23 Monday Sep 2019
Posted in andalucia, food & drink, gastronomy
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Andalucía Sabor is a bi-annual International Fine Food Exhibition, taking place this year September 23-25th. This edition was different from previous ones as it took place in the smaller main pavillion of the FIBES convention centre and was divided into two sections: the product fair and the congress. I quite like this smaller version. Below you can see some photos taken of the various items on show from Andalusian producers.
20 Friday Sep 2019
Posted in food & drink, gastronomy, wine
17 Tuesday Sep 2019
Posted in andalucia, food & drink, friends, restaurants, sevilla
Part of the “problem” with having a birthday or anniversary fall on a Monday is that a lot of my favourite bars and restaurants are closed that day. I mean, I didn’t do too badly yesterday, hitting up 6 bars (2 on my own, 4 with my friend Corinna) but I had been hoping for a proper celebratory lunch. And then the lovely Cinta got in touch and invited me for an anniversary lunch today at her bistro La Cochera del Abuelo. So I thought what the hell, if I can have Birthday Week (or Month) then I could also do Anniversary Week. Plus I had bought a ticket for a Kiko Veneno concert at the gorgeous Lope de Vega theatre tonight, so all in all it seemed like a perfect day.
When Cinta joined forces with chef Bosco Benitez Ruíz del Pozo earlier this year, La Cochera went from being an events venue to a restaurant offering set tasting menus four evenings a week. A more recent change saw La Cochera grow into being a full-time restaurant with a bistro menu, which I have been wanting to try.
Everything was fabulous, as you can see, and it really was a perfect place to continue celebrating. Last year I had talked with Cinta about booking La Cochera to host a 25th anniversary party, but then things got busy and I didn’t get it organised in time. So I think I’ll wait now and – fingers crossed! – celebrate my 30th anniversary here.
Off to the concert soon! More on that tomorrow.
09 Monday Sep 2019
Posted in food & drink, friends, sevilla, tapas, tapas bars, tapas tours
Since our Sevilla Tapas Tour last week Miranda @mjb_edinburgh has been playing Name That Bar, sending me pics of tapas from bars around town. She almost stumped me today because l never order ensaladilla… but then l recognised the placemat! It was El Disparate. The Queen of Tapas strikes again. 🙂
09 Friday Aug 2019
Posted in casa azahar, cooking, food & drink, home, homecooking
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Damn these summer sales! I once again find myself with another kitchen gadget that I didn’t know I needed until I saw it… and then also saw it was ON SALE. Not only cute but look how practical it is. The lid closes with an airtight snap while you shake up your favourite salad dressing, then easily opens for pouring. Also did I mention… SO CUTE!
I was actually looking for one of these simple squeeze bottles, like the (totally life-changing) one I bought for washing up liquid. Seriously, if you are not using one of these babies for your dish soap instead of a big clunky value-sized bottle of Fairy liquid, you do not know what you’re missing. It almost makes washing up a pleasure. Top tip: cut off the attached cap – not necessary.
So why was I looking for a squeeze bottle you ask? Well, I was remembering a time when I always had a pre-mixed “house dressing” ready to go that was not only perfect for drizzling over salads and other fresh veggies, but also was great on boiled potatoes, rice, even grilled fish and meats. I was reminded of this when I visited Finca Buenvino and watched the fabulous Jeannie whip out her bottle of “secret sauce” salad dressing and use it on almost everything, and it’s been on my mind ever since. So now I have the cutest bottle ever and just need to perfect my own secret sauce. Anyone want to share theirs?
casa azahar 