All in the Name of Progress!

Jenni has had a tough old time of it lately.  Not only did she have to schlepp all the way to Prague for a few days of Tosca and Mahler but in the spirit of research and development, and with her normal sense of duty and devotion to the job, she made a detour via Notting Hill to visit the flagship cafe Ottolenghi for brunch.  Jenni sampled the salmon with aubergine and feta salad and was completely smitten!  So impressed was she with her visit and the luscious food on offer that she e-mailed the boss himself, Yotam Ottolenghi - and he sent a reply!  We are both starstruck and very impressed that he took the time to respond (and it definitely was him and not a secretary).  Ottolenghi has been a source of inspiration since the beginning of Peppercorn, and it did not disappoint.  Thank you Yotam (or Yot, as we like to call him now).

I have had an equally glamorous time changing nappies and wondering how long it will be until Lilla sleeps through the night (sources tell me it is likely to be when she is a teenager).  Nappies and sleeplessness aside, I have thoroughly enjoyed my maternity leave but am also very excited about returning to work Friday 18th February!

Now back to food and general Peppercorn goings-on.

The catering side of our business is going great guns; we are being asked to cater for birthdays, christenings, weddings, various anniversaries as well as our regular commitment to Team Teach training days.  This has allowed us to develop our repertoire and to showcase dishes before we introduce them at the cafe.  We are looking forward to making beetroot hoummous, spinach and sorrel tzatziki, goats' cheese cherry tomato and spring onion quiche and chicken breasts stuffed with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.  On the pudding front we are salivating at the thought of Ottolenghi's clementine and almond syrup cake and Peppercorn's roasted plum & star anis compote with creme fraiche.  In the Spring look out for our new rhubarb & orange cordial and lots of other scrumptious things!

Swoon!

Jenni worshipping at the Temple of Ottolenghi

Lilla at 8 weeks

We've got some really exciting ideas for our take-away customers and for family tea-time to be launched around Easter.  Watch this space!