Well, it’s been a while but this time I really am back.

I have been um-ing and ah-ing how to relaunch Not Sophia Loren for a good couple of weeks, and as per my indecisive personality, I’ve been well and truly stumped. Then on this fine (miserable), bright (bleak), British January morning I settled on holding myself accountable for all the gastronomic endeavours I will share this forthcoming year.

I’m all for New Year’s Resolutions, honestly, I think they’re great. Although, I’m also the type of person who will become momentarily infatuated by something for a few days, weeks or even months, before deciding ‘maybe it’s not for me’. I’ve read lots about resolutions over the past week. Don’t take on too many, don’t change your entire routine at once, be kind to yourself, focus on a different element each month, try taking up rather than giving up. All perfectly valid points, but in my mind, they seem like excuses to fall off the log and let another year of resolutions slowly fade away.

So after taking the time to cook, eat and relax over the festive period, I’ve compiled a short list of all the things I’d like to achieve with Not Sophia Loren this year and sharing them will hold me accountable for a check in at the end of 2023.

This year I will:

• Eat out more. Economically responsibly, of course, but there are so many restaurants to explore across London, and the UK, so I will not be resorting to the familiar faces of restaurants of the past. Excluding nostalgic reasonings, i.e. Birthdays etc.
• Travel more. A different city or country every month. Again finances play a pretty significant role here, however, I refuse to believe it’s thaaaat expensive as that seems to be popping up at the moment are those ‘affordable weekend away’ ads. So I’m going to become that person. The list so far consists of: Oslo, Padova, Istanbul, Ovideo and Vienna. Suggestions welcome, as always.
• Cook more. If you follow @notsophialoren on Instagram, you’ll know I like to cook, but this year I’m going to be more adventurous. Recycling recipes isn’t a crime, but, I really would like to challenge myself a bit more and brighten up the meal prep Tupperware’s.
• Read and write more. As my father has always reminded me, the two come hand in hand. Reading more of the work of chefs, journalists and reporters is bound to expand my gastronomic lexicon. I’m also certain that the more read this year, the more inspired I will be to share content of my own. Stay tuned…
• Experiment with new formats. During my Masters I learnt so much about how best to create and share content, from Instagram reels to longer form mini documentaries. I’m not saying I’m going to take on the ‘influencer’ role, but enough with the embarrassment of sharing what I’m passionate about. Tried my hand at a cooking TikTok on New Year’s Eve and whilst it’s no Wes Anderson cinematic masterpiece, it was fun and a nice little cooking crusade as I tired a slow cooked beef ragu recipe.

There are of course other plans and challenges I have for the new year, but let’s see if I can handle the above for now and we can always add more.

I feel this almost resembles a diary entry and for that I apologise, but New Year New Me?! (I am kidding, this is purely an accountability piece, professional journalism will resume soon.)