PORTRAIT: PAUL MITCHELL. PHOTOGRAPH: KATE WHITAKER. STYLING: VICTORIA ELDRIDGE
Ah, these golden days… At least I hope they will be because you’ll see on p44 that we’re limbering up for a catch-the-last-of-summer cookout, with tips to prep as much as you can ahead, then pack and go. Or you can do it in the garden (to be honest, that’s what I’ll be doing) – no less enjoyable.
Our garden has come into its own this year. My daily ritual has been working at home alone all day, the silence punctuated only by online meetings and incessant drilling from the house being built over the back (timing!). Later, when my husband comes back from the GP practice where he works, we sit outside with a glass of wine and some warm, salty toasted almonds and discuss the day. Those have been special sanity-saving moments of the past six months – something we’d never ordinarily do as in old-normal circumstances I’d have been in town, working late and going to events three nights a week. It’s important to look for silver linings.
The rest of this issue celebrates the joy of the harvest: plums, corn, berries, peppers, leafy greens, apples (so good for you – see p102). Most of all, praise to Yotam Ottolenghi who, with his team, has reached new heights of brilliance with his just-out book Flavour (my Ottolenghi cookbooks are so well thumbed, the pages are getting fluffy at the edges). You’ll find exclusive recipes on p56. Also praise to the restaurant heroes who’ve been a force for good during these challenging times (see p30). Asma Khan, Paul Ainsworth and Zoe Adjonyoh, we salute you and the many others who’ve shown such compassion and nimble ingenuity.
September is a time for new beginnings, and in 2020 we need them more than ever. Last month I shared an insight into how tough it’s been producing delicious. under recent conditions (underlined by the closure of scores of print magazines in the space of six months). I was overwhelmed by an outpouring of encouragement via email and social media, so I’ll finish by saying THANK YOU to each and every one of you who supports us and loves delicious. – in print and online. We’re here for you, we love hearing from you and we wish you a month of good times.