There was high praise for the canapés at Howard Jacobson’s book launch last night. This was no crisps and warm white wine in Waterstone’s affair – Jacobson’s esteemed guests were treated to caviar blinis, cacio e pepe arancini and crab taquitos, all in the opulent gold setting of the Fitzrovia Chapel. But one person who would not touch the tasty morsels with a barge pole? Nigella Lawson. “I don’t like eating canapés at parties. I like to focus on my food,” she said with gravitas. Perhaps a cocktail sausage is best consumed in the privacy of one’s own home.
We caught up with Grayson Perry, who said he is having a wonderful time writing a musical about his life which will debut in Birmingham next year. “We’re going for full on Broadway type of music, we’re not going for anything arty,” said the artist-turned-lyricist. They have not yet decided who will play Perry, but he does have a few requirements. “They have to be a really good singer. And not too beefy – I’m relatively svelte”. He added that the secret to shapely calves is to cycle everywhere – especially in heels.
