GastroBitch was a name I toyed with when trying to come up with something catchy for my food blog. However, I knew that it would ellicit mail from probable sadomasochists looking for some dirty action. At least now however the name can be employed as a pseudonym for my new beautiful bitch, ‘Bear’, an 8 week old Wheaten Terrier.

One might think it a little odd to be writing about dogs on a food blog however they are inextricably linked. Specifically dogs share a remarkable similarity with us foodies in that their whole lives revolve around food. In essence they live to eat. My late food-centric hound, Brount, had a more discerning and discriminating palate than most humans. His tremendous appetite and appreciation for food made him a gourmand of the highest order. I imagine him now in doggy heaven tucking into a ten course degustation menu.

My husband recoils in horror when I reminisce about Brounts extravagant predilection for the delights of Foie Gras, Pavlova and whipped cream and has issued strict instructions that GastroBitch will only eat regular dog food. Naturally I appease him whilst deviously knowing I will never be able to resist the allure of those puppy dog eyes…