The Square Meal Tasting once again rolled into the HAC on Wednesday night, much to the delight of 700 guests. Behind the scenes chefs from some of the most exciting restaurants worked tirelessly to feed the madding (and hungry) crowd and showcase why London has become the world’s pre-eminent gastronomic capital.
A host of great name producers from around the world – led by Champagne houses Taittinger, Gosset and Deutz – filled glasses throughout the night. No continent was unrepresented as Kiwi Pinot Noir went head-to-head with Argentine Malbec and Sauternes duelled with Hungarian Tokaji. Of course, there were selfie opportunities galore, with chefs such as Jose Pizarro, Theo Randall and Jeff and Chris Galvin there in person to serve up their wares.
Premium spirits were poured both straight and in inventive cocktails, with chocolate and fragrances for a truly unique, luxury experience.
The opportunity to try different combinations of food and drink was not lost on us. So, what caught our eye?
Theo Randall’s Bresaola made a beautiful foil for a Brunello di Montalcino Castello Banfi 2009 or Terraza de los Andes Malbec 2013.
The rich intensity of Iberica’s Jamon Extreme was a match made in heaven for La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2005, as well as the savoury complexity of the Bodegas Tradicion 30 year old Oloroso Sherry.
Wright Bros’ sea bass ceviche and Galvin’s truffled Brie were fab with both Gosset Grand Millésime Brut 2006 and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc 2006.
M Restaurants’ smoked baby beets with goats' cheese and almonds delivered a delicious blend of sweetness, creamy richness and savoury nuttiness which merrily bounced off Gonzalez Byass’s Delicado Amontillado.
Cinnamon Kitchen’s smoked aubergine with wheat crisp and kachumbari married perfectly with the mouth-coating richness of Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier.
Aqua Kyoto’s spinach roll with roasted sesame dressing left us searching for a German Riesling, but Yealands Estate’s Gruner Veltliner (an Austrian grape variety making itself increasingly at home in New Zealand) was a superb substitute.
Most surprising match of the evening? Celebrity Cruises’s sea salt caramel truffles with Craggy Range Chardonnay. It had to be tried to be believed – and really worked!
Many of the producers were offering their wines at special prices and the star winner of a luxury Celebrity Cruise was Mark Hicks from Triland Metals. Other winners took home bottles, as well as vouchers to many of the restaurants. It’s safe to say that a good time was had by all, though we can’t vouch for how productive the City was the following day...
Our thanks to all the wines, brands and restaurants that took part and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!
If you missed this year's event and are interested in being among the first to hear details of next year’s tasting please email your name and email address to event organiser chloe@squaremeal.co.uk.