iLoveMyGrub.com Newsletter (Issue 11 - June 2008)
Welcome to the June newsletter from iLoveMyGrub.com. This month we take a look at some stunning tableware to get you in the mood for al fresco eating. We also have a handful of recipes from inspirational chef Skye Gyngell of Petersham Nurseries. Skye has created a clutch of dishes that pair brilliantly with sherry, so whether it’s a dry Manzanilla you love, or a lusciously sweet drop of Pedro Ximinez, there’s something for you to get your taste buds around. We’re also offering readers the chance to win an outdoor drinkware set, from French online shop Oignon Rouge. The company is run by two Francophiles who have lived in the South of France for years, and have put together a hand picked range of products from design companies and French craftsmen. Bon appétit!
iLoveMyGrub.com xxx
Features
Deck out your table
For days when the sun is beating down, there’s nothing better than some al fresco dining. We pick out some of our favourite things to lay the table with outside. There’s no need to resort to paper plates and throw away cups when there are some beautiful, long-lasting tableware pieces to be had.
Reviews
As ever we bring you the best food, drink, restaurants and recipe books that we’ve come across at iLoveMyGrub this month:
Restaurant of the month: The Ragged Cot, Cirencester
This long-standing coaching inn has recently re-opened under the ownership of Ian Rayner and Miles Johnson. Having launched The King's Arms, in Litton, in February of 2008, the duo are aiming for similar success with The Ragged Cot, snuggled away in the heart of the Cotswolds. This Cirencester establishment is also dog friendly, and hounds of all shapes and sizes are welcome in the bar, restaurant and its rooms. Heading up the kitchen is Kevin Chandler, a head chef with stints at Petrus and Maze under his belt and a love of a meaty menu.
Product of the month: Fruit soups
The people at the New Covent Garden Food Co. have earned themselves a reputation for creating soup flavours here, there and everywhere. “Oh, it’s Christmas, let’s do a Christmas soup! Oh it’s Easter, let’s do something for that! Oh it’s the second Tuesday of the month – let’s release a new soup!” Let’s face it, they’re brimming with soup ideas and their latest offering confirms it: fruit soups. Fruit soups, which can be guzzled, hot and steaming on a cold shiver of a day, or chilled on a scorcher.
Recipe book of the month: Rebel Cook
This is a great book to bestow on a fledgling cook who is keen to extend their repertoire in the kitchen. With its easy tone and accessible recipes, Simon Rimmer has managed to keep the reader’s interest with inventive creations, but an approachable feel.
Recipes
Roquefort & fennel stacks with sherry syrup
This dish from Skye Gyngell works brilliantly accompanied by a glass of a Palo Cortado, Cream or Moscatel sherry.
White peach & sherry ice cream
Skye Gyngell’s luxurious ice cream recipe is perfect with a glass of rich, velvety, chilled Pedro Ximenez sherry.
Competition
iLoveMyGrub.com has teamed up with Oignon Rouge to giveaway an outdoor drink ware set to one lucky reader. The drinks set, made by a local French supplier includes 4 large wine glasses, 4 tumblers, a large pitcher plus 2 bowls for nibbles, all in green acrylic. Oignon Rouge is a French online shop, which sources tableware and accessories for a whole range of occasions inside or out, from le brunch, l’apéro or a soirée to a picnic ‘à la campagne’. Oignon Rouge is run by two Francophiles who have lived in the South of France for years. They have put together a hand picked range of products from design companies and French craftsmen. Some products are hand-made by French artisans, some are exclusive to Oignon Rouge and all are hand picked. For more information, visit http://www.onionrouge.co.uk/ to browse the whole collection.
This competition has now closed.
Closing date 25th July 2008
Last month’s winners:
UNION Coffee Roastmatster’s selection: Audrey Tebbs (Boston)
