Food Phile - Curried Crab and Hot Smoked Salmon Spaghetti

AKA “Spaghedgeree” if you’re feeling all Spike Milligan, or are four years old.

So, there I am mooching around the farmers market in the sunshine, the asparagus and strawberries are in the bag, and I’ve already got my eye on some lovely looking crabs at the fishmongers stall, and I’m thinking that dinner’s a done deal. Spaghetti with crab and chilli (about which I’ll post another day). When all of a sudden I come across a fascinating little stall selling dishes from India to the Philippines and stopping at a few fun sounding places along the way. I’d have happily scoffed several there and then if I hadn’t already stuffed my face with a lamb bourek from the nice couple on the Algerian stall. One of their offerings was a kedgeree fish cake, and now I’m craving warm curry spices with the crab. I need to pimp my pasta, kedgeree style, and luckily there a couple of hot smoked salmon fillets in the fridge to provide the required smoky notes. Raj era bureaucrat’s breakfast it may not be, but we’re having it for tea…

Posted on June 27, 2011

Food Phile - Wallpaper* Duck

It will come as either a great disappointment or a huge relief to discover that this recipe does not in fact contain any wallpaper. Duck yes, Sanderson print or Anaglypta no. The name comes from the fact that I have based this on one which appeared in the launch issue of Wallpaper* Magazine way back in 1996.

When Tyler Brûlé’s original style bible first hit the newsstands I was one of the salivating fashionistas desperately drooling over the dreamily hip lifestyle portrayed within its pages. The editor’s eye for a handsome male model [first time I’d seen two pretty boys cavorting in an expensive hotel pool for a mainstream magazine travel piece!] certainly didn’t hurt.

Posted on June 19, 2011

RFU Strawberry Hill Music & Fun Day - Sunday 26 June 2011

On Sunday 26^th June the Rugby Football Union presents the annual Strawberry Hill Music & Family Fun Day in the grounds of the gothic house on Waldegrave Road, Twickenham. Over 7,000 attended last year.

As well as providing the community with a fun day out, the aim is to raise funds for restoration of Horace Walpole’s little gothic castle, Strawberry Hill House and local charities.

Once again there will be the popular live music stage, charity and craft stalls, children’s rides and entertainment, beer and Pimms tents, food and refreshments. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the day.

From 12noon until 7.30pm the music stage will feature bands, mostly with a local connection: Leaf Hound, Skalextric, The Mustangs, Robin Bibi Band, Cry No More, Nark Drool & The Shudders, All Theory No Action, The Carnabys and The Orleans Park School Soul Band.

For further information please see www.strawberryhillmusicday.co.uk

Posted on June 16, 2011

A Plan for St Margarets

The St Margarets Traders Association has published a leaflet that will soon be distributed to local residents. It highlights the Traders ideas for improving the high street without cost to the Council.

“We love St Margarets and care that it retains its village atmosphere and unique identity. We don’t want St Margarets to become another faceless town dominated by the major multiples or allow it to deteriorate to an area plagued by unsightly and vacant shop units. The St Margarets Traders Association (SMTA) has been working hard to ensure that we promote and protect all that is special about St Margarets.”

Ideas include getting a fishmonger and a bakery and adding more retail space on St Margarets and Crown Roads.

You can download and read the leaflet [pdf]

Posted on June 9, 2011

Celebrate Orleans Infants Centenary at the Crown Road St Margarets Fair

CROWN ROAD ST MARGARETS COMMUNITY FAIR

Sunday 12 June - from 11 am.

A day for family fun and entertainment

Live music from local bands including Jain Grant, 3am, Thinking for Tuesday, Speakeasy, Todays Heroes, Friday Mistress, Shelley Luscombe and Anacousis Jazz Quintet.

Mini fun fair ~ Side Stalls ~ Face painting ~ Arts and crafts stalls ~ Street entertainers ~ Great food ~ Traditional Punch & Judy Shows ~ Children’s Magic Show and more!

PLUS… the Orleans Infants School Tug-of-War challenge

As the event is also a celebration of Orleans Infants School Centenary year — so expect some 1911 themed fun!

Posted on June 7, 2011

Trial Richmond Cards for Borough Residents

As part of the Council’s fair parking programme, over the next few weeks 10,000 residents in the borough will benefit from 30 minutes’ free parking via the free trial Richmond Cards that are being distributed this week.

The trial cards will function between 10 June and 31 August, and allow the holder to receive 30 minutes’ free parking at any Council car park or on street bay. They will also trigger 10 per cent discounts on longer stays. The cards are only available to local residents.

Posted on June 6, 2011

Food Phile - Two Soups

both mushroom, but there’s a gag in there somewhere for fellow Julie Walters fans…

My favourite mushroom soup began life as a stuffed cabbage which, as opening gambits go, is going to require more explanation than most.

I’d intended to make Valentine Warner’s spectacular savoy cabbage stuffed with mushrooms, leeks, walnuts and stilton. It’s a vegetarian friendly dish so splendid that you might want to invite your non carnivorous friends over just for an excuse to make the blighter, assuming of course that you eat meat in the first place. As one of my guests on the night in question eschews red meat I was glad of the opportunity. Seriously, even if you don’t try these soups you must try Val’s cabbage.

Posted on June 5, 2011

Summer Sugarcraft Workshops

For Goodness Cake! are pleased to offer two, week long, workshops during the Summer holidays for children aged between 7 & 15.

Week 1 - August 1^st - August 5^th Daily (except Wednesdays) 10 - 2pm Sugar Flowers.

Learn the basics of sugar-craft and how to make a range of delightful flowers from sugar. Roses, Lillie’s, Leaves, Ivy and filler flowers.

Week 2 - August 15^th - August 19^th Daily (except Wednesdays) 10 - 2pm Sugar Modelling.

Learn the basics of sugar-craft and how to make animals and character’s out of sugar!

Both workshops will culminate in a party for Parents / Carers to come along for tea and cupcakes decorated by the children, to view the completed projects! Friday’s at 2pm.

Posted on June 3, 2011