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Nick gets chilli into the summer mix

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• A Bar & Amsterdam Hotel, Brighton

Nicholas knows good food

Nick Roberts

Tuesday, 8 July 2008

So summer seems to be getting into full swing and, like me, I'm sure that you'd rather be spending your time outside with cocktails or down on the beach than at home cooking after a hard day at the office.

For quick and easy meals, I like to keep a supply of my version of Tabbouleh in the fridge. Cook up some bulgur wheat and mix with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red peppers, spring onions, lemon zest, good olive oil and a mixture of chopped parsley, mint, coriander and chervil. You could also do the same with rice and maybe add some peas and sweet corn. I love it with fried eggs and topped with sweet chilli sauce. I do like it dirty!

Another winning idea is to keep cherry tomatoes and some cooked beans, broccoli or almost any veg in the fridge; it's a selection that's great with almost any hot or cold meat or fish. English asparagus is also upon us, no not literarily in some freaky Chernobyl kind of way, but in the sense that those delicious tender green talons of joy emerging from the ground are ready for the picking. Indulge yourself. Lightly boil them in some salted water, drizzle them with some olive oil, salt and pepper or throw them on a hot grill... smothering them in hollandaise to serve. Keep a few jars of Marks and Spencer's hollandaise in the cupboard if you don't fancy making it yourself. A personal favourite is to roast them with some chilli, cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil and olives and serve with some goats cheese and crusty bread.

I have also discovered that those newly relocated girls at Brighton’s PV on Edward Street have got their kitchen up and running and as well as doing some great food (I love their home made burgers) they are also doing some great takeout deals. You can get a pitta salad, piece of fruit and some crisps for a bargain price which is not only great for a work lunch, but also great for the beach or park. Why not sip at a Tuscan mule while they work their magic? And if you are feeling really lazy a full breakfast in the afternoon sun on Brighton’s Amsterdam terrace accompanied with a pint of Amstel is a perfect way to start the day!

Until next time munchkins.