From the Editor, Leigh O’Connor.
The popping of a cork is a symbol of celebration and has been part of the wine industry for centuries.
The term ‘pop’ was first used in the early 19th Century to describe fizzy drinks such as soda water and ginger beer – the term comes from the idea that ’pop goes the cork’ when the drink is opened.
Did you know that the cork from sparkling wine bottles can reach supersonic speeds in some cases? While we not encouraging space flight the next time you open a bottle, we are popping the cork on the festive season which is just around the corner.
This week, we delve into everything celebratory such as Maison Lanson’s new Champagne – Le Black Création 257 – perfect for elevating the atmosphere at your next celebration. Whether it's toasting during Christmas, ringing in the New Year, or hosting lively Summer parties, this Champagne brings an air of sophistication and joy to any gathering.
An empire built on bold decisions – that’s the story behind the Veuve Clicquot dynasty. From risking her inheritance on a failing business to gambling her Champagne against a naval blockade, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot was a determined, shrewd and innovative widow, who knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it.
Born Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in 19th Century France, Widow (Veuve in French) Clicquot was one of the world’s first international businesswomen who brought her wine business back from the brink of destruction and created the modern Champagne market in the process. Don’t miss her story!
Over-indulged? There’s nothing worse than waking up after a big night out popping the cork, with a thumping headache, a dodgy stomach and a craving for all the wrong types of food. Alcohol can play havoc with our body – even one big night out can suppress our immune system, upset digestion and leave us feeling pretty ordinary the next day.
Alimentary’s Alison Wright says forget ‘the hair of the dog’, greasy fry-ups and fast food to ease your pain; the best thing to focus on the morning after the night before, is rehydrating and replenishing your body with easily digestible food and drink, packed with the vitamins and minerals which are depleted by alcohol. We have her top tips and a hangover-cure smoothie recipe.
Growing up in New Zealand of a Maori and Polynesian background and living in a working-class family, going out to a nice restaurant was the local buffet for Will Houia. Fast forward and this Chef now finds himself in charge of the kitchen at the prestigious, Chef-hatted AMARA restaurant at Spicers Sangoma Retreat in Bowen Mountain.
We chat to Will about his food philosophy, cooking with flames and getting kicked out of his second high school cooking class for being a ‘smart alec’; plus he shares a stunning kingfish ceviche, Geraldton wax, coconut cream and apple recipe with AGFG home cooks.
Warm days and balmy evenings make Summer the ideal time to take dinner or cocktail parties outdoors. When it comes to hosting a fabulous garden party, it pays to get creative. From staving off the evening chill in style to stopping bugs from landing in drinks, read our top 10 tips for the ultimate garden party plus five recipes; along with five recipes for the ultimate picnic in the park to soak up the sun and snack on fun as the days grow longer and warmer.
Cheers to all things pop the cork!
