Finally I have got around to the August Newsletter. Thank you to all of you who e-mailed asking if something was wrong and when was the next letter going to appear – it shows at least some people read it. (Smiles)

Ok! First to address the “surprise news” that I mentioned. I had been offered a position with a high profile person in Seattle. However, after taking so long to find Texas we decided - at the last minute - that we were gong to stay. So staying we are – and it’s business as usual. In the end not a real surprise, though it was to the people that turned up at our “farewell” party – to find we were not leaving after all.

Here is a heads up on my cooking classes in DFW for the next two months. Only four classes, so book early (Sorry I can’t do anymore, we have just moved house and I am also coaching my daughters soccer team this fall)

Following the success of the Valentines dinners we did at Market street we are going to be doing another dinner party where you come along and watch the demonstration, learn how to put the dinner together and then wander around the store for 5 minutes break whilst we light candles etc and serve you a three course dinner listed below. Of course, then you take the recipes home and invite friends over.

I received sad news from across the pond this week that George Smith had died. George was one of Prince Charles’ Valets for 9 years and hit the headlines a while back accusing one of the Princes’ senior staff of raping him.

George was a former soldier in the Welsh Guards who served in the 1982 Falklands War and despite his alcohol problems was a genuinely nice guy. I remember the Princess trying to help him – she was concerned about him. She arranged to meet him but he didn’t turn up and she asked me to walk along Kensington High Street with her to see if we could find him.

My thoughts are with Yvonne and his two children.

I just want to say a huge thank you to the two groups of people that bid on the two live auction items “dinner party at your home prepared by Darren McGrady” at the DaySpring Villa (a Baptist Women’s Refuge) fundraiser last month. It was so generous of you and I promise that they will both be fun evenings. I am looking forward to discussing menus with you.

Thank you also to the Renaissance staff and especially Chef William Doyle for allowing me to prepare dessert for 300 people at the fundraiser dinner. A great night had by all and looking forward to next years already.

Until next time......