Pasta & rice

Ragu Bolognese – the official version

Thumbnail image for Ragu Bolognese – the official version January 9, 2013

What’s in a name?  Not much, you might think, going by the the tried and tested po-tay-to/po-tah-to line of reasoning.  But if you are under any illusions as to the importance of a name, here’s a little practical experiment for you: why not try starting your own soft-drink business, selling the beverage in smart red […]

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Papardelle with goat’s cheese, beetroot, rocket & pine nuts

Thumbnail image for Papardelle with goat’s cheese, beetroot, rocket & pine nuts May 30, 2012

So you think you got it bad?  Stressful job; nagging spouse; unruly kids; aches and pains; a ridiculous mortgage; and a soul-destroying commute? Well, here’s a reason to cheer up:  at least you’re not a fainting goat.  (Or at least I think you aren’t – because of course on the interwebs nobody knows you’re a […]

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Fregola Sarda with a tomato, anchovy, chilli and olive sauce

Thumbnail image for Fregola Sarda with a tomato, anchovy, chilli and olive sauce April 25, 2012

  Many wealthy people are little more than the janitors of their possessions – Frank Lloyd Wright   Stuff.  Why are we so addicted to it – acquiring it, having it, keeping it?  On my recent trip to Cape Town I visited a good friend at his house in Cape Town. It was the most […]

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Confetti rice salad – celebrate!

Thumbnail image for Confetti rice salad – celebrate! March 12, 2012

  A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn’t see the clouds at all – he’s walking on them – Leonard Louis Levinson It’s a simple fact that there are those of us in this world for whom the glass is half […]

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Steak on a blue cheese, spinach & pecan risotto

Thumbnail image for Steak on a blue cheese, spinach & pecan risotto January 23, 2012

  As I have said before, I do love a good simile.  One of my favourite wine-related similes is this: Men are like a fine wine. They all start out like grapes, and it’s our job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you’d like to have […]

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Artichoke, caper and lemon risotto and a Good Fork Italian box

Thumbnail image for Artichoke, caper and lemon risotto and a Good Fork Italian box November 21, 2011

  Perspective.  So much of our experience of this thing we call life is coloured by it.  Where some people see problems stacking up against their business as the economy rollercoasters, others see new opportunities presented by the challenging times.  I love travel, focusing on the new people I get to meet, the new foods […]

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Pasta with creamy chanterelles and toasted almonds

Thumbnail image for Pasta with creamy chanterelles and toasted almonds October 24, 2011

They say that travel broadens the mind.  I can certainly attest to that, but I could also add a few other talents that travel has.  It empties the pockets and fills the camera memory card. It broadens the beam (so to speak!). And it decks the halls with useless knicknacks from a thousand eager street […]

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