London, Paris, New Blog

It has been some time since the last post on the Château Canard Blog but lots has happened and is happening and my forays in wine just keep getting bigger and better and definitely more doumentable.  I am therefore starting afresh with a new blog which will be more regular with some long posts and probably many short ones with tips on what to buy and where and exciting pairings that I have come across and other stuff! Château Canard still exists but it is more focused on the events whereas this blog will be more general. To see previous blog posts please click here.

As you may or may not know I am currently studying the WSET Diploma every Thursday night in Bermondsey Street. The diligent student that I am decided that it was very important to go again to the Vignerons Independents exposition in Paris at the end of November. This was a trip that had been booked and planned for before the attacks and it was important to me to still go. As an ex inhabitant of the city I have great fondness and love for it and the people there and it was great to see how it is a city that stands tall and proud. Passing the tributes at La Republique was immensely moving.  

The expo was again enormous - see below (each circle sign is a stand!)

Fave sample of the day was, surprisingly for me, a Champagne, the Cap Jaune by Ariston however I did have some lovely Pomerol, an area of Bordeaux I'd like to explore more, did seem particularly good value.

A highlight was also the meal at Brasserie Flo, an institution by all accounts. Foie Gras with Gerwurtztraminer late harvest was a great pairing and an Alsace glass is always a wonder to behold, and who doesn't like that sort of a wine list!
 

So a great trip with a couple of cool wine bars thrown in to the mix. Oh and a meal at a restaurant with cuisine from La Réunion, La Marmite Lontan, a totally new experience and the rums were insane!


On the way back on the Eurostar I read an article about what amazing chefs' fridges looked like. I have to say that it was awe inspiring and left me feeling a bit rubbish as this is what my fridge looks like (basically four bottles of wine and a beer and milk). My freezer on the other hand..! Terrible fridge picture comments are welcome to make me feel better please.