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The bubbles of the first cuvee of Etyssa are perfect as a Christmas present and to toast to the New Year in the company!

Distributed by Pellegrini S.p.A., the Cuvée No. 1 Etyssa is available in the best wine shops and wine lists of the most popular restaurants for a suggested retail price of 26,00 €. The name comes from Etisa, River signed in old German who has contributed to the orographic formation and climatic conditions suitable to produce in the classic high-quality method.

Fresh Matters Most

Studies show that garden-fresh fruits and vegetables are becoming more in-demand compared to low price, natural, non-GMO, local, or organic produce. Customers want their veggies and fruits to be as fresh as possible.

Prepared Foods

With more people not having enough time to prepare their own meals, packed salads and ready-to-eat sandwiches or soups are gaining popularity. And because consumers want their food to have only the freshest ingredients, gourmet supermarkets are becoming a more popular place to grab a quick bite. As a result, some stores have included more prepared foods in their selections.

In-Store Brands or Specialty Products

Whether it is a special sauce made in-house or freshly baked goods, more customers are looking for gourmet products that proudly carry the brand of the store. These items are usually made in-house or are produced by a partner and are repacked and labelled in the supermarket.

A Mix of Old and New

Millennials are a growing market that gourmet supermarkets are looking to tap, especially with the rise in competition. In order to attract the younger crowd, some stores have learned to innovate or introduce something new. For example, some have added cafes or restaurants where customers can grab a packed salad from the grocery aisles and eat it there. They also make it a point to introduce new dishes to their menus while making sure to still serve their specialities or best-sellers. Some have also made it a point to advertise items that are cheaper in their supermarket compared to that in competitors’.

Stories have it that on the 23rd of April 1989, at the Four Seasons Restaurant in Manhattan, wine merchant William Sokolin showed at a party the 1875 Chateau Margaux, the crown jewel of his collection which he personally valued at more than $500,000. Sokolin was said to have been suffering great losses in his business at that time, so he was hoping for good fortune by selling the bottle at $519,750.

He was happily making his rounds around the room and everything was going according to plan when the unimaginable happened – the expensive wine hit the corner of a chair and fell to the ground. Luckily, the old glass held and the bottle didn’t shatter. However, it got two holes that leaked the wine all over the floor. Sokolin was so devastated that he hurriedly left the party with his now worthless bottle, forgetting everything including his wife. Meanwhile, Four Seasons Restaurant manager Julian Niccolini got curious. He scooped from a puddle of the 144-year-old wine left on the counter and tasted it. His reaction is rather unsurprising: “Yuck.”

The insurance company paid Sokolin $225,000 for the rare wine bottle, lesser by more than half of his personal valuation. Still, the amount paid by the insurer was still high compared to its selling price. At an auction, the 1875 Chateau Margaux sold only at about $155,000.

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On the occasion of this opening be a tasting of these amazing wines accompanied with signature tapas made exclusively for the occasion that will charm visitors. Also exquisite gastronomic ideas and perfect combinations will be available.

In addition, in the exhibition there will be a selection of works of art created for Ruinart by different contemporary artists who have been collaborating with Maison in recent years. Sculptures by Hubert Le Gall from his collection “The Glass Calendar,” a bucket of metal designed by Ron Arad, one champañera of mirrors inspired by the eighteenth century Herve Van Der Straeten, a series of limited edition wooden boxes created by Piet Hein Eek and a selection of photos of Erwin Olaf for his project “Light” presented by the Maison in March 2016, are some of the objects overflowing with talent that will be visible in the exhibition.

Chosen to accompany this delicious champagne during Ruinart House 1729 is the kitchen of Roberto Terradillos, recently appointed head chef at the restaurant El Serbal, which has a Michelin star. For the occasion the chef has chosen to prepare tapas and dinner that can be tasted paired exclusively with different cuvées of the Maison.

Despite his youth, the career of Roberto Terradillos has a high profile because of his long career in the world of haute cuisine, having worked in prestigious restaurants such as El Celler de Can Roca, Akelarre, The Hermit or Fat Duck Heston Blumenthal. The main common feature of his creations is the perfect balance between tradition and innovation in each of his dishes. He is also one of those who always uses seasonal produce.

Recently Dom Ruinart 2002 has been chosen as the best champagne in the world by the magazine Fine Champagne and Tasting Book. Ruinart House 1729 is the perfect opportunity for visitors to get one of their bottles because it is the perfect gift for any date but especially for the upcoming Christmas. In fact, you can find a special wooden box that can be customized with the initials of your chosing to make this gift a unique piece.

Exhibition space Ruinart House 1729 will be open to the public from the 7th to the 11th of November between 11.00 and 20.00, on the street Velázquez, 12, Madrid. On day 9, to mark the feast of La Almudena in Madrid, the public can enjoy a special brunch from 11.00. Who would miss this occasion?

1. Dress appropriately. A jacket is acceptable for the gents, but if it is a more formal occasion, then a suit and tie is more proper. As for the ladies, a dress or suit and closed shoes are the norm.

2. Practice basic table manners. Don’t talk when your mouth is full, cover your mouth when you cough, sit up straight in your chair, don’t place your elbows on the table, and don’t start eating before your host.

3. Don’t shout or wail your arms to get the attention of a waiter. Just make eye contact or put up your right hand with your index finger slightly raised.

4. Napkins should be placed on the lap and used for dabbing your mouth. If you need to leave the table and aren’t done eating yet, place it on your chair. When you are finished with your meal, place it neatly beside your plate.

5. The basic rule for using silverware is to start from the outside going in as each course is served. Take note also that there is a particular use for each glass (water, red wine, white wine, champagne, etc.). If you are a bit confused, observe what your hosts uses and just follow suit.

Never forget to thank your hosts and don’t be afraid to ask if there is anything on the menu or table you are not familiar with. And being polite and practising good manners is what matters most, no matter if you are a fine dining neophyte or expert.

Basil

If you want to prevent osteoarthritis, you may want to add basil to practically any food you cook. When added or sprinkled on your dishes, they can have disease-preventing properties. Essential oils that can be found in basil leaves like citral, limonene, and eugenol can help fight inflammation and bacteria. Moreover, basil herb has minerals that include potassium, manganese, and copper which that the body needs.

Oregano

Mostly added to Italian and Greek cuisine like your spaghetti, oregano is antiviral, anti-cancer, antibacterial, and even antibiotic. A teaspoon is already rich in antioxidants and can be used as flavouring to any kind of dish. Either sprinkle it on your salad or mix it with your sauces. Oregano works well especially when combined with other herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, and rosemary.

Turmeric

If you are conscious about ageing, then you might want to begin using this yellow spice in your rice or chicken. Research study shows that this common ingredient in Indian kitchens has positive effects against cognitive decline. You can add it to your soup or salad and enjoy other properties like anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant to help prevent cancer.

Rosemary

Apart for lowering cholesterol levels in the body, this anti-oxidant containing herb can also slow down ageing because of its ability to rejuvenate small blood vessels. Studies are also being made to determine its heart benefits. Rosemary herb is also able to soothe itchiness of the scalp and is good for muscle aches. A recent study also suggests its role in brain functioning.

Staying healthy is not always buying the right food and nutrients. You can also enjoy health benefits from the comforts of your home. With making use of the herbs and spices found in your garden or perhaps your kitchen, achieving a healthy lifestyle is just within your reach.

Rainbow cake

This is probably the most common rainbow food and one of the easiest to make. You can find rainbow cakes in many bakeries, but you can also make your own if you have the time and the baking skills. The most common method is to bake thin cakes (making each a different color) and stack them on top of each other to create a multi-layer, multi-colored cake. If you’re up for a challenge, you can take things further by creating other variations, such as baking a white cake with a rainbow-colored heart-shaped center.

Rainbow bagel

If you love eating bagel and cream cheese in the morning, why not step up your breakfast game switching to rainbow bagels? These delicious treats are created Scot Rossillo, who is tagged as the “world’s premier bagel artist”, and they’re available The Bagel Store in Brooklyn, New York. You can visit the store (which is located on 349 Bedford Ave) or get on its waiting list to have the eye-catching bagels delivered to your doorstep.

Rainbow cheese toast

Yes, you heard that right! Grilled cheese sandwiches are great, but they’ve become even greater with the invention with the rainbow cheese toast. This colorful sandwich started in Hong Kong-based shop Kala Toast, but it can now be found in several places all over the world including Epicurious Café Robertson Quay in Singapore and Grill My Cheese in London.

These are just some of the rainbow-inspired treats you can get nowadays. Give them a try and add a pop of color to your meals!

The Shard London Bridge

Aqua Shard

Open seven days a week and during bank holidays, this is where you want to be if you are looking forward to enjoy the changing views of the London skyline from the 31^st level. Guests will be treated with contemporary British cuisine in private dining rooms and the three-storey atrium bar. They serve breakfast, brunch, dinner and afternoon tea.

TING

Two levels up from the Aqua Shard is the location of the signature lounge and restaurant at the Shard. Chinese term for “living room”, the TING is perfect for either a classic English afternoon tea or a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Here, you can also enjoy Modern European cuisine in fusion with Asian cooking.

Oblix

In between the Aqua Shard and the Ting, this New York-style steak restaurant offers its diners a panoramic view of lovely London. This rotisserie/grill was the first to open shop among the restaurants at the London skyscraper. Menu is consists of roast, wood-fired oven dishes accompanied with European and British produce. They also serve seafood.

Gong

Located at the 52^nd level of the Shard, this cocktail bar is frequently visited by guests not only for the view it offers but for its cocktails. This Asian-themed cocktail bar also boasts of traditional Chinese architecture and has an infinity pool.

The Shard is not only known for its grandeur and views. It is also the go-to place for tourists looking for luxurious restaurants and great food.

Hong Gi Wa Zip, 347-29 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Plenty of locals frequent this restaurant and that says a lot about their food. It’s a homely place in the Hongdae area and serves classic Korean dishes such as Takdori, Posam and Kamjatang. Prices start at 25,000 won.

Lepure Café at 1F 534-8 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu

For those with sweet tooth, this café’s dessert selection will surely satisfy your cravings. Their dessert menu which is inspired by Japanese cuisine includes:

– Strawberry Short Cake

– Chocolate Roll Cake

– Cheesecake and Chocolate Tart

With an equally impressive list of organic juices on offer, this café will certainly fill your thirst quickly and will get you back to your touring activities.

Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken, 549-9 Shinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu Seoul

This is where most tour guides will point you when it comes to the best fried chicken in Seoul, Korean style. Unlike other fried chickens, the one served at Chu Korean Fried Chicken Restaurant is more on the spicy side (of course) with bits of tanginess. Will go very well with a cold Korean beer.

 Sigol Bapsang, 738-17 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu

Last on our last but not the least, this is a favorite by many tourists who have tried their modern and traditional dishes. So they go back for more and sample as much as thirthy banchans. The setting is lovingly rusting with the charm of old Korea. And if you are one of those types who prowl the streets at night, you can easily dine here as they are open 24/7.

Wine

Let’s start off with wine. A glass of champagne is ideal – it’s sparkly, exciting, and it’s only 80 calories. Buy something worth the celebration or occasion, and not just the cheapest one around so you get more bang for your buck.

Seafood

Ah, there are plenty of choices. But if you want to ease up on the calories, take oysters. They’re a smart pick being sustainable, healthy and delicious, too. Pair them with herbs and butter, or go simple with salt and pepper – no matter, oysters are epicurean.

Salad

There are all sorts of salads, but not all of them are healthy or at least affordable. Try a Greek salad like the patzaria salata with whole beets, olive oil, vinegar, salt and garlic. Create a lovely salad platter and garnish with bits of parsley for color.

Rice Dish

If you want to go heavy on a meal, try sushi. It’s got your favorite thin slices of seafood and a chunk of lovely flavored rice. About six mouthfuls of sushi can go a long way.

Fruits

Everybody’s got to eat their fruits. The best way is to go for fresh servings, but you can always make guilt-free treats with fruits like mango-cream popsicle, mixed berry salad, and peach galette with almond crust.

Dessert

If a fruit serving isn’t enough, try any one of these guilt-free desserts such as the black bean chocolate cake, sugar-free ice cream sandwich, rhubarb crisp, and pumpkin tart.

These days, it’s so easy to create a guilt-free menu. You can look up recipes online and start working in your kitchen, or perhaps ask a friend to cook something for you. You can also buy your guilt-free epicurean indulgences from healthy food shops.

The post Guilt-Free Epicurean Indulgences You Should Try in 2016 first appeared on De Luxo Sphere.]]>