It seems that on an annual regularity that a certain D-listed non-celebrity makes the headlines on this page. "How and Why?" we hear you ask. This gentleman is no film star, no Beckham, no peer-of-the-realm, but a chap who will happily wear lycra with the finesse of the Michelin Man, enjoy a few beers, and all in the cause of raising money for charity.

    Barking Power Station or barking mad.. We would elect to go for the latter because Americatessen's Managing Director, Damian Curzon-Price has yet has yet again cycled all the way from London to Paris on another charitable mission. Mad indeed! This was Damian's eleventh "Pedal to Paris" trip - yes, ELEVENTH. There are only four people left who have achieved this level whilst raising money for the Royal British Legion. Last year, trip #10, the elite five (as it was then) were allowed to lead the entire group of over 300 cyclists, police escort, support crew, and other cycling clubs who had tagged onto the end . the last 2km as they rode up the Champs Elysee to the finish at the Arc de Triomphe. What an emotion that was.

    Elite or elusive? Well, occasionally some of them can be caught refuelling at a ... petrol station ! Or is it a 'beer station'?

    On the subject of beer, Damian and a few friends (11 men and one truly amazing woman) formed the "Team-Cobra Beer" cycling team last year, and with the support of the nominee product, a new club evolved. A spokesman for the team said "we are a cycling club, with a great appetite for a good curry, fun, charity work, and the mutual appreciation of a fine beverage".

As this brochure goes to press, a news headline is being released. This year sees many new changes in the structure of Americatessen, not only finance and accounting side, but also on the structural side too.

    At the end of February a massive fire in the adjacent building left us engulfed in thick smoke which deposited a film of ghastly black soot over everything. Yes; EVERYTHING!

    It ruined the neighbouring building, and nearly ruined all of our stock too. Customers awaiting orders were notified, replacement stock ordered, and within 3 weeks we have had full replacement. And more. With two more containers on the way we are already up to 75% availability of all stock. This will increase to about 95% by April, and hope to keep it that way.

Now we also have a fully refurbished building too. It has given as a time to reflect and move on. A redesigned website is up, on-line ordering facility available, weekly updates to customers, and several promotions are planned for the coming year.

    We are now a new clean, lean, and mean streamlined machine. And proud of it.

    That "ill wind of fate that blows nobody an good" has blown! This new Price List offers several new and exciting products and better still, due to a weak dollar, several LOWER PRICES.

ENJOY !