Danni Segal, Sleep-deprived The (ir)regular thoughts of Around-Bexhill.co.uk founder, Danni Segal, on life in Bexhill-on-Sea This column reflects the thoughts of Danni Segal, and does not claim to reflect the opinions of around-bexhill.co.uk or any of the shops or businesses listed on this site unless directly stated

Dateline: December 2006

Item: Food For Thought

“We do not cook fast food...We cook good food as fast as we can.”

This is the phrase Malcolm at Special’s Cafe on the Marina uses to describe his view on preparing food, and it is one I wholeheartedly agree with. As anyone who has met me will testify, I view food as one of life’s true pleasures and appreciate that it takes time and effort to create good food.

What annoys me - and the majority of people I have talked with on the matter - is going out for a meal where the food isn’t actually cooked fresh, but rather is simply bought in by the frozen crate and microwaved to order. My issue isn’t with the quality of such food, but more with the fact that it means once again we are being served indenti-kit meals with no character or individuality. And, of course, the fact I believe that when I pay for a meal part of the money is for the abilities of the chef and not the ability of the person using the microwave.

Ultimately I would rather pay my money for something special created by someone who has an understanding of what they do, rather then get something generic handed to me by someone with no specific knowledge of the field they work in.

Strangely enough, the same can be said of shopping...

Item: ’Tis The Season to Celebrate Diversity

Over the past few weeks I have been speaking with retailers and businesses across Bexhill and asking them to nominate items thet feel would be part of an essential Christmas. The items could be things for Christmas day itself, gifts - both obvious and unusual, or anything that might be interesting. Suffice is to say that I ended up getting an incredible array of items nominated, from beer and batteries to wigwams and kayaks. If you haven’t already seen it, visit the Essential Christmas page to witness the suggestions for yourself. Believe me - it’s worth the trip, and I’ll be here when you get back.

Had a look? Amazing, isn’t it, the diversity that Bexhill has to offer. And what you have seen is just the tip of the iceberg. So rather then just going through the motions with the same old food and drink and same old presents this year, explore what Bexhill has to offer. To lead off, here are a few suggestions:

• Order you turkey and other meats from one of the local butchers such as Derek Shaw in the town centre or M Betts & G Loyd in Little Common
• Get proper home-made mince pies and desserts from The Garden Cafe and Cheese & Delicatessen in Little Common
• Get the chocolates and sweets you actually want to eat by visiting one of the fantastic  confectioners such as Ye Olde Chocolate Shoppe and H&H Confectionery and explore the range of boxed chocolates available at Newsmart
• Equip yourself for the inevitable Christmas photos by visiting the specialists at JH Photos and Bexhill Photographic
• Decorate your Christmas tree (and home) with delightful and unusual ornaments available from Mr Floor and The Merchant’s House
• Looking for a unique Christmas card or maybe a little gift? Then be sure to check Roseanna & Brian’s, Choice Cards and Mad Expectations in the town centre and Paperchain in Little Common for an incredible selection or cards and gifts.
• Get a unique piece of jewellery for someone special from individual jewellers such as Silver Nutmeg, EH Warford, and Thomas French
• Looking for something different? Be sure to visit White Wave Crafts, Bexhill Linens, Maitreya Buddhist Centre and Funky Frog
• Interested in making something yourself? Then be sure to pay a visit to Bizzy Fingerz and The Make It Box and get creative.
• Need a gift for a baby? Don’t miss Jackie’s Babywear and Baby Baby
• Liven up the Christmas table with a centrepiece, plant or flowers by visiting Dorothy Marchant in the town centre or Casa Dei Fiori in Little Common
• Want to look and feel your best for the holidays? Then indulge yourself in the beauty treatments available at Beauty Haven and Chique International
• If you need to keep the kids (and adults) entertained well in to the new year, get hold of classic and current DVDs at Old’n’Gold or TVC
• Hunting for a gift for someone with a love of art and statues? Then you’ll want to see what’s available at Bexhill Lighting & Gift Centre, Bexhill Picture Framers and the newly-opened Wickham Gallery
• As a coastal town, why not indulge in water-related activities via Hook Line & Sinker for fishing supplies or Hosers for surfboards, kayaks, wetsuits and more.

And that’s just for starters. Once you start exploring you might well find a whole world you didn’t even know existed...

And on that note, may I wish you a very merry Christmas, and a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Until next time,

Danni Segal
founder
around-bexhill.co.uk

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