Sophia Lindop - A Unique Food Experience

A visit from afar...

A few Fridays ago I had a surprise visit from cyber-friends...  It's amazing how well one can get to know people without ever having laid eyes on one another!  I had a call from Barbara and Rob, ex-Capetonians who reside on Vancouver Island in Canada, on their latest visit to see the family.  Barb is hooked on my Blog.  It felt as if we had known one another for many years, and we enjoyed tartlets and coffee beside a blazing fire in our home, while catching up on life like old friends would.  They arrived with a bottle of Canadian maple syrup, and I sent them home with quinoa and orders to report back...  In fact, Barb just sent a pic of my chocolate gateau that has become a regular on their table. 

Do you ever have a craving for something specific, and then, should you be so lucky to get just that, it is the most satisfying feeling!  Well, as I am sitting here, that feeling has washed over me and I feel satisfied having had my fish cakes and my asparagus creation.  On Saturday I was teaching the first of my three-week cookery course, and couldn't find Belgian endive for one of the starters - so I substituted asparagus, and am hooked!  I will share it with you tomorrow...  But now, this is me touching base.  Chat again tomorrow.

Broken promises...

I was invited to join Nancy Richards at SAfm last Friday on her show "Otherwise" - we chatted during lunch hour about food and the future...  But, at the end she asked what I would be Blogging about later, and I answered.  And then, with every good intention to come home and break my silence of the last few weeks, I had a function, a farewell party, and then, on Sunday the need to rest!  Monday started with a jolt, and here I sit, guilty as charged!

So, not wanting to be labelled "The One who Breaks Promises", here goes with my latest foodie fad - rather late than never, right?

I have recently rediscovered chicory.  Well, actually I have really and truly discovered it and have been having fun coming up with crazy dishes involving chicory.  You can read all about it in my latest newsletter.  But, here's my favourite... 

Foefie slides and joy rides

Those of you who know me will know that I am very bad with things that leave me feeling out of control!  Ask me to make a speech and I'm fine.  Ask me to bungee jump, and I refuse!  So you will understand that the last month has been a mad, rushed, exciting adventure, literally and figuratively speaking.  I never knew what I would find around the next corner...

Winemakers Choice, Sophia Lindop and Elephant Getaway are joining forces to bring an exciting offering to the tourist table.  The Cape Town contingent spent a couple of days in Knysna on business, with some pleasure woven into the deal.  On the left is me, 30 metres above the Tsitsikamma Forest, completely out of control.  That morning started with me on Harry the elephant's back - what an experience to watch the sun rise from up there!  After conquering the Tsitsikamma Forest and old Harry, I was ready to conquer any business hurdle!  Our meetings were inspired and inspiring, and soon we knew that we were all on the same page.  I promise to keep you posted as soon as I am allowed to spill the beans!

Furthermore, be sure to buy a copy of the latest Woolworths Taste magazine - I get a mention along with other great Bloggers...  Also, this week's Sunday Times should have a feature about me and what I am up to.  Paddy has been up at the crack of dawn these last two Sundays, filled with excitement, only to get home, freezing, and no article yet.  So, should you read about " the tall dentist that assaulted the newspaper salesman because there was STILL no article about his wife..." you'll know who that is!

Anyway, this was just to catch up with all of you!   Loads of news to follow, but right now I have to finish preparations for my Christmas in July Media Dinner tomorrow evening...  I'm outta here!