Last week I was invited to a fabulous lunch put on by McCormick (makers of herbs and spices among other things) to hear how they've looked into their foodie crystal ball and are brave enough to predict five key global food trends for 2013. Known as the McCormick Flavour Forecast®, they've pulled together the best hunches from their chefs, sensory scientists, dietitians and culinary trend trackers to have a stab at forecasting what will be in fashion for the year head.

For all of you who were asking, these are the things I really enjoyed - the best fun and my fondest memories - from my trip to wonderful New York City. It all took place in July and August 2012 when I journeyed there for a blogger's conference. Well life is never all work. Gotta have some play!  Enjoy!

Dirt Candy is a tiny, 18-seater restaurant in the East Village in New York. Blink and you’d miss it walking by. There’s no sign, just a small menu board outside, in a funky but nondescript street between First Ave and Street A. On a recent trip to New York, I was keen to sample its offerings as the owner’s manifesto fits with my nutrition goal – to make vegetables more interesting and attractive to eat.

New York is all about food, from Jewish delis to fine dining French bistros and Sunday farmers’ markets. On a recent trip to New York for a blogging conference, I couldn’t resist spending half a day wandering through the popular Chelsea Market.  It’s great foodie destination and I’d love to share with you what took my fancy inside that emporium. If you’re heading to New York, I definitely recommend a visit to look at the lovely seasonal produce, sample artisan fare and eat a light meal.