Tag Archives: Prosecco

Dancing the day away: The Piano Works bottomless brunch

Posted on by

As you might’ve noticed, here at Frost we have a penchant for prosecco filled bottomless brunches. What could beat it? A bottomless brunch with live music, of course. We headed to Farringdon to give The Piano Works ‘Brunch to the Beat’ a try and, whilst initially nervous as we first entered the lair, we quickly embraced the atmosphere and partied the day away.

At £50 per person, the bottomless brunch includes a two-course meal and two hours (none of that 90 minute malarkey) of unlimited drinks. Choose to wet the whistle with either prosecco, pink Italian sparkling wine, Aperol Spritz, Bloody Mary or mocktails.

You’d be hard pressed to find staff who support your quest for completely embracing the ‘unlimited’ part of the Brunch to the Beat experience too. Each time your glass is edging towards the dangerous ‘half full’ territory (yep, we’re eternal optimists), the suited and booted waiters are at your side, ready to serve and encouraging the party.

Although you can choose to purchase just the drinks at £35 a head, the quality of the food is not to be ignored. The chicken and waffles were the perfect mix of sweet and savoury and the crunchy, smokey batter that encased the chicken was packed with flavour. For dessert, it’s a modest list of options but they’re certainly fan favourites – sorbet, waffles, fruit salad or the pancake stack.

Above all else, it’s imperative we talk atmosphere. This bar is often packed with large groups of hens, stags and party people (which usually guarantees a good time) but the sheer brilliance of the on-stage professionals is something else. Music starts at midday with two piano vocalists, followed by a full band at 1.30pm. Once the band has bowled in, the party intensifies.

Playing only the audience requests with a fantastic jazzy twist to just about everything, the artists become the pied pipers, drawing crowds to the dancefloor with tantalising ease. To top this experience with the metaphorical cherry, it’s a no holds barred kind of affair, with all types of requests welcome. During our experience, we heard Ben E King, Jackson 5, Ellie Goulding and Lewis Capaldi – what more could you want!?

By the end of the session, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll be dancing like you’re 18 again on the dancefloor at 4am. Although, the reality is that it’s 4pm, the harsh light of day awaits outside and the hangover is starting to prepare for its inescapable appearance… we wish you luck.

To make a booking for The Piano Works’ Brunch To The Beat, visit the website.

 

 

Christmas Cocktail Ideas

Posted on by

If you’re planning on staying in this weekend why not gather some friends round, take out your cocktail shaker and try our simple Christmas cocktail ideas inspired by cocktail classics.

Chocolat Luxe Gold

Made with: Baileys Chocolat Luxe
Inspired by: The White Russian
Perfect for: After Dinner.

We love this indulgent and silky dark chocolate version of Baileys

Ingredients:
30ml Baileys Chocolat Luxe


70ml Hazelnut milk

Gold edible colouring and edible gold leaf

0.5 units per serve

Method:
Shake in a cocktail shaker and fine strain into the glass.

Finish by garnishing a simple sheet of edible gold leaf.

If you’re feeling fancy, pre-dip a raspberry in edible gold colouring to add an extra touch of glam.

Gordon’s Pink Spritz

Made with: Gordon’s Pink Gin
Inspired by: Wine Spritzer
Perfect for: Cocktail Reception

The Gordon Pink Gin has a natural sweetness from infused strawberries and raspberries.

Ingredients:
50ml Gordon’s Pink Gin


50ml lemonade


25ml Prosecco


Garnish of cranberries and pomegranate

2.1 units per serve

Method:
Fill a prosecco glass with ice and add everything together

Garnish with pomegranate and cranberries.

Bellavita Showcase the Best of Italy in London

Posted on by

Bellavita are set on bringing the best of Italian food and drink across the globe. Being the ambassadors of Italian Excellence, their expo is designed for traders to try out their best exports and see if they fit into the UK market. We went to their annual expo held in London to see what is traders are dying to supply the UK market and we picked our top brands to look out for;

Cipriani – With their iconic blue packaging and their notorious chain of restaurants including the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice, Cipriani are set on bringing out their famous Bellini Bottled and available to buy on the UK market.

Cà Rovere – Italian Sparkling Wine – Currently not no the UK market, Cà Rovere winery explain that despite being made in a Prosecco region they are an Italian Sparkling Wine made in the same way Champagne is produced with Chardonnay grapes. This was probably one of the most satisfying and luxurious products we tried at Bellavita Expo and we hope that it is available very soon. Despite this, you can still visit the winery if you happen to be in the Vicenza region.

La Gioiosa – This brand are already making a mark in all good UK retailers. One of Italy’s leading producers of Prosecco, La Gioiosa are set to introduce their Superior edition without added sulphites. This will join a very small range of Organic Prosecco currently available in the UK.

Bellavita are committed to bringing you the best and if you can’t wait to see the best of Italy, check out the Bellavita shop online bellavitashop.co.uk

Last Minute Ideas to Celebrate Romance

Posted on by

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner we thought you might appreciate our romantically themed idea’s list without the added Teddy Bears, chocolates or Champagne.

Novel Beauty-Clever Skincare and Cosmetics

This week, we had the pleasure of meeting the talented founder behind Novel Beauty. The idea behind Novel Beauty was to create skincare products for Men & Women which ‘reads you’. Nneka, the brains behind Novel Beauty explains she wanted to create a product which responded to each person individually and the way Novel Beauty have achieved this is by using active natural ingredients that respond to your body as an individual. In keeping with their brand message of letting their products read you, the luxurious, all-natural range are encased in a luxurious refillable book which are designed to fit in to anyones home proudly and elegantly.

With both gifts for Men and Women, Nneka herself recommends the romantically themed Poor Man’s Rose bath and body set;

Poor Man's Rose Bath & Body Set

This collection includes Stream of Consciousness, a raw sugar scrub which polishes and conditions the skin and Platonic Dialogue, a daylight cream with the vitamins of Aloe Vera, seaweed, sesame, apricot and the romantic geranium rose oil.

Novel Beauty is available through www.novelskincare.co.uk and through notonthehighstreet.com

The Bellavita Valentine’s Day Hamper

Because we all know the way to a loved one’s stomach is through food. Italian food heroes Bellavita are encouraging us to spend Valentine’s day the Italian way with a Valentine’s selection which is designed to bring a touch of Italian romance to your evening. Bellavita have designed their hamper with the idea of taking the stress out of creating a romantic meal for two. The ingredients, which are sourced from independent Italian producers are enough to prepare a three-course meal for two with a recipe card included. Ok so it wouldn’t really be a Valentine’s meal without the addition of bubble and chocolates but at £39 for the entire hamper, we think that we’ll skip the reservations and rustle up our own Italian feast courtesy of Bellavita.

Valentine's Hamper

The hampers can be purchased both online and in store:
Bellavita Shop, 11C Dock Street, London E1 8JN
www.bellavitashop.co.uk

Pamper yourself at Duck and Dry

If you’re planning on a night of romance, a night with your best friends or simply a night of beloved ‘me time’, Duck and Dry are here to make sure that whatever you do, you will leave feeling damn good. After successfully opening their first salon in Chelsea, Duck and Dry have opened their new flagship in London’s Oxford Circus and will be on hand to offer you a choice of 8 signature blow dries and 8 up-dos in their stylish and energetic salons. This unique and buzzy space is designed with YOU in mind and will not only leave you with luscious locks but also pampered and party prepped. Get your hair-styled in a styling pod, enjoy a drink at their Prosecco bar and for groups, you can even enjoy getting ready together at a group styling table. There is a fitted DJ station and the eclectic and vibrant decor all designed to make you feel good. So, whether you’re celebrating the day of romance or simply just celebrating being so fabulous, Duck and Dry are on hand with their superstar stylists…

349A9635

…for one day only, February 14th, make up brand Lin & Lo will be offering complimentary express make-up services with all blow dries at the new West End branch.

To learn more visit; Duck and Dry

And to book an appointment visit; https://www.duckanddry.com/booking

Pizzolato Showcase their Honest Organic Produce

Posted on by

PIZZOLATO WINERY AND VINEYARDS 2015 (1)

Our favourite West London Italian, Pizzicotto famous for their wholesome, organic and sustainable produce and of course their activated charcoal pizzas invited us back once more for an afternoon of cheese and wine. With such a focus on the quality of their products, it made sense to introduce us to the company behind their beautiful organic wine, Pizzolato. Served alongside some traditional Italian Fayre and in good company, we were able to get an insight into how special Pizzolato’s wines really are. With a combination of a wholesome, family run business and exceptional quality produce we were taught about how the organic wines served here are a cut above the rest.

IMG_7192

Contrary to popular belief, the ambassadors from Pizzolato explain to us that the art of winemaking was by and large an organic process as chemicals did not arrive until after the 70’s. The Family however decided to keep the wines organic which then further developed into sulphite free wines in 2007. In the case of their prosecco, this produces a much riper fruit and has much of a similar quality to it’s French counterpart Champagne. The outcome is much more complex than your average supermarket prosecco with a shelf life of just around 2 years, the prosecco is enjoyed young, fresh and a pure test of the grape is in a sulphite free wine. If we want to get into the nitty-gritty of why this wine is especially spectacular, we must look at the fact that grapes are picked by hand and the fact that a sulphite free wine has much more clarity than a natural wine which is not filtered. Another reason for the unbelievable drinkable and pure prosecco is that the minerals from the prosecco comes from stones from the Dolomites, the mountain range near to where Pizzolato produce their liquid gold. If that wasn’t enough reason to switch to Pizzolato’s selection of fantastic organic wines, we then learn that they all have a vegan certification meaning that absolutely none of their products come from animal origin as in the case of many wines, the addition of bentonite which produces clarity does carry this source.

IMG_7194

With a host of wines to try from the winery, it is not only their prosecco which is outstanding, they also produce a selection of red wines, white wines and dessert wines which ooze an incredibly mineral, fresh and what can almost be described as without the alcoholic taste. Special mention goes to The Barbarossa, the rich intense flavour of this wine comes from the fact that it is produced like the Amarone, one of the finest, richest red wines to come out of Italy. This of course is dry and chocolate and perfect with a big bowl of Pizzicotto’s mouth-watering meat dishes. Now, if this hasn’t made you run for the door to grab some cheese to go with your Pizzolato wine, consider this; Did you know the reason strong cheeses are a good accompaniment to wine is that it brings out the body of the wine due to it containing natural glutamate, which are the natural salts.

Pizzicotto is open Tue-Sun

www.pizzicotto.co.uk 

For more info on Pizzolato and to purchase visit

www.lacantinapizzolato.com

The Adnams Selection Prosecco | Wine Review

Posted on by
This prosecco from Adnams is delicious and a very reasonably priced £9.99. It is dry and elegant with a fresh flavour and aromas of apples, pears and peaches. Perfect as a summer aperitif or in a Buck’s Fizz or Bellini. A great glass of fizz.
adnamsprosecco
This comes from the Ceschin family in the Veneto region of Italy, in the heart of the Prosecco region. Made from the Glera grape it has the aromas of ripe apples and fresh, bright flavours of pears and white peaches and a vivifying sparkle. The perfect apéritif and the essential ingredient in a Bellini cocktail.
  • ABV: 11%
  • Grape Mix: Glera
  • Region: Veneto
  • Country: Italy
  • Type: Sparkling Wine
  • Closure: Cork

 

Price £9.99

 

 

Disaronno Cocktail Recipes and Drink Review

Posted on by

392781_10151288429292093_768028658_nDisaronno is an incredibly unique drink. Sweet and warm. It smells and tastes like marzipan. So if you like marzipan, you will love Disaronno. The packaging is also great. Iconic and sophisticated.

Disaronno Amaretto liqueur has a long history dating back to 1525. The Italian liqueur was discovered in the Renaissance. The artist Bernardino Luini, a brilliant pupil of Leonardo da Vinci – was commissioned to paint a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles in Saronno (Madonna dei Miracoli in Saronno, where the Fresco is still displayed today). To portray the Madonna, he chose as his muse a beautiful local innkeeper. As a thank you she gave him a flask full of the now famous amber liquid.

The recipe was rediscovered by Giovanni Reina. Since then the Reina family has closely guarded the secret formula, passing it from one generation to the next.

Disaronno tastes great with apple juice or lemonade. It is also a great cocktail ingredient. Check out the recipes below.

DISARONNO CRANBERRY CHILLER

 

  • ¾ part DISARONNO
  • ½ part Vodka
  • ¾ part Triple sec
  • 3 parts Cranberry juice
  • Orange juice

Method
Shake all ingredients and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with orange juice. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry. Taste: Bitter | Strength: Mild Top Tip:
Do use freshly-squeezed oranges! Keep them warm and roll them under your palm for maximum juice.

DISARONNO Sour

Disaronno Sour - LOW
Recipe: 1 part DISARONNO, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ lemon squeezed, Crushed ice

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice filled glass. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.

DISARONNO JAZZY HOUR

A fine fusion of flavours

Create a sensation of top notes with this fruity favourite. Fusing DISARONNO, vodka, tangerine liqueur, pineapple juice and a splash of fresh lemon, it’s a mouth-watering mix perfect for any occasion.

  • ½ part DISARONNO
  • 1 part Vodka
  • ½ part Tangerine liqueur
  • 1 part Pineapple juice
  • Splash lemon juice

 

Method

  • Shake with ice and strain into a martini cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice. Taste: Sweet | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
    Do use freshly-squeezed lemons! Keep them warm and roll them under your palm for maximum juice.

DISARONNO COLADA

 

Simply mix DISARONNO with colada mix for a truly tropical assault.

1½ parts DISARONNO
4 parts Colada mix

Method
Mix all ingredients in a blender with ice and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with slice of pineapple and a cherry.
Taste: Sour | Strength: Mild

 

DISARITA FRESH VERSION

DISARONNO with tequila blanco, tropical guava juice and a generous squeeze of lime. Just add a sunset.

¾ part DISARONNO
1¼ parts Tequila blanco
1¼ parts Guava juice
½ part Lime juice

Method
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime slice. Taste: Sweet | Strength: Mild Top Tip:
Do use freshly-squeezed limes! Keep them warm and roll them under your palm for maximum juice.

 

DISARONNO ITALIAN KISSES

 

DISARONNO Italian Kisses, a seductive blend of DISARONNO, pomegranate juice and crisp prosecco.

1 part DISARONNO
½ part Pomegranate juice
Top prosecco

Method
Pour DISARONNO and pomegranate juice into each flûte, then top each with prosecco. Garnish with an orange peel. Taste: Bitter | Strength: Mild Top Tip:
Cocktails with champagne and sparkling wine go well with food. Drier wines work well with seafood and sushi, while sweeter wines go better with fruit.

 

DISARONNO SPARKLING

 

DISARONNO and crisp sparkling wine. Smooth, sweet and offering a refreshing hit of bubbles, it’s a great way to get the party started.

¾ part DISARONNO
Top with sparkling wine

Method
Pour DISARONNO into a flûte glass, top with sparkling wine.
Taste: Bitter | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
Did you know – a sparkling wine only needs around 45 minutes in the fridge before serving. In fact, if it is served too cold, the taste and smell will be lost.

 

DISARONNO BED OF ROSES

 

DISARONNO, zesty orange, a drizzle of triple sec and a dash of crisp champagne.

1 part DISARONNO
1 part Orange juice
drizzle Triple sec
Champagne

Method
Shake first three ingredients with ice and strain into flûte glass. Top with champagne. Garnish with an orange peel. Taste: Sour | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
Cocktails with champagne and sparkling wine go well with food. Drier wines work well with seafood and sushi, while sweeter wines go better with fruit.

 

DISARONNO MIMOSA

DISARONNO, orange juice and a splash of crisp prosecco.

¾ part DISARONNO
1 part Orange juice
Top prosecco

Method
Pour all ingrendients into a flûte glass, top with prosecco. Taste: Sweet | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
Pop the flute glasses into the freezer for a few minutes before you pour the cocktail into them, to ensure your mimosas are deliciously cold.

 

DISARONNO ROMAN CHOCOLATE

Blend DISARONNO, dark crème de cacao and half & half mix.

1 part DISARONNO
1 part Dark creme de cacao
1 part Half & Half mix

Method
Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass. Taste: Sweet | Strength: Strong

 

RASPBERRY DISARITA

DISARONNO, tequila blanco, raspberry juice and margarita mix.

¾ part DISARONNO
1¼ parts Tequila blanco
1½ parts Raspberry juice
1½ parts Margarita mix

Method
Mix all ingredients in a blender with ice and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime slice. Taste: Sour | Strength: Strong

 

DISARONNO & TEA

Combine piping hot tea with the smooth sweetness of DISARONNO, for a treat that’s bound to ward off the winter blues. Top with whipped cream.

1½ parts DISARONNO
6 parts Hot tea
Whipped cream

Method
Pour all ingredients into a mazagran glass, top with whipped cream. Taste: Sour | Strength: Mild

 

DISARONNO MACBETH

 

Serve up a fearsome fusion of Tennessee whisky, DISARONNO, blue curacao and sweet & sour.

½ part DISARONNO
1 part Tennessee whiskey
½ part Blue curaçao
1 part Sweet & Sour mix

Method
Shake with ice and strain into a martini cocktail glass. Garnish with lime slice.
Taste: Sweet | Strength: Strong Top Tip:
Make your own ‘Sweet & Sour’ mix by mixing 2 parts spirit to 1 part sour (e.g. lemons) and 1 part sweet (e.g. triple sec, fruit juice).

Do you have a cocktail recipe? Let us know or comment below.

You can buy Disaronno here or at Tesco.com

 

JACOB’S CREEK AND BBC SATURDAY KITCHEN WINE EXPERTS BRING A LITTLE SPARKLE TO CHRISTMAS

Posted on by

Leading Australian wine brand and award-winning wine duo demystify bubbles ahead of the festive period

Can’t spot a Prosecco from a Cava; don’t know a Brut from a Demi-Sec? Well fear not because BBC Saturday Kitchen wine experts, Peter Richards and Susie Barrie, have joined forces with the UK’s best-selling sparkling wine brand1, Jacob’s Creek, to produce the ultimate guide to fizz, ‘A Taste of Sparkling’, just in time for those Christmas celebrations.

This eye- and ear-friendly vodcast objectively guides you through the sometimes confusing world of sparkling wine. Taking in everything from Asti to Champagne, it helps you make sense of sparkling wine; from how to open the bottle correctly, to when to serve different sparkling wines, and with what.

We enjoy more sparkling wine at Christmas than at any other time of the year, so when better to make sense of the world of fizz and impress your family and friends? Peter and Susie run the Winchester Wine School and, like Jacob’s Creek, their mission is to help you get the most out of your fizz whatever the occasion.The vodcast is a simple way to bolster your wine knowledge with small interesting snippets that capture the imagination. Did you know, for example, that due to the number of bubbles in a bottle of Champagne, the pressure inside the bottle is the same as that in the wheel of a double decker bus? No? Then this vodcast is for you.

http://db.tt/Pnaf9DO Jacob’s creek podcast.

As Susie says, “For many of us, shopping for wine is a complicated and intimidating experience, with most decisions based on price and familiarity. Like us, Jacob’s Creek wants to help people expand their horizons and discover new wines and tastes that they may not have tried before”.

Visit www.jacobscreek.co.uk/united-kingdom/news/a-taste-of-sparkling to start your sparkling wine adventure.