Seb's Fortnight

It has been an interesting last couple of weeks, the combination of new and existing London mixed with complete peace in lovely Devon.

Let's begin with me finally understanding what Americans spent nearly $6billion on last year, Chic-fil-A.

I managed to sneak into a pop up, where I watched a grown woman cry real tears of joy on reaching the front of the line to collect her Chicken Sandwich and Waffle Potato Fries. I can confirm the taste experience being simple and delicious. I haven't had American fast food for a very long time, whilst I am not about to restart, I will be searching the nearest local branch on my next trip over there. The atmosphere in the room was of overwhelming pleasure, everyone was eating exactly the same food, the age range spread from kids to pensioners. I could easily see Chic-fil-A becoming part of the UK food scene. there is definitely room for another player to compete for our time-poor meal decisions.

Almost healthy is how I would describe my breakfast with a communications legend, who had suggested Bageriet (www.bageriet.co.uk)

It was a frighteningly good start to Friday 13th. A perfectly made flat white, followed by a quality cup of Joe or should that be Jonas (sorry!) Let's not forget a cinnamon bun made with such a light touch I swore it was made of scented air. Well maybe I swore I would exercise the next day! Thank you Alice for introducing me to a new life long friend.

Dinner was spent at my favourite, Frenchie. My first visit without seeing either the owner, Greg or manager Dave, did it matter? not a bit! We had a royal reception and regal evening. Our guest, the truly inspirational Afroditi, was hugely impressed by the space, service and food quality.

It was, and has been on every visit, such a treat to be surrounded by so much genuine joy from a front of house team matched by exemplary food from the kitchen brigade.

We were lucky enough to find ourselves being cooked for by Ben Tish last week. He of the impressive www.saltyardgroup.co.uk His new book Grill Smoke, explains how to conquer barbeque and did he give us a master class. Being a member of what I believe to be London's best Club has its benefits and this dinner was one of them; sharing a table with legends of advertising, music, restaurants and art whilst enjoying great food and wine doesn't get much better.

The next morning I realised it has been far too long since I have been to one of Ben's or his business partner Simon's restaurants. I will be coming very soon gentlemen.

I enjoyed another 'new' in London, sampling the latest creation from the magician who is Ben Branson, the creator of Seedlip (www.seedlipdrinks.com).

Last Autumn, on a chilly but beautiful morning, I walked, for the first time into the Chelsea Physic Garden www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk and tasted the future.

A grown-up, non-alcoholic distilled spirit.Ben has launched quietly although having your baby listed exclusively at Sexy Fish and Selfridges is not that quiet I suppose.

Now Ben has added herb and grass elements that allow spring and summer inspirations to be explored with Seedlip Garden 108.

He is featured through all of Jason Atherton's London restaurants and can also be found through his new distributors (who I am lucky enough to call friends) www.fmvwines.com

Finally the peace I mentioned earlier arrived. A day and a night with our dearest friends, who took time of from running SBH (http://theseasideboardinghouse.com) to look after us.

A long walk through acres of wild garlic, followed by a pint of Branoc and the best crab sandwich you can imagine at The Fountain Head Inn.

That night we dined on a Simon Hopkinson-inspired dish of saffron stuffed tomatoes served

alongside roasted Brill. Divine, even more so after settling on a wonderful Bruno Sorg Riesling that is about to make an appearance on the SBH wine list.

The last sunny day, on writing this, found us on a private beach in East Devon. The tuna salad you see was made in front of our toes whilst white burgundy passed our lips.

Next week doesn't look as exciting but we shall see.....