To dine for... Absolut Elyx Single Estate Feast at HIX

“The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it…I can resist everything but temptation.” Oscar Wilde took the words right out of our mouths when we heard about the new bespoke menu at HIX-inspired by Absolut Elyx – the new single estate, handcrafted luxury vodka.

Absolut Elyx, recognised as the world’s best vodka awarded by the prestigious San Francisco Spirit Competition, and HIX, renowned for its unique take on British seasonal cuisine, are collaborating to create a series of bespoke dinners at the original HIX site, the Oyster and Chop House. Both are known for their use of the best quality ingredients and a meticulous eye for detail – to say we’re in for a treat really wouldn’t cut it. 

With a menu boasting produce sourced from the finest single estates around the UK, each of the five courses are married to a specially created vodka cocktail to create the ideal combination for a truly indulgent experience. A taste of what you can expect? One offering: marinated Manx queenies with cucumber and wild chervil teamed Smoking in the Sea cocktail – smoked (that’s right) Absolut Elyx with lime and falemum, strained over cucumber and wild chervil iceberg. Refreshing, unique.

HIX menu

Marinated Manx queenies with cucumber and wild chervil

New Forest meringue

Elyx martini

 The Abosult Elyx Single Estate Sharing Feast is available at the HIX Oyster and Chop House on 20th May, 3rd June, 17th June and each month until December 2013. The five course dinner is available for £70 per person and can be booked here. 

My piece above is published on www.theglassmagazine.com where I regularly contribute.

Barbican's Rain Room

At some point in most of our lives there's been a time when we've been caught out in the rain - without a brolly - soaked to the skin. Brrr.

The other day though, I was strolling leisurely in the rain yet remained completely dry. Well, that must be because you had an umbrella I hear you say? WRONG. I was in fact at the Barbican's newest art installation called the Rain Room. It's a very clever concept actually, incorporating art with science and technology, and the magic only comes alive through audience interaction; when you walk into it.

It's the strangest feeling; as you stand on the edge of the rain you think to yourself, "there's no way it'll stop raining...I mean, how does it even work?? Surely I'll get wet!". You don't get wet. Unless you run around like a loony boon (very tempting were it not for the other 4 people allowed in the room and the Barbican staff watching...). The folks at the Guardian have kindly provided this video explaining how it all works, so I don't have to...



Not too shabby, eh? Make sure you don't miss it! It ends 3rd March  2013, and yes there is a queue but it's definitely worth it. After all, it's only here you can control the rain - and you can leave your brolly at home (if it's not raining in the real world, that is).

Here's some photos I took earlier:

Where the rain begins and ends... nice and dry!

My friend mocking the rain...!