What else is mankind destroying now, I hear you ask. Oh just the planet – and everything that lives in it.

The destructive effect of the palm oil industry has been highlighted in recent years. Its extraction and production is associated with deforestation, habitat dilapidation, climate change, animal abuse and the displacement of indigenous people in the countries where it is farmed, such as Borneo and Indonesia. This is because unscrupulous companies are, often illegally, burning forests and land to make room for the development of palm oil plantations.

So many people are understandably frustrated that palm oil continues to be used in so many products we use on a daily basis.

What Is Palm Oil

Palm oil is derived from the fruits of trees called African oil palms. The trees, which originally came from west and south-west Africa, were brought to Indonesia and Malaysia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

African oil palms grow naturally in tropical rainforest regions, but due to excessive demand from large corporations, they also are being planted and farmed purposefully to produce more palm oil.

What Is Palm Oil Used For?

Tens of millions of tonnes of palm oil is produced each year and accounts for around 30% of the world’s entire vegetable oil production. It is found in around 50% of household products in the UK, such as confectionary, baked produce, cosmetics, toothpaste and cleaning agents – to name but a few.  Make no mistake – palm oil is a big and lucrative business.

Why Is Palm Oil So Controversial?

Palm oil is relatively cheap, commands a high yield and is a versatile crop so it’s no wonder corporations love it. However, the World Wildlife Fund estimates an area roughly the size of 300 football pitches of rainforest is cleared every hour of every day to allow room for palm oil production. Wow – that is well and truly off the scale.

Due to the magnitude and impact of deforestation, many species will be pushed to extinction. Pictures of orangutans and Sumatran tigers are synonymous with mentions of palm oil and there’s a valid reason for this: if deforestation continues at the rate it is, the orangutan will become extinct in less than 10 years and the Sumatran tiger will be extinct in three years’ time.

What Can We Do About This Atrocity?

An atrocity, it certainly is. We have to stop buying products from companies that demand excessive amounts of palm oil and have no issue with unsustainable farming methods when there are alternatives on offer. After all, much like the ivory trade, if there was no demand for it, then this destruction wouldn’t be happening.

But It’s Everywhere!!

Let’s face it, it is very difficult to avoid palm oil completely in products we buy. Sometimes it isn’t even stated as “palm oil” on the label. Other words for palm oil include: Aluminium Stearate and Oleic Acid. There are actually approximately 200 alternative names for palm oil so. The best thing is to do a web search on any ingredients you’re not sure of.

It’s All About Education

We need to educate ourselves on how, we as consumers, are contributing to this mass destruction of wildlife, the abuse of indigenous people who are forced to move out of their homes because the land is literally being burned down, and the detrimental impact upon climate change due to the harmful emissions through the burning of the land.

Put simply: as people become more environmentally aware, the more businesses will have to adopt more sustainable farming methods because people will not buy their irresponsibly and illegally sourced products.

Are There Any Sustainable Farming Methods?

Yes, there are. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has certified more than 20 percent of the global palm oil supply. This means that this palm oil has been produced through methods that preserve natural resources and safeguards the forests and rivers that wildlife inhabits.

It’s entirely possible for companies to use palm oil that has been sustainably produced or to use another type of vegetable oil. Both alternatives will cost the companies more which would then be passed to the consumer, but I’m sure we wouldn’t mind paying a little bit more for those corn chips or toothpaste if we know orangutans have not lost their habitat and their lives due to its production.

To view a list of sustainable companies and products, take a look at The Act For Wildlife website.

How Can We Help?

Keep an eye out for the RSPO label on a product, which confirms that it contains palm oil derived from sustainable sources. Also check for the Green Palm logo. Proceeds from Green Palm assist growers to pay for the transition to sustainable oil. So, if a product contains palm oil but these labels are nowhere to been seen on the packaging, don’t buy it.

The power we have through social media use and our spending choices has never been greater. We must use these powers to put an end to the demand and use of negligently and unsustainably sourced palm oil.

So what is the problem with palm oil?

Its unsustainable and unscrupulous farming methods are just one of the reflections we have of our consumer-driven society. Intense factory-farming and global warming are just a couple of others. This world will not change until we change. We must educate ourselves and then others and not fuel unsustainable farming methods with our poor choices when spending. We can do this!

A few years ago, it was thought that organic food was consumed by only the wealthy and by hippies. But now, most of us realise the benefits of eating organically for our health and the environment. The latest Organic Market report shows that sales for organic produce are booming – there’s been a 6% growth of organic food and drink in the UK during the past year.

So What Does ‘Organic’ Mean?

The Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) states that:

‘Organic food is the product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilisers, pesticides; growth regulators and livestock feed additives. Irradiation and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products produced from or by GMOs are generally prohibited by organic legislation.’

When it’s put like that, it makes you wonder why all food in general is not organic.

What’s Organic Farming?

When we talk about ‘organic farming’, generally we mean few or no artificial fertilisers on the land, the prohibited use of antibiotics in rearing animals for their meat and better animal welfare as organic farms keep their animals in more natural and free conditions.

Evidence shows that there are more vitamins, minerals and omega-3s in most organic produce. Some organic fruit and veg have higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants, and all have lower levels of pesticide residues and metals.

How Do We Know It’s Organic?

A minimum of 95% of its ingredients must be derived from organically-produced plants or animals if a food item is to be labelled as organic. Approval from an organic certification body is required and they perform regular inspections to make sure the strict regulations associated with the production methods and labelling are adhered to.

You can look for labels like the Soil Association on food packaging and most foods that are organic will clearly state so on the label.

Why Is Organic Food More Expensive?

Most organic produce tends to be more expensive mainly due to:

• Higher labour costs because of organic farming methods
• Typically lower yields
• Organic feed for the animals tends to be more expensive

However, organic produce is arguably far superior in quality and is tastier than products grown with chemicals. I am sure you wouldn’t mind paying that bit extra for better quality, nourishing food.

Keeping The Cost Down

It is possible to buy organic produce without it costing the earth.

I’ll tell you how…

• Buy directly from a farmer or producer, either via a farmers’ markets or a farmshop. Buying local, organic food will often cost less than the non-organic equivalent.
• You can get fab, and sometimes discounted, deals from food delivery companies such as HelloFresh.
• If you can’t buy organic food directly from the producer, then the supermarket it may have to be. But do shop around. It’s worth noting that some organic products cost less than premium range non-organic products.
• If your budget doesn’t allow a full organic diet, then prioritise the organic produce you can buy. Products such as organic bread, butter, flour, milk and seasonal produce are relatively cheap compared to other organic produce like meat.
• If you’re buying just a few organic products, you may choose organic alternatives to the foods that are the most harmful when conventionally produced. According to campaigning charity Pesticide Action Network the fruit and veg that have highest levels of pesticide residue are:

• Oranges
• Lemons and limes
• Pears
• Grapes
• Apples
• Pre-packed salads
• Bananas
• Spring greens
• Kale
• Herbs
• Spinach
• Cucumber

Plus, the following foods have high levels of pesticides:

• Wheat
• Rice
• Flour
• Bread

Grow Your Own

For the ultimate “Good Life”, grow your own. It’s cheap and you know what you’re eating.  Doesn’t matter if you live in a flat or have a country manor, there are options available for you to produce your very own organic food.

Take a look at these really useful tips for growing your own organic garden.

Alternatively, why not think about getting an allotment? Don’t you know that it’s the place to be and that all the hipsters are doing it nowadays? They’re not in the swanky wine bars at the weekend now. No, they’re in their local allotment tending to their lovingly-grown organic array of delights.

You might have heard it’s difficult to actually get an allotment. On the whole, yes, it is. Quite often, you’ll have to apply for a plot. But once you have one, you’ll be the envy of all who know you.

The cost of an allotment is approximately £110 annually for a 250 square metre plot and there’s sometimes a 50% discount if you are over 60.

Are You Convinced Yet?

Choosing organic produce over conventionally-produced counterparts is getting more and more habitual for most people. People want to think ethically about where their food has come from and if that means that they’re ingesting negligible chemicals, the environment is not being damaged and the livestock they eat have had better lives, then it’s a small price they’re willing to pay.

Useful Websites

 Soil Association

Apply For An Allotment

Benefits Of Organic Food

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us – and whether that fills you with dread or delight, there is no escaping it. How can you, with love hearts adorning card shops, supermarkets and even pet shops. Yep, it’s happening, sweetie.

Now I love food and fizz AND I also love my significant other (not necessarily in that order – fizz comes first, of course!)  So what better way to spend a Valentine’s evening than with all three? But where to spend it?

We all have differing views on Valentine’s Day. Whether you think Valentine’s Day is a commercial, anti-climatic and over-priced occasion, or you think it’s the best date of the whole year, I wonder: Is Valentine’s Day a fabulous excuse to splash out on a wonderful meal in a top-notch restaurant – or can it be just as special dining at home?

1. Dining Out

There’s something really special about slipping into your divine Alexander McQueen dress and making a concerted effort with your appearance, in anticipation of a romantic restaurant meal with your loved one. And Valentine’s Day is great excuse to do just that.

However, be aware that many restaurants offer set Valentine’s menus. They can provide good value for money, although, by definition, are little restrictive in choice. And do you really want to sit alongside another 20 couples, all eating the same thing as you? Feels a little cringe-worthy and lacks imagination to me.

If you’re going to go out for a meal, go to a quality restaurant where set menus are either non-existent or aren’t the only option. You don’t need Valentine’s to be the theme of the night if you’re looking for under-stated sophistication.

Where To Go

There’s a gem of a restaurant I adore in Manchester – and even if that’s too far from you, take inspiration from what it offers to find similar restaurants in your area.

Manchester House is ideal if you want a wonderfully special and romantic evening in sumptuous and luxurious surroundings. As you’d expect from a top-notch restaurant, the menu is à la carte and caters for those with discerning tastes. But what is really fabulous, especially for a romantic evening, is the 8 or 12 course tasting menus. You’re able to try a variety of what the menu offers, such as oysters, aged sirloin and blackberries. The price is £75 for 8 courses and £95 for 12 courses.

After a wonderful meal, guests can finish off their evening relaxing on the terrace in Lounge 12 with a few glasses of champagne – just above the restaurant.

A perfect example of a wonderful, uncontrived and quality evening.

2. Staying In

Perhaps going out is a logistical nightmare for you both or you’d rather spend a romantic evening at home, just the two of you. After all, staying in is the new going out, don’t you know!

What To Cook

No Valentine’s Day is complete without a meal – either at home or in a restaurant. So, what to cook on this fabulously romantic evening?

If you don’t want to spend the whole day slaving in the kitchen, thank goodness for M&S who offers a splendid and easy-to-cook inspirational idea.

For a starter, we have a white wine soup (just don’t pile in the plonk if you want to stay awake past 9pm!) and for the main, there’s fennel and pecorino tartlets which are suitably light for an evening which includes champagne…and whatever else you choose to do afterwards. Then for pudding, perhaps a coffee and walnut cake with mascarpone icing – simply scrumptious. And all of this will cost you about £20.

M&S offer an array of delectable champers, but a particular favourite has to be their Oudinot medium dry. A perfect accompaniment to a perfectly romantic meal.

And with all the money you’ve saved not going out, why don’t you buy your other half a fabulous chocolate and wine gift from M&S which can be delivered, too.

3. If All Else Fails…

Are you aware that certain branches of Greggs are hosting romantic dinners for couples? Yes, you heard me correctly. If you’re a fan of their steak bakes and other assorted pastry delights, better check out availability pronto!

But seriously, whatever you do on Valentine’s Day, make sure you spend as much quality time as possible with your loved one (with food and fizz, of course!).

For more inspiration on how to offer a delectable dinner party in minimal time, take a look at our cheats guide to dinner parties – courtesy of M&S

Cat cafés have never been so popular. What’s not to love about enjoying coffee and cake and playing with an adorable moggy during a relaxing afternoon? It’s no wonder that the number of cat cafés in the UK currently sits at 20 – and they’re increasing at a pace.

I visited Pause Cat Café in Bournemouth to see what all the fuss is about…

Pause only opened in February 2017 but already has a cult following. Go anywhere in Bournemouth and ask about this café and you’ll be sure to hear some glowing reviews.

The café offers cat lovers the opportunity to book an hour’s slot to interact with their 12 rescue cats for £5 whilst enjoying coffee and cake (not included in entrance fee).

You’re required to book before going which can be over the phone or online.  There are the rules that visitors must abide by:

• Check your footwear – ask a staff member for a wipe or shoe covers if your shoes are dirty.
• Please sanitise your hands (with gel or by washing) on arrival.
• Do not feed the cats – cover your food and drink.
• Do not bring in cat toys or catnip from outside the café.
• Never wake or stroke sleeping cats.
• Do not chase, pick up or pull the cats, let them come to you.
• Don’t force the cats to play if they don’t want to.
• Feel free to take and share photos, but no flash.
• Do not make loud noises around the cats.
• Take care not to hurt the cats with hot food or drinks.

As a cat lover and owner myself, I don’t think the rules are excessive. If you know cats, you’ll know EVERYTHING is on their terms so you’ll have an abysmal success rate trying to make them play with you if they don’t want!

The Visit

As soon as I walked into the café, I could feel the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. I was greeted by a friendly member of staff who gave me a helpful introduction to all the cats prior to showing me to my table.

I was then advised of anything the cats didn’t appreciate, such as sudden movements around them or loud noises. I signed a waiver to state that I understood the rules of the café and any injuries I might sustain were no fault of the cats or the premises. Fair enough.

The cats roam free and decide what to do and where to go. Some dozed in the sunshine and climbed above guest’s heads on the special cat run that is built above. Others played with the abundance of cat toys dotted around and purred with pure enjoyment at the affection being showered upon them. I could also see the contentment on the guests’ faces too – and it was obvious to me that the staff loved the cats. A really chilled environment.

Is It Cruel That Cats Live In A Café?

The café is not your usual café. It’s more like a cat playground – and humans are their guests.

You could argue that it’s cruel to stop cats roaming outside, but Pause points out they’re giving a wonderful home to many cats that faced the prospect of living in a rescue centre. The cats have more love and affection that would simply not be possible had they remained in the centre.

Owing to generous donations from customers and backers, Pause are able to create an amazing home for the cats which includes personalised micro-chip entry system bedrooms, wall and ceiling walkways and numerous fun and interactive toys to play with.

The company has consulted experts in animal welfare, health and behaviour to create the best possible environment for the cats to thrive, and any guests that cause concern will be asked to leave and not return.

Cats have regular check-ups with a vet and they’re supervised by trained cat care specialists to ensure they’re healthy. Plus, the number of cats in the café will always be low and since their space is large, this ensures that each cat has sufficient territory and space to roam.

Do The Cats Have ‘Down Time’?

All the cats in the cafe have been selected for their friendliness (they’re really friendly!) However, the café is aware that they all need some down time from petting hands. For this purpose, the cats have constant access to their private rooms via microchip entry systems.

There are also high-level walkways and ledges so the cats can simply people-watch if they’ve had enough of the attention.

What About Food Hygiene?

It’s good – very good in fact. I did not see one moggy hair in my falafel or Pina Cat-Lada (both come highly recommended, by the way!)

The food is either pre-prepared off-site by their local suppliers, or prepared in their kitchen and served in a re-sealable container. There are separate food-handling staff and cat-handling staff, as well as a dish-wash room that is used before any crockery enters the kitchen.

Pause claims that their “kitties will be well fed and watered, so should have no interest in your superfood smoothie and cake!”

What Else Is Pause Doing?

Not only are Pause giving a fantastic home to their cats (and providing guests with a fulfilling experience), but they are ardent in raising awareness about rescue cats: they host classes on cat welfare at the café. Their aim is to “encourage adoption rather than commercial cat breeding”.

As Pause put it themselves: “Pause Cat Cafe® is a place for people to experience the healing serenity of being around cats, and all of the benefits they bring: enhancing your mood, relieving stress, increasing joy and happiness”. I couldn’t agree more – what an uplifting and positive experience – all for a fiver!

https://pausecatcafe.co.uk/

Below Are Details Of More Cat Cafes Around The Country:

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium

152-154 Bethnal Green Road London E26DG
Costs vary, but between £10 – £25pp per hour

Mog on the Tyne

24 Pudding Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1UE
£5 per hour

Maison de Moggy

17-19 West Port, Edinburgh, EH1 2JA
£8 pp per hour

Cat Cafe

103 High St, Manchester, M4 1HQ
£12 pp per hour (includes refreshments)

You can’t have failed to notice the increasing sight of customized food vans and trucks popping up on our streets, markets or disused warehouses. And I bet you’re constantly tempted by the tantalising aromas emanating from these stationary vehicles as they prepare culinary delights known as ‘street food’.

Some street foods are regional, (anyone fancy Jellied Eels?) but you’ll often see worldly gems such as Boureka from Israel, Jerk Chicken from Jamaica, or perhaps even Yakisoba from Japan being served from food vans in the surburbs.

Shift Those Perceptions

Street food is no longer associated with greasy burgers and fat-saturated chips served by a dodgy-looking bloke. Think a hipster with a big beard creating mouth-wateringly artisan cuisine and you’d be nearer the mark.

There’s been a huge shift in the way the public perceive food being cooked in a van, and because the start-up costs for would-be vendors is low, street food is becoming more available and more popular.

The industry is big – with an annual turnover of £600 million, it’s no wonder the likes of the Independent on Sunday are calling this game-changing concept “the most important trend in British food for years”.

You can’t watch a cooking programme without references to ‘street food’, and neither can you miss the ‘street food’ ranges at the supermarket. Street food titles are also a hot sector in the otherwise mundane area of food publishing. You can’t escape it – it’s all around us and it’s growing!

So Where Did It All Start?

Street food started off in Asia, with America catching on and now Europe’s following suit – particularly the UK.

Many of the most contemporary and successful restaurants have started out as street food establishments: MEATliquor, The Good Egg and Homeslice to name but a few.

Currently, there are pop-up stalls making and selling street food in warehouses, disused factories and even in people’s homes. The street food revolution has firmly taken grip of us.

Yep, there’s no denying it. Street food is here and it’s here to stay.

Why We Love It

Forget about being able to reserve a seat; forget about sitting on a normal chair; forget about eating indoors; and forget about talking to only the people you came with. Get ready for a totally new social dining experience: one with crates for seats and where you share a coat with someone you’ve just met to keep warm. And of course one where you get to taste some divine culinary delights.

What makes street food attractive to the discerning diner is the use of locally-sourced, authentic ingredients which are infinitely healthier than what you’d pick up at your average fast food joint. Perhaps a little more expensive, but you’re paying for what you get here.

Collective street food markets enable you to try a little bit of national and international cuisine within a small area. They’re buzzing places – wafts of smoke and strong aromas originating from the cooking, cheers and shouts from the customers upon tasting their delights and a general jolly atmosphere make for a truly theatrical experience.

The food, the price, the convenience and the atmosphere are the main reasons why street food is so popular. It’s the whole experience of choosing the type of food you want to try, engaging with the vendor, standing or sitting with other customers and having a social time – one you’re not likely to replicate in a restaurant – and of course, all for a fraction of a restaurant’s price.

Nor do you have to spend ages getting ready to go a street market; you can nip past on your way from work. Another huge plus point is that you can go alone if you fancy it – you’d be less likely to go alone to a restaurant, I’m sure.

Put simply, street food is not only revolutionising the way we eat; it’s enabling communities to come together and showcase regional cuisine that might not otherwise be experienced. Street food is not just food; it’s a way of life.

Where’s My Local Street Food Market?

At the moment in the UK, street food is seldom eaten on the actual street. It’s mostly eaten at markets or at special events. Below are a few of the most popular street food markets in the country:

​London: https://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/londons-best-street-food-markets-and-food-halls

Manchester: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/616/special-interest_markets/5773/street_food_market_at_piccadilly

Birmingham: http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/street-food-birmingham

Newcastle: https://www.newcastlegateshead.com/food-and-drink/restaurants/street-food

Devon: https://www.streetfoodexeter.co.uk

You can’t have failed to have heard of craft beers. Even if you’re not a fan of beer in general, I bet you’ve been tempted to try a craft beer, not just because it sounds so arty and niche, but because of its tantalisingly different flavour and attractively decorated bottle.

When you hear ‘craft beer’ and associated vocabulary such as ‘unfiltered IPAs’, ‘hipster hops’ and ‘mellow complexity’, you probably think of hipster types with full beards brewing the stuff in traditional, dark breweries. Maybe it’s just me, but there is something very warming about the concept of a craft beer.

What Exactly Is A Craft Beer?

As you’d expect with something so contemporary, there’s a certain amount of ambiguity surrounding the definition of a ‘craft beer’. The general consensus is that a craft beer is made in a small, independent traditional brewery. In other words, a craft beer is not brewed by one of the big corporations.

Originating in 1970’s America, and then slowly increasing in popularity in the UK over the last decade or so, craft beers are now well and truly established. Their popularity, in part, is due to originality of taste and appearance.

Beer enthusiasts will tell you that they’re very different to your average beer. For a start, they tend to have a lower alcohol content so you can drink for a longer period of time (at a festival perhaps) and feel relatively sober compared to drinking one of your ‘standard’ beers for the same amount of time.

Plus they’re brewed in a more traditional way, on a small scale and often contain an infusion of different tastes, such as citrus, which makes for an unforgettable taste.

Note that most craft beers are ‘India Pale Ale’ (IPA) which has a high concentration of hops and an increased bitterness. They’re a good match with most foods, especially Indian cuisine.

Supermarket Sweep?

The big supermarkets have cottoned onto the popularity of craft beers and see a lucrative market for selling them. A major plus-point of this is that you no longer have to venture into a pretentious hipster bar to try craft beers; you can now do so in the comfort of your own home (wearing your dressing gown and slippers if you so wish!).

See below for my top 5 craft beers sold both in supermarkets and from online beer specialists – and where you’re getting the best deal: (Pricing & links correct at time of posting)

Goose Island IPA, 5.9% alcohol
£2.00 at Sainsburys
£2.59 at Beer Hawk

Goose Island IPA has plenty of flavour owing to its fruity, malty-ness, with infused pine notes. Easy on the palate and one of the most popular and highly-rated IPAs out there.

Toast Pale Ale, 5% alcohol
£2.29 at Waitrose
£2.66 at Ales by Mail

A totally flavour-some Pale Ale brewed with the usual hops, barley and yeast and bread…yes, that’s right, bread.  The very idea of craft is the ability to add most edible foods/liquids into the mix to produce a fabulous tasting drink.

Stone Go To IPA Berlin, 4.7% alcohol
£1.90 at Tesco
£2.39 at Beers of Europe

Zesty orange aroma with flavours of grapefruit, lemons gives this beer a strong hoppy charm.

Oskar Blues Pinner IPA, 4.9% alcohol
£1.80 at Tesco
£3.19 at Beers of Europe

With its fresh flavour, it’s been described as more like a lager than a typical IPA. However, it is gorgeously citrussy with subtle hoppy notes.

Yeastie Boys Gunnamatta Earl Grey IPA 6.5% alcohol
£2.39 at Waitrose
£3 at Forest Wines

How interesting does this sound?! Earl Grey combined with Indian Pale Ale? It’s tangy, sweet and has citrus overtones. Plus, the herbs and spices make it a veritable palate explosion!

Why Pay More?

We can see that the supermarkets are winning hands-down in the price wars with the online retailers.

Supermarkets, buy their very nature, buy big and sell cheap (ish), so we shouldn’t be surprised that they’re able to price-cut the online retailers by as much as 50 per cent. Of course, some people may argue that the craft beer movement has sold its soul to mass consumerism, but it’s inevitable that this would happen to something so good: what starts out as underground almost always becomes mainstream.

Bear in mind that supermarkets sell only a small fraction of the craft beers that the online retailers do. So if you’re looking for something more specific and different, then look to the online retailers first.

What Are Supper Clubs?

They’re a cross between a low-key dinner party and a social club, and are a great way to meet people in a relaxed venue (normally someone’s home). The hosts are sociable folk who want to bring people together who wouldn’t otherwise meet. They also want to showcase their culinary and hosting skills and make some extra money!

Guests will enjoy good quality food at affordable prices, benefit from the informality of a home-from- home setting, (with none of the clearing up to do afterwards) and meet people they will hopefully soon consider as new friends.

Usually supper club invites are done by word of mouth. The best supper clubs tend to be those with less than 15 which lends itself to that exclusive feel. If you’re starting your own supper club and worry you won’t attract many guests, use social media to reach the people you’d like to attend and ask them to bring a friend.

Alternatively set up a website or ask a well-known blogger to come and review the experience to give your event exposure. You can also advertise yourself on a site such as http://supperclubfangroup.ning.com

If you’re serious about making this a profitable business, be sure you price your meal accurately. Cover all your costs, preparation time and for the duties you’ll perform on the night. However much you love cooking and hosting, you don’t want to be out of pocket. You can take a deposit off guests beforehand or they can pay at the end of the evening – it is your choice. Just make sure you make all diners aware of the cost and the manner in which you’d like to be paid.

Read my tips on getting the best out of hosting a supper club – and dining at one.

As A Host

• Cook what’s in season. If elderflower is in, make a big deal of it and infuse it into cocktails or desserts. Even better if you can forage for ingredients. Remember, the less you spend on quality ingredients, the more profit you’ll pocket.
• Balance your courses. If you’re serving a heavy main such as Beef Wellington, make sure you serve a light starter.
• Make sure the dishes look appealing. Try a beautifully arranged rocket and goats cheese salad with a subtle truffle dressing. Not only does it taste divine, but looks appetising too.
• The key is in the preparation. Make sure you prep a few days before the event so you minimise the risk of being late in serving.
• Enlist the help of others. It’s going to be difficult taking on the roles of cook, host and pot-washer all at once.
• Get creative with the table set-up. Gone are the days when you’d put out Great Aunt Bea’s expensive china. Today’s supper clubs are all about that rustic and relaxed feel, so get some fresh flowers, candles, potted herbs and put on some ambient music.
• If you’ve space and enough tables, try to make one big table so that everyone gets a chance to interact with all the others.
• Decide whether guests can bring their own alcoholic drinks or whether you’ll supply them. Obviously, if it’s the latter, make sure to add the amount you’ve spent on drinks onto the fee for guests.

As A Guest

Attending a super club is a great way to meet similar minded people in relaxed surroundings.  However you will have to pay to attend so ensure you’re clear about the cost and whether you pay in advance or on the night.

• Usually, people are advised of supper clubs by word of mouth. However, if you actively want to seek one out, you can search on one of the sites that offer details of supper clubs near you.
• Avoid last minute cancellations. If you absolutely cannot attend, try to give at least 48 hours’ notice so your host can find a replacement.
• Once you’re at a supper club, it’s always appreciated by the host if you take a little token of appreciation. Flowers, wine or chocolates never go amiss.
• Get ready to socialise. If you’re a shy person by nature, coming prepared with a few simple talking points such as a humorous situation you encountered or your experience of an exotic country will help to calm your nerves when meeting people for the first time. For this reason…
• Don’t get too drunk. This is meant to be a civilised evening where like-minded people get to meet each other and taste some great food and participate in engaging conversations. Too much alcohol can mar the whole experience.
• Treat your host’s home respectfully. Don’t wander around the house unless they’ve explicitly said you can.
• Ask as much about the food as you like. What are the ingredients in the dish? How long did it take to prepare? Chances are the host is passionate about food so will enjoy imparting their knowledge.
• Give the host praise and constructive criticism where due. They’ll most likely admire your honesty and will want to learn what works and what doesn’t.

Supper clubs are a great invention! People with strong cooking and social skills can host one to meet new people and make some extra money; others who want a different type of evening out where they can meet others in a wonderfully relaxed environment should be searching online to get an invite to a supper club near them!

What Is Deliveroo?

Even if you’ve not heard of Deliveroo, you must have seen their cyclists navigating down busy city centre roads with large boxes strapped to the back of their bikes. They’re practically an institution in some major cities.

Founded in 2013, Deliveroo is a British online food delivery company with operations spread across eighty-four cities in 12 countries – and it’s expanding.

The delightful thing about Deliveroo is that they deliver food from local restaurants that have no delivery service. If you fancy a pepperoni pizza from Papa Johns’, but they refuse to bring it to you, no need to hop in the car to get it. Simply contact Deliveroo and the spicy, cheese-laden delight will be delivered straight to your door before you know it.

Which Restaurants Use Deliveroo?

Depends on where you live, but you’ll find anything from Nando’s to Pizza Express to your more upmarket restaurants like Harvey Nichol’s Second Floor and Jamie’s Italian. If you fancy something super healthy, you’ve got Boost Juice Bar. If you’re nursing a hangover, you can indulge your cravings with take-outs from Burger King or Five Guys. There are loads of options – especially in the bigger cities.

How To Order

To start the ordering process, simply enter your postcode on Deliveroo’s homepage, and you’ll see a list of local restaurants that Deliveroo works with. Note that Deliveroo is relatively new and may not deliver to you currently. However, if you live in a main city, you’ll probably be in luck.

You’ll also see details about the restaurant you’re ordering from, in addition to the menu and prices. Deliveroo only accepts card payments so there isn’t a cash-upon-delivery option.

Once you place your order, a bicycle, motorcycle or car courier will pick up your order and deliver to you within the time-frame stated when ordering. The company makes its money by charging restaurants a commission (per order) and charging you the delivery cost (a miserly £2.50 delivery which makes it more than worth it for most busy families).

The Test

You can get pretty much any type of food delivered by Deliveroo. Living in central Manchester, there are hundreds of fast food and not-so-fast-food outlets pouring out all over the city. I carried out a little test – how would Deliveroo fare when bringing me something a bit more sophisticated…my favourite tagliatelle with smoked salmon and dill (£13.25) from Gusto.

Of course, I couldn’t just order one course, could I?! I also ordered the garlic pizza bread mozzarella (£5.75) for starter and tiramisu (£6.25) for pudding, plus a lemonade presse (£2.40). The menu options that you see on the Deliveroo website is just a small section of what you’d see on the Gusto website but the prices of the dishes are the same.

Delivery of my delicious meal was promised in 45-55 minutes (you can track your meal using the Apple or Google Play app) and the total came to £30.15 (including £2.50 delivery).

I was given the option to add a tip for the driver. I usually only tip if I think I’ve received good service, and since I was yet to receive the service, I didn’t tip. However, I did feel terribly guilty when only 30 minutes later, there was a knock at my door and a friendly and polite young man handed over my meal…

How Did The Food Compare To Restaurant Quality?

Since I’ve had this exact meal (many times!) before, I felt I could compare.

Taking into account that Deliveroo doesn’t prepare the food – they simply deliver it once it’s been cooked in the restaurant – I wanted to know if it was still hot and whether it or its packaging was subject to any damage along the journey.

The food arrived packaged inside food containers wrapped in foil so it was well insulated. Portion sizes were pretty much the same as I’d received in the restaurant and as far as I could see, no damage to neither the food nor the packaging. So far so good.

The only small gripe I had was that the lemonade presse was room-temperature rather than chilled, but that was nothing a quick store in the freezer wouldn’t correct.

Verdict?

If you want restaurant cuisine, but can’t be bothered getting ready for a night out and don’t want to cook at hom, Deliveroo is your saviour. Not only was my food delivered within 30 minutes straight to my door, but it was hot and tasted just like it does in the restaurant. All of this for only an extra £2.50 delivery charge!

However, if your order comes to under £15, you’ll be charged an extra £2, which I don’t think is too much considering what you do get from this service.

If you’re looking for the same extensive menus that are offered when you visit the restaurants, you may not get that through ordering via Deliveroo. However, if you don’t find something that takes your fancy, I’ll eat my hat!

I’ll certainly use Deliveroo again. In fact, I think I might just have to “test out” Jamie’s Italian tonight…

We’ve all been there: you get home from a busy day and wonder what to make for dinner. You want something healthy, that’s quick and easy to prepare but is substantial enough to eradicate those hunger pangs – quick sharp!

You can’t find what you are looking for in the cupboards and wish that someone would hand you a box full of all the correct measurements of ingredients to make an amazingly-delicious meal.

Look no further…your wish has been granted in the form of HelloFresh

What Is HelloFresh?

Put simply, it’s convenience in a box for busy, health-conscious people.

You’ll have healthy and locally-sourced ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes that take no longer than 45 minutes to cook – all delivered to your door – on the day of the week you choose.

Not only will you have the convenience of having everything right there in front of you to cook, but each meal is affordable too – between £4.50 and £6.00 per person per meal! So much cheaper than a takeaway and possibly cheaper than some quality meals prepared from your weekly supermarket shop.

How Does It Work?

You’ll need to subscribe to the service. Unlike most other subscriptions, this is flexible. HelloFresh automatically renews and you can pause or cancel your deliveries with ease. When you subscribe you choose how many meals each week you’d like to make and for how many people.

You’ll receive recipes with the corresponding ingredients in your box. There’s a minimal preparation and cooking time for each of the meals and all the ingredients are clearly labelled and measured out for you. It would be hard not to feel like a contestant on Masterchef once you’ve finished the prep.

Featured on the recipe cards (which you keep so you can replicate the meals later on) are calories per serving, level of difficulty, cooking time, any allergens in the ingredients and the tools needed to make the meal.

What’s On Offer?

HelloFresh gives you three plans to choose from:

Classic box: Packed with a selection of fresh meats, fish and vegetables. You can swap recipes each week, trying different ones and choosing again ones that you prefer most. You can choose from meals such as summer salmon spaghetti with crispy broccoli or pan-fried chicken with Dukkah roasted sweet potatoes and citrus sour cream.

Veggie box: Packed with fresh vegetables and salad. Hello Fresh promises that they’ll “broaden your veggie repertoire”, so get ready to try loads of new things! Offers here include aubergine tagliatelle with chilli and sun-dried tomatoes or Samphire Spanish rice with vegetables and olives.

Family box: recipes and nutritious ingredients for family favourites and different meals alike. Encourage the kids to try out new foods that are healthy, nutritious and give them energy such as Moroccan beef stew with courgettes, couscous and flaked almonds or creamy linguine with prawns and serrano ham.

Once you order your box, you go into your account and choose the recipes for that week. Or let Hello Fresh take away that hassle and let them automatically send you the ingredients and recipes. It’s really is that simple!

Just to note, any order is for a minimum of two people which may be a barrier to those living alone. Plus, the food really is very fresh so keeping the ingredients for more than three days from delivery is not an option.

What’s Inside The Box?

First, let’s start with the packaging of the items inside the box. HelloFresh uses ice packs in a natural wool cool bag to ensure the meat and other fresh produce are kept cool. Recipes are very easy to follow and the recipe cards feature pictures of everything you’ll need. The box has separate compartments for vegetables, tins, rice and pasta, etc.

Secondly, because each box contains the exact amount of ingredients to make the meal, there’s no waste, and you won’t need anything else to prepare the meal – other than what is in the box.

Another Thing

What’s impressive is that you can actually learn where the food you are eating is sourced from. For example the HelloFresh website states that the tomatoes used in their ingredients are from a company called The Tomato Stall, and you can see an interview with the company on the site.

The Icing On The Cake

In case you needed another incentive to use this fabulous service, each HelloFresh customer receives a referral code that can be shared with friends. The code gives their friends a discount on their first order and HelloFresh will add credit to your account to thank you.

What a gorgeously lovely company!

https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/tasty/

There are many delectable Portuguese red wines that you simply don’t see regularly in the UK supermarkets. They range from award-winning full-bodied reds to tongue-tingling fun wines which are nonetheless, not to be overlooked.

However unless you’re a regular traveller to Portugal who is daring enough to sample the home-grown wines, you will probably only be familiar with the best Portuguese wine export to the UK – the delightfully light Mateus Rosé with its sweet pink glow and slight fizz. And it is lovely… hard to deny… but there are far more better offerings.

The extensive range and quality of Portuguese red wines may come as a surprise to many who don’t travel to the country. But in fact Portugal is home to hundreds of native wine grapes, from areas in the north such as the Douro, famous for Port wine, and the Dão, down to the southern region of the Alentejo. The climatic conditions of Portugal make it ideal for growing grapes that result in high quality wines at amazingly low prices.

As Portugal becomes an ever more popular tourist destination, loved by all for its laid back culture, stunning beaches and relative safety, we bring you the insider view of easy-to-come-by, good quality Portuguese red wines that you can find in most restaurants when you next holiday there – ranging from very a very palatable price to slightly more indulgent (and of course much cheaper when purchased in local supermarkets for drinking at home!).

1. Monte Velho 2015 Tinto

Formal description – A fresh, elegant fruity red with the aroma of wild berries wrapped in subtle spicy notes.

The reality – Like a trusty old friend, this satisfyingly smooth red can be relied on to complement tapas and meat dishes alike – and at an incredibly satisfying price.

• Region – Alentejo
• Alcohol content – 13.5%
• Portuguese supermarket price – approx £7

2. Chaminé 2013

Formal description – Soft, rich fruit on the palate, very full and fruity, with a good texture

The reality – A light, fruity red without oak overtures, that merely tingles the taste buds without being overwhelming – and a price to match.

Awards include:

Silver Medal– Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2016
Silver Medal– International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016

• Region – Alentejano
• Alcohol content – 13.5%
• Portuguese supermarket price – approx £8

3. Periquita Reserva 2010

Formal description – A medium ruby red with a wild berries aroma and a light oaky flavour balanced with fruits and vanilla.

The reality – A mellow, rich red with that toe-tingling hint of oak, which deserves savouring over a local cheese couvert or a hearty meat dish – and well worth the money.

Awards include:

Gold Medal – Concours Mondial De Bruxelles 2012
Silver Medal – Concours Mondial De Bruxelles 2011
Bronze Medal – Decanter Wine Awards 2011
Bronze Medal – International Wine & Spiris Competition 2011

• Region – Setúbal Peninsula
• Alcohol content – 13.2%
• Portuguese supermarket price – approx £10

4. Cortes de Cima Alentejo 2012

Formal description – full bodied red with spicy and savoury aromas, some vanilla notes and an elegant palate.

The reality – A daring wine, where the spices tease the taste buds and you’ll soon be reaching for another glass.

Awards include:

Silver Medal – Mundus Vini 2016
Silver Medal – Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2015

• Region – Alentejano
• Alcohol content – 14%
• Portuguese supermarket price – approx £13

5. Quinta do Carmo 2012

Formal description – a deep red colour with complex aromas of red fruits and traces of vanilla. It is a very balanced and elegant wine that has a good structure, concentrated flavours and soft tannins.

The reality – A flavoursome red which all red wine connoisseurs should treat themselves to – definitely worth that little bit extra.

Awards include:

Bronze Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition 2015.
Bronze Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2014
Gold Medal – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2013
Gold Medal – Selections Mondiales des Canada 2012

• Region – Alentejano
• Alcohol content – 13.5%
• Portuguese supermarket price – approx £15

These 5 excellent Portuguese red wines are in fact just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the country has to offer. We hope you get to try all of these out when you next visit the country – and if you like or love them, we would be delighted if you left your comments below.

And of course tell us of other Portuguese red wines you love – and why. We’d be delighted to feature them (and you) in a subsequent post!