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I never go anywhere without a small buffet

Nicholas knows good food

Nick Roberts

Thursday, 12 June 2008

So, Carrie Bradshaw knows good sex! As Sex & The City springs back to us via the big silver screen, we’re taking her word for it again. I can’t help thinking that if she knew good food, instead of worrying too much about where her next Cosmopolitan was coming from, she’d have been a heck of a lot happier - and perhaps a little less gaunt.

I never go anywhere without a small buffet and a bottle of Proscecco in my handbag. I’m not talking about a permanent Waitrose trolly of fun and joy wherever I go, but by always having a few treats on hand I hope to bring to mind visiting that favourite aunt with a handful of sweets in her bureau drawer.

I guess I’m lucky in the fact that I work in food (sometimes literally). When I’m out for drinks with friends it gives me great pleasure to see their faces when I produce a few crackers and a Neal’s Yard cheeseboard. There are a few raised eyebrows from proprietors and people around us at my ingenuity – but if you do something with style you can get away with most things. It’s also a great way to make new friends, whether they are after my latest recipe for goats cheese, grape and tarragon salad or they want to share their own recipes and ideas.

My key to being a good host is to not stress too much about the detail. Always have some good cheese, a selection of cured meats and good quality crackers – you can whip them out at a moment’s notice and with a good bottle of wine, you can put Bree Van De Kamp to shame. My other top tip is to always have a jar of cornichons and some picked silverskin onions in the fridge – a welcome change from the olive.

In terms of sourcing all my lovely ingredients, I have to say that I’m truly surprised by the resourcefulness of my local Co-Op. This former lowly corner shop truly is an extension to my store cupboard – check out the fabulous wine deals and don’t be afraid to try something new! There are often special deals on smoked salmon, and it’s surprisingly good quality. Why not buy a few packs for the freezer – it’ll make a welcome addition to scrambled eggs if you have an unexpected weekend guest! You never know, it could be me...

Until next time munchkins! x