Antipasto on Wood

There is something very attractive and rustic about presenting food on a beautifully crafted wooden board with the possibility turning even the simplest of fare into a feast.

A couple of weeks ago I went with three friends to the much recommended JoJo's Meze, Meat and Fish Restaurant in Whitstable Kent www.jojosrestaurant.co.uk/ located at the far end of Tankerton slopes with stunning views. What a great place from start to finish with a warm welcome and top service from all the staff to the quality of the food and the great value. We chose a mixed meze with meat and vegetarian options freshly cooked dabs with salad and a light chilled rose. The best tasting olives I have had for a long time and tasty bread completed our meal.

A few days later lunch in the sunny courtyard of Barista and Baker adjacent to London South Bank University with its fine array of sandwiches is to be recommended.

For the past two years I have been lucky to be staying in West Dorset at the time of the May Spring Tide Food Festival at Burton Bradstock Beach close to the Hive Beach Cafe www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk/ which is somewhere that deserves a visit at any time of year

At the festival I discovered the unique hand crafted wood work of Hamwood Crafts there is no web site for them but some great images available through Google. This beautiful Hamwood cheese board was just perfect for presenting a tasty late night supper.

Inspired by the Mediterranean colours and textures of our JoJo's experience August Bank Holiday entertaining led to a platter of meat and fish antipasto heartily devoured by hungry friends.