It’s Season 12! And today’s guest is a truly special season opener - someone whose vibrant personality, culinary expertise, and passion for storytelling has made her a beloved figure on both sides of the Atlantic. Of course we are joined by the fabulous, Andi Oliver.

Andi is a multi-talented dynamo who has worn many hats throughout her illustrious career. She’s a renowned chef, a charismatic TV presenter, and a celebrated musician. From her early days as a punk rock singer in the band Rip Rig + Panic alongside the legendary Neneh Cherry, to her captivating presence on shows like "The Great British Menu" and "Beat the Chef", to working as a restauranteur and writing best selling cookbooks, and hosting her fantastic podcast Stirring it Up with her daughter Miquita, Andi’s life has truly had many many chapters.

We discuss her Antiguan heritage, her special connection to the island and what that has meant to her over the years, as well as, on a more serious note, the challenges she has faced being a woman of Caribbean descent in the UK. We’ll delve into the stories behind her favourite dishes, her culinary inspirations, and much more.

So, buckle up and join us as we get started with Andi.

Destination Recap:

Holly -

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos

Andi -

Limassol, Cyprus
Suffolk, England
Antigua
The Pepperpot Rum Shop, Antigua
New York City, NY, USA
Modena, Italy
Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico
Playa del Muerte, Mexico
Kenya
Soldier Bay, Antigua
Barbuda
Nobu Barbuda
Northcote Hall, Blackburn, England
Plates London - Plant-Based Restaurant & Food Studio, London, England
Puerto Rico
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Spain
Japan

With thanks to Curtain Bluff hotel in Antigua who are supporting today’s episode.

Thanks so much for listening today. If you'd like to hear more from the podcast don’t forget to hit subscribe, or if you use Apple Podcasts to press follow so that a new episode lands in your podcast app each week. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week’s episode come and follow me on Instagram and TikTok - I’d love to hear from you. And if you can't want until then remember there’s the first nine seasons to catch up on, that's over 100 episodes to keep you busy there. Don't forget that all the destinations mentioned by my guests are included in the episode show notes here on your podcast app, and listed on my website, thetraveldiariespodcast.com

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