Tuesday 4 December 2012

2013, CENTENARY YEAR



2013 was the 100th anniversary of the birth of Elizabeth David. She was born in December, which is no month for picnics, so the ANNUAL ELIZABETH DAVID PICNIC SUNDAY will continue to be held on the Sunday following the day she died, May 22, 1992. so it was held on

Sunday, May 26, 2013
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In 2014, Elizabeth David Picnic Day will be Sunday, May 18


Get thinking about recipes, venues, friends, for this a worldwide event, initiated by Elizabeth David fans and supported by Grub Street, publishers of hardback editions of Elizabeth David's books,

Twitter @ edpicnic – Spread the word

See pictures from Elizabeth David Picnic Sunday 

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Kensington Gardens, Sunday, May 27



YOU ARE INVITED TO

A picnic to celebrate the life and passions of 
ELIZABETH DAVID
This Sunday, 27th May




The peerless cookery writer Elizabeth David died twenty years ago this week. Her books brought much needed sunshine into post-war kitchens and her wonderful, evocative, unfussy recipes are still an inspiration. 

She loved picnics, and so it seems fitting to have a picnic to celebrate her life. 
In London, Kensington Gardens – near where she used to live – is the chosen venue. Delve into her recipe books and bring something delicious along to eat and drink in her honour.

Where? The north side of the Round Pond, near Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens.
Or, if you can’t make it there, take your hampers out into the hills, the meadows and the parks closer to home. 
When? From 1pm  

Readings, rugs, dogs, frisbees, recipe and food swaps are all encouraged, and if you feel inclined to put on a straw hat, or throw on a 1950s frock or turn up the collar of your blouse à la David, we’re sure no one would mind.  

The sun will be out. 
The food will be fabulous. 
Elizabeth David will be celebrated in style.  

 "Basil was no more than the name of bachelor uncles, courgette was printed in italics as an alien word, and few of us knew how to eat spaghetti or pick a globe artichoke to pieces. … Then came Elizabeth David like sunshine, writing with brief elegance about good food, that is, about food well contrived, well cooked. She made us understand that we could do better with what we had.
—  Jane Grigson


Illustration by John Ward RA, for 'An Omelette and a Glass of Wine' (detail) 

Wednesday 16 May 2012

SUNDAY LUNCH, May 27 2012


Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the death of 
the influential cookery writer
Elizabeth David (Dec 26, 1913 – May 22, 1992)

Get out her cookbooks, rustle up some treats 
and head for the HILLS, the MEADOWS and PARKS!

Organise your own get-together with friends and neightbours...
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THE SOUTH DOWNS
Picnic on the South Downs around the Long Man of Wilmington,
near Folkington, ED’s family home. And visit the churchyard of
St Peter’s in Folkington where she and her family are buried.  
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LONDON PICNIC SPOTS
ED lived in Halsey Street, SW3, marked with the A pin (above). Not far away are Holland Park, Kensington Gardens and Battersea Par, all excellent for picnics. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has nearly 30 listed public parks and gardens, including several small shady spots along or near the Embankment.  See their website.
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IF WET...
Stay at home, enjoy your picnic in your front room with friends and neighbours.
It will still be a day to remember

Spread the word: Twitter @edpicnic