...food, etc.

This is where we will share our recipes and our stories. Do check back - or join us on Twitter or Facebook.

...our first professional review

Tracey Saunders' background is in food and restaurant PR, with more than ten years experience of working both in London and Birmingham. She's launched new food products, led the PR for London restaurants, written restaurant reviews and food features and managed events such as the inaugural Taste Birmingham and the BBC Good Food Show. 

The review is on her blog, Midlands Gourmet Girl.

...handing over the cheque to Spirit of Peace

Emilie and Peter of Blue Bistro, the restaurant on Coventry's historic Spon Street, hand over a cheque for £600 to their adopted charity, Spirit of Peace during the charity's AGM which as held at the restaurant.

The money was raised during December, where the Blue Christmas season was launched with a charitable 'Peace Meal' event for Spirit of Peace. An international menu was designed for the event by Head Chef Sarah Jenkins and live entertainment included jazz from the Blue Boys, bluegrass from The Motorcity Stringband and blues from Stevie Dix and Jacob Roberts. The international theme was rounded off by La Luna flamenco, with Louise and Anna dancing accompanied by Ray on guitar. Lady Godiva kindly put in an appearance and gave an interesting speech.

Also, a 'Peace Sorbet' was offered during December, the proceeds of which went to the charity.

Emilie Dentz, Blue's General Manager, said "The run up to Christmas is a busy time for restaurants like Blue, but we thought it important to remember the spirit of Christmas and  launched the season with a charity event dedicated to bringing peace and reconciliation to troubled communities. We all know the importance of Bethlehem in the Christmas story, but Spirit of Peace have been supporting the Hope Flowers School there that is dedicated to bringing the communities together in peace and providing the best start in life for their children in often difficult circumstances. We were thrilled to have raised a nice sum of money for the charity."

Barbara Payman, Spirit of Peace Trustee, said: "As a small, growing charity the money raised by Blue is a much needed and appreciated contribution to our funds. We have enjoyed working with Emilie and the team to raise this money and we are looking forward to future events at Blue."  

Temptation ~ in a Bowl

“You hungry?

“Wait till you taste me, temptation in a bowl.”

In her newly published book of soup, Hasina takes us on a unique journey of love, sharing family secrets with her nutritious, diverse, sometimes quirky but always fun soups.

These are soups of passion, soups of love, presenting the reader with a wealth of inspirational, romantic and sensuous ideas for preparing affordable, healthy, aromatic, sumptuous dishes.

Hasina Rahman is a Coventry born artist, designer, interior stylist and culinary lecturer. Her website can be found here: http://hasinaskitchen.co.uk

Buy the Book at Blue!

Hasina's book is available at Blue! Call in to buy a copy for £8.50 or buy online through eBay.