Friday, 26 July 2013

Vallet Freres

L'Autre Pied hosted a wine tasting evening last night, celebrating the Burgundy wines of Vallet Freres. I am rather taken with beef short rib,  having my own secret slow cooking recipe. Imagine my pleasure in having it on last night's menu, complimented by the Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru 'Les Gazetiers' 2005. Get a bottle or indeed a crate.

JohnJ

Tuesday, 23 July 2013

Rawlinson Necromantic Manuscript

This was one of four magical works that Alan Garner referenced at the Bodleian Library before writing "The Weirdstone of Brisingamen" . I like the illustration of the magical pentagram. Look at it closely and you can find some weird associations. Rolling thunder and lightning flashes as I write, I'm sure are coincidental! Definitely a disciple connection!



JohnJ

Monday, 22 July 2013

Alan Garner

I am half way through "The Weirdstone of Brisingamen" . Strictly research for my grand children you understand! My mind on eerie creatures across Alderley Edge, I didn't see a dawn thunderstorm sneaking up behind me and Patch. A fiery flash followed by Thor's hammer focussed my mind. Primeval forces are alive and well in rural Oxfordshire. Magicae, regit!

Sunday, 21 July 2013

Magical Books

The Bodleian has an exhibition highlighting the work of four of her famous sons and one daughter. Literary geniuses who have stamped their marks on Magical Tales for children. Their work inspirational,  their names as legendary as some of their stories. Worth a visit just to see some of Tolkien's illustrations. I paused a while in the Lamb and Flag to reaquaint myself with Alan Garner's "The Weirdstone of Brisingamen"

Empathic accuracy

Mine has been working overtime. I received the anticipated communication! That was the easy part. I have often pondered whom barriers protect,  the donor or recipient. No matter, Oxford is where the real and unreal jostle in the streets, according to Peter Pullman. I like his ambition, "to tell stories in a way that makes them seem as if they have never been told" . Perhaps it never happened, just a figment, with the ability to engender powerful passions! Self protection would seem appropriate!

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

Supper at Emmaus

The National Gallery has Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus. I like the idea of two disciples of Jesus dining, with a stranger, not initially realising the identity of their third companion. Perhaps it's because the stranger doesn't have a beard.  The breaking of bread presumably helps the two disciples make the connection. The inn keeper is left oblivious! I liked the detail of the food on the table, particularly the chicken!


There's a subliminal message in the painting. Jesus sits at supper with those who believe in Him, while it is of no matter to those who don't. But, my addition is that since they also serve who only stand and wait, God will take care of the atheists, too!

JohnJ

Saturday, 13 July 2013

C S Lewis

Everyone of my generation knows where they were when Jack died. Except it was another Jack. One JFK. I was in the aptly named Hope Street in Liverpool, the road that links the two cathedrals.

The Bodleian in Oxford has an Inkling exhibition this summer. Well worth a visit, then pause a while for reflection in the "baby" pub!

JohnJ

Friday, 12 July 2013

L'Autre Pied

TASTING MENU AT L'AUTRE PIED RESTAURANT

Ceviche of Hand Dived Scallops with Black Quinoa, Creme Fraiche, Radishes, Fennel and Dill
2012 Bodega Loxarel ‘Cora’, Penedes, Spain

Salad of Heritage Tomatoes with Dried Olives, Onion Jam, Balsamic and Belper Knolle
2011 Klein Constantia, Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa

Grilled Mackerel and Tartare with Hazelnuts, Apple Tapioca, Celery and Miso
2008 Château Béla, Riesling, Slovakia

Poached Megrim Sole with Gem Lettuce, Broad Beans, Peas and Mint
2012 Gaia ‘Wild Ferment’ Assyrtiko, Santorini, Greece

Roe Deer cooked in Cocoa and Juniper, Black Pudding,
Beetroot and Watercress
2000 Massaya ‘Gold Selection’ Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Gariguette Strawberries with Coconut, Yoghurt and Passion Fruit
Staete Landt, Riesling Auslese,New Zealand 2009


Superb meal, attentive service, current menu as above.  L'Autre's excellent sommelier Renato Della Corte chose the wines for me. We decided on adventurous. I was particularly impressed with the 2000 Massaya. A wine that I would never have considered on my own. 

Thursday, 11 July 2013

David Miliband

Had a chat with David Miliband tonight. Powerful intellect, very supportive of his brother. I hope he has a successful tenure as CEO of the International Rescue Committee. Somebody said she thought he might subsequently be part of Hilary Clinton's future campaign for President. Interesting thought!

JohnJ

Eureka

Complex bit of coding has been eluding me for a month. I want to improve the viewing experience of the taster for my book Twins Secret. I think I have just sorted it out!

JohnJ

July Taster

Just got a web presence, johnjohara.com

To compliment it I will write something here regularly.

I hope you enjoy it.