First word

I WAS staggered this week to learn that in a poll of 100 Great Britons, Michael Crawford (he of Some Mothers Do Have 'Em and Phantom of the Opera fame) came in at number 17. Number 17. Several places above much-loved comedy genius Eric Morecambe. What's going on? I mean, why was he in there at all? Next they'll be telling us number one is Darius. Or Christine Hamilton.

It was also not a little disconcerting to find Aleister Crowley - all round bag egg, sex fiend and master of the occult - in there too. And yet again, rather confusing to find Bono, he of Dublinshire, Ireland, on the list. But worst of all was the glaring omission of George Best. That one I just can't forgive. It nearly put me off my tea.

And that is the closest, (and clumsiest) link I can make to our fabulous food spectacular this week. We have endless suggestions for top teas from Delia's veggie treats to Nick Nairn's baked apples and pears to real Indian cooking all the way from Edinburgh. And we take you around the world from Vietnam to Ecuador via Portugal on the subject of nosh. And don't miss top old broad Clarissa Dickson Wright on page 6. She's class.

JANE WRIGHT

Copyright 2002
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