Tom Aikens: Food Spy
27.04.09
It's time to hit the great outdoors, but just because you're in the fresh air, it doesn't mean you can't be a little greedy. Bord'eaux, run by my old colleague Ollie Couillaud, has a selection of seven hampers to suit all occasions. Splash out £195 for the Fabulous Bord'eaux, which includes foie gras, homemade chutneys, charcuterie or smoked salmon, carrot cake and a bottle of Duval-Leroy NV fizz, plus a blanket, china plates, wine glasses and cutlery (bord-eaux.com).
Two years ago, Ed Rigg created Eager drinks at his kitchen table. He started small and sold his apple juice from the back of a van he had borrowed from his father. Now he makes grapefruit, tomato, orange and pineapple juices, too - and you can get them at Tesco. Ed's juices are as fresh as anything - the fruit is squeezed and then flash-pasteurised for safety and packed immediately ready to drink (eagerdrinks.com).
Throw caution to the wind with Le Bouchon Breton's cheese masterclasses hosted by newly appointed cheesemaster Jean-Claude Ali-Cherif. While you learn everything you need to about cheese, get stuck into a variety of smelly numbers accompanied by specially matched wines. The class lasts an hour and costs £50 per person at their restaurant in Old Spitalfields Market (lebouchon.co.uk).
