Me and romance are not the best of bedfellows so writing a 'my most romantic meals' type of post was a bit of a struggle. Viewing a few occasions as my most joyful memories where the combination of company, location and timing were more important than the food or the drink helped...  Incidently both people associated with these memories have long since departed. Sad aint it.

During my travels a touch down in the old Portuguese colony of Macao resulted in an distinctively average meal in a terraced restaurant with the most wonderful view - a glorious sunset over the bay spread out below. I forget the name of the hotel but recall it was outside the main town. I shudder at the thought but the drink was Mateus Rose. A time well before I knew anything about wine.

Not far from Chequers, the Prime Ministers Country Residence, is the highest point in the Chiltern Hills, Coombe Hill. On a clear day the view across the Vale of Aylesbury is stunning. I have had many a picnic on various points around the hill all though my life. The Millennium was spent here with Champagne and fireworks. Dark, so no view except fireworks and bonfires spread out below.         

Going back to my travels there was this superbly perfect day on a beach in Thailand. It was literally such a perfect beach, with glorious weather and the most delightful company that it got so boring we had to leave - after three weeks. And the meal? The freshest fruit salad ever with an equally fresh fruit smoothie...

One cold winter night and a power-cut. Nothing more than some bread, some cheese and a bottle or two of wine in candle light. Its the simple things...


[Image Andrew Barrow]