Ron Zacapa – Roux at the Pembury

Last week we were kindly invited to a very special event by the lovely people at Ron Zacapa. What made the invite even more interesting was that the event was to take place at Roux at the Pembury.
Roux is a restaurant/bar, located in Westminster and run by none other than Michel Roux Jr.

From this information alone, we knew we were in for a good night of food and drink. The evening consisted of 5 courses of canapés that had been created with Ron Zacapa in mind. For every canapé we had, naturally there was a different Ron Zacapa Cocktail to accompany the food.

We arrived on time and were kindly shown upstairs to the Roux bar. The bar is new to the Pembury and is decorated with chesterfield couches and gives the sense of a private members bar, but without the extraordinary member’s fee. We were told that the bar is open Monday to Friday and is perfect for pre-drinks, post drinks, or just drinks in general.

If you are familiar with Michel Roux Jr, you’d know that he isn’t one to hire a local bar man from Wetherspoons to be in charge of making cocktails. (Not that there is anything wrong with Wetherspoons)

The bar manager for Roux is Abdulai Kpekawa. With over 7 years of bar work under his belt, we knew we were going to be looked after.

The evening began with an introduction from Michel himself welcoming us to his establishment as well as explaining the order of the evening and how the tastings will work.

He explained a bit about the restaurant and the bar as well as giving us some insight into how he decorated the bar and the look he was going for.

Michel even took the time to share his sadness with us that it is such a big shame we are unable to light up a cigar while enjoying a drink (a pain we know all too well)

We also had the pleasure of Daniel Dove, Ron Zacapa’s UK Brand Ambassador who talked to us about the rum and what we could expect from the drinks that evening.

There were 5 courses in total with a drink selected for each course to perfectly complement the canapé.

To kick the evening off, we were given a Zacapa Cerveza as a welcome drink which was amazing. It was a cocktail made of Ron Zacapa, lime, beer and honey syrup with a malt and nutmeg foam. As you can imagine it almost like a dessert but still had the flavours of a great cocktail.

Onto the first course and some ‘Virgin honey’ and beetroot cured Loch Duart salmon. At this point the party in my mouth had already started. The sweet virgin honey really made the dish stand out and created a great sweet after taste.

Paired with a Mayan Martini consisting of Ron Zacapa, Gewürztraminer wine and orange bitters we were off to a good start.

For the Second course we were treated to XO braised shin of beef and root vegetables roasted with ‘virgin honey’ paired up with a Quetzaltenango Fizz. By now the flavours coming through were incredible and the beef was perfectly cooked, and once again the Virgin honey created such a great after taste.

By now we were starting to get full up and then out came the third course, a rum and raisin tiramisu. Not being a big fan of raisins I was reluctant at first to try it, however the dessert was incredible. The raisins were so fresh, it was like I was eating grapes, and I didn’t want the tiramisu to end.

Paired up with an Altocumulus Daiquiri (Ron Zacapa, yuzu juice, Pedro Ximénez and honey) the party was in full effect in my mouth and the flavours I had experiences were like none I had experienced before.

Just when I thought I couldn’t fit in anymore food, out came the Coffee, vanilla and Solera 23 macaroon along with a glass of Land of the Trees (Ron Zacapa, Grand Marnier®, Noilly Pratt and kaffir lime leafs)

Followed but Cheese and pickle served with what was my favourite drink of the night a glass of Ron Zacapa XO served neat!

Topped off with polite conversation and plush surroundings, the night was a perfect evening and a great opportunity to sample the different sides of Ron Zacapa and how this rum is here to stay.
Just from what I sampled, I’m 100% sure I’ll be checking out the restaurant very soon.

Overall, the evening was fantastic and was a great chance for Ron Zacapa so show us the quality of the rum and how the rum can be perfectly matched.

Cut the Cap walked away setting 3 missions that night:

1 – To get a bottle of Ron Zacapa to review with a cigar.

2 – To return to Roux for dinner.

3 – To learn how to cook using rum.

We are pretty sure we can master the first 2 but watch this space.

May Fair Hotel Puts The Heat Back Into Cigar Smoking

I started this site over a year ago with the intention of removing the stereotypes associated with cigar smoking and that its not all about a stuffy room decorated with rich mahogany and filled with middle aged men like a secret society.

Today it seems The May Fair Hotel joins me in a quest to break those barriers and encourage people to start smoking cigars as a great sociable activity.
This spring the hotel opens the “The Cigar Room at The May Fair”.

Designed to be the best COSA (cosy, outdoor smoking area) in London, the newly created Cigar Experience will offer the finest Cuban cigars from Hunters & Frankau, plus exclusive products on the smoking menu unique to the May Fair.
What makes this smoking area different from the hundreds other in London you ask? Well let me tell you!

They are turning the concept of cigars on its head and burning the rule book to create a more feminine experience’ through the use of cutting edge and stimulating design.

Plans are in place for “hanging gardens” and striking chain mail clad walls. Live fireplaces will also add to the theatre of the space in colder months keeping you warm enough to enjoy a fine Cuban outside.

Individual humidors will be provided, so that smokers can leave their Cigars in perfect condition for future enjoyment. I’m sure there will be a cost associated with this, but if you like the ambience which I’m sure you will form what we are hearing, then why not.

To give the COSA an extra layer of perfection, the newly appointed Cigar Concierge will invite smokers to trial new brands and latest releases with experts who will talk through the specific qualities and tastes of each, making cigar smoking available for experts and beginners.

So you have the cigars, you have the location, now you need the drink pairing.

We are told The May Fair will have the finest Cognacs, Armagnacs and high end single malts joined by a Martini trolley and vintage champagnes from the hotel’s bar “150 at the May Fair”.

Just from looking at their menu I can see that a Red Rum cocktail would make a good choice for a cigar. Using Havana Club Anejo 7 year old rum, mixed with watermelon and honeydew melon I can imagine this being a good choice to pair up with a nice cigar.

The hotel will also offer a tasting package and expert advice from Masters of each spirit to add to the sipping pleasure of guests.
Anthony Lee, General Manager (and the guy you need to know) explained:

“Staying at the May Fair is all about a blend of experiences unique to our hotel,”
He also went on to say “With the Cigar Room we are creating somewhere our guests can feel relaxed and at ease while indulging in their passion for fine cigars.

“When we launched, the May Fair transformed and made five star luxury inclusive. Now we will do something similar for cigar smoking; banishing the gentleman’s club atmosphere and catering for women, the stylish and successful and, of course, the more traditional cigar connoisseur.”

Sounds like a man with a plan. With so many cigar bars offering the same atmosphere around Central London, it seems the May Fair could be the new spot to find me after work for a cocktail and a cigar.

What also makes the idea of the terrace even better is that they are targeting females more than males, which means you can take your partner for some cocktails while you puff away. (everyone’s a winner)

Cut the Cap will be planning a visit once the COSA opens in spring 2012, but in the meantime, keep clicking over to http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk for more information.
Check them out on Twitter here @themayfairhotel

The hotel has had some great guest stay there in the past from 50 cent to Roger Sanchez to Paris Hilton. Check out their YouTube channel here. http://youtube.com/themayfairhotel

And remember to subscribe to Cut The Cap so you can be the first to know when we review the cigar room.

New Full Length Ciroc Advert

Today I also have the full length Ciroc advert which was recently filmed in Vegas. I posted the mini ad the other day but today I have the full 4 minute version.

The video stars Diddy, Matt Goss, Frank Vincent as well as many other famous actors.

It’s more like a short movie than a advert and sums up Vegas for me perfectly. From landing to cheering the sunrise (except I flew with Virgin rather than a private jet)

It excited me on so many levels, especially as in 10 days I’ll be in Vegas in my 3 piece suit sipping Ciroc exactly like this video.

And to top it off, the track used in the video is one of my favourite Frank Sinatra songs, ‘Luck be a Lady’

Anyway, enough about me, enjoy:

Operation: Russian Standard Vodka Party in Canary Wharf

Location: Canary Wharf Ice Rink, London
Date: 18th November 2011
Target: Drink as much Russian Standard Vodka as possible
Mission Status: Successful

Report Notes:
Last night cut the cap we’re invited to a very exclusive event taking place at Canary Wharf to announce the partnership with Russian Standard Vodka and Canary Wharf’s Ice Rink….who are we to refuse?

We donned our hats and scarves and jumped on the Jubilee line ready for an evening of entertainment.

Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed with RSV ladies handing out what can only be described as a fishbowl full of cocktail, giving me the feeling of James Bond.

Not quite James Bond!

The Ice Rink and Ice-Side bar was completely transformed to capture the magic of the Russian Circus with a ringmaster, canapés and some great performances from professional ice skaters, fire eaters and a ring master hosting the night.

The ringmaster gathered everyone back in the bar area after the show to do a traditional Russian toast where we would shout ‘Davai’ in our best Russian accent (mine went slightly Borat).

When Shots are involved you know you are in for a great night, and with canapés like Caviar, I knew I was living the life.

Neev from Kiss was spinning the tunes, the party was in full swing and all in all, it was a fantastic night.

I’ve always been a fan of Russian Standard as it’s a premium Vodka, but without the premium price. (Much better than Smirnoff which I hate)

I’m currently editing the video highlights so will post that as soon as I sober up!

Unfortunately I didn’t bring any cigars with me, but the Russian Mystique (cue Alesha Dixon impressions) was amazing. I can really see it going well with a cigar so looking forward to pairing it with a cigar in the future.

Fish sold seperately

RSV is the global leader in authentic Russian premium vodka. The Russian Standard Vodka portfolio dominates the premium segment in Russia with a 50 percent market share and sales of over 2.5 million cases in 2010 in Russia and more than 75 export markets across Europe, the U.S. and Asia. That is allot of sore heads!

Roustam Tariko, the founder of Russian Standard, introduced the flagship product, Russian Standard, in 1998 as the first authentic Russian premium vodka. Russian Standard vodkas are made with only the finest Russian ingredients, conforming to the formula for vodka established in 1894 by famed Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev for Russia’s Czars. Two years after launch, sales of Russian Standard surpassed all imported premium vodkas on the Russian market, leading to broad international expansion and the launch of Russian Standard Platinum in 2001, IMPERIA Vodka, the company’s luxury brand, in 2004, and Russian Standard Gold in 2008.

Find out more here: www.russianstandardvodka.com and get ya skates on to the Canary Wharf Ice Rink (see what I did there?)

Piccadilly Institute

This morning as I raced to work on a cold British morning, I was handed a flyer by someone dressed as a doctor. At first I thought it was info about BAPS plastic surgery (yes its real) but it wasn’t.

It was a leaflet for the newly opening nightclub called Piccadilly Institute. Said to be the next big club to hit London town, its located nicely in Piccadilly Circus (funny enough)

Doors open on 28^th February and I’ve been told via different sources there isn’t a proper smoking terrace (which is unfortunate for the cigar smokers) but I will do a full review once I’ve been so watch this space

Apparently there’s meant to be 6 themed rooms playing a variety of music from cult classics to funky house.

Doors open on 28^th February and I’ve been told via different sources there isn’t a proper smoking terrace (which is unfortunate for the cigar smokers) but I will do a full review once I’ve been so watch this space

I registered my details on their site and received a very nice email asking if I would like to come to the VIP launch on 4^th March.

Once I’ve been I will give a full review, but in the meantime, here’s some images and a video about the place. Enjoy….