Brazilian foodie-turned-author hosts book signing in Kenilworth

Brazilian foodie-turned-author hosts book signing in Kenilworth

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, Bia's Kitchen Show, cookbook, book signing, Kenilworth
Bookshop owner Judy Brook pictured with Bianca at the book signing.

Food lovers visited Kenilworth Bookshop on Saturday to meet author, chef, presenter and entrepreneur Bianca Rodrigues-Perry who was the subject of the week’s ‘Saturday Signing.’

Bianca was on hand to sign copies of her exclusive recipe book, ‘Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude,’ – and even had samples of one of the most popular recipes from the book available to try – classic Brazilian brigadeiros.

Visitors to the book signing event were also entertained by professional Coventry pianist Robert James Grey who added to the atmosphere with many of his favourite tunes on the Talisman Square community piano.

The cookbook is the first in a collection celebrating food, resilience and community being launched by Brazilian-born Bianca, who also fronts the successful Bia’s Kitchen Show on YouTube.

And every purchase makes a difference, with all profits supporting the mental health charity, Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, a cause close to the author’s heart following years of her own personal struggles.

Rooted in Bia’s own journey of overcoming personal challenges through her passion for cooking, this beautifully crafted collection invites readers to embark on a flavourful adventure. Featuring recipes from her popular online TV series – as well as some of her own creations – the book introduces some of the best independent food businesses in Warwickshire, showcasing talented chefs, nutritionists, and food artisans who bring their love of culinary art to life.

From comforting family meals to exotic dishes, the recipes in this book are both accessible and inventive, allowing home cooks of all levels to recreate the magic of these local chefs in their own kitchens.

Alongside these mouth-watering dishes, Bia shares her heartfelt story of how cooking became her path to happiness, making this book a deeply personal and uplifting read.

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, Bia's Kitchen Show, cookbook, book signing, Kenilworth
Bianca pictured with pianist Robert James Grey.

She said: “I’m so grateful for the wonderful afternoon we had at Kenworth Books. It was such a joy to meet new people, catch up with friends and family, and share stories over prosecco and homemade Brazilian Brigadeiros.

“I’m truly thankful to everyone who came along, supported, and bought a copy of my book — your kindness means so much. A big thank-you to Judy and the team at Kenilworth Books for hosting us, to the lovely representative from Mind for joining, and to the amazing pianist Rob James Grey for creating such a beautiful atmosphere.”

“It was a day filled with laughter, music, and connection — I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, Bia's Kitchen Show, cookbook, book signing, Kenilworth

Bia’s journey of reinvention began when she left behind her family and a high-flying marketing career in 2009, emigrating to Leamington from her native Rio de Janeiro as the newly married Mrs David Perry – her future now devoted to a new role as mum of three.

It was also to signal the start of a turbulent period in her life, spending much of her pregnancy in hospital with crippling sickness and battling with chronic post-natal depression and a series of health scares involving her children.

The book also includes a heartfelt dedication to her brother-in-law Oli Perry who took his own life in 2021 and has been published in his memory.

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, Bia's Kitchen Show, cookbook, book signing, Kenilworth

It’s Bia’s combined passions of cooking and entrepreneurialism that became a lifeline – even going on to win Channel Four’s Couple’s Come Dine With Me. Buoyed by her early business success running a thriving food delivery service during lockdown, it was in January last year that the Bia’s Kitchen Show brand was born.

Since then Bianca and her show, which is streamed regularly on YouTube, have won the affections of a loyal and growing UK audience, even winning the entrepreneur two national awards.

Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude is published by Birmingham-based The Book Chief and is now available for order from Bia’s Kitchen Show HERE and through Amazon HERE.

For how to make Classic Brazilian Brigadeiros follow the recipe HERE.

Visit Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind HERE.

Halloween Cocktail Recipe using Kingmaker Gin from Warwickshire Gin Company

Halloween Cocktail Recipe using Kingmaker Gin from Warwickshire Gin Company

Warwickshire Gin Company, Halloween cocktails

Distilled using a small batch method in Leamington Spa and using a traditional copper pot, the inspiration behind the award-winning drinks collection of gin, rum and vodka, comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to truly represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the hand-crafted flavours to life.

This cocktail includes WGC’s multi-award-winning Kingmaker 40% ABV gin, available to purchase in 70cl, 20cl and 5cl bottles HERE.

ZOMBIE BRAINS

Fill a shaker with 2-3 ice cubes

Add to shaker:

50ml Kingmaker Gin

Add 75ml pomegranate juice

Add a drizzle of grenadine

Add 25ml of Chambord

Shake and pour into a tumbler glass filled with mini ice

Add eyeballs to garnish

 

The story of Kingmaker Gin

The Kingmaker 40% ABV gin celebrates Richard Neville, The Earl of Warwick, using fruits of the forest, which would have been accessible and growing freely in the hedgerows of England at the time of his power. Fruits such as blackberries, elderberries, raspberries and raspberry leaf, are used to complete the Kingmaker and frankincense has been added to create a quite unique flavour.

Read the full history HERE.

Halloween Cocktail Recipe using Kingmaker Vodka from Warwickshire Gin Company

Halloween Cocktail Recipe using Kingmaker Vodka from Warwickshire Gin Company

Warwickshire Gin Company, cocktails, Halloween

Distilled using a small batch method in Leamington Spa and using a traditional copper pot, the inspiration behind the award-winning drinks collection of gin, rum and vodka, comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to truly represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the hand-crafted flavours to life.

This cocktail includes WGC’s Kingmaker Vodka which has a unique hint of frankincense to provide a regal smooth finish.

Available to purchase in 70cl bottle HERE.

VAMPIRE’S KISS

Fill a shaker with 2-3 ice cubes

Add to shaker:

75ml Kingmaker vodka

50ml lychee juice

2 pumps of cane sugar

Splash of lime juice

Shake and pour as a martini

Add grenadine in a pipette to glass

 

The Story of Kingmaker Vodka

The recipient of a IWSC Gold Award 2024, Kingmaker 41% ABV vodka celebrates Richard Neville, The Earl of Warwick.

More info HERE.

Halloween Cocktail Recipe using Ghost Rum from Warwickshire Gin Company

Halloween Cocktail Recipe using Ghost Rum from Warwickshire Gin Company

Warwickshire Gin Company, Witches Brew, Halloween cocktails

Distilled using a small batch method in Leamington Spa and a traditional copper pot, the inspiration behind the award-winning drinks collection of gin, rum and vodka, comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to truly represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the hand-crafted flavours to life.

This cocktail includes WGC’s 37% ABV Pugilist Ghost White Rum – perfectly balanced with Rosehip Peel, Rose Petals, Apple and Cherries.
More info HERE.

Available to purchase in 70cl, 20cl and 5cl bottles HERE.

WITCHES BREW

Fill a shaker with 2-3 ice cubes

Add to shaker:

50ml Pugilist Ghost Rum

50ml pineapple juice and 25ml lime juice

A tiny drizzle of Blue Curacao

One teaspoon Coconut Cream

Shake and pour into a tumbler filled with mini ice

Add dehydrated lime to garnish

The Story of Pugilist Ghost White Rum

The rum is inspired by Randolph Turpin, who went down in British boxing history for sensationally winning the World Title from the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson earning himself the memorable nickname ‘The Leamington Licker’.  Born in Leamington of Guyana heritage, Turpin became a hero overnight!

Guyanan rum spirit is being used as a base to commemorate this fabulous son of Leamington, with special Warwickshire spice blend added to create a warming, rich rum.

Warwickshire distiller promises new ‘spirits’ at Halloween experience

Warwickshire distiller promises new ‘spirits’ at Halloween experience

Warwickshire Gin Distillery, Halloween cocktails
From left: Witches Brew, Vampire’s Kiss and Zombie Brains

‘Spooky spirits’ will be satisfying visitors’ thirst for horror at a local distillery’s new Halloween-themed cocktails experience this month.

Visitors to Warwickshire Gin Company over the next two weeks can expect plenty of creepy creations as part of their Cocktails At The Distillery Experience – including the limited-edition Witches Brew, Vampire’s Kiss and Zombie Brains.

The fun seasonal recipes are made using three of the Leamington distillery’s signature drinks from the gin, rum and vodka collections. The inspiration behind the drinks collection comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to fully represent the county’s own unique story and bringing them to life.

Warwickshire Gin Distillery, Halloween cocktails

Witches Brew is made using WGC’ Pugilist Ghost White Rum as a base spirit. The rum, balanced with rosehip peel, rose petals, apple and cherries, is inspired by Randolph Turpin who went down in British boxing history for sensationally winning the World Title from the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson earning himself the memorable nickname ‘The Leamington Licker.’ Born in Leamington of Guyana heritage, Turpin became a hero overnight!

Vampire’s Kiss is made using WGC’s gold award-winning Kingmaker Vodka, inspired by the story of Richard Neville, The Earl of Warwick and containing a unique hint of frankincense to provide a regal smooth finish.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning Kingmaker Gin is central to the Zombie Brains cocktail recipe. Like the Kingmaker vodka, the gin celebrates Richard Neville, The Earl of Warwick, using fruits of the forest, which would have been accessible and growing freely in the hedgerows of England at the time of his power.

Warwickshire Gin Distillery, Halloween cocktails

Cocktails at The Distillery is one of three popular experiences offered by Warwickshire Gin Company, including their Gin Tasting and Afternoon Gin & Tea sessions.

Over two hours visitors can enjoy three cocktails of their choice from the menu as well as learn more about the distillery.

The business recently shot to the envied top spot on Tripadvisor thanks to over 165 five-star reviews from visitors. Internationally it’s also made its mark, achieving the “Travellers’ Choice Award” which puts the Warwickshire distillery in the top 10% of businesses listed in the world based on reviews.

Owner David Blick said: “Our Cocktails at the Distillery sessions have been a huge hit, and with seasonal themes we can add even more fun to the menu experience in our super relaxed environment. Hassle free with table service, guests can enjoy their evening with friends and family in our truly unique distillery space underneath the Railway Arches at Victoria Business Park.”

Visit HERE for more information.