It’s Springtime (Sort Of)
This morning, as I sipped my coffee and peered into the back garden, I spotted a whisper of frost on the grass. Twenty minutes later, I ventured to my car and discovered it had spent the night in a walk-in freezer, much colder and icier than the grass had led me to believe. The grass, it seems, had been lying to me all along.
But then, I felt a strange feeling. Something familiar, but something forgotten. A stray sunbeam arrived, smudging a bit of warmth across my face. I swear, I could feel the heat like a very gentle candle.
So, I decide it’s finally Spring? After all it is a new month tomorrow and I vaguely remember being told in school that Spring starts on 1st March (March, April and May are the Spring months). I start driving to the shop and turn on the car radio.
The weather forecaster on the radio cheerfully informs me that Spring actually begins on the 20th March. He explains it is to do with meteorological and astronomical spring, and the equinox – of course, 21st June is the longest day – ok it makes some sense now.
But look, I don’t have time to wait around for an equinox. As far as I’m concerned, Spring starts 1st March. That’s official (for me, anyway). If anyone has a problem with that, they can take it up with my new policy of blissful ignorance.
(Do Not) Beware the Ides of March
Now, I’m guessing some of you might be thinking, "Hang on, what about the Ides of March? You know, the ones you have to be wary of?" And I have to be honest, I had to Google this because my knowledge of Roman history is limited to what I picked up from Gladiator and Monty Python’s Life of Brian. Turns out, "Ides" just means "the middle of the month." That’s it. That’s all it is.
So, unless you’re a Roman Emperor and your mates are looking a bit shifty over lunch, you’re probably fine.
Website Issues
We’ve been having a few tiny issues with our website. It’s been doing quirky little things like not letting people order what they want or randomly deciding that some products won’t be available until the year 2097.
In the absence of having any IT staff (or any staff at all really) I called the help desk of the company that hosts our website. They agreed that chaos was reigning on our website and they very helpfully told me it was a "PICNIC problem." I nodded like I understood, then immediately Googled it.
Turns out, PICNIC stands for "Problem In Chair, Not In Computer." Basically, they were suggesting I was causing the problems, with my settings and wanting to give the customers what they want. Ridiculous. Offensive. A ludicrous notion, naturally. But, also probably true.
Anyway, good news: the website should be fully functional by 10th March. Just in time for you to order your Mother’s Day gifts! Watch this space!
Saturday Tasters
Tasters are back this Saturday (1st March – the first day of Spring), and we’ve got something special for you: Desobry Luxury Belgian Biscuits. Now, I know they’re not local, strictly speaking. They’re from Belgium. But as I can’t get any biscuits locally (not even from Biscuit Town) and these are amazing, we’d like you to try them! Of course, if you know anyone who does make biscuits locally, please do let me know!
Belgium has an impressive gastronomic history, what with beer, chocolate, speculoos, waffles, waterzooi, and yes, French fries (which, fun fact, are not actually French – but introduced to the US Army during WWII by the Belgian soldiers – who, of course spoke French). And that’s how history gets twisted, folks.
The Belgians love the good things in life, and that’s why these chocolate-covered biscuits are such a favourite. Come and try them. They’re covered in chocolate and taste like happiness.
And Now, A Drumroll...
Because it’s time for the next instalment of my never-ending (but essential) series, “Why Shopping Locally is Not Just a Good Thing, but a Necessary Thing”
Because it’s time for the next instalment of my never-ending (but essential) series, “Why Shopping Locally is Not Just a Good Thing, but a Necessary Thing”
5. Bespoke local produce.
Shopping locally doesn’t mean limiting yourself to homemade chutney and organic turnips. Local shops often stock things you’ll never find in a supermarket. Properly unique, locally sourced goodies. And because small producers use actual ingredients instead of a chemistry set, you actually get something far superior with real taste.
But, What Would You Like?
Last week, I asked for suggestions on what else you’d like us to stock in the shop, and while I did get a few responses, I could do with loads more. The best suggestion (the one we actually put into action) will win a lovely gift hamper. And just to keep things interesting, if your idea is downright hilarious? There’s an extra hamper in it for you. So, please pass this post on to anyone who appreciates a bit of local banter - and good food.
That’s it for now - until next time, enjoy the springtime and the sunshine.
Take care and Have a great week !
Cheers!
Phil
Phil’s Good Food in Wokingham, 2-4 Broad Street, offers a range of high-quality, ethically sourced products, from local honey to world-class cheeses, indie beers, wines, chocolates and much more. Our beautifully curated hampers make the perfect gift, or you can handpick your favourites, and we’ll create a bespoke hamper just for you!
We don’t deal in mass-produced plastic nonsense!
www.philsgoodfood.co.uk
#shoplocal
Cheers!
Phil
Phil’s Good Food in Wokingham, 2-4 Broad Street, offers a range of high-quality, ethically sourced products, from local honey to world-class cheeses, indie beers, wines, chocolates and much more. Our beautifully curated hampers make the perfect gift, or you can handpick your favourites, and we’ll create a bespoke hamper just for you!
We don’t deal in mass-produced plastic nonsense!
www.philsgoodfood.co.uk
#shoplocal