Vinous Table: Noble Rot Soho, London, UK
Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Sep 2020
When restaurants are valiantly forming a rearguard action against COVID, the opening of Noble Rot Soho at this moment represents a rare event as neighbors remain mothballed for fear what winter will bring.
Vinous Table: La Casita, Guildford, UK
Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Sep 2020
I have not returned to Spain for a long time, though my penchant for its cuisine has never abated. Therefore, every now and again I book a table at my local tapas restaurant, La Casita – in my estimation, one of the finest in Guildford.
Vinous Table: Le Pot d’Etain, L’Isle-sur-Serein, France
Vinous Table, France: Burgundy
, Sep 2020
If pure enjoyment is the measure of a restaurant, then Le Pot d’Etain scored highly – certainly far higher than circumspect naysayers had led me to believe.
Vinous Table: Onslow Arms, West Clandon, UK
Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Aug 2020
Having pulled its first ale over 200 years ago and survived numerous wars and depressions, not to mention the odd pandemic, I am optimistic that the Onslow Arms will weather this latest challenge.
Vinous Table: Noizé, London, United Kingdom
Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Aug 2020
While current distancing measures are in place, we must do without the thrill of the crowd. That does not necessarily preclude us from enjoying a meal out, however, and I had a thoroughly pleasant evening in every way, one that meant a lot after months in hibernation.
Vinous Table: Sorrel, Dorking, United Kingdom
Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Jul 2020
I vowed that as soon as Sorrel reopened, I would publish my Vinous Table, crossing my fingers that it would not be another victim of COVID-19. The fact that you are reading this confirms that Sorrel has again opened its doors.
Vinous Table: CORE by Clare Smyth, London, United Kingdom
Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Jul 2020
In our first Vinous Table since lockdown, I revisit a fabulous dinner at CORE by Clare Smyth in London.
Vinous in the Kitchen: Jump Start Spring with Asparagus Risotto
Vinous Table, Vinous in the Kitchen, General Interest
, Apr 2020
There I was, a young culinary school student with a background in central and southern Italian cooking, but very little knowledge of the north, when I came to realize that our lesson that day was making Risotto. I suddenly felt tense, as a wave of anxiety washed over me, remembering when our Chef-instructor had explained at the beginning of our semester that the two preparations that define an expert chef are the perfect French omelet and Risotto. What’s more, it seemed alien to me, having grown up with my grandmother making fresh pastas and sauces based on olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs from our backyard. Flash in the pan preparations were my forte, using a minimal amount of ingredients. The idea of spending a ½ hour standing over a pot—no way. That is of course until I made my first Risotto, or should I say, when I tasted my first Risotto.
The Last Supper...For Now
featured, Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Apr 2020
Amid tumultuous times, I reflect upon the two soirées that took place in the twilight days of the pre-coronavirus world, including a dinner with Vinous forum members, finishing with a shard of optimism for an unwritten future.
Vinous Table: Via Forno, Scarsdale, New York
Vinous Table, United States: New York
, Mar 2020
Via Forno is one of my local pizza joints. Despite the somber outlook, the staff at Via Forno has been upbeat on the few times I have been there recently. I am looking forward to going back when things eventually come back to something resembling normalcy.