Recipes

Get Curried Away TANDOORI LAMB CHOPS

By Dipna Anand

(Makes 12 pieces)

n 10 lean lamb chops n 3 green finger chillies, made into a paste n 1tbsp ginger/garlic paste n 75g raw papaya (or unripe pineapple), made into a paste n 11/2tbsp white vinegar n 1tsp salt or to taste n 3tbsp chopped fresh coriander for garnish

Spices:

n 1tsp cumin powder n 3/4tsp turmeric powder n 3/4tsp red chilli powder n 1/2tsp white pepper powder n 1/4tsp nutmeg powder n 1/4tsp green cardamom powder (ground cardamom seeds)

Lightly slit the lamb chops on either side (three gashes on each side, not too deep).

Mix all the other ingredients together into a bowl thoroughly using a whisk.

Once the ingredients are completely combined together, add the lamb chops to the marinade and coat, using your hands to mix. When the lamb chops are coated, leave in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for the meat to soak up the flavour better.

To cook the lamb chops, lightly grease an oven tray, lay the lamb chops flat on the tray and cook for about 25 minutes at 180C. Turn the chops over half way through cooking to cook evenly on the other side.

WINE & ROMANCE

WINE AND ROMANCE HAVE LONG SHARED AN INTIMATE LINK. FROM THE ANCIENT GREEK PLAYRIGHT EURIPIDES CLAIMING ‘WHERE THERE IS NO WINE, THERE IS NO LOVE’, TO MORE RECENT EFFORTS SUCH AS UB40’S HIT SONG ‘RED RED WINE’, THE ARCHETYPAL LOVER WILL FOREVER HAVE A DECENT BOTTLE CLOSE TO HAND.

But why wine, and not, say, beer? Well, there seems to be something intangibly elegant about sharing a quality wine with your significant other. The bottle itself, the glass, the liquid therein, can all contribute to that feeling of being in the right place at the right time. Even the grape names themselves (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon etc.) have a certain allure. There is also some science behind it. Researchers from ‘Neuroscience and Behavioural Reviews’ found that the hormone released when we are in love (oxytocin) is also summoned when we raise a glass to our lips. It is also known to enhance beauty, with the antioxidant effects of red wine now well known, while recent studies suggest that white wine consumption is associated with anti-aging effects and weight-loss. Perhaps Marilyn Monroe was on to something when she reportedly took a bath in 350 bottles of Champagne.

Food deserves to be part of the conversation too. Whether it is a steak paired with a nice Malbec, or a prawn linguine matched with a classy Chenin Blanc, the average date night with your partner can be elevated to legendary status with the right pairing. It is useful to try and be aware of what food and wine combinations work. It could be the difference between wincing slightly as you sip your Pinot Grigio and partake of some chocolate profiteroles (dry whites aren’t great with sweet food), or gushing about the Sauternes you just had with a slice of strawberry cheesecake. One benefit of buying a wine that is less commercial and more small production, is that the romance can be found throughout the wine’s story, its journey into your hands. In these times where so much is massproduced, a delicate Pinot Noir from a small family-owned vineyard in Burgundy appeals to our sense of the romantic. Every decision has been informed by the winemaker’s love of the craft, from when to pick the grapes, to how long to age the wine, to what label to put on the bottle. People value wine that has been loved from start to finish and are then rewarded with the some of the most intriguing, intoxicating flavours in the world.

This does not mean there is no room for other drinks in the domain of romance. There is a plethora of cocktails which can assist you in your labour of love with perfect competence. There’s even the added hilarity of completely muddling the cocktail recipe, but still coming out with something interestingly drinkable.

So, there is a lot to consider when choosing your tipple and it can seem a little bit daunting when you are concerned if you will make a good decision. But we have been giving this kind of advice at The Wine Cellar for almost 30 years so if you’re looking for the perfect match to your signature lasagne, or even if you’re planning the wines for your wedding (no obligation chat, sale or return, glass hire available), we would love to see you in the shop soon.

RESTAURANT RELAXED COASTAL DINING

At OCEAN we use the best local produce from queenies and scallops sourced from Devereau’s, and Niarbyl bay lobsters and crabs, from Alan at Cushlin Seafoods.

However, OCEAN is not just all about seafood, we also serve the finest meat dishes from cuts of meat sourced from Harrison & Garrett butcher. Such as our duck breast, with sweet potato purée, red cabbage, asparagus and plum sauce. Or the American breakfast dish with fillet mignon, slow cooked egg, black pudding crumb and fries. Vegan? Don’t worry we’ve got you; we serve delicious vegan dishes too and an extensive gluten-free menu.

Visit soon and enjoy 2 courses for £27 3 courses £33 or try our QUICK lunch menu OCEAN QUICK 2 courses £16 LUNCH MENU Starters Salmon dill gravlax, pickled cucumber, lemon gel. Chicken liver pate, house chutney, toast. Mains Lentil dahl, roast veg, vegetable samosa, (slow cooked egg optional) vegan dish chefs bao bun, spicy fries, wasabi mayo, kimchi.

SPEACIAL OFFER 20% off

Tuesday-Saturday 4.45pm - 6.45pm. Dinning out @ocean is inexpensive, we serve quality product at affordable prices.