Before I say anything else, I just want to wish all the blog readers, PR companies and staff, business owners, managers and their staff a very Happy New Year; may 2018 see you all achieve the things you wish for and do it in good health.
It’s been an absolute corker of a year for my flock, both at home and abroad. America and Canada were such amazing countries to visit and we got to eat some great food in spectacular locations; I thank my lucky stars every day for such opportunities.
The best steak of the year has to have been at Joes Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab restaurant in Washington D.C, closely followed by the one His Nibs had at Stones’ Restaurant in Matlock. We dined at One Dine in the One World Observatory in NYC and took in the incredible views over the city whilst enjoying lovely food; truly a memorable occasion.
American hospitality shone through in spectacular style at chic New York eaterie Black Barn; nothing was too much trouble as they showed us around the impressive premises, and kindly let me bring home a memento :)
Canada saw us meet some phenomenal folks; not least Culinary Adventure Co. tour owner Kevin and his daughter Taylor who took us on a VIP tour of St Lawrence Food Market and let us sample some local specialities. Aaron of Go Tours Canada very generously gave up an entire afternoon to show us around the Distillery District in Toronto and we partook of delicious foods and drinks produced locally.
There is no shortage of home-grown talent either, and we went to both the Derby Food and Drink awards, and the Chesterfield Food and Drinks awards. I know I always bang on about the fantastic county that is Derbyshire, but the plethora of talent and passion among the restaurateurs is testament to this.
As the public keep expanding their culinary horizons, so the market matches their needs; Bustler Street Food market is always popular and Bavarian cuisine is enjoying an upturn in fortunes courtesy of Stein Strasse. The Caribbean vibe is well represented at Turtle Bay, and South America is on the map thanks to Revolucion De Cuba and MEXIco.
Tapas is also making huge strides in terms of popularity and there are some incredible venues out there; Yardleys in Belper, Derbys’ own Lorentes and the incredible (LUX award winning) Bridge Inn team from Calver. What makes Tapas so unique is the fact that you can pick and choose from a massive selection of dishes, meaning there is literally something for everyone; win-win.
2017 has seen us foray across the county border on a few occasions into Nottinghamshire, Northumberland, Rutland, and Leicestershire. We have done overnight stays as well as day trips, and sampled fine dining and chain pub food. It is precisely this variety that keeps us on our toes and always eager to see what the next venue will have up its sleeve.
We have also seen our readership of the blog expand, and this is to do with several community groups supporting us. The “spotted” Facebook pages have been fantastic for spreading the word, and especially the Spotted Heage team; thank you from the bottom of my heart - it means a lot :) Our Twitter followers keep coming, and I love the interaction between us all; not least because it fascinates me to hear about what everyone is up to!
There are already a couple of venues pencilled in the diary for 2018 and I can’t wait to dive in and embrace everything with my usual enthusiasm! But, for now, I am looking forward to bidding the riot that was 2017 a fond farewell and ushering in the eagerly-awaited New Year with my Flock and The Tribal Elders.
To you all I wish the utmost health and happiness - follow your dreams and don’t let anyone dull your shine. Lots of Love from Sticky Beak, The Boy Wonder, and The Chick xx
