Rosé Paradox by The Selby

Prepare yourself for some serious food envy. I recently came across this video featured on The Selby and couldn't pass the opportunity to share such a stunning event. The last posts I did with some of Todd Selby's work were way back when in 2012 (find them here and here). Featuring the Brains Trust of Gourmet Food, Dom Pérignon invited 9 of the world's best chefs to create a tasting menu to pair with and celebrate Dom Pérignon's 2003 vintage Rosé. There aren't many brands we know on a first name basis but Dom certainly fits the 'iconic' bill. No pressure!

A brilliant partnership between the worlds of food and champagne Credit: The Selby

Set between Paris and Champagne (it ain't champagne unless...), the chefs got to business under the guidance of Richard Geoffroy, Dom Pérignon's Chef de Cave. From meandering through the age old cellars of Dom Pérignon to picking the best produce from Rungis Market the journey taken in this film is one that is shared with the viewer and ultimately enthralling.

The preliminary tastings, not too shabby! Credit: The Selby

Taking inspiration from the beautifully hued and complex rosé the chefs worked their interpretations into a menu rich in technique and detail. The chefs from all over Europe worked their magic into some incredible dishes oozing appeal. Infused with The Selby's signature style of playful graphics and plenty of macro photography the event was clearly a triumph. A spectacular way to show off some of the world's best bubbles and talent. Chin-chin!

Here are some of the highlights from the gallery:

The grounds of Dom Perignon, steeped in history Credit: The Selby

Just like a fairytale... Credit: The Selby

No expense was spared, obviously Credit: The Selby

Ricardo Zurita from Azul Condesa, hard at work Credit: The Selby

Where art meets food = completely glorious Credit: The Selby

It's in the details, with some whopping big pieces of truffle to sweeten the deal! Credit: The Selby

Laurent André, chef from Le Royal Monceau Credit: The Selby

Chef Renald Epie's dish adorned with black caviar Credit: The Selby

A celebration of summer berries, so beautiful Credit: The Selby

The star of the show, Dom Pérignon's Rosé 2003 Credit: The Selby

It's a hard knock life...Todd Selby Credit: The Selby

Many hours of hard work and bottles of champers later! Mission accomplished Credit: The Selby

Stay tuned for more foodie encounters in London

Thanks for reading!

xGourmand

Sal-mon, mon

Here's a quickie from me,

I've just discovered this video from Freunde von Freunden, a great little site documenting people (often creatives...when will scientists have their moment?) and their homes, sort of like The Selby Deutsche style. 

This clip documents the life of Ole-Martin Hansen; salmon-smoker, Norwegian, dapper gentleman.  He is chipping away in North London running the business, Hansen & Lydersen that specializes in smoked salmon. He uses a traditional Norwegian recipe that has been passed down through the generations since 1923 (cheers, great grandpop). It warms my heart ;)

Hello Sailor: Hansen at the entrance to his fishy abode. Photo credit: T Magazine, NY Times

The film is directed by Nikolaj Belzer  and very reminiscent of Jiro Dreams of Sushi which I wrote about a little earlier this year (see here). The clip is accompanied by tinkering piano music (composed by Edvard Grieg) and lush shots of salmon fillets (naturally!) and 'the process', which look amazing y'all. The salmon is sourced specially from Denmark's Faroe Islands, a positively  idyllic location to set-up-farm. Everything coming out of London these days makes me miss it even more!

Gosh, could you imagine? Other salmons should just go now. Where to? Nobody knows. Photo credit: Maltby St Market

The film continues on to show us Hansen's home, literally a cabin built upstairs from his manufactory. It's much like a timber bunker/Scandinavian sauna if you ask me! It's nice being able to scamper up to the roof though and take scope of things (meditative, I know!). Take note of his boots by the way - I want a pair haha! His accent is also very endearing, Ole pronounces salmon "sal-mon" and kiln "killen", very sweet. Hansen philosophizes about achieving one's dream(s) and being the best at what you do. It's something to be immensely proud of, being 'trusted' in your craft. 

Badge of Honour: the business logo, where salmon is king. Right: smoked salmon on sourdough with creme fraiche and dill - a little taster Ole sells at the markets. P.S. one of my most FAVOURITE lunches/snacks in the world. Photos: T magazine, NY Times

Londoners and foodie tourists alike can flock to find Ole's salmon at Maltby Street Market and eateries such as Gail's (much like Bills here in Oz), Nopi (by Yotam Ottolenghi, one of my Bri-ish food heros) and the Albion caff (Shoreditch, read: too 'trendy' for words). I think I've given Mr Hansen a plug and a half - enjoy the video!

Left: salt curing salmon with salt sourced from Guérande, France and Right: Juniper smoking chips Photos: T Magazine, NY Times

In case I've left you wanting more, there's also a 3 minute sound byte that Ole has recorded for Todd, 'The' Selby. Check it here.

And finally! Todd asks Ole...

Thanks for reading! x

A Mostly Latin Lunch by The Selby

Here's a nice 7 minute culinary diversion for you...
Filmed in the distinctive style of Todd Selby, a pioneer in interior design photography and portraits of creative/famous folk; this themed lunch is hosted by NYC chef Ignacio Mattos and his family including Paco, his baby son with blazing eyes (see for yourself). Other guests are David Tanis (cookbook author) and chefs Fernando Aciar and Pam Yung. It makes for a very professional outfit whipping up just a "casual" lunch. Looks bloomin' amazing if you ask me...

Ignacio's Mostly Latin Lunch, A Selby Film. Presented by T, The New York Times Style Magazine from the selby on Vimeo.

The menu included Piexe com Banana (seabass stew with fried bananas), farofa (an intriguing side dish with cashews, aromats and Yuca flour), salad of onions, radish and avocado and Farofa Doce (dessert of lime sherbet, coconut mousse and grilled pineapple). These were accompanied by starfruit caipirinhas (love that word) - a Brazilian classic! Anyway, the whole shebang looks peachy perfect for a summer's day. Too bad it's about -5 'round these parts at the moment.

It is a Selby tradition to have his subjects draw or hand write their answers to interview questions but on this occasion we're made privy to the recipes. HaHA!

Looks like food fun-times ahead! I love the hand painted elements to the clip, the watercolours give this film a vibrancy that suits it to a 'T'. I look forward to Selby's second book release in October, Edible Selby which is dedicated to the shoots he's done at restaurants/kitchens like with chef Inaki Aizpitarte of Le Chateaubriand in Paris (no. 15 in the World's 50 Best Restaurants) and providores Mast Brothers Chocolate in Brooklyn.

The Edible Selby began as a foodie spin-off but now caters to the old school book lovers (of which I am one). The cover features Eric Werner chef-owner of Hartwood in Tulum, Mexico. Image poached from Hype Beast

Thanks for reading! M.