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Elisabeth Luard's avatar

Funny that. I kept company with the great Professor Cutler when I was general dogsbody n take-letter at Private Eye in the early sixties. We used to flog the mag together round Cambridge Circus - he wd roll up his trouser-leg and wave it at the traffic. When someone stopped and rolled down the window, I’d rush across and thrust in a mag. happy days!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

What a life you have led Elisabeth! We are overdue that lunch we talked about a while ago...let's try to do it before summer arrives

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Jayne Evans's avatar

It's not spring here in tropical Australia but you may be happy to know that black pepper is showing the new sprigs that will support pepper corns later in the year.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Hoooorah!

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Roselle Angwin's avatar

Thank you Mark for another great recipe – adaptable for vegans :-).

Great writing. And oh is that one of the Devon/Dorset border beaches that shaped my whole life till we moved to Brittany?

Ivor Cutler – brilliant.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

It is one of those beaches! And thank you

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Dane Meech's avatar

There’s so much to enjoy here, not least the picture of the Fry’s chocolate cream which has given me a huge craving for one. And these playlists look right up my street, so tomorrow I’m finally going to find a way to open Spotify playlists in Apple Music because Im really intrigued by the stuff I don’t know.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Dane - I hope you enjoy the music and the chocolate

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Lisa McLean's avatar

Thanks for the lovely romp around your world Mark, it’s like having a chat as you move through your day.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Lisa

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Mark Thomas's avatar

Another fantastic compendium, Mark! I always come away wanting to cook something, a book to add to the collection and a track or two I didn’t know I needed on the playlist. That gratin looks delicious and perfect for lunches, so we'll absolutely be trying that along with the lovage vodka. I remember making your gimlet last year and absolutely loving it. Thank you, Mr D! 🙌

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you Mr T! Most kind. Hope to see you one of these mornings at the home of the best coffee

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Frances's avatar

Morning, Mark. I'd partake in that lovage vodka recipe just for the reverse ship in a bottle retrieval!😅 The Italy retreat sounds fantastic. Happy almost May!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Happy almost May to you too Frances!

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Sabrina Cooper's avatar

The retreat sounds incredible!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I am so looking forward to it! Come if you can

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JP Clark's avatar

Another brilliant collection Mark. I’m getting that peppercorn plant.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you JP...and you'll be very happy about the pepper!

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Claire Rull's avatar

Dressing up alcohol and passing it off at 'work'? Never was there a finer pursuit! Must dig out my lovage seeds...

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Quite right too!

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Aussie Jo's avatar

I just scrolled read a bit here and there and enjoyed the photos, yeah a bit slack of me but that's how it is this morning

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I’m delighted to have your scrolling company!

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Harrison's avatar

Super jealous of your Italy trip!

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Join us!

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Matt Inwood's avatar

Playlist is on... Lovely to see that Bon Iver track I've been enjoying so much (If Only I Could Wait) and that Cure/Fourtet mix. Many others I don't know... Very nicely compended, as ever.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

Thank you lovely man - it's been a good few weeks for new music just with those two hasn't it!

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Sue Currie's avatar

John Peel recognised and I agree that Ivor Cutler was a genius and I do not use that word lightly. Forever grateful that these two men trod the earth at a time that i could share in their wisdom

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I couldn't agree more Sue

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Lea's avatar

I’m so sad that when I read a reference to John Peel I initially felt happiness but then dread - oh no, another one

So many men I’ve respected have turned out to be people to fear

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