St James's Talisman Sampling Night
What a wonderful night.
Thursday 13th October was the date of our St James’s Talisman sampling evening. Luxury was the idea, and we have no doubt it resonated on every level for the guests. Taste, smell, hearing, touch and sight were all in full use in a variety of ways. Whether it was. The delectable menu at St Jacques, The Rémy Martin and Catena Zapata on the nose and the palette, Brand ambassadors detailing their product to the guests, The perfect hand-feel of the Cohiba Talisman after five years of aging, Or the sight of all guests and ambassadors sitting around the table for supper with Richard, Everyone was immersed into what cigars, cognac, wine and gastronomy should feel like at a high level.![](https://www.jjfox.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Talisman-collage-edit.jpg)
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The Menu:
Soufflé au Roquefort en 2 cuissons et cassolette de cèpes(v)
Roquefort double baked soufflé with ceps mushroom cassolette
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Saumon fumé d’Ecosse, câpres et échalottes
Smoked salmon with capers, chopped shallots and horseradish cream
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Magret de canard rôti, purée de chou rouge et gratin Dauphinois
Roasted duck breast, red cabbage purée and Dauphinois potatoes
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Panier de légumes automne mousse de graines de lin et courge(v)
Autumn vegetables basket with linseed and pumpkin foam
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Crème brûlée à la vanille
Vanilla crème brûlée
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Assiette de fromages affinés
Selection of cheeses
Sat at one end of the table was Ken Silverio, Brand Ambassador for Catena Zapata (also, an excellent cigar specialist). He spoke in his typically eloquent style, as he romanced about Catena Zapata as a brand and the wines we paired with the supper. We started with the cold and crisp Catena Alta Chardonnay 2019, a reliable match with the choice of first course Richard presented. Days before the event, Ken let it be known that the combination of Duck breast and the Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2019 is a perfect match, and he was proved to be absolutely correct. Providing a three-litre jeroboam bottle and a few more 70cls of the Malbec Argentino, guests always had wine in their glass while they enjoyed the succulent roasted duck main, immaculately prepared by Richard. The staff at St Jacques exemplified the high reputation of the restaurant. Delivering amazing service to our guests, we were grateful to be hosted by a real dedicated team that upholds the standards of reputation and professionalism of St Jacques. And to end the night was a very special addition to the wine menu. The Catena Zapata Saint Felicien Semillon Doux 2012 - a dessert wine as delicious as a sweet muscat – is one of their lines they don’t generally ship to the UK and if found over here it would be a rare find. The golden liquid was a perfect way to end a wonderful evening.
![](https://www.jjfox.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Cohiba-Talisman-11-edit.jpg)