2009 André Simon Awards

Joanna Simon with the winning book – Collio by Carla Capalbo. Julian Cotterell, chair of the André Simon trustees, looks on

Some photos from last night's presentation of the 2009 awards. Joanna Simon was the assessor for the drink books, while Jill Norman assessed the food books.

The shortlisted drink and food books

Jill Norman with Darina Allen (winner of the 2009 food book award with the Forgotten Skills of Cooking)

 The two assessors: Jill Norman and Joanna Simon

Chris Foulkes and Carrie Seagrave + Joanna Simon

Darina Allen is organising a grandmothers' cooking day on 25th April – a chance for grandparents to share their cooking skills with their grandchildren. Details here.

Prior to the presentation I caught up with Chris Foulkes and Carrie Seagrave, who are working on Jasper Morris' book on Burgundy that is due out in October. It will cover all of Burgundy with the exception of the Beaujolais.

André Simon Awards 2009 + a warning

The winners of the 2009 André Simon Awards were announced at presentation in the Goring Hotel, Victoria in central London this evening.

Winner of the best wine book 2009 was: Collio by Carla Capalbo, Pallas Athene

Winner of the best food book 2009 was: Forgotten Skills of Cooking by Darina Allen, Kyle Kathie

The special prize was awarded to Richard Wrangham's Catching Fire,  Profile Books

**

Curiously a number of writers received the following message purporting to come from Michael Edwards, who was one of the shortlisted authors for the André Simon Award:

'Hi,

How you doing? I  made a trip to Milan (Italy) unannounced some days back, Unfortunately i got mugged at gun point last night! All cash, Credit card and phones were stolen, i got messed up in another country, stranded in Milan, fortunately my passport was back in my hotel room.  It was a bitter experience and i was hurt on my right hand, but would be fine. I am sending you this message cos i don't want anyone to panic, I want you to keep it that way for now!my return flight leaves in 3 days time but I’m having troubles sorting out the hotel bills, wondering if you could loan me some money to sort out the hotel bills and also take a cab to the airport about (1200.00euro). I have been to the police and embassy here, but they aren't helping issues, I have limited means of getting out of here,I canceled my cards already and made a police report, I won’t get a new card number till I get back home! So I really need your help.
I don't have a phone where i can be reached. please let me know immediately,would definitely refund it to you once I arrive
Hope to hear from you soon
Thanks for your help
Michael.'

This is a scam Michael is in London. Don't reply to the email – delete it.

Busy week: 2009 André Simon Awards + Christophe Daviau + France under one roof

 

2008 winning drinks book Ciderlands by James Crowden

I've a busy week ahead starting with the presentation of the 2009 André Simon Awards tomorrow night. These annual awards are for the best food book and the best drinks book. Details here. Results should be up on Jim's Loire on Tuesday.

 

Christophe Daviau

Then the following night Christophe Daviau (Domaine de Bablut, Brissac-Quincé in Anjou) will be presenting a selection of his wines during a tasting-dinner at the RSJ Restaurant. There are still a few places left, so for reservations call Tom King on 020-7928 4554.   

Then Wednesday it's the big 'France under One Roof tasting – still if French wine sales in the UK continue to drop dramtically it will soon be France in a telephone kiosk! From a quick look at the catalogue there will be some intersting things to taste particularly from Les Caves de Pyrène and also a chance to see how the Domaine Fouassier wines are coming along as the estate is in coversion to biodynamics. There are also the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Ambassadors. Otherwise the Loire offering is mainly from the larger companies, so this will be a good opportunity to taste them without the distraction of being lured away to try wines from interesting small producers.