I was in Oxford for a Union debate on the topic of positive discrimination (aka affirmative action). It makes news at top universities because the government is pressuring them to take more students from state schools by selectively lowering the standards required of them. I was the last speaker, so had to take it steady on the wine beforehand, which was our old friend The Riddle, a colombard chardonnay blend from SE Australia, and quite zingy.
The meal began with an artichoke soup with cheese and onion dumpling. Unusual and very tasty. Then came salmon and prawn in a dill sauce, and finally a syrup sponge pudding with custard. I declined the port. It all sustained me well until my speech. There was some excitement because the union elections were to be held next day, though it turned out that the new chairman was returned unopposed. And though we were opposed in the debate, I found myself on the winning side for the third year in a row.
Tiptree’s version of ketchup is fantastic. It’s thick and tastes of tomatoes, and the vinegar doesn’t come through too strongly either. There’s a nice balance of spice and sweetness too. The finishing touching is great: each bottle has a label on the top, this morning’s said, proudly, “Finished by Linda.”
