Tag: Alfresco

  • Millennial Pink and the Rise of Rosé

    Millennial Pink and the Rise of Rosé

    I recently entered the Veritas Young Wine Writers competition last year. Unfortunately, my entry was unsuccessful. However, I thought I’d share one of the two pieces I wrote for the competition with you. I have recently enrolled at UNISA to study a BA in Creative Writing to improve my craft as well as my chances of getting hired more frequently for freelance work in the industry. Please have a read, and let me know what you think in the comments.

    Instagram is to Rosé what the Fairy Godmother was to Cinderella.

    We live in a world of sensory overload. Everything is a meme, a moment, a tiktok, a story. But all it took was a simple hashtag and just one influencer to get something trending and relevant. That’s the story of how rosé magically transformed from ugly step-sister into rose gold queen. 

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    Before 2017 rosé wine was a typically frowned-upon form of libation and seen as cheap and low quality. This all changed with millennials making the pink wine trend, specifically on social media. 

    Somehow pale pink rosé became an overnight sensation gaining traction as an ‘Instagrammable’ wine some may say a visually appealing prop for Instagram posts in the blazing summer heat. 

    Hashtags such as #rosé and #roseallday trended and suddenly became fashionable with many an establishment having to order their fair share of rosé far in advance for summer and in bulk to please many a millennial horde. It’s no surprise really that my fellow millennials took a serious liking to this now sophisticated pink wine with the generation making the hue culturally acceptable for all to wear and passively behold. 

    Annually, every second Saturday of June sees a full day dedicated to the celebration of rosé wine. The past five years we’ve seen a myriad social media posts using the blush pale pink wine to celebrate summer at their favourite wineries or quite simply at home with a homemade refreshingly cool ‘frosé’. Rosé put simply signifies the advent of long, hot balmy days. 

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    So here’s what we can expect to see in 2020 and beyond: 

    • Yes way, rosé: As summer gets underway in the southern hemisphere, we start to see the apoplectic joy of hosting ‘Pinknics’.  Where rosé simply calls for al fresco dining with your nearest and dearest in a divine setting.
    • Yes we ‘can’: at the end of 2019 wine in cans are already set to become the next big thing in the wine industry and amongst the younger crowd that look to convenience. 
    • Yes to CBD: Like everything else, rosé will possibly get a modern cannabis-infused spin soon enough. 
    • Yes to lower alcohol and fewer calories: We’re all a little more health-conscious these days, instead of cutting out alcohol completely, going for something lighter is a great option for most. 

    Cheers to 2020! x

  • Fig and Speck Salad with Parmesan Crisps.

    Fig and Speck Salad with Parmesan Crisps.

    West coast and fig salad 067West coast and fig salad 070This recipe is inspired by two amazing women, Donna Hay, and my sister. My sister texted me some food inspiration when I really had none at all, she had a vision of me making something delicious with luscious figs she spotted in store, with that in mind I recalled a recipe from Donna Hay I have been saving, not sure why though. With Figs in peak season, I knew this was the perfect time to make this gorgeous recipe. West coast and fig salad 038West coast and fig salad 028

    I’ve noticed and made a mental note that the figs I see in store are a lot smaller than previous years, and makes me wonder, if at all, there is some sort of correlation between that and the ongoing drought the City of Cape Town is experiencing.West coast and fig salad 075

    Recently I have started a journey of mindful eating and fitness, so whilst I won’t be posting as many indulgent recipes any time soon, I will surely not deprive myself, nor you! I am on the hunt for delicious yet healthy recipes. If you have any ideas on how to spruce up healthy foods with ‘oomph’ please do let me know in the comments section, I would love to hear from you!

    Fig and Speck Salad with Parmesan Crisps.

    Ingredients: 

    • 4-6 Black Figs, or any figs for that matter
    • 4 slices of Speck or prosciutto roughly torn into strips
    • 100g Rocket and Baby Spinach
    • 5 Samphire sprigs
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • 1/2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 100g Grana Padano, or any other Parmesan
    • a little salt and freshly ground black pepper to serve

    Method: 

    Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. Grate the Parmesan and spread out evenly on a silpat on lined baking tray. Bake for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool and harden. To assemble, wash the rocket and spinach and place onto a plate. Place the speck, then the figs and samphire, drizzle over the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Break the Parmesan crisps into shards and add a little salt and pepper. Serve as an entree or snack.

    *side note: if it does happen that you have any leftover Parmesan crisps, you can keep it in an airtight container for a week.*

    Happy eating and happy weekend! x

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