Tag Archives: katia gregor

Sinatra and Bennett – soundtracks to a childhood

Posted on August 12, 2023 by Scribe Doll

I was very sad to hear of Tony Bennett’s passing, a couple of weeks ago. The last of the great crooners, I thought. Crosby, Como, Bennett and, of course, Sinatra. I was in Venice when I heard an American tourist … Continue reading →

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Chocolates Notes is Temporarily Closed

Posted on July 23, 2023 by Scribe Doll

It feels so strange not to have been able to drop into Chocolate Notes these past two weeks. Fiamma is on a mini concert tour, Jan has gone to visit his parents in Antwerp for a few days and Chrystelle, … Continue reading →

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FEASTS & FANCIES @ CHOCOLATE NOTES:  Chocolat Cocktail à la Menthe

Posted on July 2, 2023 by Scribe Doll

After a difficult week, the feeling of grey heaviness in my heart is immediately dispelled by the opening bars of George Gershwin’s overture to Oh, Kay! J. S. Bach reminds me that the world makes sense and Gershwin makes me … Continue reading →

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FEASTS & FANCIES @ CHOCOLATE NOTES:  A Yoghurt Dip for Storytellers

Posted on June 18, 2023 by Scribe Doll

A group of us meet at Chocolate Notes* every New Moon to tell a story.  When the New Moon happens to be on a Sunday (when the CD shop cum café is closed), we meet on the evening before or … Continue reading →

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FEASTS & FANCIES: Aubergine & Fava Bean Bake

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Scribe Doll
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FEASTS & FANCIES: Of Chocolate and Chestnuts

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Scribe Doll

My mother didn’t particularly care for food.  She seldom expressed any joy towards it and made sure I was trained to show no more than polite enthusiasm when praising a dish. One of my early childhood memories is of being … Continue reading →

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FEASTS & FANCIES: Reblochon & Asparagus Sandwich

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Scribe Doll

“Bad table manners, my dear Gigi, have broken up more households than infidelity,” says the ageing Belle Époque courtesan to the niece she is training in the MGM musical based on Colette’s novella. When I was six years old, I … Continue reading →

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FEASTS & FANCIES: Borsch for Easter

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Scribe Doll

Easter brings back memories of my Armenian grandmother perhaps more than the other Christian Festivals.  The large bowl with the dough for the kulich resting on a warm hot water bottle on her bed, wrapped in her grey woollen shawl, … Continue reading →

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FEASTS & FANCIES: Sometimes, you just need a subterfuge…

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Scribe Doll

It was always the same pattern.   “Dearest, what vegetables would you like?” “I don’t know.” “We need some greens… they’re good for us.” “Okay.” “You never have any greens.” “Yes, I do.” “No, you don’t.” “I do, sometimes!” This … Continue reading →

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FEASTS & FANCIES: Spaghetti with Artichokes – my favourite comfort food.

Posted on March 26, 2023 by Scribe Doll

There is something about pasta that warms the cockles of my heart.  I reach out for pasta the way some people reach out for chocolate or a glass of wine.  I eat pasta when I’m feeling sad or vulnerable, when … Continue reading →

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