We are in the midst of delicious salad season in the UK right now. This stunning selection of leaves and tomatoes is from Ellen and The Plot Team near Garstang, Lancashire. They sell their super fresh organic produce via the openfoodnetwork.org.uk. This brilliant webhost connects community food hubs, for sustainable shoppers to enjoy. From small boat fishing, organic fruit, veg & herbs, to ancient grain bakers. Do log on and explore, to see who is hiding in your hedgerows & harbours.
Caesar & Cleopatra Salad Days
With delight I collected my first box last week. Never has salad felt so filling, all my senses were engaged. Truly a “salad day” from The Plot. Served with goats cheese in wild flowers & honey, rather than Caesar’s parmesan. Maybe it was the cheese or the nasturtiums, my brain whirred and wondered about the origins of the phrase. “Salad days” I had often used, thinking of the American 1950s. Used in the US to describe a person at the peak of their abilities, whatever their age.
After digging a little deeper into the earth however, I found out it has an older origin than the Mad Men of Madison Avenue. Back to the genius of Will Shakespeare’s catchy one liners. First spoken by Cleopatra regretting her youthful encounters with Caesar.
My salad days. When I was green of judgement, cold in blood. To say as I said then! [Antony and Cleopatra. Act One. 1606).
Love how this phrase has continued to grow and adapt over 400 years, just as the foodscape we live in. Ancient Lancashire is alive with suppliers, living in the more recent incarnation, their best “salad days”. From the Barn at 2 Michelin stars Moor Hall in Ormskirk, where you can enjoy the exclusive Chapter Five, made by the champions of foraging the fells, Goosnargh Gin’s Rachel & Richard. These artisans have blazed a trail and the next wave, made of micro breweries is building.
You can’t lockdown the micro brew boys & girls!
On Friday I chatted with Mike & Michelle at Accidental Brewery about their exciting plans for tap rooms in a fishing warehouse in Morecambe, for 2022. These folks kept their incredible IPAs, Sours & DIPAs alive in the early days of lockdown, canning their beers & setting up home delivery networks within weeks. Meanwhile further north in Kendal the brand new Lakes Brew Co phoenix story continues. The brewing team who all lost their jobs in the pandemic, have regrouped. Starting their own enterprise and in grand style, with a first batch sell out! These folks will keep the adventures of Bowland & Bay busy. Awaken all youthful intent and explore the artisan northern taste bud revolution. There are plenty more salad days on tap to come as Octoberfest season arrives in September.
