A short break does wonders for the soul. I have just got back from Brussels with my girlfriend; we both love the city and thought that a re-visit was long overdue. The thing I love most about the city, apart from its friendly inhabitants and the Atomium, is the countless places to eat, drink and make merry. For those of you who have never been, you are missing out on a real treat. Every single restaurant, bistro and sandwich bar offers superbly prepared food that is fresh, tasty and of far superior quality to anywhere else in Europe.

So I ask myself, why is it that food in Brussels is set apart from the rest? The answer, I have come to realise, is a simple fact that is very much in tune with my own beliefs about the restaurant business…care and attention.

Belgians seem to really care about how food is prepared and served, and they are very keen to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience. I really value this and, therefore, will continue to go as long as I am able. Why this kind of service does not exist in our own country is beyond me and it is a question that may never be answered. I think that Brits generally seem far too ready to accept adequate quality and this may be because many know no better; however, I would like to see our Fair Isle follow suit with countries like Belgium.

That is why I really like programs like Master Chef and Saturday Morning Kitchen. Sleepy and I tend to talk about these programs a lot, which just goes to show how potentially inspirational they can be. We have plenty of talent in this country, so, come on peeps, lets get cooking and show the world that we Brits are a gastronomic force to be reckoned with. Ye roast beef of old England! Hurrah!