'To blog, or not to blog' that has been the question for some time now and I suppose the sheer fact that here I am signifies both my response and resolve to that question. To those nearest and dearest to me who ask 'why blog and why now' well the answer to that is quite simple - I needed an outlet, a place of my own where I could vent my gastronomic spleen, explore idea's and open myself up to new possibilities. The other real issue is that I have been aware for some time of my ardour towards all things food related. So rather than continue to bore and burden you and potentially run the risk of sounding passé, I thought that this platform - 'blogging' (there I said it) may serve us both well.

I am not a chef or professional cook. My qualification is that I love to eat and I firmly believe that one can't ever cook well unless you love food and in turn eating. Not only do I love to eat and cook, but I also love to read
cook books, flick through food magazines, watch cooking shows and trawl through food related websites. Sad I know but what can I say - I am 'Food-Centric'. That's why I suppose I prefer to utilise precious shopping time hunting down exceptional ingredients, explore gourmet food stores, cheese emporiums, boutique bakeries, gorgeous cafes and exclusive delicatessens. Finding the latest kitchen gadget, vintage enamel ware and perfect blend of coffee has also proven to border on neurotic.


Why 'Gourmet Worrier'? Well I have always loved to eat and cook with whole natural ingredients tending to steer clear from over processed food. I don't like to put too much between the 'source' of food and 'ourselves'. The worrying aspect towards food for me came to the fore when I became a mother, as I am one of those adherents who believe that 'good eating starts in the cradle'. So I not only worry or stress about whether a particular food or product is
GM, organic, fair trade or chemical free, but also will the children eat it, is it any good, where can I get that particular ingredient and is there a vegetarian option?

Of course my enthusiasm about food is not just restricted to the children but also applies to any one else I may feed throughout the course of my day. 'Yes'- I did come from a big Mediterranean family that inadvertently preached that 'Food is Love'. Hence, my food concerns are many, varied and ongoing. I am presently consumed with thoughts about next Sunday's lunch or whether or not the children have had enough fish this week, as we all know the importance of Omega 3 and healthy brain function. And then my mind drifts to the 'Mother of all Meals' - that being Christmas lunch - but don't get me started on that one just yet!