SUPERFOOD TASTIC

New year, new food, new resolutions. Not only are we on a healthkick but we really really do promise to be a regular on our blog.
Our favourite cookbook to kickstart the year is Leon. We can't put it down & it has become a new obsession.
So much so - I have not used any other cookbook since January 1st. Not only is it delicious to look at, it is packed with the most wonderful recipes.
Their message is simple & one that we try to follow at F&A - cook and eat with the best ingredients available
The design is quirky & witty and my 9 year old is dipping into it for the pullout sections. We are days away from the kids eating that beetroot & kale! (Maybe not days - but blueberries are a start)

Yes we know we have been awful at updating the blog. We have had an extremely busy summer and have all been travelling far and wide. In the second F&A wedding of  2008 Ally got married in California on the beach. 

As you have probably heard F & A have now bought the Beanscene group. This is a huge and exciting challenge for the company and we are busy working on future planning. We have been overwhelmed by the supportive and positive press coverage, hundreds of emails and phonecalls. 

There has been so much support from those out there who "get us."

Thanks so much

Fifi and Ally

Chelsea

Whilst most people in Chelsea are more concerned about a certain football match tonight it does clash with the Chelsea Flower Show! Cleve Wests garden was stunning & my absolute favourite - really well thought out. He created a garden for Alzheimer sufferers and unlike most of the fantasy Chelsea gardens this one is actually going to be built.

The Daylesford garden was pitched as the ultimate kitchen garden for the 21st century. The woven willow hurdles full of bulging veg, looked amazing but did look a bit artificial. My paltry veg patch at home - is probably how most peoples look - netting to stop the birds, slug traps, bamboo tripods and kids cress & herb patches.

Having said that our urban London garden is obviously very on trend this year as it has no colour and is ALL green! Whilst mine is an accident - the Chelsea exhibitors have forced fields of wheat, imported trees from Chilie, & tissue wrapped their aliums! It all seems like a bit too much effort but always thrilling & an inspiration every year.

HOXTON PONY

Off out with the young things tonight to see lots of bands I've never heard of. I'm hoping I can get them to stop off at the launch party of the Hoxton Pony which opens tonight to try their grapefruit martini. Sounds a bit safer than their take on east end grub - duck & turnip pie & mash. It all looks very slick and I'll be interested to see if it takes off.

FAITH HOLMES

We recently discovered a fabulous artist & were tempted to buy one of her paintings.Faith Holmes studied Scottish Literature and Divinity at Glasgow. She moved to Mull with her husband in 2006, when he began a teaching post in Tobermory. Faith began painting seriously in March 2007, aged 39, with the help of a Highlands and Islands start-up grant. Although previously she had gained the odd commission in her spare time she is now painting full time and considers herself at an early stage in her painting career. In October 2007 she completed a successful first exhibition at Glengorm Castle, Mull, and continues to sell paintings in various locations on the island. Her work has been changing and developing rapidly and she hopes this, along with her natural talent, will make up for her lack of formal training.

Farmers Market

We had our first farmers market on Saturday. The sun shone, there were lots of people and we sold out of nearly all of our products. It was a great event with everyone going home with lots of goodies. We want to make it a bi monthly event and much bigger next time.

Our local

www.lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk

This is our local restuarant set in a wonderful situation on the banks of Loch Leven. The seafood is truly fabulous, it is reasonalbly priced and they use the freshest local ingredients. The fish is caught daily by their own boats and stored in seawater to keep it fresh - The Surf Clams in white wine and herbs are to die for. For a real treat the seafood platter for 2 is always cooked to perfection.

The place is is very informal & relaxed and you can take the seafood home including their paella kits from their great little shop.