Nothing special to report: just that the Food Festival at Hampton Court was very nice, with a couple of reservations: one, it was called the “Foodies Festival,” which does bug me, horrible word, and two, it was jolly, jolly hot. Not even! By any Midwestern American standards it was cool to say the least, but for London, coming about all of a sudden, the 26C heat was a surprise, and Avery for one was unprepared: woollen Burberry skirt, fuschia tights, high leather boots, long-sleeved sweater: there was only so much she could shed and not break any laws of decency.
We had a great time, though: sampling cheeses here, olives there, actually paid for two dishes at Busaba Thai from Soho, which I remembered from Taste of London last year. Deep-fried prawns, super crisp and crunchy, with a mango chilli dipping sauce, and grilled duck slices with Chinese broccoli… simply luscious. The best of the day? Yummy Lollies, quite simply the BEST, FRESHEST, coldest and most refreshing frozen treats you’ve ever had, and 100% fruit. “Lick your way to five a day,” is their motto, and the two very yummy mummies who run the concern are just addictive on their own. So enthusiastic, heartfelt, young and lovely, and the flavors of the lollies are irresistible too: I had apple and mango, John had blackcurrant, and Avery orange. Pure, pure frozen fun. They alone made the day worthwhile.
No, I lie. What made the day worthwhile was being with my two lovelies, as you see, having the time of their lives teasing each other as they do.
Home to fetch Avery’s friend Lille, for pierrade for dinner, Eton Mess for pudding, and tomorrow: the Cotswolds for a riding lesson, an afternoon and evening of non-credit-crunchy luxury, then another day of walking and feeding ducks, then the best high tea in Great Britain at our hotel… a complete treat for these girls in advance of their first senior school exams at the beginning of June. But I’m totally disingenuous: it’s a treat for ME, to see everyone so happy. Long may it last. Life can be (has been, will be) difficult, but for now, all the little pieces are in place for everyone to be happy, to feel lucky, and to say thank you.
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Desserts (36)
dips (5)
dressings (5)
Main Courses (250)
pastry (2)
Salads (50)
Sandwiches (1)
Sauces (23)
Side Dishes (86)
Snacks (8)
Soups (34)
Starters (6)
