MENU OF THE MONTH

Richard Fox looks at some ideas to perk up your September menu

September has the potential to be one depressing mother of a month. Not so much from a volume perspective, after all, everyone's back from their various August jaunts to sunnier climes. But here lies the problem: another 12 months until the next dose of malaria tablets, anti-burn creams and all manner of bungs and correctives for misfiring bodily functions. None the less, a good time was had by all. And now it's back to the daily grind and rapidly-fading sun.

This post-party mood is not good for business. Eyes are focused on the bottom of the empty glass; appetites are gone at the thought of paying for the cocktails and up-grades that seemed such a romantically-good idea at the time; there are the new school uniforms and books to buy, and car repairs to get the little blighters there in the first place. Feeling good? OK, this may not be the most optimistic of views, but the point is: it's well worth considering national mood when planning your monthly menus. And although I bang on about seasonality and utilising the finest local produce, there are other considerations in the great scheme of punter spending patterns. So, although mussels, oysters and game are well and truly back with a vengeance, perhaps it's worth looking further afield for some menu inspiration. In other words those holiday destinations that are rapidly becoming fading memories and there's no reason why you can't utilise what's fresh and local within that menu framework.

So, let's rekindle those happy memories with vibrant salads, enjoyed on the buzzing quaysides of the Greek Islands. After all, tomatoes are nicely in season. Perhaps a saffron-infused paella to take us back to the sun and San Miguel of Spain. And for those with deeper pockets, there's the curries and coconut of Thailand and Goa. Maybe it doesn't even have to be so literal: just gear things towards banishing those post-holiday blues with a little fun and vibrancy. Let's face it, no matter how skint we may feel as punters, there's always a little cash knocking around if there's something mood enhancing to spend it on.

Menu

Greek salad with feta cheese, olives and balsamic dressing

Andalucian gazpacho soup

Spanish tortilla with roasted red peppers

Seafood paella

Spicy Thai noodles with king prawns

char-grilled piri piri chicken

Mango and lychee semi-freddo

Banana fritters with butterscotch sauce