News

Lunch with David

Yesterday I enjoyed lunch with David Barnes, a very worthy winner of my joke competition. We met in Carluccio's Windsor and shared lunch alongside many jokes. I also got to meet his friend Helene, a fellow food enthusiast.

It was a fantastic to meet both David and Helene and I thank them for making the journey from Petersfield to Windsor to enjoy some food and of course jokes together.

Bristol visit

I have been a big fan of Mr Carluccio since I was 8 or 9 years old after watching his series on Southern Italian Feast - I loved his style of taste rather than measuring everything which was so much easier for me to follow!

I had a great surprise for my birthday this year when my Dad wrote to Mr Carluccio asking if he could have an autograph for my birthday – to my huge surprise he sent me a book, DVD and a birthday card all personally signed, it really made my day extra special and was a massive shock.

Since my birthday Mr Carluccio again managed to surprise me with a personal invitation to meet him during his book signing in Bristol (It's a great book by the way!), I actually sat and had a drink with him and we talked about my passion to be a cook – he was a wonderful man, very warm, friendly and not at all like a celebrity chef, he was really genuine and enthusiastic that I wanted to follow a career in cooking and really inspired me to keep following my dream.

I have already cooked two of the recipes from the new book and it was really easy to follow and tasted great – meeting Mr Carluccio was a huge treat for me and is something I will always remember especially as he was so friendly when I was so very nervous.

Thank you Mr Carluccio, and thank you Anna-Louise for making the day so very special for me.

Lots of Love Hollie x x

London book signing

I recently had a great time signing books in London's Covent Garden piazza. I met some lovely people and, while it certainly wasn't hot outside, the smells from the food festival were fantastic...!

London book launch

On Tuesday 22nd September my book launch moves to London. I invite you all to join me at 3pm at Carluccio's Garrick Street to watch my demonstration and taste my delightful Spinach Balls. I'll be signing copies of the new book and look forward to seeing you there!