Pigs include the pig, the female pig which is the sow and the suckling pig. The main pork producers are in Europe, North America and China. Good quality pork is recognizable by its pale pink flesh and firm, fine, somewhat elastic texture and white fat. Pork can be boiled, roasted, braised, grilled or pan-fried. The pork loin is the part just before the dorsal region. The tenderloin is prepared as a roast, stuffed or pan-fried. The chuck, with bone in, is ideal for preparing small salted dishes, and can also be used in a pot or roasted. As for the pork belly, it is ideal for stews and must be boiled for a long time.
While some people prefer to avoid restaurants altogether on Valentine’s Day, for others it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a romantic evening out. For wine lovers, finding venues with a great selection of bottles is an added bonus. Whether you’re after prestige Bordeaux and classic vintages or interesting and quirky bottles from less well-known producers, the selection below gives you plenty of options. We also tell you what to expect from the wine list in each venue. From Michel ...
Tongue firmly in cheek, I sometimes define ‘wine consultant’ as ‘someone lacking employment who will work for whoever pays them’. Although meant in jest, the implied question is valid: just what does a wine consultant do? More importantly, in this age, when every assistant in a retail shop styles him- or herself a sales consultant, who would hire one? The short answer is this: a wine consultant is someone who advises wine lovers about their passion. He or she advises buyers on what to buy (and a ...
There’s a reason why heavily-applied perfume ranks highly on most wine lovers’ list of pet peeves. It overpowers your senses, conceals aromas and distorts your perception of a wine. In professional tastings and wine exams the wearing of perfume is banned, if not thoroughly frowned upon. You just don’t do it. What then, if we applied the same logic to music, controlling the sounds we hear, or don’t hear, while tasting wine? There’s no doubt that a chaotic environment can clog your synapses, makin ...
