One thing I find extremely difficult to decline is a invitation to lunch and even more difficult than that an invitation to dinner. It becomes even worst when I know that the person or group of people who will be there not only like their food, but also like their drink. I don't know what it is, but if for whatever reason I can't attend then I get extremely upset. It's like some kind of obsession, or a certain kind of condition. I start feeling stressed and my heart rates is on the increase.
Does anyone know if there is a name for these sort of reactions? Don't get me wrong, if I am invited somewhere that I know the food will be well below standard then I will very easily make my excuses, but if I've been promised some half-decent fare then it's a bit like an allergic reaction. The symptoms are almost immediate.
The only way to calm myself is to immediately try and make alternative arrangements. Something nice to reward myself for seccesfully restraining myself and declining the invitation. Thinking about it I better call my friends and see who I can arrange the next dinner with..
I just had to decline one such invitation, the symptoms have started.. I am already on the phone to friends..Please, please tell me I'm not the only one..
Monday 28 February 2011
Mash potato recipe
Ok, I know this is really basic, but it's comfort food and hey don't we love it! This is my version, if you have any other tips or suggestions please leave your comments.
Cut the potatoes in equal pieces so they cook at the same time. If you will be mashing them then peel them otherwise no need to peel. When they are cooked-you will know when a fork goes through easily, think of butter- note: better that you overcook them than under cook them- put in a colander and drain. Leave them for 3-4 minutes and then place in a bowl. Add butter and salt and pepper. If you want texture smash them. For creamy mash some milk, the amount will depend on how creamy you want them.
TIP: If you smash them try adding chopped spring onions and a clove of crushed garlic-adds to the colour.
Cut the potatoes in equal pieces so they cook at the same time. If you will be mashing them then peel them otherwise no need to peel. When they are cooked-you will know when a fork goes through easily, think of butter- note: better that you overcook them than under cook them- put in a colander and drain. Leave them for 3-4 minutes and then place in a bowl. Add butter and salt and pepper. If you want texture smash them. For creamy mash some milk, the amount will depend on how creamy you want them.
TIP: If you smash them try adding chopped spring onions and a clove of crushed garlic-adds to the colour.
Sunday 27 February 2011
Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes
Like most of us I do like pasta. I find it so versatile and you can make it using all sorts of ingredients that you may have.
This recipe is very quick and easy to make. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and I love the contrast of colours.
Serves 2
Ingredients
200g spaghetti
4-6 tomatoes,chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions.
Put the olive oil in a pan and heat. Add the garlic and the tomatoes. Allow the tomatoes to cook and add salt and pepper to taste. Drain the spaghetti and add to your sauce. Sprinkle the basil and mix together. Ready to serve! You can add grated Parmesan if you like. I prefer this without as I like to be able to smell and taste the tomatoes.
TIP: You can use cherry tomatoes, no need to chop these.
This recipe is very quick and easy to make. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and I love the contrast of colours.
Serves 2
Ingredients
200g spaghetti
4-6 tomatoes,chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions.
Put the olive oil in a pan and heat. Add the garlic and the tomatoes. Allow the tomatoes to cook and add salt and pepper to taste. Drain the spaghetti and add to your sauce. Sprinkle the basil and mix together. Ready to serve! You can add grated Parmesan if you like. I prefer this without as I like to be able to smell and taste the tomatoes.
TIP: You can use cherry tomatoes, no need to chop these.
Friday 25 February 2011
Cafe Berri, Paris
I arrived in Paris Paris
We arrived and checked into the hotel just after . Perfect timing for lunch. To save from walking around for hours we went accross the road to the first brasserie we saw. From the outside this place looked like the rest. We walked in to be greeted by friendly staff and shown to a table. Looking around this place had a modern twist to the traditional. Very refreshing. The lunchtime clientele were mostly professionals either there on meetings or just their lunch break.
On bringing the menus, our waiter, realising we were not french, took his time in explaining the specials. He even showed us some dishes he was serving other tables in case there was any doubt as to what we would be ordering! A wide selection of food, I was predictable in choosing the entrecote. My friend chose the duck. The entrecote came traditionally served with frites and quality to match. The duck was beautifully presented on a bed of mash potatoes which were perfectly textured and flavoured. The duck was also perfectly cooked.
For dessert I had a trio of fruits, chocolate mousse & crème brulee served with an espresso. I think the crème brulee was slightly overcooked, but hey, it was still delicious. My friend had the apple tart which looked divine and I was assured tasted so as well.
If you find yourself around the Champs-Elysees this place is worth seeking out, located just off the main stretch. Cost for two courses for two with a glass of wine each around €50.
Cafe Berri, 19 RueDe Berri , 75008 Paris
We arrived and checked into the hotel just after . Perfect timing for lunch. To save from walking around for hours we went accross the road to the first brasserie we saw. From the outside this place looked like the rest. We walked in to be greeted by friendly staff and shown to a table. Looking around this place had a modern twist to the traditional. Very refreshing. The lunchtime clientele were mostly professionals either there on meetings or just their lunch break.
On bringing the menus, our waiter, realising we were not french, took his time in explaining the specials. He even showed us some dishes he was serving other tables in case there was any doubt as to what we would be ordering! A wide selection of food, I was predictable in choosing the entrecote. My friend chose the duck. The entrecote came traditionally served with frites and quality to match. The duck was beautifully presented on a bed of mash potatoes which were perfectly textured and flavoured. The duck was also perfectly cooked.
For dessert I had a trio of fruits, chocolate mousse & crème brulee served with an espresso. I think the crème brulee was slightly overcooked, but hey, it was still delicious. My friend had the apple tart which looked divine and I was assured tasted so as well.
If you find yourself around the Champs-Elysees this place is worth seeking out, located just off the main stretch. Cost for two courses for two with a glass of wine each around €50.
Cafe Berri, 19 Rue
Tuesday 22 February 2011
Staying local
Don't you sometimes find yourself with no plans for the weekend? You can stay in, catch up with your friends on facebook, read the papers, watch that film you downloaded weeks ago, call your friends. The list goes on and on.
Like all of us I too find myself waking up on a Sunday, no plans, faced with this list. I decide I will go out and read the papers over a cup of coffee and maybe a bite to eat. Thing is I just want to be able to go somewhere within walking distance. No trains, buses, cabs, just walking. I head out, aiming for one of my many, I'm lucky to say, local places. I ask for the papers and settle down. Having, ordered coffee, I browse over the food menu. In spite all of my best intentions and the fact that I am of course dieting, I decide to order something. What harm can it do anyway, seeing as I have no lunch or dinner plans. If I'm feeling extremely guilty from the previous night's food and alcohol intake I just might opt for a fruit salad, otherwise it's something sweet. You know the sort, something with a healthy twist: a ricotta cheesecake.
After I've skimmed through every page of my chosen Sunday paper and have very thoroughly read through the travel section, I ask for the bill. If the sun is out I will keep up the healthy start and take the scenic route, which is also the long(er) way home.
As I get up to leave, my phone alerts me to a message. A friend, who also lives locally, asks if I am free for lunch. Well of course I am free, which is why I am local! A couple of texts later and we are meeting up in 20 minutes at our local pub. Take note: we stay local, which makes it ok!
Three hours later I am finally walking home, having consumed infinitely more calories than originally intended. I take the short route. As for the original morning list I have at least been successful in reading the papers. Till the next 'free' day then..
On this note, one of my favourite locals worth a mention is a Moroccan restaurant/bar called Doukan. They serve the loveliest coffee and in the morning sweets and pastries. The decor is of course Moroccan but not overwhelmingly so. The service is very friendly- just the way a local should be. Even if you are not local but find yourself in the area I do recommend it, the food is also excellent. Coffee and sweet for one will cost around £6.
If you have any favourite locals then please share.
Doukan, 350 Old York Rd, Wandsworth, London SW18 1SS, Tel: 020 8870 8280
Like all of us I too find myself waking up on a Sunday, no plans, faced with this list. I decide I will go out and read the papers over a cup of coffee and maybe a bite to eat. Thing is I just want to be able to go somewhere within walking distance. No trains, buses, cabs, just walking. I head out, aiming for one of my many, I'm lucky to say, local places. I ask for the papers and settle down. Having, ordered coffee, I browse over the food menu. In spite all of my best intentions and the fact that I am of course dieting, I decide to order something. What harm can it do anyway, seeing as I have no lunch or dinner plans. If I'm feeling extremely guilty from the previous night's food and alcohol intake I just might opt for a fruit salad, otherwise it's something sweet. You know the sort, something with a healthy twist: a ricotta cheesecake.
After I've skimmed through every page of my chosen Sunday paper and have very thoroughly read through the travel section, I ask for the bill. If the sun is out I will keep up the healthy start and take the scenic route, which is also the long(er) way home.
As I get up to leave, my phone alerts me to a message. A friend, who also lives locally, asks if I am free for lunch. Well of course I am free, which is why I am local! A couple of texts later and we are meeting up in 20 minutes at our local pub. Take note: we stay local, which makes it ok!
Three hours later I am finally walking home, having consumed infinitely more calories than originally intended. I take the short route. As for the original morning list I have at least been successful in reading the papers. Till the next 'free' day then..
On this note, one of my favourite locals worth a mention is a Moroccan restaurant/bar called Doukan. They serve the loveliest coffee and in the morning sweets and pastries. The decor is of course Moroccan but not overwhelmingly so. The service is very friendly- just the way a local should be. Even if you are not local but find yourself in the area I do recommend it, the food is also excellent. Coffee and sweet for one will cost around £6.
If you have any favourite locals then please share.
Doukan, 350 Old York Rd, Wandsworth, London SW18 1SS, Tel: 020 8870 8280
Saturday 19 February 2011
Burger recipe
This is a favourite of mine, it’s very quick and you can prepare the mixture ahead.
Serves 4
Ingredients
500g lean beef mince (don’t use extra-lean mince as the burgers will be too dry)
2 Tablespoons of breadcrumbs
1 medium egg
2 medium tomatoes-grated
½ medium onion-finely chopped
1 spoonful finely chopped parsley
1 Tablespoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon mild chilli
1 Tablesoon Salt
1/2 Tablespoon Pepper
Sparkling water, if required
Method
This is so simple. Add the ingredients-except the sparkling water to the mince and mix together. You want your burgers to be moist, so if your mixture is looking a bit tough add sparkling water and mix in.
Shape the mixture into burgers by flattening between your hands- it doesn’t really matter what they look like- they will still taste lovely
You can cook these in a pan with some olive oil or butter or you can even barbeque them. However make sure that you cook on medium heat as you want these cooked through, otherwise they will just burn on the outside.
You can serve with a salad and yogurt.
TIP- if you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can toast some bread and make breadcrumbs, alternatively you can grate Ryvita’s!
Friday 18 February 2011
Teamwork
For most of us I think we think of a plate of food. How about plates of food?
Think of Spanish tapas, Greek mezze, Lebanese dishes and so on. There’s something
to be said about sharing food.
For example, have you tried team building dinner at a Lebanese restaurant? Firstly, come the menus. The choice of all those small starter dishes and then the more substantial dishes. Even the worst communicating group of people will immediately start the discussion as to what to order? Ice breaker no 1! Then comes the food, usually in random sequence. Again, even if there is no common ground amongst the group, a discussion will inevitably evolve around food. As the dishes are passed round, then start the comparisons and opinions. Sharing of identical food is a shared experience, it creates a bond.
And then comes the wine, even if one is not an avid drinker, when sharing food in this manner, everyone will have at least one! Observe this some time. People seem to let their hair down and conversation starts deviating from food to wine and then on to any other random subject, be it football or comments about the quiet couple at the next table. All this takes teamwork. By the end of the night you will have made some new best friends!
So if you are at a loss as to the next office team building event, I highly recommend this approach. If you are on a budget I can suggest a charming little place: Massis. Massis is a Lebanese restaurant located just off Oxford Street at St Christopher’s place. You can opt to sit inside but even in the winter I would still recommend al fresco dining. The heaters will keep you warm. Massis has great food and all very reasonably priced. You can choose from a selection of cold and warm starters, I recommend you try at least one of the kibbeh or the falafel. There is also a fantastic selection of grilled dishes. If you are uncertain try the mixed grill. In the theme of teamwork you can share this also. Typically with wine, cost for two people is around £50.
Massis: 28 James Street, London, W1U 1EW
Think of Spanish tapas, Greek mezze, Lebanese dishes and so on. There’s something
to be said about sharing food.
For example, have you tried team building dinner at a Lebanese restaurant? Firstly, come the menus. The choice of all those small starter dishes and then the more substantial dishes. Even the worst communicating group of people will immediately start the discussion as to what to order? Ice breaker no 1! Then comes the food, usually in random sequence. Again, even if there is no common ground amongst the group, a discussion will inevitably evolve around food. As the dishes are passed round, then start the comparisons and opinions. Sharing of identical food is a shared experience, it creates a bond.
And then comes the wine, even if one is not an avid drinker, when sharing food in this manner, everyone will have at least one! Observe this some time. People seem to let their hair down and conversation starts deviating from food to wine and then on to any other random subject, be it football or comments about the quiet couple at the next table. All this takes teamwork. By the end of the night you will have made some new best friends!
So if you are at a loss as to the next office team building event, I highly recommend this approach. If you are on a budget I can suggest a charming little place: Massis. Massis is a Lebanese restaurant located just off Oxford Street at St Christopher’s place. You can opt to sit inside but even in the winter I would still recommend al fresco dining. The heaters will keep you warm. Massis has great food and all very reasonably priced. You can choose from a selection of cold and warm starters, I recommend you try at least one of the kibbeh or the falafel. There is also a fantastic selection of grilled dishes. If you are uncertain try the mixed grill. In the theme of teamwork you can share this also. Typically with wine, cost for two people is around £50.
Massis: 28 James Street, London, W1U 1EW
Thursday 17 February 2011
It's a personal thing
Cooking. I find it such a personal thing. I’m not a chef, I just cook. Do I enjoy it? Thoroughly. Don’t you find it so rewarding with the end result, the full meal is so enjoyed your guests promise, maybe even threaten to come back again for more?
The thing is though, I will only cook for a select few. And this is the truth, so far at least. I am ecstatic when good friends accept an invitation to come round for lunch or dinner. But, when on the subject of food with others, I find myself shying away from any hints or suggestions that I cook for them.
I suspect I’m not the only one. I still haven’t figured out why that is. Might be because I want my guests to be comfortable enough to open a bottle of wine, choose the music, ask for a second bottle of wine and then unanimous agreement that bubbly would indeed be a great idea! If some of us have consumed enough wine and decide to use the living room as a dance floor, then so much the better. And of course they must share my love of food.
On reflection, if you like food, consume copious amounts of alcohol and like dancing, what I can tell you is: it's not personal after all!
Tuesday 15 February 2011
Foxtrot Oscar
Last week a friend was in London. I obliged when he suggested we go to a Gordon Ramsay restaurant. After a browse on Ramsay's website, decided on Foxtrot Oscar.
Located in a residential Chelsea neighbourhood, the exterior is unassuming. I walked in to find a nicely decorated-homely feeling restaurant. I was immediately greeted by friendly and welcoming staff and led to our table. I was surrounded by a nicely dressed crowd who, like me, seemed to be there to enjoy good company and good food in a slightly more relaxed environment.
The menu attempts to consist, although not exclusively, of more traditional ‘hearty’ as described on the web-page, British dishes. Prices for starters ranged from £6.50to £10 and main-courses £13 for the burger to £22 for the porterhouse steak.
The menu attempts to consist, although not exclusively, of more traditional ‘hearty’ as described on the web-page, British dishes. Prices for starters ranged from £6.50to £10 and main-courses £13 for the burger to £22 for the porterhouse steak.
I opted for the grilled sardines to start and to follow the slow-cooked pork-belly at the suggestion of our very helpful waiter. The sardines were somewhat of a disappointment. Although grilled, it was served off the bone. The result was bland. I didn’t get any of the taste or texture of what I would have expected from a hearty dish. It came on a bed of smoked aubergine which didn’t do any justice either. On to the main course. The pork belly came without the traditional crackling. It was served very elegantly with apple sauce and Jerusalem artichokes. In an effort to make this as elegant as it looked it lacked character, there was no distinctive taste and overall very disappointing.
I decided on dessert hoping for redemption. I ordered the apple and blackberry crumble. In truth I can’t tell you much about it as it was served so hot, the first spoonful burnt my tongue-I couldn't taste anything after that!
In terms of the overall experience I would say it was a good one. However we did go there for the food. As food goes what I would remind Ramsay, and excuse the pun- I’m sure Ramsay himself intended it, perhaps for the chef or maybe even the guests, it does't really matter. Gordon Ramsay, Foxtrot Oscar.
Foxtrot Oscar, 79 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 (020 7352 4448).
Monday 14 February 2011
Love is in the air
So. It’s Valentine’s day. Red hearts have overtaken almost all retail
advertising space. Am I the only cynic here? All the food sites seem to be full
of Valentine’s day offers. I have this habit of looking through these. Some
pitiful menus for which some poor guy pays an arm and a leg for. And I suspect
the quality, or quantity for that matter, doesn’t measure up. I wouldn’t know
though, haven’t had valentine’s dinner out in years!
It's even worst this year. Falling on a Monday, clever marketing resulted in a
long Valentine’s weekend. On Saturday I cooked for a friend. Actually, a lovely
chicken tagine -which I’ll tell you all about another time. Then I suggested we
go for a walk and a drink. It was already valentines. All the tables were set
with red roses and rose petals awaiting the smooching couples. That ruined our
mood for a Saturday night out. We headed back home for dessert.
As this is a food blog here's the dessert.
Blueberries: place in a pan with a tablespoon of water and heat. Let them simmer for 7-10 minutes until they are soft and there is a lovely blueberry syrup. Serve with vanilla
ice cream, or for the low fat version, low fat yoghurt. Drizzle with honey.
Yummy.
In the spirit of the day you might want to throw some rose petals on the
side.
advertising space. Am I the only cynic here? All the food sites seem to be full
of Valentine’s day offers. I have this habit of looking through these. Some
pitiful menus for which some poor guy pays an arm and a leg for. And I suspect
the quality, or quantity for that matter, doesn’t measure up. I wouldn’t know
though, haven’t had valentine’s dinner out in years!
It's even worst this year. Falling on a Monday, clever marketing resulted in a
long Valentine’s weekend. On Saturday I cooked for a friend. Actually, a lovely
chicken tagine -which I’ll tell you all about another time. Then I suggested we
go for a walk and a drink. It was already valentines. All the tables were set
with red roses and rose petals awaiting the smooching couples. That ruined our
mood for a Saturday night out. We headed back home for dessert.
As this is a food blog here's the dessert.
Blueberries: place in a pan with a tablespoon of water and heat. Let them simmer for 7-10 minutes until they are soft and there is a lovely blueberry syrup. Serve with vanilla
ice cream, or for the low fat version, low fat yoghurt. Drizzle with honey.
Yummy.
In the spirit of the day you might want to throw some rose petals on the
side.
Sunday 13 February 2011
Love of food
I have a love affair with food.
Everything to do with food. The taste, the texture, the combinations of flavours. How it makes us feel when we have good food, how it shapes an evening out. How it helps us interact, whether it's a meal at home or a restaurant. How we accompany alcohol with it and how much we consume!
Whenever I have a new or different culinary experience, if this is by way of a new or familiar restaurant, or in another country, my friends hear every detail of my experience. This together with opinions of what made it so good, what could have been improved or what it was that made it so bad! Their suggestion is that I should become a food critic.
I'm not sure if they are thinking of my potential where the matter is concerned or it's their way of being polite and telling me they don't want to hear any more! So I am deviating my thoughts and experiences to this new blog. I hope this provides an entertaining insight to what I think food is all about. I look forward to all the feedback.
Everything to do with food. The taste, the texture, the combinations of flavours. How it makes us feel when we have good food, how it shapes an evening out. How it helps us interact, whether it's a meal at home or a restaurant. How we accompany alcohol with it and how much we consume!
Whenever I have a new or different culinary experience, if this is by way of a new or familiar restaurant, or in another country, my friends hear every detail of my experience. This together with opinions of what made it so good, what could have been improved or what it was that made it so bad! Their suggestion is that I should become a food critic.
I'm not sure if they are thinking of my potential where the matter is concerned or it's their way of being polite and telling me they don't want to hear any more! So I am deviating my thoughts and experiences to this new blog. I hope this provides an entertaining insight to what I think food is all about. I look forward to all the feedback.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)