Well it all kicked off with A Big Friendly Do at The Cherry Tree in Haddenham where I am so lucky to be able to host my Italian lunches. Family run cafe, restaurant and bar has transformed an old pub into the hub of the village with street vans, pizza nights and all sorts of events. Check out their website for updates. My friend Emily from Gooey Puds came along to showcase some of her desserts. She has come up with the ingenious idea of launching a pudding delivery service. She provides you with all the ingredients to quickly and easily make some of your favourite puddings without you having to source all of the ingredients. I do hope Emily will be coming again. Her puddings were an absolute hit.
Without a minute to spare, I then prepared to head for London. A long awaited book launch for my dear friend Kate serving canapés for 100 people, after a concert in St John Smith’s Square. It was a huge honour as I feel I have been very much a part of the journey of Kate’s book, Dweller in the Shadows: A life of Ivor Guerney. It is available to purchase at Princeton University Press.
As soon as I was home, I had to switch my mind to Grantchester Open Studios, where I was invited to serve tea and cake and light lunches from The Reading Room in support of the six artists exhibiting in the village hall during the first two weekends of July. We certainly did get through a lot of cake!!!
On the second weekend, I called in the troops to help me whilst I prepared for a surprise birthday party for 40 people. We turned the garden into a fairyland with fairy lights and candles on the tables and beautiful posies for each table and served a relaxed Italian supper. With a very happy birthday girl and an even happier hubby, who had successfully pulled it off, I was very happy to leave them partying on into the wee small hours because I was truly ready for bed! #privatechef #eatitalian #bringingatasteofitalytoyourtable