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!
Monday, 31 May 2010
Fullers
Well,
The Fullers speed dating event was the best marketing opportunity never attended! I was entirely hoarse on the day and did not attend. However, samples were duly despatched and within 24 hours I had orders for thousands of biscuits...suffice to say, the ovens have not stopped. Lest you think that I am about to retire, I suppose I should say that the thousands are small 5gm biscuits...
That's all for now folks but more coming soon!
Nisi
PS New product coming soon...Limonetti (very delicious!)
The Fullers speed dating event was the best marketing opportunity never attended! I was entirely hoarse on the day and did not attend. However, samples were duly despatched and within 24 hours I had orders for thousands of biscuits...suffice to say, the ovens have not stopped. Lest you think that I am about to retire, I suppose I should say that the thousands are small 5gm biscuits...
That's all for now folks but more coming soon!
Nisi
PS New product coming soon...Limonetti (very delicious!)
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Whitley Ridge, John Dory and spring greens
Well, it really is almost a month since I've written in this blog. It's been an incredibly busy month involving ash (stranded in!), lots of baking, a trip to Dublin and the very rare spot of sunshine. Wish there was more of the latter!
This morning we, kind of by-chance, visited the new 'Simply at Whitley Ridge'. The latter is part of the Limewood Group, the consortium largely owned by Jim Ratcliffe and Robin Hutson (other co-founder of Hotel du Vin), which was responsible for the £30 million restoration and opening of 'Limewood'. Whitley Ridge was the seat of Michelin starred chef, Alex Aitken, but which has now been re-done in a very cool way. Food is 'simple', based on local, seasonal produce. We popped in today for a cup of tea and coffee. The whole atmosphere was very relaxed, informal, but beautifully done. Hotel du Vin (in the good old days, pre-Malmaison) meets Babington. We made ourselves very comfortable in the sofas with the papers and various magazines that we can never justify buying, but love!
Tea (real leaf) and cappuccino were perfect. Despite being told breakfast was finished, I was undeterred and persuaded, rather easily, another waitress to bring me some of the best yoghurt I've ever had. She obviously overcame the 'system' by keying it in as a service charge of £1. A billy bargain! We paid our bill and booked a table for 'Simply Thursday', an evening featuring local musicians, cool cocktails and tapas. I expect I'll give you the low-down on my next blog.
Having almost bought Turbot (but it was over £20 for 1 fish so we ditched that), we bought some John Dory yesterday with the intention of cooking it last night. Neither of us could quite face cooking fish, so we ended up having a lovely kind of tapas supper. Chorizo griddled in olive oil, courgettes pan-fried with thyme and oregano, and a pea and broad bean 'smash' with garlic, mint and olive oil. Salad accompanied the whole lot. It was delicious. A great medley of mediterranean flavours, finished off with a cheese-board and some homemade walnut bread. And, a drop of red wine!
Finally, we tasted some Godminster cheddar in the deli yesterday. Worth buying if you can get some properly of this properly matured cheese.
More later skaters, and food lovers!
PS Tomorrow morning will find me 'speed dating' (on behalf of Nisi's) with 26 of Fuller's head chefs. I have three minutes to pitch the range to the chefs of local pubs and hotels, who have been given a purse full of cash to buy local produce for the duration of the Hampshire Food Festival in July. It is not really my market, but I am hoping it might yield some rewards. At the very least, I'll have a little try at speed dating!
This morning we, kind of by-chance, visited the new 'Simply at Whitley Ridge'. The latter is part of the Limewood Group, the consortium largely owned by Jim Ratcliffe and Robin Hutson (other co-founder of Hotel du Vin), which was responsible for the £30 million restoration and opening of 'Limewood'. Whitley Ridge was the seat of Michelin starred chef, Alex Aitken, but which has now been re-done in a very cool way. Food is 'simple', based on local, seasonal produce. We popped in today for a cup of tea and coffee. The whole atmosphere was very relaxed, informal, but beautifully done. Hotel du Vin (in the good old days, pre-Malmaison) meets Babington. We made ourselves very comfortable in the sofas with the papers and various magazines that we can never justify buying, but love!
Tea (real leaf) and cappuccino were perfect. Despite being told breakfast was finished, I was undeterred and persuaded, rather easily, another waitress to bring me some of the best yoghurt I've ever had. She obviously overcame the 'system' by keying it in as a service charge of £1. A billy bargain! We paid our bill and booked a table for 'Simply Thursday', an evening featuring local musicians, cool cocktails and tapas. I expect I'll give you the low-down on my next blog.
Having almost bought Turbot (but it was over £20 for 1 fish so we ditched that), we bought some John Dory yesterday with the intention of cooking it last night. Neither of us could quite face cooking fish, so we ended up having a lovely kind of tapas supper. Chorizo griddled in olive oil, courgettes pan-fried with thyme and oregano, and a pea and broad bean 'smash' with garlic, mint and olive oil. Salad accompanied the whole lot. It was delicious. A great medley of mediterranean flavours, finished off with a cheese-board and some homemade walnut bread. And, a drop of red wine!
Finally, we tasted some Godminster cheddar in the deli yesterday. Worth buying if you can get some properly of this properly matured cheese.
More later skaters, and food lovers!
PS Tomorrow morning will find me 'speed dating' (on behalf of Nisi's) with 26 of Fuller's head chefs. I have three minutes to pitch the range to the chefs of local pubs and hotels, who have been given a purse full of cash to buy local produce for the duration of the Hampshire Food Festival in July. It is not really my market, but I am hoping it might yield some rewards. At the very least, I'll have a little try at speed dating!
Monday, 19 April 2010
Amsterdam
Amsterdam was great! We had a long weekend with family, stayed on David's dad's barge in the centre of the city and mooched around. Once again, we were charmed by the city's beautiful, individual architecture and inspired by the lack of health and safety! Highlights included a little parade of foodie shops (corner of utrechtsestraat and prinsengracht), Rijksmuseum (go early and avoid the queues, or buy tickets online / at the tourist office and join the 'fast entry' queue), having a drink here and there around the city and watching the Dutch world go by.
We moved the barge out of the city to Kudelstat (near Aalsmeer) where it is normally moored; this involved the usual adventure (!) but we arrived safely in time for our meal at 'The Old Boot'. The latter is a tiny, homely restaurant serving great food at reasonable prices and without any english translations on the menu - refreshingly not catering to the otherwise ubiquitous english tourists. All very welcome! We ate and drank our fill (dishes included beef stew with Guinness, Lamb satay, a trio of mushrooms) and walked back to our barge. Hector slept soundly throughout!
On Monday morning, we left the rest of the party and went into Aalsmeer (most famous as the home to the Dutch flower auction) to have a coffee and to catch the bus to the airport. Having bought some delicious cheese (1 year old goat's cheese and another local aged cow's milk gouda) in de Osdorper cheese shop (Zijdstraat), we headed for ab Muller bakery. Quite the spot to while away a bit of time, admire the Dutch pastries (almond cakes require more than admiration!) and wait for the bus. 198 and 188 take you directly to Schipol and go four times an hour.
The Dutch were unerringly kind, helpful and good-humoured!
PS We have identified a suitable bike carrier for Hector - a 'bobike mini+' - it dominates the streets of Amsterdam and not a cycle helmet in sight!
PPS Supper tonight was an old staple, roast peppers stuffed with lamb (serves 2):
halve two peppers (red, yellow or orange best but green will do), remove the seeds and pop them in a 200 degree oven for 15 minutes whilst you make the lamb stuffing. Fry a red onion with a clove or two of garlic depending on your predilection for garlic. When the onion is cooked add 250gms lamb mince, 1 tin of tomatoes, a glug of tomato ketchup, a few drops of soya sauce and about the same amount of Worcestershire sauce. If you have some red wine open, I'd add a couple of glugs of that. Let all that bubble away on a reasonably high heat until all the liquid has been absorbed by the lamb and it has caramelised (should take about 15 minutes). Stuff the peppers with the lamb and bake in the oven for another 15 minutes at 175 degrees until the lamb is crispy and the peppers really soft and sweet. Eat with a big green salad and a hunk of bread. The minced lamb can be used in all sorts of ways: tomatoey shepherd's pie, sauce for pasta, stuffing for lasagne / canneloni, on its own as a kind of mince-stew (!) and the list could go on!
We moved the barge out of the city to Kudelstat (near Aalsmeer) where it is normally moored; this involved the usual adventure (!) but we arrived safely in time for our meal at 'The Old Boot'. The latter is a tiny, homely restaurant serving great food at reasonable prices and without any english translations on the menu - refreshingly not catering to the otherwise ubiquitous english tourists. All very welcome! We ate and drank our fill (dishes included beef stew with Guinness, Lamb satay, a trio of mushrooms) and walked back to our barge. Hector slept soundly throughout!
On Monday morning, we left the rest of the party and went into Aalsmeer (most famous as the home to the Dutch flower auction) to have a coffee and to catch the bus to the airport. Having bought some delicious cheese (1 year old goat's cheese and another local aged cow's milk gouda) in de Osdorper cheese shop (Zijdstraat), we headed for ab Muller bakery. Quite the spot to while away a bit of time, admire the Dutch pastries (almond cakes require more than admiration!) and wait for the bus. 198 and 188 take you directly to Schipol and go four times an hour.
The Dutch were unerringly kind, helpful and good-humoured!
PS We have identified a suitable bike carrier for Hector - a 'bobike mini+' - it dominates the streets of Amsterdam and not a cycle helmet in sight!
PPS Supper tonight was an old staple, roast peppers stuffed with lamb (serves 2):
halve two peppers (red, yellow or orange best but green will do), remove the seeds and pop them in a 200 degree oven for 15 minutes whilst you make the lamb stuffing. Fry a red onion with a clove or two of garlic depending on your predilection for garlic. When the onion is cooked add 250gms lamb mince, 1 tin of tomatoes, a glug of tomato ketchup, a few drops of soya sauce and about the same amount of Worcestershire sauce. If you have some red wine open, I'd add a couple of glugs of that. Let all that bubble away on a reasonably high heat until all the liquid has been absorbed by the lamb and it has caramelised (should take about 15 minutes). Stuff the peppers with the lamb and bake in the oven for another 15 minutes at 175 degrees until the lamb is crispy and the peppers really soft and sweet. Eat with a big green salad and a hunk of bread. The minced lamb can be used in all sorts of ways: tomatoey shepherd's pie, sauce for pasta, stuffing for lasagne / canneloni, on its own as a kind of mince-stew (!) and the list could go on!
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Ode to fish
Greetings!
It has been a while, but we have been busy...
First things first, we had a really great meal at Verveine in Milford on Sea, Hampshire (also a fishmongers up until 9pm, the restaurant is tucked away behind the fish shop). The chef, David, is very talented. From start to finish the food was innovative, generous and bursting with flavour. So often a dish sounds mouthwatering on the menu, but the reality leaves you slightly disappointed. Au contraire at Verveine. From beautiful 'clam' like amuse-bouches of two homemade chips clamped around mackerel pate, to the mini milk bottle of bailey's and chocolate served with the coffees, the taste buds were tickled. The menu centres around a blackboard menu of fresh fish priced by the kilo and a choice of four types of sauces / accompaniments. You pick the fish and the sauce according to what you fancy. The desserts are listed as flavour combinations, each of which has an 'element of surprise'. I was sceptical at the lack of definition of what we were going to have, but I was bowled over by our communal choice, and I am not a big pudding fan. It was clever, delicious food served by informed, fun staff in a simple restaurant with great atmosphere. And all at a reasonable price! When can I go back??!
We have also been cooking fish at Eden Villa! Inspired by Sophie Dahl (I did not think a lot of her new programme), Halibut has been flash fried skin side down in olive oil for 2 minutes, before being flipped over and roasted in the oven (200 degrees) for 10 minutes. Serve it on a bed of portabello mushrooms, which have been fried in olive oil and then tossed in a blast of lemon juice. But the secret weapon is quite simply watercress and spinach mixed with some creme fraiche and half a lemon's worth of lemon zest. Very yummy!
The other recent discovery is a caramelised garlic and sherry vinegar sauce (an adapted Moro recipe), which can accompany any fish really although we had it with hake steaks. Thinly slice three or four cloves of garlic horizontally, and then vertically to form matchsticks. Fry this gently in olive oil until it is brown making very sure you don't burn it! Once it has a bronzed hue, add about three or four tablespoons of good sherry vinegar, and turn up the heat! At this point, I threw in a couple of generous glugs of sherry (this was my addition and I think the alcohol gives a bit of depth and sweetness to the sauce - marsala or even wine would do). Reduce the sauce until you arrive at your desired consistency - probably a good five minutes - add some salt and pepper and drizzle it over your fish! Add some simply boiled new potatoes drizzled with butter (or a good olive oil), a green salad and you have yourself a pretty perfect meal.
Off to Amsterdam tomorrow for four days...more later!
Have fun with the fish and eat at Verveine!
It has been a while, but we have been busy...
First things first, we had a really great meal at Verveine in Milford on Sea, Hampshire (also a fishmongers up until 9pm, the restaurant is tucked away behind the fish shop). The chef, David, is very talented. From start to finish the food was innovative, generous and bursting with flavour. So often a dish sounds mouthwatering on the menu, but the reality leaves you slightly disappointed. Au contraire at Verveine. From beautiful 'clam' like amuse-bouches of two homemade chips clamped around mackerel pate, to the mini milk bottle of bailey's and chocolate served with the coffees, the taste buds were tickled. The menu centres around a blackboard menu of fresh fish priced by the kilo and a choice of four types of sauces / accompaniments. You pick the fish and the sauce according to what you fancy. The desserts are listed as flavour combinations, each of which has an 'element of surprise'. I was sceptical at the lack of definition of what we were going to have, but I was bowled over by our communal choice, and I am not a big pudding fan. It was clever, delicious food served by informed, fun staff in a simple restaurant with great atmosphere. And all at a reasonable price! When can I go back??!
We have also been cooking fish at Eden Villa! Inspired by Sophie Dahl (I did not think a lot of her new programme), Halibut has been flash fried skin side down in olive oil for 2 minutes, before being flipped over and roasted in the oven (200 degrees) for 10 minutes. Serve it on a bed of portabello mushrooms, which have been fried in olive oil and then tossed in a blast of lemon juice. But the secret weapon is quite simply watercress and spinach mixed with some creme fraiche and half a lemon's worth of lemon zest. Very yummy!
The other recent discovery is a caramelised garlic and sherry vinegar sauce (an adapted Moro recipe), which can accompany any fish really although we had it with hake steaks. Thinly slice three or four cloves of garlic horizontally, and then vertically to form matchsticks. Fry this gently in olive oil until it is brown making very sure you don't burn it! Once it has a bronzed hue, add about three or four tablespoons of good sherry vinegar, and turn up the heat! At this point, I threw in a couple of generous glugs of sherry (this was my addition and I think the alcohol gives a bit of depth and sweetness to the sauce - marsala or even wine would do). Reduce the sauce until you arrive at your desired consistency - probably a good five minutes - add some salt and pepper and drizzle it over your fish! Add some simply boiled new potatoes drizzled with butter (or a good olive oil), a green salad and you have yourself a pretty perfect meal.
Off to Amsterdam tomorrow for four days...more later!
Have fun with the fish and eat at Verveine!
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Success?
Well, the Amaretti sold out in 36 hours so baked a repeat order today. I am secretly rather pleased! The ongoing marketing assault is going reasonably well - biscotti now being sold in delis from Lymington (of course) to Cardiff and on up to Harrogate. Not a bad spread. We are entering the Great Taste Awards, which will give me a really objective view on the quality of the products. Meanwhile I continue to seek more customers (if any of you are thinking of starting a food producing business selling to delis, January to March seems to be EXTREMELY quiet in the deli world - encouraging owners to stock new products is like trying to prevent chocolate melting on the Equator). Does that stop me??? Does it heck.
Adios amigos.
PS Will someone please post a comment??
Adios amigos.
PS Will someone please post a comment??
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Dangerously good Amaretti coming to shelves near you!
Beautiful packets of Amaretti (the chewy type) are soon to be seen on the shelves of fine food shops near you! Well, that is slightly aspirational, but the first packets of Nisi's Amaretti are being sold in Maison Cuisine from today...I think they look gorgeous and taste just about perfect, so I am rather hopeful that they will do well.
I'll let you know!
I'll let you know!
Thursday, 11 March 2010
London
Tuesday almost saw me not make it to London...but strong wills and a very cooperative mother came to my rescue. And so, my trusty bicycle (newly cleaned the day before in honour of this expedition) and I sallied forth on the 10.11am train to London. It was my first solo trip to London since Hector was born and had been planned for weeks in advance!
I felt totally liberated arriving in London on my own and headed for the first of my favourite hot spots - the old faithful Monmouth Coffee Company on Monmouth Street. Despite lack of sunshine I sat outside on a bench and rejoiced in the marvels of being in the big smoke. For those who don't know, the Monmouth Coffee Company is a beacon burning brightly in the world of global coffee chains serving perfectly adequate coffee. Monmouth serves sublime coffee. It is a small little place filled with like minded people seeking out independent spots who pride themselves on their quality and total commitment to the best. The counter is filled with cakes and tarts that might tempt you and then there are a series of communal wooden booths at the back. Their Borough Market shop is recogniseable by the long queue of people patiently waiting for their weekly fix before braving the frenzy of a Saturday morning at Borough Market. What I love most about this shop is the long communal table dominating the room that is home to a huge plate with hunks of baguette, ginormous jars of Bonne Maman and a slab of beautiful fresh butter. Help yourself for £2.50. It would be terribly rude to resist...
And from there I headed up through Soho to Marylebone High Street. Now, this really is one of my most beloved streets. The atmosphere is kind of villagey (I used 'kind of' deliberately) and on, or just off this, thoroughfare lie a cornucopia of shops that I would have on my Desert Island list of favourite places. La fromagerie on Moxon Street, Daunt books, The Providores, deli / cafe part of the Orrery, The Conran Shop, Cox & power, Skandium and the list goes on. If you haven't been, just go and make sure you have enough time to browse, eat and drink. My sole purchase here was a book obscurely named 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog', which was recommended to me by the lovely Naomi.
After an appointment at 2.30, I headed to Islington and walked through Camden Passage and along Upper Street. I kind of wanted a cup of tea but somehow didn't find the perfect spot and so just browsed. At 6pm my bicycle was bedecked with light, and I with fluorescent additions, and I hit Exmouth Market. This is a little pedestrian street just off Farringdon Road. It is occupied by a number of quirky, independent retailers of all things - cool bags and jewellery made by a Milanese man (Bagman Robin), high end unusual jewellery (ECone), Chorizo and the very best of Spanish foods (Brindisi) although this seemed to have closed down and I think that I read about its closure. There is a food market here providing all kinds of nourishment at lunchtime. But, the real reason for my visit was Moro. If I had to worship someone I think it would be a wacky medley of all kinds of people, but Sam and Sam Clark would be there.
A husband and wife team, who met at River Cafe (I only found out about Rose Gray's very sad death at the weekend), run the most wonderful of Spanish / North African influenced restaurants. I am sure if they put their mind to it they could have Michelin stars coming out of every silver dome, but they aspire to the antithesis of silver domes. The restaurant, and the food, is inspired by a tapas kind of bar and the zinc covered table running the length of it is one of the nicest places for a plate or two of tapas and a glass of fino (a secret lunch I occasionally treat myself to!) that I know of. The best bit is that there are a couple of mirrors opposite the bar from where you can watch the chefs in the kitchen doing their thing. But enough about the room (although the floor tiles on the way to the toilet and in the toilet are fabulous), the point is without doubt the food. I'll be back - have to go out for an hour so going to save this most hallowed of blogs!!!
I felt totally liberated arriving in London on my own and headed for the first of my favourite hot spots - the old faithful Monmouth Coffee Company on Monmouth Street. Despite lack of sunshine I sat outside on a bench and rejoiced in the marvels of being in the big smoke. For those who don't know, the Monmouth Coffee Company is a beacon burning brightly in the world of global coffee chains serving perfectly adequate coffee. Monmouth serves sublime coffee. It is a small little place filled with like minded people seeking out independent spots who pride themselves on their quality and total commitment to the best. The counter is filled with cakes and tarts that might tempt you and then there are a series of communal wooden booths at the back. Their Borough Market shop is recogniseable by the long queue of people patiently waiting for their weekly fix before braving the frenzy of a Saturday morning at Borough Market. What I love most about this shop is the long communal table dominating the room that is home to a huge plate with hunks of baguette, ginormous jars of Bonne Maman and a slab of beautiful fresh butter. Help yourself for £2.50. It would be terribly rude to resist...
And from there I headed up through Soho to Marylebone High Street. Now, this really is one of my most beloved streets. The atmosphere is kind of villagey (I used 'kind of' deliberately) and on, or just off this, thoroughfare lie a cornucopia of shops that I would have on my Desert Island list of favourite places. La fromagerie on Moxon Street, Daunt books, The Providores, deli / cafe part of the Orrery, The Conran Shop, Cox & power, Skandium and the list goes on. If you haven't been, just go and make sure you have enough time to browse, eat and drink. My sole purchase here was a book obscurely named 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog', which was recommended to me by the lovely Naomi.
After an appointment at 2.30, I headed to Islington and walked through Camden Passage and along Upper Street. I kind of wanted a cup of tea but somehow didn't find the perfect spot and so just browsed. At 6pm my bicycle was bedecked with light, and I with fluorescent additions, and I hit Exmouth Market. This is a little pedestrian street just off Farringdon Road. It is occupied by a number of quirky, independent retailers of all things - cool bags and jewellery made by a Milanese man (Bagman Robin), high end unusual jewellery (ECone), Chorizo and the very best of Spanish foods (Brindisi) although this seemed to have closed down and I think that I read about its closure. There is a food market here providing all kinds of nourishment at lunchtime. But, the real reason for my visit was Moro. If I had to worship someone I think it would be a wacky medley of all kinds of people, but Sam and Sam Clark would be there.
A husband and wife team, who met at River Cafe (I only found out about Rose Gray's very sad death at the weekend), run the most wonderful of Spanish / North African influenced restaurants. I am sure if they put their mind to it they could have Michelin stars coming out of every silver dome, but they aspire to the antithesis of silver domes. The restaurant, and the food, is inspired by a tapas kind of bar and the zinc covered table running the length of it is one of the nicest places for a plate or two of tapas and a glass of fino (a secret lunch I occasionally treat myself to!) that I know of. The best bit is that there are a couple of mirrors opposite the bar from where you can watch the chefs in the kitchen doing their thing. But enough about the room (although the floor tiles on the way to the toilet and in the toilet are fabulous), the point is without doubt the food. I'll be back - have to go out for an hour so going to save this most hallowed of blogs!!!
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Dirty Dublin!
Greetings folks!
Just back from a fabulous weekend in Dublin. Culinary highlights include a great lunch in Ely (the wine bar of Ely place fame) in Customs House Quay (a wonderful building close to the new Calatrava bridge) with Anna, John and their lovely boys Luca and Joe. Despite the number of people clearly having a business lunch the joint was incredibly child friendly! I was wholly indecisive (unlike me, normally David's predisposition) and so had two small portions of roast vegetable soup and gravadlax. The former was kind of disappointing, and was green. Roast vegetable soup doesn't seem right as 'green'! The gravadlax was delicious and served with an incredible potato salad, and phenomenal deep treacley brown bread. Accompanied by an inconspicuous glass of Fino, the meal was delish. Ely, for those who don't know is a wine bar originally serving simple, great quality food including meat from the owner Eric Robson's farm in the Burren. The wine is pretty damn good too!
We also hit the cafe in Avoca on Suffolk street for coffee, and almost lunch but desisted, sadly. Avoca epitomises child-friendly restaurants...a high-chair miraculously appeared as soon as we walked in, a tea-pot of boiling water arrived post-haste to heat his lunch and his peels of frustration were positively received by all and sundry! Our coffees were perfect although they did call my decaf, soya macchiato 'why bother'... understandably. Avoca has beautiful, healthy food that sadly we did not sample on this occasion!
And that's it for the mo. There are a few new joints locally that I am keen to try: Verveine fish restaurant in Milford-on-Sea, Brasserie Gerard on Lymington High Street and Piccolo Mondo in Milford-on-sea (new ownership committed to fine Italian food!). I'll let you know what they are like. Meanwhile the biscotti trail continues to blaze and I think I have an amaretti that might be pretty good. Getting some opinions tomorrow!
Ciao for now.
Just back from a fabulous weekend in Dublin. Culinary highlights include a great lunch in Ely (the wine bar of Ely place fame) in Customs House Quay (a wonderful building close to the new Calatrava bridge) with Anna, John and their lovely boys Luca and Joe. Despite the number of people clearly having a business lunch the joint was incredibly child friendly! I was wholly indecisive (unlike me, normally David's predisposition) and so had two small portions of roast vegetable soup and gravadlax. The former was kind of disappointing, and was green. Roast vegetable soup doesn't seem right as 'green'! The gravadlax was delicious and served with an incredible potato salad, and phenomenal deep treacley brown bread. Accompanied by an inconspicuous glass of Fino, the meal was delish. Ely, for those who don't know is a wine bar originally serving simple, great quality food including meat from the owner Eric Robson's farm in the Burren. The wine is pretty damn good too!
We also hit the cafe in Avoca on Suffolk street for coffee, and almost lunch but desisted, sadly. Avoca epitomises child-friendly restaurants...a high-chair miraculously appeared as soon as we walked in, a tea-pot of boiling water arrived post-haste to heat his lunch and his peels of frustration were positively received by all and sundry! Our coffees were perfect although they did call my decaf, soya macchiato 'why bother'... understandably. Avoca has beautiful, healthy food that sadly we did not sample on this occasion!
And that's it for the mo. There are a few new joints locally that I am keen to try: Verveine fish restaurant in Milford-on-Sea, Brasserie Gerard on Lymington High Street and Piccolo Mondo in Milford-on-sea (new ownership committed to fine Italian food!). I'll let you know what they are like. Meanwhile the biscotti trail continues to blaze and I think I have an amaretti that might be pretty good. Getting some opinions tomorrow!
Ciao for now.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Northern Exposure
Well, I can tell that I am not going to be a daily blogger! 10 days later I am back at the 'post' to update you on my Northern expedition...
Despite the occasional blizzards we made it to 'Cherry Burton' with one pit stop at an unusually 'attractive' (kind of) service station- Donington Park. Nothing really of much note other than I quizzed the baristas about the revolutionary new 'flat white' that Costa Coffee has spent £1 million developing. It was unclear exactly what the difference was / is between it and the myriad of other milky coffees gracing our world, but I think the bottom line is that it is stronger!
Now, my aunt who I was visiting is a key member of my Industrial Espionage ('R&D') team and regularly updates me on products she thinks are good or otherwise. So, Friday saw us beating a hasty path to 'Rolando's' in Beverley (really lovely old town with 12th Century minster amongst other interesting buildings) to sample their 'Chewy Almond Biscuit'. Blow me, it was pretty damn good. I did enquire about the ingredients and it's basically an Amaretto but with the whole egg used, not just the egg whites. I've done one experiment at home and think that I might just be onto the perfect next product...
Saturday saw me at Salvo's Salumeria (they also have a more formal restaurant two doors down). What a spot! Really lovely little deli / enoteca spilling over with yummy products and ambience, with about 10 tables of very happy punters! Sadly they no longer make their Amaretti (potential customer tasted these at Scalini's in London and would like someone (me??) to recreate them), but I bought a pack of not very exciting Italian Amaretti to justify my snooping around.
I have now got a grand total of 13 customers - ok, ok, ok it's not enormous but the point is that the number is growing. So, I spent a lot of the week baking to keep the world in biscotti! The really big news, however, is that I called Abel and Cole up last week and sent the Head of New Product Development (and how we love this fine man!) some samples on Tuesday, he called me Wednesday afternoon to say that they would like to stock 'nisi's biscotti' starting in November (bloody ages away but don't let that worry you oh faithful followers!)...Just nice to get a business like that interested.
Must now go and do a few little jobs before heading out to Mum's for Sunday lunch - the theme being 'Out of Africa'. The mind boggles!!!
PS Any top tips about good delis near you that might be potential customers for me would be most welcome...
Despite the occasional blizzards we made it to 'Cherry Burton' with one pit stop at an unusually 'attractive' (kind of) service station- Donington Park. Nothing really of much note other than I quizzed the baristas about the revolutionary new 'flat white' that Costa Coffee has spent £1 million developing. It was unclear exactly what the difference was / is between it and the myriad of other milky coffees gracing our world, but I think the bottom line is that it is stronger!
Now, my aunt who I was visiting is a key member of my Industrial Espionage ('R&D') team and regularly updates me on products she thinks are good or otherwise. So, Friday saw us beating a hasty path to 'Rolando's' in Beverley (really lovely old town with 12th Century minster amongst other interesting buildings) to sample their 'Chewy Almond Biscuit'. Blow me, it was pretty damn good. I did enquire about the ingredients and it's basically an Amaretto but with the whole egg used, not just the egg whites. I've done one experiment at home and think that I might just be onto the perfect next product...
Saturday saw me at Salvo's Salumeria (they also have a more formal restaurant two doors down). What a spot! Really lovely little deli / enoteca spilling over with yummy products and ambience, with about 10 tables of very happy punters! Sadly they no longer make their Amaretti (potential customer tasted these at Scalini's in London and would like someone (me??) to recreate them), but I bought a pack of not very exciting Italian Amaretti to justify my snooping around.
I have now got a grand total of 13 customers - ok, ok, ok it's not enormous but the point is that the number is growing. So, I spent a lot of the week baking to keep the world in biscotti! The really big news, however, is that I called Abel and Cole up last week and sent the Head of New Product Development (and how we love this fine man!) some samples on Tuesday, he called me Wednesday afternoon to say that they would like to stock 'nisi's biscotti' starting in November (bloody ages away but don't let that worry you oh faithful followers!)...Just nice to get a business like that interested.
Must now go and do a few little jobs before heading out to Mum's for Sunday lunch - the theme being 'Out of Africa'. The mind boggles!!!
PS Any top tips about good delis near you that might be potential customers for me would be most welcome...
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Yorkshire bound
Despite forecasts of snow, sleet et al, Hector and I are off to Yorkshire tomorrow to visit friends and relatives. I am safe in the knowledge that I have samples of biscotti as well as the results of this week's R&D - a really good Amaretti and a not quite so good Brutti ma Buoni (tastes bloody delicious, but looks like a pancake). If we are snowed in on the M-whatever, we shall eat biscuits.
I am hoping to visit Salvo's Salumeria in Headingley (near Leeds) who are allegedly purveyors of fine Amaretti. Our other culinary hot-spot to visit is Weeton's in Harrogate. This incredible emporium blew me away when I first visited it, as it was everything I would want my imaginary deli to be. I am hoping to woo them with my biscotti - I'll keep you posted! Another new customer was posted their order today - De-Liz in Tisbury near Salisbury. The following is growing!
Supper tonight was simple as ever: Mackerel fillets warmed on the pan until they start to release their wonderful oil with a 'house' salad (round lettuce, watercress, spring onions, avocado and pumpkin seeds - minus the pumpkin seeds as we were out of stock). Just the trick with a glass of French white wine that was on offer at Tesco's!
Asta la vista amigos!
I am hoping to visit Salvo's Salumeria in Headingley (near Leeds) who are allegedly purveyors of fine Amaretti. Our other culinary hot-spot to visit is Weeton's in Harrogate. This incredible emporium blew me away when I first visited it, as it was everything I would want my imaginary deli to be. I am hoping to woo them with my biscotti - I'll keep you posted! Another new customer was posted their order today - De-Liz in Tisbury near Salisbury. The following is growing!
Supper tonight was simple as ever: Mackerel fillets warmed on the pan until they start to release their wonderful oil with a 'house' salad (round lettuce, watercress, spring onions, avocado and pumpkin seeds - minus the pumpkin seeds as we were out of stock). Just the trick with a glass of French white wine that was on offer at Tesco's!
Asta la vista amigos!
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