Last week I was lucky enough to attend The S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards 2011at which it was great to see René Redzepi pick up first prize once again for Noma in Copenhagen. What is exciting about this competition is the diversity of countries represented in the top 50 including Brazil, Peru, Russia, Finland, and of course the UK.
At Taste of London 2011, where I'll be presenting on food and wine, there will be an amazing and highly eclectic range of restaurants and wines featured.
Just as a teaser on the vino front, expect an impressive range of wine specialists and producers, including St Clair Family Estate from Marlborough, New Zealand. St Clair produces stunning, high quality Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs and is hugely respected - they also won the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition award in 2009 for Best New Zealand Producer.
From the northern hemisphere, you will find Grossi Wines at the show, an Italian specialist importer which represents a diverse range of artisan Italian winemakers producing some serious, high quality foodie wines from funky and unusual grape varietals. Check out producers like Pometti, Fattoria il Lago and Fattoria Michi.
My final plug today is for Portugal as it is one of Europe's most underrated wine producers and Portuguese specialists, Ince Wines, will be featuring a range of fabulous whites and reds. The Douro region is famous for Port, however make sure you try Quinta do Zimbro white and red wines from this important wine region too.
More recommendations to come over future blogs.