david loftus

One of London's most amazing food photographers, the great David Loftus, was featured in a recent episode of the BBC's 'The Restaurant'.  His website has a great sample of his work.  His most famous client?  The great Jamie Oliver.

what will America's next president do about food?

A colleague of mine in Oxford last week told me about a must read, the October 12th issue of the New York Time Magazine.  They did an entire issue dedicated to food issues, and from what I understand there's a very well written article on the food crisis, with reference to what the next US president will need to consider to address it.  I think we may be seeing Obama embrace that role given the latest polls coming out of the States.

I just finished an experiment (yes at 2:50am), so I must go home, but I will have to leave this issue (which you can access online) for tomorrow.  

And just to let you all know, Oxford University has a farm apparently.  Who knew.  I found out about this after the principal of Somerville College brought this to my attention last Friday.  I had the privilege of representing my college at a breakfast meeting between students and faculty headed by the University Registrar, Dr. Julie Maxton.  I raised the issue of food sustainability with everyone, which sparked a good conversation.  I really would love to see Oxford do what Yale did (with regard to promoting organic/free-range foods in their dining halls).

For more on the Oxford University farm click here.  Strange McDonald's which I despise is a sponsor.  I'm going to arrange a trip to this farm very soon.

Over and out.  Good night.

who wants to join the Oxford Gastronomy Society?

Files kai filoi, I wanted to let all you lovely people to know about our first event by the adventurous Oxford Gastronomy Society. This Thursday, from 2-4:30pm, at G&D's on the Cowley Road, Susan Jane will lead a blind tasting of all the different flavours of the divine ice cream that we all know and love.

And just so you all know, if you join Oxford Gastronomy Society before the end of week 3 (we're in week 1 for those who don't subscribe to the Oxford term calendar) you can receive 2 memberships for the price of 1.

It's going to be a great term of events.....I look forward to Raymond Blanc's French cooking demonstration in a few weeks and meeting the head chef of El Bulli in London. For a link to the term card, click here...

By the way, I was so excited this Saturday when I came upon the new book of El Bulli (it's bigger than a Bible) at Waterstone's.  Now I know what I want for Christmas.

ringing in the new Oxford year

Hey folks (I feel like Sarah Palin now when I address everyone as such)...just wanted to let you all know that I'm alive and well and haven't fallen off the face of the planet.....

Fresher's week has started today with new students having arrived all over Oxford, and plenty of activities are planned for them. Fresher's Fair at the Examinations Schools on High Street kick off on Wednesday morning, and I will be joining my beloved Susan Jane, President of the Oxford Gastronomy Society, at a booth we'll have set up. New memberships are warmly welcome.

I have some new gastro ideas in mind which I'm going to share with you in the coming weeks. And, kalo mina (happy month, albeit belated)!