Posh Pricks
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Hahaha! Look what Ive got! For olives darling, for olives :)
Rhia Charles, high class escort in London
Archive for the ‘Gourmet & Tipples’ Category
I’m in the Club!!!
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010Oh I do like these scream atcha headlines dont I? hehehe Maybe I have missed my vocation and I should have secured a job with ‘The Sun’ or ‘The (my son is a fishfinger) Sport’ – or possibly not :)
Now then, the club I refer to is a wine club. ‘Not before time!’ I hear you shout. The ever-delightful Mr I, recommended the Sunday Times Wine Club. I have been a member of a wine club before and I cant remember why I discontinued my membership, perhaps not enough of the sparkly stuff. Anyway, I decided to join this one and I had my first box delivered today. It looks good, wine tasting notes included and provenance and regular tastings in London too, that suits me!
As I mentioned before I am very keen to pair the perfect wine with the perfect dish and this might just do the trick. Its exciting too getting a delivery, a bit like Christmas. I dont aspire to be a wine bore though. Tell me if I am and I will nip down the ‘offy’ and get you an Asti Spumante tout suite darlin’ :)
Is there such a thing as a champagne club? – takes a minute to check – oh, sadly nothing of note :( Another business opp though for a budding entrepreneur out there?
I forgot to tell you that I did a little tour (not that kind of tour!) around the champagne region in France last year and very delectable it was too. I visited my favourite champagne house – Veuve Clicquot – and had a taste of the Grand Dame vintage. Very different to the normal vintage or the usual champagne that we all know and love and much more expensive, not sure if it is worth it. I went down into the caves where they process and store the precious stuff, they greeted me like an old friend seeing as I buy so much of it (only kidding, they should though :) I didnt bring any back because it was the same price as the UK.
France is glorious in the summer, isnt it? I love it and feel very much at home there whenever I visit. Holidays this year extend to golf in Spain so far. I really want to go to South Africa though if I can and I am going on the Orient Express too. Oh I am so excited about that! And then there’s Ascot and Glyndebourne and The Last Night of The Proms. Its going to be a good year (is that a tyred expression?, ducks for cover, yes I know groan, groan!)
Tea at The Ritz
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
I love The Ritz in London. I have been there a few times now and I adore the classical elegance. I know some people think it is stuffy and pretentious but I dont. It reminds me of a bygone era where things were ‘just so’. I met one of my fellas there once. He said to me; ‘What are you like? The Ritz for God’s sake!!’ We both giggled. I went there for the famous afternoon tea the other day. Thats kind of funny for a girl who doesnt actually drink tea (or coffee for that matter). No I am not a mormon or a health freak, I just dont like hot drinks at all. Never got into the habit of drinking tea as a child and so I dont drink it ever now. I have lots of teas in the pantry though. Green tea, Earl Grey, Fruit Teas etc etc. Just in case you like it.
Back to The Ritz though. It was nice, the afternoon tea. If you looked at the components of it, a few sandwiches, some cakes (and we had champagne instead of the tea) it really is nothing you couldnt put together at home. But the ambience and the ceremony? That I guess is what you pay for, and that is what you get. I wanted to wear a pretty tea dress but it was too cold. I’ll be back to The Ritz, that is definite. I fancy a New Year’s Eve party there. Hmmm.
Oh Tasteful!
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
I was taken to a lovely restaurant for my birthday. I cannot divulge where it was or indeed who the chef was but it was one I have wanted to go to for quite a while.
I had the taster menu. Only 7 courses. ‘Oh you greedy mare!’ you cry. Nooooo. These things, these courses are delicate, intricate little creatures – works of art in fact. You only get a little morsel and then you are done. I like it like that though. It means I can try lots of tastes. Fantastic.
So, what I wanted to tell you about was the wines. Now, you know I only like certain wines dont you? Usually anything from the Loire Valley in a shade of pale is always going to delight me. Oh and anything beginning with a C and ending with an E with a bit of a fizz in between, of course :)
Now I know that certain wines are meant to go with certain foods, yes, yes, yes of course who doesnt? I kind of left that behind years ago though declaring, ‘Well I like what I like and I will drink what I like with what I like!’ ‘And anyway, champagne goes with anything (except fish and chips) huh!’
But this taster menu, I chose the accompanying wines with it didnt I. I have never done that before, with a taster menu. But you have to try it dont you?, especially on one’s birthday. Do you know what? It was incredible. The lady Sommelier was amazing. Each wine (and there were 7!) was perfect for each course. Oh I am in awe of them now. What a skill, to be able to choose the perfect, absolutely perfect accompaniment to any dish. That is so clever.
These were wines that I would never, ever have chosen. You cant drink the whole glass full, I couldnt but maybe you can? All in all a perfect delight and a wonderful drive back with a beautiful star-lit sky. Yes, a very happy birthday x
Oh and I just received a very special gift from a gent travelling over from France. A beautiful bottle of wine, perfect with cheese apparently. Cant wait to try it!
Escapism
Saturday, October 17th, 2009
Hmm, to some it means running away. Not to me though. It means taking yourself out of your normal routine and doing something relaxing, something to take your mind off things that normally occupy your mind. Some chaps have been known to cite me as escapism, well the time spent with me anyway. I have also been called ‘A quality product’ which I quite liked hehe.
My escapism though, for now, is cooking. I did that cookery course, you know; the one I told you about, with a top chef and I loved it! I felt a real sense of peace float over me as I was doing the prep. No it is not my destiny, being a chef. I’ll tell you a secret. I actually once worked in the catering profession, thought it was what I wanted to do and no and it wasnt for me. Too pressurised. When you do it for you or for a dinner à deux though, its wonderful. Everything, from the peeling of the vegetables to the making of the stock. I love it. I have started also, to have a practice day of cooking, once a week to perfect the skills.
I also now want to go on a week’s holiday in France for a top notch cookery course, probably in the Loire Valley – uh oh, you say :)
Now then, the only problem with sharing all of this with you is that if you pop around for dinner you will feel that you have to compliment me on my fine cuisine, well yes you have to do that, of course :) but also feel free to have some fun too.
Sunday Roasts & London Toasts
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
It’s getting a bit chilly now don’t you think? I have the heating on in the morning, it’s on the low setting but on it is. I am not too keen on traipsing – is that a Devon word? as in ‘Look at that maid!, (maid being a female and not necessarily of the serving wench variety – when you come here ( the westcountry) and get to know these things, you will be honoured to be called a maid, honestly, it is a term of endearment for girls/women/lasses – I don’t mind it, I have been called it all my life. Likewise ‘Bird’ , we call everyone ‘bird’ – men, women, dogs ,cats, even birds hahaha.
I got into trouble once, in a PC environment in the north for calling someone, a colleague ‘bird’. My defence, your honour was that it was a colloquial saying where I come from and therefore I was entitled to say it, so don’t tell me what I can and cannot say. Sigh. Don’t you wish you shouldn’t have to explain this stuff – these things that mean no harm to anyone to these PC maniacs?
Anyway, if you are a man and are called that; bird that is fine but maid is not (please keep up darling) Maid is definitely only for women. So I was saying; Oh yes ‘Look at that maid traipsing around looking like God knows what!’ Hmm and I thought God knew everything. (nods head unsagely)
Oh anyway, I digress :) where was I?, oh yes traipsing around the apartment semi-naked freezing my wotsits off. Oh no. You will find a warm and toasty welcome here. Yes indeed.
I don’t know about you but my attention goes to comfort food (yes food again :) when the autumn peeks it’s coppery head around the corner. And that means….. ahh roast dinners. Oh my word, yum. Now, who on this whole planet doesn’t like a well-cooked roast? No I thought not. Everyone does. I actually like cooking them too. I know they can be time consuming and all that washing up (horray for dishwashers!) So here is the deal, humour me, pander to my cravings and book a sunday lunchtime appointment and you will get…. eggs on toast. No just kidding, a roast of course. Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Pork, whatever. I don’t care. Just let me,go on let me do it for you! Or we could always pop out to a nice country pub and eat one there?
Talking of weekends, you will note that I have been away a fair bit lately and not available every weekend, well I am here for the next 3 (sorry, this weekend – 12 Sept – is fully booked though). But if you want to see me during the other ones and claim your roast, you know what to do ;)… A Roast and a Romp? Ooh er Missus!
Getting excited about my forthcoming London trip. Very excited. Apart from the splendiferous hotel I am booked into, just you wait and see! I have lots of other things planned too. Meeting my sexy London chaps of course!, lunch with the fabulous Miss Dollymopp, a party (yes I have been invited to a party! – whoo whoo! I can’t remember the last time I went to a proper party – sad isn’t it? hehehe). Obviously I am going to do a spot of shopping while I am there, maybe buy some new fancy pants and possibly take in St Paul’s Cathedral. I haven’t visited there before and I am gradually ticking off all the major sites of London during my tours.
Unfortunately for those wishing to see me in London this month, I am now fully booked for this tour (I have a list though – I love my lists! - for if you want me to contact you in case of cancellation) but I think I may be back sometime in November, so keep a look out for the dates my lovelies. I think some new pictures are in order for then too. The fellas on my VIP list will get first notification of those dates, oh and the pics. What? You are not on my VIP list? And you being a VIP and all? Scandalous! Send me an email darling; rhiacharles@yahoo.co.uk and I will pop you on there, quick as you like.
So roasts and toasts, looks like a splendid September after all! x
For more info on tours please CLICK HERE
Bank Holidays & Posh Nosh
Thursday, August 27th, 2009
What has happened? No sooner have I arranged to have a very cultural weekend away when I then get inundated with pleas for my company! Usually bank holidays are dull, dull, dull (and not just the weather, lack of company of the male variety being the norm:( Hmm do I note an upturn in this downturn? I hope so. But so very sorry to disappoint all you eager fellas who will now be at a loose end over the next few days, maybe next time?
Talking of next time, I keep getting sent deliciously tempting offers (I know what you are thinking :) No, my little saucy one, of the gourmet variety, that’s what I mean – although I do get many tempting offers all the time and I concur with the magnificent Oscar Wilde when he said, ‘I can resist anything but temptation’.
So, there are a couple of rather splendid eateries around these parts, dont you know! They are also being ever so inventive and (for me) exciting in their attempts to tempt you and I (easily done in my case) into their gorgeous seats and to quaff at their delightful tables. All sorts of events like a supper club and seafood demo at one of my favourite restaurants, I mean its my favourite worldwide, not just in Devon – and I have eaten in a fair few places I can tell ya! Or do you fancy a fashion show (no probably not :) dinner or a ball? Oh let’s have a ball! Click here to know more.
And there’s more – Gidleigh Park in Chagford, (oh Gideligh, Gidleigh – I love thee!) also has some fantastic special events like guest Michelin star chefs, a fungi foray – hurray! (say it out loud, it rhymes!) hehehe and… oh just pop over there to take a peek. Here’s the Link.
So, dear one, if any of that has whet your whistle or indeed your appetite and you fancy a spot of company to any of these events, please do give me a call, I am your girl, definitely. If that is not your thing, and before we abandon the subject of temptation; can I, may I, tempt you into my audacious, beautilicious lair? I am now pretty busy right up until Saturday 5th September (I am available over that weekend and most of the weekends in September) so if you fancy a foray with moi, please get in touch – asap is always appreciated x
Slack Ma Girdle
Monday, August 24th, 2009
No it doesnt mean I want you to undo my corset, oh lascivious one! (But you can if you want ;) It is of course the name of an old apple. Old in the sense of rare and has been around a bit – just like me ! Hahaha. But you knew that didnt you? :) What a delicious sounding name though. I am getting a lot of inspiration from you fellas lately. You only have to come out with an interesting, slightly risque sounding tale and I am on to it, pouncing like a panther and begging you to let me blog about it. So thanks Mister for the info on this most delightful of apples – now where do I get one?
Slack ma Girdle probably means “slack my girl” rather than “loosen my belt”. Risque names aside, Slack ma Girdle apples are medium sized with a quite flat shape and have an attractive, picture book apple colour of yellow green with bright red patches. The flesh is very sweet, making it a good choice for use in a blended cider when combined with a bittersweet and a sharp cider apple. As they are so sweet, these apples are also great for use in jams – just the best in blackberry and apple jam. Though it is in the early flowering category, Slack ma Girdle’s fruit ripen late, starting in November and hanging on into the New Year. This leisurely ripening period could be the reason for its curious name. It originates from Devon, though its parentage is unknown.
French Ferries
Saturday, July 11th, 2009
I have seen a few chaps recently who are either about to board the Plymouth to Roscoff Ferry or have just disembarked the ferry back to dear old blighty with Brittany Ferries. Lucky fellas who have super duper holiday homes in France, or happen to live there most of the time. And how lucky am I that they decide to pop in on little ole me en route? I havent been on that ferry or on that particular route for a long while but I do remember from the last time I did, a rather splendid lunch. Yes on a ferry! Of course the chefs are French and of course they would rather cast themselves overboard than serve mediocre food, sacre bleu!! Yes even on a ferry. I have also heard tales that the service stations in France serve the most delicious cuisine, ok not Michelin star quality but more than adequate good food, food you want to hang around for an hour or two to savour (not like ours – ahh therein lies another post/rant methinks :)
The French take their food very seriously. (Did I tell you I was 1/4 French, I think it is the bit where my mouth is :) Now I also sometimes, actually most times, take my food very seriously too. In terms of quality, provenance, cooking style and presentation. I bet you think I talk about food all of the time! - well it is a passion of mine, but I sooo do not want to be a chef :) I just want to partake, if I may?
Sometimes though, I just want a M&S ready meal – quick, nutritious and relatively cheap. I also have to watch what I eat constantly, which can obviously be a real drag, yes, a real drag. I dont like junk food, in fact I hate it. The thought of a Macdonald’s makes me come over all queasy. However, I sometimes crave fish and chips (is that junk?, I dont think it is actually) I allow myself that, fish and chips with tartare sauce twice a year, omg, yum! - I kid you not! I never drink sugary, fizzy drinks. Hell I dont even drink Juice – just water (and ahem, obviously champagne – a girl has to have some vices ;) I dont eat too much chocolate or snacks – only when a kind gent supplies me with them – I have, you may have noticed taken the chocs off my wishlist recently. What a good girl I am.
Now then, here’s the point of all of this, if you look at naturally voluptuous ladies, (of which I think I am one) they have always had a battle to stay slim. Think Diana Dors. Marilyn Monroe – who was a size 14 before she died, my guess is she would have been a lot bigger as she grew older. Its a natural thing, I think for curvy girls to have a problem staying svelte. Maybe we should all just let nature decide and eat whatever we want. The thing is, I dont feel good when I put on a few pounds. I feel sluggish and unhealthy. Besides that, I wouldnt be able to fit into my fancy pants!! I try and listen to my body. So my perfect solution?? The gym, oh and super healthy meals in between the gorgeous dinners and lunches we share. The best of both worlds? I think so.
Plymouth Escort, Devon Escort, South West Escort, Cornwall Escort
Fine Dining in Devon & Cornwall
Friday, June 26th, 2009
I have just updated my hotels and restaurants in Devon and Cornwall page. Had to do a bit of weeding out and adding a few new stars. Take a peek here and enjoy! x
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rhiacharles@yahoo.co.uk
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