Welcome to AUGUST
Summer… What does it mean to you? Are you all about escaping abroad, experiencing new tastes and bringing flavours back home? Or are you a staycation-ophile, relishing the scores of good things here in the UK? Wherever and whatever your happy place, most of us probably agree the feel of sun on your back and soft sand between toes is hard to beat. This month we’ve tried to satisfy as many food yearnings and capture as many vibey relaxation moments as we can, starting with a guide to shellfish from fishmeister Rick Stein (p35). I always thought you weren’t supposed to eat mussels in August (no ‘r’ in the month), but Rick tells me you can, I believe him and I’m going to, inspired by his fine recipes. By contrast, uber-talent Zoe Adjonyoh is our new writer in residence and has created exciting food moments inspired by a trip to Kenya, where she met two women who gave her the full Kenyan flavour immersion (p48). I’m ever eager to try new dishes, and Zoe’s recipes deliver in full measure, along with stories and down-to-earth advice on ingredients that, I hope, will entice you to experiment beyond your repertoire.