26 Friday Nov 2021
First time seeing these two lovelies since before you-know-what. Anne and Paul are temporary neighbours this week, visiting from Jerez and staying just down the street from me. Today we met up for lunch at Castizo and had a lovely time catching up. Hoping for a trip to Jerez soon so we can do it again over there!
16 Saturday Oct 2021
Six years ago today I became a Certified Sherry Educator!
It’s an honour to be included in such illustrious company and a privilege to introduce people to this most amazing wine, or help them expand on their knowledge of it. You never stop learning about sherry, it’s a delicious world to discover, and to keep on discovering.
Also many thanks to all the wonderful bodegas that have always been so generous and welcoming and the fabulous bars in #Sevilla that help make my sherry experiences extra special. Salud! 💛
16 Wednesday Jun 2021
05 Saturday Oct 2019
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As soon as I saw this tasting was coming up I knew I had to go. These monthly sherry tastings held by the Consejo Regulador are always worth going to. Presented by a member of the Consejo and either the winemaker or owner of the bodega (this time it was both), they are also excellent value. And this one with a selection of VORS sherries (over 30 years old) from Bodegas Álvaro Domecq was exceptionally so. 
After the tasting Anne, Paul and I met up with Tomoko for lunch at Albalá. And then I hobbled back to the train station (diverticulitis!) and made my way home. I think I may have overdone things a bit and was in bed by 9 pm, but it was a great day.
10 Wednesday Jul 2019
Posted in food & drink, friends, getaways, restaurants
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[read full review of Mantúa on Azahar Tapas]
Last weekend I finally had the pleasure of visiting Mantúa, which had been on my “to-do” list pretty much since it opened in 2017 as it’s owned and run by chef Israel Ramos, who also owns one of my favourite places in Jerez, Albalá. I had made plans to go with friends Ann and Paul after the Harveys sherry tasting at the Consejo Regulador.
As you can see below, everything was beautifully presented, and the service was impeccable. Can’t really recommend Mantúa enough. It has the feeling of a place with real heart, and flavours that attest to the chef’s genuine love of his region. Unpretentious and about as perfect as a meal can get.
