Autumn has most definitely arrived - it feels like from 1st September there was a change - the temperature dropped almost overnight, the leaves started changing colour and dropping from the trees, and now the rain just seems to be relentless and everywhere is flooded! Despite that I do love autumn (not the rainy bit!) because the change in weather marks the beginning of cosy fires (tonight might have to be the first), warming soup and casseroles and that makes me smile. It also marks the start of the fair season for me which has been great. I have had three fab fairs so far, all beautifully organised, lots of lovely people, and of course catching up with all the stallholders, my "fair friends" - it's been great.
I will be doing quite a lot more charging around the country in October - East Sussex, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, West Sussex (that's just next week!) and then London, Gloucestershire, Essex and Derbyshire, as well as closer to home here in Oxfordshire - details of all the fairs are on the Where to Buy page on the website, and on Instagram - please have a look and if you can do come along and support.
GOLDEN FORK AWARDS ...
The beginning of September was also The Golden Fork Awards hosted by The Guild Of Fine Food at the beautiful Battersea Arts Centre. You may remember that last year our Dark Balsamic (Crema) was the winner of the "Golden Fork from Spain" which was incredible. This year our White Balamic (Blanco) was one of three products nominated for the very same prize. Huge congratulations to the winner which was the delicious Jason de Bellota produced by fifth generation family run business César Nietyo. A very well deserved accolade and one to be really proud of.
I also have to shout out my great friends Jo and Jonathan Carthew of Black Mountains Smokery who won the Golden Fork for Wales for their delicious Smoked Duck Breast. It was really special to be there to see them winning. Very well deserved BMS!
GLOBAL HQ ...
At this time of year when I am not on the road my days are spent in Global HQ where the shelves are right now looking pretty full - it always amazes me how quickly they empty when the fair season gets going, but more Olive Oil and more Balsamic are on the way from Spain to replenish stocks. If you feel like topping up your own stocks then you can do so this weekend using code AUTUMN to get 10% off the 500ml bottles of balsamic.
Now it's time for lunch, a warming bowl of homemade Spinach Soup with croutons and feta, and then back out to Global HQ! Perfect for a rather drizzly day like today.
Happy weekend all.
Susie x