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SUMMER WHITES & THE CAESAR’S 100th

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  The Caesar salad, a ubiquitous staple of American cuisine, has a fascinating history that stretches back a century, with its creation a tale that encompasses a unique blend of improvisation, culinary innovation, and the vibrant cultural milieu of the early 20th century. The Caesar salad was created in 1924 by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur, born in the Italian region of Lombardy in 1896, who emigrated to the United States after World War I. After settling in San Diego, California where he operated a successful restaurant, prohibition laws in the United States banned the sale of alcoholic beverages leading many Americans to seek a good time south of the border. Cardini seized this opportunity and went on to open a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico, just across the border. The exact circumstances of the Caesar salad's creation are somewhat contested, with various stories adding to its mystique, but, the most widely accepted version suggests that the salad was born out...

SUMMER TREND - VINO LATA FROM ARGENTINA

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  In the world of wine, tradition often reigns supreme with images of wine frequently tied to the romance of vineyards, French oak barrels, and corks popping from glass bottles. Yet, the wine industry continues to evolve with new trends emerging that ensure vinophiles can enjoy their favourite fermented grapes on-the-go. Argentina, a country renowned for its Malbec and stunning wine regions, is again at the forefront of this wine revolution with the production of vino lata (canned wine) in a range of styles from some of the country’s top bodegas. While not a new concept, having first been attempted as far back as the 1930s in the United States, vino lata started gaining traction in the 2000s as wine lovers sought a more convenient, portable, and eco-friendly packaging.  Canned wines offer several advantages: they are lightweight, recyclable, and perfect for on-the-go lifestyles and as the fifth-largest wine producer in the world, Argentina’s vino lata varieties are a worldwide...

A GUIDE TO SUMMER WINES FROM ARGENTINA (PART 2 - ELEGANT REDS & EFFERVESCENT SPARKLING)

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As the summer draws near, its days drenched in resplendent sunlight, heralding the arrival of a season characterized by its languid, sun-kissed days that give way to serene, warm evenings, there is no better time to immerse oneself in exquisite Argentinian wines. Last week in Part 1, we suggested a few wines that should be added to your summer drink list and these included 2 whites, a rosé and 2 naranjos. Today, Thursday Food  will feature light reds and sparkling options that are sure to enhance any summer soiree . Summer wines offer a delightful escape from the heat, boasting light bodies, refreshing acidity, and a unique ability to harmonize with the warmth rather than clash against it. These wines, with their crisp taste, fruity bouquet, and occasional floral notes, provide a refreshing respite from the hot weather. Designed to not only refresh but also enhance the flavours of summer cuisine, they complement everything from freshly caught seafood to sun-ripened fruits, reflecti...

A GUIDE TO SUMMER WINES FROM ARGENTINA (PART 1 - WHITES, ROSÉS & NARANJOS)

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  Summer, with its long sun-drenched days and warm, balmy nights, is the perfect season to indulge in some of the finest wines that Argentina has to offer. As temperatures rise, so does the desire for lighter, more refreshing beverages that can enhance your summer experiences, whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a beachside picnic, or dining al fresco. In this comprehensive guide,  Thursday Food  explores the best wines to drink during the summer, offering recommendations that are sure to delight your palate and elevate your summer gatherings.  When selecting wines for the summer, it is always best to look for those that are light, crisp, and refreshing, characteristics that help counterbalance the heat while providing a cooling effect. Summer wines are often white, rosé, naranjos or sparkling varieties, although certain light-bodied reds can also be perfect for warm weather with key attributes to consider including their acidity, sweetness, alcohol content...

BIRA BIANCO D’UCO MALVASIA

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  The Malvasia grape, an ancient family of grapes that includes a diverse collection of noble varieties and to which the Torrontés grape belongs, is capable of producing wine of any feasible color in dry, sparkling and sweet styles. Generally, however, this grape is used to produce white (and more rarely red) table wines, dessert wines , and fortified wines of the same name, or are sometimes used as part of a blend of grapes. Believed to be of Greek origin, specifically from the island of Crete, the Malvasia family has been commercially important to the Mediterranean for more than 2000 years. Malvasia (the name) is a derivation of the coastal Greek town of Monemvasia, where the Venetians had a strategically important fortress and trading post during the time of their empire. The grape, which belongs to the Muscatel family of grapes,  has a strong historical and viticultural association with islands: the Balearic Islands , the Canary Islands and the island of Madeira . Some o...