I have been meaning to write so many times but then other things have got in the way. Then something niggling in my mind spurs me to put my fingers to the keyboard and put something out there.

I am less inclined these days to spill my guts on the internet and share all with whoever might be out there looking to fill a spare five minutes reading. But, that being said, every now and then I do feel like chatting. Sharing my news. Especially when something significant has happened.

About a month ago I got a message on Instagram from the editor at Exeter Living magazine asking for my email address. To cut a long story short, after a few back and forth emails and a lunch meeting I shall be writing a monthly column highlighting my favourite indie spots in Exeter as well as hopefully giving you some insider knowledge on what’s new and what’s happening in the city and outlying towns and villages.

It’s all very exciting and my first column should be out in the very next issue. Do look out for it. I shall be highlighting a few of my favourite spots here in the city. Places you may or may not know about. Hopefully, my words will inspire you to venture off the beaten track. I shall keep you updated on any more news about that as and when it comes to me.

The Lost Kitchen, Chettiscombe, Tiverton

I finally got my act together and got over to The Lost Kitchen. I had meant to go months back with a friend but she cancelled at short notice and then I kind of forgot about rebooking. You know what it’s like?

The Lost Kitchen is my kind of place. A converted barn in a little village just outside Tiverton that uses local produce where possible and cooks everything in a big wood-fired oven. The vibe is comfortably laid back with mismatched furniture, exposed wood beams and floor to near ceiling windows to let in lots of natural light. It feels homely and cosy yet still modern. The tables are laid simply and decorated with potted spring flowers on vintage china saucers.

The staff are courteous, friendly and above all knowledgeable. Me being me asked loads of questions about the menu and ingredients and each and everyone who served our table responded straight away without having to scuttle off to ask someone else. I think it’s so important for staff to be well genned up on every aspect of the menu and ingredients, don’t you? I even got a little inside information on where I could buy the ingredients to make my own version of the delicious cheesecake I consumed for dessert.

Ravioli Day

Last Sunday was Ravioli Day. No, I’m not making it up, it’s an actual day and one to be celebrated in my humble opinion.

I invited my friend Polly over for Sunday lunch and we feasted on sweet potato and beetroot ravioli and black truffle and ricotta ravioli. Both are very different but equally delicious.

Dessert was made by Polly. Tiramisu has to be a favourite dessert of mine. Having grown up loving my Nan’s Sherry trifle I feel like tiramisu is my grown-up version of that. Boozy, creamy and sweet. Delightful.

New Finds In Exeter

Ari’s Healthy Life is my recommendation to you all this month. I stop by regularly for coffee and cake as well as picking up unusual and interesting ingredients that you may not be able to find elsewhere. You can find Ari’s Healthy Life on Sidwell Street. You will always get a friendly welcome and a really good cappuccino.

Recipe Incoming – Swede Cake

Hold tight for my latest Recipe. It’s coming soon. You may not think you need a recipe for a cake made with swede but you’d be wrong. Think carrot or parsnip cake. They both work and so does this Swede Cake. I shall share the recipe with you really soon.

Thank you for reading and catching up on my life lately. I shall be putting together the swede cake recipe for your enjoyment very soon. On top of that, I have a few things in the pipeline that I want to share with you.

I hope you are all staying well and for the time being, enjoying the sunshine. It really does make everything seem better when the sun shines, doesn’t it?

Thanks for reading.

Tara x