
Cocktail Masterclass at L’Ortolan

Recipe ideas for budget meals, everyday cooking and a little indulgence. Travel inspiration and restaurant reviews too.
I love the idea of a pop up restaurant in someone's dining room, probably because I'm a nosey parker. I'd love to open up my living room to see what it would be like but my lounge/dining room is about the size of a telephone box. Laura, Anu and I started talking on Twitter and as it turns out they host pop up dinners at their house in Reading. The meal I went for was Israeli themed; having no knowledge of Israeli food I couldn't wait to find out
This was a gifted meal.
A leisurely lunch is a very enjoyable thing. Relaxing with some food and wine watching the world go by is something that I like to do. The experience is vastly improved if you happen to be on staycation and can sit there without a care in the world. That’s what I did when I went to Malmaison for lunch; I organised it with them for a time when I knew I could sit there without any time pressure.
I have spent much time wandering around Reading trying to find somewhere half decent to eat that wasn't the London Street Brasserie. I feel like I exhausted the Brasserie a long time ago and if you're wondering, they do fantastically good puddings. I wanted good food at a reasonable price and I found exactly that.
Forbury's looks a bit pretentious from a distance but when you read the blackboard outside you'll find you can have 3 courses for £14.
Another glorious day. I’ve had to actually take off my coat. #outforawalk pic.twitter.com/1q241NVwZt
Like a Malteser, but in biscuit form. www.allthatimeating.co.uk/blog… #chocolate #bakingrecipes
Particularly splendiferous today. pic.twitter.com/1xCw9HMZ07
The potato and spinach koftas in this are particularly good but the curry sauce works so well with paneer or chicke… twitter.com/i/web/status/13652…