Absinthe has its origins in Switzerland in the early 1790s, where it was being produced as an all-purpose remedy. Over the next 50 years, the popularity of drinking absinthe at the end of the day exploded to epic proportions. Steeped in myth and legend, the story goes that it was a dangerous and addictive psychoactive drug.
Penfolds Magill Estate
Adelaide, Australia
Situated in Adelaide, South Australia, and at the center of the Barossa Valley, Penfolds Magill Estate is one of the top wineries in the world. Established in 1884 by an English doctor who believed in the medicinal value of wine, today, the winery is internationally renowned.
Per Se
10 Columbus Circle, Time Warner Center, 4th Floor New York, NY 10019
T: 001 212-823-9335
Average cost: £189
Chef Thomas Keller of California's French Laundry brings a spectrum of flavours to the most discerning of New York palates. Per Se features a neutral grey and brown decor that seems to encourage diners to consciously savour each dish.
Since men began their fascination with grilling, the steak has become one of the finest gastronomic experiences and has evolved into more civilized steakhouse
Since founding TopTable.co.uk in February 2000, Karen Hanton has witnessed the dotcom bubble burst first hand, gained some celebrity shareholders and received a smattering of awards - including being named as one of the top 100 most influential people in the first decade of the internet. But the firm did not enjoy a prosperous beginning.
Expect comfort foods to take center stage as the economic downturn continues, says a leading Toronto chef.
"Restaurants and caterers will no doubt have a tough year or two as people decide to limit their outings," says chef Tatiana Shabotynsky. "It's not the time to be flashy, and at the end of the day everyone loves comfort food."
While talking about various investment options at a time of low inflation and poor returns on the traditional markets, an acquaintance remarked that he'd dabbled with investing in wine during the 1980s.
Hanspeter Stutz, the man behind Domaine de Grand PrÈ, is a very modest man, which, to me, is a little strange considering the acheivements he has enjoyed with his outstanding winery. Indeed, you would think that after being awarded numerous accolades including three gold medals and one bronze at the prestigious All Canadian Wine Championships, he would be screaming his successes from the rooftop.
Whether it comes as a ringing declaration or a gentle pat on the back, validation is a basic human need. In the case of Quality Wine & Spirits Inc, two recent endorsements have pushed the nine-year-old Atlanta-based distributor onto the national stage.
Incorporated in 1982, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is an international franchiser, confectionery manufacturer and retail operator in the US, Canada and Europe.
