Luxury, with your shoes kicked off…

The Bella Luce Hotel has a simple philosophy –  Luke Wheadon, Proprietor of the hotel, calls it ‘luxury with your shoes kicked off’. The elegance and style of this hotel was so striking, paired with the very friendly staff helping us to feel immediately welcome, making this a really special place.

Luke and his Executive Chef, Simon McKenzie, obviously have a passion for high quality food, taste and flavour. It was heartening to hear the respect Simon has for local produce, and how determined he was to make the best of every ingredient in his kitchen.

It is evident the Bella makes the most of the wonderful, local produce we have here in Guernsey, collecting ingredients fresh from sea, and using local growers to supply their vegetable table.  It is those fresh, organic ingredients that make a significant contribution to the high quality, and fascinating food served at The Bella.

Simon was kind enough to prepare us a delightful fish dish. It was a culmination of all the best summer ingredients, light and delicious. Just what we needed at this time of year.

By the way – I’ve always called it the Bella Luce (pron. loose) but I’m told it’s more properly called the Bella Luce (pron. Bella Loochay) which means beautiful light in Italian.  The famous bay where Renoir painted, and captured the extraordinarily beautiful light in some of his iconic paintings, is just five minutes walk away.

Eat well,

Amber
xx

Where do you find a really great pizza…?

“You only have one chance to make a first impression”

Charlie Walker knows how to run a hotel, and she was quite right – “you only have one chance to make a first impression”.  It is rare to find a place where you immediately feel comfortable and welcome, but that is what Les Douvres does, really well.

From the moment I walked in every member of staff was smiling, all very friendly and eager to help, in any way possible.

But onto the juicy stuff… the food!  Now, I don’t know how to make this absolutely clear to you, but there are few things in this world I love more than the smell and taste of a really first class pizza, and let me tell you, Les Douvres know exactly how to make a good pizza.  They are very, very popular, and Charlie tells me their takeaway pizza orders are more than matching their in-house demand, such is the reputation of Les Douvres’ speciality.

The pizza was completely hand made, right from scratch, with their own special blend of cheeses, and using lots of locally grown toppings.  It’s the kind of food you just keep eating and… that’s exactly what I did!

The hotel is a delightful blend of contemporary bedrooms, but with traditional Guernsey decor in public areas, set in the peaceful lanes of St. Martin, just a short stroll to Guernsey’s magical south coast cliff walks.

Eat well,

Amber
xx

Bit of a buzz at Lé Viaër Marchi!

Every year, just as the summer season is getting into full swing, the national Trust of Guernsey stages Lé Viaër Marchi (the old market) in Sausmarez Park, in the heart of Guernsey. It’s an occasion filled with some of Guernsey’s really old traditions, with people in traditional costume, and some good old-fashioned music.

Some of the most interesting traditions are on display in the food on offer at a vast array of stalls. There’s a wonderful community feel to the whole thing, and a lovely peaceful atmosphere.

This year we caught up with the Guernsey Beekeepers’ Association, and we were delighted to find that most of the problems affecting bee populations in many developed parts of the world have not come to Guernsey, and mainly because we don’t use all the pesticides and chemical farming found elsewhere. It was also fascinating to find out how little it costs to get into beekeeping, and how it can pay for itself quite quickly. All I know, is just how good the honey tasted!

Eat well,

Amber
xx

A Little Secret!

Growing up here in Guernsey I have always been fond of the south coast, it is just breathtaking. I remember right from when I was young my family taking me to get the most amazing ice cream in this little tea room by the coast.

I think the best part about this was the little secret garden. Full of twists and turns it was truly the most exciting adventure as a child, and it brings me so much joy to sit and enjoy the peace as an adult.

Moreover, the walks around the cliffs here are truly amazing. I could spend hours just sitting looking down at the cliffs and into the sea, astonished that this little island is more than paradise.

Obviously, after such a strenuous time looking out to sea and walking around the cliffs I deserve an ice cream and a coffee! The ice cream here is so delicious and I cannot tell you how many flavours there are, I spend more time choosing than I do eating it!

You can watch my little adventure below!

Eat well,

Amber

xx

Hello Everybody!

I hope you are well and having a lovely day.

I am just bursting at the seams, excited to share with you my little adventure in the world of food. I am making a whole series of videos all about my experiences with food in Guernsey, it is sure to be very fulfilling!

If you have any good recommendations please let me know! I am dying to try some of Guernsey’s best produce. Have a look at my little introduction below…

Eat well,

Amber
xx