Small but beautifully formed, Fire & Knives is the the exquisitely produced food quarterly launched by Tim Hayward in November 2009. Its aim is to give established writers a place for work that wouldn't be published elsewhere and new writers a chance to show what they can do. The journal covers food from a fresh perspective, avoiding celebrity chefs, restaurant reviews and recipes in favour of history, culture, short stories
by Shane Dunning, Woodwinters England has long had a great reputation for the production and consumption of Gin, or Genever; the original Dutch name given to the curative spirit first designed by Franz de la Boe. William of Orange drastically reduced the level of taxation on the importation of Genever into England and the drink very quickly became London’s favourite; drunk neat it was, for while, cheaper than beer. Tonic
Mike Small started the Fife Diet in 2007, a campaign to eat locally sourced food. Forty years ago he would have had his work cut out; chips, white bread, macaroni cheese pies, scotch pies topped with baked beans and mashed potato, and everything cooked with cloak of batter or pastry. Fast forward to 2011 and the Fife Diet is not a sitcom joke but a healthy, tasty selection of organic
We say a reluctant farewell to San Francisco with our last post featuring two restaurant recommendations: Betelnut Pejiu Wu on Union Street which serves south-east Asian cuisine and Perbacco on California Street. Described by one customer as having 'an air of a 1920s expat hideaway in Asia', Betelnut has exotic crimson decor with lacquered walls, bamboo fans and period posters but as a very busy restaurant is certainly not hidden
by Shane Dunning, Woodwinters Each year on 1 June sees the release of the new vintage of the fabulously titled Marilyn Merlot from California's Napa Valley. For those of you who have seen the film Sideways where the main character has a merlot related melt-down, you might be aware that it has become quite trendy to be disparaging of merlot dominant wines. So with that in mind I thought it would
le truc, proudly shows off their new patio for outdoor dining. The choice of places to eat in San Francisco is outstanding and there will be reviews of a couple of stationary restaurants at the end of the week but le truc looked fun particularly if you are able to hire it for private parties. Here's how the owners describe what they are trying to do; "There is no law
Trends in lifestyle and interiors come and go; each season heralds the next big thing whether its neon, folk or yet another outing for tartan. But some brands have transcended (or ignored) fashion to stand the test of time without Madonna-style reinventions. The three establishments featured here, all, coincidentally with a hippy vibe in common, are doing something they believe in without taking themselves too seriously. They offer cosy, relaxed interiors and all
by Shane Dunning, Woodwinters Although clearly my invite got lost in the post I have it on good authority that William and Kate's guests enjoyed Pol Roger Champagne at their wedding reception on Friday. Pol Roger has a long association with the gentry of Britain, it was Winston Churchill's favourite Champagne and he enjoyed so much of their fizz that Pol Roger added a black border to the
By Shane Dunning, of WoodWinters wine merchant and wholesaler based in Bridge of Allan and Edinburgh. I think it is fair to say that in the UK a large percentage of the wine buying public have issues with German wine. Most people, when quizzed, would admit to having preconceptions about German wine mainly based on bad experiences with semi-sweet supermarket whites like Liebfraumilch, Black Tower and Blue Nun.
What’s especially likeable about mid price Edinburgh eaterie The Dogs is that it hits the mark between considered style and a forced, concept driven look. It’s unpretentious and simple with just the right nod to the dog concept. There’s a blow up of a crazy looking hound behind the bar and a few quirky canine motifs scattered around but the interior is a long way from being themed. Mismatched wooden chairs and china, scrubbed tables and worn floorboards