Tom Aikens: Food Spy

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I tried Armand de Brignac Champagne Rosé last week, which has just launched in the UK. It is produced entirely by hand by the award-winning Cattier family, who have owned champagne vineyards since 1763. The champagne is created by traditional, lowvolume methods in a complex process called assemblage, where white wine is blended with a small proportion of red wine pressed from the old grapes of Pinot Noir vines grown in Champagne specifically for rosé champagne. It is ideal as an aperitif, or served with fish and fruit-based puddings. Armand de Brignac is stocked at both Harrods and Selfridges, at £250 per bottle.

Effortless Eating is a great food service offering home-cooked, seasonal food, delivered directly to your door. The range includes freshly prepared starters, main courses, side dishes, puddings, canapés and tea-time treats. The main dishes are prepared in ovenproof dishes that can go directly from oven to table as if you have made it yourself. I tried the chicken breasts stuffed with wild mushrooms and sage, wrapped with smoked bacon, £8.75 (main course dishes from £8.20 per person), followed by rhubarb and ginger crumble with vanilla custard, £6.50 (4-6 portions, £28), and it was all excellent. It's a brilliant secret to know about: great-tasting food delivered when you want it and ready to be heated and eaten when you want. A life-saver if you're short of time and inclination (020 7341 0914; www.effortless-eating.com).

Le Creuset products have always been favourites with chefs. The latest addition to its range is a sleek black stirfry pan (£85), with a reinforced, nonstick interior and exterior (making it not only easy to use, but easy to clean), and it even has 'stay cool' stainless-steel handles. No matter what heat source you cook on, including the latest induction hobs, or even an open fire, it will be a pan that lasts. We have various Le Creuset pans in the kitchen at work, and they always last, despite being dropped and bashed about constantly. They are amazingly durable and tougher than any other pans (www.lecreuset.co.uk).