Fork: The Real Food Magazine
I discovered this wonderful little regional magazine by a recommendation on twitter; despite its detractors, twitter can be a wonderful facility. Although unashamedly a regional UK publication (Fork is based in Bristol and thus covers England’s South West), the articles and recipes have a much wider appeal. A brief run through of the contents in issue 7, Summer 2009, should demonstrate the breadth of interesting content:
- Interviews with Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw in his Cornwall seafood grill and with former Bibendum chef Bob Parkiinson bringing a “slice of Chelsea chic to the Cotswolds” with his “stunning new restaurant and deli.”
- A seasonal look at the humble, overlooked gooseberry.
- A chat with the founder of the Cotswold Ice Cream Company.
- A review of the Queens Arms in Newbury, Berkshire, slightly outside the South West, as well as a brief look at the Real Food movement in New York.
- Forager tips from Andy Sartin, who walks along the coastline “in search of sea beet, pursslane and rock samphire”
- An article detailing the best picnic sites in Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
- Recipes: Grilled Salmon, Fennel and Cucumber Salad, Summer Vegetable Salad with Little Wallop Goat’s Cheese, Rhubarb and Duck Egg Custard Tart (a variation on which I’ve tried out and detailed on SpittoonExtra), Pistachio and Dried Apricot Tart
- A look at the Cornish Fishmonger, the Lahloo Tea company and Betty Blythe Fine Food Pantry (the latter being London based)
- A full listing of regional Farmer’s Markets, which covers Wiltshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Bath and Bristol and, oddly, London.
If you live in the South West, I would go so far as to say this is a must-read, and highly recommended to everyone else in addition.
You can buy single issues or subscribe to Fork magazine via their website. Cost is £1.50 per issue plus £1.50 postage.
PS You can find me on twitter at wine_scribbler
