It may be February, but that “New Year, New You” mantra is still very much to the fore. In last month’s column, I shared my resolution to plan one foodie experience a month during 2026. Well, life had other plans.
My new year started with a significant twist – giving up my day job after 10 years in one post. It took a lot of deliberation and soul-searching, but for now, I know this is the right choice. Why? To give me the headspace and time to work out the best way to support my 89-year-old mother, who lives with dementia in Surrey.
If you’re navigating similar ‘Carenting’ responsibilities, you might find my previous article helpful, or check out the Carents Room for support.
Without a crystal ball, I’m not sure how the next year will pan out. This curved ball life has thrown me means I may not be in the city as much to experience all the great restaurants and food events Edinburgh has to offer. My regular food and drink column might take on a different look and style.
But here’s the thing about challenges – they make you creative.
A resolution remix
A recent PR success was helping Napier graduate Lorna Husband achieve coverage for her impressive year of sporting challenges – trying a new sport every week. Inspired by her commitment, I’ve turned that idea around for my own food and drink challenge. With 2027 marking a significant birthday, I’m going to attempt 60 food and drink challenges in my 60th year!
I’m not putting too much pressure on myself while navigating the care system and what’s best for my mother, so I’ve broken it down into five broad themes with no fixed rules. Some months I may overachieve, and others I may struggle. But that’s life, isn’t it?
My five challenges
Experience 12 different food or cultural events – whether in Edinburgh or further afield. I’ve already joined the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (tick!), something I’d promised myself for years. To celebrate my retirement from the day job, I bought myself a membership.
Coming up: attending Cyrenians’ Syrian Supper Club in February, joining Matthew Jukes at the 100 Best Australian Wines on 21 March, and tasting my way through the Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Festival with Joe Wadsack on 9 May at the Assembly Rooms.
Eat in at least 12 Edinburgh restaurants – new or old favourites. I had already got dinner aboard Fingal and lunch at Fazenda on George Street lined up for this year’s ongoing birthday celebrations. Fazenda epitomises what makes hospitality great, always delivering on food, atmosphere, and the most amazing customer service, and I’m sure Fingal will be the same.
Read 12 food and drink books – conveniently, just one a month and hopefully achievable (I’m a slow reader!).
First up: Stanley Tucci’s Taste – My Life Through Food. I’ve watched the TV programme Searching for Italy but never read the book. Then there’s Elisabeth Luard’s Squirrel Pie and Other Stories, a food memoir filled with tales from her global travels.
Listen to 12 food and drink podcasts. My starter for ten is the fabulous Eat, And Waiting To Eat podcast, celebrating Edinburgh’s dynamic food scene. Co-hosts Kevin Rivers and Carlos Miranda chat with the people behind the restaurants, bars and coffee shops that make our city special. It’s already prompted me to try or revisit places like Tipsy Midgie, the best Whisky Bar in Scotland, The Palmerston, and the award-winning North Indian restaurant Sabzi. I can’t wait to try out their version of a Wrestler’s Naan. I bet it will give Dishoom a run for their money.
Cook at least 12 new recipes from recently launched cookbooks, ones gathering dust on my shelf, or saved to ReciMe – the ultimate cooking app and my favourite recipe organiser. Despite the hefty annual subscription, it’s been a game-changer for saving recipes from social media, magazines and the web.
The journey ahead
Lorna’s younger and more media-savvy than me, documenting her achievements on social media. I’m not sure I’ll go down that route, but this column may become my outlet for sharing how I get on.
So, here’s to embracing change, supporting the people we love, and finding joy in the journey – one delicious challenge at a time. If you have any suggestions for my 60 challenges, I’d love to hear them.
