Author: Lucy Ann Watson

From Jamaica with Love

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What Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum, one of the oldest rum distilleries in the world, launches a new product range and the ‘From Jamaica with Love’ campaign, with the aim of de-mystifying premium rum. Experience I had the pleasure of attending an Appleton Estate rum tasting with Richard Tring, former winner of the prestigious Appleton Estate bartender challenge. I like a dark ‘N’ stormy as much as the next girl, but I have to admit I am somewhat of a rum novice when it comes to premium rum. I arrived eager to learn. First for tasting was Appleton Estate Signature Blend. The Signature Blend is made up of a combination of several rums of different styles and ages. It had a golden amber appearance and tasted like a combination of citrus, peach and apricot. It was nice to sip, but would make the perfect accompaniment for a cocktail. Next up was Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old. The rum is aged in Number One Select American Oak barrels and is aged to a minimum of …

The Festival of Heat

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What Heat-Seekers gather together on Sunday 27th September for the return of the hugely celebrated Festival of Heat, London’s Chilli Festival. This year the festival will take place at East London’s favourite pop up market, The Red Market. Experience Promoting aspiring and established talent, the festival brings together the very best producers, market traders and chefs from around the UK. Encona will also be showcasing their extensive range of sauces and marinades that will take you on a journey around the globe. There will be plenty of chillies to sample, as well as great food vendors demonstrating their culinary skills. Watch, listen and learn as Flavour Gurus from The World of Zing and Made in Hackney reveal their secrets in the Festival Kitchen through master classes, workshops and demonstrations. Topics include, ‘Growing the Perfect Chilli’, ‘Cooking with Chilli to achieve the perfect Heat’ and ‘How to Make a Good Curry’. There is also the opportunity to pick up some top tips on sending your own hot sauce to market – from production to shelf. The …

Melt Room – Say Cheese

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What The grilled cheese sandwich goes gourmet at London’s first American-style grilled cheese diner. Experience The Melt Room is taking grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level. I met up with my cheese fanatic friend Lucy in Soho before wandering over to Noel Street on a busy Friday afternoon. The pocket sized 12 seater diner, fittingly decorated bright yellow, stands out for all the right reasons. Inside, the simple menu offers melts including slow and low lamb shoulder with mustard greens and melted Swiss and Portobello mushroom with thyme, roasted peppers and provolone. Behind the glass cabinet I was tempted by the pastrami with porcini, Sparkenhoe Red Leicestershire and horseradish melt. The crust was evenly toasted and crunchy. The filling was salty and oozed with delicious British farmhouse cheese. Three thumbs up! A Melt Room grilled cheese is not for the feint hearted. To balance out the gluttony, I ordered a house salad on the side which made everything better. As I went in for my third bite I hesitated for just enough time to sing the ‘Pure and …

MOMMI

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What MOMMI Japanese-Latin Raw Bar and Grill has arrived in Clapham. Experience Mister Important designed the urban modern luxe interior, decorated with photography by Ben Watts (brother of actress Naomi Watts) and a bespoke mural by Melbourne-based street artist RONE. My eyes were drawn to the low marble-topped bar surrounding all the action of the theatre kitchen. We pulled out a stool and perked our bottoms. The kitchen is run by Paul Sowden who has designed a menu influenced by both Japanese and Latin cuisine which, when combined, emanates a Miami vibe. The menu is bursting with a mix of fresh raw seafood, vibrant salads and Robata-grilled meats. Most dishes are healthy small plates designed to order in bulk and share. I played roulette with a bowl of Padron Peppers with Sea Salt. “They aren’t spicy at all” my friend boasted, chomping down on another pepper. I smirked, perhaps a little sadistically, when he reached for the water to cool down. The dish was great, and really fun! From the Robata Grill, we sampled smoky …

Negroni Trolley at Cartizze

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What The new Negroni Trolley at Cartizze brings the drink of summer to your table. Experience Nestled along a cobbled back street in the heart of Mayfair lies Italian-influenced cocktail and Bellini bar, Cartizze. I was invited along to try Cartizze’s newest addition, an antique Empire-style drinks trolley where a variety of Negroni twists are mixed to order. The Negroni is rumoured to have originated in Florence back in 1920 when Count Camillo Negroni asked for his Americano cocktail with a kick. Gin was added, and the Negroni was born. The Negroni is the cocktail of the moment – strong, complex and refreshing. The Cartizze Negroni contains Portobello Gin, Antica Formula, Campari, Aperol and Martini Rosso. This twist on the quintessential Italian aperitif delicately balances bittersweet, sharp and herbal flavours. I found it far too drinkable. It was sipped in minutes. For those seeking a sweeter flavour the waiter will suggest the Grapoi Negroni, which is sweetened with Cointreau and clarified grapefruit juice. The most tempting drink on Cartizze’s Negroni menu, and not just because …