So Valentine’s Day rolls around again and while not everyone choses to celebrate, Italians it seems, always have.  Baci chocolates have been exchanged between lovers since 1922 and the word literally translate as ‘kisses’ (this stuff writes itself!) These hazelnut spattered treats in milk, dark or white chocolate always include a message of love or friendship inside the wrapper.  In accordance with our wonderfully multicultural society, the sweet sentiments are written in English, French, Spanish and of course Italian and are words from the likes of Walt Whitman and Federico Garcia Lorca (a totally famous Spanish poet in the early 1900’s). Perfect for your Valentine.

That said, who determined that Valentine’s Day had to be about romantic love?  And if they did so what!  These days many of us have friendships that last longer than their relationships.  The people in your life that stood by you during breakups and breakdowns, laughed with you through the night and stayed with you in the early hours of the morning.  If they don’t deserve some thanks, or better still a celebratory glass of Limoncello or Prosecco, then no one does!

So we say you get to honour whichever kind of love that you like this February 14th.  Be it parental, sibling, friendship or romance, any excuse to show those you care that you care is worth, at the least the price of a box of chocolates eh?

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Limoncello.

It’s usually the month when you deny yourself.  However with its long, dark, cold nights when many of us are paying for the indulgences of the previous season, if there’s ever a time when you need a pick me up, it’s January.   Here at Limoncello we are talking about food and drinks reported to be good for us though perhaps aren’t necessarily slimming.  

Truffles
Free from cholesterol, truffles also include many of the minerals us humans need to live including zinc and iron. They are also a good (albeit rather pricey) source of protein which is especially relevant for vegetarians who cannot get this through meat.

Chocolate
As long as its at least 75% and eaten in moderation (quite important that) this wonder substance could have a myriad of benefits. This includes disarming free radicals – posh way of saying it’s an antioxidant – and helping lower blood pressure. It has even been advised it could help blood flow to the brain so in a way chocolate makes you more clever!

Red Wine
The jury's out here with some studies saying its good for us and others saying ‘Yeah not so much’. Previously it was reported in a Biomed Central Journal and Journal of Women’s health that it could help in reducing incidences of depression and colon/breast cancers. A little common sense is required here.

Chilli
www.whfoods.com advises cultures where hot pepper is used liberally have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism, so good news for those that want a healthy heart. It also has Vitamins A, E and several other vowels and consonants that help run our bodies.

Its important to note that much of the evidence suggested uses woolly phrases like “may”, “might” and “could”. It also suggests moderate use, especially the wine and chocolate. So advice about these foods are is to be taken with a pinch of salt... though not literally of course. That said being aware of what we put in our mouths can’t be a bad thing, at Limoncello we believe in Eatucation, which means if you see a flavour in our deli you haven’t experienced before ask and we’ll give you a no obligations taster.
What are you waiting for?

It’s an annual event that goes from busy to well stupidly, insanely busy… but in a good way.  Mill Road has fast become one of Cambridge’s treasures and the Winter Fair, which takes place on the first Saturday of the month, is a celebration of all that is independent and unique.

The day starts off with one of the main roads in the city closed to traffic and builds to a crescendo as a vast majority of the town’s population descends, on foot, to one street.  Here at Limoncello we love it as we get the opportunity to meet as many of our customers as possible. The atmosphere is infectious as we provide them with a little Christmas cheer in the way of tasty treats including a selection of cheeses, meats, pestos and our world famous panettone. And for those feeling the wind's bite there's mulled wine with an Italian twist!

As Steve Turvill, owner of Limoncello advised ‘The great thing about the Mill Road Winter Fair is the opportunity to meet and greet more people from a wider area than usual and give them a little taste of Italy’.

And when the madness has died down and the shop swept clean, Limoncello customers get a treat as they can enjoy our tasting policy any day of the week. This means it’s our aim to let you try anything you are intending to buy, so you are completely happy with your purchase. 

Mill Road Winter Fair was again an outstanding success and if you were only in town for the day we can’t wait to welcome you again next year. That said if you’re lucky enough to be a local, we're looking forward to seeing you back to try any of the products you couldn't get to on the craziest day of the Cambridge Independent Calendar.  Make every day a Mill Road Winter Fair day at Limoncello!