Tosca, ENO, October 2016

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Tosca is a classic and returns to the great stages more regularly than most operas. After writing my university dissertation on the topic and performing as the ‘Shepherd Boy’ as a child, I have a great fondness for this Puccini masterpiece. And so, when the invitation pinging into my inbox, I immediately knew I had to clear my diary for the occasion of opening night.

Tosca ENO

We took our seats (wonderfully central in the stalls) and my friend asked me to outline the narrative. I struggled to offer up anything comprehensive, despite once studying the score in detail. The truth is, this opera is not about the story so much, it is the all-consuming music which captivates the audience. For this Catherine Malfitano revival at the ENO the cast were lead by revival director Donna Stirrup and Oleg Caetani conducts the confident and boisterous orchestra.

As the overture blasted out from the pit I was instantly entranced, and the worries from the day melted away. I was relieved to see the period set as it always unhinges me a bit to see classics set in the modern day. The creative team, comprising of designer Frank Philip Schlössmann, costume designer Gideon Davey and lighting designer David Martin Jacques did a great job… setting a dramatic and atmospheric scene for the turbulent love story.

Welsh tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones reprises his role as Cavaradossi, and the part feels very safe in his hands. Gwyn’s voice is powerful with a velvety rich tone, it is a pleasure to listen to from start to finish. He is matched by the alluring American singer Keri Alkema as Tosca, whose vocals are bold and beautiful though her spoken voice is more difficult to understand. Craig Colclough is suitably gleeful and chilling as Scarpia, though the volume of his voice is rather lack-lustre in comparison to the leading couple.

This acclaimed rendition of Tosca is powerful to watch, and wonderful to feel part of. As Tosca takes her final backwards leap I felt myself breathe out.. this opera is an emotional rollercoaster, but it is a journey I always love from curtain up to lights out.

Tosca opened on Monday 3 October 2016 at 7.30pm for 13 performances – 3, 12, 14, 20, 25 October, 22, 24, 29 November, 1 December at 7.30pm, 8 October at 6.30pm, 22 October, 26 November, 3 December at 3pm.

Masseria Moroseta, Puglia

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The Puglia aesthetic is made for Instagram, and nowhere more so than Masseria Moroseta, the stunning, minimalist bed & breakfast, found on the outskirts of Ostuni. This area of Southern Italy is blessed with magical light year-round and beautiful white architecture, making it a lovely European destination to travel to out of season. I visited at the end of September, a blissful mini-break to enjoy a few last rays of sunshine before the cold British winter.

Masseria MorosetaMasseria MorosetaMasseria Moroseta

Masseria Moroseta opened this year, a quiet rural sanctuary and base for visitors wishing to explore the area. The building was designed by Andrew Trotter, who spent 3 years perfecting this elegant retreat. The white stone farmhouse is modern in decor and feel, but traditional in design, using local materials and techniques to ensure the building fits with the surroundings. Set amongst 5 hectares of organic olive trees (some of which are up to 500 years old), with a view of the distant sea.

Masseria MorosetaMasseria MorosetaMasseria Moroseta

Everything is set around the central courtyard, a salon and veranda offer a comfortable shelter from the sun, while a discreet white staircase leads to the roof terrace, the perfect place for a sunset aperitif. There is an outdoor kitchen and BBQ for al fresco dining and I imagine the large pool with deckchairs is a popular place in the heat of the summer months… I loved sitting here with a Aperol Spritz.

Masseria MorosetaMasseria Moroseta

The 6 rooms and suites and chic and stylish, pared-back luxury and a cool environment to spend time in. Where possible old-fashioned light fittings and vintage bathroom doors have been added in to add character and charm. These thoughtful additions contrast with the fresh contemporary furniture and materials used throughout. The bathroom was small but effective, with a powerful rain shower and homemade Italian toiletries.

Masseria MorosetaMasseria Moroseta

Breakfast is served each morning on the communal veranda. We were pleased to find a feast of regional fruit and cakes, yoghurt and cereal at the table accompanied with coffee and freshly made smoothies. Before there was time to be full, just-out-the-pan creamy scrambled eggs arrived with delicious roasted vegetables and toast.

I fell in love with this peaceful Puglia masseria, and found it very difficult to leave. With the destination of southern Italy rising in popularity rapidly, and Instagram filling up with photos of this picture-perfect farmhouse… I urge you to book before everyone else does!

More information and book a room here.

Michaelmas Goose Dinner at The Goring, Victoria

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The Goring is one of London’s most prestigious and regal hotels with a long and impressive history. The moment you step inside there is a feeling of British excellence and cosy luxuriousness and the staff make sure every visitor feels special. So when an invite to their annual Michaelmas dinner arrived in my inbox I cleared my diary immediately for the occasion.

Michaelmas Goose at The Goring

En route to The Goring, with my best black-tie outfit on, I did some quick research on Google, ‘What is Michaelmas?’ In short, Michaelmas is the feast of St Michael and the angels, a Christian festival celebrated on the 29th September each year. Just like the link between Christmas and the turkey, Michaelmas was always associated with goose. Sadly it is an often forgotten holiday now, unlike the American equivalent, Thanksgiving, but the Goring choose to commemorate this holiday every year with a grand meal for a few lucky attendees.

Michaelmas Goose at The Goring

The meal for twelve was served in the newly redecorated Drawing Room, a magical dining room with beautiful hand-sewn Fromenthal wallpaper designed by Russell Sage. With a glass of champagne in hand we toasted the day of Michaelmas and awaiting Michelin-starred chef Shay Cooper’s goose-inspired six course menu.

Michaelmas Goose at The Goring

The menu for the evening was as follows:

Fermented rye soup, pearl barley, goose sausage

Pressed goose terrine, truffled goose cracker, Waldorf salad

Button mushroom risotto, cured goose liver, spiced duck crumbs

Roast Coleman’s goose breast, glazed faggot, salt baked turnip, maple

Beauvale cheese, Eccles cake

Blueberry and natural yoghurt parfait, Hibiscus tea

Michaelmas Goose at The GoringMichaelmas Goose at The GoringMichaelmas Goose at The Goring

Each course was immaculately presented, carefully constructed and full of wonderfully balanced flavours and textures. The rye soup was light but creamy with a delightfully contrasting crispy topping. The terrine was decadent, with fresh slices of tart Granny Smith apple cutting through the rich taste. I loved the inventive button mushroom risotto, a light alternative to rice with an intense earthy flavour.

Michaelmas Goose at The Goring

The main event was a beautiful piece of goose breast, with a variety of vegetables. The confit goose leg was my favourite part of the dish, highly flavoured and seasoned to perfection. Goose is a hard bird to cook, and in parts it was a little tough, but the flavour more than compensated. To match each of the courses the Goring Sommelier had chosen a complementing wine, with the main course we enjoyed a glass of the rich and elegant Chateau d’Armailhac, Paulillac 5eme Cru Classe 2004.

Michaelmas Goose at The GoringMichaelmas Goose at The Goring

Before dessert we tried a delicious piece of Beauvale cheese which was paired with sweet Eccles cake. Then it was time for dessert, a light and tangy mousse with a hint of fragrant hibiscus tea, it was an absolute triumph.

Michaelmas Goose at The Goring

In case we weren’t full enough, a platter of delicate petit fours arrived to accompany the tea and coffee. I tottered home on my heels feeling like I’d just left a fairytale feast, whatever the occasion The Goring makes every visit memorable with the fine service, high quality offerings and Best of British atmosphere.

More information about The Dining Room at The Goring Hotel here.