My neighbour, Hatty Calnan is an absolute genius with her camera and with social media! She kindly offered to take some photographs whilst I prepared a meal for her and her Mum.
The outcome was a very professional set of photographs which I will be able to use on my website, my blog and other social media platforms. But she also surprised me with this short, 30-second video – Let me know what you think? I love it!!
During the evening I received very positive comments about the meal “the best meal you’ve ever cooked” “a perfect balance” “absolutely delicious” “my kind of food” – it went on! So I decided to replicate the menu the next day for a friend who was celebrating her 87th birthday (see story below) and received the same sort of feedback!
The menu was as follows:-
Beetroot Risotto with Goat Cheese Flakes & Toasted Walnuts
Crispy Skin Salmon with Miso, Ginger & Honey
Asparagus
Crushed Charlotte Potatoes
Greek Yoghurt, Celery, Fennel & Pear with
Muscovado & Mint
OBE Lunch
We had the pleasure of celebrating a special birthday lunch for Jill Williamson OBE on 11th February.
I first met Jill in 1998 when she interviewed me to assist in running a charity called The Legal Assistance Trust. In 2013 the then Prince Charles presented Jill with an OBE for her services to charitable work. Over the period of 26 years she raised over £8 million in the UK for human rights and the rule of law in South Africa.
When Jill retired and the Trust eventually closed we remained friends and now I help Jill with administration and finances and every Monday we share our news about the week’s events, the children, grandchildren and life in general and we conjure up the most amazing creative lunches made with weekend leftovers!
Two (very different) Fashion Icons
It was interesting to compare the two. Like all V&A exhibits, the Marie Antoinette Style exhibition was beautifully displayed. But it was very, very busy which I found slightly frustrating. Currently the exhibition is due to finish on 22nd March but, hopefully will be extended.
For me, the Gianni Versace Retrospective was much more intimate, and it was very hard to resist stretching out to feel the fabrics and the beautiful clothes which were on display, within hands reach.
Marie Antoinette Style Exhibition at the V&A
Celebrating the ultimate 18th-century style icon (and perhaps the original influencer), the exhibition explores how the Queen of France’s signature look has shaped fashion, film, and design for more than 250 years.
and in contrast ….
Gianna Versace Retrospective – The Arches, London Bridge.
The largest collection of vintage Versace designs ever to be displayed in the UK. All this brought back fond memories of the 90’s where super models such as Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss & Naomi Campbell strutted the catwalk in his amazing designs.
Tragically both lives were ended too soon.
Expensive Mushrooms on toast!
Whilst in the vicinity we visited Café Francois for lunch. This restaurant was recommended by Neil Morrisey, who happened to be sitting in the same bar as us last summer so we started chatting (he’s a serious foodie and loves a negroni!). He did say he would come to Second-Helpings but he’s obviously got better things to do ☹ Anyway, the recommendation was an excellent one. I had the most delicious rotisserie chicken, which came with a very tasty jus and frites and was just £15.00!!! Café Francois is in Stoney Street which is a stone’s throw from Borough Market so after lunch I went on a search for something to take home for tea……. mushrooms!
A couple of King Oysters, half a handful of Golden Chanterelles (Girolles) and two pieces of Lion’s Mane came to £14.85 – it was barely enough for two! Interesting fact thought: Lion’s mane is illegal to pick in the UK because it’s a very rare fungus. If you collect it, uproot it or destroy it in the wild, you could face penalties up to £5k or imprisonment! Lion’s mane is like a sponge, it immediately soaked up all the garlic butter but the texture wasn’t to my liking so I will avoid that in the future. By far the tastiest choice for me were the Golden Chanterelles which were delicious cooked in butter, thyme & garlic and served on toasted sourdough. I think they would make a delicious canape served on crispy brioche.
DATES FOR YOUR DAIRIES
CABI CLOTHES EVENING
with drinks & nibbles - Friday 27th March
YOGA & LUNCH
in the garden - Sunday 28th June
ITALIAN EVENINGS
Saturday 20th June
Saturday 11th July (fully booked)
If you would like any more information about the above events or would like to join us, please get in touch - 07719 624429
If you have an occasion coming up and would like to celebrate in style please do get in touch.
Come and have a cuppa, look at the space and discuss ideas.
Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Supper - formal or informal - inside or out.
Can also accommodate small, local corporates for away days.
Looking forward to Mother's Day and
British Summer Time!
😊😎🌞