Food & Drink

The Importance of Age: Understanding Why Whisky Aging Matters

Whisky enthusiasts often engage in passionate discussions about age statements, contemplating how the years spent in a barrel can dramatically transform a spirit. But why exactly does aging matter? The answer lies in the complex interplay of factors that occur during maturation, affecting everything from flavor and aroma to overall quality. Understanding the significance of age is crucial for anyone seeking to appreciate this multifaceted beverage.

Flavor Evolution Over Time

One of the most profound changes in whisky occurs as it ages. The process begins when new-make spirit...

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Liv Butler

Liv Butler

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Arrietty Launches Evening Opening with New Small Plates and Wine Menu

Arrietty, the newest gem in Exeter's vibrant coffee scene, proudly announces its evening opening hours with the launch of an exquisite Petite Plates and Wine menu. Starting this week, Arrietty will extend its offerings to evenings, welcoming guests Thursday through Sunday from 5pm to 9pm. Arrietty's new Small Plates menu is designed to delight local food and wine enthusiasts with a selection that celebrates the finer things in life. Featuring St Sidwell's Bakehouse Bread, Sam's Onion Tart, and a signature Tiramisu. Complementing these bites is a carefully curated Cellar Specials wine list...

Sandford Orchards' Devon Red Cider Scoops More Awards

Sandford Orchards’ Devon Red Cider Scoops more Awards

Authored by kath@raw
Posted: Wed, 10/30/2024 - 10:43am

Independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards, based in Crediton, is celebrating two more awards for its hugely popular session cider, Devon Red. It has just scooped a Gold at the Food Drink Devon Awards and a Silver at the Great British Food Awards. These are in addition to the Gold it was awarded at the Taste of The West Awards earlier this year.

Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards comments: “Devon Red is our flagship cider and the one that is most well-known and widely adored by our fans. Just last year it was voted ‘best drink’ by the readers of Food...

Mastering the Science of Grilling the Perfect Steak

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Mon, 10/28/2024 - 9:49pm

Grilling the perfect steak is both a sensory experience and a scientific process. It’s about knowing your ingredients, controlling heat, and applying the right techniques to achieve that perfect balance of tenderness, flavor, and texture.

Whether you're a grilling novice or a seasoned expert, understanding the techniques and tools, such as using the Typhur meat thermometer , can make all the difference. Grilling a steak isn’t just about throwing a piece of meat on a hot surface—it’s about precision, temperature control, and timing.

Understanding Steak Cuts and Their Unique...
Chef Michael Caines presents prizes at last year's awards dinner

Places available for unique high quality dining experience

Tickets are being snapped up for a unique opportunity to indulge in a four-course meal, with each stunning dish created by a Michelin-starred chef.

The meal, at Exeter Golf and Country Club on Tuesday October 29, takes place to celebrate the finals of the South West Chef of the Year Awards. The evening will also see the announcement of the results of this year’s competition.

This dinner will provide an opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the competition and is particularly special as all of the talented chefs are judges and/or previous winners of the...

Wine and Dine: Best Romantic Restaurants in Exeter for Date Night

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Wed, 10/16/2024 - 2:33pm

When it comes to planning the perfect date night, the right setting can make all the difference. Exeter, with its blend of historic charm and modern elegance, is home to some truly romantic dining spots. Whether you're enjoying your first dinner together or celebrating a special milestone, the city offers plenty of cosy places to wine and dine. If you’re a couple who enjoys a glass of something special, you can even buy fine wines online beforehand to set the mood at home or continue the experience after your meal. Let’s explore the best places in Exeter to enjoy a memorable date night...

Elevate Your Tasting Experience: Expert Insights for Flavor Exploration

Authored by Simon Wells
Posted: Mon, 10/14/2024 - 6:45am

What is it that makes a great meal? Or a scrumptious dessert or fantastic cocktail? Is it the presentation, the ambience, or the company we share them with? Indeed, these all play a role, but the most significant factor is the flavour.

If you want to get the most from the flavours around you, read on, and get ready to elevate your taste experience. These are our seven expert insights for flavour exploration.

Understanding the Basics of Flavor Profiles

Flavour is more than just the taste of a meal or beverage. It’s a glorious combination of aroma, taste and texture that...

Devon’s Top Culinary Talents Celebrated at 2024 Food Drink Devon Awards

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:27pm

Devon’s talented food and drink scene was alive at Monday (7th October) night’s 13th Food Drink Devon Awards. Over 450 individuals from the county’s finest food and drink producers, hospitality and catering businesses and speciality retailers celebrated in style at the esteemed awards’ ceremony, held at Sandy Park the home to Gallagher Premiership Rugby team, the Exeter Chiefs. During the evening, Luke Heaver, Head Chef at The Salutation Inn (Topsham) was awarded the coveted title of ‘Chef of the Year’. The award acknowledges the explosion of talented chefs in the region who have been...

From SEO to vino: Devon wine expert Paul Edworthy launches The Wine Dealer, the Southwest's newest wine venture

Authored by Al Gibson
Posted: Fri, 10/04/2024 - 5:00pm

Devon wine expert, Paul Edworthy has recently expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio with the launch of The Wine Dealer, a new online platform that connects wine lovers in the Southwest and across the UK with exceptional wines. Known for his expertise in SEO, Paul is now making waves in the wine industry, leveraging his tech background and passion for fine wines to create a unique shopping experience.

Recently launched, The Wine Dealer website enables customers to easily explore and purchase wines by filtering through grape variety, country of origin, bottle size, or alcohol...

From Devon to Culinary Excellence 

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 09/30/2024 - 8:29pm
Local chef receives 5-star mentorship from Michelin-starred Simon Hulstone ahead of prestigious competition final

The Craft Guild of Chefs' Young National Chef of the Year (YNCOTY) competition is in full swing, having recently staged its highly anticipated Mentor Day, sponsored by Seafood from Norway. Michelin-starred chef Simon Hulstone spent the morning mentoring Devon’s rising culinary star, Lewis Nicholas.

The YNCOTY competition, organised by the Craft Guild of Chefs, stands out among young chef contests, bringing together the most talented and promising chefs in the industry...

Elements That Make Fine Dining a Special Experience

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Fri, 09/27/2024 - 7:42am

Fine dining is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalises the senses and creates lasting memories. Various elements come together to create this unique ambiance, transforming an ordinary meal into a special occasion. This article goes over the key components that contribute to the allure of fine dining. Keep reading to learn more.

Ambiance and Décor

The atmosphere of a fine dining restaurant sets the stage for an exceptional culinary experience. Elegantly designed interiors , sophisticated table settings, and carefully curated artwork all play a role in...

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