Beer vs Wine

Last night's bottle was good, but I don't think it stood up to the Cauliflower Curry as well as I had hoped. I think that I'll try a Clare Valley Reiseling next time I have that recipie. As for the football, it wasn't that inspiring (Arsenal 0-0 Milan; Lyon 1-1 Man Utd). So, my next TV sporting event is the 6 Nations on Saturday - France vs England. Can't drink anything French for that. Martin is coming over, so we'll see what he brings along too. That's me, by the way, at the first England vs South Africa game at the Rugby World Cup, Paris, Sept 07. I have been asked why I drink wine while watching football and rugby on TV and not beer. I love beer. I went to the Battersea Beer Festival earlier in the month and if I am out and about, the more beer the better. It is just that I like a beer down the pub, but don't get the same satisfaction from a pint that comes from a can or a bottle. Watching sport down the pub has to be with a decent bitter or, at a push, a Guinness. Wine is different - I can get it at the temperature I like and take my time to enjoy it. So I hope that clears that one up. Not having any wine until Saturday, but will scour the shelves tomorrow for what I am going to drink during the rugby. Cheers! JC

Foggy London

It is a very foggy and cold London today. One of those Sherlock Homes style days that you don't really want to go outside and face the world, for fear of meeting some Moriarty-style character on the 87 bus. Tonight will be the usual battle of me wanting to cook a cauliflower curry and have a Alsace Pinot Blanc, while watching Champions League on Sky. Kate will want pasta and have a Cab Sav from Coonawarra and either no TV or something we've recorded i.e. ER. I may have to put my foot down. We've got a great Cauliflower from Abel and Cole http://www.abelandcole.co.uk/ this week and I really want to do something with it, rather than let it fester in the fridge and use it for soup at some point. Plus the Pinot Blanc I have is 2005 Pinot Blanc Reserve, Cave de Turckheim from Threshers (£8.99). Joanna Simon from the Times reviewed it last summer - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/wine/article2044567.ece. Will let you know what I think of it and will give you a verdict on the football too. Salut! Jason