Mmmmm delicious Christmassy stuff...
Spoonfed Towers really are looking rather festive right now. Stockings hang from the mantelpiece, tinsel wriggles its way up the banisters, a big old tree stands in the drawing room, festooned with candy and lights and little glittery spoons. Shakin Stevens echoes through the building, much to our Music Editor's chagrin (and everyone's bar mine to be honest).
What better time then to venture forth to the ExCel centre for taste of Christmas 2010? The venue may not feel that festive from the outside, but the snow-carpeted journey on the DLR sure is. And once inside, it's truly Christmas-tastic.
There's a whole spread of different stalls are selling different kinds of more or less Christmas-related bits and bobs, and of course giving out samples. The sheer range of companies is seriously impressive, and thankfully it's not just the big names; many of the brands and producers are small, innovative and passionate about what they do. We sample spicy garlic pickle from Carved Angel, innovative English potato vodka from Chase, Sipsmith's lovely gin, and a horrible sounding (but surprisingly delicious) chocolate wine from Rubis.
We also take a little tour round the event with wine tipster and smooth-talking personality Neil Philips, who introduces us to various chefs, producers and assorted foodie types. Things kick off with some sparkling wine from probably England's finest wine producer, the brilliant Chapel Down. We'd actually paid them a quick visit beforehand to sample some of their Bacchus Reserve 2009. Gosh, I love Chapel Down.
From there it's on to Hotel du Vin for a rather delicious duck rillette with celeriac remoulade. Neil pairs this with a light and super-modern claret from Chateau Civrac. We then pop over to Amico Bio for a vegetarian take on the traditional roast, featuring Seitan, a meat substitute made from wheat gluten. Neil's opted for a Touraine Sauvignon Vieilles Vignes 2006, which looks almost like a Sauternes but tastes bone dry and exquisite. Dessert is Gascon Mess courtesy of Club Gascon, paired by Neil with a light and apricotty Moscato D'Asti.
All in all, as the name suggests, Taste of Christmas is the perfect event to get you all Yuled up. And full of woozy boozy foodie goodness.
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