Catena Malbec is an affordable ($$$) red wine from the Mendoza region of Argentina. It is big, bold but silky smooth. It is nice to come across a red that has a real strong character but is so easy to drink! I love it because it is a really great wine to have with steak and…
PLANNING – Cooking Ahead?
The key to a successful dinner party is to not be flustered or stressed on the day. You want to be relaxed and you want to enjoy the occasion. The only way to do this is to simply cook ahead. This does not necessarily mean you do it all the day before – you can…
MENU – Party Time!
So you want to host a party, not a sit down dinner. What do you serve? How much do you serve? It all depends on the number of guests and when they are arriving. To keep it simple, I advise that you host an evening event. Let me explain why…. Whenever I have hosted a…
DRINKS – William Fevre Chablis – $$$
William Fevre Chablis is an affordable ($$$) popular white wine from the Chablis region of France. It is an entry level wine that embodies the essence and unique flavours of Chablis and is best compared to an Australian unwooded, minerally, dry style Chardonnay. I love it because it is a light white wine that is…
DRINKS – Cosme Palacio Cosecha Rioja – $$
Cosme Palacio Cosecha Rioja is a great value for money ($$) red wine from the Rioja region of Spain. It is a medium bodied red wine that is excellent served with any red meats, particularly slow cooked dishes. I love it because it is so smooth and easy to drink – perfect for a cool autumn…
REVIEW – Shopping at Farmers Markets – All You Need to Know!
Farmers Markets have been around for a while but are gaining in popularity! I have often spoken to many people in my area who did not know we had one! They are usually held once a month on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th day of the month, although in some places they are held…
MENU – An Indian Banquet!
There are a myriad of Indian dishes from many different regions. I have selected a few that I love to make because they taste fantastic! Some are relatively easy to make, some take a little more effort. You do not have to make all the dishes, I just find with India food, it is great…
DRINKS – Domaine de Triennes Rose – $$$
Domaine de Triennes Rose is an affordable ($$$) rose wine from the Provence region of France. It is currently my favourite rose! It is light, not sweet and a great example of rose from Provence. It is definitely the perfect sunny afternoon drink, although it now autumn and I am still drinking it! It is a dry style…
DRINKS – Tandem Ars Nova Tempranillo Cabernet – $$
Tandem Ars Nova Tempranillo Cabernet is a bargain ($$) red wine from the Navarra region of Spain. It is a blended red wine which I personally found to have some depth yet was light and easy to drink! I love it because it worked well with the Simply Spanish menu, for all dishes and being light it will work…
PLANNING – Dress Code
Dress code for dinner – to have or not to have one??? I have to say I personally love to dress for dinner. This does not mean I wear a formal outfit, merely that I like to wear a cocktail dress and look a bit glamorous! You know your friends and they know you. Not…