COCKTAILS 101. BASIC INGREDIENTS

If you are into mixology or cocktail mixing there are a few things that are a must have. You can be doing it as a hobby or as a job. If you plan to do it a s a hobby and you have no idea how to start, Here is a checklist for you. For Alcoholic Cocktails

1.The drinks
Gin
Rum
Vodka
Wine
Whisky
Tequila
Brandy
Beer

2. The fruits
Pineapples
Oranges
Lemon
Lime
Kiwi fruit
Grapes
Cherries
Strawberries
Apples

3. Fruit juices
Grape juice
Lemon squeeeze
Orange juice
Lime juice
Pineapple juice
Cranberry Juice
Lime juice


4. Mixers
Cream
Eggs
Milk
TeaCoffee
Soda(Coca Cola, Sprite, 7Up)
Water
Ice cream
Ginger Ale
Lemonade
Lime juice


These are the basic ingredients to make cocktails.
Enjoy...

LUXURY CHAMPAGNES IN KENYA. MOET & CHANDON.

Back in my campus days, a long time ago me and my room-mate, Sarah had this page that we tore off a New York style magazine. We had Stuck it on a wall somewhere in our room. It had this graceful model posing with a champagne glass on her hand. I cant tell why we chose this particular poster but it stayed on our wall for many months until it wore and tore . We always kept talking about Moet & Chandon from time to time.

credits dragpost.com

There has been a surge of champagne aficionados in Kenya within the last couple of years. Kenyans have come of age with regards to luxury beverage consumptions. Some drinks like sparkling wines and champagnes have best been served in top restaurants or red carpet events to the rich and famous. So what happens when you have set your eyes on a drink that is retailing for say 17,000 by the bottle. While the upper-class and upper middle class would afford it, some are left to just admire them from videos and glossy magazine covers.

This is a champagne that stands out from the rest in terms of packaging and taste, which i am yet to find out. Well the fact that I have not had it doesn't mean that it should be dead to me. It was introduced in Kenya in Fairmont, the Norfolk in their champagne bar in June 2012. Moet Hennessy then launched a new brand, The Moet and Chandon Nectar Imperial in East Africa for the first time. This was done in Nairobi, Kenya at the Sankara Hotel's Champagne Bar. In attendance was Neil Hendriskz. This launch took place on June 18th 2013.

credits Business Daily Africa.com

According to the Wineshop, Moet & Chandon, France retails for about Kshs 7,665. In Chandarana, Moet & Chandon Brut retails for Kshs 6,395. These are just some of the prices of a few places you can shop for wine. Other stockists also sell the M&C Rose for 12,900, M&C Brut Magnum for 19,500 and get this M&C Jeroboam for 38,000. I think ill have to rob a bank for this.

credits globalgoodgroup.com

 For more information about the tastes, history and food pairings of these champagnes, check out their website.
Enjoy...

EAT YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER 2014.

According to foodnetwork.com there are a variety of food trends that you should employ this year. As you make your resolutions, 'eating healthy' should be in the list somewhere.I came up with a list that is more specific to Kenya while adding a few trends that stood out. Your body is not only your temple but only you have the key.You are what you eat.

This year I have decided to watch what I eat not only to watch my weight but also to be healthy. There are many conditions and diseases that are related to bad eating habits and only you can keep them at bay. achieve your ideal weight, boost your health and wellness by what you eat. These tips have been plastered on many websites but how many people actually follow them? Here are the new food trends for 2014.


 1.Drink water
Make sure you sip water occasionally all through the day. Buy a water bottle and carry it to work. When you are at home drink water regularly. Ensure that the water you are drinking is clean. If you love tap water at least boil it first. Keep a water dispenser and clean glasses. Water makes your skin healthier and supple. It keeps your hair shiny while flushing out toxins from your body. It aids in digestion and keeps cramps and muscle spasms away. If you are like me and you sometimes get bored drinking water, squeeze a lemon in your glass, add mint or a cucumber slice.I like putting small diced watermelon. This makes me wanna drink it more.

2. Cauliflower. 
This is a nutrient dense veggie that is a great alternative to your everyday kale, spinach and cabbage.It can be prepared in many ways which ill be highlighting in subsequent posts.

3. local foods
eat more traditional and local foods. These are traditional greens like amaranth (terere) , arrowroot, beetroots, yams and sweet potatoes. These foods are not only neglected but they have great nutritional qualities. You can buy them in your local open markets or in the supermarkets.

4. Portion control
If you are battling weight, eat smaller portions often as opposed to large portions thrice a day. Include fruit and vegetables in this portions and reduce the carbohydrates and starches.

credits. Brew Bistro & Lounge

5. Protein breakfast
I sometimes find that bread is what is considered breakfast in most Kenyan households. How many times do you have proteins on that breakfast table.I love eggs, whether boiled or fried. Milk,sausages, smokies,bacon and ham are great too. You can have a day of the week where you take yoghurt. My all-time favorite is Daima , back currant flavour.

6. Homemade Juices
Buy a blender or a juice extractor this year. Avoid processed juices and soft drinks. Occasionally, I do enjoy a cold Fanta black currant but I will try to make more healthy smoothies and cocktails which i will share with you in time.

7.Chilli
Yes, believe it or not. Chillies not only make your food hot and spicy but are good for you too. They are one of the food trends for 2014. People who eat chillies rarely suffer from cardiovascular diseases. They help improve digestion and burn fat. They reduce the risk of prostrate cancer.They also boost the blood circulation.

8.Avocado
Avocado is sweet and good for you. it can be incorporated in most staple meals. staple meals in Kenya are ugali, rice , githeri and so on. add this on the side of your plate more often this year.

credits. healthsandnutrition.com

9.Soup.
There are a million and one ideas to make soup. Get one recipe from the internet and make it in the comfort of your own home. At least try a new soup every month if not every week.

Enjoy...

 Image credits. foodnetwork.com

MAKING THE BEST OUT OF SCOTCH WHISKY

I know what you're thinking, Scotch Whisky? Yes its easy to get and its readily available. Popular brands are Glenlivet and Glenfiddich.  Vat 69 is probably one of the affordable versions of  Scotch Whisky.

Over the weekend me and my friends got together to catch up. There were alot of supplies in the house and a bottle of Vat 69 in the fridge. Our host had left it there for a few months and he did not know what to do with it. This drink does not have a particularly distinct or complex flavour but it is almost impossible to take it on its own. It has a mid-gold colour in the glass. It has a sweet syrupy smell with woody undertones. It was time to get creative. Before you decide what to use as a mixer it is important to sip the drink to tell what taste it has. On the tongue it was tannic and bold. This will guide you on what to add.

So we simply put the scotch in the whisky glasses added some coca-cola and ice cubes. This transformed the taste and I didnt hear any complaints. We had a great time.Try it some time when you don't want to have to break the bank.

soundcloud.com

123rf.com

redcandy.com

Enjoy...

Credits thewhiskyexchange.com

NAIROBI RESTAURANT WEEK

Are you a foodie in Nairobi? well whet your appetite for the first ever Nairobi Restaurant week. The 8day event  will kick start on 30th January to 6th February .This event will see experienced chefs from hotels and restaurants all over the country come together. Food will be sold for a fraction of the usual cost. Kenya's food scene is thriving and burgeoning at an alarming rate and people are developing a new appreciation for great food. This was started by Eat Out kenya and Taste Awards Kenya

This is exciting news. Think about it like this. Fifty chefs come together and make fifty fine dishes that will be discounted at an affordable price.These dishes will be state of the art and exquisite. If you love great food you cannot miss this. Food will vary from Kshs 1250 to Kshs 1750. The first 250 people in the restaurant on the designated days will be the ones to enjoy this special package.

This event has taken place in major cities like Cape Town, New York, Tokyo and London. This year has seen Nairobi added to this list.

The contributing restaurants are

360 Degrees Artisan Pizza
About Thyme
Amaica westlands
Artisan @ sankara
Anghiti restaurant
Big five @ ole sereni
black gold cafe
brew bistro fine dining
Emerald Garden
flame tree at panafric hotel
Fogo Gaucho
Haandi Restaurant
Hemingways Brasserie
La Dolce Vita
le palanka
Lord Delamere @ fairmont
La Mesa Espanola
jiko at tribe hotel
Mandhari At Serena Hotel
Mediterraneo Gigiri
Mediterraneo Junction
Mediterraneo Nine West
Monikos restaurant
Oasis Restaurant
Oro Restaurant
Pampa Lavington
Pampa Mombasa Rd
Phoenician restaurant
Pablos Restaurant Best Western
Que Pasa Bar & Bistro
royal kitchen at pride inn
Sierra Brasserie
seven grill & lounge
Seven Seafood & Grill
Shangrila Restaurant
Sikia Fine @ Crowne Plaza Hotel
Talisman Restaurant
thorn tree @ sarova stanely
Thai Chi @ Sarova Stanley
Taste Of China
Tamambo Blixen
Tamambo Village Market
Vista Restaurant at Emerald Hotel
Wine Shop At Brew Bistro
Zen Garden Bamboo
Big Square.

 Hope to see you there. For more information on this event check out their website

Enjoy...

HOSTING A WINE-TASTING PARTY IN 2014

Have you ever wanted to host all your friends and fellow wine enthusiasts for a winetasting event in your home. Since I started food and wine blogging, I have thought about taking this brand from the pages of my site to a normal setting.Like start my own wine tasting /cocktail event eventually.Well I have thought about it a lot of times and in 2014 I should organise such an event. I want a low key event of swirling, sniffing and tasting wine and cheese.


If you think wine-tasting shindigs are boring and bland think again. you have the power to transform your low key events into something spectacular and unforgettable. My greatest worry is what to serve, how many wines to buy, what to entertain your guests with and how to make sure that the event is great.



You should limit your drinks to six, 3white wines, and 3 reds. for a group if eight, buy two bottles of each. this will make sure that you have plenty of wine to taste. This will help you calculate the number of wines to buy.



You should have a sink to rinse the glasses between every pour. Space is essential so that people can interact freely. This event cannot take place in a small house. I am planning to get a bigger house but meanwhile I will have to look for a venue. I plan to have 15-25 people for my first event. I don't want a number that will overwhelm me since it will be a first event.This will involve shopping for glasses, shopping for wine, cheese, honey,tea, food and choosing a theme.




When all that is set, then i can plan a date and send invites. While tasting the wines, it is important to move from the lighter whites to the heavier reds(shiraz, sauvignons, chardonnay, pinot noir). Take a few minutes between pours.You must look for an expert/ connoisseur/ sommelier to help in the understanding and tasting the wine. Invite both ladies and men so that people can chat through the event. There are two factors that determine how the event will be conducted. First if you opt for a formal event, the people sit down on a large table that is set. This has a systematic format of wine and cheese tasting. The group is encouraged to discuss and define the taste of the wine and some people even take notes in their wine journals. This helps to build the knowledge on wines.



There is a less formal option where the people stand up like in a cocktail party. There is music in the background and the guests chat as they stand in groups.The cheese and biting are arranged in large trays and platters. Guests are free to mingle.The emphasis here is mingling.




Iam opting for the second option because it is more practical for the people i plan to invite. The people I am inviting are In the age bracket of 23-30. They are more liberal and this will be a good starting point.











For more information on how to pair food and wine for a cocktail party, ii had done a post on this here. Photos courtesy of Nicci pain



Enjoy...

DISCOVERING SOUTH AFRICAN BRANDY

Brandy from south Africa is great. You have probably drank it a lot,but never realized. Viceroy is South African Brandy. Ive never really been a huge fan of Brandy because of the misconception that clouds this particular drink.if the after effects are grueling you probably drank it wrong or over indulged.Most people I know steer clear of Brandy but those who take it claim that it’s a great drink if well taken. The Dutch made Brandy from distilling their wine. This is a method used to preserve wine. South African Brandy is one of the world’s finest. This title has been awarded to S.A for six years at the International Wines & Spirits completion. Impressive, huh?
 The process involves making the base wine then distilling it twice in copper postills. After this it is oaked (aged in oak barrels) for over 3 years. This is called maturation. The time can vary. There are three classes of brandy.
Postill-38% alcohol content.

Vintage-Matured with whiskey. Content is 38%

Blended-Content 43%

You might be tasting your brandy wrong. Taste it from a clean glass. Add a dash of water while tasting it. Don’t use chlorinated water. Don’t warm the brandy.Brandies should be taken with a fruity mixer like ginger , fruit juice or cola. You can also make a variety of cocktails that I will be uploading through 2014.Drink responsibly.

Heres a list of the Brandys from south Africa. some of them like Viceroy, Nedeburg and Martell are available in Kenya.

• Backsberg
•  Barrydale Cellar by Southern cape Vineyards
• Chateau vo brandy by henry Taylor & Ries
• Collision by Distell
• Commando brandy by Distell
•  De Compagnie
• Flight of the fish eagle by Distell
• Klipdrift by Distell
• Ladismith by Southern Cape vineyards.
• Limosin extra fine brandy by Henry Taylor and Ries.
• Martell by Pernod Ricard
• Nedeburg by Distell
• Viceroy by distell.

 Remember to drink responsibly.

credits .hospitalityforum.co.za

Enjoy...