Memories of a birthday in #trieste, now distancing, it did something being there alone, I am still figuring out what but it doesn't feel bad, eerie maybe, from hereon in

Writing. Meandering. Memories. This area around Liverpool Street has come up in my life for thirty years. Why? I’m yet to truly know. I doubt there is a single true reason or story. The eeriness of writing has confounded me for a decade.

The way ingredients look so cosy nestled in, the joys when they’ve done their thing, waiting to be thoughtfully enjoyed. This happy bunch of mauve aubergine shallot lemon and garlic lightly smothered in harissa are for a dish on our menu, Mulignane e Cecali, a nod to my Neapolitan parents slang.

This personal take on a butter chicken chicken curry doesn’t make it to my vegetarian restaurant menu but amazing nonetheless

Is there anything better than this ?

Another session of reading by a Christmas tree. This time not at home in my tiny library band the grand old London Library, my favourite place ever. Literature is my obsession but I do love a bit of Christmas thrown in. #books #libraries #london #christmas

I love finding new ways into familiar places. This deserted street, barely visible from this angle, finally hangs left and following a quick right turn comes out into Masons Yard leading to the back entrance of The London Library. Somehow that feels better. #London #literature #dreams

Day two of a run of three away from cooking at my restaurant. A tooth infection providing plenty of agony couldn’t stop me going to my favourite spot in the library to do the thing I love and must do. Writing.