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) 

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