A Taste of America

Since enjoying favourite American television programmes as a child from 'Bewitched'; to 'I Dream of Jeanie' and the New York based sitcom 'Rhoda' to name only three, I have long been influenced by the houses and lifestyles portrayed.  They always seemed more exciting than suburban London.  Combined with a lifelong interest in American food, cooking and subsequently wine, my collection of American cookbooks has expanded over the years from buying the 'Toll House Heritage Cookbook' on my first visit to Florida as a teenager so I could learn how to bake the best chocolate chip cookies; through the Silver Palate Cookbook and Martha Stewarts 'Art of Entertaining' treasured since my first visit to New York; plus the delights of Lee Bailey; and MFK Fisher amongst others; also for the past 15 years Ina Garten the wonderful 'Barefoot Contessa'.


Consequently I'm not sure why it took me so long to plan a trip to East Hampton, the area Ina champions, but I've just been following in her footsteps and after a few days in mid-Manhattan New York I took the Long Island Rail Road to explore.  A hundred miles out of the city and a world away, this favoured Summer playground of the rich and famous is a lovely place to visit.  In fact East Hampton was voted America's most beautiful village in a National Geographic poll.  (It would probably win the award for the most expensive place to stay too). 


The wide roads and beautiful beachfront are lined with many large multi-million dollar properties and the picturesque village is carefully preserved, with no high rise buildings, neon or advertising billboards.  Whilst there I tried some of Ina's favourite places including Nick & Toni's restaurant and her local 1770 House where I sat at the Tavern bar downstairs and ordered the famous meatloaf.  I can see why Ina's a regular there.   Her new book 'Make It Ahead' is coming out at the end of October, so I was too soon for the book launch tour, but at least I have now sampled Ina's slice of America and it was delicious.

Delights of the New Forest

Created by King William the Conqueror in 1079, the New Forest National Park in the south of England is a favourite area of mine.  Having enjoyed countless holidays there since childhood this wonderful ancient natural area has a fabulous energy which I always find invigorating.  Feeling in need of a late Summer boost it was the perfect place to enjoy a couple of days relaxing.  Having decided to go at very short notice finding good accommodation was tricky, but fortunately I was able to stay at the boutique Hotel Terra Vina in Netley Marsh.  I first read about this gem years ago but had never checked in, so was really glad they had last minute availability.  The owners are Gerard Basset OBE and his wife Nina, ably assisted by a super team.  Gerard has been involved in the world of wine for over 25 years, winning the accolade of 'Best Sommelier in the World' in 2010 and last year in 2013 was decreed 'Decanter Man of the Year'.  Consequently you know that whatever you choose from the wine list will be excellent.


Renowned for its Californian style restaurant and amazing wines, Terra Vina's reputation as a fabulous place to eat certainly lived up to expectations.  The dinner menu the evening I was there had lots of tempting choices.  Although rather unconventional I couldn't resist trying the macaroni cheese with parmesan and rosemary.  This was meant to be a side order, but as it didn't go with my preferred choice of main course I was very happy to be able to have the pasta dish as a starter instead.  It was superb and I'd go back just for that dish alone.  As a main course I had delicious hake served with cockles and razor clams, peas and broad beans, all beautifully cooked and looked like a work of art on the plate.  The glass of Gruener Veltliner the Sommelier recommended to accompany the dish was the perfect combination.  I couldn't manage dessert, so finished with a simple camomile tea and the promise of returning to do the menu more justice.


Staying overnight at Hotel Terra Vina was ideal and gave me the chance to enjoy a swim in the heated pool.  At a time when the New Forest was overly busy with traffic, full of people making the most of the end of the school holidays and the last of the Summer sun, the oasis of calm at Hotel Terra Vina was very welcome.  With just 11 bedrooms and the wonders of the New Forest on the doorstep I look forward to returning.