by the subtle flavours of the yoghurt sauce

SEAFOOD

Steamed Fish Parcels

Keep it light during the summer months with delicately steamed fish parcels

VEGETARIAN

Channa Dhal

Dhal is a spicy stew-like meal made with lentils or chickpeas. This recipe is best served with chapattis and rice.

For further information on the Patak’s range visit www.pataks.com

Make sure your guests feel good at your barbecue

Spreading 4 times more feelgoodness this summer, The Feel Good Drinks Co is launching a  NEW 275ml party pack in supermarkets across the UK.  As BBQ’s, picnics and outdoor lunches fill the warm summer air, there is no better way to relax and unwind than with a delicious Feel Good Drink, and now there is an exciting NEW flavour to try too!

Offering a super alternative to alcohol as a simply a delicious and refreshing soft drink to share with friends and family, the new 4 pack is available in two ‘Feel Good’ flavours; new and refreshing Cranberry & Pomegranate & the classic Orange & Mango that will really get your taste buds going.

The new pack provides a healthy alternative to other soft drinks because unlike some of its competitors, Feel Good Drinks are made with 100% natural ingredients, have no added sugar and better still, provide 1 of your 5 a day in every bottle. 

Steve Cooper, the co-founder and Marketing Director with Feel Good Drinks said:  “This is a major new launch for our business as customers and consumers are looking for a more refreshing, healthier alternative.  More people than ever before are aware of the amount of sugar added to some juice drinks; we don’t add any sugar to our drinks and furthermore each bottle provides 1 of your 5 a day.”  So if you are looking for a healthy juice drink that is sure to quench your thirst, you can find the new party pack in Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s.”

Whilst you are grabbing a 4 pack or two, don’t forget the gorgeous 750ml gently sparkling range from Feel Good Drinks; a tasty treat for summer parties that will be sure to impress your friends!  Available in 5 flavours; Raspberry & Passion Fruit, Cranberry & Lime, Orange & Passion Fruit, Cloudy Lemon and White Grape & Peach, the 750ml range is available nationwide in Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and other supermarkets. 

As the smells and sounds of BBQs, festivals, and picnics begin to fill the air again, it’s time to start feeling good as summer is just around the corner!  Toast the great British Summer with the deliciously fruity Feel Good Drinks range; made with 100% natural ingredients, no added sugar, and providing 1 of your 5 a day!

Why not quench your thirst with a delicious bottle of 400ml fruit juice drink, available in a lightweight 100% recyclable plastic bottle; convenient and easy to enjoy on-the-go!  These are available in 3 gorgeous flavours: Cloudy Lemon, Apple & Blueberry, and Orange & Mango. 

If you’re getting together with friends then Feel Good offer their range of sparkling juice drinks in chic 750ml glass bottles. Perfect if you opt for an alcohol free evening or prefer a more refreshing tipple to enjoy in the summer sun. What’s more, all Feel Good Drinks are packed full of natural fruity goodness and have absolutely no added sugar.  These are available in five gently sparkling flavours including Raspberry & Passion Fruit, White Grape & Peach, and Cranberry & Lime. 

Feel Good also have a range of juice drinks in cartons which are perfect for thirsty kids, providing a tasty way to 1 of their 5 a day.  Available in Orange, Pineapple & Banana, or Blackcurrant, Apple & Grape, Feel Good Kids drinks are made with juice and a little water and don’t have any added sugar or artificial nasties. Easily stored - pop them into your bag for a picnic or special day out for 100% natural fruity goodness!

(EDITOR: Don't get dehydrated during your barbecue. Sometimes, people feel ill after a barbecue. They blame the food or the fact that they consumed too much alcohol, and whilst both those factors can take their toll, it's possible that they allowed themselves to become too dehydrated by the hot summer sun!

So, wear a hat, spend time in the shade, wear suncreams, etc., and ensure you have plenty to eat and to drink, but do watch your alcohol intake. Feeel Good Fruit Drinks are ideal to help to keep yourself safely and properly hydrated and feeling well.)

Visit www.feelgooddrinks.co.uk or the doodling website www.feelgooddoodle.co.uk to get your creative juices flowing!

Some things just go together. Seriously Good.

The Gordon Ramsay recipes use the Seriously Good sauce range which are Comic Relief’s only source of fun raising all year round. There is quite the selection of dishes suitable for entertaining this summer.

Rice Salad

Serves 8-10, as a light lunch

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes, plus 10 minutes resting

¼ jar Seriously Good Butter Chicken sauce

3 x 250g packets steamed basmati rice

200g Greek yoghurt

zest and juice of 1 lime

200g vine cherry or baby plum tomatoes, halved

150g sugar snap peas, cut into thin strips

100g button mushrooms, thinly sliced

10g mint, chopped

10g parsley, chopped

Prepare the rice according to pack instructions. Allow to cool.

Mix the Seriously Good Butter Chicken sauce with the yoghurt and lime juice and zest.

Add the remaining ingredients and stir well before spooning onto a serving dish and serve with the rice.

Tip: for a heartier meal, grill 250g sirloin or rump steak, slice and add to the salad

Paprika Pork Chops with a Spicy Red Pepper Marinade

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes plus marinating

Cooking time: 20 minutes

1 jar Seriously Good Spicy Red Pepper & Italian Sausage sauce

½ tsp hot smoked paprika

½ tsp ground cumin   

½ tsp ground coriander

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 pork loin chops on the bone, 250-300g each

2 tbsp olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pour the jar of Seriously Good Spicy Red Pepper & Italian Sausage sauce into a wide dish and mix with the paprika, cumin and coriander. Trim the excess fat from the pork and lay in the baking dish, turning to coat in the marinade. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.

When you are ready to start grilling, scrape the excess marinade from the pork into a small pan. Pour the rest of the marinade from the dish into the pan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes and then remove from the heat.

Brush the pork all over with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and season generously. Grill the pork for 5-6 minutes on each side, basting with the marinade towards the end of cooking, until the pork feels firm but springy to the touch. Leave the pork to rest on a warm plate for 5 minutes. Serve with a little of the remaining marinade brushed over.

Serve with sweet potato wedges and green vegetables or salad on the side.

How do you start your barbecue? Safely, that's how! With the Zippo Flex Neck Lighter for BBQs!

The Zippo Flexible Neck Lighter (£14.00) is a great accessory for lighting campfires and BBQs. With its flexible nozzle it can access difficult-to-reach areas without burning your fingers. The flame is wind resistant and the flexible neck allows you to light a fire no matter how tricky it might seem – ensuring smiles all summer round. The added advantage of the child friendly safety switch, makes the ‘Flex Neck’ a great choice this summer.