Entrepreneurs Lisa and Andrew Brooke secured the rights to distribute ‘Chocolate in a Bottle’ in the Australian and New Zealand market. The duo spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series – talking exceptional wines, memorable meals and what drinks tick all the boxes.
They will be showcasing Chocolate in a Bottle at the Good Food and Wine Show in Melbourne from May 30 to June 2 at MCEC.
MY CITY
We live in the northern suburbs of Wollongong – where the escarpment meets the sea. It has beautiful beaches, wonderful bushland, walking trails and a great community. When I’m coming back from the hustle and bustle of Sydney and I turn down the Grand Pacific drive at Bald Hill for home, I immediately feel relaxed.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
That’s really hard as I’ve been lucky enough to eat at some pretty incredible places around the world. Two dishes stand out, first a spaghetti aioli and glass of Sangiovese at Villa Campestri, a hotel and restaurant perched on a Tuscany hillside, it was simple but perfect. In Florence we also ate a great meal of braised rabbit, tomato and olive stew with pane di casa – it was so delicious that it remains on my mind until this day. Italy’s gastronomy is no doubt one of the best in the world.
FAVOURITE BAR
My favourite bar would be the one at home, where my husband, Andrew Brooke, makes Espresso Martini the way I like it with Mr Blacks or Quick Brown Fox, Cognac instead of vodka and coffee beans from Division Zero a local Wollongong roaster. We’ve had a lot of fun creating cocktails over the years and have come up with some great ones with Chocolate in a bottle. Here’s one. The ReMarkable – build in balloon glass over ice 30mls Frangelico, 30ml fresh lime, 80-100ml Chocolate in a bottle, stir and garnish with a slice of lime, refreshing and delicious.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Champagne or Sparkling Wine, especially a cold bottle of Chocolate in a Bottle. Always the life of the party. Bubbly, joyful, and effortlessly charming. A companion for any celebration, radiating fun, and an inclusive spirit that brings people together. Ready to toast to every moment, big or small.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
The best way to cure a hangover is to drink in moderation; however, drinking lots of water while consuming alcohol and before going to bed goes a long way to help with hangover relief.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Sails at Noosa would be top restaurant and place for a drink, we really enjoyed their modern Australian cuisine in a quiet but stylish spot with an incredible 3-storey wine cellar.
OVERSEAS BAR
Chateau de la Chèvre d’Or – in the hilltop village of EZE, France, offering mouth-watering food, wine and drinks, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline. It’s a must-do when visiting the south of France.
FAVOURITE WINE
I think good wine should always be enjoyed with family and friends and have had so many incredible wines if different settings, countries, occasions it’s hard to say absolute favourite, but a recent stand out was from McLaren Valley, Coriole Vineyard: 2021 WILLUNGA RESERVE 1920 SHIRAZ – enjoyed with a superbly cooked filet.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Had an incredible experience in Apulia, Italy visiting Terre di San Vito an unforgettable wine tasting which featured gorgeous farm grown and made Italian specialities, worth a visit. Back in OZ in the rolling hills of Barossa Valley, Hentley farms SA fabulous wine, really enjoyed there grenache and lastly a little closer to home, Dawning Days in NSW, this family-owned winery makes some of the best wine in the region, in my opinion.
NEXT DESTINATION
USA – some work, some play, visiting family and friends. We are excited to immerse ourselves in the food and culture that the US has to offer in this upcoming trip.
https://goodfoodshow.com.au/melbourne
