To our one and only Charlotte – Happy Birthday! Have a read of her birthday blog here and get some great veggie tips

Alright, spill the beans! What’s the plan for your grand birthday bash?
My birthday falls on Wednesday so I’ll be doing the classic ‘celebrate the birthday on the weekend’ where I’m going camping with a group of mates (please pray for good weather for me!!) On my actual birthday day I’m going to dinner at Holy Carrot which is the most excellent vegan restaurant (used to be in Kensington but has now relocated to Notting Hill) their Sexy Tofu dish is EVERYTHING!
Below: Sexy Tofu at Holy Carrot

If you had to eat the same meal every day for a year, what would it be?
Hard to pick but likely my Moroccan Tagine I cook with chickpeas and cauliflower. It’s a comfort food I look forward to whenever I’ve had a bad day

What’s the most controversial food opinion you hold?
Popcorn…is not good. SORRY

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what dish would you prepare to impress them?
I’d love to have dinner Boudica (she’s from East Anglia like myself and was warrior queen of the Iceni people who nearly took down the roman empire. I have a feeling we’d get on). She’s from the Iron Age so I think anything I cooked her would be impressive. Not sure they had cake back then so maybe some brownies would be mind-blowing for her!

Any London dining adventures lately that blew your taste buds away?
I recently went to Little Georgia in Islington (also a branch in Hackney) and having not much pre conceptions about Georgian food, I absolutely loved it. It was super veggie friendly and you have to get their Imeruli Khachapuri which is like a flatbread stuffed with cheese. The Georgian wine was super yummy also!
Below: Imeruli Khachapuri from Little Georgia

What’s your go-to hangover cure food that never lets you down
Hashbrowns with chilli ketchup always – even better if in a brioche roll with vegan bacon…

What’s one of your favourite recipes at The Avenue?
I absolutely love the Quinoa Salad from our Peruvian Cooking Class, its got so much flavour for a salad. Also the Sweet Chilli Sauce from our Fish Class is insanely delicious.

Which three spices are your ride or die kitchen companions?
Harissa Powder, Paprika and Turmeric

If you could create a new food holiday, what would it be and how would you celebrate it?
I think there’s a food holiday for everything already but if doesn’t exist, maybe national Kombucha Day where we can have a Kombucha festival with all different flavoured Kombuchas – sounds a bit bohemian I know aha!

Last but not least what’s something you’ve cooked recently you’re proud off?
Inspired by my trip to the Liguria Coast in Italy, famous for Focaccia a Genovese, I can’t stop making fresh sage Focaccia. Perfect with really good quality olive oil

Happy Birthday, Charlotte! Have a great day and focaccia later! Ax