KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By VIDA WINES

2018 Kristančič Pavo White Cuvee, Slovenia  £19.79

This Chardonnay hails from the “Tuscany of Slovenia” where the Kristancic family have been producing wine since 1988. This pure, precise white has peach and citrus fruit notes, a slight richness on the palate and would pair well with creamy dishes.

2016 Munzberg Weissburgunder Brut, Germany  £24.39

A German sparkling with a cool, tart nose and prominent yeasty undertones. A combination of herbs, delicate fl ora, citrus and pomaceous fruit make for a ripe juicy wine with a light grip, that would be best enjoyed alongside antipasti or fi sh.

2016 Rossidi Rubin, Bulgaria  £21.29

This medium-bodied red has a glorious core of dark chocolate and juicy berries. On the palate, it is well structured and balanced, with sturdy but ripe tannins. This universally pleasing wine would be the perfect addition to your next barbeque.

VIDA WINES Newly launched VIDA Wines specialises in the Central and Eastern European wine regions, showcasing fantastic lesser-known brands and bottles. It also stocks a range of quality wines from across the rest of Europe. vidawines.co.uk

NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Fresh start

RICHOUX

Richoux, the 100 year-old British institution will once again open its doors in Piccadilly. Staying true to its heritage of modern brasserie dishes and exceptional patisserie, the new custodians of the brand, Jamie Butler and Lewis Spencer, will breathe new life into the restaurant, using their experience in some of the world’s top restaurants to create a Richoux that is relevant for diners today.

Dining Debut

ROCKETSU

Promising the authentic Japanese dining experience once reserved for Buddhist monks, Rocketsu’s intimate new dining room guides diners through a traditional Kaiseki menu that has been curated by chef Daisuke Hayashi. Expect a focus on seasonal fl avours and multiple courses served over a period of three hours. roketsu.co.uk

Skill set

GORDON RAMSAY ACADEMY

The Gordon Ramsay Academy offers a huge range of fun adult, children's and online cooking classes, a great team of chefs and fantastic kitchen facilities to inspire you to get cooking, get confident and just give it a go. There's a great selection of cooking class gift vouchers, too. gordonramsayacademy.com

WAGYU BEEF

The fi nest Wagyu delivered straight from the fi eld to your doorstep

GUNMA WAGYU

One of the world’s most expensive cuts of beef comes from Japanese black cows that have been authentically reared in the green mountains of Gunma. asianharvest.com

KAGOSHIMA WAGYU

From Kyushu Island in the South of Japan comes a rib-eye steak so rich and spectacularly marbled that it took home the top prize at the last Wagyu Olympics. porterfordbutchers.co.uk

FREEDOWN HILLS

Made from cattle reared in the fi elds of Yorkshire and given a gourmet olive feed, this Wagyu puts a signature British twist on the Japanese delicacy. meatmeathome.com

BY THE GLASS

KITCHEN W8

Kitchen W8's General Manager and Sommelier Charlotte Prescot has launched a new scheme by o ering up some spectacular wines by the glass at cost price. This is a rare chance to try wines from defi ning regions like Puligny Montrachet and Saint-Emilion, as well as some future classics and fi rm favourites of Kitchen W8. kitchenw8.com

BITE SIZE

PING PONG

There might still be time to catch Ping Pong's special Chinese New Year menu, complete with Tiger Eye Martini. The contemporary dim sum chain o ers a great selection of dumplings, steamed buns and griddled dishes in seven London locations.

pingpongdimsum.com