A note to Cail Bruich: when you advertise gravad lax with salad and rye bread, do not serve sour-dough bread. It is not the same. Also, consider serving the sour-dough rye bread with a smidgen of butter. Just saying. Ah, I am nursing a post-birthday hangover (although not due to any alcohol consumption - perish the thought! - just general enthusiasm). So many of you have sent me birthday greetings - thank you so, so much - and I will make sure to get back to each and every one of you. It might take a few days, but you'll get a personal thank you.

However, someone is having a very special birthday today! Happy birthday, Charles!