Omg I am also obsessed by chervil and have to grow it because you can almost never buy it. I know exactly the soup you mean - a broth with some v finely cut veg but mostly just a bushel of chervil. We often had it growing up when we visited my Belgian grandparents and it’s probably why I love chervil so much - the chicest of herbs
Love your posts but I’m not skilled on substack. Loved the article you link on giving up drinking and what to have instead. Have you written a piece on this? I need to move on from tonic and angostura - delicious as the combo is.
I often pop into St. John in Marylebone Lane for just a cup of their tea & a rest. They never mind, mid-morning or after lunch. It was blended by my friend The Rare Tea Lady, Henrietta Lovell @raretealady and is the proper, powerful sort of stuff you can almost stand your teaspoon up in. I MIGHT have been known to have a pastry or hot madeleines with, but not compulsory x
Blimey, just look at those flowers; they are literally breathtaking. Ashamedly, I knew nothing about the story behind them. Thanks for the book recommendation- I’m in one of those weird times where I desperately want something to lose myself in but can’t find it. I was back to my standby of the two Deborah Devonshire books where there’s her observations in short, hilarious and humorously withering views on modern life.
Yes, DD was the master of that kind of jape... claimed never to have read a book either. And clearly had, did, and wrote them... I long for her biography and hope it's being done by someone good. She interests me hugely because she and Pamela were the two of 6 sisters who weren't fanatic about One Man. I do think she had affairs with both JFK and Lucien Freud, but we shall see...
Also currently reading Wellness and loving- was aware of The Nix by Nathan Hill but haven’t read. Have read a few Gen Z books recently- all very good (Green Dot and Greta and Valdin) but pleased to be reading about more relatable observations/experiences.
Highly recommend Greta and Valdin btw- properly funny and sweet.
Oh yes please to the West Cork tips! We go every year. Our favourite place to hangout is Arran St East (on Instagram), a coffee/ceramic hive of activity, beautiful weaving, pottery, coffee and baked goods. Just learned that it’s also a favourite of SJP’s. You might also like this IG account @shopadeas , beautiful pics of Irish shop fronts. Thanks for another lovely meandering email, just finished Green Dot 💜, love the sound of Wellness.
Totally with you on chervil and St John Marylebone. I often go if I find myself in that part of town and sit at the bar and have one of their deeply satisfying soups (at this time of year) or a salad. As you say unexpected for St John. Do please write the West Cork guide. Thinking of doing a road trip this summer
Fifty-one years ago, when I was twenty, I spent a day in Levis’s, being presented with a great variety of lovely drinks by the friends and family of my then intended, (who was quite soon to become an ex). When the mixture of cordials took effect, the kind sisters, who ran it then, took me into the back to their cozy rooms, and tucked me into crisp white sheets, where I slept through the day and evening of my first day in Ireland, while the rest of my party partied on. Thank you for bringing back the memory.
India I would so much like you to write about West Cork, one of my favourite places on Earth and home to my oldest friend, who makes cheese there. Lovely to see Darina Allen letting the fairies out of her soda bread before she bakes it.
Omg I am also obsessed by chervil and have to grow it because you can almost never buy it. I know exactly the soup you mean - a broth with some v finely cut veg but mostly just a bushel of chervil. We often had it growing up when we visited my Belgian grandparents and it’s probably why I love chervil so much - the chicest of herbs
You had me at deep fried rarebit!
Your letters to us are soul food! Thank you 🧡
It's truly a pleasure.
Mouth watering incentives to book the restaurant, read the book and bake the bread.
We have a long list of restaurants to frequent.
Love your posts but I’m not skilled on substack. Loved the article you link on giving up drinking and what to have instead. Have you written a piece on this? I need to move on from tonic and angostura - delicious as the combo is.
Here you are, hope helpful! https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/delicious-things-to-drink-when-youre
Oh and it’s absolutely marvellous. Thank you very much.
Very welcome!
Hello, yes, there's a piece on alternatives with very helpful comments. I'm on my phone - I'll send you the link when I'm back on laptop later.
India, I just love your posts. It’s like having a new best friend 😁
That makes me feel absolutely delighted. Thank you!
I often pop into St. John in Marylebone Lane for just a cup of their tea & a rest. They never mind, mid-morning or after lunch. It was blended by my friend The Rare Tea Lady, Henrietta Lovell @raretealady and is the proper, powerful sort of stuff you can almost stand your teaspoon up in. I MIGHT have been known to have a pastry or hot madeleines with, but not compulsory x
Perfect and noted re the tea - I will try it next time I'm down.
Blimey, just look at those flowers; they are literally breathtaking. Ashamedly, I knew nothing about the story behind them. Thanks for the book recommendation- I’m in one of those weird times where I desperately want something to lose myself in but can’t find it. I was back to my standby of the two Deborah Devonshire books where there’s her observations in short, hilarious and humorously withering views on modern life.
A friend gave me DD's cookbook last year. It's called The Chatsworth Cookbook. First sentence: 'I haven't cooked since the war'.
She’s brilliant. She says she buys her clothes at agricultural shows, M&S or Paris as there’s nothing in between. There is no doubt of her opinions…
Yes, DD was the master of that kind of jape... claimed never to have read a book either. And clearly had, did, and wrote them... I long for her biography and hope it's being done by someone good. She interests me hugely because she and Pamela were the two of 6 sisters who weren't fanatic about One Man. I do think she had affairs with both JFK and Lucien Freud, but we shall see...
Also currently reading Wellness and loving- was aware of The Nix by Nathan Hill but haven’t read. Have read a few Gen Z books recently- all very good (Green Dot and Greta and Valdin) but pleased to be reading about more relatable observations/experiences.
Highly recommend Greta and Valdin btw- properly funny and sweet.
Thank you for the rec. I do like many of the Gen Zs but I totally hear you re relatability. So much drama out of tiny things!
***@siopadeas is the correct shopfront account
Oh yes please to the West Cork tips! We go every year. Our favourite place to hangout is Arran St East (on Instagram), a coffee/ceramic hive of activity, beautiful weaving, pottery, coffee and baked goods. Just learned that it’s also a favourite of SJP’s. You might also like this IG account @shopadeas , beautiful pics of Irish shop fronts. Thanks for another lovely meandering email, just finished Green Dot 💜, love the sound of Wellness.
Ooh they do workshops in Schull! Thank you for that. Will go and subscribe to it and shopfronts too.
Lovely post thank you, needed some new reading inspiration
Totally with you on chervil and St John Marylebone. I often go if I find myself in that part of town and sit at the bar and have one of their deeply satisfying soups (at this time of year) or a salad. As you say unexpected for St John. Do please write the West Cork guide. Thinking of doing a road trip this summer
Perfect place to go and while away a bit of time. West Cork incoming, I promise.
Fifty-one years ago, when I was twenty, I spent a day in Levis’s, being presented with a great variety of lovely drinks by the friends and family of my then intended, (who was quite soon to become an ex). When the mixture of cordials took effect, the kind sisters, who ran it then, took me into the back to their cozy rooms, and tucked me into crisp white sheets, where I slept through the day and evening of my first day in Ireland, while the rest of my party partied on. Thank you for bringing back the memory.
That is the most fantastic and evocative story. I love it. Thank you for sharing it!
India I would so much like you to write about West Cork, one of my favourite places on Earth and home to my oldest friend, who makes cheese there. Lovely to see Darina Allen letting the fairies out of her soda bread before she bakes it.
I promise I will!