QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | 2010 March

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Archive for March, 2010

BLOG OFF

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

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The recent craze in blogging has seen everyone from amateurs to literary masters desperate to offload their knowledge on a medley of different subjects. Everything from ‘perfect parenting’ to the not-so-appreciated and often useless daily ‘twitterings’ make their way into the blog-o-sphere.

There is however one avenue which has benefited hugely from the internet speakeasy, namely, the food industry. The hugely popular daily musings of Julie Powell can safely accept merit for their amusing and useful food-orientated prose – undoubtedly the reason behind her whirlwind success.

Another such blog that has me hooked is that of Rosie Broad, a young Londonite that turned her talents to the culinary world with undeniable flair. The result is prose that’s readable, enjoyable and above all, useful, even to the accustomed foody. Her recipes are original, often come accompanied with a charming shot of the end result (she is a trained photographer), and are sampled by familial relations for extra credence.

More than anything, you become overwhelmed by the desire to run straight to the kitchen and replicate her utterly satisfying and wholesome creations. I fell in love with the Earl Grey and honey cake instantaneously, and I hold her fully accountable for the recent increase in my waistline!

Visit http://www.rosannemaryruth.blogspot.com

Art Dubai Seals Position

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

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18, 000 attendees, 30 countries, 72 galleries, 200 000 USD listed as a sale highlight figure. As Art Dubai 2010 drew to a close, the mood was resoundingly positive. Royals, international museum advisors and private buyers all snapped up works, and with a healthy smattering of galleries selling out completely, it seemed the buzz was back. With a rising number of Emirati artists showcasing work for the first time, attention turned to local talent and its burgeoning value.

The record number of fair goers were undoubtedly attracted by the impressive line up of art stars flown in for the four day fair including El Anatsui – the man behind the hundred thousand dollar cloth works – whose conversation was part of the Global Art Forum programme. Such a prominent artist’s presence is indicative of the fair’s increasing stature since its inauguration four years ago, as is a Van Cleef & Arpels sponsored exhibition. With such strong sales and international audiences acquiring regional talent, Art Dubai is seen as a fair gauge of where the Middle Eastern market is heading.

It seems the fair directors are well on the way to really fulfilling their ambition on becoming a premier East-meets-West platform for the global art community.

Image (C) of Art Dubai

Into the Bush

Friday, March 26th, 2010

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Picture yourself riding through the African bush, with the sun peeping over the horizon and nothing to be seen around you but the vast expanse of the African plains and the grazing wildlife welcoming in a new day.

If you’re looking for something a little less ordinary for your next holiday, look no further than Lewa Downs Conservation Park in Kenya. Run by Will and Ian Craig, the park comprises over 50,000 acres and is home to in more than 400 bird species and over 70 species of mammals.

Established in the early 80s by Will and Ian’s parents, David and Delia, the park plays an enormous role in the conservation of Kenya’s most endangered species as well as being involved in various community projects to benefit the local populace and their future generations.

The park offers some of the most exciting game viewing available as well as various other activities including horse and camel riding, fly fishing at lake Rutundu and lion-tracking with the park’s expert guides.

The reserve offers five separate establishments to accommodate you, including one on the host’s own estate.  Several bookings are made on a private basis so that guests are undisturbed and able to enjoy all that the reserve has to offer in the comfort of their own company. This is some of the comfiest safari accommodation around with sumptuous furnishings, luxurious bathrooms and infinity pools.

Lewa offers an experience like no other, guaranteed to leave you utterly infatuated by Africa and all its charms.

For more information and to book your stay, please contact www.quintessentiallyescape.com

Sub-Continent Class

Friday, March 26th, 2010

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How do you make an Indian restaurant, a mainstay of just about every main street in British towns, a really interesting culinary destination? Some places, such as the excellent Rasoi and The Cinnamon Club, don’t attempt any bells and whistles, but concentrate on serving top-quality food very well cooked. Others, such as Benares and their recently opened sister restaurant Colony, provide an experience akin to a more European destination.

And then there is the Michelin-starred Amaya, the top end fine dining restaurant from the Masala World group, whose restaurants also include Chutney Mary, Veeraswamy and the ever-popular Masala Zone chain. Many people claim that the hugely successful Amaya is their favourite restaurant in London full stop, and it isn’t at all hard to see why on a recent visit. The atmosphere is cool and buzzy, with the open kitchen stations at the back of the restaurant each dedicated to a different way of preparing the food, whether it be cooking, grilling or using the tandoor oven.

The food is excellent, encompassing such unusual ingredients as scallops, oysters and goat’s cheese as well as more traditional options such as chicken biryani and tandoori lamb chops. If you wanted your ordinary run-of-the-mill poppadoms followed by chicken tikka masala though, forget it; there are no conventional curries on the  menu at all, with the culinary intentions being somewhat grander. Whatever you have is guaranteed to be as innovative as it is delicious.

While this is a great place to come for dinner – the stylishly designed room, vaguely reminiscent of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, and the comprehensive wine list ensure that a fantastic experience will be had at less than wallet-worrying prices – there’s also a surprisingly brilliant cocktail list (try the tequila and lychee daiquiri) which means that this is an equally good spot to come into for a quick bite to eat and a drink. Whatever you choose, there’s no doubt that this is a fabulous option.

Halkin Arcade, 15 Motcomb St, London SW1 www.amaya.biz

Marcus Wareing’s Tips For Easter

Friday, March 26th, 2010

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Easter this year also signifies the beginning of spring, which in the culinary world means we say goodbye to the rustic and earthy produce of winter and see the beginnings of such wonders as new season lamb and Jersey Royal potatoes. The countdown to wondrous British asparagus and strawberries is also gaining momentum!

Over the Easter weekend, the perfect Sunday lunch should take precedence; a slow roasted leg of lamb smothered with a roughly blitzed mix of 1 bulb of garlic, ¼ bunch of rosemary and thyme and a generous dash of sea salt. Roughly chop into large chunks 2 onions, 2 carrots, 2 stalks celery, 1 leek and 1 bulb of garlic; brown together in the roasting pan until golden then place the leg of lamb on top and bake at 140°C for 2 hours. Remove the lamb and cover in tinfoil then use the roasting juices and vegetables to create a flavoursome gravy to accompany the succulent roast – just add the stock of your choice (chicken or vegetable) and season to taste then strain and serve with a bowlful of steaming Jersey Royals.

Rhubarb is also still in season at Easter time – the forced Yorkshire variety is a beautiful colour with just a slight tanginess and fantastic flavour. Perfect for crumble or a fool to end your luscious lamb roast with!

A great task for you and your children to accomplish over Easter is homemade marshmallow Easter eggs. Take a deep tray and fill with flour then using a fresh egg, stamp out half egg shapes in the flour. Make a basic marshmallow mix (see below) and place into a piping bag. Pipe into the egg indentations then leave to set. Once set remove from the flour, brushing off any excess, and place a small half spoonful of raspberry jam in the centre of half of the eggs. Place another half egg on top to form a whole egg then dip in your favourite melted chocolate; place on parchment paper then in the fridge to set. Wrap in foil once set for a real Easter treat!

We are opening for lunch on Easter Saturday so do come and join us and sample some of our seasonal fare.

Marshmallow
2 free range egg whites
250g caster or granulated sugar
100g water
12 leaves gelatine
Drop of pink food colouring (optional)

Soak the gelatine in cold water until soft, drain off the water and keep the gelatine in the fridge. Bring the sugar and water to a steady boil for 4 minutes. Meanwhile whisk the egg whites on high speed until thick, then pour the boiling syrup into the mix and add the gelatine immediately. Allow to whisk until mixture is thick and fluffy.

Spring is in the Air..

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

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Just because our Easter Eggs are decorated with florals doesn’t mean you have to be. The hottest trend from the Spring/Summer catwalk collections is military chic. Pale hues of khaki and skin tones made various appearances on the catwalks of Balmain, Stella McCartney and Celine emphasising power heels twinned with military-style shorts, and layered neutral colours. The parka jacket is also making a comeback and but is a far more stylish affair than the hooded grunge look of the 80s.

Silk and satin parkas with ribbon detail are popping up everywhere and are the perfect accessory for that uncertain Winter/Spring crossover when the weather plays havoc with the best laid of style plans. Neutral shades and straight cuts are perfect for an understated but smart look, and just think – the lesser the detail on the clothes, the greater the opportunity for statement shoes!

Boots by Guiseppe Zanotti pictured above.

Contact Quintessentially Gifts for all your purchasing needs at www.quintessentiallygifts.com

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