My week started with a tea date. I met Emma for a short walk to No 1 Polsloe. A cute little cafe that turns into a cocktail bar at night. We arrived at 11am and it was almost full. A great sign I always think. We managed to sneak on the end of a table and peruse the menu. We had only really met for a cup of tea and a chin wag but I had to check out what foodie offerings were available. I am definitely going to have to go back for brunch. Lots of dishes were enticing me. Pancakes, poached eggs with avocado, eggs benedict… The list goes on. The food that was coming out from the kitchen looked yummy. This place is definitely going on my list as places to return to.

I was lucky enough to have been invited to Shillingford Organic farm on Tuesday. I had the most amazing time and met some wonderful and friendly folk. It was one of the most pleasurable foodie experiences I have had in recent history. On a par with my Quicke’s cheese making and my morning at Emma’s Bread. Absolutely fabulous! Look out for my full post next week.

Whilst at Shillingford Organics I was introduced to Tim from Rod and Bens. A local company that makes wonderful soups, dips and pasta sauces. I had a little impromptu tour of their kitchens and production which was an added foodie bonus for me. I will post more about that at a later date.

On Wednesday night I had the pleasure of entertaining my sister Estella and her boyfriend Gordon. I had wanted to recreate a little bit of our Sicily trip by serving aperol spritz. Estella had requested a supper of antipasti and cheeses so I obliged. I took myself up to Bon Gout. A fantastic little deli on Magdalen Road in the St. Leonard’s area of Exeter. This deli has been established for as long as I can remember and has a great selection of antipasti, cold meats and cheeses along with lots of delicious store cupboard ingredients that are a little more unusual. I picked up some smoked anchovies, pecorino, Ticklemore goats cheese, Somerset Brie, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, sweet cucumber pickle from Clare’s Preserves and olives ready for our supper.

I roasted some beetroots and pan fried some courgettes with my Shillingford Organics goodies from Tuesday’s visit. These sat nicely alongside my cheeses and antipasti from Bon Gout and the sourdough loaf I had picked up from Emma’s Bread. I also opened some yummy dips from Rod and Bens. A butter bean and chive dip and a spicy pepper salsa. They were both delicious and I would totally recommend trying them. The butterbean and chive dip tasted like it was homemade. It had a nice chunky texture and the salsa was really refreshing and went perfectly with the pan fried courgettes. What a feast!

Friday was an extra day off for me and a special south Devon foodie trip courtesy of my chum Chloe. The first venue was The Almond Thief Bakery near Dartington for coffee and cake. The second was Staverton Bridge Nursery for lunch. There will be full posts soon but in the meantime here are a few yummy pictures!

Before I sign off I was hoping that you might take the time to vote for me in the Saveur Blog Awards? I am thinking the best catagory is “New Voice” as the blog is still in its infancy at 14 months old! Thank you in advance if you manage to take the time to vote. (It takes about 2 minutes to do!)

So that was my weeks round up of pictures. I hope you enjoyed them. Have a great week everybody and keep your eyes peeled for lots of upcoming posts.