English Wine doesn’t get anywhere near the same level of praise it deserves compared to wines from other parts of the world. So, to celebrate this coming English Wine Week (25 May – 2 June 2019), leading English winemakers Chapel Down has teamed up with modern European restaurant Florentine in Waterloo to create an exquisite 3-course sharing menu paired with fine English wine to showcase just how good they really are.
Pork belly with homemade apple purée served with a glass Pinot Noir? Don’t mind if I do.
A quick glance at the menu told me I was in for a treat. Mackerel fillet with oranges, cherry tomatoes and sorrel served with Bacchus Reserve white wine for starters? Yes please. Pork belly with homemade apple purée served with a glass Pinot Noir? Don’t mind if I do. Rhubarb crumble and Eton Mess with a Nectar Dessert Wine? Keep it coming.
Expectation continued to be exceeded with the sumptuous roasted pork belly.
I can’t even begin to describe how enjoyable the meal was. The mackerel fillet wasn’t fishy at all. Delicate but intensely creamy in texture which complemented perfectly with the sweet apricot notes of the Bacchus Reserve White wine. It’s healthy too. Expectation continued to be exceeded with the sumptuous roasted pork belly. Satisfyingly crispy skin and tender pull-apart porky goodness which paired brilliantly with the fragrant spices of the red Pinot Noir. All this and I’ve not even mentioned the beautiful rich organic salmon with English asparagus and lemon tahini yoghurt, or the delightfully sweet Eton Mess with Nectar Dessert Wine.
Designed to share between 2 people, my partner in crime and I were pretty stuffed at the end, and I have a pretty big appetite. Trust me, you won’t be leaving hungry.
Why not celebrate English Wine Week and win a second date while you’re at it?
There’s no better place to celebrate the wonderful world of English wines. If you want my advice, bring a date. Florentine is a snazzy place not too far from the London Eye, and the perfect venue for a special occasion. Why not celebrate English Wine Week and win a second date while you’re at it? Since my last visit, I thought the sophisticated surroundings of Florentine makes it a sound choice for a date and I still think so.
Six dishes to share, 4 glasses of wine including an aperitif to? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me and the perfect way to celebrate English Wine Week. Chapel Down and Florentine have created something pretty special here. It’s just a touch sad it’s only around for a limited time.
English are just as good as any wine. We just don’t know it yet.
English wines are just as good as any wine in the world. We just don’t know it yet. I certainly before I was invited to try it for myself. Do what I did and visit the Florentine from Thursday 23 May – 31 May and get a glimpse into the wonderful world of English Wines with Chapel Down.
English Wine Week at Florentine: Thursday 23 May – 31 May
RSVP: bit.ly/2Yp5AP2
Discover: Florentine in Waterloo
Check out: English winemakers Chapel Down
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