Archive for May, 2010
Halcyon days
At long last, it looks as though we may be emerging from this elongated period of hibernation to which we had all become more than comfortably accustomed. However warm, cosy, safe it might have been, it is undoubtedly correct to say that we are all in need of, and more than ready for, a change. Bleary-eyed but oh so eager for the awakening, the possibilities of a transfigured landscape to look out onto, and the subsequent exciting and new flavour and taste sensations are steadily becoming more of a vivid reality rather than a slumberous dream.
At this time of year, developments are witnessed in rapid succession. For those who are dedicated to the cause of British produce, this is their time to shine. The fleeting, undulating nature of some of the sporadic produce that we have from the farm commands inspiration and innovation whilst demanding fast-acting, savvy and adaptable techniques. Just the way it should it be…nature speaks, we listen, and reply accordingly.
Our asparagus spears continue their uprising, along with maintaining their poll position in the spotlight on many a plate across London. Our tomato varieties persist in causing lingering, evocative reactions to their aroma, beauty and sublime flavour. In addition, we are now entering the rose-tinted domain of the berry season. Plump, voluptuous and sweet, with running-down-your-arm juiciness, our strawberries are guiding us, shining like a lighthouse, towards summer. What’s more, their aromatic and fragrant counterparts, raspberries, have also graced us with their delicately redolent essence.
Whether it be an element of relative novelty, or sensations that have the ability to take us back to those halcyon days it’s certainly going to be a delectably fun few months…
Tags: Asparagus, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes
Spring produce tasting
What a fantastic evening we had celebrating the best of the spring produce. It was a sell out and more importantly it was great fun. We tasted loads of food, managed to hold a bit of a quiz in the middle and consumed a fair amount of wine along the way. It kind of had the feeling of being at a wedding, we will certainly be looking to host more events like this. Watch this space.
Tags: Evening with Gregg; Gregg Wallace; tomatoes; asparagus; strawberries, Gregg; Evening with Gregg; spring produce
An Evening with Gregg
We hosted our first Evening with Gregg at Wallace & Co last night. It was a celebration of the finest spring produce from Secretts Farm: asparagus with hollandaise and an asparagus tart to start with, then a selection of different tomato varieties with some gazpacho, followed by corn fed baby chicken in a broth with peas, broad beans, baby turnips and cornish early potatoes and finished with strawberries and a strawberry pannacotta. Gregg introduced each course, did a Q&A on Masterchef and generally charged around like he owns the place – which of course he does, so fair enough. Craig the chef did a great job with the food and from the reactions we had on the night (and in the Twitterverse) it looks like an excellent evening was enjoyed by all. I’ve posted some pictures here: www.flickr.com/photos/46676971@N08/sets/72157624045018650/show/.
We’re looking forward to doing another one soon, so sign up to our email newsletter if you want to be the first to know.
Tags: Evening with Gregg; Gregg Wallace; tomatoes; asparagus; strawberries
Nick Clegg and Colin Firth
I don’t have the Colin Firth picture so you’ll have to make do with Gregg instead, but we were all over the papers yesterday as Colin Firth has declared his support for the Lib Dems and came in to Wallace & Co for a coffee with Nick Clegg on Monday. This was the coverage in The Telegraph – http://tinyurl.com/3yooqao and Daily Mail – http://tiny.cc/kqudz (we love this picture). Nick lives locally and has been in a few times with his family. When Nick came in the last time (on Good Friday – pre the first election debate, when I took the picture above) he walked straight past me and Gregg without us recognising him, then came over and introduced himself charmingly and self-effacingly - ’Hello, I’m Nick Clegg (pause) – leader of the LibDems’. It’s amazing how much has changed in such a short time. Nick, we definitely know who you are now. So will we be voting for you? Actually I will, but that shouldn’t be taken as an official Wallace & Co endorsement. I’m not sure which way Gregg is leaning.
Tags: Nick Clegg; Colin Firth
New booths
It’s all change in the front section at Wallace & Co with the addition of our new booth seating. We can’t work out why we didn’t do it in the first place and we’re thinking of adding some more in the lower restaurant area too. They are super comfy and the upholstery has changed the acoustics as well and calmed the whole area down a bit. The perfect place to while away an afternoon…
Tags: Booths; design