A Hedonist in the Cellar: Adventures in Wine

I really enjoyed reading this straight through, cover to cover. Jay McInereney writes beautifully and shares his personal taste (and insights) on the subject of wine in a delightfully charming and under stated manner.

Despite the fact that I probably have similar tastes and views as the author on the subject matter this should not deter a prospective reader with interest and empathy for the greatest intoxicant - Wine !

McInereney has demonstrated in this book why wine provides intellectual as well as sensual pleasure that leads us into the realms of " geology, botany, metreology , history aesthetics aand literature "

Best of 2006

Here are my best for 2006 (London)

Best Italian Restaurant : Enoteca Turi

Best Indian : Vama

Best Chinese : Hunan

Best Japanese : Nobu , Park Lane

Best French : Gordon Ramsey , Royal Hospital Road

Best Fish/Seafood : J Sheekey

Best Gastro Pub : Anchor & Hope

Best Wine Bar : El Vino , Fleet Street

Best Brasserie : Le Caprice

Most overated : The Wolsey and River Cafe

Best Butcher : Lidgate , Holland Park

Best Baker : Baker & Spice , Chelsea

Best Fishmonger : The Chelsea Fishmonger (Rex Glodsmith),Chelsea Green

Best Wine Merchants : Berry Brothers & Rudd , St James's

Best Fruit & Veg : Andreas Georghiou , Turnham Green Terrace