I’ve always considered the above expression as something of a cop out, in that it’s often used as an excuse for something taking longer than it should, or can be a way of calming an impatient person, a little like myself. I’ve even used it on customers and friends alike, yep definitely feeling slightly hypocritical now! But, I do agree that there’s nothing better then really looking forward to something or seeing someone, so in these few cases I guess good things do come to those who wait. But, in terms of my business, to be quite frank, screw waiting, I just want it to happen now! Time seems to have moved so slowly since I’ve been back from Italy with me desperately wanting MYO to take shape but numerous things seem to be holding me back from getting started. The van…. legalities…. suppliers…. the list goes on. It almost feels like I’m back in the corporate world again. Friends and family have been trying to settle my impatience by telling me to take a breath and realise how much I’ve actually done since being back. So, let’s debrief:
So, I’ve got a job in a local independent Italian. Firstly because it always helps to have a little bit of money coming in but also because I think I’d be close to killing myself if I didn’t have human contact in regular intervals. In all honesty, the restaurant I chose has been one of my best decisions since leaving Vodafone – the management and chefs are brilliant and I genuinely don’t think I’ve served an unhappy customer. I’m being introduced to people who could come in useful for MYO and most importantly, I’m being fed pretty darn well! So, if you’re in Salisbury and fancy a REALLY good meal, come to Leonardos!
Delicious Calzone
MOST excitingly, I’ve actually got a van! After what has felt like months of searching for the ‘one’, I’ve found him. In my last update I had my heart set on a Citroen HY, however, going to France and the overall costs of the Citroen van, including insurance and maintenance just didn’t do it for me. So, luckily I fell in love with a cheaper, rarer model. He’s a quirky Renault Estafette, made in 1971 with only 34,000 miles on the clock. Sounds old, but these vans, like the Citroen HYs hold their value incredibly well and most importantly, look awesome and I think Theodore (I’m a girl, he has to have a name!) is perfectly suited for MYO. I’ve also found a van conversion place in Salisbury rather than the initial destination, Essex for a much cheaper estimate, meaning I can be super close to watching the transformation. I’ll keep you updated with pictures – it’ll make a nice change from the usual food ones! So, yes I breathed a huge sigh of relief and celebrated with half a bottle of Prosecco which I can barely remember tasting as I was not only excited, but also incredibly thirsty.
Meet Theo
I’ve also started cracking on with the packaging and branding for MYO, receiving little packages on a daily basis. I tell you, it feels like Christmas every day! So, things are definitely beginning to take shape. I’ve also looked into locations for where I think Italian street food would be most welcomed and I’ve decided for my first couple of months trading I’m going to stick to areas within a 45 mile radius to Salisbury, so Southampton, Bournemouth, Winchester, Romsey… you may well be seeing me this summer! And then I hope to branch out to small festivals, food shows and even offer my catering to weddings and parties. Who knows, the list could be endless! In terms of my supper club, the location has been finalised, it’s just the date I’m waiting for, so fingers crossed it’ll be confirmed soon. However, this weekend I’m catering Moroccan themed, for 20 so I’ll make sure to take lots of photos and pray that it’ll be a success, both in terms of my cooking and service!
An idea of the packaging…
In terms of my social life and eating out, it’s been pretty good. Everyone that comes over my house is now subject to playing guinea pig to all of my numerous creations. I made a pretty nice beetroot and blue cheese arancini and have almost perfected my focaccia recipe for the dough. I haven’t eaten out as much as usual (but I expected this would rapidly decrease) but did go to the Piano Bar in High Street Kensington last night for my sisters birthday. I’m in the midst of writing a review on that, so keep your eyes peeled for it, as it was a really cool place. Despite not eating out, it almost feels like I am with the amazing meals Leonardo’s provides me – I’ve had a delicious calzone (which I could only manage a third off), linguine marinara (generous servings of baby octopus, calamari, king prawns and mussels) and various chicken dishes. So, I’ve definitely been looked after. But, to counterbalance it, I’ve joined the gym! Oh yes, I’m back. And I’m determined to get back in pre-Christmas shape. Ahh, but food is sooo good!
Beetroot Arancini
Pizza Dough Balls & Pizzettes
Anyway, that’s me done – debrief over and I guess if you consider buying a van, designing all my labelling and packaging, working part time, cooking focaccia, gelato, arancini and numerous other dishes and agreeing a location for my supper club, it hasn’t been too unproductive. Next on my to-do list is to finalise my requirements for Theodore with the van man, confirm a date for Salisbury’s first Supper Club and to keep on cooking up the perfect recipe storm! Catch up soon 
Oh, and remember if you have any comments or thoughts, please do contact me using the form below:
