For me, much later tonight, I propose to let Thal down quite badly, I think, as he seems to think that I'm semi-vegan or something.
So what's on the menu? One lovely big organic Herefordshire sirloin steak, well hung (no, I'm not talking about Thal here!), beautifully matured and as tender as you please, pan-fried and rare (with the fat lightly charred), with some seasoned Rooster potatoes sautéed in a mix of unsalted organic Charentais butter and a light organic olive oil, the whole accompanied by a dressed (that's to say a mix of organic extra virgin Italian olive oil and Charentais walnut oil, a little lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt and pepper) salad of red oak leaf, spinach, frisée and beet leaves, organic watercress and fresh chives from outside the back door (if there are any left) - not forgetting a glass or three of a lovely 2000 St. Émilion that I picked up in St. Émilion itself a few months back. And, to follow, a tiny platter of cheeses - just two, a Devon Oke and an unpasteurised organic Dorset Blue Vinney with some petite mange blanc bread (sadly not from France where it would be much better than it ever is here) - then, to end, a mixed berry dish of Scottish raspberries, blackberries and local loganberries marinated in a very small amount of framboise with a little unpasteurised Cornish cream and just a sliver or two of Scottish shortbread.
You'll know if I've survived this if I post again.
OK, m1469 - you'll think this quite unhealthy, no doubt, but I'm past being fit enough for much more than long walks and writing the next piece!...
As a nightcap, I might just (or might just not) treat myself to a small glass of extra vieux Pineau des Charentes...
Best,
Alistair