The first time I met Mika Bareket she sold me Tom Valenti’s soups, stews, and one pot meals. Even at the till, (at Type Books where she used to work) I knew I’d never make that rabbit stew with marjoram and vermouth, but I was so whipped up in Mika’s enthusiasm, that I had to buy it. I still have the book, and when the urge to make a lobster bisque strikes, I’ll be ready. When Mika first opened Good Egg in Kensington Market I was in the shop at least once a week. Most of the people I know and love have received a gift from Good Egg. Brazilian barbecue for my friend, Tamara, Ottolenghi for my mother-in-law, a French market bag for my neighbour, Erin, countless books for my favourite babies and children, Marimekko for everyone, Baggu for everyone, and anything illustrated by Maira Kalman for me. Mika has a knack for making her customers feel that they are her number one. She is what my Mum would call a good egg –– a top notch person, with excellent wrapping skills. Goodbye, Good Egg  –– we hope to see you again soon.

“Galaxies” is how some people have described the patterns that sand bubbler crabs create when they’re scavenging the sand for food. It’s transient art, because they only last as long as the tide is low. The more elaborate the pattern, the longer the tide has been out. It’s amazing to think that something so beautiful is the byproduct of basic survival. And that it washes away, just like that, until the next time. Nature really is extraordinary. Watch this video of the tiny artists hard at work on a beach in Koh Lanta, Thailand. It’s really quite incredible.

I was looking at the work of the late, great painter, sculptor, architect, writer and stage designer, Salvatore Fiume and I was drawn to this image of Fiume painting frescoes on the walls of a collapsed castle in the little town of Fiumefreddo Bruzio in Southern Italy. I love how many local kids have come to watch him paint, and I’d love to one day visit the town and stay at Borgodifiume. In the meantime, I’m totally inspired by the motifs on these tiles, designed by Fiume’s daughter, Laura Fiume. In some shape or form, they’ll make their way into a plate or bowl of mine.