by Gergana Manolova

Summer is here, and if you are looking for the perfect food to complement the leisurely atmosphere, give the new sea food menu of the Grand Hotel Sofia restaurant Shades of Red a good try. The degustation of the menu, presented by the chef Zhoro Ivanov, included mussels piquant with white wine and vegetables, king prawns with ginger and lemon, and gilt-head bream on asparagus ragout. The chef recommended classical recipes for sea food preparation to bring out the flavour and keep the dish light and healthy. Don't neglect to choose the proper wine: we all know that white is best for most kinds of fish, but red suits fatter ones such as salmon, swordfish, and red snapper. Some varieties from the new wine cellar Midalidare Estate from the village of Mogilovo, which will be officially opened in the autumn, were presented at the degustation: fresh and tasty Les Cailloux, the most sought-after Malbec & Syrah, and oak-fermented Les Amandiers Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc, all from 2009.