Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2012 | Page 121

FOOD

Island juice tops!
A tomato juice made from a tomato
cultivated on the Island is proving
hugely popular nationwide, and has
been named in a national newspaper
list as among the top 10 juices.
The juice is packed with vitamins
including A, C and E and is therefore
perfect to kick-start the day, according
to Paul Thomas, general manager of
The Tomato Stall, Newchurch. He
explained: “Every year at Wight Salads
we trial up to 150 different varieties
of tomato for taste, appearance and
texture.
“During the 2010 trials we
discovered a Yellow Cherry variety
called limoncita, and grew a small
crop in 2011 to sell through our
network of Farmers’ Markets and
Farm Shops. We also made it into a
tomato juice.
“Initial trials went well and we
started to sell the juice on farmers
markets, farm shops and delis. We
won a Great Taste Gold Award for it
from the Guild of Fine Food, and now

supply Waitrose in East Cowes, the
Waitrose Food hall on Oxford Street
and Selfridges to name a few, as well
as Farmer Jacks, The Garlic Farm shop
and most independent shops on the
Island.”
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s 15
restaurants in London started to take
the juice and make what they called
a Bloody Canary. The idea caught
on and was featured in the ‘Evening
Standard’. BBC2’s ‘Something for the
Weekend’ also featured a cocktail they
called a Canary Mary, comprised of
vodka, green Tabasco, Worcestershire
sauce, fresh ginger and celery salt.
Paul continued: “The Canary Mary
concept has really caught on and we
are getting a lot of interest from Top
Bars and Restaurants in the capital.
As far as we know we are the only
company producing such a product in
the UK, and it has been suggested it is
the ideal drink if the day happens to
start with a hangover!”

Priory Bay resident specials
Island residents can take advantage of Priory
Bay’s 'Dine and Stay' offer. Celebrate a birthday,
anniversary or just spoil yourself and a loved
one. Enjoy sumptuous cuisine and fine wines,
without worrying about driving home. Dine in
the Island Room, spending a minimum £35 per
person, and stay the night for just £50 per room
(B&B). In the morning feast on a traditional
English breakfast. The offer is available Monday to
Friday only, until the end of March.
There is limited availability on this special offer
on February 14. Guests staying must spend a
minimum of £49.00pp for the Valentine’s dinner
which includes a romantic six course Tasting menu,
coffee, red rose and handmade chocolates. Please
call Priory Bay reception 01983 613146 to book.
www.visitislandlife.com

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