I CAN’T believe I’m queuing in the rain with another hundred-plus people to buy a ‘cronut’ at Dominique Ansel bakery in Spring Street in New York.

I’VE JUST spent a few days in New York on a reconnaissance trip to check out what’s happening on the food scene over there.

WHEN I heard of Honor Moore’s recent passing I was deeply saddened.

WE’VE just had the first of the broad beans and new potatoes, such joy. Several of the grandchildren helped to pick the beans, until we chased them away because they were eating more than they were picking.

THE Travel Classics International Writers conference has been held in Ireland several times over the past 19 years. This year it was held at Ballymaloe House and surrounding area. The delegates included some of the most prestigious food and travel editors and writers in the world. The weather was good, the country side looked beautiful and they really enjoyed the fresh food from the farm, gardens, local fishermen and artisan producers.

A MONTH after the Literary Festival of Food and Wine at Ballymaloe we’re still getting excited feedback and thank you cards in response to the event, from both participants and those who came along over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Last week, I promised I would share some more of the gems cooked by the guest chefs at the Ballymaloe Literary Festival of Food and Wine 2013.

WE’RE all still buzzing here since the Literary Festival of Food and Wine at Ballymaloe over the bank holiday weekend.

A LITTLE update from San Francisco.

I’VE JUST learned the secret of how to give a totally stress-free dinner party! So here’s how it’s done.