A fine Gin for March

I was researching recently for a new Gin. It was supposed to be a Gin for lady friend, so was looking up gin gifts when I seen this page:

www.thegiftcouncil.com/gifts-for-gin-lovers

They talked very highly of Mare Gin which is a gin I had never tried. I thought that before buying my lady friend it was only right that I try myself, so I went ahead and ordered myself a large bottle and some good tonic to wash it down with.

I must say I found this to be an exceptional gin. The taste was so much sweeter than what I am used to in previous gins. I have been drinking mostly rum through the winter but with spring on the horizon I fancied something a little more fresh and this really hit the mark.

I have a new smoke for March which I will write about next week. It has been a great combination.

Smoke of the month – My Father

I have been smoking Viaje’s a lot lately, I really like them, but as it’s a new year (well nearly) I thought that maybe I should try a new smoke. I had heard a lot about ‘My Father Don Pepin Garcia’ cigars so went in to my local Krakow tobaconist to try it out.

This smoke is from Nicaragua but creates by a very good Cuban maker, Mr Garcia.

It is a thick and full bodies smoke, I enjoyed it thoroughly. There is a definite nut note to it as well as hints of oak and cocoa. It’s a very dry texture but is still smooth as silk.

I will smoke this for February. Next month – something new.

Best Krakow Restaurant

Introligatornia Smaku Restaurant

Without doubt this is my favourite restaurant in Krakow. I have spent many evenings here eating the best food and drinking the best wine.

Most recently I visited with a group of friends who were visiting from England. The restaurant get’s very busy so it’s important to book in advance.

The menu is extensive and has everything from Polish to some really top end fine dining plates. Not that the Polish dishes are not high end, they are certainly refined more than usual Polish dishes.

I like to start with the dumplings filled with cod. These are not like mother makes dumplings but more like pies or pasties. They taste great, I cannot get enough of these. My friends ordered prawns and a small pasta dish which were also very delishes.

My main dish was the very best. I ordered beef cheek – which must have been cooked for days because it was so tender and delishes. It comes with buckwhete and lentils which come together for a very impressive dish.

This was all washed down with a beautiful Rioja, I cannot remember the name of this, but I have never had a bad wine from Smaku, so you can order without worry.

My friends are always shocked in this restaurant when the bill comes because it is so cheap. Poland is cheap but has become more expensive over the years, but I am yet to visit a restaurant in Europe that has food of this quality at this price.

www.introligatorniasmaku.pl/