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address: 69-73 Atlantic Road, SW9 8PU
telephone: 0208 127 8677
http://www.thecourtesan.co.uk/
Last week we were invited down to one of our dinner staples, Courtesan for a brindisi to celebrate the launch of their first female-only wine list. Through my very hazy memory (there was a lot of alcohol consumption!) their reasoning behind the launch was that they wanted to highlight the rise in female wine makers in the world. Plus apparently a trhird of women are ‘super tasters’, meaning we are the bomb when it comes to pairing up flavours. Plus as dim sum is one world’s oldest cuisines, all about decadence and flavour, what better food to pair it with. It’s also vital to note that a female chef, Fengjuan, took over the kitchen six months ago and has revitalised the dim sum based menu.
Each drink was paired with a different course. First up to greet us was a Duval Leroy Brut from France. This reminded why Champagne is so much better than 5 quid cava from Tesco, so from now on I must be fancier. For our first course we had a Granfort Chardonnay which was paired with Bean Curd Treasure Chest and Scallop and Shrimp Dumpings. Both were light and flavourful and went perfectly with the wine.
Next we had a Yealands Estae Sauviognon Blanc which was served alongside Blank Ink Dumplings and Seabass and King Prawn Dumplings. Then we moved onto red wine with a Herencia Altes L’Estel Garnatxa Negra-Syrah. This came with one of my favourite dishes, Char Siu Buns and Szechuan Style Ribs. The next red was from a vineyard called Phantom Bogle. This came with Wagyu and Rib Eye Sliders and Curry Pumpkin Buns.
We ended the evening with a glass of a sweet fizzy wine by Duval-Leroy which we downed whislt nibbling on some of their macarons and swapping stories of Brixton. By this point we were all sufficiently fed and rosy cheeked. They really know their stuff here about what wines go with which food so make sure to ask the waiters for recommendations. I’m also sure the owner Hammant would be happy to have a chat, he is such a character.
EATINBRIXTON 