What is the best thing about the Isle of Wight foodie scene?
I think the accent is on shopping and eating local produce. This has fuelled a real boom on the Island with a large diversity of produce including honey, garlic, tomatoes, asparagus, potatoes, cheese and milk, as well as plenty of local seafood of course, along with businesses like Pink’s, Mr C’s and The Borneo Pantry. The standards are high and I feel that we all as a community need to support these businesses at whatever level we are able to.
What is your favourite dish you cook using your salt?
Little can top having sea bass fillets from Ventnor Haven, pan fried with the Lime Sea Salt Spray as a marinade applied about 20 minutes before. I have this usually with new potatoes and asparagus, both from the Island, with Briddlesford butter and… salt!
Where is your favourite place to eat on the Island?
I supply Wight Salt to a number of places all over the Island, many of which I also eat in because I love the individuality of the chefs and appreciate what they are creating on their own terms. For this reason I can’t select an outright favourite.
What is your favourite event on the Island?
Ventnor Fringe (I’m playing classical piano at gigs there this year) also Rhythmtree is great, but playing clarinet in a green toga in Ventnor Comic Jazz Band at Ventnor Carnival takes some beating!
What is your local tipple?
I enjoy bitters like Goddards’ Fuggle-Dee-Dum, and Adgestone Vineyard have a pretty good Rosé Blush. Generally I’m quite diverse and will sample most things until I find difficulty walking!