A delicious way to earn a living

The late Michael Bateman, a prolific writer and food enthusiast, was probably the father of modern food journalism. When he started out in the 50s, it was considered a topic of little worth, but a topic he nevertheless continued to champion throughout his life.

Hardys Nottage Hill Cabernet Shiraz 2008, FreshCase

The box boasts that the wine in the case will remain fresh for up to 6 weeks after opening, if you can keep it that long that is. This makes it very suitable for those red drinkers among us who might just want to enjoy a glass every now and then. I have to admit that my box didn’t last anything like 6 weeks, my partner and I had got through it in two days!

Dishoom

Inside Dishoom it’s as false as any other themed place in London. Packed with patina that you pay for and then install in great swathes. So what though? The pictures are actually rather interesting, the interior clean and bright and I am not eating the décor, even if some critics appear to be chewing the carpet.

Hi-diddly-hi, it’s Flanders again!

We’ve been to Flanders a lot this year, but that’s because there’s a lot to see. Anita Pati went there and developed a soft spot for a local fromage, sampled some rather strong beer and discovered the dubious delights of cheese on meat.