11 September 2014

EATING ADVENTURES WITH THE ODD WINE OR TWO

Presently I am in Portugal. I have survived the most amazing week in Beaune.

I was with an intimate group of eight fellow wine and food aficionados, led by the remarkable Richard & Lynley Bunton from Dunedin. They took us on a journey through the Burgundy region, savouring and devouring everything that is worthy in that remarkable region.

Highlights were a 90 minute exploration of the historic Hospices de Beaune museum ( I am not a museum lover but this, led by local guide Annie, was spectacular and I hung on every single word Annie uttered), a wine tasting of three grand Crus in the vineyards they'd grown in, and some spectacular meals in the fine restaurants of Burgundy accompanied by more great wines than I thought it possible to drink in a night.

Foie gras, gougere, Abbaye Citeaux and Epoisses cheese, tender lamb, rich flavoursome beef, desserts to die for, girolles and other mushrooms, truffles, langoustines, tomatoes at their peak with burrata, jambon persille, and not much salad!

Perhaps best of all was a 25 km cycle trip on the route des Grands Crus and a superb cooking lesson and lunch at The Cook's Atelier with Majorie Taylor.

Please go to my Facebook page for the photos and much more.