Helen McGinn On Monday, the Husband and I celebrated 30 years since we first started going out. We were fifteen, the year was 1988. So in an effort to recreate that late ’80s feeling I booked two tickets to see Chess The Musical at the London Colosseum. Stay with me. We met at Kettner’s beforehand in their gorgeous new champagne bar (FYI their house pour is a biscuity blanc de noirs, really good value vs. the other big names on the list). Then it was showtime. I laughed, I cried, I sang along to I Know Him So Well. Both parts, obviously. A night away without the kids and we came back feeling like we’d been on holiday for a week. Funny, then, how 30 years feels like no time at all.
Current white in the fridge: Veramonte Chardonnay
Price: £7.99 - Buy From Ocado
Much as I love a steely white, sometimes I want something with a bit more meat on its bones to get my teeth – and tastebuds – into. This ripe, juicy Chardonnay is one of those, made from grapes grown in the beautifully-named Casablanca Valley region in Chile. Think tropical fruits with a trace of vanilla and you get the idea. Gorgeous with roast chicken. BTW this one’s normally over £10 but is on offer until the middle of next month.
Current red in the rack: Fontaine du Sud Costières de Nimes
Price: £6.50 - Buy From Spar
The wine range at Spar has had a recent refresh with the help of Master of Wine and fellow ex-supermarket buyer Philippa Carr. And she’s found some real gems, including this southern Rhone red from the Costières de Nimes region. It’s a bit like Chateauneuf du Pape-Lite with its earthy bramble fruit flavours and kick of black pepper. Amazing value for money, this one. Try it with sausages.
CONGRATULATIONS for the 30 years together! It’s amazing what a night out together means when its a rare treat. Every best wish for the future & keep the blogs coming – very much enjoyed.
Thank you so much for such kind words! Much appreciated (and really encouraging)!
Fabulous Helen, glad you had a good anniversary, keep up the good work. Love the blog & books xxx
Thank you so much! Thrilled to hear it xx