LUANG PRABANG is an enchanting city in northern Laos located in a valley at the confluence of two rivers — the Mekong and the Nam Khan.

Serves 6-8

VICKIE and Tristan lived in a chic little mews house in Central London, but when they inherited a beautiful thatched cottage with an Aga beside a fishing cove they decided to move, lock, stock and buggy to Cornwall with toddler Tonsley and baby Briar.

WHAT is it about barbecues that brings out latent culinary skills in even the most kitchen-shy lads; perhaps it is the primeval thrill of playing with fire that generates a rush of excitement.

THE way to everyone’s heart is as ever through their tummy, it’s Fathers Day tomorrow so let’s show our love and appreciation and celebrate with a slap up meal for our bestest Dad — what’s his favourite?

I’VE GOT every book that Elizabeth David wrote, in my library. She was unquestionably one of the most superb cooking writers of all time and if I had to choose just one book from the close to 2,000 volumes I have it would have to be French Provincial Cookery.

THE CRAVING, particularly among young people, to relearn almost forgotten skills continues to gather momentum.

THIS week-end we are going to have an elderflower party to celebrate their profusion in the hedges.

EVERYWHERE I went this week, people were discussing Philip Boucher-Hayes’ RTÉ programme ‘What’s Ireland Eating?’ They seemed shocked by the statistics.