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The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow restaurant institution has new owners - how is the food?
Whether you choose to believe that or not is up to you, but what there's no denying is that many people, myself included, count themselves as big fans of their beans. (Image: Newsquest) If you've spent time in Oban, you might recognise their lovely little shop on the waterfront selling empanadas, pastries and hot drinks, though they've been expanding at rapid speed in Glasgow with units on Sauchiehall Street and across the West End. Perhaps the most buzz surrounding one of their new city outlets was the takeover of Zique's, a West End 'institution' previously owned by Mhairi Taylor for more than 20 years. Announcing the news online, Taylor assured customers that the business was in capable hands with Hinba and said that she was looking forward to seeing them take the neighbourhood restaurant from strength to strength. So here mum and I are tonight, making our way past the post-work-pint beer garden dwellers of Partick on our way to investigate how the renamed Zique's Hinba is getting on so far. With floor-to-ceiling windows, it's a beautiful place to be on a sunny evening, though there are only a few of us in. The kitchen and bar are open plan and small, so we hear pans sizzle and drinks mixed as we try to make sense of the menu. Printed on a slim piece of card, it's divided into four different sections with little indication as to what size each plate will be, other than varying prices. Going by the numbers, we guess it's a snacks, starters, bigger plates and dessert sort of deal, and after a little time to fine-tune our choices, our server confirms we should have all bases covered. Pictured: Canapes kick off the meal (Image: Newsquest) Narrowly beating a glass of Vinho Verde (£7) and a French 75 cocktail (£10) to the table is a lemon mascarpone-based canapé. I like these delicate pastry cones very much. They're fresh, zesty and Mum, on the other hand, says it's a little too much like a citrus cheesecake. Different strokes. At least we both agree that the boquerones (£4) make for a gorgeous dish, their tiny silvery skins covered in pops of leafy green and swimming in orange oil spiked with plenty of smoked paprika. Pictured: Boquerones with smoked paprika and capers (Image: Newsquest) When halved in the name of fairness, molten cheese filling spills out of a single broccoli and Manchego croquette (£3) into a tomato sauce that's got hints of Heinz soup about it. I say this with appreciation- it's tangy, comforting, and nostalgic. It's a wee bit strange to me that these tasty little guys are served solo, but for only £3 a pop, you can't grumble too much. Next, a tennis ball-sized mound of crab is served on a thick, homemade crumpet with three sun-dried tomatoes balanced on top like cherries on a sundae. (£12) The crumpet element of the dish is a fraction too dense for the flecks of seasoned white crab meat, pulling focus away from the fresh seafood flavour, which a lighter bake might complement, but they're on the right track. Pictured: White crab, sundried tomato and crab butter crumpet (Image: Newsquest) From the second section of the menu is a dish sure to divide opinion, leaving folk shocked or swooning depending on your feelings towards sticky yeast spread. I place myself firmly in the Marmite lover camp, so these new potatoes coated in the stuff (£7)were always going to be a part of our order. I'm less convinced by the apricot pesto, which seems just a stretch too far, but the end result is an intriguing mix of big, gravy-like flavours and sweet stone fruit. It shouldn't work, but it does. I'd love to know who figured this out for the first time. Pictured: Marmite new potatoes with apricot pesto (Image: Newsquest) A final savoury plate of pork fillet (£17) is done well, split into three pieces and served with thin rectangles of smoked belly. The addition of tamarind to the dish is a wise move, giving surprisingly mellow gooseberries a bit of a nudge to liven up. After feeling like the kitchen had hit its stride with the more substantial dishes, a dessert of chocolate sorbet with strawberry and hibiscus (£7) is an odd one. Like a diet hot chocolate sachet prepared with boiling water rather than proper cocoa powder and full-fat milk, the flavour of this iced pudding feels washed out. I'd skip that and choose the affogato next time. Pictured: Chocolate sorbet dessert (Image: Newsquest) After eating, I'm still not sure I've got a handle on the menu here, but such is the way with small-plate eating. Throw some darts at the board, accept that your food will arrive as and when it's ready and hope that you've ordered enough to reach the dessert course feeling satisfied. It's not for everyone, but I'd argue it's in tune with the summertime wine bar vibe here. And props to the kitchen team for their presentation. Every single dish of the evening has been a feast for the eyes in bright summer hues of orange, green and reds with an arty, minimalist approach to plating that matches the surroundings. There's no magical Hebridean air to credit for the food tonight, but new owners Hinba appear to be settling into Glasgow's West End nicely, all the same. Menu: Small plate lovers will be happy here, but I struggled to find the flow of this menu. 3/5 Service: Cheery, helpful and attentive while giving customers space to enjoy their meal. 4/5 Atmosphere: . Only a few tables in meant it was missing a bit of buzz, but it's a beautiful place to spend a sunny evening. 3/5 Price:. Always hard to judge with a menu so varied, but with the pork dish the most expensive at £17 - it's not bad for the West End. 3/5 Food: Highlights of marmite potatoes and boquerones, but the crab crumpet and dessert weren't for me. Top marks for presentation. 7/10 Total: 20/30 Zique's Hinba is located at 66 Hyndland Street, Glasgow.
Vancouver Sun
05-07-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
Anthony Gismondi: Here's how to break the old rules about pairing wine with barbecue fare
When I think about barbecue wines, it's fair to say the category didn't exist a generation ago. We may have been grilling in the backyard, but drinking or pairing wine with barbecue fare wasn't on the agenda. Red wines were the historic favourite, but increasingly, whites and Rosés have muscled in on the fun, and there is no shortage of people happy to suggest matching wines for various grilled items, such as hamburgers, steaks, chicken, lamb chops, kebabs, pizza, and more. There is no definitive barbecue style, but there are some general guidelines to follow. The red wines should be fruity enough to balance the spicy and hot flavours from sauces and seasonings, while being robust enough to complement the intense, smoky flavours typical of barbecued food. Rosés, especially with some residual sugar, can also be appropriate in these settings. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Pairing red wine with fish is no longer a no-no, provided attention is given to the match. The acidity in red wine can work well with fish, particularly if the fish is not too oily. Wines with lighter tannins and high fruit content are best suited for this purpose. Whites are similarly suited to grilled white meats and fish. Wineries often refrain from promoting their wines as barbecue-friendly to maintain a serious image. However, consumers seek wines that are suitable for barbecues — affordable, enjoyable, versatile options that also make a positive impression. For a fun twist, consider conducting a blind tasting for your guests by covering the wine labels before serving. It is a great way to eliminate preconceived notions about brands, enhance the tasting experience, and foster engaging conversations. Finally, affordability is an essential consideration for barbecue wines, reflecting the informal nature of most barbecues and enabling hosts to stock sufficient quantities for potentially expanding guest lists. Regardless of the weather, enjoying the few precious weeks we can dine outdoors can be made more enjoyable with the right wines. Below are some affordable, widely available recommendations to get you through the barbecue season. Rosé: Chaberton 2024 La Fleur de Chaberton, Fraser Valley $25; Bartier Bros. Pristine Rosé, Washington, $20; La Vielle Ferme Rosé, France $15. Refreshing whites: Casal Garcia Aveleda NV Vinho Verde, Portugal $15; Paul Mas Viognier, Pays d'Oc, France $17; Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc, Rhone Valley France $18. Malbec: Santa Julia Reserva Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $20; Don David Michel Torino Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $20; Luigi Bosca Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $27. Cabernet Sauvignon: Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile $20; Escorihuela 1885 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile $17; Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California $23. Syrah/Shiraz: Falernia Syrah Reserva, Elqui, Chile $20; Thomas Goss Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia $20; Sidewood Estate Shiraz, Adelaide Hills, Australia $24.99 $13. Codorníu Zero N/V, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), Spain $18.99 I 87/100 UPC: 012976991435 Codorníu Zero is alcohol-free. It was tasted with a group of consumers for additional comments. The wine is made from 100 per cent Xarel·lo grapes, a variety popular among both still and sparkling wine producers. Codorniu Zero starts as a fermented wine. A low-temperature vacuum distillation process removes all but 0.5 per cent of the alcohol, retaining its delicate flavours. Finally, CO2, sugar, and small amounts of flavouring are added to the finished product. It has appealing floral notes of melon and apricot flavours. This non-alcoholic sparkler can be enjoyed on its own, used as a mixer in a favourite cocktail or served with toasted almonds. Phoenix Syrah Rosé Cascadia Collection 2024, Washington, (made in Canada) $23.90 I 89/100 UPC: 696852204392 The Cascadia Collection wines, produced in B.C. with Washington grapes from the Wahluke Slope AVA, have been added to the Corcelettes Phoenix lineup. This Rosé stands out as one of the top choices among all 2024 replacement wines. It has a pale pink-orange colour with aromas of strawberries, melon, and a touch of gooseberry. These flavours result in a crisp, clean palate. Ideal food pairings include crispy calamari, Greek salad, soft cheeses, or a Margherita pizza. Clos du Soleil Washington Series Rosé 2024, Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington (made in Canada) $25.90 | 89/100 UPC: 696852192309 Clos du Soleil's Washington Series Rosé is made with Sangiovese grapes from the Yakima Valley. The colour is pale pink salmon with a prominent wild berry nose. The palate features a fresh blend of strawberry and tangerine notes, complemented by crisp acidity and a hint of spice and sea salt. Drink all summer. Solvero Chardonnay 2022, Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley $30 | 91/100 UPC: 627987248418 The Solvero Chardonnay is farmed at close to 600-metre elevation, making it one of the highest vineyards in the province. It is whole-cluster pressed and barrel-fermented in 20 per cent new French oak, and it undergoes daily lees stirring during fermentation before a 12-month sleep in barriques. There is a Burgundian richness here in a wine that mixes pears, yellow apples, hazelnuts, toast, and just a hint of vanilla. Stylish and young, you can drink this now or wait another year or two to allow it to develop fully. Yet another promising new label from Summerland. Orofino Syrah 2022, Cawston, Similkameen Valley $31.65 I 93/100 UPC: 626990114253 The Similkameen Valley is home to this pure-fruited, varietally correct Syrah that takes me to the Rhône, where it would compete favourably with many examples grown in the historic region. The excellent 2022 vintage boasts notes of violets and cherry, complemented by a fragrant dusting of pepper that lingers throughout its lengthy finish. It is aged in a small combination of new French oak and concrete tanks, with the remaining portion aging in neutral barrels for 17 months. This is an exceptional wine, and we have found, through experience, that it ages effortlessly for a minimum of 10-15 years. The Naramata Bench Wineries and the Naramata Inn are inviting you to an evening celebration called Savour Summer: Red, White & Rosé. The late afternoon, early evening soirée is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Inn's grounds. Guests will enjoy exquisite canapés crafted by the culinary team at Bistro Lapin Perdu, perfectly paired with wines from Naramata's renowned producers. The event takes place on Thursday, July 17, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Naramata Inn, 3625 1st St., Naramata. An advanced ticket purchase is required. This is a 19-plus event. Tickets are non-refundable, available at Naramata Inn. Calling all Belgians. Chambar chef Nico Schuermans is celebrating National Belgian Day with a medieval-themed feast that pays homage to his Belgian heritage. Drawing on historical recipes and the tradition of communal dining, this event showcases Belgium's rich culinary culture, characterized by generosity and togetherness. The event will take place on Monday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. The $120 per person ticket includes a multi-course dinner and a Belgian welcome beer. Additional beverages can be purchased at the event. Communal tables and family-style platters will be provided. For seating arrangements with other ticket holders, email info@ at least 72 hours before the event date. Tickets are available at upcoming events on their site. Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2022, Okanagan Valley $66.99 I 93/100 UPC: 776545555892 Perpetua is harvested from four blocks of Dijon clones 96, 548, 95, and 76 at Mission Hill's eastern Osoyoos Border Vista Vineyard (72 per cent). For the last few vintages, a refreshing addition of Naramata Bench Chardonnay has been included, accounting for approximately one-quarter of the blend in 2022. At the winery, it is fermented and aged sur lie for 16 months in a combination of French oak barriques, puncheons and concrete eggs. It is an excellent example of B.C. Chardonnay made with just the right amount of reduction, and all at an amazing 13 per cent alcohol. Look for a struck match and citrus nose that runs the length of the wine, much like the excellent 2018. Both nimble and airy but with precision and balance, it joins the latest releases of Perpetua as one of the best. Aveleda Casal Garcia Vinho Verde N/V, Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, Portugal $14.49 | 87/100 UPC: 05601096208308 The current Vinho Verde selection in B.C. is limited, but Casal Garcia is a reliable option. This Vinho Verde has a slight frizzante note and features fresh citrus blossoms, a green apple aroma, and a hint of lees. The light and fresh taste includes notes of lemon, lees, quince, and green apple. The price is affordable, and it pairs well with sushi, fish tacos, and vegetarian pizza.
Metro
07-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Metro
'Power picnics' are perfect for summer — but you have to follow five rules
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more There's something about British summer that flips a switch in us. Before you know it, you're down at the local park with Tupperware containers of M&S picky bits, a gingham blanket and a lukewarm bottle of rosé. But, let's be honest, the British picnic is a slippery slope; shirts get unbuttoned, drinks get poured too early and a few hours later you wake up, face down on a tranche of melted camembert. Apparently… That's why the 'Power Picnic' could be the perfect solution to our collective alfresco chaos. This is a term I'm coining to describe al fresco eating and drinking that doesn't end in a blackout on the blanket. A picnic experience where flavour is at the forefront and the drinks are there to enhance, not derail your outdoor lunch. The 'power' in the name refers to the energy and focus you still have at the end of it, in case you're wondering. And with National Picnic Week right around the corner (June 14 to 21), this couldn't have come at a better time. You see, the idea of a power picnic ties in with people generally drinking less these days. In fact, a recent report by KAM Insights showed that all age groups under 55 are drinking alcohol less frequently, and 70% of 25 to 34-year-olds are actively looking for ways to lower their alcohol consumption. I'm not suggesting ditching booze completely for adaptogenic beverages, kombucha and botanical beers, we're not weaving our own picnic basket over here. We're simply switching getting squiffy for naturally lower-ABV wines, mid-strength drinks alongside sharing platters and salads. Another term for this is 'coasting'; drinking lower abv drinks for longer periods of time than, say, zebra striping or bookending. After all, no one wants to lose half the day passed out, face-down on melted cheese. I learnt that the hard way… To avoid following in my footsteps, there are five rules of Power Picnic you'll want to adhere to, so you won't have to cancel your evening plans, apologise in group chats or spend £40 on Deliveroo when you get home because you neglected to eat carbs at lunch time. Don't talk about power picnic. No, sorry that's Fight Club. The first rule is actually to bring along wines that are naturally lighter in alcohol like prosecco-adjacent sparkling wines, spritzy Vinho Verde white wines or lighter reds, languishing in an ice bucket. Get clued up on mid-strength drinks – there's a whole category out there you probably haven't checked out yet. That'll be beers and ciders around the 2-3% mark, wines at 6-9% and spirits between 15-20% Become acquainted with spritzes; bring along a dinky bottle of vermouth, soda water and some ready-sliced citrus slices. It's simple, refreshing and delicious Don't be afraid of zero-alcohol drink options, they can be delicious – the likes of Pentire, Botivo, Bolle drinks are some of my favourites Canned drinks are crucial – they're eco-friendly, easier to transport and the quality is usually on point And here are a few drinks options that would be perfect for your next power picnic… Limited Editon Fairtrade Irresistible Tilimuqui Sparkling Brut 10.5%, Argentina, £9.50, Co-op This is the first Fairtrade certified Argentine sparkling wine in the UK. It's made from the darling of Argentine white grapes, Torrontes, grown in the prestigious Famantina Valley. They use the same method of production as prosecco, for joyous, lemon blossomy bubbles. All that for under a tenner, now that's fair trade for you. Torres de Lapela Vinho Verde 9.5%, Portugal, £5.50, Asda Congratulations are in order, Asda has just been announced as the most awarded supermarket in the prestigious IWC 2025 (International Wine Challenge), scooping a whopping 155 medals for its wines. This rewarding bottle is naturally super light in alcohol and style. Vinho Verde is a humdinger of a white for the Power Picnic, with boat loads of fresh lime and lemon sherbet notes to get stuck into. The Original Small Beer Lager 2.1%, England, £13.20 for 6, Majestic A Great Taste Awards winner, brewed at their south London B-Corp certified brewery. They've also just done a collab with YouTube channel, Sorted Food. Anyhoo, it's brewed with Saaz, Mosaic and Galena hops, if that means anything to you. If it doesn't just know that it's made from sustainably-grown, British barley and is half the units, calories and carbs of a regular lager. Maison Sassy Cidre Rose 3%, £5.65, Waitrose A lighter cidre (you have to spell it the French way), made from 18 varieties of Normandy apples. Both sweet and tart apples for balance, while the pink colour is brought in naturally from red-fleshed apples. Imagine that. The style is mid-way between a sweet and off-dry cidre. And get this, they have a chateau called 'Chateau de Sassy' which is almost the best part. More Trending Botivo Sparkling Botanical Aperitivo can, 0%, £20 per 6 cans, Bottled Botivo is a go-to non-alcoholic option for me whenever I'm taking a break from booze. I love its smooth honey-herb combo with a vivifying kick of apple cider vinegar and its wormwood and gentian base notes. Now, they've released a ready-to-drink canned version, same ingredients with the addition of soda. I find this to be a super satisfying sip, especially when it's well chilled. Al Fresco Red 11%, Spain, £8.50, Co-op View More » Talk about a chillable red, this bottle is a proper fridge-dweller. Produced in Navarra, northeastern Spain, a country which excels in epic value for money wine. This one is the brainchild of a Master of Wine (MW) who used to work for Naked Wines, so he knows what he's doing. Made from Garnacha (Grenache), it's lighter than Pinot Noir with juicy flavours of pomegranate and dragon fruit. If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro's Drink Up column is where you need to be. Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven – a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines from Aldi, Tesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes (or the best wines to drink after sex), and finding out what it's like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa, this is a haven for those who love to celebrate. Stay ahead of the curve as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape. Can you really make cheap vodka taste expensive by putting it through a Brita filter? What happens when you put wine in a blender? And, truly, how should we be storing our wine? Read More. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Major US fast food chain to open in London Heathrow airport – a European first MORE: Enjoy a sky-high brunch at The Shard for £55: 10 unmissable Time Out deals MORE: London food trucks serving 'restaurant-quality' grub on the go including one in an old fire engine Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Miami Herald
19-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Colombian airline Avianca opens new lounge at Miami airport. Take a look
Avianca's newly renovated passenger lounge at Miami International Airport is now open, a sign Colombia's largest airline expects to keep growing in South Florida. The 6,559 square foot space in Concourse J near gate J6 is a joint venture with TAP Portugal. It can accommodate 158 individuals seated. The lounge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has work space, Wi-Fi and a quiet area. And yes, it has arepas (Colombian of course.) Avianca previously had a lounge in the space but it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Renovations didn't start until Oct. 2024. The new space opened to travelers this month. The lounge is modest compared to others at MIA. Lighting is minimum and there are no showers. A reclining room has chairs that don't seem to recline. Yet for busy business travelers or families looking to catch their breath after bracing crowded TSA lines and taking their shoes off and on, the facilities meet basic needs. Since reopening, about an average of 500 guests have used the lounge daily. The added space comes as Colombia's largest airline is growing at MIA. Starting May 10, Avianca will operate daily service between Miami International Airport and Guatemala City. The airline will also add regular service between MIA and San José, Costa Rica. Last year, it boosted the number of business class seats it offers on three daily flights from MIA to Bogotá. In 2024, the airline overall carried over 1.1 million passengers on nearly 7,500 flights. Avianca belongs to the Star Alliance, one of the world's largest airline partnerships that includes United Airlines and Lufthansa and allows travelers to use frequent flier miles on a host of different carriers. That's a reason one could find people in the lounge heading from MIA to Germany or Switzerland. Below are more details about the lounge. Where is the Avianca lounge at MIA? In terminal J, located at J6. When is it open? 24 hours, 7 days a week. What about food and drinks? There are self-serve sandwiches and pastries available all day such as Portuguese pastéis de nata. For breakfast, scrambled eggs, pancakes and arepas (Colombian) are on the menu. They can be ordered using QR codes. The wines are mostly American, but they also offer Portuguese Vinho Verde and Port Wine, beer. Aguardiente, a typical Colombian drink, is available as well as spirits. Sodas and infused waters are also plentiful. Who can use lounge? ▪ First-class or business-class ticket on Avianca departing MIA same day ▪ First-class or business-class ticket on Star Alliance member departing MIA same day ▪ Diamond, Gold, Silver or Red Plus categories with Avianca lifemiles plus ticket on Avianca or Star Alliance member same day ▪ Star Alliance Gold plus ticket on Avianca or Star-Alliance member the same day ▪ Travelers connecting through MIA with a first-class or business class ticket the same day on Avianca or a Star-Alliance member More rules can be found here: When is it busiest? Peak hours are 3-5 p.m. when Star Alliance members have numerous departures. What are the other amenities? ▪ Kids room ▪ Reclining room with non-reclining chairs (only legs recline) ▪ Flat-screen TVs
