15 is for kids

Hope Paterson May 25, 2014

I have a crush on Jamie Oliver. It's nothing new. I've been into his thick-necked, lisping drawled hands-on approach to fodder for about 15 years. Ever since he had his first show on the Food Network, I was hooked.

I almost met him once on Queen St. Toronto. He wandered out of Terronis mid-afternoon. We stood face to face. My heart leapt into my throat and I remained silent as he nonchalantly strolled past me into his limo. Charlie watched, waiting for me to say something. I didn't say a peep, but stood there transfixed with shock. His black stretch rolled away. F****K! Bummer. Perhaps I'll get the chance to share a beer and grilled sardine with him one day. Never say never.

His mega-brand expands exponentially each year. It's an empire (read: corporate machine) that has made fresh, bright, mouthwatering cuisine accessible to Brits. I can barely keep up with his projects, campaigns and children (he has 4?!)

We couldn't miss a visit to his 15 Cornwall in Watergate Bay. Charlie booked a table for brekkie, thinking that would be the ideal time to bring the kids. It was a magnificent experience not because of Jamie, but another lad into food. A young, strapping Chef Michael instantly fell for Alfie and Sophia. He gave them memories of pasta making they won't soon forget.

The restaurant is bright and full of young energy. We ordered coffees and immediately moved to the action.

Charlie and I ordered an English brekkie Jamie styles.

Chef Michael, originally trained as one of the 15 by Jamie, led the kids through his pasta making talents. He had several flavours going: squid ink, basil and beet.

Michael taught the kids to make their own butterfly pasta. Each of them pinched their parcels with floured hands.

Eden here we come

Hope Paterson May 24, 2014

I had expectations I'd discover inspiring things and people on this trip. Although I wasn't sure what I would find, I was hopeful something would blow me in a new direction.

Tim Smit is a beacon of hope and the kind of change agent I was seeking. I had heard about his projects before coming to Cornwall, but seeing them in action put his passion into perspective. Both the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are the friggin bomb of ambition, spirit and imagination.

Here is a link to a talk he did about beauty. I won't recant it, but will leave it to you to check out. Do it now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULz5hJDfPtE

Tim's dream and determination has transformed a Cornish quarry into an enterprise of beautiful and epic proportion. The Cornish micro climate is the unlikely, yet perfect, location for rainforest growth.

Tim knew little more about gardening than Alfie when he embarked on his enormous projects. He hired the best, managed like a pro and had balls of steel.

Pretending we're in Malaysia. The climate in the rainforest section of one of the Eden domes was built to imitate the jungle heat.

Winding up the hot paths of the rainforest dome.

Sticky, curly Alf. In the matter of minutes he was drenched in the rainforest. It made me miss South East Asia like crazy.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan was a day trip I won't forget. I entered a little grumpy due to the foul, grey weather. After hours of wandering the magnificent spread of re-discovered gardens I was grinning alongside my 5 year old. It took us all to a magical place.

The restored vegetable gardens had a bounty as far as the eye could see.

Monster leaves!!! Is this the day of the Triffids?

This bridge was tricky work for the tinies. It took them forever to get across.

The bathroom curiosity cabinet at our house in Charlestown Harbour.

Charlestown charm

Hope Paterson May 24, 2014

Cornwall draws many people, both the Brits and a wash of other nationalities to it's stunning shores. It's typically known for it's Cornish pasty, clotted cream, crab, the Cornish car wash (the high and treacherous hedges that line the single lane roads), famously friendly people, tropical micro climate, killer beaches and oodles of things to do and see. There's so much jammed in one tip of England! No wonder the region is packed during the summer. We had a week. It wasn't nearly enough.

We found our rental house through an up and coming company geared towards travelers and their kids--Kid & Co. They only rent properties that are kitted (to perfection) for people traveling with kids. Our hostess with the most-ess Antonia ran an extremely tight ship. There is nothing she hadn't thought of; and no extra service she couldn't offer. So far, her brilliant house stay has proven to be the gem of our entire trip.

Antonia and I are standing in front of a wall of buoys collected by her husband David. His penchant for collecting bits and bobs, antiques, you name it...put my Charlie to shame. As soon as Charlie walked into their house he was gobsmacked by the se… — Antonia and I are standing in front of a wall of buoys collected by her husband David. His penchant for collecting bits and bobs, antiques, you name it...put my Charlie to shame. As soon as Charlie walked into their house he was gobsmacked by the sensibility. It was pure genius from floor to ceiling.

As a gesture, they gave us their keys to the Harbour Master's Office. This was once home to the most important man in town. Parking ships like sardines into the small harbour was his role. No easy dice. Nowadays, it's become a romantic study at the … — As a gesture, they gave us their keys to the Harbour Master's Office. This was once home to the most important man in town. Parking ships like sardines into the small harbour was his role. No easy dice. Nowadays, it's become a romantic study at the tip of the harbour. It's replete with tea/coffee making kit, a comfy couch, a desk and a spot for proposals (there have been 3 to date!)

Our largess living room. It was filled to the brim with places to sit (something Charlie likes to see) and had a train set in the corner (not shown) that Alfie rampaged any spare moment he got.

The facade of the Charlestown Villa. We kept seeing the house pop up in all the old pictures at the local museums.

The view of the Charlestown Harbour in late afternoon.

Our dining room for the week. Antonia stocked the house with vino chosen by Jamie O's top guy. It's a little dangerous having that much good wine on tap.

A nightime frolick is in order. There are wonderful paths overlooking the coves and harbour.

We didn't just stay put in Charlestown. Our noses led us to all sorts of vibrant little towns around Cornwall. There were beaches to comb and roam, tasty restaurants to try, festivals to frolick in and a lot of antique shops to peruse.

Who knew Cornwall had such enticing beaches. Wait, is that a hand model?

Beach collection is one of Sophia and Charlie's favourite ways to spend an afternoon

Tangled sea rope and glass catch Charlie's eye. Yes, they are now in our luggage.

Sniffing the sea air. It's enough to put the wildest kids straight to sleep.

Lostfest in Lostwithiel. We've had crazy luck with landing in places at the right time. Somehow we happened on this annual festival by chance. We got lost in the spirit, dancing, cider and merry go rounds.

Charlie got lost in the antiques in Lostwithiel. He bought a painting of an old dog and then I pulled him away.

A view from Fowey harbour. This was one of the more artsy towns in Cornwall. It's narrow, hilly streets were lined with galleries, artisanal restaurants and bakeries, pubs and boutiques.

At the beach in Porthcurno. Digging through my bag of goodies. Picnics on the beach...mmm sandy sammie anyone? — At the beach in ***Porthcurno***. Digging through my bag of goodies. Picnics on the beach...mmm sandy sammie anyone?

Meanwhile, Mummy tries to catch some zzzz's.

The Cornish waters draw surfers and kayakers from far and wide. This is Mousehole (pronounced Mosel) a top spot for the experienced. The water is frigid so everyone suits up for a dip.

We adored Mevagissey (or Mega-gizzy as we called it). This fishing port had a wild undercurrent. WIth only 2 hrs to explore, we could tell there was a lot rumbling under the surface.

I had to take the kids (ahem: me) to a real sweetie shop in Mevagissey.

We bought salty licorice and the famous flying saucers sweets I grew up loving.

Looking for fish stalls to buy our dinner.

Alfie and Sophia couldn't believe how much the beaches reminded them of Shirley Hughes 'Alfie' books.

Digging in the sand. It's as simple and beautiful as that, especially when you're in costume.

Alfie digs into a traditional cream tea (clotted cream, jam and scones). He's lost in the creamy moment.

Cream dream

Hope Paterson May 23, 2014

FAT. There I said it. Sadly, in this age of 'low-fat', weight-loss obsessed people it's almost a swear word. Well, I gravitate to fat of all types. I'm not ashamed to say I get my hands and face completely covered as I attack it with ferocity. I peel the skin from a roasted bird. I steal the crispy top of a pork belly strip. I covet porky scratchings. A spoon of coconut flesh makes me tingle. My mouth lingers over a tongue full of clotted cream. But why just have a single fat served by itself? Fat-on-fat can make a person’s (specifically mine) tummy sing with happiness. For example: sumptuous salmon topped with a thyme mayonnaise, fresh fileted mackerel lying under a bed of olives and drenched in oil and herbs, scones with both clotted cream and butter. You’d think these pairings would be too much. But believe me (and my aunt, father, and millions of brits) think these cell-lining morsels are just perfect.

Cornwall is famous for it's fatty treats. We endeavored to try as many as possible during our seven day stint.

Crispy pork belly by Brett at Austells. This bijoux of a restaurant topped Antonia's list as being the best value and food in the Charlestown, St. Austell area. We felt lucky to have landed a table as Brett's. His food is mere moments from being rat… — Crispy pork belly by Brett at Austells. This bijoux of a restaurant topped Antonia's list as being the best value and food in the Charlestown, St. Austell area. We felt lucky to have landed a table as Brett's. His food is mere moments from being rated by Michelin. It's that good!

Cornish Crab wrapped in freshly caught sole filets.

Fried local mussels (farmed in the Cornish bays) on top of a mussel and fresh herb risotto. I never, ever order risotto. I'm so glad I did this night. Holy sh*t it was to die for.

Peas, peas and more peas. This soup tasted of popped, perfect spring peas.

I heard that Cornish crab is amongst the sweetest on the earth. I found several varieties. All of these shelled critters were best paired with some sort of mayonnaise.

Cornish crabs of two varieties. Apparently their rock crab has been re-marketed by the yanks as 'Spider Crab'!

Hopey's 'kitchen sink' crab salad. The tart arugula and watercress bed was the ideal match for the sweet crab meat, avocado and creamy lemon and mustard mayo dressing.

Prepping diner in the Charlestown kitchen. It was always streaming with light.

Cornish lamb from a neighbor behind our house. Cornwall has heaps of sheep and the lamb is about as succulent and flavourful as I've ever tasted. I cooked these little chops simply. I seared them and served them alongside some roasted roots, fresh h… — Cornish lamb from a neighbor behind our house. Cornwall has heaps of sheep and the lamb is about as succulent and flavourful as I've ever tasted. I cooked these little chops simply. I seared them and served them alongside some roasted roots, fresh herbs and a dash of jus.

I stumbled across some mackerel just caught by a wrinkly, wizened fisherman. I bought two and grilled them. They were smooth and creamy against some tart roasted cherry toms and an olive, fennel, leek and parsley salad.

I cooked bunches of local rhubarb and the house wafted of sweet rhubarby perfume. Sophia had it after every meal--with clotted cream ofcourse!

Dreamy Daylesford

Hope Paterson May 23, 2014

Apart from London, the Cotswolds was my other home in England. From aged one to ten, I spend weekends at my Granny Paterson’s house in Fiffield (with Irene and Bryan). I didn't remember much about the area, apart from my granny's house, so I was excited to explore it as an adult.

Charlie and I peeked in the back fields of the house Saraguay. My father's parents bought this house in the 1960's. It was pretty run down when they took ownership but my Granny saw to it that it be recovered in the manner it deserved. She collected… — Charlie and I peeked in the back fields of the house **Saraguay**. My father's parents bought this house in the 1960's. It was pretty run down when they took ownership but my Granny saw to it that it be recovered in the manner it deserved. She collected items from their travels and re-built the house into the perfect property to entertain guests. I have countless memories of playing in the warren of themed rooms (yellow room, red room, dining room, study, kitchen etc), rose gardens, green house, pool and grounds with my cousins' Astrid and Tristan and brother James. The four of us moved around like a wild pack, dreaming up imaginative games and plotting fun schemes, while the grown ups relaxed or partied. When our family sold Saraguay in the 80's we all felt the loss. It was like a part of our family was no longer accessible.
I didn't have the nerve, or desire to go in this time. I wanted to leave the memories as they were.

During our visit to the Cotswolds we stayed at the Potting Shed at Daylesford Farm, otherwise known as the Harrod's of the Costwolds. This organic farm, shop and institution is owned by Lady Bamford, the wife of Sir Anthony Bamford, billionaire owne… — During our visit to the Cotswolds we stayed at the Potting Shed at Daylesford Farm, otherwise known as the Harrod's of the Costwolds. This organic farm, shop and institution is owned by Lady Bamford, the wife of Sir Anthony Bamford, billionaire owner of JCB construction.

We were wowed by our 2 bedroom cottage on the Daylesford property. It was bright and beautiful at every turn with tons of nooks to sit, read and relax.

Big, sumptuous beds to snooze in all day. Not that we did. Wake ups are around 6:30am with our lot.

The children disappeared for hours in this fort-like kids room.

I spent most of my time next to the AGA (which is a fancy English stove that emanates heat)

Sophia's clams. We steamed them with Daylesford white wine, garlic, butter and parsley. She didn't save me one!

The instant heat from an AGA makes everything more delicious.

Sophia sets a mean table. IT has to be perfection. She doesn't get that from me...

Ingredients for our meals were only a few steps away.

The Daylesford Farm Shop had nearly everything one could need for a feast: wine, olive oil, prepared foods, vegetables, fish, meats, cheese. All top notch quality. All fiendishly expensive. When in Rome...

The Daylesford complex also housed a garden shop, clothing store, nursery and cafe.

You can literally walk most of the Cotswolds towns in 10 minutes, which we did. The Tudor and storybook style houses in many of the towns look as if they haven't changed a bit in over a 100 years.

Stowe on the wold--a typical town in the Cotswolds.

There are still thatched roofs. I can't imagine the effort it takes to build a roof like this.

I'm keeping the kids entertained while Charlie dips into Antique shops.

Welly boots are essential. After the wetness got too much we headed to the big city 'Stratford Upon Avon' to buy Sophia and Alfie some wellies.

We took the kids to the Farm Park. It's a perfect destinations for the little ones. All types of animals, games and farm life education. Alfie's about to squeeze a baby chicken in his chubby hands.

Feeding the lambs and goats...all by themselves.

The fields are filled with massive oak trees. Redwoods look out!

Trundling along on a walk. Daddy is leading the pack to a pub.

Tristan and Alfie at a pub near their house.

Camp Fischer

Hope Paterson May 19, 2014

My first cousin Tristan is like my (other) brother. We grew up together, spending years at prep school, working on his parent's farm in New Jersey and any spare holiday our families could arrange. He's only 2 years my senior but will always be the OLDER brother figure in my life. I've always looked up to him; I still do. There's (nearly) nothing he doesn't know, hasn't read into or written about on his blog History Future Now. He's a quintessential family man--he lives (and would die) for all members of his close family. Tris is full of love, honorable, loyal and fiendishly clever. He needs little sleep and has an innate entrepreneurial scrappiness that's led him to start and run many fascinating businesses.

A trip to England wouldn't be complete without a visit to Camp Fischer or 'The Lodge' as he calls it. Tristan and Kate's house in the Chilterns is surrounded by lush (if not a little flooded), green and rolling hills. The area is referred to as an 'area of outstanding natural beauty'. Kate, a talented architect in her own right, has won awards for her work on their house. Her approach of shaping the architecture around family life lends perfectly for their family with four children. All roads, or rooms, lead to the central hub.

We spent a weekend with Tristan, Kate and their four children: Anna-Kate, Theo, Mathilda, Henny; and all their pets (lizard, bunny, fish and birds). It was extremely fun and full of Fischer-type experiences.

Gorgeous green as far as the eye can see. This is what Tristan sees as he walks to work (when he's not working at home). He often skypes me as he walks roads looking just like this. Lucky bugger.

Gearing up for a Fischer bike ride and walk.

Alfie is tired of walking behind Tristan's house. Charlie is fed up with whining.

Sophia learns how to make a proper daisy chain with Mathilda.

Sophia is geared up to join Henny for a day at her school. She's so proud to be wearing an English schoolgirl's uniform. And her hair has been done by Tristan the 'Fischer-way'.

Sophia got to participate (meaning: she sat with the school) in the senior's brass band concert.

I've become a hanger for tired children?!! We're waiting outside to collect Sophia and the rest of the BIG kids at school. I'm talking to Tristan and Kate is in the background.

Tristan prepared us his famous Sunday lunch. The kids and I made a typical apple crumble with the added ingredient...grubby fingers.

I couldn't resist this snap. I was so excited to be eating crispy Peking duck. It was one of our favourite childhood meals.

Alfie's zonked after a day of play with his cousins. But not too tired to let go of the Spiderman costumes.

Pub grubber

Hope Paterson May 16, 2014

My introduction to exciting food was at the local pub in Fifefield, the Cotswolds (near my Granny's house). I think I was all of six when I ordered my first frog's legs and escargot from the daring pub menu. I'll never forget the excitement of ordering my own food, seeing it arrive on a huge plate and eating amongst the grown ups in our dark, cosy corner by the fire.

Pub food in England can be some of the best in the country. Jamie Oliver had his start cooking in his parent's pub if that tells you anything. These indigenous treasures are pumping out grub with flair all over the country and giving the high end restaurants a run for their money. Most of the ales and food is locally sourced, giving each pub it's own unique feel.

We didn't flock to any of the famed spots but chose to pop into whatever pub that tickled our fancy (read: ones that matched our meal timing). Messing with children's hunger is not something you want to unleash on a crowd of lunching Brits. We got it wrong a few times and found ourselves squirming alongside our wild and hungry kids.

Here are some of the bites we bit along the way.

Liver and onions on a bed of mash. Charlie's choice, but I made sure to eat half.

Local beet and whipped goat's cheese salad. A surprisingly light offering.

British beef tartare.  A little heavy on the ketchup for moi. — British beef tartare. A little heavy on the ketchup for moi.

I ordered escargot at a pub in the Cotswolds. I was hoping to re-live that moment back when I was six. Instead, Sophia scarfed the whole lot back herself.

Sophia enjoys food she has to work for like escargot. Alfie enjoys all types of implements. He almost left holding the escargot pincers. I had to pluck them from his grubby hands.

Our little stag waiting patiently for his late lunch.

Life is hard. Sometimes you have to cry.

Cow watching is a dangerous sport. You never know when you'll need to un-sheath your sword! Alfie traded his California bike gloves for a sweet sword and scabbard.

Flash--it's green!

Hope Paterson May 14, 2014

Spring is in full swing in the U.K. The birds are VERY loud (almost as loud as the planes landing in London every ten minutes). All the greenery is fluorescent. But that doesn’t mean the weather is predictable. We learned to leave the house with multiple layers in case rain, chill or shine shows up.

Brits love a good walk. Pile on the Barbour jacket, grab the walking stick and have the Jack Russell follow you through fields of nettles and grass, over fences and around livestock. When we got an invite to go on a walk, we did our best to keep up. They aren't the 10 minute variety, but more like a several hour journey. Charlie and I were happy to walk off the copious glasses of vino, pints or whatever rich meal we'd just had. The kids weren't so keen for exercise and after 20 minutes started to ask the usual band of questions, 'Lets go home', 'Are we there yet?'. Sophia, the cautious one, developed a startling radar for any bug, rodent or prickly plant that might come across her path. As soon as she spotted it, she'd clamber up the nearest adult like a chipmunk. She's got risk awareness nailed at the ripe age of 5. Perhaps that's not a bad thing?!

Walking the doggies at Richmond Park with Billy and Mandy (Aunt & Uncle). It seems that everyone has at least one dog here.

A bed of thyme!? Time for bed I say! Petersham Nurseries was eye-poppingly gorgeous. It truly is a refuge from the bustling city.

My mother in-law and sister in-law would be gaga over the greenery at the garden nurseries.

There's nothing like fresh air for kidlets...of all ages. It's a tonic for their spirit.

We stayed with my father's oldest and dearest friends Esme and Sarah in Lincolnshire. While the kids and I roamed their gorgeous grounds, Charlie took about a millions pictures of their stately English estate. On occasion, Alfie felt the need to giv… — We stayed with my father's oldest and dearest friends Esme and Sarah in Lincolnshire. While the kids and I roamed their gorgeous grounds, Charlie took about a millions pictures of their stately English estate. On occasion, Alfie felt the need to give the green, green grass an extra boost with his firefighter hose.

I couldn't imagine a more English home...both inside and out.

Reading among the fruit trees. Pure bliss.

Sarah is a dedicated cook. As soon as I walked in her kitchen, my eyes and nose couldn't stop darting around at all the detail packed in this central room. Remnants of their love of travel and food punctuated every corner. The kitchen had an AGA tha… — Sarah is a dedicated cook. As soon as I walked in her kitchen, my eyes and nose couldn't stop darting around at all the detail packed in this central room. Remnants of their love of travel and food punctuated every corner. The kitchen had an AGA that represented it's English heritage (it looked like it hadn't worked in a while). France crept into the room too (they had lived there for years)--the mesh French cheese cupboard, the bread cutting station and the Burgundy and Bordeaux wines on the table. A multitude of both typical and rare oils, vinegars and condiments sat on the counter for easy access. A large earthenware tagine stood on the gas stove. Pottery from her talented son Rupert and his wife lined the walls. Not only did this kitchen look fabulous, we ate very, very well at its table.

Sophia's 'Thank you' for Esme and Sarah, two great art appreciators.

Terminal warmth

Hope Paterson May 9, 2014

I’m going to get a bit squishy on this entry; I can’t help myself, I have to.

Inner warmth is a marvelous wonder. Some people have glimpses of it. Some people are repelled by it (I'm not sure why, but I’ve seen it happen). And certain superstars beam it from their eyes, limbs and voice. Irene is one of these people.

I couldn't hold back. I needed to squidge Irene non-stop.

I haven’t seen Irene in over 25 years but that doesn’t matter. The memory of her incredible and reverberating warmth still stands strong.

Irene and her husband Bryan were my granny’s housekeepers during the 70’s and 80’s. They had cooked, cleaned, driven, gardened and run the family home ‘Saraguay’, and more importantly they added a gift of nurture and integrity to our eccentric family when we needed it. As a young child, I spent nearly all of my weekends in Irene’s company. She smelled like clean linen and flowers. Her hair and clothes were always immaculate. A smile shone from her round, soft face like a beacon and her arms welcomed all of us into her huge and jongling embrace. The sing-song tone of her voice (and trademark expression), ‘bless, ohh bless’ could settle any wobbler. She is a large woman, both in size and love and the perfect guardian for children, adults, pets...anything really.

When the chance came to visit her in the Cotswolds--I jumped on it. Seeing her again made my heart burst. She hadn't changed a bit. Sophia and Alfie played with her, as I must have. But this time I was the adult watching on. I could barely take my eyes off her or stop myself from going in again and again for a soft embrace. When we left, I cried like a baby.

Bryan told me Irene has terminal cancer. I’m pretty gutted to know that she won’t live forever but fortunate to be blessed by her influence. What a lady to have in my life!

All of us at Bryan and Irene's house. Their home is beaming with pride. It's tidy beyond belief and tended with so much love and care.

Mr. Alfie loved her immediately. Who can blame him?

Lunch at Dinner

Hope Paterson May 6, 2014

Dinner by Heston – was an extravagant lunch, not the sort we normally (ever) have. We accepted the invite from Adam and his lady-love Amy with excitement and high expectations from the 2 Michelin star institution. The concept restaurant by the famed Heston Blumenthal and Ashley PalmerWatt had been inspired by historic British gastronomy. Diners at Dinner would cough up serious dough to sample what British aristocracy had been noshing on hundreds of years earlier. We knew we were in for some elaborate food with a serious bill. Would it be worthwhile?

Charlie and I arrived on time. I hate tardiness with a passion. But this time it gave me a moment to realize I was seriously under dressed (totally forgot to get out of kid-romp clothes). As we waited for our friends I looked around the civilized, if not staunch, room feeling a tad uncomfortable. The dining room was packed to the gills with people lunching in style.

Adam and Amy arrived ready to eat. The look of love didn't notice what I was wearing. Besides...Adam wore sneakers and a sweatshirt.

I had their famed starter Meat Fruit (c.1500) - Mandarin, chicken liver & foie gras parfait, grilled bread. A perfect imitation of a mandarin filled with a soft unctuous pate. It was entirely edible (save the leaves) and melted in my mouth. The … — I had their famed starter Meat Fruit (c.1500) - Mandarin, chicken liver & foie gras parfait, grilled bread. A perfect imitation of a mandarin filled with a soft unctuous pate. It was entirely edible (save the leaves) and melted in my mouth. The portion seemed tiny, but was so rich I couldn’t finish it. A glass of Bandol Rose helped cleanse my palate before the next course. I didn't take a pic of my Earl Grey Tea Cured Salmon. It was so small I ate it in a flash. The dish was light, fresh and a bit too perfectly composed for my liking.

Adam's Roast Scallops (c.1820) Cucumber ketchup, purple sprouting broccoli & borage

Here's Charlie's Ragoo of Pigs Ear Chewitt (c.1750) with slow cooked egg, anchovy, onions & parsley. My gut tells me this dish wasn't as composed in 1750.

Alright I'll get to the point. Did I like it? I did, but I didn't love it. We loved the company, but I realize I don't dig highly composed food. There's a wildness I love about fresh, real food. Food made with love and passion isn't the same as food so tight it looks as if it's been composed with a tweezer. The best part of the meal was seeing two people totally into each other. We all shared a gorgeous dessert Tipsy Cake (c.1810). The grilled pineapple and sticky toffee pud was the best bite of the meal.