What a treat! We've just returned from a weekend at The Angel Hotel, which is the heart of the Abergavenny Food Festival - an annual two day event attracting over 30,000 visitors. Highlights included talks by: Bruno Loubet, Jose Pissaro, Bill Granger and the Professor who advises Heston Blumenthal and a debate chaired by Sheila Dillon about markets vs supermarkets. It somehow raised a lot of issues but failed to reach the conclusion that they are the consequence of the demise of the food culture in the UK amongst other social changes since WW2 (industrialisation, urbanisation, growth of supermarkets, women working, loss of small retailers on the high street, importance of price over quality etc). It was pretty good though!
We ate at The Angel twice and I had the same meal twice, it was so delicious the first time: a super-food salad of quinoa, avocado, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, feta and cucumber. Yummy. We also ate at the Clytha Arms, which is a CAMRA pub of the year winner. We had a homely meal in a lovely bar with dogs, board-games, and men playing cards! David had rabbit and hazelnut terrine followed by venison and dumplings and I had baked figs with goat's cheese followed by chicken baked in Chimay.
There are four michelin starred chefs cooking in pubs around Abergavenny, and they are apparently well worth visiting - we tried to book too late and couldn't get a table: Matt Tebbutt at the Foxhunter, Shaun Hill at the Walnut Tree, Simon King at 1861 and James Sommerin at a pub I can't remember. Oh yes, and Stephen someone at The Hardwick. All are within 5 or 6 miles of Abergavenny. Finally, we went to Gliffaes yesterday afternoon: a delightful, old fishing lodge on the Usk where afternoon tea is simply unbelievably tempting and can be enjoyed overlooking a verdant, gentle valley that is home to the Usk. I think it would be the perfect spot for a wintery weekend away.
Lots of new customers since the show and we have broken the border! Fenton Farm Shop in Scotland is now stocking Nisi's!
Monday, 20 September 2010
Speciality and Fine Food Fair - Olympics here we come??
What a great three days! The show was incredibly successful and we had a lot of interest from independent retailers across the UK as well as some nice high profile names - Harrods and Selfridges included! The most exciting result, however, is that Nisi's may be supplying biscuits to the Olympics. We were one of sixteen companies to present our products to the catering team responsible for the Olympics. They loved the biscuits and got into the nitty gritty of whether I'd be willing to do demonstrations for athletes etc. I assumed it was a rhetorical question! We won't hear until January so hold your breath...
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Embarrassment!
I am embarrassed that my last post was on July 7th!!! That's six weeks ago; I could give you a whole host of excuses, but instead I'll tell you a little bit about our holidays in a wet Bretagne. We must have had the wettest week of the summer, but we were undeterred in our efforts to explore the North-west coast of Brittany.
We stayed in a fabulous gite near Morlaix, called 'Coat d"Amour', which also operates as a chambre d'hotes (or B&B). We rented the converted stables, which was a charming, single-story, 16th century building. It was ideal for Hector who could crawl to his heart's content. The property was on 12, wonderfully planted acres complete with swings and swimming pool. We did not have a single opportunity to try either - it was like a holiday in Ireland!!!
Morlaix was a bit disappointing as there is no real 'heart' despite it being quite an old town. Highlights from the surrounding area included Perros-Guirec, and a little town to the North-west of Perros whose name we can't remember. Head for the Cafe du Port on the non-touristy side of town for a view of the bay and seriously authentic crepes and galettes.
We spent 1 night in Dinan on the way back, and this was the best night of the holiday. We stayed in a charming hotel in the centre of town with a stunning garden. Dinan was buzzing with life and we had one of the best meals this year in a family-run, small restaurant called 'La Fleur du Sel'...traditional dishes with modern twists served by the delightful patron and his son.
Our final night of the holidays, the sun was by this point shining of course, was at La Fevrerie at St Genevieve, east of Cherbourg. We stayed in the family room and had a sumptuous breakfast with a choice of 5 breads, as many home-made jams, homemade yoghurt, pastries, fruits, madeleines, creme caramels and the list goes on. Suffice to say we rolled onto the ferry!
Since then we've had our heads down getting ready for the Speciality and Fine Food Fair 2010, as well as moving into our new kitchen. Do come and visit stand 141 at the year's best trade event for deli owners. Finally, as a triple gold winner we are attending the Great Taste Awards Presentation evening in Fortnum and Mason on September 6th. Will the Amaretti be crowned supreme champion? Watch this space!
We stayed in a fabulous gite near Morlaix, called 'Coat d"Amour', which also operates as a chambre d'hotes (or B&B). We rented the converted stables, which was a charming, single-story, 16th century building. It was ideal for Hector who could crawl to his heart's content. The property was on 12, wonderfully planted acres complete with swings and swimming pool. We did not have a single opportunity to try either - it was like a holiday in Ireland!!!
Morlaix was a bit disappointing as there is no real 'heart' despite it being quite an old town. Highlights from the surrounding area included Perros-Guirec, and a little town to the North-west of Perros whose name we can't remember. Head for the Cafe du Port on the non-touristy side of town for a view of the bay and seriously authentic crepes and galettes.
We spent 1 night in Dinan on the way back, and this was the best night of the holiday. We stayed in a charming hotel in the centre of town with a stunning garden. Dinan was buzzing with life and we had one of the best meals this year in a family-run, small restaurant called 'La Fleur du Sel'...traditional dishes with modern twists served by the delightful patron and his son.
Our final night of the holidays, the sun was by this point shining of course, was at La Fevrerie at St Genevieve, east of Cherbourg. We stayed in the family room and had a sumptuous breakfast with a choice of 5 breads, as many home-made jams, homemade yoghurt, pastries, fruits, madeleines, creme caramels and the list goes on. Suffice to say we rolled onto the ferry!
Since then we've had our heads down getting ready for the Speciality and Fine Food Fair 2010, as well as moving into our new kitchen. Do come and visit stand 141 at the year's best trade event for deli owners. Finally, as a triple gold winner we are attending the Great Taste Awards Presentation evening in Fortnum and Mason on September 6th. Will the Amaretti be crowned supreme champion? Watch this space!
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Triple gold for Amaretti!
Well, Nisi's Amaretti has just been awarded the triple gold at the Great Taste Awards 2010 (the Oscars of the food world)! There were 6,017 entries and only 92 won the much coveted triple gold. We are tickled pink and I feel that this recognition reinforces our belief that our products are of an exceptionally high standard, and that all the care that we put into their production is absolutely worth it...Go on, buy some - you know you want to!
PS I am meeting the Co-Op (South) on July 21st to discuss the range of products that they want to stock...
PS I am meeting the Co-Op (South) on July 21st to discuss the range of products that they want to stock...
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Dublin!
OK, a friend just emailed me as her brother-in-law is going to Dublin and is looking for top tips. I asked what kind of weekend he was after (he is a bikram yoga teacher with an entrepreneurial bent), and was told up for anything. So, here we go - this is incredibly hard but these are the places I love (just a few of them1):
The Stag's Head: legendary pub just off Great George's St / Dame st that is where all the giants of Irish literature used to hang out. Mean place for a pint of Guinness.
Gruel: Self-styled New York diner on Dame Street, the chef used to be Billy Scurrie (who I secretly had a crush on!) who is a big name on the DUblin DJ scene. GREAT food featuring sandwiches like 'roast in a roll' amongst others. Good for breakfast, lunch and low key supper.
Mermaid Cafe: owned by the owners of Gruel, a really smart but contemporary restaurant beside Gruel with superb, modern food. Expensive, but good if you want a really special meal with great staff in a lovely atmosphere.
Chez Max: authentic french bistro beside Dublin Castle (Dame st) specialising in delicious french food, in a wonderful little room, with tables squished together and a classic bistro menu. I am sure Edith Piaf can be heard in the background....
Neary's: Pub, just off Grafton St, that is a favourite low-key haunt of the filim theatre tv folk who want a traditional pub. A great little spot.
Doheny and Nesbits: Near Ely place, a fab, traditional pub with a snug at the front and a mix of politicians and punters having after work drinks.
Le Gueleton: One of my favourite restaurants, on a link road between Drury st and Georges st. You can't book at this high-voltage french restaurant with a serious emphasis on good, authentic food. Takes food more seriously than Chez Max. If you can't get a table (very busy), grab a stool at the bar.
The Market Bar: Just opposite Le Gueleton there's an enormous bar in the old market, serving ok drinks and fine food in a big, gastro-pub-ish atmosphere.
Fallon and Byrne: Food hall on Wicklow St (or is it Wexford st?!?!), just off Grafton St that has all sorts of yummy food for sale. They also have a coffee counter with high tables and stools; you can get breakfast, lunch and supper here in a low key fashion, or something a bit smarter in the wine bar.
Ely: wine bar on Ely Place that serves really serious wine and delicious food from the owner's farm (Eric Robson). This is a really nice spot, if a bit dark as it is in the basement.
Temple Bar Food Market: Every Saturday there's a food market in Meeting House Square - it's great to pick up some picnic things for lunch, or for something to munch immediately - it's kind of tempting!
Irish Film Centre: No doubt, there are some good films to be seen here.
Calatrava Bridges: Dublin has TWO Calatrava bridges going over the Liffey. They are really spectacular.
The Winding Stair: Just over the ha'penny bridge from Temple Bar is The Winding Stair. Now, this used to be a book-shop (and I think they still have some books), but it also has a great restaurant that I keep reading about. I have not been, but it has become quite a name on the Dublin restaurant scene. From what I have read, it's great, unpretentious food in a cool atmosphere.
Italian Quarter: Again, just over the Liffey (the bridge opposite the Clarence - U2's hotel), there's a cool little quarter called the Italian Quarter - there are all sorts of Italian cafes and restaurants etc.
Out of Town:
For a nice walk with a great view, hop on the DART and head south for Dalkey, a lovely little village with a couple of art galleries, great health food shop, and arguably my favourite pub in Dublin, Finnegans. If Bono wasn't living in New York whilst his house is being renovated you might have seen him quietly having a pint here. It's nothing special, but that's its total charm. It is local, family-run and does a roaring trade. A great pub to watch the rugby in. Have a walk up the Vico Road, and you'll think you are in Italy on the Sorrento coast. There's a nudist swimming spot off the Vico, so if you're feeling brave, go for it!
Alternatively get off the DART in Glasthule, where James Joyce based his book Ulysses. The institution in Glasthule (there's not a lot to this little village type suburb), but check out the deli Cavistons (another Dublin landmark) and then head out towards the sea. Look right and you'll see a Martello Tower. This is where the famous swimming spot is - The Forty Foot. When I lived in Dublin (in Glasthule), I swam every day in the summer at the Forty Foot. Why don't you?
The Stag's Head: legendary pub just off Great George's St / Dame st that is where all the giants of Irish literature used to hang out. Mean place for a pint of Guinness.
Gruel: Self-styled New York diner on Dame Street, the chef used to be Billy Scurrie (who I secretly had a crush on!) who is a big name on the DUblin DJ scene. GREAT food featuring sandwiches like 'roast in a roll' amongst others. Good for breakfast, lunch and low key supper.
Mermaid Cafe: owned by the owners of Gruel, a really smart but contemporary restaurant beside Gruel with superb, modern food. Expensive, but good if you want a really special meal with great staff in a lovely atmosphere.
Chez Max: authentic french bistro beside Dublin Castle (Dame st) specialising in delicious french food, in a wonderful little room, with tables squished together and a classic bistro menu. I am sure Edith Piaf can be heard in the background....
Neary's: Pub, just off Grafton St, that is a favourite low-key haunt of the filim theatre tv folk who want a traditional pub. A great little spot.
Doheny and Nesbits: Near Ely place, a fab, traditional pub with a snug at the front and a mix of politicians and punters having after work drinks.
Le Gueleton: One of my favourite restaurants, on a link road between Drury st and Georges st. You can't book at this high-voltage french restaurant with a serious emphasis on good, authentic food. Takes food more seriously than Chez Max. If you can't get a table (very busy), grab a stool at the bar.
The Market Bar: Just opposite Le Gueleton there's an enormous bar in the old market, serving ok drinks and fine food in a big, gastro-pub-ish atmosphere.
Fallon and Byrne: Food hall on Wicklow St (or is it Wexford st?!?!), just off Grafton St that has all sorts of yummy food for sale. They also have a coffee counter with high tables and stools; you can get breakfast, lunch and supper here in a low key fashion, or something a bit smarter in the wine bar.
Ely: wine bar on Ely Place that serves really serious wine and delicious food from the owner's farm (Eric Robson). This is a really nice spot, if a bit dark as it is in the basement.
Temple Bar Food Market: Every Saturday there's a food market in Meeting House Square - it's great to pick up some picnic things for lunch, or for something to munch immediately - it's kind of tempting!
Irish Film Centre: No doubt, there are some good films to be seen here.
Calatrava Bridges: Dublin has TWO Calatrava bridges going over the Liffey. They are really spectacular.
The Winding Stair: Just over the ha'penny bridge from Temple Bar is The Winding Stair. Now, this used to be a book-shop (and I think they still have some books), but it also has a great restaurant that I keep reading about. I have not been, but it has become quite a name on the Dublin restaurant scene. From what I have read, it's great, unpretentious food in a cool atmosphere.
Italian Quarter: Again, just over the Liffey (the bridge opposite the Clarence - U2's hotel), there's a cool little quarter called the Italian Quarter - there are all sorts of Italian cafes and restaurants etc.
Out of Town:
For a nice walk with a great view, hop on the DART and head south for Dalkey, a lovely little village with a couple of art galleries, great health food shop, and arguably my favourite pub in Dublin, Finnegans. If Bono wasn't living in New York whilst his house is being renovated you might have seen him quietly having a pint here. It's nothing special, but that's its total charm. It is local, family-run and does a roaring trade. A great pub to watch the rugby in. Have a walk up the Vico Road, and you'll think you are in Italy on the Sorrento coast. There's a nudist swimming spot off the Vico, so if you're feeling brave, go for it!
Alternatively get off the DART in Glasthule, where James Joyce based his book Ulysses. The institution in Glasthule (there's not a lot to this little village type suburb), but check out the deli Cavistons (another Dublin landmark) and then head out towards the sea. Look right and you'll see a Martello Tower. This is where the famous swimming spot is - The Forty Foot. When I lived in Dublin (in Glasthule), I swam every day in the summer at the Forty Foot. Why don't you?
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Spicy seed and summery bean salad
Very, very quickly as I am meant to be off looking at packaging today...we had a lovely meal last night from Yotam Ottolenghi's new book, Plenty.
250gms each of french beans, mange tout and peas - cook them until al dente.
2 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp mustard seeds - fried in 3 tbsp olive oil.
Pour spicy seeds over peas and beans.
1/2 red onion, 2 cloves garlic, zest of 1 lemon, 1 chili (we subbed a few drops of tabasco in) - fried together.
Mix onions etc with beans, peas and seeds. You were meant to add tarragon, but we didn't have any, so it might have added something, but it was delicious without and really tasty, fresh and summery
250gms each of french beans, mange tout and peas - cook them until al dente.
2 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp mustard seeds - fried in 3 tbsp olive oil.
Pour spicy seeds over peas and beans.
1/2 red onion, 2 cloves garlic, zest of 1 lemon, 1 chili (we subbed a few drops of tabasco in) - fried together.
Mix onions etc with beans, peas and seeds. You were meant to add tarragon, but we didn't have any, so it might have added something, but it was delicious without and really tasty, fresh and summery
Monday, 7 June 2010
Limonetti and Lamb
I received the first order for Limonetti today, they look and taste beautiful. I have a few new customers (Cornwall, Hertfordshire, Canterbury amongst other places), but I am waiting until the new kitchen is completed before adding too many more customers. We also hope to have a part-time employee from August!
We will hear about the Great Taste Awards in July...I am sceptical as my lovely, fresh biscuits may only be judged now (two months after they were baked...). I am judging some foods for the awards on June 24th - apparently I can judge my own biscuits, but I think I'd recognise them and be 100% biased in their favour.
The lamb is not a new biscuit. Rather, tonight we had a lovely half shoulder of lamb. I dry roasted some cumin and coriander seeds (maybe a dessertspoon of both), and two cardamom pods, and added them to four cloves of smashed garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
I made four deep cuts in the lamb and stuffed them with the spice and garlic mixture. 60 minutes in a 175 degree oven, and you have one incredibly tasty supper. We had it with our new favourite vegetable, which is a 'smash' of peas, broad beans, garlic and olive oil. Comfort food for the return of winter!
A bientot!
We will hear about the Great Taste Awards in July...I am sceptical as my lovely, fresh biscuits may only be judged now (two months after they were baked...). I am judging some foods for the awards on June 24th - apparently I can judge my own biscuits, but I think I'd recognise them and be 100% biased in their favour.
The lamb is not a new biscuit. Rather, tonight we had a lovely half shoulder of lamb. I dry roasted some cumin and coriander seeds (maybe a dessertspoon of both), and two cardamom pods, and added them to four cloves of smashed garlic and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
I made four deep cuts in the lamb and stuffed them with the spice and garlic mixture. 60 minutes in a 175 degree oven, and you have one incredibly tasty supper. We had it with our new favourite vegetable, which is a 'smash' of peas, broad beans, garlic and olive oil. Comfort food for the return of winter!
A bientot!
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