It is National Honey Week this week and while we are sweet enough as we are, the complex flavours in honey add a wonderful depth of flavour to dishes whether they are sweet or savoury.  Read more... (498 words, 2 images, estimated 2:0 mins reading time)

Spring is perfect for light, fresh food full of flavour and since sushi opened our palates (and heads) to the idea that raw fish could be tasty, South American dish ceviche has become increasingly popular. Celebrated Argentinian restaurant Gaucho has had this cured seafood dish on their menu for ten years now and is having a  ceviche dinner at Gaucho Piccadilly to mark the occassion. ‘Ceviche is the ideal summer dish as it has a perfect balance between the oily fish and the tartness of the citrus,’ Fernando Trocca, executive chef of Gaucho Grill says. ‘The trick is to use the freshest and best quality fish you can find. Once you’ve got the hang of the traditional recipes you can then start experimenting with twists on the classics – I’ve really enjoyed creating original new recipes with more unusual ingredients for the new Gaucho ceviche menu – it’s such a simple dish but there is so much you can do with it.’  Read more... (443 words, 3 images, estimated 1:46 mins reading time)

With Easter this weekend there is no doubt that we will be indulging in our fair share of chocolate eggs and enjoying the four day weekend – hopefully in the sunshine. But it is also a fabulous reason to get the family together, brighten the house with some decorations and start some new family traditions for this spring holiday.  Read more... (374 words, 7 images, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)

St Patrick’s Day is a day, it seems, to wear green, drink, be jovial and celebrate all things Irish. However if like me you are not too keen on the classic Guinness stout, don’t despair, we have a fabulous way to join in the celebrations and make it more palatable - with chocolate of course.  Read more... (283 words, 3 images, estimated 1:08 mins reading time)

Beat those winter blues with this mouth-watering Open Lasagne of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, Prawns and Baby Squid – a great twist on the classic lasagne recipe!  Read more... (376 words, 2 images, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)

On Friday we told you about the best libido enhancing foods for Valentine’s Day in our article Eat Your Way To A Sexy Valentine’s Night, now here we combine them into the perfect, simple recipes to make your Valentines day meal extra special and scrumptious for you and your beau. Pop to the supermarket after work today and that way you can come straight home for work on tuesday and cook up a storm, no stress!  Read more... (874 words, 7 images, estimated 3:30 mins reading time)

Today is the start of the Chinese year of the Dragon. In Eastern philosophy, this mythical creature is the deliverer of good fortune, fertility, master of authority and a symbol of immense power.  A dragon year is a year of big projects, innovative ideas and great outcomes – it promises success, particularly in business. Although the year may have it’s ups and downs, it is seen as a year where those who have worked hard or have a good idea see them come to fruition.  Read more... (489 words, 2 images, estimated 1:57 mins reading time)

The pressure of producing the perfect Christmas meal can seem overwhelming. Luckily Tristan Welch, head chef at Launceston Place in London, with the help of Jun Tanaka, executive chef at Pearl Restaurant and Bar, gives Belle About Town readers his tricks and tips to ensure that the meal not only looks and tastes great but that you are not too frazzled getting it to the table.  Read more... (1052 words, 5 images, estimated 4:12 mins reading time)

Jun Tanaka’s King prawns with mango and chilli salsa

(Serves 4)

8 raw king prawns, head on
1 mango
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 red chilli
½ red onion finely chopped
1 lime juice
1 tbsp chopped coriander  Read more... (578 words, 5 images, estimated 2:19 mins reading time)

Young talented Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy is creating a buzz within the UK food scene and at the age of 27 already has much to celebrate. Currently Executive Chef at London’s renowned El Pirata Detapas, featured in Gordon Ramsay’s Best Restaurant, Omar has recently opened Tapas Revolution  – a tapas bar in the heart of Westfield.  Known for his culinary skills in traditional Spanish cuisine, Omar’s food has been described as ‘exquisite’ and ‘authentic’.  Read more... (358 words, 4 images, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)