Here is a festive dish with a twist! Caviar Pie, minus the caviar (or lump-fish as most of us use) with a good dollop of you know what to replace it. Sounds like it wouldn't work. But it does. As my good friends Karl and Carrol Kindel proved, when it was a star on the buffet table at their annual Egg-Nog gathering, on Capitol Hill, Washington DC. And the amazing thing was the number of guests who said: 'This is great what is in it exactly?' Then when told gasped: 'Oh, that awful British stuff! But this was so good!'
This is the recipe the Kindels used to provide that umami - or 'wow' - factor: mash six hard-boiled egg and half a yellow onion, finely chopped, into quarter of a pound of softened butter; press, about an inch thick, into the dish you want to serve the 'pie' in; refrigerate until hardened; put a layer of Marmite on top; then cover with yoghurt and sour cream mixed. Voila - dip in with a cracker or spoon onto a crudite.
THE LUCK OF THE IRISH!
I hope the luck of the Irish transfers to sales of the book in Ireland. If it doesn't it will not be the fault of the award-winning NewsTalk radio station. One of its top hosts, Sean Moncreiff, did a 15 minute interview with me for his afternoon show, December 14th. We had a few laughs - hard not to when the subject if Marmite - especially when a listener revealed that his favourite way of eating it was on a dry Weetabix. Even to me that sounds pretty gross! All the fault of the Weetabix, of course....
NEW YORK, NEW YORK!
Pete Myers is engrossed in the book - but then he's probably reading the entry about himself!
New Yorkers - and visitors to the Big Apple - can now get their hands on the book easily. Head to the Village: to Myers' of Keswick, the greatest pork-pie shop in the USA. Almost, the world - heck, make it the world! The Myers - Pete and daughter Jennifer - have made Mish-Mash an integeral part of their Christmas window display. To get your hands on a copy, plus some of the best Cumberland sausages this side of the Lake District, go to: 634 Hudson Street (between Horatio and Jane Streets).
And, How About This!
The 'plugs' just keep getting better and better....how about this one? The New Yorker!! I know it's only online, but it is still the New Yorker.....and to be included in such illustrious company: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2009/12/in-the-news-death-of-the-fat-novel-marmite-memories.html
BREKKERS WITH TOP U.S. RADIO PROGRAMME
There have been many highlights associated with the debut of Mish-Mash. And the latest was when NPR (for Brit readers, that's National Public Radio: ie America's answer to Radio 4) came a calling. Guy Raz, anchor of the weekend edition of the award-winning news magazine All Things Considered, spotted John Kelly's piece in the Washington Post - and jumped right on the 'phone to invite himself for breakfast! He brought with him producer Travis Larchuck. No prizes for guessing what was served.
Guy, who studied at Cambridge and has served as NPR's London bureau chief, is no stranger to Marmite. In fact I would go as far as saying he loves it as much as I do. Travis on the other hand arrived at my home, on Capitol Hill, a total novice in all matters relating to Marmite. Including eating it. He left with an avowed hatred, that I fear he will never lose. To listen to the marmitey breakfast carry-on go to: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121135861
Guy, who studied at Cambridge and has served as NPR's London bureau chief, is no stranger to Marmite. In fact I would go as far as saying he loves it as much as I do. Travis on the other hand arrived at my home, on Capitol Hill, a total novice in all matters relating to Marmite. Including eating it. He left with an avowed hatred, that I fear he will never lose. To listen to the marmitey breakfast carry-on go to: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121135861
Such Fun With The Washington Post
What a 'war' John Kelly ignited with his column (see A Post About The Post). His weekly online 'chat' with readers - where usually things of DC importance and world renown are aired and discussed - was virtually 100% Marmite. Better make that yeast-extract, as quite a few Vegemite fans got involved in the affray. And, you know what, I'm going to take that back, about the forum not about the 'important' and 'renowned' - Marmite is both of those! If you want to know what you missed go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/11/25/DI2009112502982.html
A Signature Marmite Moment
I was so happy that I just happened to be there when they turned up - so I could sign it for them. Mish-Mash is going to their daughter-in-law Kerry (who is not only British but from Yorkshire, as I am). She and their son Michael live in Germany. Angelika, who is German born, and Bill, who's a New Yorker, read John's wonderful take on Marmite, and the book, and it struck an immediate chord. Hard for it not to: Kerry, is so devoted to the stuff, she brought a jar with her when she and Michael visited for Thanksgiving. Just hope she enjoys dipping into the book as much she loves dipping into the Marmite jar!
ANOTHER WAR FOR WASHINGTON!
Poor, beleagured Washington, DC - it has another war to cope with! Over Marmite!
John Kelly (see: Post About The Post) has really put a M-splattered, extremely sharp, wounding knife into the hands of the faithful. His first column (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/29/AR2009112902361.html) triggered such an avalanche of protests and complaints, he was obliged to do a follow-up column (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120203660.html)
When I decided to write a book about Marmite I had an instinct that it would strike a chord. But I had absolutely no idea that people feel so passionately about the stuff. And have to say, that after all this time with my head in a Marmite-jar, I still don't get it. Just amazed how people can get stirred and shaken by the mere mention of it. In this case the reaction to John Kelly's column was nothing short of a true testament of devotion to the black magic. Talk about people coming out of the woodwork to defend their must-have-spread.
The next round in this battle was fought the following day. John bravely 'chatted' - in an online forum - to those who had massacred him for massacring Marmite. He invited me to join him. It would have been cowardly of me to decline. Though have to admit I was somewhat nervous. But it wasn't so much an an onslaught of little squat brown jars, with sunny yellow lids drawn - as good natured banter, that really pin-pointedt, love it or hate it, Marmite is fun to mess with! To read what went down in this spirited, fast-moving exchange to to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/11/25/DI2009112502982.html
But that was not the end of it. The same day the Marmite issue amazingly spilled over into the Letters to the Editor of the Washington Post. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/opinions/feedback/Archive_1.html) How wonderful that in these days of gloom and woe (between the real wars, the economy and health-care) this august publication has such a good persepective on the whacky world we live in.
John Kelly (see: Post About The Post) has really put a M-splattered, extremely sharp, wounding knife into the hands of the faithful. His first column (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/29/AR2009112902361.html) triggered such an avalanche of protests and complaints, he was obliged to do a follow-up column (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120203660.html)
When I decided to write a book about Marmite I had an instinct that it would strike a chord. But I had absolutely no idea that people feel so passionately about the stuff. And have to say, that after all this time with my head in a Marmite-jar, I still don't get it. Just amazed how people can get stirred and shaken by the mere mention of it. In this case the reaction to John Kelly's column was nothing short of a true testament of devotion to the black magic. Talk about people coming out of the woodwork to defend their must-have-spread.
The next round in this battle was fought the following day. John bravely 'chatted' - in an online forum - to those who had massacred him for massacring Marmite. He invited me to join him. It would have been cowardly of me to decline. Though have to admit I was somewhat nervous. But it wasn't so much an an onslaught of little squat brown jars, with sunny yellow lids drawn - as good natured banter, that really pin-pointedt, love it or hate it, Marmite is fun to mess with! To read what went down in this spirited, fast-moving exchange to to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/11/25/DI2009112502982.html
But that was not the end of it. The same day the Marmite issue amazingly spilled over into the Letters to the Editor of the Washington Post. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/opinions/feedback/Archive_1.html) How wonderful that in these days of gloom and woe (between the real wars, the economy and health-care) this august publication has such a good persepective on the whacky world we live in.
POT A PLANT
Mr Marmite Loves the Book
The book records the valiant work Seamus Waldron has done to keep the love alive. He is Mr Marmite, the webmeister of the Black Magic. Seamus operates the famed: http://www.ilovemarmite.com/ To stay objective (how hard is that!) he also runs, well let's say 'owns': http://www.ihatemarmite.com/ The way he founded the site makes for very interesting reading. It was all to do with his time working in the States, when friends and colleagues were totally dumfounded about the Brits' worship of the stuff. Seamus is a good man. Not only because of his devotion to getting the M-message out there but because he has not taken offence that in the book I really mished and mashed his name. For some inexplicable reason (about from stupidity) I call him Sean. But despsite that SEAMUS has posted a great piece about the book and a wonderful audio/film 'review' on Amazon. Here is an extract from the I Love Marmite site that pretty much sums the whole thing up:
"The book is almost a social history, covering more than 100 years of the life of Marmite. The Mish-mash Dictionary covers Marmites place in medicine, its role in education, wars, its many unlikely uses (apart from eating it), and more."
Anyone who comes in contact with Seamus over his mighty-M doings quickly realise that he does not dance around the subject. Not that he can't 'dance'. He is not only a good dancer, he is a meister in that too. Modern jive is his thing. In fact, let me not 'dance' around: he is so good he owns three dance-schools, two in London and one in Quainton, Bucks. Not only owns - but teaches. So if you would love to learn the Marmite-Jive....go to: http://www.jivenation.co.uk/
"The book is almost a social history, covering more than 100 years of the life of Marmite. The Mish-mash Dictionary covers Marmites place in medicine, its role in education, wars, its many unlikely uses (apart from eating it), and more."
Anyone who comes in contact with Seamus over his mighty-M doings quickly realise that he does not dance around the subject. Not that he can't 'dance'. He is not only a good dancer, he is a meister in that too. Modern jive is his thing. In fact, let me not 'dance' around: he is so good he owns three dance-schools, two in London and one in Quainton, Bucks. Not only owns - but teaches. So if you would love to learn the Marmite-Jive....go to: http://www.jivenation.co.uk/
A Post About The Post!
John Kelly, of the Washington Post, is my new best friend. You bet he is, after the piece he penned. And the 'haters' among you are going to love him too. For his first hysterically funny take on Marmite was followed by a sizzling 'mea culpa'. Then to top it all the Post ran - among all the serious issues of the day - a letter about the eruption of the Marmite War. Here is an extract from the first column ... Marmite, an English condiment that is perhaps the foulest compound legally sold for human consumption...I took a bite and immediately felt as if I'd been hit in the face by an ocean wave, a wave befouled by oil from a sinking tanker, oil that had caused a die-off of marine birds and invertebrates, creatures whose decomposing bodies were adding to the general funkiness of the wave that had found its way inside my mouth....Talk about a Marmite-novice getting it! John was introduced to the black-goo when he came to the Capitol Hill launch. And he kindly gave Marvelous Market (see previous post) a good mention. Read the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/29/AR2009112902361.html This was followed by this: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/02/AR2009120203660.html and this is the letter: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/03/AR2009120304304.html?sub=AR
This Market is Marvelous
Thanks to the 'Daughters'
The book is winning recognition all over the place. How about the great plug given by the DBE - ie The Daughters' of the British Empire. It's a US organisation that has chapters coast-to-coast. I was taken by the fact that the Louisanna branch has a page devoted to Marmite. Which is why The DBE ended up in the book. In return they have kindly written about Mish-Mash. Go to: http://www.dbeinla.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=195&Itemid=236
This Says It All!
One of Britain's most popular and entertaining food blogs is written by Msmarmitelover....she operates The Undergound, a pioneer and leader in the new 'illegal' at-home fine-dining establishments. Msmarmitelover - whom has to stay anonymous so her home-restaurant, in Kilburn, North London, doesn't get busted by the red-tape cops - has written a glowing review (on: http://theenglishcaneat.blogspot.com/2009/11/marmite-stock.html). It reads:
In recent weeks I've been sent two books: The Bumper book of Marmite and The Mish Mash dictionary of Marmite. The first is modelled on a kid's annual. It has comics, games, puzzles and a few recipes. It's bit of a gimmicky book, out for the Christmas market. There was obviously a large budget but I don't know why they bothered. Aside from some good recipes from Signe Johansen, there are weak jokes and pointless artwork. I've bought some really amusing annuals in the past, Monty Python and AliG for instance, but this just doesn't cut it. It's all form and no content. I wouldn't say I hated it, but I don't love it.
The Mish Mash dictionary of Marmite at £8.99 lacks the gloss but is rather more interesting for genuine fans of the brown stuff. For a start, I'm mentioned in it under 'U' for Underground Restaurant! Writer Maggie Hall has put in lots of fascinating anecdotes and has obviously spent time researching the all-important subject of Marmite.
Under 'internet' there are more than 430,000 entries if you google 'Marmite'. Under 'C' you will see that cats love Marmite. Under 'J' for jewellery she mentions Rachel Sherman who sells Marmite jewellery (pictured above) on etsy and her own site. Paul A Young's wonderful marmite and chocolate truffles have an entry under 'Y'. This is to name but a few entries...you could spend hours reading this book...love it!
Thanks, Msmarmitelover!
In recent weeks I've been sent two books: The Bumper book of Marmite and The Mish Mash dictionary of Marmite. The first is modelled on a kid's annual. It has comics, games, puzzles and a few recipes. It's bit of a gimmicky book, out for the Christmas market. There was obviously a large budget but I don't know why they bothered. Aside from some good recipes from Signe Johansen, there are weak jokes and pointless artwork. I've bought some really amusing annuals in the past, Monty Python and AliG for instance, but this just doesn't cut it. It's all form and no content. I wouldn't say I hated it, but I don't love it.
The Mish Mash dictionary of Marmite at £8.99 lacks the gloss but is rather more interesting for genuine fans of the brown stuff. For a start, I'm mentioned in it under 'U' for Underground Restaurant! Writer Maggie Hall has put in lots of fascinating anecdotes and has obviously spent time researching the all-important subject of Marmite.
Under 'internet' there are more than 430,000 entries if you google 'Marmite'. Under 'C' you will see that cats love Marmite. Under 'J' for jewellery she mentions Rachel Sherman who sells Marmite jewellery (pictured above) on etsy and her own site. Paul A Young's wonderful marmite and chocolate truffles have an entry under 'Y'. This is to name but a few entries...you could spend hours reading this book...love it!
Thanks, Msmarmitelover!
Ex-Pats Ahoy!
The word about Mish-Mash is spreading! Around the world - thanks to the British Expats Directory. It's run by Mike Rose, who lives in Thailand and he's posted a great piece about the book. Also an interview with me. So if you're a Brit in Oz and you find a book in your Christmas stocking from a Brit pal in Canada, you know who's responsible. Check-out this informative and fun (bit like Mish-Mash actually) website: http://www.britishexpatsdirectory.com/
And English-speakers in Germany have now been introduced to Mish-Mash. ESC - English Speaking Cologne ( http://english-speaking-cologne.blogspot.com/) - has posted a piece, detailing a couple of the fascinating Marmite German-links. Its highlighted one from the very start of Marmite to pin-pointing absolutely the latest news about a German Marmite alternative, that is very popular in Britain. From the 'Beginnings' entry it mentions how the brilliant chemist Baron Justus von Liebig (he of OXO fame) joined forces with Louis Pasteur to make edible sense out of the beery-yeast mess. The up-to-date reference is to Vitam-R, the German yeast-extract - that has launched a maple-syrup laced version (that is soooo good.) Another German reference is the one to steamy-novelist, Danielle Steel. Her German grandfather came up with the formula for Vegex - the American Marmite.
And English-speakers in Germany have now been introduced to Mish-Mash. ESC - English Speaking Cologne ( http://english-speaking-cologne.blogspot.com/) - has posted a piece, detailing a couple of the fascinating Marmite German-links. Its highlighted one from the very start of Marmite to pin-pointing absolutely the latest news about a German Marmite alternative, that is very popular in Britain. From the 'Beginnings' entry it mentions how the brilliant chemist Baron Justus von Liebig (he of OXO fame) joined forces with Louis Pasteur to make edible sense out of the beery-yeast mess. The up-to-date reference is to Vitam-R, the German yeast-extract - that has launched a maple-syrup laced version (that is soooo good.) Another German reference is the one to steamy-novelist, Danielle Steel. Her German grandfather came up with the formula for Vegex - the American Marmite.
An Independent View!
Cracked it! Now Mish-Mash has gone media national. The Independent (of London) carried a feature exploring the way in which Marmite is the flavour of the moment. The article - a terrific read, splendidly written by Holly Williams - underlines the original thought that prompted the book: what the heck is going on here? It talks about the Marmite Shop in London's poshest retail strip, ie Regent Street (it's a Pop-Up spot that opened early November for 10 weeks) and mentions Unilever's 'official' Marmite book, but - I am happy and proud to relate - concentrates largely on Mish-Mash. And the Indie's interest had me flying high metaphorically - as I was literally flying at 36,000 feet. Picked-up the newspaper just as I boarded my trans-Atlantic flight back to DC. Read the article at: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/marmite-its-spreading-all-over-1823086.htm
WASHINGTON DC LAUNCH
"Before I sign, tell me where you stand on the M-debate...?"
The best 'first' tasting story came from a woman who tried it tentativly, then - before diving into it with relish - declared it 'great'. Telling me this, as I prepared to sign her copy, she admitted she had no sense of smell. And wondered if this had helped her get it down. I could hear the 'hate' camp roaring - 'yes'!
Happily, for the extremely timid, two thoughtful friends, Lynn Campbell and Margaret Starkey, produced a delicious salmon mousse and a yummy pumpkin bread. I resisted telling them that they might have both been enhanced by a dollop of M. Only kidding!
Amazingly, the number of books sold exceeded the total sale of all four signings in Britain. The reasons for buying reflected all the marketting targets. Many were bought as gifts for American relatives/friends living 'over the pond'; quite a lot for British colleagues and friends, both here and there; one guy bought for the British golf pro at his club and the Brit who coaches him in 'real tennis'; several bought for themselves as a memory of time spent in Britain, when they acquired a taste for the black-goo; and some because they 'love' me and would have forked out for a copy even if it had been the most boring book in the world. A big thank-you to everyone! Especially to Margaret (she of the pumpkin bread) who collected the cash. And to Lynn (of the salmon mousse) who ran the errand to the bank to get a fistful of fivers, to ensure there was change. It would have been impossible for me to have signed and taken care of the money. At times there were a eight or nine people in line. Eat your heart out Sarah Palin! A sign of the signing mania was that my pen ran out of ink - and I only had one cup of coffee during the two hour session.
The event was on Capitol Hill and kindly hosted by the American Legion Post 8 - in its wonderful space on 3d and D St, SE. The good sales meant the Legion ended-up with a decent donation. After all the excitement a few of us celebrated in the Legion bar with Bloody Marys, made with a dollop of M instead of Worcester Sauce. Believe me - after you've perfected the knack of getting it to mix in - it's the Bloody Mary way to go.
But nothing about the event would have been a 'go' without my pal Barbara Rich. She arranged the space, she spread the word, she raced around town getting party supplies - while I...? Well, sat around practicing my signature! And on the day she was the 'foreman': setting up the room, keeping the coffee pot filled, making tea, greeting people - then organised the packing-up of everything, while I....? Chatted away to Washington Post reporter John Kelly. To see what fun he had with the whole Marmitey affair, see: 'A Post About the Post'.
BRIT LAUNCH PARTY A TASTY DO!
The launch party - held on the publication date, October 15th - was a memorable event. The food almost overshadowed the book! The buffet was a unique spread. Every dish had Marmite in it. There was soup, pasta, pate, sausage rolls, dainty pinwheel sandwiches, savoury pastries, chicken bites, all incredibly enhanced with a dollop of the mighty-M! Even guests who can't stand the stuff, gave the food the thumbs up.
The food was prepared by Tracy and Mark Witherington, owners of the Grape Vine, a cozy bistro-cafe in Whitby and their chef, Mark Rowell. They had taken many of the menu ideas from Marmite cookery books, dating back to the 1920s. But the big hit of the night they made up themselves: black pudding with a Marmite drizzle. It's going on their permanent breakfast menu.
The other surprsing hit of the night was the dessert that I made. I started out to make the cake that is featured in the book. It's a plain sponge with an 'icing' - or 'frosting' for American readers - of melted butter and Marmite, topped with shredded Cheddar Cheese. Sounds gross but it has a loyal following around the world. But I am no baker and I totally screwed-up the making of the sponge cake. How difficult is that - but I did! Anyway, determined not to have to start all over again, I mashed-up the sunken cake, grabbed a jar of Marm-A-Lite (a mix of marmalade and Marmite, made by that clever cover-designer chap, Rex, which is also in the book) and stirred it in. Then I plonked that 'mess' into a shallow casserole and put the topping on. They were fighting over it! Hard to believe, I know....
The food was prepared by Tracy and Mark Witherington, owners of the Grape Vine, a cozy bistro-cafe in Whitby and their chef, Mark Rowell. They had taken many of the menu ideas from Marmite cookery books, dating back to the 1920s. But the big hit of the night they made up themselves: black pudding with a Marmite drizzle. It's going on their permanent breakfast menu.
The other surprsing hit of the night was the dessert that I made. I started out to make the cake that is featured in the book. It's a plain sponge with an 'icing' - or 'frosting' for American readers - of melted butter and Marmite, topped with shredded Cheddar Cheese. Sounds gross but it has a loyal following around the world. But I am no baker and I totally screwed-up the making of the sponge cake. How difficult is that - but I did! Anyway, determined not to have to start all over again, I mashed-up the sunken cake, grabbed a jar of Marm-A-Lite (a mix of marmalade and Marmite, made by that clever cover-designer chap, Rex, which is also in the book) and stirred it in. Then I plonked that 'mess' into a shallow casserole and put the topping on. They were fighting over it! Hard to believe, I know....
BOOK SIGNINGS
The 'signings' - well, the ones in Britain - are over. And what a blast they've been. Have been to quite a few in my time. But never thought I'd ever do one. Have to admit, loved every minute - of all four of them.
The first one was Sunday afternoon, November 1st. I was at the Red Brick in Batley, Yorkshire. The Redbrick is a wonderful retail space, in a beautifully converted woollen mill. A Bond Street of the North! The signing was in the library coffee shop, Barca Caffe. Owner George Alexander was not only taken with the book but the fact that I started work (not counting how many years ago) down the road at the Dewsbury Reporter. Book-buyers (even non-buyers) not only enjoyed a mighty-M snack, but met my great niece, 10-year-old Ellie - who was happy to tell everyone that she did not agree with the you either love it or hate mantra. "I can take it or leave it," she pronounced. The afternoon also reunited me with one of my friends from school. I was knocked-out when Jean Overend (or, Bolton, as I knew her) turned up - with our 1954 form photo! The terrific boost for us both was that I reconised her right away, she did me - and Ellie picked us both out on the photo!
The next signing was in Newcastle, at the Blackwell Bookshop, the legendary bookshop chain, in the city centre. It was from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on November 6th. Marmite and I were up against stiff competition. The Queen was in town! At the newly-vamped museum, just down the road - which was blocked off for a while. Even so did quite well. And had some interesting exchanges with people. One young woman bought it and gave to her boy-friend over lunch. He is not a fan but she wants him to be because she can't live without it. Later she came rushing back into the store to tell me that his initial reaction to the book was that he loved it. Got a kick out of it. And said he would try to take the message I'd written to heart. It said: 'Try harder to like it!' Another buyer was an elderly gentleman, a retired French professor - who taught at Newcastle University and has lectured at Yale. He had a quick flick through the book and declared: 'I've got to have this. I'm not a particular Marmite fan but this is fascinating information.' And the message I got repeatedly was: 'That's one Christmas present solved.'
The next stop was the Saltaire Book Shop, between Bradford and Bingley, on the evening of Thursday, November 12th. The shop, an independent run by Yvonne Woodhead and David Ford, has a wonderful atmosphere - with its easy chairs, sofas and coffee-tables laid out with best-sellers next to off-the-wall offerings, like Mish-Mash! It was a terrific, fun event - thanks to the people who turned out in the most awful, wet and windy, weather. A highlight was the 'What Do You Know About Marmite?' quiz. After I'd finished chatting, we had an informative and entertaining (just like the book) Q & A session. I was extremely chuffed when one woman said: "I had no idea there was so much to Marmite." Then they were put to the test. We had a quiz. The prize was a book (of course) - but the winner was not decided until after a three-way tie-break question.
Then last, but of course by no mean least, it was the turn of the Whitby Book Shop - on the evening of Saturday, November 14th. The three of us were there - moi, illustrator Dave and cover artist Rex. It was a lively success. Obviously I was delighted - but also for manager Sue Keates, who has been remarkably supportive - both during the writing of the book and now it's a reality. Marmite fans were lured into the 'signing' by a spread of mighty-M infused goodies, similar to the ones that prompted such enthused reactions at the launch party. Maybe the wine helped too! A couple of days later I crossed 'the pond' - to do it all again. In America!
The first one was Sunday afternoon, November 1st. I was at the Red Brick in Batley, Yorkshire. The Redbrick is a wonderful retail space, in a beautifully converted woollen mill. A Bond Street of the North! The signing was in the library coffee shop, Barca Caffe. Owner George Alexander was not only taken with the book but the fact that I started work (not counting how many years ago) down the road at the Dewsbury Reporter. Book-buyers (even non-buyers) not only enjoyed a mighty-M snack, but met my great niece, 10-year-old Ellie - who was happy to tell everyone that she did not agree with the you either love it or hate mantra. "I can take it or leave it," she pronounced. The afternoon also reunited me with one of my friends from school. I was knocked-out when Jean Overend (or, Bolton, as I knew her) turned up - with our 1954 form photo! The terrific boost for us both was that I reconised her right away, she did me - and Ellie picked us both out on the photo!
The next signing was in Newcastle, at the Blackwell Bookshop, the legendary bookshop chain, in the city centre. It was from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on November 6th. Marmite and I were up against stiff competition. The Queen was in town! At the newly-vamped museum, just down the road - which was blocked off for a while. Even so did quite well. And had some interesting exchanges with people. One young woman bought it and gave to her boy-friend over lunch. He is not a fan but she wants him to be because she can't live without it. Later she came rushing back into the store to tell me that his initial reaction to the book was that he loved it. Got a kick out of it. And said he would try to take the message I'd written to heart. It said: 'Try harder to like it!' Another buyer was an elderly gentleman, a retired French professor - who taught at Newcastle University and has lectured at Yale. He had a quick flick through the book and declared: 'I've got to have this. I'm not a particular Marmite fan but this is fascinating information.' And the message I got repeatedly was: 'That's one Christmas present solved.'
The next stop was the Saltaire Book Shop, between Bradford and Bingley, on the evening of Thursday, November 12th. The shop, an independent run by Yvonne Woodhead and David Ford, has a wonderful atmosphere - with its easy chairs, sofas and coffee-tables laid out with best-sellers next to off-the-wall offerings, like Mish-Mash! It was a terrific, fun event - thanks to the people who turned out in the most awful, wet and windy, weather. A highlight was the 'What Do You Know About Marmite?' quiz. After I'd finished chatting, we had an informative and entertaining (just like the book) Q & A session. I was extremely chuffed when one woman said: "I had no idea there was so much to Marmite." Then they were put to the test. We had a quiz. The prize was a book (of course) - but the winner was not decided until after a three-way tie-break question.
Then last, but of course by no mean least, it was the turn of the Whitby Book Shop - on the evening of Saturday, November 14th. The three of us were there - moi, illustrator Dave and cover artist Rex. It was a lively success. Obviously I was delighted - but also for manager Sue Keates, who has been remarkably supportive - both during the writing of the book and now it's a reality. Marmite fans were lured into the 'signing' by a spread of mighty-M infused goodies, similar to the ones that prompted such enthused reactions at the launch party. Maybe the wine helped too! A couple of days later I crossed 'the pond' - to do it all again. In America!
MOUNTING MENTIONS!
Mish-Mash is reaping good media coverage. Stories have appeared in several British national newspapers, ie the Independent ( http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/marmite-its-spreading-all-over-1823086.html), the Sun and the Times; been mentioned on BBC Five Live (radio) and attracted pithy comment from the Have I Got News for You team on BBC 2 (TV). Live interviews have been aired on BBC Radio Tees, BBC West Yorkshire, BBCNewcastle, Yorkshire Coast Radio and Talk Radio Europe.The Burton Mail - the Marmite factory is in the Staffordshire town it serves - ran a page feature, as have several other regional papers, including the Sunday Sun (www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/2009/11/08/w). The Hill Rag, of Washington DC, ran a good article(http://www.capitalcommunitynews.com/CCN_Website09/publicationhtml/papers/HR/1109/LiteraryHill1109.html More coverage, print and broadcast, is in the pipe-line.
A BOOK FOR ALL GIFTS!
The THE MISH-MASH DICTIONARY OF MARMITE is going great guns! People are really cottoning on to the fact that it's an every occasion gift. It's available from online booksellers on both sides of 'the pond', around Europe and everywhere else around the world, including Australia, India and Japan. But, of course, the best thing to do is buy it from your local independent bookshop.
The Reviews Roll In!
From Amazon
***** Tasty from A to Z
By BRICH "Bar"
Maggie Hall's Mish Mash Dictionary of Marmite is full of fascinating and fun facts. It's a surprising blend of product info, history, recipes, cartoons and reasons for brand loyalty or loathing. What a grand tour of the British psyche and sense of humor, as well as its breakfast table.
***** Tasty from A to Z
By BRICH "Bar"
Maggie Hall's Mish Mash Dictionary of Marmite is full of fascinating and fun facts. It's a surprising blend of product info, history, recipes, cartoons and reasons for brand loyalty or loathing. What a grand tour of the British psyche and sense of humor, as well as its breakfast table.
A Taste of the Mish-Mash Marmite Dictionary "A" Section
Art: Yes there is Marmite art. And as the Ubiquitous quip goes: “at last they’ve found a good use for it!
Marmart, as it’s dubbed, was a 2006 publicity campaign organized by Marmite’s owner, Unilever, in a bid to promote what a good idea it would be to retrieve it from a squeezy bottle. Top illustrator Dermot Flynn was roped in. He produced 10 pieces of toast, all adorned with a squeezy likeness of a group of you-either-love-‘em-or-hate-‘em personalities. Those featured were music mogul Simon Cowell; former prime minister Margaret Thatcher; WAG and occasional singer Victoria “Posh” Beckham; singers Charlotte Church and James Blunt; conservative leader David Cameron; chef Gordon Ramsay; actor Jude Law; bad-boy rocker Pete Doherty; and Big Brother contestant Nikki Grahame.
Frankly, it was difficult to identify some of them. But thanks to the sway that anything Marmite has on many, the “art” was hung in the prestigious Air Gallery in London’s Dover Street. And no, the squeezy impregnated toast collection was not eaten afterwards. It was put up for auction, on e-bay, and bought for the lofty sum of £920 by Wayne Withers—as a Christmas present for his wife Lisa.
Marmart, as it’s dubbed, was a 2006 publicity campaign organized by Marmite’s owner, Unilever, in a bid to promote what a good idea it would be to retrieve it from a squeezy bottle. Top illustrator Dermot Flynn was roped in. He produced 10 pieces of toast, all adorned with a squeezy likeness of a group of you-either-love-‘em-or-hate-‘em personalities. Those featured were music mogul Simon Cowell; former prime minister Margaret Thatcher; WAG and occasional singer Victoria “Posh” Beckham; singers Charlotte Church and James Blunt; conservative leader David Cameron; chef Gordon Ramsay; actor Jude Law; bad-boy rocker Pete Doherty; and Big Brother contestant Nikki Grahame.
Frankly, it was difficult to identify some of them. But thanks to the sway that anything Marmite has on many, the “art” was hung in the prestigious Air Gallery in London’s Dover Street. And no, the squeezy impregnated toast collection was not eaten afterwards. It was put up for auction, on e-bay, and bought for the lofty sum of £920 by Wayne Withers—as a Christmas present for his wife Lisa.
A Nibble from Mish Mash Marmite Dictionary "B" Section
Baldness: a myth that refuses to die is that Marmite can cure or reverse hair-loss.
The theory, fueled by the rich amounts of B-vitamins in Marmite, was first uncovered by researcher Jonathan Langley. During a study of urban myths and legends he discovered that men – especially Northerners – were given to smearing Marmite on their shiny pates.
In a letter to Marketing Week magazine, he revealed: “Appreciable, and sometimes spectacular, regrowth is said to result when Marmite is liberally and regularly applied to balding heads and left overnight.” He added: “Converts are easily recognized by their curiously colored, ebony hair and a pervasive odour.”
The theory, fueled by the rich amounts of B-vitamins in Marmite, was first uncovered by researcher Jonathan Langley. During a study of urban myths and legends he discovered that men – especially Northerners – were given to smearing Marmite on their shiny pates.
In a letter to Marketing Week magazine, he revealed: “Appreciable, and sometimes spectacular, regrowth is said to result when Marmite is liberally and regularly applied to balding heads and left overnight.” He added: “Converts are easily recognized by their curiously colored, ebony hair and a pervasive odour.”
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