January 27th, 2011

Hope to see you?

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Hello!

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My one month winter hiding is almost up!

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From this coming Saturday (29th) you’ll see me regularly down at the market again!

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I’m really looking forward to going back to work (did I just really write that??! Lol). As much as I enjoy being cocooned at home, there’s so much of it that I can take, I become a total lazy so-and-so! I hate myself for it, but I think my head still thinks it’s Christmas! I hardly touched on the loads of “To-do’s” & the exciting projects I have in mind… There’s intentions but no actions, just lots of ineffectual stomping on the same ground… And perhaps it’s because it’s winter, I’m just eating eating eating! (Needless to say that I have a sweet tooth…) I know it’s not good but I can’t stop! I think I need to get busy with work just to keep my weight in tow!

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And ofcourse, when I go back to work, I should hopefully meet lots of you too? xx I’m very happy to say that last year there were so many blog-readers who came to the market to see me (currently, on average I receive around four blog readers every Saturday – & that’s just counting the ones that do reveal their identity!). Astonishingly quite a number are from abroad, especially America & Asia. I should also mention that there are lots from this country too! It’s SO amazing. I know it might sound odd, but I am still blown away by it all. Every single time, I’m struck with a dose of happiness to find out that they came via knowing me through my blogging.

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Here’s a picture of one blog-reader who came to the market last Autumn – all the way from Minnesota!!!!!!!

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Coco&Me - Coco & me - www.cocoandme.com - Tamami and Mrs. L at the cake stall - Broadway Market(Mrs. L)

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She & her husband were such smiley & happy people. I felt the connection straight away. After this picture was taken, they presented me with a gift. What?! Wow wow wow!!!!! I mean, I totally didn’t expect that obviously. – It had a red & green ribbon on the box, so I kept it unopened ’til Christmas day. Keeping an unopened present for a month in the house was a bit of a suspense, in a good way. I must admit, on quite a few occasions I almost opened it, especially days when I felt tired & in need of a ‘pick-me-up’, but I kept true to my promise to Mrs. L. – When I did open it on the morning of Christmas Day, I was enchanted to find a set of silver measuring spoons, delicately engraved! Wow, it’s beautiful & truly special Mrs. L! Thank you!! xxx

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x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x . x

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I’m not sure how it’ll exactly pan out for me (I’m still everywhere with my ideas), but I’m thinking of retiring from selling cakes in the next year (or perhaps two), so if you’d like to, please visit! I really would love to see you!!! (Ps: I should point out that, no, you don’t need to give me presents to see me! Really! Lol!! Like I say, your “presence” is the “present”! Geddit? A bit naff?? Lol, oh well, it’s true though.)

32 Comments »

  1. Not the lemon drizzle cake though, right? Or the brownies? Those two are my favourites!

    Comment by Leah - January 27, 2011 8:14 am

  2. This is so embarrassing – I’ve come to you 3 times in the last year and never revealed that I found you through your blog which I think is just fabulous. Sorry! My favourite are your tarts, they’re amazing (for that reason, please don’t ever retire). Will say hi next time!

    Comment by Kat - January 27, 2011 10:04 am

  3. Good morning Leah!
    Do you mean about those cakes not being made anymore when I stop?? Don’t worry, I’ll still be around for some time yet! xx
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    Hi Kat!
    Ooooh! Wow, you’ve visited 3 times??! THANK YOU!! Yes, please say hi! Would love to see you!! x

    Comment by tamami - January 27, 2011 11:13 am

  4. what a thoughtful gift!

    Comment by petoskystone - January 27, 2011 1:52 pm

  5. Hi Tamami,
    Are you getting saturated with baking cakes for sale? If so, I totally understand. How do you plan to channel all this creative energy after one or two years? (as you can state, I am a lill curious girl -:))

    Comment by Swati - January 27, 2011 2:02 pm

  6. Petoskystone, I know!! Isn’t it? Spot on.
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    Swati, awww, so sweet of you – Y’know, I think what it is is that this cake stall business is not compatible with me raising a family. Something needs to give, & my solution is to find a better suited “thing”, which I’m not exactly sure what it is! If I knew you’d be the first ones to find out promise!! (The one to two year deadline I gave myself is down to the fact that my little one would be going to school by then & I thought that perhaps that would give me more time to focus on a new project…) xx

    Comment by tamami - January 27, 2011 6:46 pm

  7. Oh no, no more cakes for sale, I love your blog, I love all the photos of the cakes and tarts and truffles….. OMGosh and what about the hot chocolate???? Whatever you decide to do you are very talented and I am sure you will be very successful in your next venture! Diana

    Comment by Diana - January 28, 2011 8:58 pm

  8. Diana, awwww… thank you… it means a lot to me! xx

    Comment by tamami - January 29, 2011 2:50 am

  9. A lovely picture and what a thoughtful gift from Mrs. L!

    I have been wanting to fly to Switzerland to take care of some family matters and do a weekend lay-over in London while you are still there… I do so hope I can manage it.

    But in any event, we all look forward to hearing about your future projects….!!

    Comment by heidy - January 31, 2011 7:31 pm

  10. Heidy, oh wow!!! You might come to Ldn one day? That’s v. exciting!!! I believe you’re in US somewhere right? You’ve been leaving comments on this blog for sometime now! It’ll be wonderful to meet you!!! xx

    Comment by tamami - February 1, 2011 10:18 am

  11. Hi Tamami! I found myself reading this post and nodding my head! When I am very busy I find I get much more done all around …when I have time off (our market is closed until March) I tend to be so lazy and I cook and eat, cook and eat! My husband loves it, my hips-not so much! Hope you are well! Hope to see you again sometime…Love~Diane

    Comment by Diane - February 2, 2011 5:46 pm

  12. Me again…have you thought of writing a cookbook? A nice transition from the market
    I’d buy one!!~Diane

    Comment by Diane - February 2, 2011 6:11 pm

  13. Hello dearest Diane!
    It’s funny isn’t it – I guess we’re happier when we are busy with such things as work – sad to say but true…! God knows how heavy we’d become if we are millionaires with servants doing everything for us! Ha! ^^
    .
    And… about writing a cookbook – you’ve actually hit upon the very spot there – It’s one of the projects I’ve been considering – but you know, I’m self-taught right? No sparkling cv’s to ride on the back on. (When I visited a cooking school all the tutors were from amazing backgrounds) – Who’d buy (or even publish) from a no-body ~ with no authority ~ like me?? I know it sounds rather weak-hearted of me for once, but hey, you know me, I’m all about sharing my emotions ~ I’m very bad with poker-face…

    Comment by tamami - February 2, 2011 8:01 pm

  14. Tamami…now, now, now…I self published a cookbook in November…not very big-62 pages-with about 50 recipes and it went over great! Lots of fun and lots of work, but it’s work I like. I just bought a book binding machine to do the next one myself. I’m telling you, it’s an addicting process! And like I said, I’d buy a cookbook from you and I know ALL your readers and customers from the market would too! It’s not about getting rich-it’s about teaching others that they can cook/bake for themselves…it’s about sharing our gifts! I’ve seen, and better yet, TASTED your goods…really amazing! And REALLY worth sharing!

    Comment by Diane - February 2, 2011 8:09 pm

  15. Hi Tamami san,
    Just left a phone message about our market.
    It is only started and it is still a little market and we didn’t want to risk to buy off your chocolate and resell it for this time..(even I am sure yours one will sell out v.quickly).
    I read your blog and find it amazing what you do.. and was amused why your english is so good.. Ah.. you lived most of your life in the U.K! I was born here but we moved to Japan when I was 6! Now I am back here and got stuck! I do make raw cacao truffle at home and they are delicious, maybe I should think of selling them on the market actually!
    Please come to our market on sunday sometimes. Keep in touch! x

    Comment by sayuri - February 2, 2011 10:00 pm

  16. Hi Tamami San

    I am Aya, wife of Ruby who loves your chocolate drops. I wonder if you could send me an email as I have a request.

    And we just finished your chocolate cake which we always enjoy.

    Thank you and I am looking forward to hearing from you.

    Aya + Ruby

    Comment by Aya - February 2, 2011 11:53 pm

  17. Hi Diane, I’ll write a proper comment later! (I’m off to bed in a mo, & I want to write a thought-through reply!)
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    Hi Sayuri & Aya! I’ve sent you both emails!!

    Comment by tamami - February 3, 2011 1:26 am

  18. Tamami,

    Back again with my 2 cents..I think a cookbook would be a wonderful idea. For instance, I first visited your blog through a mention and link from Clotilde at Chocolate&Zucchini and in my opion, with the fans you already have plus connections with other blogs, you would have a very good customer base. Your recipes are so detailed and precise, they would be a most valuable addition to anyone’s cookbook collection. I know it is a LOT of work, but how rewarding (hopefully on many levels!)

    And yes, I am in the US, in Ohio, which they include as part of the “Midwest” area for some reason!! xxx

    Comment by heidy - February 3, 2011 6:09 pm

  19. Hi tamani,
    I have been reading your blog for sometimes now. Witty, inspiring, real, romantic, so very inspiring and kept alive by your ( I am sure) special personality. There you are you have got your book! I bet any publisher who could read your blog would see a great book about London markets, fantastic cakes and a spot of real urban life…that can only be a hit. I have been a North Londoner for 14 years before moving to the coutry with my family but we do miss London, it is still home and your blog somehow gives me a hint of life there every time I read it.
    I am in Islington on Saturday if I have a bit of time I will come to see you, actually I have meant to come for ages! I bake a lot a cook myself it would be great to meet you.
    Cristina

    Comment by cristina - February 3, 2011 6:17 pm

  20. Diane, Heidy & Cristina,
    first of all…, you won’t believe how touched I am with all your comments… THANK YOU… This is truly amazing that I have such supportive people like yourselves around me. I’m moved by your comments… A bit shook up about it infact.
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    I’m still gathering thoughts but I can tell you this – right now, I firmly think writing a cookbook is the next way forward for me – I’m hoping to write a blog-post about it – perhaps… I’ll know more about my thoughts on it by then…
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    Diane, you humble me with your words about the want to teach others, I need to take a leaf out of your book! Heidy, thorough recipes is definitely the way to do it you’re right! And Cristina, first of all, beautiful accommodation you’ve got there – would love to visit one day, & I hope to see you st the market!! – And Swati, if you get a chance to read this – thank you for thinking about my future project, you’ve been very much part of this too.
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    Again, thank you…
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    Tamami xxx

    Comment by tamami - February 3, 2011 11:10 pm

  21. I hope I can make it to London before you ‘retire’ your stall!! I will be sad to see it end but I know you’re ready to move onto something different… I think a cookbook is a brilliant idea. I love your recipes, not just for the amazing results but because you explain not only the hows but also the whys. I would be one of your first customers if you published one! (And I’d want it autographed. ;) ) xx

    Comment by Rachel - February 5, 2011 6:45 am

  22. Rachel, yes, “… ready to move onto something different…” sounds exactly how I feel right now… The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced. – Though, a bit daunting before I even start, y’know?! I guess it’s because the exact path to take is still full of unknowns…
    xx

    Comment by tamami - February 6, 2011 6:42 am

  23. Hello from MN! Still cold here!

    Glad you like the spoons! Wally and I really enjoyed visiting with you as well as sampling your most lovely baked goods! Yummmm!

    Yes, you should do a cookbook or a baking book!! One with your thoughts about baking and living in London would be so cool!! You could sale them in the U.S., do a book tour, or even go on the Today Show! You would get lots of press!!

    Wished we lived closer!! It was wonderful to meet you in person!

    Think of you often!

    Lyn EL from the frozen tundras of Minnesota

    Comment by Lyn EL - February 7, 2011 9:17 pm

  24. Lyn!!!!!!! I’m so happy to hear from you!!! Yes, the spoons were lovely! Thank you very much!!
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    Cookbook/ baking book: yup, I’m set on doing it – but am struggling to find the time – at this rate, it’ll take me 3 or 4 years or even more perhaps… eek!! What does it take to find the time to do it?! I’m thinking, perhaps something drastic such as doing the market for half a year at a time, say just winter period only (as sales are better then), might be a solution… Then I could spend Summer holiday with the children too!? … Dunno, am feeling a bit stuck…
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    Anyway Lyn, thank you once again!
    Tamami xx

    Comment by tamami - February 7, 2011 10:16 pm

  25. If I ever come back to London, which is most likely since I love to show my family where I used to live: I have to visit you stall. I’m admiring your work and your entertaining way of writing.

    Best from Seattle, zill.y

    Comment by zill.y - February 11, 2011 7:13 am

  26. Zill.y,
    woooow! I look forward to seeing you one day then!! All the best, t x

    Comment by tamami - February 12, 2011 3:21 am

  27. Hi,
    I love your blog, its great fun and very inspirational.
    I am currently in the process of setting up my own stall in North Yorkshire and just wondered if you could help me with a little problem.
    I can’t find any cake box/muffin box suppliers that do a good enough quality without paying the earth for them. I don’t want to pay too much because I like to keep my prices reasonable and couldn’t cost them into the price well enough for Yorkshire folk to be happy with!
    Could you also tell me how you fair with buttercream icing/ cream based recipes without refridgeration? has anyone objected from a H&S perspective or do they last OK on your stall all day under shade alone?
    Thank you so much for your help in advance, I wish you all the best for your future ventures, keep up the beautiful work!
    Kay

    Comment by Kay - February 16, 2011 8:43 pm

  28. Thank you for your lovely comment Kay! About the supplier for boxes, I use a company called Reynards – check it out online. As for buttercream, well, I don’t use it, as per your concern regarding no refrigeration. I only sell baked-through goods!
    – Good luck with your stall in North Yorkshire Kay!! Keep in touch, and do let me know how it goes!
    T x

    Comment by tamami - February 17, 2011 7:30 pm

  29. Hi, Tmami

    I’ve loved your cakes, which are much helathier than those in other stalls of Broadway Market. So, don’t go anywhere unless you give me recipes!!

    PS: Thank you for the infomration about the historyof Broadway Market. It was very useful, whichshould be reflected in my research….

    Comment by SO - February 20, 2011 2:51 pm

  30. Hello So-san,
    wow!! thank you for checking my blog out & leaving a comment!!!!! x

    Comment by Tamami - February 20, 2011 4:59 pm

  31. Hi Tamami,

    I’ve been a fan since 2009 and I want to thank you for keeping me company while I read your blog late at night. I’m in Australia and wish you had a stall in Sydney that I could go to on Saturdays. My best friend now lives in London and I’ve told her to go and visit your stall one Saturday morning. This will be the closest thing to me going to your stall. Keep up the good work. You’re an inspiration.

    Comment by BJ - November 14, 2011 11:22 am

  32. Dear BJ,
    wow, thank you for this amazing message…!! It gives me the strength that I need right now, as I am feeling a little worn out (tired out) & enthusiasm (in general) slightly on the low. – Thank you from the bottom of my heart BJ.
    Warmest regards, Tamami

    Comment by Tamami - November 14, 2011 11:31 am

 

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