England for Wine & Food Lovers

                                      Gin is now being replaced with world-class sparkling wine

Global warming has changed England’s presence in the wine world.  The Brit's wine country is located at the same latitude as France’s Champagne district and warmer global weather conditions now make the island’s weather comparable to Champagne.  England's sparkling wine countryside also has the same limestone soil as Champagne.  All of this means that England is now making sparkling wines that have beat-out many high-end Champagnes in blind tastings.

Few English sparklers are imported into the US.   England’s fizzes (as they are called), are the same price point as the real-deal Champagne, thus marketing the British fizz is problematic as England’s wine industry is in its infancy and few people in the US know of its quality.  Those coming with us on the inaugural English countryside tour in June will be among the first wine groups to make the trek across the Atlantic.

         Stroud Farmers' market is voted the best in England

England formerly has not been thought of a foodie’s mecca either.  That also is changing.  Farmer’s markets now abound and there’s a huge movement away from the former bland, frozen and uninteresting cuisine to a more global cuisine based on fresh ingredients and enticing flavors.   Fusion is the name of the game with old time recipes being modernized to incorporate tastes of France, Italy and Asia.

                          Harrod's Food Hall is a definite do not miss for any gourmand

India has long been an influence in England’s restaurant scene.  In fact, there are more Indian restaurants in London than in Mumbai and Dehli.  This means that gourmet food emporiums such as London's Fortnum Mason or Harrod’s have gigantic sections of Indian spices.  I always bring home tins filled with curry ingredients. Regardless of whether you like Indian food or not, these two temples of gastronomy’s fabulous Food Halls should not be missed by any food-lover.

Another item I can’t resist at Harrod’s or Fortnum Mason is their over-the-moon selection of Stilton cheese.  Blue Stilton is perhaps England’s greatest gift to the culinary world.  Both stores carry it vacuum packed for the flight home, but it also is available in pretty ceramic crocks that are a lovely souvenir.

   Fortnum Mason's Food Hall is mesmerizing

Both Fortnum Mason and Harrod’s also have mind-blowing tea departments.  Tea time in Britain is nearly a national institution.  There are hundreds of flavors available and their marvelous packaging would make even the Queen smile.

                                                     Maldon is one of my favorites

Another easy souvenir to bring home from England (or order on the Internet) is Britain's Maldon Sea Salt flakes.  It comes in several “flavors” but I usually gravitate to the smoky version.  Think France’s Fleur de Sel with an interesting smoke nuance.  As its lightweight, it makes a perfect item to bring home as a gift for another food-lover.

England is no longer a gourmet dessert and its southern coast's sparkling wine industry is growing exponentially.   British chef Gordon Ramsey has reached nearly rock-star status in the US.  English Michelin star restaurants abound.   To that I say, “Cheerio, mate!”