Bibendum - World Cup of Wine, Quarter Finals

I like the combination of wine and sport. Champagne at the races, beer and bowls, Pimms and croquet (as you do), vodka shots and a mad dash to the nearest souvlaki bar...

So, we're about to be hit with World Cup fever. To mark the occassion, last week, Bibendum hosted a flurry of London food and wine bloggers for the Quarter Finals of its World Cup of Wine. Some key wine producing countries were matched head to head, white for white and red for red. We tasted, we voted. Only the winners would progress through to the semi finals next month. Corks popped, spittoons creaked, the pressure ran high.

The thing I love about Bibendum's wine tasting events is that they're not only interesting and informative, but they make wine fun and accessible. There were some serious wine experts in the room. And there was me. I did try to hold back on my usual comments of the "tastes like Creamy Soda" ilk but, as my tasting notes will reveal, you can't stop me thinking them.

There are already some blog posts from wine fanatics recording the results of the evening - see Wine Passionista, Bibendum Times and Cellar Fella. The only difference between my post and theirs is that they know what they're talking about. So, I'll let my tasting notes speak for themselves...

Round 1: Argentina v South Africa

The whites:
Saam Mountain Middelburg Chenin Blanc, South Africa, Paarl 2007 (£9.51): This wine gained one of my highest scores of the evening, and is great value at £9.51. GD expert tasting notes: "6 months in oak; creamy; bit like a chardy but slightly acidic aftertaste". Grand.

v Argento Reserva Torrontes, Argentina, Torrontes, Salata, 2009 (£6.59): "Fruity, light, aromatic. Would go well with seafood, Thai". Lovely, easy drinking, but no match for the Chenin Blanc.

The reds:
Vinedos de la Posada Merlot, Argentina, La Rioja 2009 (£6.51): "Classic, soft South American Merlot; Crowd Pleaser [rubs chin, I imagine]; Organic; Good value".

v Journeys End "The Cape Doctor" Shiraz, South Africa, Stellenbosch 2005 (£14.76): The clear favourite, and quite a price difference. For me, it just edged out the Merlot (even taking price into account, as we tried to do...). There was much discussion about South African red developing a real following of late (Tim Atkin is a convert) and being one of the most exciting red wine regions of the moment. GD's expert tasting notes included: "Not too heavy; lovely; restrained and elegant" [I'm clearly having a moment here].

Round 2: Spain v Australia

I tried to put my Aussie bias aside, but my palate likes a big red and old school oak.

The whites: 
Cuatro Rayas, Verdejo, Spain Rueda 2008 (£7.76):  Tasting notes reveal only that "The house wine at El Bulli is a Verdejo - not this one." Helpful. In any case, this wine was no match for the big Aussie...

v D'Arenberg The Hermit Crab, Viogner Marsanne, Australia, McLaren Vale 2008 (£9): "Bit oily; aromatic; no oak, just fruit, but full bodied; thick". It got my vote.

The reds: 
Damana 5, Taula, Spain, Ribera del Duero, 2008 (£10.01): Made from the same grape as Rioja, but coming from a warmer climate, this wine spends 5 months in oak and is the entry level, softer wine from this new winery with the funky label. With astounding eloquence, I noted but a single thought: "Has a full on finish".

v Katnook Founders Block Shiraz, Australia, Coonawarra 2006 (£10.75): Spicy and rich, this one had it on the nose in a tough battle of the reds.

Round 3: Chile v Italy

The whites:
Augustinos Reserva Privada Chardonnay, Chile, Bio Bio 2008 (£7.25): "Harsh; needs food". This was suffered my lowest score of the evening, although it's only a 2nd vintage wine so a mere bub.

v Lageder, Chardonnay/Pino Griogio, Italy, Dolomites 2008 (£14.50): At twice the price, this was perhaps an unmatched fight, and I found this wine quite expensive for what it is - "lots of minerality; stone fruits" and a northern Italian wine showing Germanic influences.  My penmanship is transforming into a relaxed scrawl.

The reds:
Valdevieso, Cabernet Franc, Chile, Colchagua 2007 (£11.26): "A straight Cab Franc; tastes a bit green and peppery". [The "green" bit may have been lifted from someone else.]

v Ceppaiano "Violetta", Italy, Tuscany 2004 (14.25): "90% Sangiovese, 10% Cab Sauv; warmth, tannin, acidity; smells like Italy". Except, I didn't love it as much as I normally love my Tuscan reds. Not a knock out, but the Violetta had it.

Round 4: France v California


The whites:
Loredona Pinot Grigio, USA, Califormnia, Monterey Country 2008 (£8.75): "Smells fantastic - doesn't taste as good; short on finish". I tripped over my own heel at this point.

v Chateau Bonnet Reserve, Bordeaux, Entre-deux-Mers 2009 (£9): "Not oaked; quite well balanced". No stunners in this round, but ok.

The reds:
Marmesa Syrah, USA, California, Central Coast 2006 (£9.75): "Fruit and spice; Metallic aftertaste" [I seem to recall I did not think this a good thing at the time].

v els Pyreneus, Les Hauts de l'Agly, Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2006 (£10): Good value, 14.5% alcohol, but balanced. Would probably improve with food. "Tastes like oyster" - hmmm..  Clearly, it had been a long evening.

Drum roll ....
The winners of the evening will play off as follows in the Semi Finals on 13th May:  France v Italy, and Australia v South Africa.

As far as the rivalries go, some super heavy weights were pitted against some puny contenders. It's not necessarily the fairest competition, but unless Australia gets knocked out prematurely, I support the notion that it's all about the fun, trying some interesting wines and picking up some knowledge along the way.

It was great to meet a whole new array of wine lovers. Thanks to Gal, Gareth and Erica of Bibendum for hosting yet another fabulous wine evening.

The Standard Grill - New York

Washed up from the sandy beaches of Miami, salt in the hair, a smudge of po' boy on the sleeve, what better state to rock up to New York for some late night hob nobbing among the Big Apple's swanky set.

By the time we made our 10pm booking at The Standard Grill, the place was heaving. Flagship restaurant to the funky new Standard Hotel, owned by Andre Balazs, Chef Dan Silverman supervises this busy kitchen and a menu which is both trendy and homely at once.

The front bar is packed with hip New Yorkers there to see and be seen - a little too scene-ish for my travel weary bones. However, a quick pre-dinner cocktail helped ease the pain. By day, this room doubles as a more laid back cafe for breakfast and lunch, with big windows, outdoor tables (although, crucially, I noted shorter hours in direct sunlight than Pastis on the next street) and a bright and breezy interior. Worth a try for brunch.

The main dining room is a beautiful, American bistro oozing old school glamour. Dirty martini, anyone? The charisma is enhanced by the vaulted ceilings, checkered tablecloths and plush maroon booths. 480,000 copper pennies tile the floors (apparently - we didn't count). But it's not all "Sex and the City" - The Standard Grill serves up decent quality, hearty bistro fare.

We started with a selection of 1/2 dozen oysters which were lovely, although some better than others (and not a patch on Bentley's in London), washed down with a cheeky prosecco.

Then the room stood still as our show stopping Million Dollar Chicken sauntered our way, gleaming and glistening, in a caste iron pot. Crispy skin encased juicy flesh - tasty and moreish, although it was probably more impressive on the eye than in the mouth. We still managed to gnaw it down to the bare bones. About $30 between 2 people.

We saddled up the chicken with delicious sides - buttery brussel sprouts with bacon (my new addiction), crispy potatoes with smoked paprika aioli (delicious, and all the better because they were free), and corn pancakes (disappointing - hopes were high given the promising combination of 2 of my favourite words, "corn" and "pankcakes"; but these were almost flavourless).

For dessert, we shared a bread and butter pudding - not normally my thing, but so luscious that I happily fought for my fair share in a tense spoon duel with TPG. The pastry chef is Frederick Aquino, formerly of the well known Spice Market so more of the desserts would be worth a shot.

The skinny blondes next to us picked at their salads and pushed a virtually untouched burger around a plate (the burger looked fantastic, by the way, and was almost worth a bony shoulder tap to distract Blonde 2's attention). Worst of all was their accompanying Mimbo who declared he had already eaten, so stuck to his red wine (low cal, presumably) and the odd nibble of lettuce. Most odd (but probably not here).

However, for those of us with appetites, this is a great place to eat, with that unmistakable New York buzz. Decent food, great atmosphere.

Cnr Washington and West 13th Streets, Meatpacking District (under the High Line)

Gluttonous Travels: Greedy Diva Bites the Big Apple - New York, USA (Part 1 - Breakfast, brunch and coffee)

New York, New York!! In a city of over 20,000 restaurants, not even counting Magnolia Bakery, just where does a Greedy Diva begin in this fabulous foodie city?

The Peanut Gallery and I have quite a taste for the Big Apple, and when in town we have a habit of waking up wide eyed at 5am to bound around the city from end to end, trying to squeeze in as many meals, burgers, hot dogs and cupcakes as our ever expanding gullets will hold.

So here we are again in the city that never sleeps. Here are some of my favourite food spots from trips gone by, supplemented by our latest discoveries this week. I've broken it into parts to aid digestion.

Part 1: Breakfast/Brunch

Balthazar Bakery
• Balthazar: Beautiful French bistro, in the heart of Soho. Soak up the bustling atmosphere over some Eggs en Cocotte and the New York Times. Love it! Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and afters. The gorgeous bakery next door is great for take away cakes, coffee and doughnuts (ok, donuts - when in Rome...). 80 Spring Street, Soho.
• Bubby's: Huge American style breakfasts - for when more is more. Try the huge stack of blueberry pancakes, or a southern style fry up with home fries or grits. Wear elasticised trackies and don't look back. Not for the faint hearted (nor raw food devotees). 120 Hudson Street, Tribeca.
• Bouley Bakery: Sample the fresh baked goods, coffee, desserts, soups, salads and sandwiches from Chef David Bouley's bakery, next to his well known restaurant. A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Yum. 120 West Broadway.
  
• Public: Why do we always forget New York Sunday brunch hours when we come here? Public looks fabulous - if only I could (1) arrive when its open (after 12pm on a Sunday) and (2) get a table - I have only stared down other diners while jealously hovering over them on 2 sequential NY trips now. Check out the vanilla brioche French toast with star anise poached plums, amaretto marscapone and fresh basil. Public also comes recommended by my new and trusted foodie friend, Michael. And its just been awarded a Michelin Star. Another reason to haul myself back to New York asap (as if I needed one...). 210 Elizabeth Street.
  

Cafe Select
• Cafe Select: For a decent brekkie with the locals, we stumbled upon Cafe Select. My fruit salad was ordinary (too much apple, not enough exotica), but TPG's Eggs Palais Federal (2 poached eggs with hunks of ham off the bone and hollandaise) were excellent. 212 Lafayette Street, NoLita

Pastis
• Pastis: Another tried and tested brunch spot, although I prefer it for lunch - see my Lunch tips to follow in Part 2.
  
• Do New York hot dogs count as breakfast? 

Coffee:

Always on the prowl for a decent espresso in the land of filter coffee, here are the results of some extensive research, with particular thanks to The Peanut Gallery who did the original leg work on most of these while shopping for sneakers (the man needs his coffee)...

Joe

Joe: Best strong cup of espresso I've sampled in NY to date. Smooth, rich and they make the lattes "flat white" style. Feel the buzz. 141 Waverly Place, West Village

9th Street Espresso

• 9th Street Espresso: Looks so promising, but the espresso was mediocre - big cups, too milky, although the flavour was ok. Minimalist setting. Might be worth another burl if you are in the area and specify your desired milk to coffee ratio...if you care that much. 700 East 9th Street, East Village
  

• Gimme! Coffee: Good quality coffee, and conveniently placed for some serious shopping. 228 Mott Street, NoLita
• City Girl Cafe: A good coffee, if sometimes a little weak, using Stumptown organic coffee beans. The chilli chocolate balls are a must if you're stopping by. 63 Thompson Street, Soho
  

Cafe Ost
• Cafe Ost: A fun new discovery, courtesy of one of New York's latest and greatest foodie residents, Susie. As the sun streams in the windows, sip a decent latte surrounded by trendy students and workers with their Mac laptops abuzz. 441 East 12th Street, East Village
• Balthazar Bakery: See above, but worth another mention. Not the most amazing coffee in town, but fairly decent for a takeway option, particularly when coupled up with a delicious cinnamon doughnut/donut. 80 Spring Street, Soho
  

Olive's

Olive's
• Olive's:  Gorgeous shop with just better than mediocre coffee - but at least the small cup option is available among NY's jungle of milky grandes. Strictly takeaway only. Also good for takeaway sandwiches, cookies, fruit salad and snacks. Service is brusque. 120 Prince Street
  
• Abraco: Closed every time we make the trip to the lower East Side (it's closed Mondays). But we have a feeling this could be "the one". 86 East 7th Street, East Village

Many of the lunch spots to follow in my Part 2 tips are also great for brekkie/brunch. If only my fingers could keep up with my stomach... stay tuned.

Gluttonous Travels: Greedy Diva does Miami (Florida, USA)

I have 50 hours in Miami. The sun is shining, the waves are lapping and there's a smell of fake tan in the air. So much to eat, so little time...

Five Guy's Burgers: 1500 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, USA

Having been starved off my BA flight (2 meals in almost 10 hours with not an offer of a peanut in between), upon arrival at Miami, I was starting to eye off passing limbs as I made my way to Five Guy's Burgers. Lucky for me, The Peanut Gallery had cased out the South Beach scene the night before, and recommended I sample a wee burger as a pre-dinner emergency snack.

I ordered the "small" cheese burger with lettuce, tomato, pickle and ketchup (although choose your own adventure with the toppings at no extra charge). Greasy, juicy, flavoursome, delicious. Looks somewhat disturbingly like a Maccas burger, but tastes in a whole different league. Just the right beef to fat ratio (which according to Marco Pierre White, should be 80:20 and I'm not inclined to argue). And it turns out "small" simply means 1 normal sized patty as opposed to "large" which involves 2 double decker slabs of meat (tempting...).

A big box of unshelled peanuts is available on a help yourself basis to crack and nibble while you wait. And chips are served peel on. I like it! Less than $3-something for the "small" (but not really small) burger.

Miss Yip Chinese Cafe: 1661 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, USA

Following on from my burger appetiser, chased down by a refreshing margarita on Lincoln Road, it was time for some sobering late night Chinese food. Miss Yip is described by the Wallpaper City Guide to Miami as "sort of Suzi Wong meets New York's Mercer hotel-designer Christian Liagre". It's cool but traditional all at the same time. 

Despite the funky interior, Miss Yip was not all style over substance. Big chunks of sesame chicken with broccoli were addictively delicious, and the sweet and sour shrimp were big, buxom and packed with flavour. There's lots to choose from on the "Hong Kong inspired" menu. 

Along with sake (not a good match) and rice, eat fairly cheaply for around $15 per head.

David's Cafe: 1654 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, USA

Just across the road from Miss Yip, David's Cafe offers Cuban cuisine served in an extremely basic (borderline grotty) setting.

On the prowl for a decent morning caffeine heart-starter, it was hard to go past David's with the gathering hordes queuing out the front for their morning fix. The cortaditos were formidable (Cuban coffee in the form of a strong short black with about 25% frothy warm milk). Yeeehaaah.

With some interesting Cuban brekkie options on the menu, but the hope of some significant meals on the day's agenda, it took some willpower to stick to the Cuban toast - long thin (rather dry) bread served with jam and, as a consequence of minor theft from TPG's plate, a generous dollop of cream cheese (my own spontaneous American-Cuban fusion). 3 coffees, 1 large Cuban toast, 1 bagel and 1 OJ later the bill came to less than $10 for two. Did I mention how much I loved the cortaditos?

The Spot: 1570B Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida, USA

I am probably one of only a chosen few who have ever taken a taxi from a luxury, poolside cocktail bar specifically to get to The Spot. A tiny, non-descript takeaway style joint, I would definitely not have shot The Spot a second glance had I not heard the good oil from other trusted foodies (thanks Frodnesor).

But, as is often the case, it's the quiet types that you have to watch. In the case of The Spot, it is bang on the money when it comes to simple (heart attack inspiring) food that hits, well, the spot.

The Spot serves a simple menu of soul/Southern food. I was not leaving without indulging in The Spot Shrimp Po' Boy. About 35,000 kilos of fried shrimp, lettuce and mayo walloped my way, crammed happily into a long crunchy roll. "Just use your fork to squash it in, grab some napkins and eat it" offered the helpful counter guy. So, I did.

As the mayo dripped down my face, I also sampled the side of the day: the black eyed peas. Cooked with bacon and onion, this was a mushy little concoction of no particular flavour or merit, although - true to form - I ate it all the same.

Po' boy ($8), mush and giant forearm sized lemonade came to a hefty $18 bill, presumably including a decent tip (although I was so busy talking through with the staff the possibility of having a Po' Boy delivered to the beach, that I paid this sum plus a considerable extra post shrimp delirium tip without calculating.)



Cocktail hour:

After some serious beach time (alas, no Po' Boy delivery for afternoon tea - this time...), it was necessary to gather my thoughts over a well made martini at the luxurious Delano Hotel (the foyer alone is a sight to be seen), backed up nicely by a refreshing mohito at the Shore Club's Skybar, which was everything a glitzy Miami meat market should be.

Then it was over the bridge towards the glistening lights of downtown Miami and the Design District to the main event...

Michael's Genuine Food and Drink: 130 North East 40th Street, Miami Design District, Florida, USA

Even just recalling my meal at Michael's last night, the loony smile/dazed look combination is already creeping back onto my face.

I was eating solo, and willing to travel for a hearty bite. Tucked away in the artsy Miami Design District, Michael's Genuine Food and Drink is well worth the cab fare from South Beach across the Biscayne Bay.

Michael Schwartz's restaurant is a popular, bustling Miami institution for those seeking great quality, locally sourced food a world away from the South Beach scene. I perched myself up at bar overlooking the frenetic kitchen. As the tickets rolled in at an alarming pace, before a morsel had even passed my lips, I was already in heaven watching the kitchen theatre play out. Cries of "chicken in the hole" and "2 grouper" rang out, as pizza bases were tossed and rolled, the enormous pastry chef (a good sign) juggled trays of eggs and spliced through dough, trays of giant wood oven roasted whole snapper sprung over the counter, and  the woodfire flames burned merrily throughout.

Dishes are conveniently layed out on the menu in terms of size: small (ranging from $8 - $15), medium $10 - $20), large ($20 - $30) and extra large ($30 +, and where is The Peanut Gallery when you need him?)

I started with the wood roasted double yolk farm egg, cave aged gruyere, roasted tomato, chives and sourdough crostini. The waiter just smiled and nodded knowingly as I ordered. And it was simply breathtaking (the food, not the smile). A ramekin of soft perfectly formed yolks, were topped with baked earthy gruyere. My entire body was smiling, as I savoured each mouthful never wanting it to end. If I had someone to talk to, I would have been speechless.

Since it had been a light day for food (cough), I eventually moved on to the pan roasted 1/2 "poulet rouge" chicken, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, escarole. Poulet rouge is a rustic chicken breed raised organically, in this case, in parts of America's south. This one had clearly been, via the wood oven, to heaven and back. Crispy skin perfectly encased the juicy, smoky meat. Gorgeous.

For unpretentious, top quality, skilled home cooking, it would be hard to beat Michael's. The kitchen has the confidence to hold back from allowing too much chefyness interfere with simple, pure flavours. Sitting at the bar is spectacular, or you could opt for an alfresco dinner in the courtyard (it's warm in Miami even when its dark and cold in London...). Thanks again to Frodnesor for this much treasured recommendation.

The bill came to $52 including wine - such a small price to pay for perfection and a smile that will last for days.

News Cafe: 800 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami, Florida, USA 

Breakfast. Time to get some cleansing vitamins in the system. After a stroll along the glamorous Ocean Drive, in the heart of Miami's Art Deco district, I settle on News Cafe to soak up some sun and take in the scene. There are plentiful options on Ocean Drive, which is lined with cafes, hotels and restaurants from glitzy to the fabulous - although food quality may be questionable despite the fact you'll pay over $5 for your latte. News Cafe is one of the more laid back options (less Botox, more Boho), packed with tables spilling on to the sidewalk.

As I was after a refreshingly light and healthy option, I ordered the pancakes with banana and strawberries. As my waiter disappeared onto the horizon, I looked down at my gullet, remembered I was soon to go on show as South Beach's whitest person in a bikini, and promptly had a change of heart. I chased down my waiter for the fruit salad and granola. The fruit was plentiful, and just the health boost I needed, although the granola was a little too sweet. My cortadito was bitter and not a patch on that at David's Cafe, but it did what I needed it to do.

An extensive menu for a casual, basic brekkie - mine came to around $10. News Cafe is not a "must do" on your Miami eats hit list, despite that it seems to have earned some fame, but a stroll along Ocean Drive should not be missed.



Tapas & Tintos: 448 Espanola Way, Miami, Florida, USA

Finally, we joined up with some friends for a last minute lunch at Tapas & Tintos. A hit and miss mix of tapas and salads was no match for the sparkling company.

Goodbye Miami:

Greedy Diva's 50 hour whirlwind tour of Miami had come to an end. Not only had I topped up on essential vitamin D stocks to get me through the dark London winter, but Miami was so much more than I had bargained for - loved it, loved it, loved it!

But this is no time for reminiscences. Next stop, New York!