Romilly having fun

I've just discovered a good local wine merchant.

Two days ago I ran out of sherry for my Rabo de Buey.

Since most of the sherry finds its way into the cook, I wanted to buy a good one, but I had no time to go into town.

"Why don't you try the wine merchant on Archway road" said Alice, so I did.

It's called Zelas wines and sprits. Not only did they have an excellent bottle of Manzanilla but they also have a great online shop and local deliveries are free.

I've fallen in love with my latest toy - a tiny, shiny Sansa Clip. It's a combined mp3 player and fm radio.

The Sansa Clip is smaller and cheaper than an iPod nano and the sound quality is outstanding. Ergonomics are great, with a dedicated volume control bar on the side that I find really easy to use.

I'm very happy with the player and with the headphones that came with it. Today the Sansa 2Gb player and headphones costs less than £30 on Amazon.

The price may go up soon thanks to the weak pound. In the UK food, consumer electronics, cars are all more expensive than they were in January.

My only regret is that I didn't get the 8Gb version, which is currently £45.

Labels: music, toys

There's a lot to be said for living in Highgate.

We're lucky enough to have three local venues within as many minutes of our front door; Jackson's Lane, the Boogaloo and the Red Hedgehog.

Yesterday evening my daughter took us to the Red Hedgehog to see Paprika Balkanicus. She'd been to a Paprika concert last year, and loved the band. Since I once came back from Serbia laden with CDs by local artists, she thought I might like them too.

We had a fantastic time.

Paprika Balkanicus have an infectious and engaging energy. They take obvious delight in playing and all five of them are outstanding musicians.

Many of the audience were clearly from the Balkans. Several stunningly beautiful girls , encouraged by the band, danced wildly, and everyone who knew the words joined in the vocal numbers.

Paprika Balkanicus are about to tour Australia and New Zealand, but they will be back in April. Details are on their website. If you get a chance to hear the group, just go!

Update

If you can't wait see them you can buy their CD direct from the group. Contact them via their MySpace page.

Labels: highgate, music, paprika balkanicus, red hedgehog