Of course, it isn’t going to last …
The warm glow of the last couple of days may not even make it to this weekend but Nature has fired the starting gun! The buds are swelling, shoots are above ground and vibrant almost electric green, the Mirabelle – always the first hedgerow bush to flower – is in full bloom and, when warmth and rain allow, the honey bees are very busy after their winter fast…
So, although we know we may have to return to dark, warming braises, for the moment, let’s celebrate the promise of the Spring to come.
First up, we’ve been harvesting our over-wintered ducks – although they have been enduring imprisonment in the poly-tunnels due to bird flu restrictions, they have maintained pretty good form. We have been harvesting plump, white “Aylesbury” ducks for Confit, Cayuga and Runner ducks for our signature Crispy Duck Salad and, next week, we plan to harvest Muscovy Ducklings – what the French call Barbary Duck – to sell in the shop and to Roast for your delectation in the Restaurant.
While the weather has been clement for us land-lubbers, the winds have been blowing in the Channel and markets have been light in Cornwall. Still, we have secured some delicious Lemon Sole, Cock Crabs, Mussels and Monkfish Tails. Light, tasty and nutritious treats after the heavier winter fare!
Our first cooking workshop of the year this weekend is almost sold-out but we still have 2 spare places if anyone fancies learning the intricacies of Sourdough baking this Saturday?
Finally, I know it’s still a few weeks away, but if you’re looking for somewhere to take your Mother on Sunday 15th March, there is, perhaps, nowhere better… We can’t know whether the Tulips will have started blossoming by then – most are currently 2 inches above ground so, if the weather stays bright, it’s possible. Either way, we will make it a special Sunday lunch – if you want to book a table with us, you need to move quickly – Click here!
