2010-03-13GMT07:57:37What's a good cocktail?I have Chartreuse, Jack Daniels, gin, bacardi, Travarica, amaretto, and vodka. I don't drink spirits, but I'm thinking of emptying our drinks cabinet in case we move soon. We have accepted an offer on the flat, so it will surely be soon, these things... 2010-03-12GMT11:20:34Chilean Chocolan Shiraz on the tasting table at Karl's Good Food2005 Syrah, Chocolan, Chile: On the whole, Chile has always made solid, well-made wines that are flawless but very often unremarkable.However, in recent years, an appreciation for matching grapes to particular sites, altitudes and soils has been on t... 2010-02-26GMT11:14:33Some unusual gems for you on the Tasting Table this weekend.....Whites2007, La Vigne de L'oubli, Domaine d'Escausses: Made from a mixture of 15 to 50 year old vines, this is a barrel fermented blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Mauzac and Muscadelle. It has nice aromatic, almost curry spice aromas and a lovely waxy textur... 2010-02-21GMT10:57:57Frequently Asked Questions About Time TravelWho said there were no good films? Oh, me. Last night we watched Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel, a comedy science fiction film about, uh time travel, and it was brilliant. Don't know how I missed this one, it really was good. Knew nothi... 2010-02-11GMT09:17:04Instant Karma's gonna get youIt feels like only yesterday that I appeared to be bragging on Twitter about how quickly I could get home from work on the train, under half hour door to door, about as quick as I can do it in the car. "Get off the raods" was my advice to cow-orkers ... 2010-01-22GMT11:14:14Wine tasting this weekend at Karl's Good FoodOn the tasting table this weekend.....Reds2005 Gaia, Grosset, Clare Valley: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend produced from the highest vineyard in Clare Valley, at an altitude of 570 Metres. And it shows, such is the freshness and... 2010-01-17GMT01:27:49Water babiesUp early yesterday for water babies in Ashford. Very small pool, it's a hydrotherapy pool in some kind of school. Very hot in there, lots of classes going on so quite crowded. Harry loved it though, and so did I.We all got in the pool and did a few l... 2010-01-15GMT01:59:23Karl's tasting table at Karl's Good FoodEvery Thursday or Friday, we will be sending an e-mail detailing the wines we will be sampling for the weekend. We will also be offering a 10% discount on purchases of these wines. To kick us off, feel free to pop in this weekend to try these:Reds ... 2009-12-26GMT07:17:22good news<a href="http://www.kentnews.co.uk/kent-news/Folkestone-dog__killing--police-make-arrest--newsinkent31300.aspx">someone has been arrested</a> in the dog killing case...2009-12-24GMT07:31:19Last post before ChristmasHarry's in bed so we're going to track Santa for him. Last blog post I might still be on Twitter later, as a lot of chums are at the pub and I hope they keep me up to date while I am in in front of the telly.... 2009-12-24GMT07:26:33Find Good Beer Guide Pubs on your iPhone / iPod Touch£1.19 for CAMRA's iphone app initially, but then an "in game" payment of £8.99 to keep it, sounds a bit much to me. Only the same sort of price as the book, but still. Should make the initial app free if you're going to do something like that.After a... 2009-12-23GMT09:28:28Ate the seven bird vegan roastMmm. Was quite good, the aubergine round the outside was overdone though and went a bit crispy. Nnot what I would expect of aubergine, it was cut quite thin though. The best bit was the garlic permeating through the brussel sprout. So, I have to make... 2009-11-20GMT07:55:37Seasonal Italian specialities have just arrived...Pannetone - Italy's traditional Christmas cakeAll our pannetones are made with natural yeast and slow risen for between 24 and 48 hours. Much of the mass produced stuff is risen for only 3 hours - no time to develop any flavour! This year we are brin... 2009-11-15GMT10:02:36Good weekendAs previously mentioned I was at a funeral on Friday, but apart from that the weekend was good. As sombre as the funeral was it was also a celebration of the life of Toby and it's really not often all the family is gathered together like that. The wa... 2009-11-09GMT07:36:01A day in an out of health centresClare took Harry to see the nurse this morning, just being over cautious because of his temperature, and the nurse put us at ease. Probably a bug of some kind, nothing to worry about. I came home at lunchtime to take him to some children's health cen... 2009-11-08GMT01:25:04A good day in BluewaterWent to Bluewater for the day yesterday, didn't get any christmas shopping but did have a good day. Coffee, lunch at Nando's, more coffee, bit of browsing, and got our tea from the John Lewis foodhall, lovely. None of the problems getting out of the ... 2009-11-06GMT09:02:50Freakscene before breakfastStill liking my new radio. I hope 6 Music's playlist is as free and wild as it appears to be, probably not though. No time for Alice Cooper today.No early awakening from Harry today, strange as he's been awake before us most days this week. He's bein... 2009-10-21BST07:44:11If I didn't hate improv with such a passion<a href="http://ticketsuk.at/folkestonegerald/17004348D64A9A64.html">this</a> might be quite good! <a class="wiki" rel="tag" href="http://www.clarkeology.com/paul+merton">Paul Merton</a> and chums.2009-09-28BST02:25:18Civil liberties are quite good, m'kayCompletely addicted to the new version of Picasa I can't stop going through my photos, mostly through the "unnamed people". Seeing a) who it can't recognise that I can help out with, b) who it has recognised even when they don't look like themselves,... 2009-08-27BST06:40:15Been for a family photoshoot todayHad to go up to Maidstone for mother in law's birthday present, a group photo of all her children and grandchildren while Clare's bro Kevin and his family are over from Miami. Hope they turn out OK, they looked good previewed on the computer.Had a ra... 2009-08-23BST07:14:59Splendid weekendBeen at mum and dad's, great to see so many of the family in one go, ridiculous that I manage to leave it so long between times. Did not get time to catch up with any friends this time but hopefully will do soon.Harry was very good all weekend, he ev... 2009-08-16BST07:13:21GOOD holiday in CanterburyWent on holiday! Sort of. Celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary in style yesterday, went to Canterbury for a day and a night, leaving Harry with granny. We stayed at House of Agnes in the Canterbury room and it's ace, I heartily recommend it. It'... 2009-08-03BST02:08:30Hevy fest: GOODWent to that festival in Folkestone on Saturday, official review here. Good as a freebie, would have been a lot better if the weather had played fair. NICE to be at a festival watching a band in the rain (stay with me) and then to be walking back to ... 2009-07-31BST07:33:30The best day of allNot just pay day today, but it's every-three-monthly profit share day too! Clare knew this I think, has been shopping in Waitrose with her bro and bought us a splendid looking bottle of vino collapso for this evening Château Maris Vieilles Vignes 200... 2009-07-09BST07:01:06Well I think the Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant trailer is good... 2009-06-30BST10:35:59Good bath last nightHarry enjoyed his bath last night I think, kept him in there for ages, supporting his head and letting him float a bit. He likes the bath, but then gets a bit stressed when it's time to get out and get dried.Watched more Glastonbury yesterday, looked... 2009-06-25BST06:02:35About to attempt bath #4Feed time for Harry now, then going to try another bath. He's not keen so far, first bath was a proper screamer, next one he was OK with, then yesterdays was bad once again. Will report back on this one, possibly days later before I'm back on the com... 2009-06-16BST10:18:15RE: GoodnightAh, that's great news - it just takes them a little time to figure out day and night, and then to twig that they should feed lots just before night, to get a longer sleep.2009-06-16BST10:14:55GoodnightNot goodnight, I mean GOOD NIGHT, we actually had a good night with Harry. He seemed to feed a lot better just before Clare went to bed, so he slept for ages before it was my turn to get up and give him the bottle feed. I was looking forward to it to... 2009-06-10BST04:11:10Day two. Would Harry please come to the diary room...Not such a great night's sleep, but apart from that everything going well. He cries like crazy when he's being changed, probably the sudden change of temperature or maybe I'm using the wrong kind of staples on the nappy. He wouldn't sleep in his bask... 2008-12-18GMT06:10:34Back For Good10 - 202008-12-18GMT06:10:34Back For Good10 - 202008-12-18GMT06:10:30Back For Good15 - 18.52009-11-08GMT07:40:40Evening of, Be Good Tanyas & King Wilkie songs, Samantha Parton (The Be Good Tanyas), Reid Burgess (King Wilkie)13.00 <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Evening-of-Be-Good-Tanyas-King-Wilkie-songs-Samantha-Parton-The-Be-Good-Tanyas-Reid-Burgess-King-Wilkie--The-Borderline/199627.html">Rated 5.06/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2008-12-18GMT06:10:34Back For Good16 - 212008-12-18GMT06:10:33Back For Good21 <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Back-For-Good-Alexandra-Theatre-Birmingham/189767.html">Rated 0.56/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2008-05-23BST07:57:15Randy Newman in LondonRandy Newman Born: Nov 28, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana Active: '60s - 2000s Major Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Film Music, Soundtracks Instrument: Piano Representative Albums: "12 Songs," "Sail Away," "Good... <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Randy-Newman-in-London-Royal-Festival-Hall/196784.html">Rated 5.04/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2009-01-30GMT09:11:10Dr Feelgood2009-01-17GMT09:26:24Good Shoes82008-12-18GMT06:10:28Back For Good212009-03-22GMT09:27:14Good Shoes8.002009-11-15GMT09:49:51Good Shoes82008-12-18GMT06:10:29Back For Good212009-05-10BST09:28:57Good Shoes82009-01-07GMT09:39:56Good Shoes, Guests8.002005-11-11GMT12:12:54Good Shoes <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Good-Shoes-Dingwalls/208899.html">Rated 3.57/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2008-12-27GMT08:12:22Back for Good182008-11-15GMT09:21:20Back For Good19.5 <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Back-For-Good-Leas-Cliff-Hall/195904.html"><img alt="Back For Good" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/638384072_55e1c71c64.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Back-For-Good-Leas-Cliff-Hall/195904.html">Rated 5.07/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2008-11-15GMT09:21:20Back For Good <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Back-For-Good-Leas-Cliff-Hall/200236.html"><img alt="Back For Good" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/638384072_55e1c71c64.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Back-For-Good-Leas-Cliff-Hall/200236.html">Rated 5.07/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2010-02-11GMT02:18:50Lee HurstHaven't seen much publicity for this. Hurst is good! <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Lee-Hurst-Quarterhouse/135514.html"><img alt="Lee Hurst" src="http://static.flickr.com/95/254850902_0122217ed3_m.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Lee-Hurst-Quarterhouse/135514.html">Rated 7.53/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2009-07-04BST06:02:54The Specials in London<a href="http://ticketsales.at/folkestonegerald/514244.html">Tickets available here</a> from <a href="http://ticketsales.at/folkestonegerald/514244.html">getmein.com</a> even though it's sold out. Good luck! <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/The-Specials-in-London-Brixton-Academy/56848.html">Rated 3.07/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2009-04-06BST08:18:53Stephen Merchant in LondonPlus special mystery guest headliner apparently, who on earth could that be? No, can't think of anyone... Simon Munnery is very good, not seen any of the others though.Whenever a show is advertised like that it's never who you think.... 2008-06-27BST03:22:43Burns Night in Keppels BarThere's a Piper to pipe in the haggis and will play for a while and a really good value 3 course meal for £15 + a quiz with a Scottish feel to it. Tickets for sale at Keppels and are selling well so hurry and call 01303 222 222 to make your booking. <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Burns-Night-in-Keppels-Bar-The-Grand/55354.html">Rated 5.06/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2010-03-14GMT12:10:13Gourmet Night £19.95 - 3 coursesLots of good food and nice people- lots of hospitality and smiles <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Gourmet-Night-19-95-3-courses-The-Hermitage/34078.html"><img alt="Gourmet Night &Acirc;&pound;19.95 - 3 courses" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2496134859_780229c35f_d.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Gourmet-Night-19-95-3-courses-The-Hermitage/34078.html">Rated 4.38/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2009-02-03GMT01:35:42Lounge On The FarmReally good lineup, they just added the <a class="wiki" rel="tag" href="http://www.clarkeology.com/new+york+dolls">New York Dolls</a> though, aren't some of them dead?2008-11-15GMT09:21:20StereophonicsLawks, is it some sort of warm up? I don't like them but it's a big deal for Folkestone I suppose. Get in! Getting tickets just in case the support is good. Ooh, SOLD OUT already! <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Stereophonics-Leas-Cliff-Hall/33264.html"><img alt="Stereophonics" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/638384072_55e1c71c64.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Stereophonics-Leas-Cliff-Hall/33264.html">Rated 5.07/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2008-11-15GMT09:21:20SCOUTING FOR GIRLSSold out! <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?type=4&campid=5335822550&toolid=10001&customid=31320&mpre=http%3A//search.ebay.co.uk/scouting-for-girls-folkestone">get tickets here</a>, good luck! <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/SCOUTING-FOR-GIRLS-Leas-Cliff-Hall/31320.html"><img alt="SCOUTING FOR GIRLS" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/638384072_55e1c71c64.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/SCOUTING-FOR-GIRLS-Leas-Cliff-Hall/31320.html">Rated 5.07/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2008-11-15GMT09:21:20SCOUTING FOR GIRLS - SOLD OUTSold out! get tickets here, good luck!... <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/SCOUTING-FOR-GIRLS-SOLD-OUT-Leas-Cliff-Hall/31571.html"><img alt="SCOUTING FOR GIRLS - SOLD OUT" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/638384072_55e1c71c64.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/SCOUTING-FOR-GIRLS-SOLD-OUT-Leas-Cliff-Hall/31571.html">Rated 5.07/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2010-03-14GMT12:10:13Special Good Friday menuFine French dining in Folkestone <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Special-Good-Friday-menu-The-Hermitage/32160.html"><img alt="Special Good Friday menu" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2496134859_780229c35f_d.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Special-Good-Friday-menu-The-Hermitage/32160.html">Rated 4.38/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>2008-05-23BST07:57:15Magic NumbersA rare midweek trip to London for this, but we've been meaning to try and see them for so long. Joined by <a class="wiki" rel="tag" href="http://www.clarkeology.com/bernard+butler">Bernard Butler</a> (them not us). <br /><a href="http://www.clarkeology.com/gig/Magic-Numbers-Royal-Festival-Hall/30211.html">Rated 5.04/10</a> on <a href="http://www.folkestonegerald.com">Folkestone Gerald</a>