29 • DeLi HeAven
Deli Heaven Sarah Lemon – Lots of Lemons Delicatessen, Bishops Cleeve
Taking the Pip M
y very wonderful sister-in-law wanted to give us a special present to mark the opening of our ‘Lots of Lemons Delicatessen’ and had the exciting idea of hiring a celebrity chef to pop along and cut the ribbon. Her first point of call was a public relations firm who dealt with James Martin and, to be honest, i don’t think her motives were completely selfless as it has to be said the man is rather scrumptious. the firm in question answered in a prompt and professional manner stating that for the small fee of £10,000; not including vAt you understand, James would be delighted to come along. For this very reasonable price he would do not one, not two but three forty five minute demonstrations, including posing for ‘local press’ photographs and mingling with guests. But wait, there was even more, as he would also be happy to do book signings. Under the small title of ‘Clients expenses’ there was mention of a
home economist to assist James, as presumably James’ job is to demonstrate and not prepare, plus the cost of ingredients, return travel and overnight accommodation if necessary. You can understand my chagrin when Debs, afore mentioned sister-inlaw, forwarded the email onto to us saying that, as much as she loved us and wanted to get something special, in this case it would have to be the thought that counted. the email dissolved me into giggles and got me wondering who the crème de le crème of the chef circuit was. Did nigella beat sophie, would Jamie pip Gordon or did Delia take the cake? (ok, i promise no more bad puns). so i spent an interesting time surfing the net but found it almost impossible to find contact details for the top chefs, let alone how much they cost, but i did find out about a few others. Richard Corrigan, ed Baines and theo Randall (have you heard of these people) are very reasonable at a starting cost of
A FEW OF OUR SUPPLIERS:
TEA PIGS / GRUMPY MULE COFFEE / FINE SPICE & OIL COMPANY `OLIVES ET AL / KITCHEN GARDEN PRESERVES / BRAMLEY & CAGE / HOBBS HOUSE BAKERY / NUDO PESTO & PASTAS / COSTWOLD MERINGUES / COTSWOLD GOLD / JAMNASTICS
£3500 followed by the obviously more important Lesley waters and Aldo Zilli at a mere £5,500. so should you decide to visit the ‘Lots of Lemons Deli’ we are sad to report you will not have an audience with a famous chef and regret you will have to make do with just the Lemons, who have absolutely no celebrity status. But on the other hand, if you need us to do an appearance at a fete or fair, we come at the very reasonable cost of two, for the price of nothing!
Sarah
p.s. Do you think James would consider a stretcher bed in the Deli overnight? Next Month: I report back on Cotswold Gold, a dynamic new company making rapeseed oil that is grown and produced in the county.
www.severnvillageliving.co.uk | tel: 01452 730023
Village Living Severn 5 0910.indd 29
Severn Village Living • September 2010
17/8/10 18:43:24