Food like I’ve never tasted before ……
A 3am awakening is not the best way to start a holiday but once we arrived at Gatwick (along with thousands of others) it all went like clockwork and within two hours of take-off we landed in sunny Bilbao. We booked the hotel limo service, well worth the extra cost to be met by a suited, friendly face bearing a placard with our name, greeted with smiles and chilled bottled water and a very comfortable, squeaky clean car. A drive through northern Spain’s lush green mountain area, ears popping as we drove up, through (and down) the mountains, finally arriving at our destination … Donostia-San Sebastian, a hidden gem situated on the Bay of Biscay.
So much to do and see, fabulous shopping, beautiful beaches, arts and of course the food …. food is like a religion, they take it VERY seriously – premium quality, exquisitely seasoned, simply cooked and never rushed! I tasted the best monkfish, the best steak, the best spider crab, the freshest anchovies, the lightest cheesecake and the most flavoursome tomato my taste buds can remember!
One of the highlights of the break was a tour of the Rioja region, an area nestled between two vast mountainous ranges with its own diverse, micro climate, perfect for vines to thrive. After visiting two family run wine makers (and thank you for the very generous tastings) we visited the perfectly preserved medieval village of Laguardia with its manicured streets and alleys within its walls. Our guide treated us to freshly made Pintxos, marinated cod strips in chilli & saffron and Torrijas, sugar coated bread fritters and a much needed cup of coffee!
It all ended badly, EasyJet cancelled our flight so we spent 9 hours sitting on a stool at Bilbao – but never mind, at least it was on the way home and FlightDelayPay will help us claim our compensation!!
Thank you to San Sebastian and to Pintxos & Rijoa – just a magical culinary explosion!
OPEN GARDEN CHARITY DAY
Saturday 16th July from 11am to 4pm
We will be opening our garden again this year on Saturday 16th July from 11am until 4pm and all proceeds will go towards MacMillan Cancer Support and the Alzheimer’s Society, two incredibly worthwhile charities which touch most of our lives.
There will be plenty of delicious home baked cakes, savouries and refreshments to buy on the day and we are able to take pre orders for a light lunch in the garden (numbers are limited so please book in advance).
Local businesses will be setting up their stalls – we have fashion & accessories, hand crafted silver jewellery, arts & crafts, skin care, knitted goods, plants and much more. Look out for updates on Facebook and Instagram and www.second-helpings.co.uk
Entrance fee is by donation, tea & cake is from £3.00 and a strip of 5 raffle tickets is £5.00. And please remember, if you are a tax payer, to sign a gift aid form, which will enable us to claim a further 25% on donations!
Most stall holders have card machines but please bring cash to avoid any disappointment!
Parking and space is limited so PLEASE let us know if you are intending to come along so we have some idea of numbers. Either text or message, email or call 07719 624429 or eat@second-helpings.co.uk before mid day on 15th July.
We’ve set up a facebook event page to keep up to date with the latest information
Last year we raised a total of £700.00 which was divided between the two charities – please come along and help us raise £1,000 this year!!!
If you would like to keep up to date with our events, please subscribe to our Foodie News Mailing list (see sign-up link in footer)
Al Fresco dining in style ……
If you have a celebration coming up and want to experience something a little different in relaxed and private surroundings, then Second Helpings is the place for you! Whether its a formal sit down four course meal, a cream tea, drinks and canapes or a buffet style help yourself affair – we can cater for all!
We can take the pressure off so all you have to do is send out the invites! Menus, flowers, balloons, picnics for the children – all can be arranged before hand so all you have to do is turn up, relax and enjoy the company of your guests!
Second-Helpings is also an ideal venue for small corporate away days.
Cost is from £25.00 per person
Pre Booking is essential to avoid disappointment
Recipe of the Month – Burrata with chargrilled Grapes
Sensational, Summery Appetiser!!
