My Week In Pictures 21/17

No.1 Polsloe Cafe, Exeter

Some of you will know that it has been my birthday this week. I celebrated with an awesome crowd on Sunday. I had planned a picnic at a little spot a short walk from my house and had my fingers and toes crossed for fine weather.

I woke early on Sunday and made my way to the window and lifted my blind to see SUNSHINE! I was so pleased as a picnic in my lounge would of course be fun but nothing like being outside with the sun on my skin. I felt so lucky as the weather had been pretty changeable all week. I couldn’t have asked for more. 

We made our way up to the University grounds and set up camp with blankets, cushions and throws. Various plates of food were presented and put out in the middle for us all to dive in. It was a feast to rival many a feast. Delicious cheeses, roasted vegetables, breads, olives.. you name it! My friend Karin even made traditional Venezuelan treats for us all to try. Delicious corn pancakes stuffed with cheese and the most gorgeous guava sweet treats. I felt truly blessed and happy being with friends and family in the most blissful weather. 

I had a dinner date with my friend Serena because she couldn’t make it to my picnic. I made a comforting Shakshuka with salad plus warm bread. Serena made the most delicious ricotta and sultana torte. I was in foodie heaven!

 

Tuesday was my official birthday (I sound like the Queen don’t I?). Steve and I had decided a few weeks ago that we would like to go to No 1 Polsloe for brunch. Their Instagram account always makes me feel so hungry. No 1 Polsloe is about a 10 – 15 minute walk from the city centre but well worth it. It’s a small independently owned and run cafe with a simple menu of delicious home cooked goodies. Steve went for the full English whilst I had the breakfast special. Avocado smooshed together with chilli and lime on toast with poached eggs. We devoured our meals whilst we let the rain pour down outside. What a difference a few days makes with the weather. 

 
Tim came to join Steve and myself in my birthday celebrations later on in the day. I had ordered a birthday cake from Cakeadoodledo so we had a big old slice of the most delicious matcha green tea and raspberry sponge with a pot of tea. I think it might have been one of the prettiest cakes I had seen in a long time. 

On Thursday night I stopped in on the grand opening of Castle Fine Art in Princesshay. Previously on the Cathedral green and devastated in the Royal Clarence Hotel fire, they made their move to new premises and this little shindig was to celebrate. Berloni, the Italian design kitchen shop threw open their doors too and were providing delicious Italian tasters for passers by. Antonio from Carluccios, the Italian restaurant (no, not that Antonio!) a stones throw away popped over to cook up a storm in the state of the art, fully functional kitchen. The charismatic chef prepared two pasta dishes for us to sample alongside plenty of prosecco. It was a perfect way to wrap up my day of tap and modern dance exams and ballet classes. Music from the talented Sadie Horler added to the early summer ambiance. 

On Friday I made my way down to Totnes for an impromptu lunch date at Sharpham Vineyard with my lovely friend Chloe. 

Duncan the chief wine maker and Chloe’s husband was on hand to bring us wine pairings to match with our food. We also were lucky enough to try two wines straight from the barrels. What a treat! 2016 is going to be a great vintage. Trust me! 

I have had a lovely week celebrating my birthday with friends and family. I am a very lucky girl. Next week things are looking a little slower but who knows! Things can change. I am excited about a visit from an old school friend next Thursday. It will be great to show her how much Exeter has changed over the years. I also have tickets for the Beyond The Hedgerow night at Pipers Farm. I can’t wait for that. 

Don’t forget you can keep up to date with my daily goings on by following me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

4 thoughts on “My Week In Pictures 21/17

  1. if anybody asks why there’s so much current media interest in food, they should just see your blog. When anything looks and tastes this good it’s worth it.

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