Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 23229
drinks On show
British Drinks Week takes place at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre on 3-5 March. Organisers say the event will help many establish national distribution, with buyers prowling the floors in search of the latest products. The exhibition focuses on the four main product areas of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
The spirits section will present everything from Invergordon whisky to Kremlyouskaya vodka. Premiere Beers '96 has stands for the likes of Usher Brewery and Guinness. Wine Expo '96 will put Seagram in a prime spot, while Hungary is the latest country to reserve a group stand. And Leisure Drinks International '96 has invited sportswoman Sally Gunnell on to the Glyco Sports stand. Numerous other drinks companies wil be represented. For more information, call 0171-610 3001.
Capital idea
The London Capital Club kicked off its new Wine Club with a Champagne and food-matching dinner. Executive chef Paul Hackett prepared a dinner with ingredients specially tuned to marry with Krug.
The Grande Cuvée was teamed with a tartlet of asparagus with quails' eggs and a sun-dried tomato salsa, followed by a rose of salmon and sole steamed and served with Indian saffron and chive butter.
Then the Krug Vintage 1985 was paired with a tartare of lamb layered with ratatouille, spinach, Anna potato and a subtle tarragon sauce. The nv rosé was chosen to partner a hazelnut biscuit filled with ivory couverture ice-cream and glazed raspberries. Guest of honour Olivier Krug gave a talk about making Champagne.
Further dinners will take place once a month designed around wines. Each month a different wine specialist will host the event and select wines from some of the better and lesser known wine regions around the world.
The next dinner, hosted by wine merchant Michael Morgan at the end of the month, will show red and white wines from Bordeaux. Members will also be able to buy these wines at a special price. For more information call Alex Luke on 0171-717 0088.
