pesto at the white horse, desford, leicestershire.

Pesto, found in the Leicestershire village of Desford, is an Italian restaurant with a tapas twist. Their plates are billed as piattini, or piattino, meaning small dish in Italian. With around forty dishes at around the £2.95-5.95 mark, the idea is to mix and match your favourites to create a shareable, Mediterranean feast. Not sure whether to choose pasta or pizza? Cannelloni or calamari? Rigatoni or risotto. No fear, you can have it all.

dublin: my little foodie city guide.

Last month I spent four days in Dublin, jam-packed with foodie adventures and plenty of cocktails. From Irish breakfasts to posh restaurants and tapas to afternoon tea, somehow we managed to squeeze it all in amongst exploring the charming city. Luckily there was lots of walking involved too, as well as a trip to the beautiful Howth coast and even a sip on a cheeky half of Guinness. Here are a few foodie ideas of what to get up to in Dublin...

pack up a picnic with higgidy pies.

Introducing a couple of cute new flavours to the Sussex based Higgidy family. The Little Peperonata and Feta Quiche, and the Little Ham Hock & Petit Pois Quiche are the perfect little addition to your picnic basket this summer. Also known for their delicious pies and larger quiches, these pocket size pick-me-ups are the right size for one. Or sharing, if you fancy.

salmon, asparagus, tomato and basil risotto.

An indulgent salmon recipe with an Italian twist, featuring tomatoes, wilted spinach, grilled asparagus and a hint of basil. This risotto is finished with a spoonful of cream cheese stirred through, giving it a light and summery flavour. Perfect for summery evenings when you still fancy some comfort food. And it goes towards your five a day too of course...