Archive
Please visit Food & Wine Writing or Travel & Journalism for the most recent published articles. Navigate further below to explore some of the archived articles in four subsections: Travel, Food and Wine Writing, Arts and Journalism.
Travel
"I didn't expect to hear Frank Sinatra in Rio de Janiero, but there he was. "Unforgettable that's what you are... Unforgettable though near or far..." Frank's soothing voice seeped through the stocky taxi driver's CD player as we jerked our way through heavy traffic past..."
AllWays Traveller, International Travel Writers' Alliance, February 2010, www.allwaystraveller.com
"You cannot escape wine in Mendoza at any time of the year, but least of all during harvest and the festival of Vendimia. Held the second weekend of March (with around a month's worth of activities running up to it), Fiesta de la Vendimia is a huge attraction for both..."
Argentina Travel Guide, March 2010
"As my loaded fork approached my mouth, I looked around at the delighted Moroccans crowded around the food stall, with their whole families sat beside them and on their laps, and I figured that there must be a reason why this was the most popular stall in the entire city..."
Contra Magazine, January 2007
"Quirky architecture, the longest Carnival in the world and cider throwing fights; it is surprising that Montevideo does not figure its way onto more travellers' itineraries. The capital of Uruguay, Montevideo is probably the most relaxed capital city in South America..."
Catchthelingo.com, January 2010
Pitch Fever - Argentine Football
"I am not sure if those Ancient Greeks, Romans or even the medieval European peasants who starting kicking around a ball (or pigs bladder) ever thought it would become such a big game. Perhaps they did. But I doubt very much that they envisioned the fireworks, riot squads and toilet paper that are apparently essential to a football match here..."
The Mendoza Sun, 26 March 2010
"Guernsey conjures up images of ice cream, bright flowers and narrow countryside lanes but there is much more to this far flung British Isle. Although this Channel Island clearly has some quintessentially English traits, do not be fooled. Guernsey is a distinctly unique island with its..."
Alton Post Gazette, 4 August 2009
"Fantastic art museums, great shopping and stroopwaffle - The Hague is a wonderful modern city to visit on a weekend away or holiday break. A quick 45 minute flight from Heathrow landed us in Amsterdam Airport Schipol - the oldest airport in the world and the first airport..."
Alton Post Gazette, 12 January 2009
"Procida is a quaint and colourful island with lots of character. The narrow, winding walled streets of the town cover the expanse of the island and are quietly surrounded by the coastline, which is cloaked in volcanic black sand. The island is very small and can easily be walked..."
www.seeitalia.com, September 2005
Naples - The good, the bad and the pizza
"Naples... a city full of crime, traffic, dirt and fantastic memories! Notoriously one of the most dangerous cities in Italy where pick-pocketing and mafia control run rife however Naples remains a thriving city full of vigorous and passionate people and places that are well worth the..."
www.seeitalia.com, September 2005
Much more than an Italian island
"Palermo is a city full of life and variation. It becomes clear very quickly that Sicily's proximity to Africa has largely contributed to its culture and society. This is especially evident within the larger cities such as Palermo, where it is not unusual to see women wearing traditional..."
www.seeitalia.com, September 2005
"The Colosseum, the Vatican, the Forum... where to start? Well, wherever you start you will end up with sore feet. There is a lot of walking in Rome, but fortunately there are a lot of espresso cafes and pastry shops to help you along the way! Rome's old town is very walkable..."
www.seeitalia.com, September 2005
"Ibiza seems to attract a mixture of people from all around the world and is the very essence of the island. While the jet set cuise in on their yachts and enjoy champagne in the comfort of Pacha´s VIP, for the majority its an expensive week..."
www.nonstopibiza.com, October 2009
"Voted Britain's best place to live in 2006, and with King Arthur's Round Table, a Cathedral so magnificent that The Beatles sung about it, and the oldest running school in the country, Amanda Barnes from King's College couldn't resist Winchester's country charms..."
Contra Magazine, February 2007
Food and Wine Writing
"Vatika restaurant in Wickham has received much critical acclaim for its contemporary British food with a unique Indian twist, headed up by renowned chef Atul Kochhar. So it is perhaps surprising when you approach Vatika that you arrive in a car park behind a barn. Don't let..."
Alton Post Gazette, 30 June 2009
A perfect marraige: Italian food in Mendoza
"And how does Maria Teresa make her renowned pasta you ask? "You take the flour, eggs and a pinch of salt, and knead it as if you are conducting music," she moved her hands in a sweeping orchestra conductor motion, "then you leave it to rest. I always think of making pasta as a marraige..."
The Mendoza Sun, 6 June 2010
O Fournier: A winery blending cutting edge architecture, fine wines and gourmet food
"O Fournier is probably one of the most architecturally famous, and strangest looking, bodegas in the world. The curved winery is certainly odd but also irresistably appealing in a sexy Dutch sort of way. As you approach the bodega stranded in the middle of a moonscape..."
The Mendoza Sun, 19 May 2010
Wine Republic Awards 2010: The List
Mendoza's best restaurants reviewed by Amanda Barnes in Wine Republic's Awards 2010: The List.
Wine Republic, 1 July 2010
"I was quite excited at the prospect of being a sausage judge and getting the opportunity to eat sausages all afternoon. However, after looking at rows and rows of sausages, I was even more excited by the news that I was actually going to judge the Ready Meal category..."
Alton Post Gazette, 9 March 2009
"Wine has been pumping through the bloodstreams of humans now for over 7,000 years. It started out in Georgia and Iran in 5000BC, then the Romans really started to get merry on the stuff, taking it from BC to AC, and the Christian Church kept everyone in high spirits during..."
Wine Republic, 1 August 2010
Winetecture - Winery Architecture in Argentina
"One Argentine winery made an unusual discovery while working its way underground: the remains of a dinosaur. Schroeder, in Neuqùen, came across the remains of a 12 metre long, 16 ton, 95 million-year-old Titanosaur - the largest of its species..."
Wine Republic, 1 October 2010
"On arrival Chewton Glen appears quite quaint and unassuming - covered in flowers and plants and difficult to guage the size of. However, once you step into the Hampshire hotel and restaurant the lavish decor and tall ceilings sweep away any first impressions of modesty..."
Alton Post Gazette, 17 August 2009
"An Alresford man has started his own sausage business with a desire to make local, high quality sausages seeing the process all the way through from bringing up the pigs, to stuffing the sausages and delivering them directly to your home. Roger Smith and his wife..."
Alresford Advertiser, 9 March 2009
Azafran: Nouvelle Cuisine a la Mendoza
"Azafran is an inspiring, beautiful restaurant that proves perfectly how Argentine cuisine is no longer grid locked at steak and empanadas but working its way into the world of 'nueva cocina Argentina' and finesse. Starting life out as a deli specialising in imported goods in..."
The Mendoza Sun, 24 April 2010
"I thought a two day meat course would be a great way to learn some new methods to cook meat. However when I was presented with a whole shoulder of lamb to bone, I learnt that the course would not only equip me to cook it, but more interestingly, how to butcher..."
Alton Post Gazette, 23 March 2009
"Vatika's BBQ Master Class was intimate, informative and delicious. After coffee and pastries on arrival, a dozen of us moved into the Vatika kitchen to learn about BBQ marinades and classic Italian spice combinations. Michelin star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar and..."
Alresford Advertiser, 8 September 2009
"Mix is an accessible and easy to read recipe book covering all the basics in simple, easy to follow recipes. There is no fanciful wording or glossy pictures in Home Economist James McIntosh's recipe book. Rather it is a down to earth instruction manual for cooking basic..."
Alton Post Gazette, 12 January 2009
"Great atmosphere, good booze and average food. La Tasca is a fun place to go out in Basingstoke but more recommended for its ambiance than authentic Spanish food. The food menu is flexible - allowing you to order starters and mains or just diving into..."
Alton Post Gazette, 21 July 2009
"Being a complete Whisky novice I was a little intimidated about jumping straight into a specialist Whisky tasting session but within moments of the Whisky touching my lips all fears had melted away. Hutcheson's Whisky Shop in Alton holds regular tasting evenings..."
Alton Post Gazette, 24 November 2008
"Conference centres and hotels don't often have the best reputation for food but Oakley Hall certainly is one of the exceptions with an accomplished menu at affordable prices. What strikes you first about the menu is how small it is - only four starters, four mains and..."
Alton Post Gazette, 7 July 2009
Arts
"Yesterday was a powerful performance that took the audience through a retrospective journey with emotive, entertaining and surprising contemporary dance. Jasmin Vardimon's production was a retrospective look highlighting previous performances of the dance company..."
Alresford Advertiser, 10 February 2009
"Ghost stories are not what I usually go for on a windy Wednesday evening, but Robert Lloyd Parry's performance of two of M R James' ghost stories was deservedly irresistible. The room at the Maltings was packed and instantly atmospheric with Parry sleeping on..."
Surrey and Hants, 26 January 2009
Book Review: A Very Private Arrangement
"Alresford author Eve Phillips' latest novel continues the theme of strong, independent women and the heartache of war entwined with tantalising romance and gory action, as seen in her other novels. A Very Private Arrangement follows the growth of young orphan Anna..."
Alresford Advertiser, 22 December 2008
"Not for the faint-hearted, Blackbird was challenging, emotionally draining and intense. Dealing with a taboo topic is always tough but with sensitive writing and careful direction, Blackbird successfully questioned the relationship between love and paedophelia. An uncomfortable..."
Alton Post Gazette, 12 May 2009
"Having never held a gun in my life, let alone fire one, I was a little nervous when Coach Gavin Cornish warned me that one slip could end someone in hospital - or even a morgue. However this safety advice was not designed to instill the fear of God in me but rather..."
Alresford Advertiser, 23 February 2009
"Wayne McGregor's Entity is a breathtaking hour-long journey through contemporary dance that leaves the audience exhilarated. The stunning choreography is consistently fluid and perfectly timed with dancers rolling into one another's sequences with ease and..."
13 October 2008, Alresford Advertiser
"Absolutely Frank is a tale about Frank and work experience boy Alan who form a bond while working with large display letters. With well known Geoffrey Hughes in the lead and a tipped for success writer expectations were high. Unfortunately it did not deliver to..."
Surrey & Hants, 23 March 2009
"Being the last leg of Stephen K Amos' tour, there was bound to be a few extra jokes but the audience at Farnham Maltings was treated to over three hours of comedy from Amos and his support act who clearly revelled in their last night. 23-year-old comedian Sean..."
Surrey & Hants, 16 March 2009
"Kate Rusby's seventh solo album is an accomplished folk album with a mature sound that ranges from tear-stained ballads to warming and uplifting melodies. Rusby has a consistent sound and strong presence throughout the album but there is great variation in the..."
Alresford Advertiser, 30 April 2008
"An evening with Louis de Bernieres seemed difficult to resist but to be honest when I found out he would be playing the mandolin (avoiding the obvious joke) among other instruments with the flute playing Antonius Player, I was intrigued to say the least..."
Alton Post Gazette, 23 July 2008
"Shakespeare Globe's tour of Romeo and Juliet is an explosive and passionate retelling of the well known tragedy. The bard's popular tale was delivered in Shakespearian language but, as a testament to the high quality performance, it proved no barrier for the..."
Alresford Advertiser, 30 July 2008
"The Blue Room was a fast moving play featuring ten couples and ten relationships all played by two actors. Good characterisation clearly seperates the characters and Laura Howard was particularly adaptable, playing each of her characters with conviction and..."
Alton Post Gazette, 20 October 2008
"Ed Byrne delivered a well rounded act with perfect timing, solid jokes and a healthy dollop of spontaneity. Starting with topical comic banter and moving onto class divides and fond ancedotes about his wife, Byrne danced (literally) his way through many topics which..."
Alresford Advertiser, 23 February 2009
"Ladies Down Under is an endearing theatre about four female friends going on a tour of Australia together with many comic and touching scenes. The play is a sequel to Ladies' Day but it was easy to pick up even if you had not seen the first play. The four..."
Alton Post Gazette, 3 November 2008
Journalism
Alresford author appointed OBE
"A tall, elderly, bony, beaky, wrinkled sort of fellow with a lot of untidy hair and a wierd hooting voice" is how Peter Dickinson describes himself. But I think that this Alresford author, who was appointed OBE this month, is selling himself short. With a Whitbread Book..."
Alresford Advertiser, 30 June 2009
Family on Bikes: Interview with family cycling from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego
"Most people like a good bike ride on a sunny afternoon, a couple hours in the countryside, a gentle bit of exercise. But I am quite confident you would be hard pushed to find anyone up for a 22,000 hour (30 month) bike ride across all of America, facing scorching sun, headwinds..."
The Mendoza Sun, December 2010
Hacienda del Plata: Harvesting grapes in the land of sun and fine wine
"The Vendimia celebrations are over, the weather is cooling down and the leaves are turning brown - for many of us this becomes a time to look to hibernation and relaxing after a busy Summer, but for the vineyards this is the busiest time of the year: harvest. Paintings of deep burgundy...."
The Mendoza Sun, 23 April 2010
Pole Dancing club opens in village bar
"A Pole Dancing club has opened in Four Marks. The former village bar in the carpark of The Windmill Inn opened its doors to punters a fortnight ago as a venue for 'constant pole dancing' and private dances in a VIP area. Last August when The Windmill Inn applied for later..."
Alton Post Gazette, 17 October 2007
"The weather provided ideal growing conditions for Watercress on Sunday - clean air, fresh rain and a sprinkling of sunshine. But perhaps not ideal weather for an outdoor festival. However that did not stop 10,000 people turning out to celebrate the peppery green herb at..."
Alresford Advertiser, 30 May 2009
Police close A31 to walk travellers home from pub
"Police closed the A31 to walk an inebriated group of Irish travellers back to their encampment last week after they caused problems at a local pub. Over 30 vehicles and around 60 travellers took over the Shrave Layby off the A31 between Alton and Four Marks last..."
Alton Post Gazette, 15 August 2007
Appeal launched as ADAS loses £120,000 from Alresford Show wash out
"Alresford & District Agricultural Society has launched an appeal following costs of £120,000 from this year's Alresford Show which was cancelled two hours before it was scheduled to open due to the torrential rain. This year's show had many special events lined up as..."
Alresford Advertiser, 15 September 2008
Alton lady falls to tragic death on holiday
"An Alton lady tragically fell to her death after an accident while on holiday in Gozo, Malta. Sarah Lawrie, age 40, lost her footing last Tuesday (2 June) while visiting popular beauty spot Wied Mielah with her husband of one year, John Lawrie, age 47. The couple..."
Alton Post Gazette, 9 June 2009
Local college suffers £295,000 cut in funding
"Local sixth-form college, Peter Symonds in Winchester, has suffered a £295,000 cut in funding after the Government discovered a shortfall of £60 million in its funding budget. This will mean the college will not be able to take on as many students as it would like..."
Alresford Advertiser, 13 April 2009
Rift in district council over special allowances for leading councillors
"A vote to give lead councillors in East Hampshire District Council extra allowances, against the recommendation of a professional panel, has caused some disagreement between councillors. The additional allowances for lead councillors was agreed to by the council after..."
Alton Post Gazette, 15 December 2008
New South Downs National Park creates fears of housing pressure on Alton and Alresford
"The recent announcement of the boundaries of the new South Downs National Park has been welcomed by some but caused concern for others that Alton and Alresford (which are just outside the boundary) may feel more housing pressure as a result. It was..."
Alton Post Gazette and Alresford Advertiser, 6 April 2009
Conservatives battle it out in a tight election despite poor turnout
"In a narrow victory, Alton elected a Conservative County Councillor to represent the town in the elections on 4 June. Andrew Joy (Conservative) won the election by less than two percent of the votes, only just beating former County Councillor Tony Ludlow (Liberal..."
Alton Post Gazette, 9 June 2009
Speeding ticket lands Alton man in jail
"An Alton man has been sent to jail after dodging two speeding tickets. Michael Owen, age 45, of Princess Drive, Alton, was sentenced to two months imprisonment and a twelve month driving ban at Winchester Crown Court last Monday (1 June). The Alton father of..."
Alton Post Gazette, 9 June 2009
Armed hold-up and escape in Four Marks
"An armed criminal robbed an ATM cash delivery man at gun point in Four Marks before escaping in a nearby vehicle last Thursday (10 April). After the alarm was raised, police were sent into a frenzy with tracker dogs and a police plane searching the area for hours..."
Alton Post Gazette, 16 April 2008
Medstead couple celebrate diamond wedding anniversary
"Fred and Dorothy went on their first date over 62 years ago when Fred asked out a young nurse maid in Ropley. "I asked if she would go with me to the pictures in Alresford one night and she finally said yes!" Two sons, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren..."
Alresford Advertiser, 26 May 2009
"Nordic Walking is quietly creating a walking revolution. First started in the 1930s in Nordic countries, this walking sport - using walking poles - is confidently taking Britain by storm as it offers great exercise at all fitness levels and brings you out to the great outdoors..."
Alton Post Gazette, 2 March 2009
Medstead woman wins World of Difference Award
"Medstead woman Jean Westmacott has won the Vodaphone World of Difference Award which will sponsor her to work with Cerebral Palsy Africa for a year. Jean was one of six people who won a national award which will enable her to work for CPA in establishing..."
Alton Post Gazette, 8 December 2008