- Sunday May 17th, 2009
- by Claire
Even though I’m biased it’s fair to say that Cooking with whats Wild was a ravenous success!
Wild game is one of the most organic and healthy meats available because it is just so natural and lean. And with the countryside right on our doorstep in Northern Ireland, it’s easy to get (from good butchers or your local game keeper) and there is plenty of it.
It wasn’t an evening for the faint hearted by any means although guests knew that beforehand as recipes involving furry and feathered friends were promised.
And as always Simon Dougan delivered an extraordinarily informative and entertaining evening.
At times some may have felt there was too much to see judging from the peeking through fingers but there was also too much to learn even for proficient game cooks. Not a bad compliant!
And with everything we just cooked for supper - yum yum!!
Thank you again to Simon Dougan from Yellow Door Portadown from being just brilliant, the Jaffa Family for being our accommodating, generous hosts at the ARTTANK and North Down Cater Hire for supplying everything we needed from fork to cooker.
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- Friday May 15th, 2009
- by Claire
Tickets for our next event, the Australian gourmet evening are now on sale.
You can book tickets and see the delicious menu on the event page.
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- Tuesday April 21st, 2009
- by Claire
North Down Marquees offers the widest range of beautiful table and glassware for domestic hire - making entertaining even simpler.
From an intimate drinks party to a large family BBQ, they offer the perfect solution for busy hosts. And they’ll even take care of the washing up so you don’t have to listen to the hum of the dishwasher after your guests have left!
There range includes Solaris, a new range of contemporary fine china and the more traditional White Aspen, both form Dubson, modern Virtu cutlery from Elia and exclusive to North Down Marquee, a range of fine crystal glassware from Schott Zweisel.
With over 10,000 glasses in stock in 20 different styles from champagne, wine to speciality glasses including martini, shot glasses and brandy balloons - throw the party of your life.
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- Tuesday April 7th, 2009
- by Claire
Let’s celebrate the inaugural Mangetwo event . . .
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the staff at Direct Wine Shipments, especially Susan Rees and Kirsty Simpson for delivering a brilliant evening on Friday 20 March.
Here are a few tasting notes just to give those of you who missed it a taste of what you missed.
Segura Viudas Semi Seco N.V.Cava, Penedes, Spain
The predominant Macabeo with its strength, the freshness of aroma from the Parellada, the elegance, vitality and acidity of Xarel.lo all combine within the cupage to make an intense yet delicate wine with a fine and persistent mousse. The elegant bouquet gives this wine a distinguished personality, whilst a smooth and pleasant palate gives a good and pleasing finish. A sparkling wine made by the Traditional method.
White Wines
Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Curico, Chile
Stunning New World success! A fruity and extraordinary aromatic white – fresh and floral with luscious passion fruit, melon and gooseberry flavours. This lively white wine is a modern day classic. An excellent complement to seafood, fish and rice dishes.
Domaine Denis Pommier Chablis 2006, Burgundy, France
This is a wine with an open, high-toned nose with fresh citrus, pear and floral tones. The palate is round, rich and textural giving way to a crunchy mineral acidity that rolls around the mouth and lingers on the finish. This is a perfectly balanced wine with depth and complexity that shows how good Chablis really can be. Ideal for a wide range of white meat dishes.
A clear favourite . . . The Jumper Riesling 2007, Marlborough, New Zealand
Classic Marlborough Riesling. Crisp, fresh, and dry with zingy lemon, lime, grapefruit flavours with a hint of honey. Juicy and delicious now but ageing capacity of 3 years. Long, fine finish. An ideal match for Asian cuisine.
Red Wines
Tamar Ridge Devils Corner Pinot Noir , Tasmania, Australia
From northern Tasmania, this is a delicious, soft, seductive pinot, just oozing black fruit flavours. It is has concentrated flavours of red and black cherries with subtle hints of earthy spice. Great match for Peking duck.
Domaine Les Yeuses Merlot, Languedoc, France
This wine is medium bodied with great structure and concentration. It has lots of ripe red fruit flavours along with with damson and plum notes. Balanced and great value! Excellent pairing for red meat dishes and cheese boards.
Bon Courage Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, Robertson, South Africa
This wine has lush and expansive blackcurrant, smoky, spicy and peppery flavours with tobacco, walnuts and berry fruit. Subtle oak intrusions complement the blend and ensure a smooth texture. An outstanding balanced wine that will be a good accompaniment to casseroles and steak.
And lastly, thank you to Crumbs Catering for their great selection of delicious tapas – yummy.
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- Tuesday April 7th, 2009
- by Claire
Multi award winning chef, Gary Gamble, has finally realized a lifetime ambition and opened The Flavour Academy School of Cooking, nestled in the heart of County Down on the outskirts of Banbridge on the edge of the River Bann.
An iconic figure on the cutting edge of professional cooking having worked in many of Northern Ireland’s top hotels and restaurants, Gary regards the training and experience he gained during his time in London, Italy and Thailand as his most valued.
With over 30 years on the cutting edge of the catering industry and felt it was time to move his career in a different direction.
“I wanted to pass on what I had learned cooking on the ‘front line’. Whilst it was stressful, the enjoyment and satisfaction is overwhelming, and I relish the opportunity to share my experiences with my Flavour Academy students,” says Gary.
The courses have up to a maximum of 6 people allowing Gary to work closely with all the participants as they perfect their skills in a hands on manner that is often missing.
There is no doubt something for everyone with courses taking place at lunchtime, in the evening or packed into a day. The diverse range begins at the beginning with the Beginners Course in all the basics to bespoke Master Classes for the more accomplished cook.
Find out more online www.flavouracademy.com
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- Monday March 30th, 2009
- by Claire
Ticket’s for our next event, Cooking with what’s Wild are now on sale. Numbers are limited for this event, so get yours now before they’re all gone.
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- Monday March 16th, 2009
- by Claire
Direct Wine Shipments are having a Spring Sale from Saturday 7th March until Saturday 4th April or while stocks last.
Download the list (pdf)
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- Wednesday February 4th, 2009
- by Claire
Leap for Love, this Valentine’s Day!
Abseil down the Europa in aid Mencap.
Meet adventurous singletons, woo your valentine with a brave romantic gesture
or take the leap of love together as a couple; there are so many reasons to
celebrate Valentine’s Day by abseiling with Mencap and, above all, you’ll be
raising vital funds for people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland.
Reward yourself with an Irish Coffee from the World Champion once you land.
To register or for more information contact Catherine Knox on 028 90 690166 or
catherine.knox@mencap.org.uk
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- Wednesday January 14th, 2009
- by Claire
Direct Wine Shipments has been trading in Belfast for over 50 years, establishing itself as the leading independent specialist wine merchant in Northern Ireland.
The passionate DWS team have developed relationships with a vast array of quality producers allowing them to offer one of the most interesting and diverse ranges available in the UK and Ireland.
Susan Rees has agreed to a Mangetwo soirée – ‘How to Taste’, introducing members to the classic grape varieties from around the world
The date should be in your diary. Book now through the Events.
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- Monday January 5th, 2009
- by Claire
Yellow Door Deli is hosting 4 demonstration evenings through February and March at the Portadown Store. Simon Dougan invites you to share in his knowledge and passion for buying and cooking game, bread making techniques, an Irish cheese showcase and porcine butchery with lots of opportunities for tasting the tucker. Tickets are £20 per person and selling like hot cakes – to book your place email paul@yellowddoordeli.co.uk
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