Monthly Archive for February, 2010

I love this business concept. When Matthew Rice from cellarlink.com.au came on the show on Saturday, I realised that I too can have my very own designer wine collection and store my collection in a virtual cellar anywhere in the world. The idea made me feel like an international jetsetter.

The best part is that you don’t need a jetsetter budget to start, manage or access your collection. Plus you can get fantastic wines directly from Cellar Link, I know I sound a little like one of those adverts but it is a good idea. If you want one or more of your wines for a dinner or to be sent as a gift you can simply request it and they will deliver your wine around the world. With storage in secure, climate controlled facilities in Sydney, London, San Francisco and Hong Kong collectors are able to buy, sell and store wine without the added costs associated with transporting wines around the world.

If you are serious about your wine then Cellar Link subscribers have access to comparative global valuations, trading recommendations, critics ratings, peak drinking windows and tasting notes all specific to your particular collection. Very cool, I say!

Matthew who was very nervous and covered it up very well, brought in three fantastic wines for us to taste.

Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz

2007 Two Hands Bella’s Garden Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, voted the  14th Best Wine in the World

What the experts say…Wine Spectator Rating: 94 Ripe, fleshy and generous, but not nearly over the top, with gorgeous cherry, pomegranate, black olive and bay leaf flavors arching beautifully and swirling through the long, supple finish. Top 100: 2009, Rank: 14 WS, Harvey Steiman. Drink until 2017 the 12 pack price is $643.20 – $53.60 per bottle

Fox Creek JSM Shiraz Cabernet

Fox Creek JSM Shiraz Cabernet from McLaren Vale

What the experts say… Australian Wine Companion Rating: 90
Medium to full red-purple; solid, dark fruits and touches of dark chocolate and vanilla oak on the bouquet lead into a well-balanced, medium-bodied palate with sweet, chocolatey fruit and ripe tannins. Trophy and gold medal winner at the McLaren Vale Wine Show. AWC, James Halliday.
Drink now the 12 pack price is $302.50 -  $25.20 per bottle

d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz

2000 d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz from McLaren Vale (I loved this wine)

What the experts say…Wine Advocate Rating: 93

This estate’s most renowned offering is their old vine (90+ years) Shiraz called The Dead Arm. The unfined/unfiltered 2000 The Dead Arm Shiraz is one of South Australia’s finest wines of the vintage. A perfume of grilled steak intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, earth, pepper, and melted licorice rises from this awesome red. With great power, richness, and no hard edges. WA, Robert Parker Jnr.
Drink until 2016 the 6 Pack Price is $396.00 – $66.00 per bottle

To start your very own wine collection go to www.cellarlink.com.au

Alio's Caprese Salad

Win a degustation dinner for two to Alio. We talked to Ashley Hughes on the FoodinFocus radio show 89.7FM  in late 2009 and he is giving away a degustation dinner for two at his beautiful Surry Hills Restaurant, Alio. Ashley is a fantastic chef and his Italian food is filled with flavour. He uses seasonal produce to create well balanced, elegant Italian food with integrity and heart. He is also a member of CIRA: The Council Of Italian Restaurants In Australia, so you know he is the real deal. Alio will celebrate its 10th Birthday in mid 2010, a lifetime in this industry.

To enter the giveaway email your name to [email protected] Names and personal details will not be published on the FoodinFocus site. Only the winners first names will be published. You must be a newsletter subscriber to win

Prize available from Monday to Thursday.

Alio is BYO,  5 Baptist Street, Surry Hills in Sydney. P 02 8394 9368  www.alio.com.au

Teresa Micalizzi

We interviewed Teresa Micalizzi on the FoodinFocus radio show and discovered that Bessemer gave her financial freedom, a passion for cooking and flexible work hours. Better than a partner in many cases.

For some food lovers the vision of a new cookware item can induce feelings akin to total euphoria. The beautiful rounded shape, the full swell of the cast iron sides, the aerodynamic handle and then there is the non-stick coating and the dream of a future filled with perfect meals.

Well for Teresa Micalizzi this dream came true in the form of Bessemer. Teresa joined Bessemer when she was 21 years old, 20 years later Teresa has a passion for sharing her cooking and teaching others simple ways to create delicious meals.

While she was great to interview our focus was not on her sparkly personality but on the delicious food she made in the studio. A perfect pizza with a thin crusty base. Mouthwatering Ricotta Piklets that oozed ricotta with hints of lemon.

My studio guests the stylish Betty Fong co-founder of Pie Face and Justin Walters from Moet Hennessy, Australia, feasted on the delicious food all washed down with a bottle of $110 Moet and followed by a Valentines Day sour cherry mini Pie Face pie. You can’t get a better ‘lovin’ than that!

To find out about Bessemer or to hold a cooking party at your place simply visit www.bessemer.com.au.

Delicious Homemade Pizza

Gourmet Pizza

2 cups Plain Flour (use 1 ¾ cups & leave some to bind the dough)
¾ cup warm water
1 sachet of dry yeast or 1 teaspoon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon Bread Improver
Mix ingredients and mix to form a smooth ball, leaving the sides of the bowl clean. Cover and put in a warm place until double in size. You may need a bit of oil on your hands.
Spread the dough across the base of baking dish to cover evenly. Spread dough with sauce and toppings of your choice (mozzarella cheese, pineapple, ham, mushrooms, capsicum, olives etc.)
Cover with lid on low to medium heat for approximately 20-30 minutes or until base is crisp