Eat, quaff and make merry

WINE CHOICE Argentinian red Clos de Los Siete 2014, Valle de Uco (£15, Sainsbury’s) is a rich blend with abundant black-scented fruits, layers of spicy savouriness, a whisper of chocolate and a velvety smoothness.

THE great Buddha once told a dude down the pub, “Don’t bother with questions bigger than yourself,” referring to our limited time on this planet and the sheer scale of all things universal. Buddhism has always struck me as common sense – divine yet humble. And the Dalai Lama seems like he would be great craic. From winding up Rick Stein to guest judging on MasterChef, he’s always full of fun. He’s clearly a man after my own heart as he has a very keen interest in food.

Perhaps his holiness sees the simple pleasure in food: an art we all should learn. I take Sundays as sacred when it comes to time with my family. It’s those special times we need to treasure, accompanied by a good bottle of burgundy. I’d recommend both white and red; you can go upmarket if you wish and put them in separate glasses.

Food and drink brings us together. That’s how I met my wife Rachel – she still reminds me that I only tipped her a fiver. And there’s no greater place on earth in my opinion to experience nature’s larder than Scotland. Whether it’s your local pub, restaurant or shop, ask about local produce, ask what’s new and exciting.

This is what people in the food industry live for. No chef, butcher or greengrocer worth their salt would miss a chance to tell you about local produce and what they are doing with it.

So this weekend get out, eat something new and meet someone new. Who knows where it will lead? Just don’t get the two mixed up. Graham Suttle is the managing director of Kained Holdings which has nine venues, including The Finnieston and Porter & Rye in Glasgow.