FOOD + DRINK
A TASTING EVENING WITH ESPORÃO WINES AT
CAVE
CANTERBURY
WHEN STYLE MEETS PALATE-PLEASURE : CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF CULINARY CHIC WITH PAIRINGS FROM PORTUGAL .
BY OLIVIA RICCINI
Known as a true haven of sleek aesthetics and culinary prowess , since opening , Cave has been the go-to location in Kent for Instagram influencers and an assortment of celebs . Where darkness meets allure and ambience whispers tales of refined luxury , the enticement of Cave promises guests a world in which every detail is cloaked in a sultry elegance . The moment I step into the dimly lit foyer , these promises are met , and I know I am in for an evening of refined gastronomic enjoyment at a wine pairing dinner like no other .
As I walk through Cave to the Firepit restaurant , the play of shadows and highlights adds depth to the space , creating an ever-shifting canvas of visual intrigue - culture , fashion and gastronomy converge here , and it is so easy to see why . Cave ’ s upper dining room exudes an air of understated chic ; with minimalist decor of solid woods and sleek black surfaces , it is punctuated by artful accents that together whisper modernity and sophistication . A perfect fusion of dimmed lights and energetic chatter , the vibrant ambience sets the stage for an evening promising not only exquisite wines , but a journey through divine courses , tastes and textures .
Hosted by Pedro Lopes Vieira , this evening ’ s dining experience is set to demonstrate all the delectability of Esporão , the wine company of which Pedro is sales manager . One of the leading wine companies in Portugal , as well as one of the largest organic wine producers in the country , Esporão has three wineries . Spanning a huge 623 hectares of organic vineyards , they are the biggest ownership in Portugal , representing about 18 % of total organic production in the country .
The maestro at the heart of this ensemble , Pedro orchestrates a symphony of flavours , sharing with us the perfect amount of detail on each wine before we drink it . Each pour harmonises seamlessly with the culinary masterpiece that accompanies it . A curated selection of Esporão wines from three regions : Vinho Verde , the Duoro Valley and Alentejo , which are all matched with a selection of dishes created by the genius team behind Cave ’ s Firepit restaurant .
The likes of wakame , truffled ponzu and shimeji mushroom , as well as smoked duck breast with burnt orange , star anise and duck sauce are the types of dishes that demonstrate what Firepit does best : tantalisingly tender , melt-in-themouth meats , full of original flavour and celebratory on the tongue . Each dish is a harmonious duet ; a symphony elevating both the wines and the culinary offerings . To finish , we indulge in a salted caramel tart with hazelnut ice cream and nougatine tuile - in true Cave style , it arrives Instagrampost perfect and tastes just as good as it looks .
For those in search of the ultimate sensory escapade , a wine pairing night at Canterbury ’ s Cave is a must-attend event . Sipping elegance never tasted so divine .
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