05 Monday Mar 2018
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This was the second Verema Wine Experience in Sevilla and, like last year’s, it was held in the splendid event rooms at the Alfonso XIII hotel. But unlike last year’s, out of the 40 or so Spanish bodegas present, there were none from the Marco de Jerez, which seemed a bit strange. Other than that, it was all very well-organised and we got to try several interesting wines before heading to the Cava Masterclass tasting. I think there will be more “cava education” in my future…
24 Saturday Feb 2018
Posted in events, food & drink, getaways, sherry, wine
I had been going back and forth about attending this wine event in El Puerto de Santa María and then yesterday morning decided to go for it. The wineries participating sound amazing and, you know, a trip to the coast before my oncology appointment on Monday suddenly seemed like a Very Good Idea. Instead of the original plan of a day trip, I also got a good deal on a place to stay overnight, so now it is officially a GETAWAY. Anyhow, will report on the event after I get back – meanwhile watch my Instagram. Hope you are all having a great weekend too. xx
21 Wednesday Feb 2018
Posted in events, food & drink, sevilla
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This week we were once again at the annual rice cooking demonstration held by the Escuela Superior de Hostelería de Seville at the Taberna del Alabardero, presided over by master rice chef Juan Tamarit.
The school is regarded as one of the best in Spain training people for the hospitality and catering industries, with hands on experience in the bar-restaurant-hotel of the Taberna, a rather splendid 19th century building in the heart of the old city.
The demonstration itself was held in the main courtyard of the building, on a day bright enough to open up the roof for an almost out of doors experience. After the demonstration, of course, comes the sampling of the results (always my favourite part). This time we had a traditional rabbit and chicken paella, a seafood rice, and a vegetarian rice, washed down with a nice glass of chilled Tío Pepe. And of course, as always, the chance to touch base with friends and colleagues in the biz.
A big thank you to all those involved in organizing this event. You can register here to take one of the courses being held throughout the week.
Also posted on Azahar’s Sevilla
16 Friday Feb 2018
Posted in events, food & drink, gastronomy, sevilla, tapas, tapas bars, wine
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cata, cata hedonia, hedonia tapas bar, maridaje, pairing, sevilla, tapas, tasting
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Last night I was invited to a wine tasting and tapas pairing at newly opened Hedonia Tapas & Brasas. The tasting was led by my friend, wine expert, journalist and author Javier Compás. It was a real treat to watch Javier in action, and as the wines were all new to me, I also learned a lot from his casual and informative presentation. The food pairings were all very good, and it was a nice introduction to a new tapas bar. Great to see some of the local foodie gang too. Thanks for a lovely evening Hedonia and Javier!
10 Saturday Feb 2018
The Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience and Probando Wines have put together a series of “jueves de cata” wine tastings, and the first one was this beautiful selection from Bodegas Diez Mérito. While all the sherries were outstanding, the VORS Fino Imperial amontillado totally blew me away. It was a very relaxed event, led by Fran León, and was followed by a sampling of sushi from Sushi Spot Corner, which we didn’t stay for. But hoping to catch the next tasting!
casa azahar 