The
Pipe of Port Wine Bar
e-mail; info@pipeofport.co.uk
NEWSLETTER February, 2010.
As some of you know, My wee wife Sue, has been very poorly since September. She has been through it a bit to say the least. The very kind thoughts and well wishes and notes we have received is very heartening. Sue asked me to send you our thanks, and Janet has also been greatly buoyed up by your good wishes. Our staff have been brilliant and have stepped in where necessary, to cover our absences.
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
We had a very good Christmas. Our decision to again drop our Christmas menu prices seems to have helped us significantly. Whilst we try to do all possible to limit any increases, we have been battered by the pressure on buying quality fresh foodstuffs. The effect of the Euro was twofold; the overseas buyers came here and bought lamb & beef in particular as it represented a bargain via the exchange rate, but our wine imports went up as well. We threatened to reduce European wine in favour of Africa and New Zealand and that brought some assistance from the producers to offset some of the Euro effects. It's been very interesting indeed.
We have been very busy at times and seen a terrific uptake of our specials. We do try to lean toward the cheap cut casserole type dishes. By the time Darren marinates them in great reservoirs of wine, herbs and vegetables, we might as well have used fillet steak. In addition, we have had the courage to not only use the meat cuts such as Ox Cheek etc, but we are also describing such as well. As a lad, I used to cook these dishes but we used the French terms such as Daube du Beouf and no-one really knew what cut they were eating. I really do love them. skirt, pigs cheeks, monkfish cheeks, blade steak, have all been featured here at the Pipe. And you have eaten them all. Well done. Our first batch of Ox tail recently was a tad erratic and one or two of you were not so impressed. I am really sorry. But we very quickly corrected it and it was very well received. We have Haggis in abundance at the moment as well. The chefs are getting fed up as it is hogging a place on our specials. This means they have one less dish to play with on the specials we run. So it'll be gone for a while to keep the peace.
On the wine tasting side, our Port night and Chateauneuf du Pape tastings went down really well. We are very grateful for your continued support on these, sometimes bitterly cold nights.
I have to report that dear old Mr Martin Day stepped into to assist us during mine and Sue's absences. He has been very helpful. I also think he rather enjoyed seeing all his friendly customers again. As you did him. He also helped me with an annual tasting we do for a homeless charity. We did a wine
challenge. Martin has not managed to defeat me before. We each select 3 wines according to a budget and agreed topic. We give them out against each others and the customers decide which one they prefer and tick the voting form. They have no idea whose wine it is. (unless Martin cheats). I have to tell you he won!! Fair and square for the first time. I have been cleanly knocked from my pedestal. I have done quite a few of these with other wine people and restaurants over a 20 year period. This is my first defeat.
Fresh with this victory, he has challenged me again; how uncouth! But I guess I'll accept it and seek revenge. Or is my confidence forever dented? You can come along and see for yourself on Tuesday 30th March. I've accepted his challenge.
Martin is running the London Marathon to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. We will run a little raffle on the night to help him along. Can't think how he'll get round though, all that weight he now carries ....
Sue and I had a lovely long weekend in Dorset in late October. I cannot help but be excited by the large number of small independent food operators and farmers markets around. I also have to say, to my delight, that some of the more rigorous food inspectors would drop dead with fright if they were transferred down ‘ere. There is a bakery where all the wooden workbenches, machines and huge ovens are open for all to see. The floor is old floorboards and concrete. They have a counter of sorts which separates the work area from the caff. The caff has long benches and a long wooden table so the public can come in for a snack and coffee etc. They have a huge bowl of marmalade and a vast block of butter that customers and bakers dive into. All very help yourself. Needless to say the various breads they produce are stunning if a bit pricey! The Welsh rarebit is to die for.
In another town, two young lads had taken over a shop to sell their own fresh sweet & savoury tarts, pasties, sausage rolls and lovely sandwiches. They were on wooden trays, in the window. The display tables look as though they had come out of a charity shop or even a skip to be honest. But the produce was delicious. So much so, we went back on our last day to bring some home. The shop was a bit scruffy, there was not a refrigerated display cabinet in sight. They just bake ‘em and sell ‘em. The queue outside told the story. The chain bakeries didn't stand a chance!
I sometimes slip over to Tillingham to Sarah Green's veg shop. I do wish I could find local growers nearer here. There is such a difference in the quality. If you know anyone (for livestock as well) I'd like to meet them.
I think I'm for a glass of some terrific Chateauneuf du Pape white. We tasted it the other night, very good it was. Its just looking at me from the fridge .. trying not to look too inviting ... but crying out to be opened at the same time.
My old Mum used to say .."Bria . erm..Dom .. er Paul".. There was six of us boys, she never could remember my name!
Its ME!
Steve.
EVENTS.
Please note:
For all the events we ask you to arrive for 7.30pm so we can sit you down and start prompt at 7.45. All tastings will be of 6 wines. All dinners will include 4/5 wines, (just over ½ a bottle
Monday 15th March 50% blind tasting £12
Not done this one before. You will be served 6 wines in 3 pourings. One will be blind and they will be the same or very similar grape blend. You have an opportunity to guess where it comes from, is it cheaper or more expensive than the other wine? Have a go at guessing its price point.
Tuesday 30th March Food & Wine Challenge Martin v Steve £38
Hot Smoked Scottish Salmon with Avocado & Mango Salsa to start. A little pot of intense Cabbage Veloute Soup. Roasted breast of organic chicken, purple sprouting broccoli, chorizo, capers and tarragon. Just the job I think so far ... Creme Fraiche Mousse with Poached Pear in Caramel.
Six wines, two with each of courses (except the cabbage veloute) one from me and one from Matrin. You vote me back as top gun!!
Monday 12th April Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc £12
The onslaught of very quaffable sauvignon blanc from the new world, added to the very serious styles, particular New Zealand did give the winemakers of the ancient Loire Valley vineyards a bit of a scare. From little known communes to the giants of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. We'll show you some crackers. You'll have to decide who you think will stand the test of time and pocket.
Tuesday 27th April English at its best £38
I'm chatting to a Cumbrian Farmer who may be able to send us some of his incredible Herdwick Lamb. If it does not come off, I'll still get you some small farm very good lamb. But first;
Dorset Crab, Leek and Parmesan Tart. Then we'll bone out legs of this fine game flavoured lamb and cut then into single portion pieces. Then we'll roast them slowly, clean of any garlic, but with a hint of rosemary. The purest of lamb jus, just enough to moisten the well done lamb. A spoonful of sweet redcurrant sauce to offset some of the gameness will be lovely. Some very creamy soft Potato & Parsnip mash. We'll do another side dish as well. For Pudding how about Caramelized Rice Pudding with Blueberry Compote? It is a bit like Creme Brulee, but with creamy rice!! The Blueberries are simmered in Somerset Brandy. So expensive, but its near enough to St Georges not to worry too much.
Monday 10th May, Champagne workshop £20
As a member of the "Champagne Academy" I'm supposed to educate you in the ways of Champagne. To fulfil this task, I'll run this as a workshop. You'll taste 6 good champagnes up to vintage, get an understanding of the fiendish rules surrounding this wonderful wine. I'll have handouts and maps for you as well. I'll take you through the whole process, from grapes to fizz. I'll also tell you why it is so expensive (the champagne, not the evening!).
Tuesday 25th May Wine and Cheese £30
Wine and cheese is not a straight forward as you might think. So ...
I'm going to turn this into a different sort of event. We'll pour 4 tasting wines first. They'll all be French, 2 red and 2 white. We'll then come around with 4 or 5 cheeses, slowly, so that you just concentrate on one at a time. See if you still feel that red wine and cheese is the perfect lunch when on holiday in France. After that, a starter size Tomato Tart Tatin with balsamic dressed salad and bread. Then, I'm for some of our really brilliant Christmas Pudding. We usually keep it for July (honest)
when it is very popular as "Last Years Christmas Pudding". But I had some the other day and it is so good. We'll serve it with some brandy Anglaise and something else! I'll choose a drop of something red for the tart and some Rutherglen muscat with the pud.
Tuesday 8th June Italian Supper £33
Quickly fried really fresh, Chicken livers with some mustard capers and a dash of Marsala served on a crisp croute to kick things off. Maybe a hint of garlic. Spiedini (skewer) of Monkfish & Scallops. Warm anchovy & rosemary & lemon Olive oil sauce. And a side of the freshest new potatoes and rocket salad with slivers of mature parmesan cheese. Zabaglione, not warm (that is how it is eaten for breakfast), but cold, more as a syllabub style with a coconut biscuit. Its got a bit more body and still more Marsala. I'm going to serve some Valpolicella with the livers and ... Pinot Nero with the fish. There will be other wine surprises as well.
Monday 21st June Pinot Grigio £10
Is this very popular wine about to become the next fashion victim? It made its name as an easy wine to drink when out with friends. Not very demanding or offending, (there has to be a need for that) just there to assist the conversation. See what you think of my selection. From the simple to the pink to the very serious. UK has been buying more Pinot Grigio that Italy can produce. Where does it all come from? I'll give you the answers and its not bad either.
Tuesday 6th July. Lobster & Chips £50
This is a new version of our previously popular Smoked Salmon champagne night. To start, chicken & duck liver parfait with a sweet & sour red onion confit. Then I'll serve up ½ a 2lb fresh Lobster, cooked that afternoon to perfection, then we'll just gently warm it through with Cafe de Paris butter before serving it with really good fresh chips. Proper ones. And a Caesar dressed salad for those that want it. Our home made tomato ketchup will be on hand.
I'm going to serve some really serious sherry with the parfait and / or a glass of red; a flute of Italian Prosecco then a buttery white with the Lobster. Your pudding, Panna Cotta with Raspberries and Grappa. Some in the pudding and some in a glass! I know you will be saying £50 quid! Bloody cheek of him in these hard times. I promise you will love the evening. If you were to go up to town, it'd cost you almost that in transport. It will be a treat and .. well I have it in mind that this combination was created by our American cousins and it is just past independence day. Also, I really fancy a lobster so join me. I'm sitting down for this one.
Monday 19th July Its Rose for Me! £10
We still cannot get enough of this beautiful looking wine. Its just so popular. 2 sparkling 3 still and a surprise sweetie. We'll just show you very good ones. No entry level so to speak.
Why have winemakers turned to making this wine much more serious? Its hugely interesting.
Please complete and return to the
PIPE OF PORT WINE BAR, 84 HIGH STREET, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA. ESSEX SS1 1JN
It is important that you send your cheque, payable to the Pipe of Port with the application.
Please note; for all events arrive at 7.30 for a 7.45 start.
Please reserve the following places:
50% BLIND WINE
Monday 15 March 2010 . ............places @ £12 Total £..........
FOOD & WINE SUPPER
Tuesday 30 March 2010 ............places @ £38 Total £...........
LOIRE VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC
Monday 12 April 2010 ............places @ £12 Total £..........
ENGLISH AT ITS BEST
Tuesday 27 April 2010 ............places @ £38 Total £...........
CHAMPAGNE WORKSHOP
Monday 10 May ............places @ £20 Total £...........
WINE & CHEESE
Tuesday 25 May 2010 ............places @ £30 Total £...........
ITALIAN SUPPER
Tuesday 8TH June 2010 ............places @ £33 Total £...........
PINOT GRIGIO
Monday 21 June 2010 ............places @ £10 Total £...........
LOBSTER & CHIPS
Tuesday 6th July 2010. ............places @ £50 Total £...........
ITS ROSE FOR ME
Monday 19 July 2010 ............places @ £10 Total £...........
GRAND TOTAL..£...........
OR; We can phone you for your credit card details when you receive this form.
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