26 Wednesday Feb 2020
What a lovely (it’s never too late! 😉 ) birthday present from Anne. A book with recipes by several top UK chefs that include their choices for sherry pairings. I think this is now out of print – it was first published in 2007, coincidentally the same year I started Sevilla Tapas – but Anne found it on her last visit to the UK and thought I’d like it. Thanks so much sweetie! ❤
17 Saturday Aug 2019
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I first met Alexandra del Bene in March 2011 (wow, so long ago!) while out on a walk when I spotted her painting the shutters of a bar and I stopped to talk to her. Since then she has not only become THE urban artist in demand by local bars, shops and restaurants who don’t want their shutters tagged and defaced by graffiti bandits, she has become a successful artist with exhibits here and abroad, as well as becoming a published author with her book 6 Años Pintando Sevilla. And since that fateful day she has also become my friend! 🙂
So the other day, just like the first time we met, I was walking past a bar and saw her hard at work. But this time inside. I had seen some previews of her latest challenge on Instagram, but omg, in person it was just stunning. And it’s not even finished yet. Alexandra was hired to paint a fresco ceiling in the abacería section of El Rinconcillo, originally founded in 1670 (in the same family since 1870). So I went inside for a chat and helped with a couple of things (so now I can officially say I assisted in this amazing work 😉 ). The bar reopens next Friday, August 23rd, and I’m going to be there.
08 Thursday Aug 2019
Posted in books, casa azahar, friends
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Every now and again I receive a WATCH YOUR MAIL advisory from the lovely Kate (aka sledpress), when she happens upon something that she feels I must have. As always, I had no idea what to expect, but this time…. WOW. She really surprised me. I wanted to see this series so much that I signed up for an Amazon free one month trial thingy and then watched it twice during that time.
I was actually thinking the other day that I’d love to see it again and wondered how long I’d have to wait before Amazon made me another free offer… but now I have this. And it’s delightful, full of interviews, behind the scenes photos, set designs and costume boards. Plus lots about dear Terry. You may recall that I got rid of more than 3/4 of my books when I downsized before moving house two years ago. Well, I kept every Pratchet book. Couldn’t bear to part with them. And so this is a lovely addition. Thanks again Kate, for this little bit of Christmas in August.
19 Wednesday Jun 2019
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I was invited to the presentation of the book Ciencias de la Gastronomía by Almudena Villagas, which was held at the School of Hospitality. This was followed by some lovely snacks and wines (the latter from Montilla Moriles) overlooking the river. Fun meeting the author and seeing other friends there. I also bought a signed copy of the book to take home. Nice evening out. 🙂
01 Saturday Jun 2019
Posted in books, cooking, food & drink
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While I was at Finca Buenvino I also picked up my very own (signed!!) copy of their wonderful cookbook. An unpretentious gem of a book, you will fall in love not only with the homespun recipes, but also with the history behind this beautiful guest house and its charming and welcoming hosts.
You can get yours here…
casa azahar 