One of the joys of living on the Isle of Wight is the opportunity to behave like a tourist. I have a range of outings from cycling the downs to a certain pub, to going to Ventnor for a Minghella's ice-cream a walk to Steephill Cove along the cliffs for a crab pasty and then back to Ventnor seafront where I can buy fantastic fresh local crab. Blakes Hut (recommended) has been established since 1830. The simple hut has gone and has been replaced with a splendid wet fish shop on the harbour wall. They sell freshly caught fish, freshly prepared crab and lobster and the seasonally short and rare Bembridge prawns.

On the way home I buy organic eggs from Godshill Organics and when I get home I make a simple, delicious crab omelette, served with a green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and scattered with shavings of fresh parmesan cheese what more can one ask for from the Isle of Wight.

We also like Hamilton Butcher's speciality sausages, the rare breed beef from China Shop. Calbourne Dairies produce a delicious tasting clotted cream and wonderful natural yogurt and, the ginger pudding. Brownriggs Poultry produce wonderful Bronze Turkeys. Lovely Apple juice comes from Sharron Orchard. We also like one of the Isle of Wight Cheese  the plain round soft one which reminds me a little of Vignotte, although I doubt if it is made of tripple cream. We also love the Island's own tomato ketchup - really fruity and fresh. Heinz eat your heart out.

I only recommend those foods produced on the Island that are of exceptional flavour. I wish it was everything.

I strongly object to credit card fines for not spending enough - I have to ask what kind of customer service that is?

Dairy Deli - Shalfleet

Best "Food Shop" Award

From farm yard to main road - this has got to be a wise move. Operated by Jill Caywood of Calbourne Classics I already know I am going to pick up some great puds. You can even have a coffee and a piece of indulgent chocolate brownie after you have shopped - not before, if you are like me a full tummy puts me off shopping for food. I like the Dairy Deli because I can buy everything I need to feed us for a week, including baby, and, I can buy washing up liquid for the Brawn to clean the dishes afterwards.

Farmer Jacks - Arreton

I have a bad time with farm shops as a) you need a car to get to them and b) they are usually expensive. They are more a lifestyle choice than a service to the general community. I do however like the new Farmer Jacks shop at Arreton. I can generally get a weeks shopping there. I can pick up a few unusual bits and I can support poor local farmers at the same time. The best news is that they are no more expensive than Waitrose - in some cases cheaper and as the majority of the Island has to get in their car to drive to this posh supermarket, I recommend that you try Farmer Jacks instead. debit/credit card limit £5.00

Godshill Organics

Where we get our ingredients from is becoming increasingly important in an age where we are encouraged to buy from local producers. Even supermarkets have recognised  the growing trend towards local supplies and are now stocking produce grown in the area as well as organic food.

Godshill Organics is a totally committed no compromise organic supermarket. I have watched them develop the business over the past 12 years and they deserve enormous credit for what they have given the Island. You can do a full weeks shop here, vegetables, meat, cleaning products, cosmetics, convenience foods and even organic clothes. Their beef is excellent and I have high hopes for their soon to arrive own reared pork.

Their new butchery is proving a great success, offering tender, tasty meat. Credit/Debit Card limit of £5.00