Food . Travel . Lifestyle
Almost twenty-five years ago, my parents bought a large, honey coloured stone village house on the borders of three French departments; the Lot-et-Garonne, The Gers and The Landes. Three departments with extremely different culinary influences yet all exceptional in their own way.My first ever piece of food writing was for my GCSE English coursework portfolio.… Continue reading The Pheasant Philosophises in Gascony: Market Musings
After Christmas, the harsh month of January brings about a distinct need for creative culinary construction. It begins with the craving for spring. Soon after the Christmas items disappear, just as the Easter eggs start filling the supermarket shelves my heart yearns for oranges. There’s something wonderful about those Spanish oranges which conjure up the… Continue reading A Few Foodie Thoughts In The Bleak Midwinter
Every year, I do my very best to source my Christmas foods locally - and living in such a fabulously foodie area, it’s surprisingly easy to do. Restaurants place such an importance on food miles and rightly so, but it’s not just about the environmental impact, it’s about supporting those small businesses who a passionate… Continue reading Festive Goodies from The Wye Valley and The Forest of Dean
In a society of sexual equality, I often think to the past and wonder what stories lie behind others. In childhood, I was always regaled with tales of my Great Great Great Grandfather, an interesting character who had, apparently, owned an Italian Fruit Warehouse in Bath during the 1840s and 50s. As a man he… Continue reading The Pheasant Philosophises: Part 4: Queen Victoria’s Pineapple
Last weekend, Thomas of Woodstock's once splendid castle at Caldicot played host, for the second time this year, to The Monmouthshire Food Festival. In general the weather held and there were some moments of dazzling sunshine, as visitors were treated to two splendid days of food, drink, demonstrations and workshops. Although not the biggest in the… Continue reading The Monmouthshire Food Festival – Fit for a King (or the son of one anyway!)
As I mentioned in my earlier post, the stars of Abergavenny Food Festival are without doubt the producers. Whether nestling between the little booths or creating fine displays in the prestigious Market Hall, the producers have an infallible passion for food and drink which is infectious and wonderful. Most are happy to chat… Continue reading The Abergavenny Food Festival Part 2: The Producers #AFF2017
I am so proud to champion Abergavenny Food Festival. Abergavenny is just under half an hour's drive from my home in Monmouth and (perhaps I am a little biased) but I absolutely love it. It's an international festival with a wonderfully local feel; I adore the crowds, the sites, smells and of course the… Continue reading Personal Picks for Abergavenny Food Festival 2017 #AFF2017
