Redwood Creek Triathlon Challenge with Matt Dawson:

I was a nervous man on Friday as I travelled to Kent for the Redwood Creek challenge. It's an adventure race over 14k of mountain biking ( something I'd never done before), 8k of running and 2k of kayaking, I was doing it with my friend Matt Dawson. I had prepared myself well, I thought, but casting my mind back the training had petered out over the last 4-5 weeks as I have been in the kitchen full on and loving every minute of it. I lay in bed the night before hardly able to sleep in anticipation of what was to come - could I do it?  What if i couldn't push myself. I wrote down "if I had had prepared myself more fully then this moment would be more enjoyable". Very true, I was unsure of my fitness level and ability, preparation is everything from running to cooking.The first 1k was the hardest in fact i was on the verge of giving up and putting it down to experience but with Daws behind me encouraging me a long I did it and the feeling of getting over that line was brilliant.  It was a real personal achievement and from here on I am going to keep on with the fitness, I feel better and there's no kidding yourself about that. Although next weekend Im off to Portugal with my pal Mark Hix.... I need to prepare - time for a drink !

Sprats, pan fried with lemon:

Filming all day yesterday, recipes, tips, tricks, fishmongering skills, seasonal dishes, looking great, more details on all that coming up, just keep an eye on the blog or twitter feed.

The first of the sprats turned up this week and I had some today for lunch, wonderful, a little flour and salt and pepper a squeeze of lemon and brown bread - real seasonal treat. Regatta now looming in Dartmouth, thats me in the kitchen for the week with The Clam and the guys, can't wait.  We're full and Mark is playing, it'll be a great atmospher and think we're going to party!  It's a crazy week in Dartmouth but wouldn't miss it.  Just hope the rain clears away somewhere else.

Henry Bomby & The Seahorse - A Big Welcome back to Dartmouth!:

What a great day in Dartmouth. My young friend Henry Bomby returned from his 2 month trip solo around the UK on his contessa 26 yacht (called the Seahorse) Its a wonderful craft, I have one which is one reason why we get on so well. Henry is one of those lovelly young guys that is destined for great things in the sailing world. I am a very driven person and and easily excited, but its rare I feel inspired to make changes in my life.. today I have, inspired by Henry's achievement and the fact that you're never too old to be what you want I have booked on a series of courses with Brixham sailing school to achieve my Yachtmaster exam by next March, then it's the Med for me !... Thanks Henry.

Time to run, time to cook:

I moved onto my little Contessa 26 for a few weeks. I've got it moored outside the restaurant. It's a bit of a dream really although I'm doing lots of hours in the Seahorse kitchen too, but loving every minute of it. Both restaurants in Dartmouth are really packed which I'm very grateful for and my teams here are really hard working and putting in loads of effort to make our guests' experience the best it can be.

I've also been training for the Redwood Creek challenge which is on Sept 4th. Its a 10k cycle and a 5k run. I've been training hard and did 5k yesterday but have hurt a knee so hope I'm going to be ok - not good for the triathlon and not good for the kitchen! 

Langoustines, razor clams, shrimps.... all just arrived, time to cook