Food Wine Travel

Food is Therapy at 'L'Absinthe' in London (according to The Independent)

A brand new review of L'Absinthe, 40 Chalcot Road, London NW1 by Terry Durack (The Independent) discovers that "Primrose Hill's L'Absinthe is teaching flexible locals the French bistro method of beating stress".
The owner, Jean-Christophe Slowik has a secret sauce for his success: Keep it simple as The Menu proves.
L' Absinthe is closed on Mondays.

Related: Stress Down Day

Copenhagen, a 'Top 20 Most Liveable Cities' says Monocle

I have written about Copenhagen numerous times on Serge the Concierge and was not surprised that Monocle magazine chose it as one of its Top 20 Most Liveable Cities in the world.

Related piece: Mr Conran goes to Copenhagen

Appetite for Destruction, when Food Trends might suck dry the Seafood Stock

Fake labeling, endless scooping up of certain species, our culinary tastes can turn into an appetite for destruction as Something's fishy as Europe dines by Elisabeth Rosenthal illustrates (International Herald Tribune).

Related: Sounds fishy, Blue Moki and the Maoris.

How to 'Kill a Lobster and Save your Soul'? (via Trevor Corson)

I cannot quite get the connection but looking for details on a book covering 'food and drink' freebies given by political campaigns, The Secret Life of Lobsters came up as a suggested related read (from same publisher, Harper Collins).

In the companion blog, Trevor Corson offers concerned foodies his guide on how to Kill a Lobster and Save Your Soul.

What Chefs (British Chefs that is) Eat at Home (via The Guardian)

The Guardian gives us the scoop on what chefs, British Chefs that is, eat at home after the night shift in Here's one I made at home. Quick and easy is the rule for Michael Caines of Gidleigh Park in Dartmoor as in nuts, humus and dry fruits. For the others, read Vicky Frost piece.

What to Eat on a Date? Depends says Helena Echlin

The basic advice is unless you know a little bit about your date's taste, play it safe.
No messy food, don't pick a restaurant whose food you are unfamiliar with. No loud place might be the last recommendation. Get more tips via What to Eat on a Date? (Helena Echlin, Chow).

Wine Myths & Blabber get the Truth Treatment on 'VinoFictions'

I was on a fact finding mission on sommeliers and wine talk and discovered Vinofictions by Thomas Pellechia, a Finger Lakes (New York) wine lover.
I especially liked his take on Dry and Sweet in White Wines (January 7, 2008).
Helps you sort out facts from fiction.

Is Istanbul the place to go for Foodies in 2008 (as New York Times suggests)?

In Cultures Meet at the Dinner Table, Matt Gross (NY Times) gave pole position to Istanbul on his list of must eat in cities for 2008.
Suzanne Fowler of Globespotters (sister paper IHT) is based in Istanbul and concurs in Discovering Eat-stanbul.
Her favorite restaurant there is Ciya. Unfortunately their site seems to have only a Turkish version.
The pictures wet your appetite though.
Check their page On Herbs they use.

Related: Crossing the Bridge, the Istanbul Music Scene

Beyond cliches...Good Food Ireland shows the country rich palette

Before you hop on the plane for a trip to Ireland, it might be wise to visit Good Food Ireland.
They go beyond the cliches and show us the country rich palette from restaurants to markets to local talent such as artisan chocolatier ChocOneill of Kildare County.
If you cannot get over there, try their recipes.

Beating the Dollar Blues in Paris...Let's Do Lunch!

Most US travelers coming back from Europe can't help but commiserate on how much less you get for your greenback these days.
One way to beat the dollar blues in Paris... Let's do Lunch is what Coping with weak dollars: Paris dining strategies (Globespotters) suggests.
Having dinner or lunch with a French family as your host thanks to Meeting the French might also be an option. Any other suggestions, share them.

Related piece: Get Real...In Paris...with 'Meeting the French'...Travel with a Twist