food4myholiday.com blog

food4myholiday - a new chapter

2010-03-15T06:22:00.001-07:00

We're delighted to announce the sale of food4myholiday to the Lapthorne family of Country Lane Foods and Tredinnick Farm Shop at Widegates nr Looe. We're confident that food4myholiday will continue to grow and offer excellent service under its new ownership.

With sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us since we started in back in 2007.
Nick, Jackie and Iain

Cornish Mothers Day Gifts

2010-02-17T02:57:00.001-08:00

Available now for delivery nationwide: a selection of scrummy hand-made luxury chocolates and a bottle of award-winning Camel Valley sparkling wine, beautifully presented and delivered for Mother's Day. See the hamper section of the food4myholiday site

Trelaske Hotel nr Looe - Trip Advisor Success!

2010-02-01T03:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Ross and Hazel! The Trelaske Hotel near Looe has been voted 10th in the 25 top UK hotels according to independent guest reviews on Trip Advisor. Visit their website at www.trelaske.co.uk

Cornwall Wine Fair - February 2010

2010-01-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

The world's leading wines will take centre stage at The Cornwall Wine Fair - organised by our friends at independent local wine merchant Castang Wines, based at Pelynt, near Looe.

The 2010 Cornwall Wine Fair is being held at one of the region’s premier venues, The China Fleet Country Club, on Tuesday and Wednesday February 16th and 17th 2010. See you there! More details: www.castang-wines.co.uk

Deliveries Resumed!

2010-01-19T03:52:00.001-08:00

We're glad to report that after a short suspension of deliveries due to the recent snow and ice, we're back in fill swing again!

Nadelik Lowen - Happy Christmas !

2009-12-22T02:08:00.000-08:00

Festive greetings to all our friends, customers and suppliers! Here's wishing you all a peaceful and joyous 2010.
'Nadelik Lowen' - (that's 'Happy Christmas' in Cornish, so we're told!)

Christmas fayre at Mount Edgcumbe, South East Cornwall

2009-12-07T05:04:00.000-08:00

I'll be doing a chef demo at the Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre on Sunday Dec 13th at 12.30, its a great local food and craft show, don't miss it!

Christmas is coming!

2009-12-07T05:01:00.000-08:00

Its been a busy time getting set for the Christmas period, sure you've been busy too! All our delivery deadlines are on the home page of our website, ho ho ho!

Camel Valley Wine

2009-11-11T23:43:00.001-08:00

So it's not been the greatest of summers weather-wise! But apparently it's been ideal for Cornish wine growers - according to Sam Lindo of Camel Valley who's just been on Radio Cornwall, saying it's been one of the best years ever for growers.

Award-winning Camel Valley wine is available in the food4myholiday shop - and you can find out more about the wine and vineyard tours at www.camelvalley.com

Taste South East Cornwall festival- on now!

2009-11-11T02:56:00.000-08:00

Today Weds 11th November: free apple juice and wassail tasting at Cornish Orchards
Thursday 12th November: East meets West night at Trawlers restaurant in Looe
Saurday 14th November: barista training at Purely Cornish

Full event details at http://www.taste-southeastcornwall.com/ - there's something for everyone!

Cornish Christmas Hampers

2009-11-04T11:48:00.001-08:00

Available now: the easiest Christmas presents ever! A choice of three pre-selected Cornish food boxes with contemporary gift packaging for nationwide delivery. www.cornish-food-hamper.co.uk for all the details

A Box for Sharing: There's something for everyone in our box of tempting Cornish treats!

A Box of Cornish Comfort: Our special selection of traditional Christmas goodies.

A Box to Savour: A contemporary selection from award-winning Cornish producers - a real treat for food lovers

Taste South East Cornwall 2009

2009-10-22T05:22:00.000-07:00

November 7th - November 21st: highlights include guest chefs, a foodie mytery tour, special festival menus, produce tastings, a barista training session and much more!
www.taste-southeastcornwall.com for full details

Cornwall Tourism Awards 2009

2009-10-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our good friends who have made the top three in the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2009:
Mark Camp and the team at Looe Tourist Information Centre
Graham & Gill, chef Ben and the team at Barclay House in Looe (Best Restaurant category)
Linda & Bevis and the team at Treworgey Cottages (best Self Catering establishment).
Good luck for next week when the gold, silver and bronzes are announced!

Cornish Traditional Cottages

2009-10-03T03:49:00.000-07:00

Hi to our newest partner - Cornish Traditional Cottages
You can see their blog at http://blog.cornishtraditionalcottages.com/

Welcome aboard!

BosFest 2009

2009-10-01T02:36:00.001-07:00

Cornwall and food just seem to go together.....following on from Truro's Festival of Food and Drink last weekend, there's a whole host of foodie treats coming up across the County this autumn. This weekend it's BosFest 2009 - kicking off on Saturday with an array of Cornwall's finest food producers, chefs and craft-makers in Boscastle: 'star names from the county's much-envied culinary world will be showing off their skills on the chefs' stage in the harbour-side marquee site. Names such as Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth will be cooking up a treat.' Put it in the diary!

Falmouth Oyster Festival

2009-09-30T02:27:00.000-07:00

October 15th - 18th : celebrating one of the last remaining traditional oyster fisheries which dredges by punt and by sail. The festival is a must for both foodies and maritime enthusiasts. www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk

Real Veal up for Waitrose award

2009-09-24T02:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulatins to Jon and Vicky at Bocaddon Farm - shortlisted for the Waitrose & Country Living Made In Britain Food Producer of the Year Awards!

Cornwall Food and Drink Festival Sept 25,26,27

2009-09-23T04:06:00.001-07:00

If your down in Cornwall this weekend then don't miss The Cornwall Food and Drink Festival on Lemon Quay in the heart of Truro, this is not to be missed! Check out www.cornwallfoodanddrinkfestival.com for all the news and schedule of events

Lack of blogs

2009-09-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the lack of bloggage this past few weeks, its been absolutely nuts business wise, and can I add we've been loving this beautiful weather!

Taste South East Cornwall Food Festival

2009-09-03T00:27:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press: dates for the next Taste South East Cornwall Festival of Food and Drink : 7th - 21st November 2009. Masterclasses, mystery tours, tastings, festival menus & special breaks : the programme is being continually updated, bookmark www.taste-southeastcornwall.com for all the latest!

North coast Airstreams

2009-08-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

How's this for a self catering pad!
Today I delivered To The Park at Mawgan Porth and they have two of these original Airstream trailers. I was surprised by how spacious they were inside. Perfect for a surfing holiday on the North coast.

Newlyn Fish Festival

2009-08-30T00:13:00.000-07:00

Starts with the blessing of the fleet - today (Sunday) 3oth, with the main festival Monday 31st.
Loads to see and do (and eat!). Sanjay Kumar, head chef at the Green Bank hotel in Falmouth, will be doing cooking demonstrations inspired by the seafood and local ingredients.
www.newlynfishfestival.org.uk

Catching up

2009-08-28T09:30:00.001-07:00

Apologies for the lack of blogs the last 9 days, its been wild!! Can't believe its the Friday of the August Bank Holiday weekend already, check out the Morval Steam Rally if your in South East Cornwall this Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Crikey, it was windy on the way to St.Ives today, Eugene (one of our vans) was nearly blown over, good job there was a load of tasty food in the back weighing him down! Confessions of a delivery driver, now there's a thought, where to start...
Happy BH weekend all!

Morval Rally

2009-08-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

If you're in or around South East Cornwall on Bank Holiday weekend, the Morval Steam Rally near Looe is worth a visit; www.morval-vintage-rally.co.uk

Flavour Fest

2009-08-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

If your in or near S.E. Cornwall this weekend check out the Plymouth city Flavour Fest, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'll be giving a Chef demo at 2.30 Sunday afternoon, see you there!! Chef demo's, food producers, suppliers, food, fun and games, don't miss it!

Record weekend!

2009-08-10T01:34:00.000-07:00

As Iain said it was a another mega weekend with a recording breaking amount of orders, thank you shoppers! Looking like the same for this weekend coming too, thank you Food4 team!!

2009-08-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Sunday evening after a fantastically busy weekend. Apart from my cheffing duties I have found my self delivering to food4 customers all over Cornwall including the Lizard. A long drive down from HQ in Liskeard but what a beautiful spot. Today I was on the North coast, and having arrived at Watergate Bay a bit too early for my delivery I drove along the coast towards Morgan Porth and stopped off for a quick bite at Bre-Pen Farm Shop and tea room. If you are staying in the area the farm shop is really well stocked with lots of delicious local produce. Great Coffee too!

Oh dear

2009-08-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

B-B-Q summer, what B-B-Q summer!!!! ahhhhhhhhh

Best sign of weekend!

2009-08-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

Best sign I saw on my travel's this weekend, 'horse poo' 50p, straight to the point and cheap too!

Record weekend!

2009-07-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Busiest weekend ever in food4's history, thanks to all our shoppers! enjoy your holiday!!

Port Eliot Festival

2009-07-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

If your coming down to Cornwall this weekend July 24-26th check out the Port Eliot Festival in St.Germans, one of the UK's most original bohemian festivals

Crazy weekend ahead

2009-07-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

The holidays are in full swing, great stuff!

Real Veal

2009-07-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

Our friends Jon and Vicky from Bocaddon Farm were on the BBC breakfast show yesterday, July 14th, way to go guys! Your can order their wonderful welfare friendly real veal right here on our site

Jackie's salad

2009-07-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Question is, can Jackie's home grown salad keep up with demand!

Todays' monsoon!

2009-07-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Crikey, it was monsoon like coming back from St.Ives today!

Stithians show

2009-07-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

If your down around Redruth, Pool way tomorrow check out the Stithians show, Monday July 13th, the largest one day show in the country I believe!

BBC Good Food Magazine

2009-07-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

food4myholiday features in the August edition of the BBC Good Food mag - check out their 'eat like a local' holiday special at- http://www.food4myholiday.com/acatalog/our_story.html

Liskeard show

2009-07-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

If your staying around the Liskeard area this weekend, July 11th, why not check out a really great family day out at The Liskeard show at Merrymeet, Liskeard, show opens at 8am!

Blue blue water

2009-07-05T04:24:00.001-07:00

Words fail to describe the magnificent colour of the water off St.Ives beaches yesterday, pure blue brilliance, they say its the special light......breathtaking in its purity

Cornish water and cars!

2009-07-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

On my travels yesterday I popped in to see Pauline at Just Water to pick up some supplies and for those of you that don't know they are right next door to Cornwall Classic Car hire, a beautiful Aston Martin, an Austin Healey, 2 E-type Jags and a Triumph Stag to name a few, if your a petrol head like me check out there site! Have your holiday groceries delivered by us and cruise around the county in an E-type, heaven! www.cornwallclassiccarhire.co.uk

Lucky, lucky, lucky

2009-06-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

Out delivering yesterday.....sun shining, sea magnificent, scenery breathtaking, why would you want to be anywhere else!!

Last night

2009-06-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

Great inspired talk last night given by Olga Polizzi (Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall) about family life in the hotel business with her dad Sir Charles Forte and brother Rocco Forte. Incidentally I did my chef apprenticeship at Grosvenor House when Sir Charles Forte was running the worldwide empire then known as TrustHouse Forte (800 hotels worldwide) a few years ago!!

New order!

2009-06-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Just scrolling through the most massive order we've ever had, WOW!! and thank you to all our great shoppers.

Polperro festival

2009-06-23T03:37:00.000-07:00

Great fun yesterday at the festival along side Richie from Couch's and Sharon from Treble cafe (thanks guys for allowing on your patch!) sold loads of spicy crab salad. The festival runs until the 28th, check it out!

Falkland Islands!

2009-06-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

What a buzz, we just received an order from the Falkland Islands for a Cornish cheese board to be delivered to family in Truro for Father's day, how about that!!

Polperro Festival

2009-06-15T02:57:00.000-07:00

If your in the area don't forget about the Polperro Festival taking place June 20th -28th. We'll be there on Monday June 22nd on the village green, 11am to 3.30pm, more details to follow!

The Big Lunch

2009-06-11T00:40:00.000-07:00

There can't be anyone left in the country who hasn't heard about the latest project from Tim Smit of the Eden Project: The Big Lunch! (If you haven't - check out the website http://www.thebiglunch.com/)
'Imagine on one day of the year, in every home across the nation, we all got up with a single purpose in mind. We are going to have lunch outside, on the street, with our neighbours. We will have prepared it ourselves. We will be doing our thing: a bring-your-own, open-air party for 61 million people.We are calling it simply The Big Lunch: a day - Sunday, July 19 - when, for four glorious hours, cars will stop, wardens will stop, egos will stop and Britain will come together in the street to meet, greet, share, sing, dance, play and laugh for no reason other than we all well need to.'
(More about the Eden Project: www.edenproject.com)

Strawberry fields forever

2009-06-09T23:54:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the very first Tamar Valley strawberry festival, June 19-21. The festival will feature a special strawberry train on the Tamar Valley branch line, a strawberry banquet and special strawberry events with producers, check it out!

Blowing our own trumpet!

2009-06-08T23:45:00.000-07:00

Well sometimes you just have to!

'I wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks. Our food, which was delicious was delivered as we arrived, your driver thanked us for our order, stating that you appreciated our custom. Such customer service is rare these days & ought to be recognized and appreciated. We had a
great time at Talehay which was enhanced by your company's attitiude to service - excellence delivered! I'll be recommending your company to all I know visiting Cornwall.'

Great Day at the Royal Cornwall Show

2009-06-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

.....and a chance to meet up with friends and neighbours. What's interesting is that every year, the links between Cornish farming and food get stronger and nowhere is this more evident than at the Royal Cornwall. Highlights of our visit - the poultry section (Jackie's next project = ducks at Coombe Farm, plus some replacement chickens), the eco-build section (Peter's interested in building a wind turbine), plus - of course - the food marquees. Needless to say, we came home with plenty of goodies!

A taste of summer

2009-06-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

I couldn't miss the Elder trees are starting to flower as I drove Denise (one of our Food4 vans) home through the country lanes this evening. It will soon be time for Elderflower fritters - one of our favourite summer treats. Simply pick the whole flower heads (leave a little stalk to hold whilst dipping), give them a good rinse in cold water then dip them in a thin batter. shallow fry them in hot oil until they are just golden. Dust in icing sugar and enjoy. The perfect way to end a summer bar-be-que!
- Don't pick wild food unless you are sure of what you are picking! - a far easier way to enjoy one of the great flavours of summer is to pour yourself a chilled glass of Elderflower presse from our good friends at Cornish Orchards!

What a view!

2009-06-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Today I popped by Markwell Farm, near Landrake in South East Cornwall, wow, what a view from their 4 cottages right over to The Port Eliot estate in St. Germans, breathtaking stuff on a hot sunny June day, check out their webcam www.markwellfarm.co.uk and see for yourself!

Royal Cornwall Show

2009-06-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is it, the show of the year, don't miss it, this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 4th, 5th and 6th!

B-B-Q time!

2009-05-31T00:55:00.000-07:00

Delivered a whole bunch of b-b-que packs this weekend, perfect weather, long may it continue!
Don't forget the cold beer!

St Ives beer festival

2009-05-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

All this great weather got me thinking, cold beer! If your near St. Ives this weekend check out the St. Ives beer festival at the Concert Hall, Friday and Saturday, enjoy!

What a day!

2009-05-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Jackie and Peter on their review in The Guardian today, outstanding and much deserved! Beautiful day in Cornwall, I was over delivering on the North coast just now, Watergate Bay was just buzzing, especially Jamie O's as was Newquay with 'The Run to the Sun' event this bank holiday weekend, VW's everywhere, I used to have one back in my slightly younger days, split back window, left hand drive........I digress. Incidentally Rock was glorious too with the sailing fraternity in their element. Enjoy your bank holiday weekend!

The Guardian's Top Tip!

2009-05-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Fame at last! Jackie & Peter's holiday cottage was featured in today's Travel Guardian - along with a nice 'top tip' featuring food4myholiday.The journalist loved the food at Well Cottage - we showed them the heavy horses working at Skye Grove Organics (http://www.skyegroveorganics.co.uk/) - (one of food4myholiday's suppliers and handily - one of our neighbours in Herodsfoot). Iain came over and did a spot of personal cheffing for them, - 'like Saturday Kitchen' they said!
You can see the full article here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/may/23/hotel-review-well-cottage-cornwall
and you visit Well Cottage at http://www.wellcottagecornwall.co.uk/

Award Nomination

2009-05-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

We have been nominated for a travel industry “Best Travel Add On” award. If you'd like to vote for us see http://tinyurl.com/food4award for details on the Travelmole website.
Closes June 10th!

National vegetarian week

2009-05-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Starts tomorrow, Monday May 18th, how about some just blanched warm Cornish asparagus with melted Cornish butter, or topped with a soft poached egg and grated Parmesan, mmm... check out www.cornish-asparagus.co.uk or www.british-asparagus.co.uk for more recipe ideas

Camel Valley wins Gold!

2009-05-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

Talking recently about our friends at Camel Valley Vineyard, near Bodmin, they just won first prize at the International Wine Challenge for its Bacchus 2007 wine. It is the first time that Camel Valley has won a medal for a non-sparkling white wine. Its sparkling wine triumphed as well, however, winning gold in the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Delighted winemaker Sam Lindo said: “We’re paralysed with excitement, it’s more than we could have hoped for. There’s been a lot of stuff in the press about British sparkling wines, but this shows we can do it with still wines as well.”

Food4myholiday on Facebook!

2009-05-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Good evening, just a quick note to let you know you can keep up to date with all things Food4 on our facebook page. Why not join us and become a fan!

A 'barbecue summer' for Cornwall!

2009-05-11T04:01:00.000-07:00

It's official - the Met Office has come out with a forecast for great weather this summer in Cornwall, with temperatures set to reach over 30 degrees at times, and long rainy spells a thing of the past. Time for some more food4myholiday barbecue recipes!

English wine week

2009-05-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Its English wine week this May, 23rd to 3oth. If your in Cornwall that week you simply must visit our friends at Camel Valley, the vineyard is open 10-5pm, tours each week day at 2.30pm and Grand Tour 5pm Wednesday. Booking essential on line at www.camelvalley.com
Enjoy and tell them Nick sent you!

May flowers

2009-05-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

You have to be impressed at some of the simply awesome blankets of bluebells and flowering wild garlic around right now. On the run up to our friends at Cornish Orchards on the edge of Duloe its particularly impressive! www.cornishorchards.co.uk

Cornish asparagus and strawberries

2009-05-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

At last there here! If your a person that loves seasonal food then the wait is over for fabulous asparagus and luscious berries, order them now and enjoy the seasons best!

food @ Port Eliot Festival 2009

2009-04-27T01:10:00.000-07:00

The Port Festival - July 2009 -

'One of the UK’s most original, magical, bohemian, bookish, colourful, musical and humourous festivals' and it's right on our doorsteps in South East Cornwall. www.porteliotfestival.com/

As ever, there's plenty for foodies including: Comedian and broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli talking about his book, 'Indian Takeaway: One Man’s Attempt to Cook His Way Home (2008)' and cooking in the Big Kitchen. The Food Groove - 'creates an appetising ambience with a combination of exotic international aromas, tasteful tunes and delicious, fresh, locally-sourced vegetarian and vegan food – mixed live in giant pans by dancing cooks.' (!) And Sporeboys 'a group of hip mycologists and pickers' .

Who said Cornwall is just about pasties!

food4myholiday - sustainable tourism

2009-04-23T02:03:00.000-07:00

food4myholiday has been recognised for its contribution to sustainable tourism, having been picked as a case study by the Dept. of Culture, Media and Sport in the launch of their new Frameowrk for Sustainable Tourism. http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/publications/6003.aspx/

All of whch sounds a bit dry - for us, it's just about buying the best locally-produced food and supporting local farmers, growers and producers. Simple as that!

Coming soon - we've heard rumours of some very early strawberries from the Tamar Valley, should be with us within the week, and we're on the eve of the Cornish asparagus season.....watch this space!

Real Veal

2009-04-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

At food4 we are very happy to be selling more and more of the welfare friendly, outdoor reared, rose veal produced here in South-east Cornwall by our good friends Jon & Vicky at Bocaddon Farm - The Real Veal Company. Veal has had a bad press in the past but Jon and Vickie's approach to raising and producing this beautiful meat is truly commendable. For any one interested in the subject have a look at the short documentary film on there face book page.
http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Bocaddon-Farm-Veal-The-Real-Veal-Company/46383087814

Earlies

2009-04-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

I finally got my spuds in the ground today! I planted 3 varieties of 1st earlies which I am sad to say won't be any where near as early as the 'deliciously dirty' Cornish Earlies we are already selling on the F4 site! See our seasonal specials page in the food4myholiday shop, nothing quite beats these beautiful spuds tossed in a bit of minted butter! Yum. www.deliciouslydirty.co.uk/

Food discount card for Cornwall

2009-04-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Easter, we launched the food4 you discount card - initially in South East Cornwall but with more areas to follow soon! Everyone ordering their holiday groceries from food4myholiday automatically receives a discount card valid for two weeks, entitling them to some fabulous offers in restaurants, food shops and on holiday activities. A complete list of partipating establishments will be coming soon to the food4myholiday.com website!

Coast to Coast

2009-04-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a weekend its been, super busy with deliveries coast to coast, and what coast line we have in Cornwall. The rollers crashing in on the golden sands at Mawgan Porth yesterday were particularly spectacular. Where ever your staying in Cornwall over Easter, enjoy, and long may the sun shine!

New spice kit

2009-04-08T03:20:00.000-07:00

New research shows that we are becoming more adventurous in the kitchen, both at home and on holiday. A survey by Schwartz has revealed that nearly half of us are experimenting with new flavours in food and a quarter of us are using more herbs and spices than we did a year ago. Our favourites are basil, oregano, cinnamon, paprika, crushed chillies, ginger, curry and thyme. Crucially, herbs and spices are also seen as a inexpensive way to add flavour to food. This then is the perfect time to let you know you can purchase our very own food4myholiday spice kit for just £2.89 from our online shop. You will find it in the 'seasonal specials' or 'larder and pantry' page. Bam! kick it up a notch as American celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse says!

first bbq of the year!

2009-04-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day, and what better way to round off a busy weekend than an early evening bar-b-que of sizzling 'Ansome bangers, lamb chops and purple sprouting broccoli all washed down with a cool glass of Andy Atkinson's 'black & Gold' cider,
http://www.cornishorchards.co.uk/
Don't forget you can order everything you need for your holiday bar-b-que including drinks before you leave home for Cornwall, see our selections page.
http://www.food4myholiday.com/acatalog/our_selections_holiday_food.html

One step Closer......

2009-04-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Jackie Nick and I have just spent 2 really exciting days working on the scale up of our ready meal project. Over the course of 2 days we produced over 280 meals!
It seems like only yesterday that we were in our own kitchens at home working on the origonal recipies. It was a facinating excercise, dressed in lab coats and hairnets and weighing out microgrammes worth of salt and pepper. Big thanks to Colin for all your help and guidance.
Look out, our range of TWOchefs ready meals is one step closed to your dining table......

Local food

2009-03-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Tesco has reported a sharp 30% sales increase in locally sourced foods in this calendar year to date, with products such as East Anglian rapeseed oil, Cornish Brie, Hampshire watercress and Northumbrian black-faced lamb coming up trumps. (source: Speciality food magazine)
We are delighted to say we carry loads more locally sourced Cornish foods than they do, check out our site.

Cornish Sea Salt

2009-03-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

One of the products we sell has been creating a buzz in the food world: The Cornish Sea Salt company launched in 2007 and has gathered many awards, most recently in the annual Observer Food Monthly awards where MD Tony Fraser was named Best Newcomer. Mined off the coast of the Lizard Peninsula in Porthkerris, Cornish Sea Salt is the chosen sea salt of celebrity chefs and cooks all over Cornwall. Try it and see! http://www.food4myholiday.com/acatalog/new_products.html

Which? Holiday Magazine

2009-03-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

North Cornwall is one of the top ten places to visit in the UK this year, according to Which? Holiday magazine. Makes sense to us! -great beaches, great landscapes (and great holiday value, with no need to worry about the value of the euro!). The Which? Holiday magazine waxes lyrical, describing the area as 'shrouded in mystery and intrigue...it is truly an emotive landscape that inspires more with every visit.' Can't disagree with any of that - but PLEASE Cornwall's not just about myths and legends - contemporary food, arts, crafts, music ...we've got it all!

Ready Meals

2009-03-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

For those of you patiently awaiting for the launch of our Two Chefs meal range we are entering the final 'scale up' and 'recipe tweaking' experiment early next week. Its a really exciting time as we clear another necessary hurdle in the development of the range. Two Chefs, 'take one home tonight'! http://www.two-chefs.co.uk/

Sharks in Cornwall?

2009-03-24T03:57:00.000-07:00

Well, dolphins actually ....contrary to press reports, the 'sharks' were definitley dolphins:
Jules Webb says 'The surfer in the photo is my husband , spence and he still has both legs, last time I looked!check out www.falmouthsurfschool.blogspot.com for more information and THE photo.' So all you wannabe surfers out there - fear not, Cornwall's still the place to learn !
In South East Cornwall we can recommend Discovery Surf http://www.discoverysurf.com/ at Whitsand Bay, and www.activecornwall.co.uk for surfing and loads of other adventures throughout Cornwall!

Real Veal

2009-03-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Popped over to Boccadon Farm on Thursday to pick up some supplies from Jon who had just returned from a day at Exeter farmers market. I also met Valerie who came rushing out to show me the yogurt and milk they are producing along side their tremendous (and awarding winning) cheese, a great example of what quality local food is all about. Read: dedication to the cause! www.boccadonfarmveal.com I'm just about to make a little veal stir fry for dinner so must dash......

Did you know?

2009-03-18T01:49:00.000-07:00

We are in the middle of a two day course on labelling and food law in preparation for the launch of our chef prepared meals from Two Chefs (me and Iain!) Did you know that 1998 Cornish Clotted Cream was given the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin – PDO, it now stands alongside Parma Ham, Stilton and Parmesan cheese as a food of the world!

food4myholiday - the big move

2009-03-17T03:40:00.000-07:00

Nick & Iain have done all the hard work moving food4myholiday to its new and palatial HQ in Liskeard . The phone's working, the email's working , the sun's shining here in Cornwall and everything's good!
The new food4myholiday phone number: 01579 324728

Cornwall wide delivery

2009-03-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

Don't forget we now service ALL of Cornwall coast to coast, plan now, relax later, and enjoy your holiday!

Hot cross buns

2009-03-14T01:27:00.000-07:00

Just added them to the site, nothing quite like a nice cuppa and a toasted hot cross bun with liberal amounts of Cornish butter. You don't have to wait till Easter, order some now!

Moving on up

2009-03-12T01:44:00.000-07:00

Spent yesterday with Iain moving us into our new unit just across the street, its twice the size of our original unit which should do us nicely this season as we've expanded our delivery service to cover all of Cornwall for 2009, stay tuned!

Rent a Chef this season

2009-03-10T01:24:00.000-07:00

Interest in our Rent-a-chef service at www.food4myholiday.com is really hotting up for the 2009 season and dates are going fast. If you'd like to reserve a night or two on your holiday when you can totally kick back and let us doing the cooking, serving (and even the washing up!) then e-mail or call us asap!

Expo West

2009-03-06T00:21:00.000-08:00

We went over to Wadebridge on Wednesday to Cornwall's largest catering trade show known as Expo West. Had a good look around and bumped into lots of friends and food producers although the absence of smaller producers was noticeably from previous years. Enjoyed a quick lunch at The St. Kew Inn on the way back, just off the the St. Kew highway. Trust me, this pub is bucking the current trend of pubs in free fall, its a classic village pub in the very best sense complete with great food, massive car park and a fab beer garden, get there before the summer crowds!

Wild Garlic

2009-03-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

We were running down the nature trail from Seaton to Hessenford this morning when suddenly we were hit with unmistakable pungent aroma that is wild garlic, "you cant stop now" Kelli said, I'll be back later I thought, a steaming hot bowl of baked potato soup with wild garlic pesto came to mind.......

Cooking at Well Cottage

2009-02-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

I had a really great evening cooking for the honeymooners staying at wonderful Well Cottage last night! http://www.wellcottagecornwall.co.uk/ I took great pride in being able to tell the story of each of the locally produced ingredients on the menu.
They particularly enjoyed the John Dory with hand picked crab which I cooked for their main course and they couldn't believe how fresh the fish was. It reminded me how lucky we are here in South East Cornwall having such great day boat fish landed in Looe literally the day it has been caught. You really can't get fresher than that without catching it yourself! You can see a 'live' summary of the fish being landed in Looe ready for the next market at 6.30 the next morning at http://www.looe-fish-selling.co.uk/

New products

2009-02-26T03:42:00.000-08:00

Just added a couple of Crellow's chutney's and relish to our website for the coming season including the 2008 Great Taste Award winning Beetroot relish http://www.crellow.com/ and a Lord of the Isles chutney made with Andy Atkinson's apples from Cornish Orchards http://www.cornishorchards.co.uk/

Iain, how did your dinner go last night? http://www.twochefs.co.uk/ In case you didn't know, our hadn't realized we also offer our rent-a-chef service right here at food4myholiday. Not only can you have all your groceries delivered awaiting your arrival, you can also have one of us or our team of chefs cook for you too!

Channel 4 Time Team in Looe!

2009-02-26T01:05:00.000-08:00

For a different view of Looe and Looe Island (or St George's Island) watch Channel 4s Time Team, 5.30pm this Sunday -Tony Robinson and the crew filmed here last June and the resulting programme should be fascinating...
http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/T/timeteam/

Watch Nick and Iain in action at Well Cottage !

2009-02-25T02:23:00.001-08:00

Take 1! You can watch Nick and Iain demonstrate three of the recipes featured on the food4myholiday.com website by following the link from here www.wellcottagecornwall.co.uk
The recipes are:
Pan-seared Looe Bay scallops with creamed leeks and nut brown butter
Roasted rack of Cornish spring lamb with a mustard herb crust and garlic mash potatoes
Steamed Fowey River mussels with Cornish Orchards cider and a hint of curry

Take 2 to follow soon!

Full recipe details are here:
http://www.food4myholiday.com/acatalog/nick_barclays_recipes.html

Young Chefs

2009-02-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

The food4 team have just returned from the Taste-South East Cornwall Young Chef of the Year competition http://www.taste-southeastcornwall.com/ sponsored by Caradon District Council and held at Trelaske Hotel near Looe. http://www.trelaskehotel.com/

Today's winner was Sam Parry from Liskeard School although it was a close fought event with Gabriella Lake from Looe School and Tom Sainsbury from Saltash tied joint second. Hat's off to them all and to all those who came along and supported the event. Check out the local newspapers in the next week or two for full details and pictures. This is the second year for the competition I've organised on behalf of TSEC with help from the Taste committee. Many thanks to all including special thanks to compere and fellow judges Richard McGeown from Couch's in Polperro, Carol Trewin from the Western Morning News and Ross Lewin from Trelaske.

Setting up for spring

2009-02-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

This a great time of year, anticipating how the year is going to pan out, I talk in terms of new crops, new growers, new producers and new suppliers and well as new holiday cottage partners to deliver to and work with. I'm still buzzing about the micro greens we sampled at Keveral Farm last week! http://www.keveral.org/

Keveral Farm

2009-02-18T03:09:00.000-08:00

Tuesday saw me and Iain head up to Keveral Farm just over the hill from where we both live to visit with Sean, the top man at Keveral. We are on a mission to find out how we can work closer together with KF, Buttervilla Farm and Skygrove Organic this year. Both Iain and me (when we had restaurants in Looe) were fans and used their combined produce, even before 15 and Jamie O came onto the scene and discovered their awesome crops. KF (which has been registered as Organic for the past 25 years) is set on 4o acres of downright peaceful and fertile land just above Seaton. Sean takes us on a tour, there's even more than I remember from my last visit and their development of micro greens is particularly fascinating, and incredibly tasty too with Sean plucking numerous varieties for us to try as we go! These guys are really into experimental growing, in fact Sean tells us he's just send some of in the post to Heston Blumenthal! More later

Day one

2009-02-16T23:41:00.000-08:00

Today we enter a brand new phase in building our brand, our business and our connections by beginning our blog. Its a whole new world we are about to explore, join us as we begin this particular adventure, right here on the food4myholiday blog, enjoy!