With Prince Harry becoming a father for the first time, I thought it only appropriate to write a guide on how to really spoil daddy on Father’s Day that would suitable for a prince.
If your dad is anything like mine, then waking him up with a fresh cup of real coffee is a really good idea. Lavazza have just brought out their latest expresso machine, the DESÉA, with a really cool design and Lavazza’s world class blend of coffee, a total winner to start Father’s Day. The latest edition to the popular A Modo Mio family, and created for a new generation of coffee lovers, the DESÉA combines clever technology and ease of use with elegant design, making it a kitchen must-have.
Retailing at £199 and with five pre-programmed milk recipes (Cappuccino, Cappuccino Large, Latte Macchiato, Hot Milk Froth and Cold Milk Froth), four different serves and an innovative One Touch Barista interface, the DESÉA offers a uniquely personalised coffee experience at the touch of a button. Equipped with superior technology, the DESÉA is the quietest A Modo Mio system coffee maker yet. It also uses the exclusive foaming method patented by Lavazza and has an alert system for simple and intuitive daily maintenance which communicates directly with consumers to ensure excellence for every cup.
www.lavazza.co.uk
If this year your dad is having a big birthday, maybe you can go the extra mile and whisk him away for the weekend to a Maserati Driving Course, giving mummy a couple of well deserved days off .
For 2019 the Master Maserati Driving Courses offer no fewer than five formats with different thrilling experiences at the wheel of Trident cars, the Maserati Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Levante models. All the courses aim at improving participants’ driving skills and style thanks to constant coaching by professional drivers in the role of instructors.
Courses are open to all enthusiasts of the Maserati world – not just to those who already own a Maserati. Four types of courses focus on circuit driving at the Riccardo Paletti track at Varano de’ Melegari, just 20 minutes from Parma. The 2.3 km circuit features the famous ‘Ferro di Cavallo’ (horseshoe) bend, which tests drivers’ skills to the full and combines outstanding technical characteristics with highly professional support facilities.
In addition to the Master Maserati Driving Courses held at Varano de’ Melegari, other formats have been created over the years at different locations, such as the Master Maserati Ice & Snow at Cortina d’Ampezzo, St Moritz and Arjeplog in Sweden (just 70 km from the Arctic Circle). These courses offer participants the chance to perfect their driving skills and appreciate Maserati cars’ outstanding performances in extreme environments with slippery road surfaces.
www.mastermaserati.com
Now, if like me, you’ve been naughty and depleted daddy’s wine cellar over the years, then who better to help you replenish it than Wine Source?
Wine Source is a global premium wine supplier. It came in to existence with the vision of providing clients with the best wines – sourced directly from top châteaux and domaines – alongside specialist consultancy from world-class trade professionals. They work closely with the world’s top hotels and restaurants, as well as directly with private clients. They cansource rare and specific vintages directly from the cellars of the most highly regarded wine producers in the world. Its team is made up of highly experienced fine wine merchants and sommeliers from Michelin-starred restaurants. For this occasion, they have helped us put together two rather exciting selections of wine.
Collection 1
1 x sparkling: Frederic Savart, Le Mont Benoit, Ecueil Premier Cru, Extra Brut 2015, £70. Silky, immaculate, very special… 95% Pinot Noir champagne.
2 x white ‘The Burgundians’: One Patrick Piuze, Chablis 1er Cru Les Butteaux 2018. £38, an intensely mineral Chablis from this cult winemaker. The other one is Domaine Pierre Morey, Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015, £21, a gorgeous white Burgundy from a ripe vintage.
3 x red ‘The Pinots Noir’: The first is Tyler, Pinot Noir ’Dierberg Vineyard Block 5’, Santa Maria Valley 2015, £37. An elegant, ethereal Pinot Noir by Justin Willett, one of the most exciting winemakers in all California. The second is Weingut Knipser, Spätburgunder Burgweg, Grosses Gewächs, 2014, £38. ‘Grosses Gewächs’ is the German ‘Grand Cru’ – acclaimed Pinot from one of the Pfalz’s finest estates. Finally, Philippe Pacalet, Nuits-St-Georges 2014, £60, a seriously good red Burgundy from a bold, progressive, bon vivant winemaker.
Collection 2
1 x sparkling: Champagne Eric Rodez, Blanc de Noirs, Grand Cru NV, £40. A flagship cuvée from the godfather of Champagne, Eric Rodez.
2 x white ‘The Sauvignons’: Our first choice is Domaine Gitton, Sancerre ‘Galinot’ 2016 £30, simply excellent Sancerre from one of the finest vineyards in the region. The second is Massican, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2017, £23, a different take on Sauvignon Blanc – cool, delicious and dry.
3 x red ‘Bordeaux style’: First, Château Quinault L’Enclos, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2014, £36, a classic Bordeaux from a superb vintage, made by the Château Cheval Blanc team. Second, Normandie Estate 1693, Eisen & Viljoen, Paarl 2013, £45, a rich, layered Cabernet-Merlot blend from a beautiful South African estate. Last, The Mascot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012, £90, a super California Cabernet with superb pedigree from the venerable Harlan family.
www.wine-source.com
If dad is feeling peckish, why not take him to the Perrier Jouet Champagne bar at Harrods? Located on the 4th floor, it runs the full length of the South West Side of the world’s most famous department store. I usually start with Harrods’s hand picked oysters, or if I am feeling really naughty their house caviar. Being Father’s Day, I suggest you have it all and order one of their divine Seafood Platers. At £75, the Moyen is great if it is just the two of you sharing, but if you are making this a family affair, then do order the Grande. Sadly, the platters do not come with caviar, so I would order a little as an extra treat.
www.harrods.com
Open 11.30am – 20.00 Monday to Friday and till 18.00 Saturday & Sunday.
This may not be for all men, but I am in love with Lalique’s first ever men’s jewellery collection. Following on the success of its sublime cufflinks, Lalique brings L’Homme Alpha, a collection that plays on a striped motif, with a satin and repolished finish – signature work of the House – which perfectly highlights the graphic lines of the black crystal motif with its contrasting matte and brilliant effects. This collection features three sterling silver jewels (pendant, ring and bracelet) and two accessories in palladium-plated metal (tie clip and cufflinks) to introduce this definitely masculine new chapter. With more men wearing more than just a watch and signet ring, why should Mummy have all the fun?
Last, don’t forget to take your father to have his shoes shined at the Burlington Arcade, one of the world’s most iconic, luxury shopping arcades, which this year celebrates its 200th anniversary. While dad is getting his shoes done, you could venture into Ladurée to buy a scrumptious box of macaroons, which he could enjoy at home, while reading the Sunday papers.
Show Comments +