This week has been an emotional rollercoaster. Sicily my little tabby cat has been in and out of kitty hospital all week and I have been feeling really down about it. I am sure there are other cat mums and dads out there that understand how terrifying it is when something you love with all your heart is ill. I felt like I couldn’t do anything to help and it was gut-wrenchingly awful. I actually thought that on Wednesday I was going to have a mini emotional meltdown. You may laugh at that but sometimes things like this trigger deeper things. Dropping Sicily off at the vet’s just got me thinking about my Nan and how much I miss her.

Sicily’s recovery has made me so happy but on the other hand, I have felt incredible sadness and helplessness. A dear friend of mine suddenly moved away to find space from an emotionally and financially abusive relationship. A brave decision and I couldn’t feel more proud that she took the massive step. I will miss you, laughing with you and our silly tea dates. If you are reading this I think of you daily.

So, I guess in summary my emotions have been through the wringer this week and I feel like I have lost my way slightly. I think my friend leaving, Sicily’s illness and the easing of lockdown and normality resuming have made me struggle emotionally. I feel like I have lost my friend and with that my mojo.

Despite feeling low I have got myself out and about in the hope that my spirits could be lifted with friends and good food. The prospect of visiting Totnes and The Bull Inn was definitely getting me through the week.

The Bull Inn – Totnes

I hopped on the train and took the 30-minute journey down to one of my favourite local towns, Totnes. I have to say that that train journey is one of the prettiest I have travelled. The train skirts the Exe Estuary and the coast before finally heading inland to Totnes. You actually feel at points that you are floating on the water. That alone could lift anyone’s spirits whilst feeling blue but knowing I had a lunch date at a favourite spot of mine, The Bull Inn with one of my best friends was the boost I needed.

For those that don’t know Totnes, it’s a medium-sized town that has a strong independent food scene focussing on organic and local produce. If you love good food then I can guarantee that you will find it in one of the many cafes and restaurants. There is so much choice and if you are vegetarian or vegan you will be well catered for.

As I said before, The Bull Inn is a favourite of mine and since its opening in 2019, I have been more than a few times. They specialise in small plates and everything is seasonal, organic and field fresh. The decor is rustic and laid back and I just love the vibe of the place. It’s pretty much everything I love in a place. I say “pretty much” because if there was a pub cat that would make it next level.

Chloe and I ordered 5 small plates and some sourdough focaccia which was plenty for the two of us at lunch. That and a glass of wine cheered us both up to no end on a rather soggy Friday.

Cipriani Tartufi

Last week I introduced you to Cipriani Tartufi. Well, I have been trialling a few other truffle-tastic products this week. How does truffle fettuccini with truffle butter sound to you? Good? Well, you would be right. I smothered Cipriani Tartufi truffle fettuccini in some of their wonderful truffle butter, sprinkled it liberally with Parmesan, shaved on some preserved summer truffle and tossed in some fresh basil. It was delicious in its simplicity and the perfect lunch or supper for when time is short but you want the wow factor. For the record, when it comes to food I always want the wow factor!

From the 12th June, local peeps, you will be able to find Cipriani Tartufi at Topsham Saturday Market every week. for those further afield you can buy online.

Sunday Lunch

Sunday lunch needn’t be a long, drawn-out affair. You don’t need to be tied to the stove for hours on end sweltering over hot pans and roasting dishes.

Over the past few months, I have become a fan of La Tua. A London based company that specialises in hand made tortelloni and other Filled Pasta. Pre lockdown one, La Tua made filled pasta for the restaurant trade but diversified when restaurants were forced to close. They now post out their pasta and a whole host of other yummy Italian specialities to your home. I have purchased various pasta, sauces and nibbles from La Tua as well as having been privileged enough to receive various boxes of goodies to taste and photograph.

I was asked to try the Gentlemen’s Vegetarian Provisions Box and jumped at the chance to invite a couple of girlfriends around to sample it with me.

We spent a lovely afternoon eating, drinking and chatting our way through a delightful selection of Italian treats. The tomato focaccia was pillowy and light and the perfect accompaniment to mop up juicy tomatoes and oozing burrata.

The aubergine parmigiana tortelloni served simply with a tomato sauce tasted fresh and light and certainly transported me away from my dreary rainy outlook to southern Italy and warm sunshine.

If you haven’t heard of La Tua before and have a love of good, flavoursome Italian food that will transport you to your favourite Italian towns and villages then check out their website for home delivery. I have sampled many of their filled pasta and sauces now and have loved them all.

Coming Up

Next weekend I am heading to The Pig at Combe which I am suitably excited about as you can imagine. I haven’t been for about two years, so my visit is well overdue. I have missed the small plates, the gorgeous wine selection and the dreamy decor so I am super excited to spend a long lunch there next Saturday with my two besties.

I think the weather is supposed to be pretty good this upcoming week so I am hoping to finally barbecue. It has been on the agenda for what feels like forever but because the rain just kept on falling for the whole month of May we had to keep putting it off. I have some Indian spiced sauces from Pico Sauces that need tasting and I feel a barbecue is the perfect outing for them. I am already getting excited!

Disclaimer; This post contains gifted items for PR purposes. I was not paid to post and all views are my own as always.