tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41230916355443107402023-11-15T23:44:56.042-08:00Stella Newman's blogReading, writing and restaurants. For more food try here:
stellabites.blogspot.com. The brownies are here: stellanewmansbrownies.blogspot.com.Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-79095973198651193042014-12-31T04:34:00.000-08:002014-12-31T04:34:12.024-08:00Goodbye, blogger...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Check me out with my dual residency!<br />
<br />
I shall now be based here mostly:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://stellanewmansblog.wordpress.com/">https://stellanewmansblog.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<br />
Not for Monaco-style tax purposes, but I think something or other to do with navigation? Anyway, I'll be mostly over there, sitting in the sunshine, drinking pina coladas and listening to Go West.<br />
<br />
Adios, my pretties.<br />
<br />
x<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-73132001623695601292014-12-31T04:31:00.000-08:002014-12-31T04:31:17.725-08:00Goodbye 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not my favourite year by any stretch of the imagination. Nonetheless, plenty of good things kept me going (along with the obvious - friends, booze, family, food.) Here are some of them:<br />
<br />
<b>On screen</b><br />
<i>Game of Thrones</i> - funny, ludicrous, panto meets porno meets soap opera - relentlessly entertaining.<br />
<i>House of Cards</i> - an unremitting exploration of power and cruelty. Sickeningly brilliant, classy TV.<br />
<br />
<b>Shia LaBeouf by Rob Cantor</b><br />
I saw this retweeted on the marvellous Sam Binnie's twitter feed and it has given me much joy ever since. As life affirming as a Bread Ahead custard doughnut, less fattening.<br />
<br />
<b>Movies</b><br />
<i>Despicable Me </i><br />
<i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i><br />
<i>The Artist is Present</i><br />
<i>In A World</i><br />
<br />
<b>On stage</b><br />
<i>A Streetcar Named Desire</i>, with Gillian "Girl Crush" Anderson<br />
<i>King Charles III</i><br />
<br />
<b>On the page</b><br />
I read about 40 books this year and my favourite, hands down, was <i>We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves</i> by Karen Joy Fowler. Original and funny and moving and unexpected.<br />
<br />
Also awesome were:<br />
<i>Emma Brockes</i> - She Left Me The Gun<br />
<i>Bad Blood</i> - Lorna Sage<br />
<i>Vacant Possession</i> - Hilary Mantel<br />
<i>Good Behaviour</i> - Molly Keane<br />
<br />
<b>Music</b><br />
Most played, according to my computer:<br />
<i>Clean Bandit - Rather Be</i><br />
<i>Arcade Fire - Here Comes The Night Time</i><br />
<i>Go West - We Close Our Eyes.</i> I wouldn't tell you this fact if I wasn't ok with sharing it.<br />
<i>Jeremih - Don't Tell 'Em.</i> Strange, I actually thought this song was about anorexia for the first 10 listens - I thought he was singing 'you ain't eating' - instead of 'you ain't even'. I actually hated it when I first heard it, yet found myself repeatedly drawn back to it. Lorde's cover is interesting and sounds, to me, quite menacing.<br />
The National - Pink Rabbits, Fireproof, Demons<br />
<br />
<b>Favourite lyrics</b><br />
Every song on The National's <i>Trouble Will Find Me</i> is filled with gems, too bountiful to reference. So<br />
I'll go in the other direction and just put down my favourite dumb, tautological, ridiculous lyric, again on Jeremih: <i>On my late-night thirsty, because it was late-night and I was thirsty. </i>I suspect it means something filthy, given the lines preceding it but whatever - for sheer dumbness, I applaud it.<br />
<br />
<b>Best gig</b><br />
Arcade Fire in Hyde Park. On a perfect summer's night I cried, laughed, ate chips, danced like a pagan who thinks they're a really good dancer and then was nearly sick on the up-in-the-air merry-go-round - what more joy is there in this world?<br />
<br />
<b>Most over-rated</b><br />
I don't like it when people write mean things about me online. I try not to do it either, so I'll just say that I SERIOUSLY don't know what all the fuss is about with this little list: <br />
<br />
Kurobuta restaurant<br />
Chiltern Firehouse<br />
The Missing<br />
The Fall, season 2<br />
Serial - podcast<br />
<br />
I mean I understand why people have frothed at the mouth in delight at the above - I just don't agree with them. I don't agree with them at all.<br />
<br />
Here's hoping 2015 is more Tyrion Lannister and less Kim Kardashian's arse.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year.<br />
<br />
x</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-47431557896853203402014-12-09T02:41:00.003-08:002014-12-11T10:07:18.534-08:00Christmas gifts for foodies...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you’re looking for a gift for a food-lover/yourself, then check out my list of top foodie presents. I would get almost as much pleasure from
giving these gifts as receiving them.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><b>1. EXCELLENT BROWNIES</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Is an average brownie better than none at
all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not according to Sophie in <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pear-Shaped-Stella-Newman/dp/1847562701">Pear-Shaped</a> and I heartily concur - so thank goodness for <a href="http://www.bluebasilbrownies.co.uk/">Blue BasilBrownies</a>, a fabulous brownie maker based in Oxfordshire. They sell award-winning
mail-order brownies, all wrapped up and delivered straight to your door in a box tied with string, and an old fashioned luggage tag - a perfect gift for any serious brownie lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWqD98oFoJVcz3YT17qv-QyJ8I2bFqJPOpecCWMxllYazitNliu3x93Q4FNSydeg77gok6_KXGP3y-WLBmL3YQRdatSmIPrR5XOmbGC8YebtW2yAy_fWWJrTwBOZ91WFtrPLx6kmqaPa3/s1600/IMG_4806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWqD98oFoJVcz3YT17qv-QyJ8I2bFqJPOpecCWMxllYazitNliu3x93Q4FNSydeg77gok6_KXGP3y-WLBmL3YQRdatSmIPrR5XOmbGC8YebtW2yAy_fWWJrTwBOZ91WFtrPLx6kmqaPa3/s1600/IMG_4806.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1rMDCingmSofeF8xHpYUqvIb_VCccUqhlPtzTGfejdjjxw78Yadp5u40PWCxMTSclnOcOUQJ6-ipz9__Wj-RS-cawO2XL9R4pQW4OwT2x34d1pOcBrgSIuOKmh2ipgg8ZMVo2FcLh00C/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1rMDCingmSofeF8xHpYUqvIb_VCccUqhlPtzTGfejdjjxw78Yadp5u40PWCxMTSclnOcOUQJ6-ipz9__Wj-RS-cawO2XL9R4pQW4OwT2x34d1pOcBrgSIuOKmh2ipgg8ZMVo2FcLh00C/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Their regular flavours are marvellous
(Chockwork orange, anyone?) b</span>ut at Christmas they surpass
themselves. My favourite is Rudolph’s
Rumnut – an intense combo of dark rum, chocolate, brazil nuts and Christmas
spices – in fudgy, smooth brownie format.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DNL1-g1oEmtlX_Jg21ugG_ZPCKsBgehohzKpsyHMexrgYkpHI0F7fwinMw-H0Xqh6QXSy9skriRZ0hZdIKMGTEl0lbJhG7q4YD3iffXBOerHjaxsQQ1KiDDRDsYg7hucNf7SXao27Oab/s1600/IMG_4814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DNL1-g1oEmtlX_Jg21ugG_ZPCKsBgehohzKpsyHMexrgYkpHI0F7fwinMw-H0Xqh6QXSy9skriRZ0hZdIKMGTEl0lbJhG7q4YD3iffXBOerHjaxsQQ1KiDDRDsYg7hucNf7SXao27Oab/s1600/IMG_4814.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a winning combo, as is
Coffee and Irish Cream, Cranberry and White Chocolate, Toasted Almond and Amaretto and the ultra gingery
Dark Chocolate and Ginger. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Order before 10am on Friday 19th December for delivery on Monday 22nd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><b>2. POSH OLIVE OIL</b></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In one of my many previous lives I was an olive oil taster. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’d recovered from drinking an awful lot
of oil (correct - not fun – but then again neither is drinking fish sauce neat,
but that’s a whole other story) I came to the conclusion that for day to day use any regular high-street branded extra-virgin olive oil is good
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for special occasions even a tiny drizzle of great olive oil can elevate a dish. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">My favourite is this Sicilian oil from
Planeta.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQoTSmGKxgrcFrZrndvHI0LQgcKw_9Ib_P7G1rKHWGO6WeSQ7Xsor2yUkluwcKVSv3A0Helqswfy0BqJ5pOJDzaORRmpeKdMLbn7OOOl-RBfdALcz4abcqiSTLmJEhDV2_vbNF93eFrjG/s1600/IMG_4828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQoTSmGKxgrcFrZrndvHI0LQgcKw_9Ib_P7G1rKHWGO6WeSQ7Xsor2yUkluwcKVSv3A0Helqswfy0BqJ5pOJDzaORRmpeKdMLbn7OOOl-RBfdALcz4abcqiSTLmJEhDV2_vbNF93eFrjG/s1600/IMG_4828.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s so fruity and fresh and clean, you could actually drink it quite
happily without gagging. Every time I
buy it, it seems to have gone up in price. (I only treat myself to a bottle twice a
year, and even then I feel guilty.
Still, it’s about the price of a cinema ticket in central London, and
I’d argue offers more pleasure than</span> many a Richard Curtis movie.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Available at Carluccio's, nationwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US"><b>ANYTHING FROM BREAD AHEAD IN BOROUGH MARKET</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To say I’m mildly obsessed with Bread
Ahead’s custard doughnuts would be an understatement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1Cj9_nxYAKnUZPwIYz_GKAVKom9Qm-GII25nzgpMqQvqL8v_S-8HscG-2XSf_Y466OXxi2DG5ZhKCHiiVcnh2_lie-q1WZMSyA7NU03oZo9aJduCXMdgd6lNHU5zizlTmNu6ThLaLCN5/s1600/IMG_3130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1Cj9_nxYAKnUZPwIYz_GKAVKom9Qm-GII25nzgpMqQvqL8v_S-8HscG-2XSf_Y466OXxi2DG5ZhKCHiiVcnh2_lie-q1WZMSyA7NU03oZo9aJduCXMdgd6lNHU5zizlTmNu6ThLaLCN5/s1600/IMG_3130.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact they star in my new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Dish-Stella-Newman/dp/1472220072">The Dish</a>
(out next year, hurrah – but you can pre-order on Amazon today…) But it’s not just about the
doughnuts - frankly these guys can do no
wrong. Check out these beautiful breads!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1VoJzHqll7gRR8be2fymNO4PktJ9DSiddPagdEKGpulWzPHcmgqjG8jHkMD_I9nWTIkzMA4W91yD1dm_CMLzBeTkZIkp5MVpwoS0mAJlTqQNXybJR_3mFEbqVznvrcOd1ILYf-5tcOTD/s1600/IMG_3132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1VoJzHqll7gRR8be2fymNO4PktJ9DSiddPagdEKGpulWzPHcmgqjG8jHkMD_I9nWTIkzMA4W91yD1dm_CMLzBeTkZIkp5MVpwoS0mAJlTqQNXybJR_3mFEbqVznvrcOd1ILYf-5tcOTD/s1600/IMG_3132.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNgawxpBtxGotOd_taYOsE9sCtI3kHiheX6rh-Ulk7VE6gXd1iAoQM30Gn6udOI1dJaFOVOgS-bXn2VD6oGbm7EiBAJe7zzmpIsBN9clOpInukLC0txkR1Pn1McGBkS3tVf8wNCrV7cAa/s1600/IMG_3133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNgawxpBtxGotOd_taYOsE9sCtI3kHiheX6rh-Ulk7VE6gXd1iAoQM30Gn6udOI1dJaFOVOgS-bXn2VD6oGbm7EiBAJe7zzmpIsBN9clOpInukLC0txkR1Pn1McGBkS3tVf8wNCrV7cAa/s1600/IMG_3133.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
For Christmas, swing by their stand in Borough market and pick up some mince pies - made to master baker Justin Gellatly's mum's recipe. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2bqzJ72d0PHPi6lQ7izEKRYOjGQNnBuXnToqvKwApcTFPQPzK_434puX_gKfLSuwb5kD4e5GV5Yyrxf6KW8jjNuDn7femwGDBnPsP_hVsK3SU7XP4HM1YRvCFf5l46-4HU14uTTzFJRT/s1600/IMG_4852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2bqzJ72d0PHPi6lQ7izEKRYOjGQNnBuXnToqvKwApcTFPQPzK_434puX_gKfLSuwb5kD4e5GV5Yyrxf6KW8jjNuDn7femwGDBnPsP_hVsK3SU7XP4HM1YRvCFf5l46-4HU14uTTzFJRT/s1600/IMG_4852.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They are entirely delicious: thick, crisp pastry that you almost can't tell is sweet until your teeth hit the magical sparkle of crunchy demerara on top.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEsucJ3G9EC-WJRTZ3srGK1OqsWIg-j__hGvcI9OZeGKy1k6Ih0pKpKI3XXYLCUY3ZkE-9JqF5InCt0pgyGdOr6VbvvUb6HpIIMxo60uYyl2zxbQSuUx7auovvejwi5uH3xEfyLWZZC6f/s1600/IMG_4853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEsucJ3G9EC-WJRTZ3srGK1OqsWIg-j__hGvcI9OZeGKy1k6Ih0pKpKI3XXYLCUY3ZkE-9JqF5InCt0pgyGdOr6VbvvUb6HpIIMxo60uYyl2zxbQSuUx7auovvejwi5uH3xEfyLWZZC6f/s1600/IMG_4853.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then the filling is a luscious, not too sweet, not too sharp mincemeat - perfectly in balance with its surroundings. (Though I'd eat these pies even if they had air in them, the pastry is that good.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQilgXkexZwGlMbjQScrGMhdVmQw_VBdolu_1HL-sTkJUtW7clDIQLGRXLpMeKTxmmJQOp2VPUBuC6Pj3KXt0zv1i5jYC_UMDq5p-T2ft-kklhXeuDET4_GhM55wFb-pt0Q6o0JZuqDGU/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQilgXkexZwGlMbjQScrGMhdVmQw_VBdolu_1HL-sTkJUtW7clDIQLGRXLpMeKTxmmJQOp2VPUBuC6Pj3KXt0zv1i5jYC_UMDq5p-T2ft-kklhXeuDET4_GhM55wFb-pt0Q6o0JZuqDGU/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And if you can’t make it down to Borough,
you could always buy Justin's brilliant book, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bread-Cake-Doughnut-Pudding-Britains/dp/0241146054">Bread, Cake, Doughnut, Pudding</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> - o</span>r better yet, buy your loved one vouchers for <a href="http://www.breadahead.com/bakery-school">Bread Ahead's Bakery School</a> so they can learn to be a master baker and make you wonderful treats such as doughnuts and bread and croissants and pizzas all year round.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><b>4. CHEESE FROM NEAL'S YARD</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudr9OWRDkbGgjQyauKFC6mBDD64ZAQjZGcalA8zSuXL5LqCP0oUj6wh5ZrMGpg2jACx6BxGLeCkasNQ1ER7NVDPfmntOokmyodhBFB3PgIK3-ChuQqZOhL-7JYAQ7VcAKc5mXwm8crGM9/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudr9OWRDkbGgjQyauKFC6mBDD64ZAQjZGcalA8zSuXL5LqCP0oUj6wh5ZrMGpg2jACx6BxGLeCkasNQ1ER7NVDPfmntOokmyodhBFB3PgIK3-ChuQqZOhL-7JYAQ7VcAKc5mXwm8crGM9/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I once was so in love with a man I bought him
almost half of <a href="http://www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk/">Neal’s Yard</a> as part of his Christmas present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (Well, a good £30 worth of lovely Stichleton which it turns out was far more than he deserved. He</span></span> gave me a necklace that came from a cracker, then dumped me on Boxing Day. Still, the moral of that story is – buy
<i>yourself</i> nice cheese / don’t date mean men).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bDh8P0AA1pE4md179fb2NqrQ0pf1QeGS9VEn7e4IyrMjq_kNp49zL3H4CScnM9ZYIWkBN-wBvWljPVcA95UffPUbW1XDBwi8_5GUdlYwXMh-wOyqmC6GN21rm8b93JTjxX48KCuzPl-d/s1600/IMG_4856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bDh8P0AA1pE4md179fb2NqrQ0pf1QeGS9VEn7e4IyrMjq_kNp49zL3H4CScnM9ZYIWkBN-wBvWljPVcA95UffPUbW1XDBwi8_5GUdlYwXMh-wOyqmC6GN21rm8b93JTjxX48KCuzPl-d/s1600/IMG_4856.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Neal's Yard Covent Garden and Borough stores are mini-temples to cheese, where everything looks beautiful - for example, look at these Cheddars and then tell me the British aren't the best cheesemakers in the world.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7upmHK7x0RR8S2Zlkozmlgr2i99biylY9hbm31PrQzKNFZuAeZakLLaaYWCb7LThrwPH4jWqxhqGb2XyxdU7x_uNNxwR1UFIeXvg4rQiSECHE5o8ao9Ln7bY3p7GWWDe62WUO3iXJUMl/s1600/IMG_4857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7upmHK7x0RR8S2Zlkozmlgr2i99biylY9hbm31PrQzKNFZuAeZakLLaaYWCb7LThrwPH4jWqxhqGb2XyxdU7x_uNNxwR1UFIeXvg4rQiSECHE5o8ao9Ln7bY3p7GWWDe62WUO3iXJUMl/s1600/IMG_4857.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">M</span><span lang="EN-US">ore importantly, every cheese tastes amazing. Plus </span>staff are super-knowledgeable and friendly and positively encourage you to try before you buy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMae32yE4KduKmcanR2UpBGI7wETySbfj7fUNh9FQs3O6HwdHrbHJxnIEvUmaq__QjNP54JnP_qkt36roaxczLLIRlmxyVdHFHBLEEDL33YvZLuGf0RvWS9pIvc7ogKqII8YI6qojYuM0/s1600/IMG_4783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMae32yE4KduKmcanR2UpBGI7wETySbfj7fUNh9FQs3O6HwdHrbHJxnIEvUmaq__QjNP54JnP_qkt36roaxczLLIRlmxyVdHFHBLEEDL33YvZLuGf0RvWS9pIvc7ogKqII8YI6qojYuM0/s1600/IMG_4783.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can pre-order or buy for delivery on their website, or get in line at a store, along with a lot of fellow cheese-lovers, right through until 2pm on Christmas Eve. <br />
<br />
<b>5. FORTNUM & MASON'S CHOCOLOSSUS BISCUITS</b><br />
<br />
If I were rich, I'd buy one of everything in Fortnum & Mason's foodhall. Seriously, what is not to love about angry chocolate owl?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWsYcTaMOwdWknhJQVaphPcCdjlI13BP9tPz_HIJuGQKK27rbUfQ207aNEmQU_ZKvK5Y02FdecBXwGvQsJLiYoDsMhyphenhyphenqYf-cbJ1BBArNSS4f4Bgv-idKjTIXqRamPIcwF78GJzVHLkoVX/s1600/IMG_4881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWsYcTaMOwdWknhJQVaphPcCdjlI13BP9tPz_HIJuGQKK27rbUfQ207aNEmQU_ZKvK5Y02FdecBXwGvQsJLiYoDsMhyphenhyphenqYf-cbJ1BBArNSS4f4Bgv-idKjTIXqRamPIcwF78GJzVHLkoVX/s1600/IMG_4881.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Or cutesy snowman?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIEhZBYqppk6UxknfbtEM0Siuq1Yv8gECBv4r-ldzSvE2IdDbjXtPOErM7Cdf4GB8rsMLXzWUrFytrXbF6182QQ2q0EinoKFD5bWRroi2QoMpR1_cmirQnA1lbxU663vvhbQf98GXq9Ag/s1600/IMG_4898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIEhZBYqppk6UxknfbtEM0Siuq1Yv8gECBv4r-ldzSvE2IdDbjXtPOErM7Cdf4GB8rsMLXzWUrFytrXbF6182QQ2q0EinoKFD5bWRroi2QoMpR1_cmirQnA1lbxU663vvhbQf98GXq9Ag/s1600/IMG_4898.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
A debonair bear?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQHA6pXI_64ANmL0HdLsGE-NTpMTXPKe6FjZjfasgFRlwDTguLHSbfo1aWC2ZVktTMlZo0FP26Qbf4wQfM5GSWnFfDL-4P1vr8D6WWBSUiXoehtHNWbTJ5mMlGpCXZzsfb7Sn1KLFICy-/s1600/IMG_4882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQHA6pXI_64ANmL0HdLsGE-NTpMTXPKe6FjZjfasgFRlwDTguLHSbfo1aWC2ZVktTMlZo0FP26Qbf4wQfM5GSWnFfDL-4P1vr8D6WWBSUiXoehtHNWbTJ5mMlGpCXZzsfb7Sn1KLFICy-/s1600/IMG_4882.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Or a daily sponge pudding?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhU_Awv-xb_MENhm7c74E2xAS5LFHSkdfwOPG4D4HHPxz0v8c6x-K-6WFHABDXwghILGym231MhNAtCXFX_uXMbKjh-Nf7y4_iOlcAIMSRg0bSnqPYLixzlnysFL9WOM3rv8_myCziFrWx/s1600/IMG_4887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhU_Awv-xb_MENhm7c74E2xAS5LFHSkdfwOPG4D4HHPxz0v8c6x-K-6WFHABDXwghILGym231MhNAtCXFX_uXMbKjh-Nf7y4_iOlcAIMSRg0bSnqPYLixzlnysFL9WOM3rv8_myCziFrWx/s1600/IMG_4887.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Cocktail chocolates? Obvs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-Zw2KmV2BlaWFhOSNgeLRsBVZiF4OM-eqmAQokMlkqYgNFXfpwZcu_tX7-FbJo93Y5tFuV7SiSAB7MoTesopjoa1IdPRgtOcMMK45EDIaMrayMX5j_crlUlWyexjn66H-ituORDtKXgh/s1600/IMG_4895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-Zw2KmV2BlaWFhOSNgeLRsBVZiF4OM-eqmAQokMlkqYgNFXfpwZcu_tX7-FbJo93Y5tFuV7SiSAB7MoTesopjoa1IdPRgtOcMMK45EDIaMrayMX5j_crlUlWyexjn66H-ituORDtKXgh/s1600/IMG_4895.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Clearly a hamper wouldn't go amiss either...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk5yMVw0huAwd56ZILAe7VIUQE3-isE2KH1rnCGpZK0Uzmxy6HxpjqtrOenGRIO-yO6E2CRGbgUXflOyw3EUiYvhQqm7vyR5RD1O7QB7kUrd_4j9Txv-SXm1Vsi0r-juX-uub185NueRS/s1600/IMG_4884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk5yMVw0huAwd56ZILAe7VIUQE3-isE2KH1rnCGpZK0Uzmxy6HxpjqtrOenGRIO-yO6E2CRGbgUXflOyw3EUiYvhQqm7vyR5RD1O7QB7kUrd_4j9Txv-SXm1Vsi0r-juX-uub185NueRS/s1600/IMG_4884.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
But realistically, I can only buy one thing - and that one thing has to be under £20 - so therefore it has to be the greatest biscuit of all time, the heavyweight champion of chocolate, ladies and gentleman, open your mouths, wide, for THE CHOCOLOSSUS!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJfXYQnc2pqvI1P59xHbs0uawS634rxJbXXEhDmhxEg6cA0fRElNXofzWsZnqC6kYSByfygYDebjjgU9vR6CW8dVGNJIyXzXvXdWrIWzJzLkXEFTccHxPDAeEBrtyQ4FWJV1mGG6iKagz/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJfXYQnc2pqvI1P59xHbs0uawS634rxJbXXEhDmhxEg6cA0fRElNXofzWsZnqC6kYSByfygYDebjjgU9vR6CW8dVGNJIyXzXvXdWrIWzJzLkXEFTccHxPDAeEBrtyQ4FWJV1mGG6iKagz/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Modelled here by my lovely friend Lexie, who is herself six feet tall - so that should give you an idea of the scale of the thing! It is an epic, super sized macadamia biscuit, dipped in ultra thick dark chocolate. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM2j4ytYE5KH1PuBWZwj4DDIKFFJAu9Kzbd4Eu-ZxGU7S5tdkk7u0uNzQisYt8j3HqG5VCxJ0p6JIrGN_kGDErSfzm1xTiuMbokjn5P60DROytAyZR3aQ7MzcZ9pGUK2cYPloCD3DzM3v/s1600/IMG_4906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM2j4ytYE5KH1PuBWZwj4DDIKFFJAu9Kzbd4Eu-ZxGU7S5tdkk7u0uNzQisYt8j3HqG5VCxJ0p6JIrGN_kGDErSfzm1xTiuMbokjn5P60DROytAyZR3aQ7MzcZ9pGUK2cYPloCD3DzM3v/s1600/IMG_4906.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
The Chocolossus is just so on the borderline
of being almost too chocolatey, if such a thing were ever possible.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU8UqJnf1_x0QVL9YBZjLuAoGni5fdeCIqrFA9FwFXHKZlA_qsHiEzOIfMOoF7YrunxxYHE36MGwFYGt8E9Jdvc0yYJhYe-EdTUh7mvMxKqWivpl3B_rShlt51pqaZSeqlpM8qPulsnDE/s1600/IMG_4907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU8UqJnf1_x0QVL9YBZjLuAoGni5fdeCIqrFA9FwFXHKZlA_qsHiEzOIfMOoF7YrunxxYHE36MGwFYGt8E9Jdvc0yYJhYe-EdTUh7mvMxKqWivpl3B_rShlt51pqaZSeqlpM8qPulsnDE/s1600/IMG_4907.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
It is FULL ON, UBER chocolatey – you need a cup of tea with one, if you go for two, in my experience you then need a little lie down, but what is Christmas for, if not over-eating and sleeping?<br />
<br />
They're not cheap - but I've found you generally get what you pay for in this world - and if you can't spoil the ones you love (that includes you) at this time of year, then really, what's the point?<br />
<br />
Happy Shopping!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-47568066082304726092014-11-20T08:10:00.001-08:002014-11-20T08:10:23.995-08:00My ideal Christmas dinner party...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas is that time of year when dreams
can come true, apparently. So I thought
I’d write down my Dream Christmas Dinner Party Guest List, in case Santa is taking
note. I know I haven’t behaved perfectly
this year, but perhaps not as imperfectly as some (Tesco finance department,
anyone?)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I only have seven chairs in my flat, two of
which are wont to break if someone heavy sits on them – so I can’t invite my
family (not because they’re too heavy but because there aren’t enough chairs –
and besides, the Newmans have spent many a Christmas together.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Instead, here’s my list of guests for the
perfect Christmas celebration:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">My friend, masterchef
Marianne Lumb, who could cook for us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She now runs her own restaurant in West
London, but even cheese on toast made by Marianne tastes better than a lot of
things I’ve eaten in restaurants this year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Jamie Dornan, for obvious
reasons – as long as he promises to leave his balaclava at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXr6KsL2BRfkPAjXR1NlksLMYcKyQATfb4AgxDPHon3mGVAZq3AoLzio3Cw8t8I_gEmdDKl5k-t9e1tFyWMDHSZuWb1K1vzbUzhm1V7wuvhesTgCw-PZED-AoWhySwDtv5O0fjGyjAer-/s1600/jd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXr6KsL2BRfkPAjXR1NlksLMYcKyQATfb4AgxDPHon3mGVAZq3AoLzio3Cw8t8I_gEmdDKl5k-t9e1tFyWMDHSZuWb1K1vzbUzhm1V7wuvhesTgCw-PZED-AoWhySwDtv5O0fjGyjAer-/s1600/jd.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Michael Fassbender – Eye Candy
part II.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it’s my dream Christmas so
I’m allowed more than one piece of Eye Candy, as well as real candy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcGG1mG8sK6PUritemDiDCpx1onm7S4xZqqli5KqOresjKU45Vfo_H2J0qTv2HcRs8C4Q5fDpgpes_gGV-h4_aUBG8EOEtAaSVU3HjIVOKq0cN3xMNBSQaueJaoPKe_0fxvJ9Gn4VdKO_/s1600/mf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcGG1mG8sK6PUritemDiDCpx1onm7S4xZqqli5KqOresjKU45Vfo_H2J0qTv2HcRs8C4Q5fDpgpes_gGV-h4_aUBG8EOEtAaSVU3HjIVOKq0cN3xMNBSQaueJaoPKe_0fxvJ9Gn4VdKO_/s1600/mf.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Tina Fey – who manages to do
funny and feminist better than anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">George R R Martin – I would get
him drunk on my friend Anna Potts’s homemade Sloe Gin - and force him
to tell me the secrets of what’s in store for all my favourite Game of Thrones characters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Justin Gellatly of Bread Ahead
– creator of the most extraordinary doughnuts in the world – and author of my
favourite cookbook, and favourite titled book of 2014 – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bread, Cake, Doughnut, Pudding.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Gillian Anderson – my ex adores
her and I used to get a bit jealous about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I saw her in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Streetcar </i>earlier this year and now I bang on about how amazing and talented and luminously beautiful she is far more than he ever did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p>That sounds like a pretty fun party, right? </o:p></span>I’m willing to stand for the duration of
the meal if it means I can invite all seven - though if Jamie or Michael wanted me to sit on their laps at any point in the festivities, I suppose that would be
ok too. </div>
</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-31876155802260870232014-11-20T01:37:00.002-08:002014-11-20T03:14:53.705-08:00A Pear Shaped Christmas...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My first proper job was working
in an advertising agency, Bates Dorland, on the Woolworths Christmas
campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was in the late ‘90s, the
year Keith the Alien starred in our campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(The fact Bates Dorland and Woolworths both subsequently went out of
business is not my fault – honestly, it isn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t even blame Keith – he
was endearing, in his own way, though no John Lewis penguin.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But right from the start, my choice of day
job seems to have messed with my Christmases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Working on Christmas every day of the year might seem like a great idea
– like eating chocolate at every meal – but inevitably you sicken of
it far quicker than you’d think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The last job I had, before giving up day
jobs altogether, was the anti-Christmas job of all anti-Christmas jobs: looking
after turkeys for a supermarket in the run up to Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shall spare you the details – I don’t
wish to ruin your Christmas dinner too – but suffice to say: not a single bite
of turkey has passed my lips since.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So anyway – there are lots of lovely,
romantic Christmas short stories out there on the internet for you to download
and enjoy. </span>As the title might suggest, A Pear-Shaped Christmas is not really one of them. Nonetheless I hope it brings you a small slice of festive cheer, and an idea of what really goes on behind the scenes in advertising.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pear-Shaped-Christmas-Stella-Novella-ebook/dp/B00KM19XDC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416476075&sr=1-1&keywords=stella+newman">You can buy it here - as of today!</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Happy Turducken!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-73164833362585510032014-09-09T02:22:00.001-07:002014-09-09T06:46:49.349-07:00How on earth do French women not get fat?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of my favourite things about writing books is that I can think of things I'd really like to do in real life and then make my characters do them - and I get to go along for the ride. For example, in my third novel, <i>The Dish</i> (just being finished now, out in spring 2015, hurrah!) - the heroine, food critic Laura Parker, takes herself off to Paris for a month to research the perfect croissant. So off I went <i>for research</i> - only for 12 hours sadly... And I can now report, unequivocally that there are some very fine baked goods in Paris... but some of the very best can be found at <a href="http://dupainetdesidees.com/en/">Du Pain et Des Id<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">ee<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 41.3333358764648px;">é</span></span>s</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg9q85Adfb5cGfHtbst6hJP72_-jtyVK6evA6pY_gmpsgLlQjFwH5eTfng0aBaThOTJw1B8w9fY5EHYzm6eTtAV2WO_0b8c4RRcuptPsJ0AEu1v3RPmux0LLaDN4J1F-f_HZxvI9icQ5e/s1600/IMG_1983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeg9q85Adfb5cGfHtbst6hJP72_-jtyVK6evA6pY_gmpsgLlQjFwH5eTfng0aBaThOTJw1B8w9fY5EHYzm6eTtAV2WO_0b8c4RRcuptPsJ0AEu1v3RPmux0LLaDN4J1F-f_HZxvI9icQ5e/s1600/IMG_1983.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
It's in the rather lovely, super-hipster Canal St Martin area<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6Fqv4IzQlvlEdrT68JTDKuSNeCcUY0zs31BWMzu4x3czeZS8a0GgbQ4BUx41wZOaoG9g8fdeILcPhH4LYi8tFmHZQ3jiKur1AlGCmRXzDjs3Ej1Rz13ITiwsFoBG_YwGTQgou3q1w_jF/s1600/IMG_1950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6Fqv4IzQlvlEdrT68JTDKuSNeCcUY0zs31BWMzu4x3czeZS8a0GgbQ4BUx41wZOaoG9g8fdeILcPhH4LYi8tFmHZQ3jiKur1AlGCmRXzDjs3Ej1Rz13ITiwsFoBG_YwGTQgou3q1w_jF/s1600/IMG_1950.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBtrKB3sS9FbUhd-uyPwTeE1PXpsRhFW3k-w-10Lb8tsNULlfyydxh5EQiiSgImuEn00wNihJIysi4BFp2z7dykfq7ivtiYmmAMESDyOTTZhs4OblD6eC0BT_LwKSSotvr8niuaR_My4X/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBtrKB3sS9FbUhd-uyPwTeE1PXpsRhFW3k-w-10Lb8tsNULlfyydxh5EQiiSgImuEn00wNihJIysi4BFp2z7dykfq7ivtiYmmAMESDyOTTZhs4OblD6eC0BT_LwKSSotvr8niuaR_My4X/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg6aqvvmpAieGukH3C4UHsJkq6iR-Z8Bo5eHWlg6eZqnircJJdTtYc3oOobUde88QcdglAV05JLKB-O2psSSOPikAC6yaXD45evE4LkktgfgPrSBKOUvq4ahty-m7a-tx8IG4VAHuAzyP/s1600/IMG_1949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg6aqvvmpAieGukH3C4UHsJkq6iR-Z8Bo5eHWlg6eZqnircJJdTtYc3oOobUde88QcdglAV05JLKB-O2psSSOPikAC6yaXD45evE4LkktgfgPrSBKOUvq4ahty-m7a-tx8IG4VAHuAzyP/s1600/IMG_1949.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
a fifteen minute walk from Gare Du Nord, tucked off a side street from the main canal. Inside it is fairy-tale pretty...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn19gRXlyuXwhVLgzXiCm1AQjIDkcNRJYeMpGhEsR3-WLnmX5S7fhYcxtdQYzhizQZ2WHtEe-rNn6y90LCh-RTan2-T8rmbeyPGsGiV8ryYAxMjg2gkNh-ljTy1_BzTCQ-cwwy5mzylN3U/s1600/IMG_1955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn19gRXlyuXwhVLgzXiCm1AQjIDkcNRJYeMpGhEsR3-WLnmX5S7fhYcxtdQYzhizQZ2WHtEe-rNn6y90LCh-RTan2-T8rmbeyPGsGiV8ryYAxMjg2gkNh-ljTy1_BzTCQ-cwwy5mzylN3U/s1600/IMG_1955.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl8DupG-8wyvxsBy6mXC-Yrt3xGSstihT4sC5u5mOOpXazGZ7W3-LBn9MZg-MjnvV-CnjUxxAjJzGlohDfEXmJDORHFUcdvpgRRMHG91oiVJat4SZOLp7z6p3KLCb3qk-VljXsx0aZbHr/s1600/IMG_1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl8DupG-8wyvxsBy6mXC-Yrt3xGSstihT4sC5u5mOOpXazGZ7W3-LBn9MZg-MjnvV-CnjUxxAjJzGlohDfEXmJDORHFUcdvpgRRMHG91oiVJat4SZOLp7z6p3KLCb3qk-VljXsx0aZbHr/s1600/IMG_1956.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7sqyASTGmO0L29NQ9-kvpHJ6JURQDxcqqvUolPEguH6AaRvaPi7hubrYufRonQOTUF-TQwqKPYxUB1PO_U7B_D1c7wiAJJlgqrSLE7jVC5aQhxrjIzp1mBA_c-hKPh4zQMaYa-DJdb0g/s1600/IMG_1959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7sqyASTGmO0L29NQ9-kvpHJ6JURQDxcqqvUolPEguH6AaRvaPi7hubrYufRonQOTUF-TQwqKPYxUB1PO_U7B_D1c7wiAJJlgqrSLE7jVC5aQhxrjIzp1mBA_c-hKPh4zQMaYa-DJdb0g/s1600/IMG_1959.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
But let's be honest - it's really never about the decor, is it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7_7fvhyphenhyphentAY8rnao95ktb-6eTTVOAzvhcVrAGoWznKIAD-7i78uggzC1a17qKbuMFIUqouekIAt88Ci-EGbIufoV4HKJ3Vfa7LsQhawFiJJFEShQW1-OBfzeitzxcYIEvCK8d3wlPQzAY/s1600/IMG_1965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7_7fvhyphenhyphentAY8rnao95ktb-6eTTVOAzvhcVrAGoWznKIAD-7i78uggzC1a17qKbuMFIUqouekIAt88Ci-EGbIufoV4HKJ3Vfa7LsQhawFiJJFEShQW1-OBfzeitzxcYIEvCK8d3wlPQzAY/s1600/IMG_1965.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
It's about a simple croissant...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR1c0Ht0mVJANUQv9vFg1lmFFsgbjWRFHP0gDiTgq8PGeGP7Stx5uRenJxxB4k7PfnOg1PcnSZ8Bvgb2etcKIar6eiIgwwrsuaIRLgg3Xzdkj9rhc1zHwgTIHkRCao6LrO9Hhlg5eFK0y/s1600/IMG_1967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR1c0Ht0mVJANUQv9vFg1lmFFsgbjWRFHP0gDiTgq8PGeGP7Stx5uRenJxxB4k7PfnOg1PcnSZ8Bvgb2etcKIar6eiIgwwrsuaIRLgg3Xzdkj9rhc1zHwgTIHkRCao6LrO9Hhlg5eFK0y/s1600/IMG_1967.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Elevated to a thing of beauty - golden, paper thin, super crispy flaky exterior, lush, ultra-buttery, multi-layered insides... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguogKLjh6DNDAOVlC2FIEluMLRE4baHXqspKCFlE7M30H0mKZXj2Uo-y3Hd8NOHp8gUw3HvHLei7f2tJ9iInYW7ZAS0ZO7RvyqYTGIdP0WeHaiWgrBeyUc1nW6rF3NG9-pBO007NEfYoHA/s1600/IMG_1977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguogKLjh6DNDAOVlC2FIEluMLRE4baHXqspKCFlE7M30H0mKZXj2Uo-y3Hd8NOHp8gUw3HvHLei7f2tJ9iInYW7ZAS0ZO7RvyqYTGIdP0WeHaiWgrBeyUc1nW6rF3NG9-pBO007NEfYoHA/s1600/IMG_1977.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
and then a chocolate pistachio swirl, warm from the oven...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSzyTpP-KDZkivE49RwxLCVON1_oJdAqfy0kpMIAdxRiMCrpKS5tGNC_aaevsW0n7oNhRj0japW8lJwYJM1L2UfCrx9S7cDRlrS7dHrj3DZvS72WUnWOzNWyOEHseZdouXfivgnijPhlv/s1600/IMG_1979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSzyTpP-KDZkivE49RwxLCVON1_oJdAqfy0kpMIAdxRiMCrpKS5tGNC_aaevsW0n7oNhRj0japW8lJwYJM1L2UfCrx9S7cDRlrS7dHrj3DZvS72WUnWOzNWyOEHseZdouXfivgnijPhlv/s1600/IMG_1979.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Bad photo, I know - but try to imagine melting chocolate, soft, light, buttery pastry and creamy, mild, pistachios swirled throughout, being held warm in your hand, then rammed, gracefully into your mouth...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVtzIEmolS3KQGDAzYLRSAUZKDCETkeFue30cqyKOMYe2cTmxsbxMlGPyZSohibWG30xxcDl6RFc6X3kq4mWe-31FbJMPF1K7EN58_xLYewb2U6NyNSveAXz13qD8e4PGuHGnhXDWhR47/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVtzIEmolS3KQGDAzYLRSAUZKDCETkeFue30cqyKOMYe2cTmxsbxMlGPyZSohibWG30xxcDl6RFc6X3kq4mWe-31FbJMPF1K7EN58_xLYewb2U6NyNSveAXz13qD8e4PGuHGnhXDWhR47/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
The bakery does other, fabulous flavoured swirls - praline, rum and raisin, lemon and nougat... Also a host of other extraordinary treats - rosewater croissants, chocolate bread, amazing regular bread, etc....<br />
<br />
Now Paris is obviously about <a href="http://stellanewmansblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/paris-good-taste-good-taste-bad.html">more than just croissants</a>. It is also about les sandwiches...so one of the other things on my hit list for Laura was finding a place where she might go to for lunch - somewhere not necessarily obvious, but brilliant nonetheless...<br />
<br />
Le Marais is probably my favourite area of the city - it's less snobby than other parts, has exceptional falafel, and is home to a vibrant gay and Jewish community. It also has a lively food market, Le Marche<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.8880004882813px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">é</span></span> des Enfants Rouges, which is home to many delicious smelling lunchtime treats - but most importantly - this man:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxyO-JiGIdMiqzkZGD7wHyjJLJiFywQMRooKx4UdeH0vH813OYHhrKAVkQ2lmiWzvU5IQktEciAzocvYXW1EBO98LIoKjgVkQwJnCEqXEEsM-YPRL2JsM_f-I4Alk9c7zRKzXGSg1X8lv/s1600/IMG_2130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxyO-JiGIdMiqzkZGD7wHyjJLJiFywQMRooKx4UdeH0vH813OYHhrKAVkQ2lmiWzvU5IQktEciAzocvYXW1EBO98LIoKjgVkQwJnCEqXEEsM-YPRL2JsM_f-I4Alk9c7zRKzXGSg1X8lv/s1600/IMG_2130.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
His name is Alain, he's on facebook and stuff...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6JvLyHAl-RgI1vA-6xRtjHcgwZHCcd8Bmr-I093jQNdNASMuq67t6_UJVwwd2B7V80NRrck5HRx6ECbjz_n6wM0wznZCxgRml-FYXeMMw8xTpudXA8RrIAA87ufqJ45RgHDOQ-jY1YnA/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6JvLyHAl-RgI1vA-6xRtjHcgwZHCcd8Bmr-I093jQNdNASMuq67t6_UJVwwd2B7V80NRrck5HRx6ECbjz_n6wM0wznZCxgRml-FYXeMMw8xTpudXA8RrIAA87ufqJ45RgHDOQ-jY1YnA/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He basically makes sandwiches and crepes, but, like, he is a Master. I've put a character inspired by him in <i>The Dish</i> and called him Le Bowski - because basically this gentleman is a dude of the highest order. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt4rowaFpmLLiYLqaTYZqakdejAlahDjwl0rXkWZR9Yo-KoJ3Vi8HTWvoA90sSK9Dkh1XtCCztfgnoGgLiWO2yvI6IuYpEe4yW-4QJAZN4stmqOOD1qMwfGe0KavTaeapXVhtORK6h908/s1600/IMG_2035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt4rowaFpmLLiYLqaTYZqakdejAlahDjwl0rXkWZR9Yo-KoJ3Vi8HTWvoA90sSK9Dkh1XtCCztfgnoGgLiWO2yvI6IuYpEe4yW-4QJAZN4stmqOOD1qMwfGe0KavTaeapXVhtORK6h908/s1600/IMG_2035.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
He takes rather a long time to make the food<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFlnF7pqK24sPIfN0Oxm4bBw_5-saJjRDKyszgg_2tzWsVrHZt6aAhyphenhyphenaJKjVSikO4-MYNpLDFU6Oi4We_FWcIycl4TPJ33CbRVy9FgtC-IhwOkgH_NTIH5AH1L2mcGwkyJSjusu9WTrAy/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFlnF7pqK24sPIfN0Oxm4bBw_5-saJjRDKyszgg_2tzWsVrHZt6aAhyphenhyphenaJKjVSikO4-MYNpLDFU6Oi4We_FWcIycl4TPJ33CbRVy9FgtC-IhwOkgH_NTIH5AH1L2mcGwkyJSjusu9WTrAy/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
but this is because the man does not cut corners<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCUeR4mPLH2mMM2c7pBnchefdWcLhg-AfX0Z4L8ypsKvWim8htc21JJqWL4JdmgRFxGA3Q6ibpbdLdwJtlxSXtQod-oRgSVy7te-YEHX40_dcsa92mpcJU59cFnEhcp4f6l60wQcJvf1t/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCUeR4mPLH2mMM2c7pBnchefdWcLhg-AfX0Z4L8ypsKvWim8htc21JJqWL4JdmgRFxGA3Q6ibpbdLdwJtlxSXtQod-oRgSVy7te-YEHX40_dcsa92mpcJU59cFnEhcp4f6l60wQcJvf1t/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
He is a craftsman<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmTmcA_rnOv8lA6JftQdnv9eLtHCscfqYCpAe418ieORAS9dzdUf_sviCPS74zTr31I_QsQucNuEfQLsApUEca3SFQIm8wRDZ6CE_5tsuZvzllbFXYdKS9LjyOPE8UOJAbojiYNRczFy8/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmTmcA_rnOv8lA6JftQdnv9eLtHCscfqYCpAe418ieORAS9dzdUf_sviCPS74zTr31I_QsQucNuEfQLsApUEca3SFQIm8wRDZ6CE_5tsuZvzllbFXYdKS9LjyOPE8UOJAbojiYNRczFy8/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
very generous with his fillings (loads and loads of avocado and cheese).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQG0nBqtDePsDTe7FuSPTvaUQzCTRGqu8QqoX7E5q7Jx90nezUYCpnmXNxv2mNwnGqDZvIz001NM_ODrXge-9M4fjNZGv-8HxCip2rHQmR3zOJb-ORCClMacilVpe5OFu2Gb-B4OD9y2C/s1600/IMG_2090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQG0nBqtDePsDTe7FuSPTvaUQzCTRGqu8QqoX7E5q7Jx90nezUYCpnmXNxv2mNwnGqDZvIz001NM_ODrXge-9M4fjNZGv-8HxCip2rHQmR3zOJb-ORCClMacilVpe5OFu2Gb-B4OD9y2C/s1600/IMG_2090.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
And he's also a performer...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhndrtihJwXK17aqihQ7y1TZdiTEeMCs_YjaiAFPBurZRFzjhOFeoMxVExArRW0ZaGm10BtEafc8LXIRKYOwpmaac2YI3uDoIAA1G6S91n3xyycGWFCyzOqkU-E5zg5koHoW0ciR5r-7z3/s1600/IMG_2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhndrtihJwXK17aqihQ7y1TZdiTEeMCs_YjaiAFPBurZRFzjhOFeoMxVExArRW0ZaGm10BtEafc8LXIRKYOwpmaac2YI3uDoIAA1G6S91n3xyycGWFCyzOqkU-E5zg5koHoW0ciR5r-7z3/s1600/IMG_2094.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
and an artist...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X2iIqNZlR5gv5BsYxlA8Ex2QZH8xtT4g-zgHU6mMVGwEkmxyroW8UUqZJ3j9Z3r7Fu87mS9IGgnpcYeZ6awVhXGunwTXYSu5xnA7a06OTnznn7yzxaN6BBTTzQnAAmU5IBZhJe19_U7D/s1600/IMG_2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X2iIqNZlR5gv5BsYxlA8Ex2QZH8xtT4g-zgHU6mMVGwEkmxyroW8UUqZJ3j9Z3r7Fu87mS9IGgnpcYeZ6awVhXGunwTXYSu5xnA7a06OTnznn7yzxaN6BBTTzQnAAmU5IBZhJe19_U7D/s1600/IMG_2109.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
and also a dancer though I didn't get a photo of him dancing<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWTC67SYv9Jbw9RYhUMm-lWjiBpkEV97FZwuU-AxqLpfUvlZln4E0-Ng1O2RoYeRpRYEh3T1vrgWyGxAnQg2UithTwiNUM6_6X8HtZIUPSh8jvItI5tqSmINcvpFiSZBocPlQ6vO90wMr/s1600/IMG_2114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWTC67SYv9Jbw9RYhUMm-lWjiBpkEV97FZwuU-AxqLpfUvlZln4E0-Ng1O2RoYeRpRYEh3T1vrgWyGxAnQg2UithTwiNUM6_6X8HtZIUPSh8jvItI5tqSmINcvpFiSZBocPlQ6vO90wMr/s1600/IMG_2114.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
but anyway, the point is, the end result is totally worth the wait (be warned: 56 minutes for a sandwich, but like I say - WORTH IT!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pUbONjW5dF9-uk-SQGFsqLoKItQg8cYGK7CEddUtE2OVhuq0MM8sLmIm4GBihthyOW6_dnf1SgEw3L10m-Yjkk4WqXO23yB0B4FRe1W4HbdrnF3gMioAmwfd_bGbZI1hGujnuHKRPAzD/s1600/IMG_2128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pUbONjW5dF9-uk-SQGFsqLoKItQg8cYGK7CEddUtE2OVhuq0MM8sLmIm4GBihthyOW6_dnf1SgEw3L10m-Yjkk4WqXO23yB0B4FRe1W4HbdrnF3gMioAmwfd_bGbZI1hGujnuHKRPAzD/s1600/IMG_2128.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Phew...<br />
<br />
So yes, waiting for that sandwich and watching Alain at work was possibly the happiest 56 minute wait for a cheese sarnie that I've ever had.<br />
<br />
What else did I do on my day trip... Ah yes, found the only Parisian woman with cellulite...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskPUvU58uDQfLtcwT61yKPFrA8gp26p6VloC02A6BVex3a5lXbHBkchJcLndjHwMHM3CU2Cs1SV5TLZFWV8KCRJDSjDskks6Rlo0qv94GwVXvL2NLozdSVqq-9u4Cwk-iT_unR2zsn_1t/s1600/IMG_2205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskPUvU58uDQfLtcwT61yKPFrA8gp26p6VloC02A6BVex3a5lXbHBkchJcLndjHwMHM3CU2Cs1SV5TLZFWV8KCRJDSjDskks6Rlo0qv94GwVXvL2NLozdSVqq-9u4Cwk-iT_unR2zsn_1t/s1600/IMG_2205.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
She does not look dissimilar to me, apart from the bird poop on her head. She lives in this beautiful park.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMdNfP-R7PxoPI_OBHteoY0dOpIY0AzktzdYiRU544WsTG24Fgf6_CTG_136vgiLPyA5mKQPAe4vSWwa63WcvKySRFm13T9EzL4tRzUX2NnlGGpUOy64H-6irT8plooxmskPpj5GiYVua/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMdNfP-R7PxoPI_OBHteoY0dOpIY0AzktzdYiRU544WsTG24Fgf6_CTG_136vgiLPyA5mKQPAe4vSWwa63WcvKySRFm13T9EzL4tRzUX2NnlGGpUOy64H-6irT8plooxmskPpj5GiYVua/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Wherein also lives this statue, who seems to be saying: Oui, naturellement Paris is superior to all other cities, and that is why j'habite ici, innit:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfLKmX0zQk3Q2XHq4co4XJnSBNz-YPruJWYssf34a8KfapeE8u0Xn2Za5o2dPq2yqKVOQwEUiGTsRdo5XG_R5yfgKZDEdzC9ktn7wZTZYoxO7zBR0JVy-QgL4KcP3rsrB63Bqy-fjxPu3/s1600/IMG_2190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfLKmX0zQk3Q2XHq4co4XJnSBNz-YPruJWYssf34a8KfapeE8u0Xn2Za5o2dPq2yqKVOQwEUiGTsRdo5XG_R5yfgKZDEdzC9ktn7wZTZYoxO7zBR0JVy-QgL4KcP3rsrB63Bqy-fjxPu3/s1600/IMG_2190.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
But, like, he has got a point because this is a city where if you want stuffed pasta, you can go and browse these stuffed pastas - 14 types, including Tortelloni stuffed with Ossobucco, or with four Provencal vegetables...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim8aTID_SySkf4j3oH-3THIRU9Saz1JJP3SZy0ud85fperS54P0JUSj_ha6UL-ss1WQsC9lhPx6PbSvg1nJPMSclPJPolU4UMFozvM7zdf4UzoRnN5awkqxSCIUY8QMiAeaPumIn3S32C/s1600/IMG_2209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim8aTID_SySkf4j3oH-3THIRU9Saz1JJP3SZy0ud85fperS54P0JUSj_ha6UL-ss1WQsC9lhPx6PbSvg1nJPMSclPJPolU4UMFozvM7zdf4UzoRnN5awkqxSCIUY8QMiAeaPumIn3S32C/s1600/IMG_2209.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Or if you fancy a strawberry tart, you can choose one of these beauties...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibduGRAMMAO0iF1rgqiGfH2E1wWYOSahig7lhm9F5kucAcAkzqC8rNvvsLSqK9lU8aH0yq_abZopn6_DOiOS6Duvf1_qQi9d_cQ9Ge4YtmT2uKpsl5ogjbGRCKT5__Q9DHn1-LYm5wDY7t/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibduGRAMMAO0iF1rgqiGfH2E1wWYOSahig7lhm9F5kucAcAkzqC8rNvvsLSqK9lU8aH0yq_abZopn6_DOiOS6Duvf1_qQi9d_cQ9Ge4YtmT2uKpsl5ogjbGRCKT5__Q9DHn1-LYm5wDY7t/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Or if you just want some asparagus with a buttery Mousseline sauce (Hollandaise + cream...)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaT2UQcX5EOyDg4wSU-PmT06_V7n0M1KENS8c9mpCKplVU0MDY3Ilp9PTcqnLSD213R3y2J5f0LNG5bst7P0QKezlz5iaJ_EvTd_ALJPwrN5YXeLToh02YjfUw3QKVQk_87S8eeaY0tEi/s1600/IMG_2233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaT2UQcX5EOyDg4wSU-PmT06_V7n0M1KENS8c9mpCKplVU0MDY3Ilp9PTcqnLSD213R3y2J5f0LNG5bst7P0QKezlz5iaJ_EvTd_ALJPwrN5YXeLToh02YjfUw3QKVQk_87S8eeaY0tEi/s1600/IMG_2233.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
and some decent bread<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYklr9coyH8HOxzWPsz1weWDG2cT9Q_rtBCSC0gmmZgQq91q9nxOzg7RRV2zqIURABXFf3GzbtQTb4KBqHE8HktaAZ7nh3iqQMAhSKUq1hHv0ow5-o-HMDFXBDZJ9J0qdrkJCJpn8WBCl/s1600/IMG_2235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYklr9coyH8HOxzWPsz1weWDG2cT9Q_rtBCSC0gmmZgQq91q9nxOzg7RRV2zqIURABXFf3GzbtQTb4KBqHE8HktaAZ7nh3iqQMAhSKUq1hHv0ow5-o-HMDFXBDZJ9J0qdrkJCJpn8WBCl/s1600/IMG_2235.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
and some sort of auberginey deliciousness<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7l8ZqqIQU8_dlWKLAcdZgGhqM3rL7nV7hrAT3-sWkETmnxTK5WBUyS0QXgD5m6pBsyN5InI-UBNM_1MrE0BpB0gPP4nX2rlzcvoIoM7rTG0nxEHetlgdWCzkZnqdm7aualqdIEGJDwH58/s1600/IMG_2237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7l8ZqqIQU8_dlWKLAcdZgGhqM3rL7nV7hrAT3-sWkETmnxTK5WBUyS0QXgD5m6pBsyN5InI-UBNM_1MrE0BpB0gPP4nX2rlzcvoIoM7rTG0nxEHetlgdWCzkZnqdm7aualqdIEGJDwH58/s1600/IMG_2237.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and some wine, because really you haven't had enough treats for one day - then no one will judge you or think you're greedy. Anyway, like I said, it was all in the name of research.</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-15860374900835586232014-02-05T13:05:00.001-08:002014-02-05T13:05:34.413-08:00Hartnett Holder Hubba Hubba...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm a huge Angela Hartnett fan and have been meaning to check out <a href="http://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/hartnett-holder-and-co/">Hartnett Holder</a> for an age but I can barely be arsed to go round the corner for a pint of milk in this weather, let alone voyage to Hampshire for lunch. However book three features a road trip to the New Forest so I figured what better excuse than research....<br />
<br />
Seriously, a spectacular lunch and the best £20 I've spent in 2014. (Is it 2014? Good grief, I just had to Google what year it is. Being a full time writer makes you go a little doolally at times.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, the arancini alone were worth the trip. I always have a lot of love for these golden balls, but the white onion and rosemary ones were exceptional. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY36ynQsuBVZ2JzmaErWwOUfSupnZOVPQlh08OLNc2K6-pdYy6IvV7-_kSdAql8LgrGRPXZfUFpGlQUlii9T2fDNuSWsermnsQbXBok63gO_6qAVXGDsNVGhWDZhqqjLzSvj0PJFUJ1q4B/s1600/P1080638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY36ynQsuBVZ2JzmaErWwOUfSupnZOVPQlh08OLNc2K6-pdYy6IvV7-_kSdAql8LgrGRPXZfUFpGlQUlii9T2fDNuSWsermnsQbXBok63gO_6qAVXGDsNVGhWDZhqqjLzSvj0PJFUJ1q4B/s1600/P1080638.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Then a starter of smoked salmon with caperberries and lime creme fraiche<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0nxLdaN-etTf7c4B65_Y-iPVqh4-vCGkZla5q5_aoeDNl68XKhngpVrGGgndAH9HrpQ5hZ5iEe44Uae8Qi8Xi98m4C3VhZYZVqvOxqwh49mH3RziryDRfn0ZPvsM5ouhIfWfGFYqUyx7/s1600/P1080643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0nxLdaN-etTf7c4B65_Y-iPVqh4-vCGkZla5q5_aoeDNl68XKhngpVrGGgndAH9HrpQ5hZ5iEe44Uae8Qi8Xi98m4C3VhZYZVqvOxqwh49mH3RziryDRfn0ZPvsM5ouhIfWfGFYqUyx7/s1600/P1080643.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
And a salad of beef with rocket, parmesan and a stunning lemon oil vinaigrette<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nDyMDgBaqLiIyotC9_QssJmgEUyGwWF76tFk4LfDQHb6MJhtQbDoTByiao0v73VH7wiZrdcfnKkIyX96Y5FeFIYVuFVLe-v2DuTAPqXen0qsg0TxYXXbcqBEeF6xjWK3Xk30KV45kIal/s1600/P1080642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nDyMDgBaqLiIyotC9_QssJmgEUyGwWF76tFk4LfDQHb6MJhtQbDoTByiao0v73VH7wiZrdcfnKkIyX96Y5FeFIYVuFVLe-v2DuTAPqXen0qsg0TxYXXbcqBEeF6xjWK3Xk30KV45kIal/s1600/P1080642.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Then a perfect squid pasta with celery <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-3YxYLDTSdW4vgpKciT21fft729iXSGB0GWrbsrWfrPHVBUKQdZ7CI83ILlfTTcSMbzcPD8shvhK4wZBF-ffYTNf8hnCfCjeS3wjRVbTtCrRLQJMh3sJZd4H80AcTa6QSQd27gLUFW0C/s1600/P1080644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-3YxYLDTSdW4vgpKciT21fft729iXSGB0GWrbsrWfrPHVBUKQdZ7CI83ILlfTTcSMbzcPD8shvhK4wZBF-ffYTNf8hnCfCjeS3wjRVbTtCrRLQJMh3sJZd4H80AcTa6QSQd27gLUFW0C/s1600/P1080644.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Hake with red peppers<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyO7QLXWQg8DGh7_ttdrA_5WYTsMBZG8i8kcf4l15NEyOEMRqgDh_KYENg0aHPVr0DTvy-yQU7ujMmZ0Ya-b1dW2Lc59mkRqsdPWFe0W1yCoEdTvsRW0QdPaJUGnlCfNQzkZ-GwpEor4n/s1600/P1080645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyO7QLXWQg8DGh7_ttdrA_5WYTsMBZG8i8kcf4l15NEyOEMRqgDh_KYENg0aHPVr0DTvy-yQU7ujMmZ0Ya-b1dW2Lc59mkRqsdPWFe0W1yCoEdTvsRW0QdPaJUGnlCfNQzkZ-GwpEor4n/s1600/P1080645.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
and a show-stopping black cabbage, garlic, cream and caper side dish with chilli, that I could have eaten ten times over - gutsy and spicy and creamy and entirely more-ish. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfoj3084PYVpbKmhGkP3CBGDf3JfiY0XosI9_QsoWJMOUtO0Iqt-l9nXXweDmRzDzDhQEDuJd61YtcJ6M0eE2sgA3zcNtjibwr2ebMFJnHlHBy6Guu2nNaW4FwXWHEHGnQCNX4JYpmdcZ/s1600/P1080647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfoj3084PYVpbKmhGkP3CBGDf3JfiY0XosI9_QsoWJMOUtO0Iqt-l9nXXweDmRzDzDhQEDuJd61YtcJ6M0eE2sgA3zcNtjibwr2ebMFJnHlHBy6Guu2nNaW4FwXWHEHGnQCNX4JYpmdcZ/s1600/P1080647.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Killer puddings of rhubarb, cream custard and hazelnut crunch<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtF2pyHL_v1E76aMiy_i30-V3lWtNh_6KVnnK7QGepj-9LtGpFvDpfPWeXwFqLUVJGlUuSseMMVv-t5mA5Woh1TUwnwfgLfWU3zcW36liuwbcH05lGs5Gflg74_MR3hKbsc-AeR6UA1MZ/s1600/P1080653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtF2pyHL_v1E76aMiy_i30-V3lWtNh_6KVnnK7QGepj-9LtGpFvDpfPWeXwFqLUVJGlUuSseMMVv-t5mA5Woh1TUwnwfgLfWU3zcW36liuwbcH05lGs5Gflg74_MR3hKbsc-AeR6UA1MZ/s1600/P1080653.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
and chocolate parfait with pistachio ice cream<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHThx2Na0lA3NHd5ZDLARSWPyCORew0Raxeqn0gspfIQFluszFCYWPAks2zJ673t4eSTlo8ixxGWixU5f6igGBGByZkX6sPLDI02lmJt0jIPTLTibTN4aNjUf4kEb4Mnd4u41zOtfUaI7/s1600/P1080656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHThx2Na0lA3NHd5ZDLARSWPyCORew0Raxeqn0gspfIQFluszFCYWPAks2zJ673t4eSTlo8ixxGWixU5f6igGBGByZkX6sPLDI02lmJt0jIPTLTibTN4aNjUf4kEb4Mnd4u41zOtfUaI7/s1600/P1080656.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Petit fours... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_XGKPjPte7-4oTzcuka5OKkWOriM8cdE5A2lUbBdteKrMdXXLYaO3pRnS7UObbTvy1VOSTILaIUal7laKcdE_h283BYyJh37tZKOxUd3rqTtlvyvBko6fpHTgaNgnnm3vovmgsZi7Qkc/s1600/P1080658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_XGKPjPte7-4oTzcuka5OKkWOriM8cdE5A2lUbBdteKrMdXXLYaO3pRnS7UObbTvy1VOSTILaIUal7laKcdE_h283BYyJh37tZKOxUd3rqTtlvyvBko6fpHTgaNgnnm3vovmgsZi7Qkc/s1600/P1080658.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
£19.50 before service, and that includes coffee!<br />
<br />
Exceptional quality ingredients, perfectly executed - a damn near flawless meal. The memory of that cabbage dish, even now eight hours later, is keeping me in good cheer.<br />
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-23556347307321586052013-11-11T08:52:00.000-08:002013-11-11T09:02:02.492-08:00Cafe Murano - yep, pretty close to flawless<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thank you Twitter! Before you existed, in all your crazy, mixed blessing glory, I would never have known about the timings of soft launches. But now I do! And now that I have quit my day job and spend my life procrastinating, it means I can sit, poised at the click of a mouse, trying to reserve tables at exciting new restaurants during soft launch when the food is half price. Half the price = twice the food, hurrah!<br />
<br />
I think this is day 1 for <a href="http://www.cafemurano.co.uk/">Cafe Murano</a>, Angela Hartnett's new solo venture with head chef Samantha Williams. It is also my sister's birthday (more or less) so we all went for lunch. I love Angela Hartnett, and this new restaurant is a triumph - very beautiful ingredients, perfectly executed - not a single mis-step. <br />
<br />
We ate a lot. We always do:<br />
<br />
Brilliant rosemary focaccia - stunning texture, served with my favourite Planeta olive oil.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PG7tRqyp6JVnG2XjgsKfKIg0KvJT3YxA8A3HqAh02ru6rkjYcQCaij9TysRPtKRE6bPOa2k51N2jem9vtNdgIufHsANXicUQmvtqMeMLOyi94NHkP2wC_UcWxi72SVcO9estfg_kce8M/s1600/P1080264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PG7tRqyp6JVnG2XjgsKfKIg0KvJT3YxA8A3HqAh02ru6rkjYcQCaij9TysRPtKRE6bPOa2k51N2jem9vtNdgIufHsANXicUQmvtqMeMLOyi94NHkP2wC_UcWxi72SVcO9estfg_kce8M/s320/P1080264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Truffle arancini - crisp, light, golden outsides, melting insides:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgKug2iG-OUtBjXNgZZGLlzVXy_zVClsFITYsxL3GJZnhTkAVvjIv9mhQGP2Xg5tQYTjiiHldbT7kelbGhBuxQ049Mp35TpqGQbcyvbioQoeFfI5LQzHWR83Inrlz_7Wec0Li2_LE76bR/s1600/P1080267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgKug2iG-OUtBjXNgZZGLlzVXy_zVClsFITYsxL3GJZnhTkAVvjIv9mhQGP2Xg5tQYTjiiHldbT7kelbGhBuxQ049Mp35TpqGQbcyvbioQoeFfI5LQzHWR83Inrlz_7Wec0Li2_LE76bR/s320/P1080267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Fabulous quality mozzarella with charred aubergine and basil<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_QDLU0CnmuHGFM4KMXJMsq1RPKVfn8fkDLQQDwpvGhe2ig9v0RpjIerPn_aeAMjOgqCx-ymA_OePsNHBzj-tnDdjRTeqQ6vTU2jfDj3YSOOt2KwzhVpueWkeujtE5mdgxWFR7zeK8ujn/s1600/P1080268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_QDLU0CnmuHGFM4KMXJMsq1RPKVfn8fkDLQQDwpvGhe2ig9v0RpjIerPn_aeAMjOgqCx-ymA_OePsNHBzj-tnDdjRTeqQ6vTU2jfDj3YSOOt2KwzhVpueWkeujtE5mdgxWFR7zeK8ujn/s320/P1080268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then pasta - linguine with red mullet, garlic and chili, so simple and such clear flavours<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSl4xwhYHtOTK_AvcQc1S_8JiIvdTUUgh6AUS97mhe-Iz5Ce0ZgClGmIODRjK2qNGyAHnzfARlgaIjYYBP55G9xxvto4q_p5K-jo_30b8ci8xbIBT_Rf1IHF2A9BlDDYQ8IxzmnH6K_3CX/s1600/P1080275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSl4xwhYHtOTK_AvcQc1S_8JiIvdTUUgh6AUS97mhe-Iz5Ce0ZgClGmIODRjK2qNGyAHnzfARlgaIjYYBP55G9xxvto4q_p5K-jo_30b8ci8xbIBT_Rf1IHF2A9BlDDYQ8IxzmnH6K_3CX/s320/P1080275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and more pasta - gnocchi with wild mushrooms, parsley and garlic<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQEa_yjwnxSs2ZE6Vvek2eIwq64G1kTIvbf_qrBRY2NRtYWpmNlKrbSoswNS7LVVzEfFLr2RUBDzZGRTzQ5yzz4eq9bt7H1QjM1pjagvty7K453qz56YRx8mHn41ci_mka07tMR608obB/s1600/P1080277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQEa_yjwnxSs2ZE6Vvek2eIwq64G1kTIvbf_qrBRY2NRtYWpmNlKrbSoswNS7LVVzEfFLr2RUBDzZGRTzQ5yzz4eq9bt7H1QjM1pjagvty7K453qz56YRx8mHn41ci_mka07tMR608obB/s320/P1080277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and risotto Milanese, osso bucco<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU_FHE9KaqwgZaqiPC6f0mvIa0VMkiuDKrowOV271jPOnjYJyglVWbEyYwJOhIqYijs9cNMluy7KTVeNYDIr2BQXs5VpM7VWrAKgOoT_6ptPWYigzrLjzowY26Y3fV56tamQlK545DmbI/s1600/P1080276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU_FHE9KaqwgZaqiPC6f0mvIa0VMkiuDKrowOV271jPOnjYJyglVWbEyYwJOhIqYijs9cNMluy7KTVeNYDIr2BQXs5VpM7VWrAKgOoT_6ptPWYigzrLjzowY26Y3fV56tamQlK545DmbI/s320/P1080276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and then lamb<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykvQjkO9N6K7Q61NZA3JyLCAAEQnqXWbyc_aIzpkyJUAB5szhcPlOhEtWDHTiRshrv-SU0vW7hYu4dljyUwGA_DktYENLunllVfUwl4GBfUNYssocGLc7ySFDG_-9L-NHGDYBcqkhVnId/s1600/P1080279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykvQjkO9N6K7Q61NZA3JyLCAAEQnqXWbyc_aIzpkyJUAB5szhcPlOhEtWDHTiRshrv-SU0vW7hYu4dljyUwGA_DktYENLunllVfUwl4GBfUNYssocGLc7ySFDG_-9L-NHGDYBcqkhVnId/s320/P1080279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and monkfish<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomnFOQ00H-s0Pu09Kr88SeUdJ9OYQuKFBsHr6tpfowgFN_uU2GZ3hMFyLU1VNmE583Lipe5euL6Iwx9J8kc5pzgWPe8LTpjNoFGp7oG_H6WrPpjFGpXHzcvoMv408xn5V_SlUJZ2992ya/s1600/P1080282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomnFOQ00H-s0Pu09Kr88SeUdJ9OYQuKFBsHr6tpfowgFN_uU2GZ3hMFyLU1VNmE583Lipe5euL6Iwx9J8kc5pzgWPe8LTpjNoFGp7oG_H6WrPpjFGpXHzcvoMv408xn5V_SlUJZ2992ya/s320/P1080282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and chicken escalope....and tiramisu. (Oh dear - internet has slowed down due to the rain, thanks again Virgin Media, for your consistently reliable service.) Well I'll come back and post those photos later...<br />
<br />
Suffice to say, the whole meal was phenomenally delicious. When it reverts to full Mayfair prices this Wednesday, it will still be good value, because the food is of a fantastically high quality. This is the sort of cooking I love - confident, non-show-offy, and with the eater's enjoyment in mind at all times. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-50025083389578367502013-10-13T13:30:00.001-07:002013-10-13T13:48:36.199-07:00A tale of two taverns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Londoners are so lucky right now. The quality of eating out options in this city has never been better - from <a href="http://www.kappacasein.com/">toasted cheese sarnies</a> in south London to posh food like my mate <a href="http://stellanewmansblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/you-are-really-such-pretty-one.html">Marianne</a> serves at her new 14 seater in West.<br />
<br />
Two new and fantastic restaurants have opened up in the last month alone - one in the east and one bang in the centre. Make that two 'Taverns' in fact - though both are such sophisticated offerings they're not what one would associate with any bawdy tavern of yore.<br />
<br />
Merchants Tavern in beyond-fashionable Shoreditch is a joint venture between the wonderful Angela Hartnett, chef Neil Borthwick and the guys who run the chain Canteen.The room is beautiful, grown up, sexy and intimate, with a fabulous wine rack that I feel would work very well in my bedroom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpflb-4OYa_VlDmhyphenhyphendokCSxfFdJyvbN9VPnlQDs6QFT4ykBFyESDSeqOXVy11_dv4cixiB7ajltiMI1xDhZFv61DiyldMqrh9xpYie11lFgEBgPVxDREZ7WOh0QEozd6GzMaGo_xmeDMG/s1600/P1080054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpflb-4OYa_VlDmhyphenhyphendokCSxfFdJyvbN9VPnlQDs6QFT4ykBFyESDSeqOXVy11_dv4cixiB7ajltiMI1xDhZFv61DiyldMqrh9xpYie11lFgEBgPVxDREZ7WOh0QEozd6GzMaGo_xmeDMG/s320/P1080054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Highlights of our meal were these ridiculously tasty, crunchy deep fried oysters with ginger and chilli<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEveYxUhONkZ7HMVLpsnjjNaVPB8mxGzaDCsyvpgVWIOLsRvjXgiC3kvtKczuUa1X7k64Psq4x_Y6-9LgsH2CY1DCag4SMamVWahXy_o0BwL3ucCo3FcgYCDCgDcivlN4OC1J6YCMpTXg_/s1600/P1080059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEveYxUhONkZ7HMVLpsnjjNaVPB8mxGzaDCsyvpgVWIOLsRvjXgiC3kvtKczuUa1X7k64Psq4x_Y6-9LgsH2CY1DCag4SMamVWahXy_o0BwL3ucCo3FcgYCDCgDcivlN4OC1J6YCMpTXg_/s320/P1080059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Cauliflower croquettes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarJQpFPWgdsMf5B093_CWj9SWcQUm_z2GsCMooFjPkNjQUX_Bc3hMRtK6t-_G2lEHFDhxHU1lAgXj6pA-FWEi7gUxm6FK00rjRn7LLVlTfxC_gkErow0pM-KPDtMVoFoRzrw2bPrOIjJj/s1600/P1080065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarJQpFPWgdsMf5B093_CWj9SWcQUm_z2GsCMooFjPkNjQUX_Bc3hMRtK6t-_G2lEHFDhxHU1lAgXj6pA-FWEi7gUxm6FK00rjRn7LLVlTfxC_gkErow0pM-KPDtMVoFoRzrw2bPrOIjJj/s320/P1080065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and this more than ample Paris Brest<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXfa20P3Z3A6ez2LSzfuXCvtHkz3fCiIZSy6gBQFdDkAxhJu6aMrGnMGDgnEhyphenhyphen1HnQ3OxlNuGZMFtDpP7kJpgvCuFfHiTU9jGlN5yY0GUsrEAl-NV0PzxXokBuEGlcvscW45Q4wYWvQys/s1600/P1080072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXfa20P3Z3A6ez2LSzfuXCvtHkz3fCiIZSy6gBQFdDkAxhJu6aMrGnMGDgnEhyphenhyphen1HnQ3OxlNuGZMFtDpP7kJpgvCuFfHiTU9jGlN5yY0GUsrEAl-NV0PzxXokBuEGlcvscW45Q4wYWvQys/s320/P1080072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBffX9qDpJ2cHkXKrUxm6Y-2c9I_oeqGeNEC54sBdZUvngwX8MKenXTEvbInsxjm3UyOXq53bm_cNjKyPLdR14AKu-OCQKX1Z0HD5V9IWweKa556DLZlPV4bPDkiekkUV7rG48Te-4eJW/s1600/P1080076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBffX9qDpJ2cHkXKrUxm6Y-2c9I_oeqGeNEC54sBdZUvngwX8MKenXTEvbInsxjm3UyOXq53bm_cNjKyPLdR14AKu-OCQKX1Z0HD5V9IWweKa556DLZlPV4bPDkiekkUV7rG48Te-4eJW/s320/P1080076.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Muchos healthy, I'm sure you'll agree. Almost as healthy as my meal at Berners Tavern in the new Edition Hotel, just north of Oxford Street - and opposite possibly London's shittest shopping mall, The Plaza. <br />
<br />
Still, the Edition Hotel is drop dead beautiful and the dining room is one of the loveliest spaces I've eaten in for a very long time - incredibly high ceilings, fantastically grand finishes, the walls crammed with paintings, a magnficent bar. It has a genuinely glamorous feel to it - New York-ish without feeling like a try-hard copy of New York.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1Fqgiehu0VKpM3FSd3N2-BengGHQtgmBvabzEHunoCFRn9IO1opkAd_RB1QFf9QiujIpelW7Gw8zoZ4WwX7xFRwflZLdQHOlvwlqJe50lXUSx-7Jc-1uaNAKMr6AvU9H_nS2LRKHTiwv/s1600/P1080082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1Fqgiehu0VKpM3FSd3N2-BengGHQtgmBvabzEHunoCFRn9IO1opkAd_RB1QFf9QiujIpelW7Gw8zoZ4WwX7xFRwflZLdQHOlvwlqJe50lXUSx-7Jc-1uaNAKMr6AvU9H_nS2LRKHTiwv/s320/P1080082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8RqOnO6XcttVipqQP7cmzVi3_f-3S8aLJffrD7xIkrNQ1yQr5LVAJOCNZoMYQQwKf3RdezGYNN8AlU3dkUCvxvK2Fdhtd4VbgH9lBGlxQ7BqHokmqxN8ii0u-SSTx3PGCezWXStKbxAb/s1600/P1080096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8RqOnO6XcttVipqQP7cmzVi3_f-3S8aLJffrD7xIkrNQ1yQr5LVAJOCNZoMYQQwKf3RdezGYNN8AlU3dkUCvxvK2Fdhtd4VbgH9lBGlxQ7BqHokmqxN8ii0u-SSTx3PGCezWXStKbxAb/s320/P1080096.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5jv4gA62gpmR6ZMVuZN6KZab7UVyR2b52PbJDq8KytOpPuiRHwEti0ADpsrS3xXVXx66DtB6MgqIpqiH0a8HVM3n7xD1Hg92zRTv7IPh3GK4uyUH72ozZFoNU2xVh2bDXwq0BvUIBKNw/s1600/P1080084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5jv4gA62gpmR6ZMVuZN6KZab7UVyR2b52PbJDq8KytOpPuiRHwEti0ADpsrS3xXVXx66DtB6MgqIpqiH0a8HVM3n7xD1Hg92zRTv7IPh3GK4uyUH72ozZFoNU2xVh2bDXwq0BvUIBKNw/s320/P1080084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I had a burger - perfect proportions, terrific bun, great fries, excellent vinaigrette on the salad. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojuB3HCiXZz1jyaErEEDqMABSeHTTQp46dr9R7zZvvPiy7MF4IpJnnx1wYH4Ow8gAjOTcq7zNN-urJL7uo-jVL2KOeBE7XgJ2i_fnW2qB3A3SpgT21kS9KAHiHCld6m1qJQv0bUjlVmF0/s1600/P1080086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojuB3HCiXZz1jyaErEEDqMABSeHTTQp46dr9R7zZvvPiy7MF4IpJnnx1wYH4Ow8gAjOTcq7zNN-urJL7uo-jVL2KOeBE7XgJ2i_fnW2qB3A3SpgT21kS9KAHiHCld6m1qJQv0bUjlVmF0/s320/P1080086.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Some outstanding roast carrots with smoked garlic (see, that's 2 of my 5 a day, and I wasn't even counting the chips.) And then 3 puddings. (People never believe me when I say I don't have a particularly sweet tooth. I really don't. But I'm researching puddings for the latest novel: THIS IS WORK, I swear.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, the first was a warm chocolate doughnut with an intense almond sorbet:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xatoyEPOqHol8CqimrGYIoCknC5LW6uf3S2ZDUZniJ9Dls23EaZt448kzNxgwEq3nNs26K46qg6CCTXbu7LqVmat-CJc8OhDFSp-P7EDrhCc2NuWJZT7Eg_J91sQSzL2hEti8Me_oRH9/s1600/P1080109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xatoyEPOqHol8CqimrGYIoCknC5LW6uf3S2ZDUZniJ9Dls23EaZt448kzNxgwEq3nNs26K46qg6CCTXbu7LqVmat-CJc8OhDFSp-P7EDrhCc2NuWJZT7Eg_J91sQSzL2hEti8Me_oRH9/s320/P1080109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Second up was a Caramel apple and Calvados eclair with a lush cream filling and terrific salted caramel ice cream, topped with gold leaf (though I have to say, I find the whole eating gold thing a touch over-rated - emeralds have far more umami.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV9NZEr22JaZ-Jqtcxs3F8UsJ-UM53Iaz54RT20wnuZV14Bejaa2zyAm_QpSS6OHjfUfDELqSwxH-P9mMZz-M6kCCqCPZnQoQT1fT-ScHOGeqprX37rxqH2hyEuRB5TD_pFwUd1WC-fFK/s1600/P1080103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV9NZEr22JaZ-Jqtcxs3F8UsJ-UM53Iaz54RT20wnuZV14Bejaa2zyAm_QpSS6OHjfUfDELqSwxH-P9mMZz-M6kCCqCPZnQoQT1fT-ScHOGeqprX37rxqH2hyEuRB5TD_pFwUd1WC-fFK/s320/P1080103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And the killer of the lot - warm almond brioche, pear compote and ginger sorbet, served in a jar with a warm creme anglaise poured over the top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXweLUjlOEqdducSHKG3j3GXhQgupsF4XTwQvq6qZOHRY_9_EvqZ4MkTBSYcLgOdpYa-jt_Z66CmxGOB2D0jC7n2yZ1sqI5niY_4fEPwpX91a2Nyf0PciK3RR7ruYdW3HvURhzAgxsHli/s1600/P1080099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXweLUjlOEqdducSHKG3j3GXhQgupsF4XTwQvq6qZOHRY_9_EvqZ4MkTBSYcLgOdpYa-jt_Z66CmxGOB2D0jC7n2yZ1sqI5niY_4fEPwpX91a2Nyf0PciK3RR7ruYdW3HvURhzAgxsHli/s320/P1080099.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
All very, very very good indeed.</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-56207101928757529882013-09-28T09:38:00.003-07:002013-09-28T13:18:19.455-07:00Pear-shaped and ginger cake...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm nothing if not pear-shaped.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well actually that's not true. I am under-the-weather and pear-shaped. Under-the-weather, contrary and pear-shaped. <br />
<br />
I have a tedious heavy cold which means I can't taste much - so I'm baking an extremely fattening cake that I'll barely be able to enjoy the flavour of, just because I like to do things that are not very smart. And also I wanted to use my new toy! A mini food processor someone gave me for my birthday last month that is just super dinky and cute. (A bit like these photos that I've taken on a borrowed iPhone and don't quite understand how to make bigger...No matter.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4lv19UIl2YUWMtIhFSW6QT477MdP65JxsLynAZZYK3HFibKUVUYN5OwrAMtFHvGAB6z6-49FLU1W3BIYuEUOtGsK-d1i49x1mX_nuVenyRd9k8ZU60lQWRexW6kWDPpzmMN2KcKm6pRW/s1600/0-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4lv19UIl2YUWMtIhFSW6QT477MdP65JxsLynAZZYK3HFibKUVUYN5OwrAMtFHvGAB6z6-49FLU1W3BIYuEUOtGsK-d1i49x1mX_nuVenyRd9k8ZU60lQWRexW6kWDPpzmMN2KcKm6pRW/s1600/0-3.jpeg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
It's in the oven now and I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">scared. </span>Basically I have screwed with this <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/10271730/Pear-and-ginger-cake-recipe.html">Rose Prince recipe</a> in most ways, and I don't think I'll get away with it. In fact right now the cake is threatening to spill molten black treacle all over the bottom of my non-self-cleaning oven...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The pear part was fine - William Pears, one of the finest pears in town as I'm sure you'll agree.</div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1V5zSaKr4v5QSM1pV5C4UXVGOQsvmK2krPAl3NSsD-U3J60h8xkUtjPArHoxw1E_9slfisG1fhQCU1Fqo2drv2jjhusdrfzPIEs9cMt-uoJcQapJW0DXrYpxe3wL-l3ltmSzqGmefes5/s1600/0-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1V5zSaKr4v5QSM1pV5C4UXVGOQsvmK2krPAl3NSsD-U3J60h8xkUtjPArHoxw1E_9slfisG1fhQCU1Fqo2drv2jjhusdrfzPIEs9cMt-uoJcQapJW0DXrYpxe3wL-l3ltmSzqGmefes5/s1600/0-4.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0121erBLRxgoocTBz14suxZYiivK1Pzl6ImBY7fIrsXIM9iuJX91QCuqkfcouOJ4oYB3h-8jw0cleyfcOa6pnuc_gjiaDF8QNmteQg0_smXdNDOqxsVYNeHag3BaTnsYU85pzWaVB-14A/s1600/0-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0121erBLRxgoocTBz14suxZYiivK1Pzl6ImBY7fIrsXIM9iuJX91QCuqkfcouOJ4oYB3h-8jw0cleyfcOa6pnuc_gjiaDF8QNmteQg0_smXdNDOqxsVYNeHag3BaTnsYU85pzWaVB-14A/s1600/0-4.jpeg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
But then I used the wrong type of sugar - it said soft brown, and in fact I used up two half empty packets of light and brown muscovados - neither of which are on brief...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGncedj00gFDSwdncSeAlB5B1Jmi3-4sDQtCPeEixsS1PxGsNSM06Dm1_zR84aHBKszTvZYvQicvON6EuMSTKiZ4qq76P8l3fhOmXgEu1FT2aLmZJTltLJAloMdo7pQn294kjglCgET4MX/s1600/0-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGncedj00gFDSwdncSeAlB5B1Jmi3-4sDQtCPeEixsS1PxGsNSM06Dm1_zR84aHBKszTvZYvQicvON6EuMSTKiZ4qq76P8l3fhOmXgEu1FT2aLmZJTltLJAloMdo7pQn294kjglCgET4MX/s1600/0-5.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div>
Then I decided to use almonds that have been in my cupboard since my book launch - so maybe 6 months out of date...and a third of an old packet from Tesco. But realised I was still 16g short of the 270g requirement.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNHgwN_kGfaWidomN9hnyztVy-QTy4kuMhVDi0L1ENhvHAGi2MGDbGPf3RNdzi4v6fEQbvHpYdHfOjzfWNsV_aQO_r5pfPD5nzvW_IqEGQPLHMQwlQW4WXFYtfScLY12ST3MRQzy7PAnK/s1600/0-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNHgwN_kGfaWidomN9hnyztVy-QTy4kuMhVDi0L1ENhvHAGi2MGDbGPf3RNdzi4v6fEQbvHpYdHfOjzfWNsV_aQO_r5pfPD5nzvW_IqEGQPLHMQwlQW4WXFYtfScLY12ST3MRQzy7PAnK/s1600/0-6.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div>
So I just added a bit more flour, which is never a good idea. And then there's my ginger. My ginger is so very out of date. (Like Susie in <i>Leftovers </i>I really don't hold much truck with these alleged use bys. Just use your nose as your guide and you can't go wrong.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns8giK86xzkdgjsLkLc2AxJErM2tFLKn7hk3eRSbc-e33UTt04cbDnUTjQu1-IcuxoN_LHTvbFvFwzICcxWX22NxoIZhqbamgm_vcnkn0ijWt4CXbz1SsPBfdGDqPXslvV2PQf-FMj_fF/s1600/0-6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgns8giK86xzkdgjsLkLc2AxJErM2tFLKn7hk3eRSbc-e33UTt04cbDnUTjQu1-IcuxoN_LHTvbFvFwzICcxWX22NxoIZhqbamgm_vcnkn0ijWt4CXbz1SsPBfdGDqPXslvV2PQf-FMj_fF/s1600/0-6.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Still, 2008 was a vintage year for powdered ginger, so let's not worry about that... Regardless, it did still look quite pretty at this stage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jVp62zqDdZFvD_CmUgVgzBznYQbGUo4IF1MX8NePoQMJRsPfXlrP596gOLZSkFzINv7wfA0CIcZi0907lxCuO_EvW9lypxMcDjmEd0Forsei3AfaZCGFZowbaA7kpTXnqB-SqMX6eP58/s1600/0-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jVp62zqDdZFvD_CmUgVgzBznYQbGUo4IF1MX8NePoQMJRsPfXlrP596gOLZSkFzINv7wfA0CIcZi0907lxCuO_EvW9lypxMcDjmEd0Forsei3AfaZCGFZowbaA7kpTXnqB-SqMX6eP58/s1600/0-3.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But then I started heating the golden syrup, sugars and treacle and it all went a little volcanic (like what it's doing right now in my oven, that I'm too scared to check on again.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabGkKD0ABaDppzXSABbjbeQqHCbFi6ij-e_9gUBXl7_-ZvvNED7skDxGuoXdPO72msevxkkQFxvxtFYVZO6dji3ALGWTe2Vst0L9LnP7mszG4aO1lzuaO9pNHzEEu-evBlIRRiHsWGayC/s1600/0-11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabGkKD0ABaDppzXSABbjbeQqHCbFi6ij-e_9gUBXl7_-ZvvNED7skDxGuoXdPO72msevxkkQFxvxtFYVZO6dji3ALGWTe2Vst0L9LnP7mszG4aO1lzuaO9pNHzEEu-evBlIRRiHsWGayC/s1600/0-11.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right. Five minutes to go...Oh god! And I forgot to mention the eggs. One of the eggs was two weeks out of date, but again, it smelled fine and if you can't trust your nose, what can you trust? Oh. Bugger. I can't trust my nose at all today...Hmm, this does not bode well...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok, so far, so ok. It's too wobbly at 50 minutes but it looks and smells quite pleasing, in as much as it doesn't smell of salmonella.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNYci8rcMw05juiCoDfqc46KFUFQbNkMQCTVxemz5JZK0Ra3GjGmOdzkxzUEwP4Dr2gkqcb8wyCWA9Gw4Kb-dRYPKG0szkvsgDdj81GR_-VXZQ8s59ish8qm-BmdmSJ3RJ8i6IvcI1LYt/s1600/0-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNYci8rcMw05juiCoDfqc46KFUFQbNkMQCTVxemz5JZK0Ra3GjGmOdzkxzUEwP4Dr2gkqcb8wyCWA9Gw4Kb-dRYPKG0szkvsgDdj81GR_-VXZQ8s59ish8qm-BmdmSJ3RJ8i6IvcI1LYt/s1600/0-3.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ok. Now we wait...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right, well I've worked out how to take bigger photos at least...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutxodZGH70Zv68_mX8JY8DMhcJRo8Obht27oovR0knaiBJFbeknP7RPbq5XnU78_EWf6P5y9XgsWG1sW3pLOWL9e2AYgAx0NueYTmIoBaKngQOLnvdKMv8DHAAhJ7d2dZZ0tkMnEKMDd1/s1600/cakec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutxodZGH70Zv68_mX8JY8DMhcJRo8Obht27oovR0knaiBJFbeknP7RPbq5XnU78_EWf6P5y9XgsWG1sW3pLOWL9e2AYgAx0NueYTmIoBaKngQOLnvdKMv8DHAAhJ7d2dZZ0tkMnEKMDd1/s320/cakec.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The pears must have slipped around when the colossal Vesuvius of buttery treacle rained down upon them. Up close the texture looks like it's going to be awesome - crumbly, sticky, with a little crunch on top...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlqkq_rwlJsoe6rS1qQ-9i06cXlS9d4HF08f7FkGSroicALB0y5gSWAIIc44qHRR7hSaEnUEVDTrLwY-Vy6NGAUN0PXABkeQbIEJ5QeZblHWkvu5Z8wty1jhMGG-gkEqqNCobxiKLivQd/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlqkq_rwlJsoe6rS1qQ-9i06cXlS9d4HF08f7FkGSroicALB0y5gSWAIIc44qHRR7hSaEnUEVDTrLwY-Vy6NGAUN0PXABkeQbIEJ5QeZblHWkvu5Z8wty1jhMGG-gkEqqNCobxiKLivQd/s320/cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Desperate to eat it but have to eat some <a href="http://pastafriends.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/i-dont-care-if-it-doesnt-make-sense-i.html">crazy pasta</a> first...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm back. Ok, it's good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQGA2mnEDPhPhOQzH3bkDQP4OvFfN7eGuHaV5iAPztNqZmySUTurphaHMs032APThW7dNeofh6FyauGzz8DD-g4O6io149umtmf4dpG0KTSZGnh_2iKkkoFORMgPk4ko2ZHmiRnSFdDPH/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQGA2mnEDPhPhOQzH3bkDQP4OvFfN7eGuHaV5iAPztNqZmySUTurphaHMs032APThW7dNeofh6FyauGzz8DD-g4O6io149umtmf4dpG0KTSZGnh_2iKkkoFORMgPk4ko2ZHmiRnSFdDPH/s320/cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Beautiful moist texture due to the world of almonds that are in it, and a crisp, crunchy, caramelised chewy bottom. Could do with more ginger heat though that'll be the 5 years out of date ginger... Still, nothing a dollop of sour cream can't fix.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK513h-_R3T95_3As9lFJ5sQkJFqb9SMPzC7IHUsE8KioDwegBAjsfurOB7Ix8TWPEQqyV4s-OXDafxb6glwdaNrGolAvpxnPMNxsX8URMMdvw5bApIH5WrH6idIa_fTZqjcxiEXV0VWC3/s1600/cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK513h-_R3T95_3As9lFJ5sQkJFqb9SMPzC7IHUsE8KioDwegBAjsfurOB7Ix8TWPEQqyV4s-OXDafxb6glwdaNrGolAvpxnPMNxsX8URMMdvw5bApIH5WrH6idIa_fTZqjcxiEXV0VWC3/s320/cake+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-36442161951021692652013-09-14T07:21:00.001-07:002013-09-14T10:44:24.811-07:00You are really such a pretty one...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was lucky enough to eat at Marianne's on its opening night last week. <br />
<br />
Marianne was a runner up on Masterchef the Professionals, is a brilliant cook, has written a bestselling guide to <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Knife-Skills-Techniques-Filleting/dp/1845433343">knife skills </a>in the kitchen (and probably other rooms if you're that way inclined) - and is a dear friend and ex-colleague of mine. Having worked as a private chef for a world of a-listers (whom she refuses to give me the gossip on) she has finally opened her first place - the smallest fine dining restaurant in London (14 covers only).<br />
<br />
I can't write in detail about the meal as today is Yom Kippur - the Jewish day of atonement - so no eating allowed - and writing about Marianne's stunning food will only make my hunger more acute. So instead a whirlwind guide, mostly through pictures.<br />
<br />
The restaurant itself is on a tiny site, round the corner from Westbourne Park Road, on Chepstow Road, a part of west London I used to go drinking in, before I realised I am not really a west London type of girl (too many wrinkles, not enough surnames.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMmXVLnRcC7mc5vf6v8Enga47MsWBrrYT-UnFSGa9Q9asd05RK5E_Uv8ElowtS-7N3ky5VGtj-punfKRrAFfZMbnxWSsV-0Z0jyC_lCtjGgKlGadb1Znja99aiLSzrSL2OCD8p_uomwn7/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMmXVLnRcC7mc5vf6v8Enga47MsWBrrYT-UnFSGa9Q9asd05RK5E_Uv8ElowtS-7N3ky5VGtj-punfKRrAFfZMbnxWSsV-0Z0jyC_lCtjGgKlGadb1Znja99aiLSzrSL2OCD8p_uomwn7/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Here is the masterchef herself, Ms Lumb:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYZRjV-05ZjhXQ9HcsuKbI0QrSnD-Z5fT1dv8wPjvc-_c2z7BWCqxMXqE7X9KZDVtZ5NkJXINZjb-t8GYqYsr4RhKUg73jxkze0t6mvwV_pnv9rHjDdnfJSd68lY7r-J_vbCxmibJA7YG/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYZRjV-05ZjhXQ9HcsuKbI0QrSnD-Z5fT1dv8wPjvc-_c2z7BWCqxMXqE7X9KZDVtZ5NkJXINZjb-t8GYqYsr4RhKUg73jxkze0t6mvwV_pnv9rHjDdnfJSd68lY7r-J_vbCxmibJA7YG/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
in her beautiful, elegant, warm dining room - so, so pretty:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIbnIbBNbgqoCO5amxycFxLHRI9wsGJS0i6cS0N-2IbF89OBQ_9NaayqTIejxPF9WKunZZksxeW-B1Uz_OYp9HiJ4Zf8aGXRo5Z9tY4Ic62dlYDR_sqLXH3xPPIMu15dI8GNbY8j9Pnta/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIbnIbBNbgqoCO5amxycFxLHRI9wsGJS0i6cS0N-2IbF89OBQ_9NaayqTIejxPF9WKunZZksxeW-B1Uz_OYp9HiJ4Zf8aGXRo5Z9tY4Ic62dlYDR_sqLXH3xPPIMu15dI8GNbY8j9Pnta/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And here you can see her rather impressive knife collection in the foreground of her tiny kitchen:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQQ5GZHahq0a6WBXeM0cTNuKUl4hwzWnIWPPUXwVkX9l3LcrEPgX2nQ3pMg3Qgy2fSMdN9ubQEaKsu1qTpg6GvHyold7IrN-DchPf8pnnTg1YHvPfm79S3DV1r5O_86ct5W1B6YnGDlKW/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQQ5GZHahq0a6WBXeM0cTNuKUl4hwzWnIWPPUXwVkX9l3LcrEPgX2nQ3pMg3Qgy2fSMdN9ubQEaKsu1qTpg6GvHyold7IrN-DchPf8pnnTg1YHvPfm79S3DV1r5O_86ct5W1B6YnGDlKW/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Right, enough about rooms. The food - first off, amazing bread, which she gets from Hedone, a Michelin star restaurant in Chiswick which I haven't been to, so I can't comment - although on the strength of their delicious bread, I suspect I'll be visiting soon enough.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIUjas1Dhur95A80e48xmAl6TTjSYCoyCM4hFGwDgcMBDR3LfeHfM4O3mNbrulT7kbDdeYesgL-5cTXC5xk74wi6JbjD-JQc4fWIuvUZtKNdk3UxLCGGkLAdK56JyWxNS4oxpHQqBQ0Uo/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIUjas1Dhur95A80e48xmAl6TTjSYCoyCM4hFGwDgcMBDR3LfeHfM4O3mNbrulT7kbDdeYesgL-5cTXC5xk74wi6JbjD-JQc4fWIuvUZtKNdk3UxLCGGkLAdK56JyWxNS4oxpHQqBQ0Uo/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Then an utterly beautiful yellow and green courgette veloute with Scottish langoustines, which were so plump, lush and sweet, I would almost have been prepared to do the tedious work of undressing them myself - but thankfully didn't have to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6TNQuhGO0AiegG4m7Dlue_kyY3DGbVrXWmE9OLug8_9uGiC2ibF5MKmmGFz3qbYrLrOGXJEr5ickts0TxP5F6ZuwBHEikl3FWeKSFFCH7chGhN-7u9hwW2IIZwpIyNGlQZ1DWRXxvpCq/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6TNQuhGO0AiegG4m7Dlue_kyY3DGbVrXWmE9OLug8_9uGiC2ibF5MKmmGFz3qbYrLrOGXJEr5ickts0TxP5F6ZuwBHEikl3FWeKSFFCH7chGhN-7u9hwW2IIZwpIyNGlQZ1DWRXxvpCq/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Then one of my absolute favourites - these two plump, utterly perfect tortellini of rainbow chard with ricotta, parmesan and beurre noisette, sprinkled with chives. Am now fully about to break down and run to the kitchen, as the memory of these two is reducing me to a hunger that no merciful god would wish me to endure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPecVfYNS0M-Z-OcCemMsMC21BPOpEHReC2-4mm-b_oyaPWqMsiTnnXvnq2z4Yws7oeS7nzMTa3G2oWiQztfRdLVcPh89TcPkoHGVFKNpCj50e-wXoC3cT079KRZDjFtS8bbIEOw5No-rR/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPecVfYNS0M-Z-OcCemMsMC21BPOpEHReC2-4mm-b_oyaPWqMsiTnnXvnq2z4Yws7oeS7nzMTa3G2oWiQztfRdLVcPh89TcPkoHGVFKNpCj50e-wXoC3cT079KRZDjFtS8bbIEOw5No-rR/s320/IMG_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My dinner friend had this risotto with summer truffles and Scottish girolles, which was by all accounts superb. (I'm the original cheap date - <a href="http://stellanewmansblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/el-bulli-bye-for-now.html">I so don't like truffles</a>):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZbz64zM0enOUXK_YHIypcx_3w9fbuEP1y95RHGEFNUarCbBnJjLFH2BciKB0aYR4uCxSHt2X2HcUfheVPuLYFIy2BSLV_2rR6nIPLOEpBoDPbNsEZ5NWejif3XKc10OeYjLK9lCZw3x-/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZbz64zM0enOUXK_YHIypcx_3w9fbuEP1y95RHGEFNUarCbBnJjLFH2BciKB0aYR4uCxSHt2X2HcUfheVPuLYFIy2BSLV_2rR6nIPLOEpBoDPbNsEZ5NWejif3XKc10OeYjLK9lCZw3x-/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then on to poached turbot with cepes and a fine herbes hollandaise - utterly amazing. Not sure I'd ever eaten fresh cepes; well, I have been a fool. And again, this is a hollandaise that I'd happily take a bath in, though I suspect that would rather defeat the object of having a bath in the first place...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAH7anATmkoGYMh6VuaxlEwLOmHOeJwW5Z4vuVrHeeiwHos5vhZ3O8A2WaOaep36yRZRcI8qiup-YYApkMHpXYWbEH5JUH9zbpkCECrIVZT8T8spAZU7CEom8UFdtcSgNq2riYEz5S_gI/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAH7anATmkoGYMh6VuaxlEwLOmHOeJwW5Z4vuVrHeeiwHos5vhZ3O8A2WaOaep36yRZRcI8qiup-YYApkMHpXYWbEH5JUH9zbpkCECrIVZT8T8spAZU7CEom8UFdtcSgNq2riYEz5S_gI/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then plump, sweet Cornish scallops with Breton artichoke puree and Pata Negra ham. Seriously, how can you go wrong with that combo of salt, sweet, mellow and lush? Yum.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr1WajqWoVY9Wq526GDv9OHm6F_Xo2eSAFrYF9EbRWt0wqfWF67j18QHopgepxuJQdQHn0ze5gYWRu5oNrpBmV6wOSncA6rxllHNiMn517pwRBZTFuR7ZLx-BidwmXsaoXfsm6sdUs9ZT/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr1WajqWoVY9Wq526GDv9OHm6F_Xo2eSAFrYF9EbRWt0wqfWF67j18QHopgepxuJQdQHn0ze5gYWRu5oNrpBmV6wOSncA6rxllHNiMn517pwRBZTFuR7ZLx-BidwmXsaoXfsm6sdUs9ZT/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And then another absolute show-stopper - cannon of Organic Cotswold lamb with braised shoulder and jus. That shoulder of lamb, my goodness - I'll be living off the memory of that for a while. Just perfectly beautiful - food that you'll think about for weeks afterwards. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00p-kJODFf1M1lXe7PVEd2vq063QcuvnXS0ZQBYODsX9BLOY1V5LCfR8oyEwjpw5wJR4tYm-LYlVm7Pjwjos0vn6s5PBo_QpteeoEqeCJf7gGH_yLD1OCb6suPcfsQ67N26t75rn5h8YI/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00p-kJODFf1M1lXe7PVEd2vq063QcuvnXS0ZQBYODsX9BLOY1V5LCfR8oyEwjpw5wJR4tYm-LYlVm7Pjwjos0vn6s5PBo_QpteeoEqeCJf7gGH_yLD1OCb6suPcfsQ67N26t75rn5h8YI/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And finally on to pudding!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N_0VaT-Jvo5l8OqSJR_SpsZg3BnoxIPQd-THc8gFINJL8OF2kLzU6Waoji6vvZVIkkRw4NwMDot6wyIxjwzdoRscPrsIKwpW0KJ-w5I76zUf64b_5-BfehSY7WOepzL_7Z834U1jhKoM/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N_0VaT-Jvo5l8OqSJR_SpsZg3BnoxIPQd-THc8gFINJL8OF2kLzU6Waoji6vvZVIkkRw4NwMDot6wyIxjwzdoRscPrsIKwpW0KJ-w5I76zUf64b_5-BfehSY7WOepzL_7Z834U1jhKoM/s320/IMG_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
By which stage, the oven and hob had both malfunctioned and poor Marianne had to pull a solution out of the ether, or in this case the freezer. I mean, we're good mates and all, but if you don't give me pudding...well, let's just say that she's not the only one with knife skills round here. Anyway, friendicide notwithstanding, she served up this trio of beautiful ice creams: damson, praline and cobnut and gooseberry - and saved the day.<br />
<br />
Marianne's is a very special restaurant. The ingredients are perfect (perfectly considered, sourced, seasonal and utterly fresh); in the hands of a chef who truly cherishes and understands them, they are transformed into spectacular plates that look stunning and taste better. <br />
<br />
I am super-proud of this woman - and I hope this restaurant does as well as it deserves to.<br />
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-33961950961953654992013-08-23T12:27:00.001-07:002013-08-23T12:27:29.419-07:00So true, so true...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZJExrlC3K32aSwA04XPnv3rSZq_3iCyBiZiIcCGBhlWXeB7KjdgP7rSu8pfth3PcFj9doFGKfngvrw5ZR5uBtz6Z0T_JsAg5bmkfuMVgoPoVAeM1RWD1nMBQCiRtk7ZqFQQkD4V2VkHD/s1600/P1070831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZJExrlC3K32aSwA04XPnv3rSZq_3iCyBiZiIcCGBhlWXeB7KjdgP7rSu8pfth3PcFj9doFGKfngvrw5ZR5uBtz6Z0T_JsAg5bmkfuMVgoPoVAeM1RWD1nMBQCiRtk7ZqFQQkD4V2VkHD/s320/P1070831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-35027705540143128982013-08-20T12:03:00.003-07:002013-08-20T12:05:03.763-07:00So good I ate it all twice...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Back to <a href="http://stellanewmansblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/i-generally-avoid-trendy-food-as-i-live.html">The Dairy</a> at the weekend for my birthday, 21 again....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyR8vfyljo37MWejO9Cjy3Db0c9x18YZVsIo-Hux2BfQrtFVUinyA8gO2ypXLHBXKkXhUOUpGbU27cu-CABYEwNHvoS-R0G4kJUTj0sXHVGoC-ECPUGqdjsHqdolNebDDOUqeBR-U22j6/s1600/P1070885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyR8vfyljo37MWejO9Cjy3Db0c9x18YZVsIo-Hux2BfQrtFVUinyA8gO2ypXLHBXKkXhUOUpGbU27cu-CABYEwNHvoS-R0G4kJUTj0sXHVGoC-ECPUGqdjsHqdolNebDDOUqeBR-U22j6/s320/P1070885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I took slightly brighter photos. So for the record, let it be noted - I think that this is the best bread in London right now:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANYJ0FWLG64LFQIkfJIghHttf3mndT7IvRZZt0Fs4e1N7yqJUUYBWMoWRiqzb1DUyx6ltZB8X8K77qNn_Zl5ceySMW3pkQdwCjrq_qp7s34XM1K43k09UheVbxTWopkyG1LzRdYXJiudi/s1600/P1070837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANYJ0FWLG64LFQIkfJIghHttf3mndT7IvRZZt0Fs4e1N7yqJUUYBWMoWRiqzb1DUyx6ltZB8X8K77qNn_Zl5ceySMW3pkQdwCjrq_qp7s34XM1K43k09UheVbxTWopkyG1LzRdYXJiudi/s320/P1070837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The potted salmon with jalapeno and a touch of cumin, second time round...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-X8MtVPEkkBtAJb9yqffFTiiTpHtlNrkZK4M3lBf94g9VFIKhRlk5AqyO-isaKscKNI_axlPxoAlewogY8evkKLWJ160Cj8iJO7udAhCucXHilISHADwCJ3RWyGgHxPYsXhDVrbKfumG/s1600/P1070839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-X8MtVPEkkBtAJb9yqffFTiiTpHtlNrkZK4M3lBf94g9VFIKhRlk5AqyO-isaKscKNI_axlPxoAlewogY8evkKLWJ160Cj8iJO7udAhCucXHilISHADwCJ3RWyGgHxPYsXhDVrbKfumG/s320/P1070839.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2-arbJvcIkpTvm9iQCMVYTRroeSC0syNmtTtaywHAaMchBOkMXxnYWNiWeNvNOm6AHk6ejA5rPl3lSPG00K9cu1Rrnlo-asSwKpF4weQdrXzUv7bOEwxsR5_-aSAk29lGhaRdm5RjosG/s1600/P1070844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2-arbJvcIkpTvm9iQCMVYTRroeSC0syNmtTtaywHAaMchBOkMXxnYWNiWeNvNOm6AHk6ejA5rPl3lSPG00K9cu1Rrnlo-asSwKpF4weQdrXzUv7bOEwxsR5_-aSAk29lGhaRdm5RjosG/s320/P1070844.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
The beautiful cod with fancy tomatoes and a perfect crispy crunchy crumb:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5terK8b40DnBd2_OmQ9uP3_86avfdPMnlrobrJvBY4MYKHR49Dccz_Lq66qPXLbA1sFbdlsa6SMPxuQSRIy8WG2usUxz8CmWBk5sPqIZsOoXU2m2jUr48SSttSdRsTWo6AiYgQftqkR6/s1600/P1070859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5terK8b40DnBd2_OmQ9uP3_86avfdPMnlrobrJvBY4MYKHR49Dccz_Lq66qPXLbA1sFbdlsa6SMPxuQSRIy8WG2usUxz8CmWBk5sPqIZsOoXU2m2jUr48SSttSdRsTWo6AiYgQftqkR6/s320/P1070859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And some new recruits!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmF28Jfl30kIyenjIbqgWdWcjsWBQLLtrKTL9BhAEWx4Rp969MVgSTNfM8xpzaqyAfJfuw14SomHdF2R_FASJWavbwIC52S8Og5T7wpz6efLabzE6n-BlDPLzKSCAWVK62lvoOVCXfFWy/s1600/P1070847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmF28Jfl30kIyenjIbqgWdWcjsWBQLLtrKTL9BhAEWx4Rp969MVgSTNfM8xpzaqyAfJfuw14SomHdF2R_FASJWavbwIC52S8Og5T7wpz6efLabzE6n-BlDPLzKSCAWVK62lvoOVCXfFWy/s320/P1070847.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Crispy beef short rib nuggets with leek ketchup. How could you not love a crispy nugget smothered in leek ketchup?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr70jTh6I6MVfU297T4GrpS4PPPALgche3uxPmOs6QsT1UlEVrL43gVd8aB-FlQIYAg47VT8l3-2n5eEjwPU34pdg72B93Xx1hr3tDt5tdp8f2kqsOgwggGehWDAHdXoRvt_AAUXmEJ2J0/s1600/P1070851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr70jTh6I6MVfU297T4GrpS4PPPALgche3uxPmOs6QsT1UlEVrL43gVd8aB-FlQIYAg47VT8l3-2n5eEjwPU34pdg72B93Xx1hr3tDt5tdp8f2kqsOgwggGehWDAHdXoRvt_AAUXmEJ2J0/s320/P1070851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And a pasta, just because, it is my birthday damnit and there will be pasta:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-byDY4TFAY9j3Bh3W6zJCDp2EgkZWJPgxlFqZ-WpV6vTBV-Ck8jjmOdintMJxa1zIFdC7xkbT8sEboh848Fw7muLS3qCeW7cNlNSO6Gi21G4Fhiks8FGiYt65xKrGRTG3GZlGOnVzZUY/s1600/P1070858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-byDY4TFAY9j3Bh3W6zJCDp2EgkZWJPgxlFqZ-WpV6vTBV-Ck8jjmOdintMJxa1zIFdC7xkbT8sEboh848Fw7muLS3qCeW7cNlNSO6Gi21G4Fhiks8FGiYt65xKrGRTG3GZlGOnVzZUY/s320/P1070858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And this, that I forgot to mention last week - a tin of treats that come with the bill, including a hibiscus mini donut (tastes of mini and donut, not so much of hibiscus, which suits me fine) - and shards of light vanilla biscuits, and blobs of apple jelly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwIYF3Yu6ZiXqIPn7rVdRqcKB36JpTzonUuO56whl-ExZUqpShe2b0_d6mqTUG2qR9Rb5lxij58nieX5pxRpc3AvKYmtB4WX8Hc0TxI7yzK0zVAu86DEm_WMp4uYrnk6tDHbr08xlCp5a/s1600/P1070879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwIYF3Yu6ZiXqIPn7rVdRqcKB36JpTzonUuO56whl-ExZUqpShe2b0_d6mqTUG2qR9Rb5lxij58nieX5pxRpc3AvKYmtB4WX8Hc0TxI7yzK0zVAu86DEm_WMp4uYrnk6tDHbr08xlCp5a/s320/P1070879.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy birthday to me.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (Except that my irrational fear of getting lost in south London was played out as follows: my dad drove us to Clapham in his car, which has a crappy sat nav system that is stuck on German translation mode. No one in the car speaks deutsche, so we end up having a delightful tour of Camberwell, Streatham, the South Circular, Brixton, etc - when we could have just turned right shortly after crossing Vauxhall Bridge - which made us all late and stressed and bickery with each other. But anyway, the second basket of bread helped us all remember that we love each other really.)</span></div>
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-7807658611679288002013-08-11T10:47:00.000-07:002013-08-11T10:57:57.753-07:00It's been a good food week<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I generally avoid trendy food; I live off a steady rota of pasta, curry and burritos. However, it is the week before my birthday and hence the annual 20 days of birthday celebrations have commenced - and so this week I have had two very fashionable meals - one Peruvian (it's the new Nordic apparently) - and one from The Dairy - a much praised new eatery in Clapham Common - a place I can only ever be persuaded to go to once a year (because it seems as much of a trek from my flat as Peru) - and only then in order to visit the awesome <a href="http://stellanewmansblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/boil-in-bag-and-on-tube.html">Trinity</a>. <br />
<br />
First things first, to Peru via Rathbone Place, W1. <a href="http://www.limalondon.com/">Lima</a> had amazing reviews when it opened last year and I've been meaning to go ever since. I'm glad I finally did. This beef loin with yellow aji chile sauce was sensational.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_GhJdW-4Yi8zTvuorZOl7qfyZdwjZB1CMJLP1NsQj4OQIKtzcWwg8UbV7tzOcNRb94AZ6MIZgDU6Xjpq4US8GfZs2s5hbKiPLgHJETCEu8iXojDirZTBfdZnj_CQ01FGIt0GWtEr9rCP/s1600/P1070671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_GhJdW-4Yi8zTvuorZOl7qfyZdwjZB1CMJLP1NsQj4OQIKtzcWwg8UbV7tzOcNRb94AZ6MIZgDU6Xjpq4US8GfZs2s5hbKiPLgHJETCEu8iXojDirZTBfdZnj_CQ01FGIt0GWtEr9rCP/s320/P1070671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This sea bream ceviche with Tiger's milk (not from a tiger, not milk) - was pretty ace too - super limey and I do love a lime:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR9yHUj9nLIFt9Olw2sKZatStjDK32g4YEnA3YMcQjsz-RPKH0qts6vJslHWFm3E2mXytvQPnLv3_SpHZ1Xr0LUThlm3YYHpx33cL_K7XoGp_WSHlcmGMJoCvndIxIjQUvgDe7SyxuqJr/s1600/P1070674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR9yHUj9nLIFt9Olw2sKZatStjDK32g4YEnA3YMcQjsz-RPKH0qts6vJslHWFm3E2mXytvQPnLv3_SpHZ1Xr0LUThlm3YYHpx33cL_K7XoGp_WSHlcmGMJoCvndIxIjQUvgDe7SyxuqJr/s320/P1070674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And this octopus with quinoa and some pretty blobs of purple olive dressing was killer too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvhgv3eCxGNgatJTY72N1K4CbBbe4XzCSQJVzjBcuVxo7nDUxvRIxYt5LVLveTgZAa-6pYui8f6phyphenhyphenXvjie_VA2TXhNs5fFqfAz_K2L8pQLRjuqGjanNMuAVQ6v5W8xNTwvNxaMk0Yjdo/s1600/P1070678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvhgv3eCxGNgatJTY72N1K4CbBbe4XzCSQJVzjBcuVxo7nDUxvRIxYt5LVLveTgZAa-6pYui8f6phyphenhyphenXvjie_VA2TXhNs5fFqfAz_K2L8pQLRjuqGjanNMuAVQ6v5W8xNTwvNxaMk0Yjdo/s320/P1070678.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I got really quite drunk on a couple of bottles of very cold white Torrontes wine, so the rest of the meal was a blur. All I remember was insisting on going to <a href="http://www.gailskitchen.co.uk/">Gail's Kitchen</a> for pudding, for their ridiculously perfect warm chocolate cookies with milk. Not very Peruvian, though I suspect Paddington would have approved:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBdz53BvWD0BLVr6Vhczr6k2s4GSO5boyNBK_RDDRIcZI4Xd-y5FtpEm1yHCB9UxxgxmESBLonVpSsd28FsU0TFmA2ZhXISHuSr21fmnFM1ap3nntugbt7-cB6j0-Doim5CdK8thHLd7-/s1600/P1020901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBdz53BvWD0BLVr6Vhczr6k2s4GSO5boyNBK_RDDRIcZI4Xd-y5FtpEm1yHCB9UxxgxmESBLonVpSsd28FsU0TFmA2ZhXISHuSr21fmnFM1ap3nntugbt7-cB6j0-Doim5CdK8thHLd7-/s320/P1020901.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
I mean seriously, what is better than a molten chocolate cookie with ice cold milk? Apart from three cookies...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76kC5emrZMXRqKocfM6NoXwsYy6qrrOtH5fsB2EXj9ptOJCq9uav76qyA-DeCcX3nkedujygZd6BbK1rXhS4b0WXQLtCUFQ1OkQMkVL-nKOivwLYdzbSK90WaPf2UAuxFYvCI-3Kx-TbO/s1600/P1020909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76kC5emrZMXRqKocfM6NoXwsYy6qrrOtH5fsB2EXj9ptOJCq9uav76qyA-DeCcX3nkedujygZd6BbK1rXhS4b0WXQLtCUFQ1OkQMkVL-nKOivwLYdzbSK90WaPf2UAuxFYvCI-3Kx-TbO/s320/P1020909.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Then, last night, birthday celebration 2! At <a href="http://www.the-dairy.co.uk/">The Dairy</a> in Clapham. Book now, it's bloody hard getting a table - probably because it's utterly delicious, and very reasonable for the excellence of the food.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HjPUYk5AbB4S0rk9DWYnnqybudDsONLKRFPeb39yBgN0SLgeRqXqvBBafO891yJo1heBZKvGkdbOkWgBJTpPFePLUS3fP-bVMo6SK0E6kc0K_Kp2xNoiYcZqiCjSF6OjDmjOwRDUB2Ud/s1600/P1070791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HjPUYk5AbB4S0rk9DWYnnqybudDsONLKRFPeb39yBgN0SLgeRqXqvBBafO891yJo1heBZKvGkdbOkWgBJTpPFePLUS3fP-bVMo6SK0E6kc0K_Kp2xNoiYcZqiCjSF6OjDmjOwRDUB2Ud/s320/P1070791.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Everything we ate was beautiful and fresh tasting and interesting - the kitchen's use of herbs is amazing, not least lemon verbena, my favourite slightly not mainstream herb. I'm only posting a handful of pics of dishes, as the lighting / my camera / my drunkeness - were not conducive to good photos - but the best of a great bunch were as follows: the bread, which I could have eaten ten of....perfect texture, oven-warm, served with bone-marrow butter:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpjkCw9r9sAIxm8e2at-5QtN14eizuPM0McIVP9zZZygCw8Wya13WGLV43yR_Id-JAd71DxQyNiY8yFEJbiIk-UYCRn2rleyJTQme0GiFVFb66NY7vykiVRS4fNf77fTqDhvdn6q_6d5p/s1600/P1070793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpjkCw9r9sAIxm8e2at-5QtN14eizuPM0McIVP9zZZygCw8Wya13WGLV43yR_Id-JAd71DxQyNiY8yFEJbiIk-UYCRn2rleyJTQme0GiFVFb66NY7vykiVRS4fNf77fTqDhvdn6q_6d5p/s320/P1070793.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
almost as good as the bread I had earlier this year at a restaurant called Radio in Copenhagen:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MT_RlQxgiMHzrQL_O4SP5q75RUUoQE_PhlcQqnBxSXgWJOqUdZNrmBH6557gXItRU4j0douRrCTH9kXKQv85YYufhtUSzWRsXP6s4UGeVYONLj9wfru7cxDpWnLshnbTqVcaSfOBwKZt/s1600/P1060314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MT_RlQxgiMHzrQL_O4SP5q75RUUoQE_PhlcQqnBxSXgWJOqUdZNrmBH6557gXItRU4j0douRrCTH9kXKQv85YYufhtUSzWRsXP6s4UGeVYONLj9wfru7cxDpWnLshnbTqVcaSfOBwKZt/s320/P1060314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
In Copenhagen my friend and I ate three baskets of this bread - served with caramelised onion butter. They hated us so much at that restaurant but you know what? If you don't want customers to eat three baskets of bread, don't make it so damn delicious. I did learn my lesson in Denmark, which is that eating 3 baskets of bread is a) - greedy b) - painful c) - can get in the way of the rest of the food. So we just ate the one basket at The Dairy and saved room for this delicious, delicate potted salmon with Guinness soda bread. It was touched with cumin and combined with jalapeno - and at £5 was probably one of the most reasonably priced high end dishes I've ever eaten.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1iYFWWyR94ywWXZ_RI_XW8Xiqt_XS8JCliTEdsR56vMjTkyU1ULTP4yPwAW1klhREXKW1QQh1koAZXXYut_Y52GOBOwar-D3T-TlMRItaOF-u0MnIF2SwgRH3yYy9x99u9AlI6Z03qsv/s1600/P1070796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1iYFWWyR94ywWXZ_RI_XW8Xiqt_XS8JCliTEdsR56vMjTkyU1ULTP4yPwAW1klhREXKW1QQh1koAZXXYut_Y52GOBOwar-D3T-TlMRItaOF-u0MnIF2SwgRH3yYy9x99u9AlI6Z03qsv/s320/P1070796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, this photo does no justice whatsoever to a dish called 'fresh peas, celery, mint and fried bread.' It was the prettiest, greenest thing ever - totally fresh tasting, with an amazing textural combo of creaminess from the mousse, super crunch from the 'fried bread' which was I believe a sourdough crumb, and then two different textures of pea. Delish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQbg5bKP3g8pZYzT0lLIs7dDu3o96JkuGNm26ATxoIT1NKWwREUcio1Heorc_VBBU4T-8fWjgzmFUUwTo3PdW-4_vnb-zGJydDIMc3wKzPwi3mkP7Zj5ndEz1k-RdSSf-OI1ku8bOESK1/s1600/P1070802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQbg5bKP3g8pZYzT0lLIs7dDu3o96JkuGNm26ATxoIT1NKWwREUcio1Heorc_VBBU4T-8fWjgzmFUUwTo3PdW-4_vnb-zGJydDIMc3wKzPwi3mkP7Zj5ndEz1k-RdSSf-OI1ku8bOESK1/s320/P1070802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This Cornish cod, heritage tomatoes, rooftop herbs and toasted bread was another killer - beautiful yellow and red tomatoes, super fresh fish, awesome crunch, and a background sauce of the most delicate, light cream. I couldn't work out what it was - it wasn't sour like sour cream, but it was not as dairy-ish as cream - and the waiter informed me it was made of 'ling roe' - which makes it sound as if it was super salty or fishy, though it was neither. Utterly delicate and perfect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVUnMaQweHA7iyCZIh4GePetdrJpwGj7y2vECHNju3tiACjZjfvUtVZOFTW_7wCtD8oJEmjr4L2cqbKdUtd4Dp4H3nj0CNKRgAlXw-fpXKSGFgSJzoAE9tF8yYLqQaM8T1qDGVT7CI561/s1600/P1070807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVUnMaQweHA7iyCZIh4GePetdrJpwGj7y2vECHNju3tiACjZjfvUtVZOFTW_7wCtD8oJEmjr4L2cqbKdUtd4Dp4H3nj0CNKRgAlXw-fpXKSGFgSJzoAE9tF8yYLqQaM8T1qDGVT7CI561/s320/P1070807.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It reminded me of this super pretty dish I ate at <a href="http://www.restaurantstory.co.uk/">Story</a>, which was jazzed up with nasturtiums and I believe cucumber balls - seriously, I can't remember, it's been a busy year but anyway - it's a nicer photo than the one above at least.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu8YA5M4wiulEMNu-ow8zQKHGWnMdmLbMIpQdk4M_NB0wSeWBvJK5dWYPXlcqFBMGo-9Es-q7iRxpc-ywWBp-9OHljOhbKSGouwSFKArTV5jX0FHDBeGjglXj_rVSiKW98K_am3mPvorX/s1600/P1060187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu8YA5M4wiulEMNu-ow8zQKHGWnMdmLbMIpQdk4M_NB0wSeWBvJK5dWYPXlcqFBMGo-9Es-q7iRxpc-ywWBp-9OHljOhbKSGouwSFKArTV5jX0FHDBeGjglXj_rVSiKW98K_am3mPvorX/s320/P1060187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And then finally pudding. I really don't care for edible 'soil' - which seems to be a Nordic trend that refuses to die. Still, given that the menu said this was 'salted caramel, chocolate, malted barley ice cream' - I had no choice but to order it<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLfHVj5ZbveMNN21Bb109QGHYXmVGiRvWf51rjeoKBtUErHwC1UD-5he0qvFU2ANd637zedFNMmte5MlAACji3gBOqOaJ1uLCKFEjJGHJ81PeRobI1zHeaYgugvogswZJxyH14XAghElM/s1600/P1070822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLfHVj5ZbveMNN21Bb109QGHYXmVGiRvWf51rjeoKBtUErHwC1UD-5he0qvFU2ANd637zedFNMmte5MlAACji3gBOqOaJ1uLCKFEjJGHJ81PeRobI1zHeaYgugvogswZJxyH14XAghElM/s320/P1070822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and even though it reminded me of this (from Copenhagen again) - and quite a few other soil-y, deconstructed puddings I've eaten this year - I forgave it for its fashionableness - because I'm a forgiving type. And because it was AWESOME. And actually it's trendy texture was justified.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnUNFGNRql9UkcagaXQXEOhyphenhyphenSi-rgUmDuwqWeOH-LPvWhYeGp6h1fTNxtMVV1EnFbVez0P8_fcLm0WIHbwCNmmj0fGQ6ShHGipkTI49Ikmott1kKHN0fzBFXiNV5h3YdwJBFunXm62QVE/s1600/P1060327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnUNFGNRql9UkcagaXQXEOhyphenhyphenSi-rgUmDuwqWeOH-LPvWhYeGp6h1fTNxtMVV1EnFbVez0P8_fcLm0WIHbwCNmmj0fGQ6ShHGipkTI49Ikmott1kKHN0fzBFXiNV5h3YdwJBFunXm62QVE/s320/P1060327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I loved The Dairy so much that I'm going back with my mum and dad next week for lunch. I'll attempt better photos and improved coherence then. Watch this space.</div>
</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-83566323643407147932013-08-09T10:11:00.007-07:002013-08-09T10:22:00.404-07:00Custard-tastic!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am all about the custard - usually mainlined out of the carton / tin / pan, often out of the inside of a donut (if it's from <a href="http://stellanewmansblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/st-john-custard-doughnut-all-hail.html">St John</a>) - and occasionally in tart format. One of the lushest posh things I ate last year was this perfect (too) little custard tart from Dabbous. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVbw1aF7YzdUC69LHnU1xGVk6vPDvFBKElBGqAOmKZOLg_THkygsKdI0a1OwURDMvvAA_HdpJItuRwwqPwFcmU9DgUawqdQfnFdMDkqUOhcu6JVBrJcTU1Jir0NfwyI-OC9kySgkxA8xj/s1600/P1020587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVbw1aF7YzdUC69LHnU1xGVk6vPDvFBKElBGqAOmKZOLg_THkygsKdI0a1OwURDMvvAA_HdpJItuRwwqPwFcmU9DgUawqdQfnFdMDkqUOhcu6JVBrJcTU1Jir0NfwyI-OC9kySgkxA8xj/s320/P1020587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Normally I grow impatient when flowers try to come between me and my food, e.g. what are you doing on top of this pretentious yet delicious avocado salad at Craft? Like, I know you're pretty and everything, but you're so not invited.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbI46oPU2DvQzqHW521RF3VIk3p6jAFrilEHN9bImaB9OCTHbjtYUZg0Vqav8tJ5FCYWvodjTwhuqSil36CzaBKFxMBuXsoDbE2JtY3a9GT-Y7CvBvGnGTv-bTJrhjMnoBDJFXzOAUaxD/s1600/P1050883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbI46oPU2DvQzqHW521RF3VIk3p6jAFrilEHN9bImaB9OCTHbjtYUZg0Vqav8tJ5FCYWvodjTwhuqSil36CzaBKFxMBuXsoDbE2JtY3a9GT-Y7CvBvGnGTv-bTJrhjMnoBDJFXzOAUaxD/s320/P1050883.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Still, the Dabbous custard tart could have been crowned with a bunch of petrol station carnations - it would still have been a triumph.<br />
<br />
So yesterday I decided to devote my day to making a custard tart - a traditional, non floral one, I hasten to add. I used <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/nov/11/justin-piers-gellatly-st-john">this recipe</a> from the world's greatest baker, Justin Piers Gellatly<br />
<br />
Two important things I was aiming for, both of which I failed to pull off: perfectly thin, delicate pastry, and perfectly wobbly custard filling. Don't get me wrong - the tart was delicious and brilliant and even though it served 12, and 6 of us polished it off, I have learned from my mistakes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5Huv-sz6ER0qRelvXHcd1slefNhzgtoi_jNXv_8tI89RfvaOgCFXwyRFeDjHi0_0sooIAzhJlN-FzPcAgJnFSaiEBMZIiu0G3tsV9Zika_h12HDb_nsLiQsKY-TlAbJKWHXFEAjTzgu4/s1600/P1070687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5Huv-sz6ER0qRelvXHcd1slefNhzgtoi_jNXv_8tI89RfvaOgCFXwyRFeDjHi0_0sooIAzhJlN-FzPcAgJnFSaiEBMZIiu0G3tsV9Zika_h12HDb_nsLiQsKY-TlAbJKWHXFEAjTzgu4/s320/P1070687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwORB5GaMZCun4bcQNLrigWfC8pjeCIUhRIZmUW92L-JGoTXA0zmhOQWEoomlmk36IrNV5rRKfmOW5TKHBApiW3d7EOXqHe4IEr8aASC5drnonoXqLOkdN9oSUYsC1k2DtY072dGvM9E4a/s1600/P1070698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwORB5GaMZCun4bcQNLrigWfC8pjeCIUhRIZmUW92L-JGoTXA0zmhOQWEoomlmk36IrNV5rRKfmOW5TKHBApiW3d7EOXqHe4IEr8aASC5drnonoXqLOkdN9oSUYsC1k2DtY072dGvM9E4a/s320/P1070698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The first hurdle I stumbled into and bruised my shin on was the pastry. I am inept and impatient and unskilled at pastry, so when trying to roll out a supremely buttery dough into 3mm thickness, I ended up with a sometimes thin, sometimes thick pastry that I sort of grafted together like Dr Nick on the Simpsons would do if he was a plastic surgeon. Not pretty; still passable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemb18L6TAOeKE9SPszalS6h4gddAfJpNkXqLjBBhzXB_Nk8ssKlovauuqPoYgJAIkvPFHs56bw7yLFFxSz-hBFwtfRxrurYyCGaoaUWjKK2pngtQC5W9BfvCLdk8AW_xE9U0mfaEIOhXr/s1600/P1070699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemb18L6TAOeKE9SPszalS6h4gddAfJpNkXqLjBBhzXB_Nk8ssKlovauuqPoYgJAIkvPFHs56bw7yLFFxSz-hBFwtfRxrurYyCGaoaUWjKK2pngtQC5W9BfvCLdk8AW_xE9U0mfaEIOhXr/s320/P1070699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The baking went fine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMHTJLQkx6XbRJLqj33e9jvQz83_d-zQbL8RKRHa0Zz0dHsbJGYws_962siio0pe1XiGbJf9UT90u9FDM3QENSjzrB_7mHZ1jJAGwGe6rO8xp4opMMAqnLjwNrMfb9JUS1k8XHRwBRgWk/s1600/P1070700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMHTJLQkx6XbRJLqj33e9jvQz83_d-zQbL8RKRHa0Zz0dHsbJGYws_962siio0pe1XiGbJf9UT90u9FDM3QENSjzrB_7mHZ1jJAGwGe6rO8xp4opMMAqnLjwNrMfb9JUS1k8XHRwBRgWk/s320/P1070700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On the recipe's advice I let it cook for longer than I felt comfortable with, till it went to a 'French brown' colour. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBJEPdbNzMqyr200i609HhK0fZLRGKSSNwrkCrH2qZXVjevLcT6FWmcav1GoxzaghhG5rGgJhSPmkl-Yisr87de840w25FCdtoF40J9Zi9kFowmhWCQaHxIe0cjuYVDnDjOt_SbZhpeSn/s1600/P1070704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBJEPdbNzMqyr200i609HhK0fZLRGKSSNwrkCrH2qZXVjevLcT6FWmcav1GoxzaghhG5rGgJhSPmkl-Yisr87de840w25FCdtoF40J9Zi9kFowmhWCQaHxIe0cjuYVDnDjOt_SbZhpeSn/s320/P1070704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
As soon as the pastry's done, you seal it with an egg yolk, at which point I freaked out - as the egg yolk immediately cooked on the hot pastry - OBVS - which is fine, except it looks not fine. But it is fine, so forget I even mentioned it...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaLOkVZ8W7N3nGPaCCzXIR5Ng-RKpUtcGNMmzLZvjWSKFnX9PKWMGgrx9KNSnv4jBO2uM6jnpTbnQ6GjNmzcFFgArKkCnlGdh1EJtfBXSYupSPWLFBbo-hKvBNLrhNWYGhQIeh5Gl59rG/s1600/P1070707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaLOkVZ8W7N3nGPaCCzXIR5Ng-RKpUtcGNMmzLZvjWSKFnX9PKWMGgrx9KNSnv4jBO2uM6jnpTbnQ6GjNmzcFFgArKkCnlGdh1EJtfBXSYupSPWLFBbo-hKvBNLrhNWYGhQIeh5Gl59rG/s320/P1070707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Then on to the luscious filling: vanilla, vanilla, vanilla.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM4K4StYoj_EbVM5gz64Bak4hsIuq1NcQahm61Aa2-78zO8B7lwG-aWqmwkjk8j5Fs0ahQacdYReQCIdJrcts_duA31qXLpYEKK9TBp2mSae5X1shRyDfPv3wOY5hpyYCaXnryZl0v4i3/s1600/P1070710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM4K4StYoj_EbVM5gz64Bak4hsIuq1NcQahm61Aa2-78zO8B7lwG-aWqmwkjk8j5Fs0ahQacdYReQCIdJrcts_duA31qXLpYEKK9TBp2mSae5X1shRyDfPv3wOY5hpyYCaXnryZl0v4i3/s320/P1070710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And cream and sugar and many, many egg yolks...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpE25I6RcIuvUwI0aWEldAdTYP-TPPcCTs9ACst_0xGnDfuwvM_vI2FhbcRqRV8yABs2Summy4t1kAKqlqy3hElXf2pnA8zQWis8l2NKrGoHXfvPAUTPl6u2JftQsJclO51IBEODIYKxQ/s1600/P1070714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpE25I6RcIuvUwI0aWEldAdTYP-TPPcCTs9ACst_0xGnDfuwvM_vI2FhbcRqRV8yABs2Summy4t1kAKqlqy3hElXf2pnA8zQWis8l2NKrGoHXfvPAUTPl6u2JftQsJclO51IBEODIYKxQ/s320/P1070714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYaZsRomZjOVLELEuzOMVR4KxkIFX0QBXHxc3SWEAsMcpldOWccizPHt7y7bE67E8fBYMzsEZojpyOxcf7D36ElH6I8iNA2PuOZMg5ipJk8qt3GUm3h78IX0aU7Ba8IE48vb4Zf-DKsHb/s1600/P1070720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYaZsRomZjOVLELEuzOMVR4KxkIFX0QBXHxc3SWEAsMcpldOWccizPHt7y7bE67E8fBYMzsEZojpyOxcf7D36ElH6I8iNA2PuOZMg5ipJk8qt3GUm3h78IX0aU7Ba8IE48vb4Zf-DKsHb/s320/P1070720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A word on nutmeg: I hate nutmeg. I don't want it in my lasagne. I don't want it near my dauphinoise. I definitely don't want it near custard - however, it is THE LAW. But because I hate it it, I don't know how to interact with it - so I checked with the internet - which said 'grate it whole.' Yeah, well thanks internet, for not telling me to take the tough shell off first. Anyway, this is how one learns - from eating grated hard outer shells of nutmeg.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7StkPxrq7LISfiUiLqzuLG-C74P_TSBcA2j4JUbCOgrP9f8Yh1k5mJrsgqLXpHD_68cvaJJCix9KPEOMkoHj-YFttItJAruzSTmraLVFm9VD-as6X980uLeMfSEMf8daOGtB5Bfjz7lyI/s1600/P1070723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7StkPxrq7LISfiUiLqzuLG-C74P_TSBcA2j4JUbCOgrP9f8Yh1k5mJrsgqLXpHD_68cvaJJCix9KPEOMkoHj-YFttItJAruzSTmraLVFm9VD-as6X980uLeMfSEMf8daOGtB5Bfjz7lyI/s320/P1070723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anyway, the key to the perfect texture of the tart is to remove this beauty while it still retains a small wobble in the middle. The recipe calls for an hour at gas mark 1/2... I decided that this hour would be the perfect time to commence watching Season 1, episode 1 of Game of Thrones. So yes, I'm stupid because I don't know about nutmeg. But I'm seriously stupid for starting to watch THE AWESOMEST FURRY SOAP OPERA EVER while I'm meant to be keeping a minute by minute eye on my wobble. I blame that fit Danish actor from Headhunters for doing two very wrong things at the end of the first episode - for the fact that my tart was slightly overdone. Bad <a href="http://nikolajcosterwaldau.org/">Nikolaj Coster-Waldau</a>!<br />
<br />
Anyway, the tart was seriously great notwithstanding the above:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZzMO-XW4Fjo0xYTFdzjYq6n1JWo7y_Tq4esa9aFkDvG7wpyKLCPx7HHRyw7IjZ7P6qKHe9TRyMR-hYXq3qNDU6afWRrUPL5WS6nZQXxp3n7bG8DhmFoYfsO-cNIAwohjnvhHnAOAUEKr/s1600/P1070755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZzMO-XW4Fjo0xYTFdzjYq6n1JWo7y_Tq4esa9aFkDvG7wpyKLCPx7HHRyw7IjZ7P6qKHe9TRyMR-hYXq3qNDU6afWRrUPL5WS6nZQXxp3n7bG8DhmFoYfsO-cNIAwohjnvhHnAOAUEKr/s320/P1070755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1AA3dGOj6JdvxOWpD1jWcQpfaPAcqfAyt1DblwrA0ixX1tnfZRpGnFuVKFKiEifORU1MA2qFjfMtbq2ee_gUp_kyxT0_4wwrd7bKvlie00iW2IeBvwhkZ273ZcT-yczb_8L44pOrcou2/s1600/P1070757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1AA3dGOj6JdvxOWpD1jWcQpfaPAcqfAyt1DblwrA0ixX1tnfZRpGnFuVKFKiEifORU1MA2qFjfMtbq2ee_gUp_kyxT0_4wwrd7bKvlie00iW2IeBvwhkZ273ZcT-yczb_8L44pOrcou2/s320/P1070757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz8dWPk3jn5TkQrLKzdncbHVG0q-aCLSnI93vuv12cXQA2D-Xon4EtvqVi7NvH_Vbifn3eyW1K-2nf-nJTNrxLZhnON4R4cSQQcQLMsZ0vHDlti_NgABxjr8Kryg1qROkQc4osZmDN2uy/s1600/P1070765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTz8dWPk3jn5TkQrLKzdncbHVG0q-aCLSnI93vuv12cXQA2D-Xon4EtvqVi7NvH_Vbifn3eyW1K-2nf-nJTNrxLZhnON4R4cSQQcQLMsZ0vHDlti_NgABxjr8Kryg1qROkQc4osZmDN2uy/s320/P1070765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNBJmBdoCvB2khUYkEpLBM1BH-luHA0-XtWbgls8NpTGdj9LFgOcqXCuHrl-S8ZwEsQAVQWob3Isg6lEuFeJTQ7sTJ_psuPAuY9j_fA0BjKX82sUbRk5DmABzeRx_jSjnMPhWdEpkWdpH/s1600/P1070778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNBJmBdoCvB2khUYkEpLBM1BH-luHA0-XtWbgls8NpTGdj9LFgOcqXCuHrl-S8ZwEsQAVQWob3Isg6lEuFeJTQ7sTJ_psuPAuY9j_fA0BjKX82sUbRk5DmABzeRx_jSjnMPhWdEpkWdpH/s320/P1070778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though I am now going to have to watch all available eps of Game of Thrones before I cook anything else ever again. Far too distracting otherwise. </div>
</div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-44102059280681905042013-07-17T04:57:00.003-07:002013-07-20T06:43:13.610-07:00Tel Aviv eating fest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Anyone who is in to food should seriously consider a little food trip to Tel Aviv. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQchxeDnlSU354xsJEPUBTn5PfA5I54uxAbcjEcv2lYVr_3pRmvZ2IWKoBUg33ulixJsg0xtJG4kFiwy6MATR7tVLKq7qeXAhkGd76JTmaM60m3t70yr0LRUze1877yGakF-YNBrJz6K6r/s1600/P1060828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQchxeDnlSU354xsJEPUBTn5PfA5I54uxAbcjEcv2lYVr_3pRmvZ2IWKoBUg33ulixJsg0xtJG4kFiwy6MATR7tVLKq7qeXAhkGd76JTmaM60m3t70yr0LRUze1877yGakF-YNBrJz6K6r/s320/P1060828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I spent five days there and ate some of the best food I've had all year - and it's been a pretty good year for my stomach (if not my thighs.) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
First off, Israelis really know how to start their day. How's this for breakfast?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxT8lexgKV4yFSRUTeDVgj5Z5Fnxnhep0Bu1VFqlt23TpvlSuNJcPruA6hyphenhyphenFlBB10aH8q52uWwP5b7J0JOUUqZ4TAu0wHEhO090oGT760o-FJPAlfCSyXDW0TENsr6NEK7NldJPunMRCg/s1600/P1060919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxT8lexgKV4yFSRUTeDVgj5Z5Fnxnhep0Bu1VFqlt23TpvlSuNJcPruA6hyphenhyphenFlBB10aH8q52uWwP5b7J0JOUUqZ4TAu0wHEhO090oGT760o-FJPAlfCSyXDW0TENsr6NEK7NldJPunMRCg/s320/P1060919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Fresh juice, mint tea, coffee, eggs any style, and also this ridiculously generous bread basket:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXebmgu_CtJgw8X2wE0tDnakYJAkMPm2BgIj-lJTKdSIVSVcAQQ2yG_R6Mh_xMdWJOm_wCsuK_F1-Why7CQUAg6DD1mkmMLlrpcSb_fkahlVUxz6qwFLgq5UAy2sxbhhaufmmaFdlPdEvF/s1600/P1060913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXebmgu_CtJgw8X2wE0tDnakYJAkMPm2BgIj-lJTKdSIVSVcAQQ2yG_R6Mh_xMdWJOm_wCsuK_F1-Why7CQUAg6DD1mkmMLlrpcSb_fkahlVUxz6qwFLgq5UAy2sxbhhaufmmaFdlPdEvF/s320/P1060913.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
which, among the fresh focaccia and oven-warm rolls, harbours this perfect little pesto and sesame savoury pastry:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FhOqZHKWcMUr71JIwYsustKnUc1FJUA-NHL9iu4GST2wvQ7dH_5PEaQYi93eZgtebrJPUpQwIXXFferxe554cxDdujBpAqGrIPtGhW97ORItKNIXDnjjmz_plvw6tAshA8LtxnLs4MOV/s1600/P1060920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FhOqZHKWcMUr71JIwYsustKnUc1FJUA-NHL9iu4GST2wvQ7dH_5PEaQYi93eZgtebrJPUpQwIXXFferxe554cxDdujBpAqGrIPtGhW97ORItKNIXDnjjmz_plvw6tAshA8LtxnLs4MOV/s320/P1060920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and this selection of tuna salad, sundried tomato tapenade, sour cream, and cheese:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6eL5s-vUTLnB2CktQWYrFcy_gjmj7PFGOxrI1jvqj02iXQ68vz8PJnMwMow-dH8mt9UZgNW0mR664q5OaEsQbJ3AFEt5JTBkv487QmpFobD4a8qOJgqlWrH7cMvG1Tc3jAEs9dT9JffV/s1600/P1060912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6eL5s-vUTLnB2CktQWYrFcy_gjmj7PFGOxrI1jvqj02iXQ68vz8PJnMwMow-dH8mt9UZgNW0mR664q5OaEsQbJ3AFEt5JTBkv487QmpFobD4a8qOJgqlWrH7cMvG1Tc3jAEs9dT9JffV/s320/P1060912.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and this fresh chopped salad with cucumber and tomato, in a lemony olive oil dressing:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5Kr82xFndgYI2tH7qTGdGeN9aIphlzSvXH_1-gyBPQmPWaLp2c9V8kwanUhMASInvEkRCnHPgt3truYrvVolFEcjeFB4K44xFTbZWir5m8K3xRWtobLufQUxNvNBwIkWu8rTnlmyenBz/s1600/P1060915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5Kr82xFndgYI2tH7qTGdGeN9aIphlzSvXH_1-gyBPQmPWaLp2c9V8kwanUhMASInvEkRCnHPgt3truYrvVolFEcjeFB4K44xFTbZWir5m8K3xRWtobLufQUxNvNBwIkWu8rTnlmyenBz/s320/P1060915.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
As well as delicious, sweet home made strawberry jam:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fy5dorDgUH8lBHTd0zWUOOyqBoWPH8Ac6GIfV5FwN5S62HlaRFYSEZEZCxRPDuQMTiP-mbUXvZXy8CDQJ38xzwKX4h3hBlsAZQ26tceYAhvsqQUCcaaO5Z_oEHS2AhI9GJTu0xxl04Qf/s1600/P1060921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fy5dorDgUH8lBHTd0zWUOOyqBoWPH8Ac6GIfV5FwN5S62HlaRFYSEZEZCxRPDuQMTiP-mbUXvZXy8CDQJ38xzwKX4h3hBlsAZQ26tceYAhvsqQUCcaaO5Z_oEHS2AhI9GJTu0xxl04Qf/s320/P1060921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Not quite that hungry first thing? Then how about some shakshuka, the Ottolenghi fave - served at Dr. Shakshuka's cafe in a ramshackle old Ottoman warehouse in Jaffa<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1RvUd9DvZMMt11IsCX2NPisuVA-XDJzqUxLc79ykzaqWVlB5Pow8TFyYzfqlw4J-zVsnhEpdCAe6TpjVDaLF9HleMlIvyG4QqOmkoETQ2znky4CjaQ6jknBraDmCNFwoK1VA1KaAgbvC/s1600/P1060853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1RvUd9DvZMMt11IsCX2NPisuVA-XDJzqUxLc79ykzaqWVlB5Pow8TFyYzfqlw4J-zVsnhEpdCAe6TpjVDaLF9HleMlIvyG4QqOmkoETQ2znky4CjaQ6jknBraDmCNFwoK1VA1KaAgbvC/s320/P1060853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
(I suspect he's not actually a real doctor...)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwX3krspgWFAKob2plNfYEUQ11rUlDsH-N81JWKfP4y41fy7nURtk0Nw2K0n1V0g784oll12QyuWquZ2SRL5YFkjjKA7zUxxiSq8rSzZkkpPu8sH5pHjQ3pybO8cU-N1bfwa5QyssUm4U/s1600/P1060860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwX3krspgWFAKob2plNfYEUQ11rUlDsH-N81JWKfP4y41fy7nURtk0Nw2K0n1V0g784oll12QyuWquZ2SRL5YFkjjKA7zUxxiSq8rSzZkkpPu8sH5pHjQ3pybO8cU-N1bfwa5QyssUm4U/s320/P1060860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Though of course breakfast is never just a frying pan of shakshuka, but so much more - an assortment of tripolitan salads, fresh vegetable salad, couscous with cholent, lemonade, coffee and cake - just for good measure. Still, sustenance is needed to tackle all the old tut in the flea market:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV05mg0bc1MbbC6zfGv9gS1D0ZSkm0BxESnCgWTZO_GVGp9gB4tB9RKqXfYiy9Lxe6bZ25swWYFU3aFhwmnQKfzvm1Biu1qqnwGG5omINZQd0nFnDyLF6THHxV1DGhJo2LYKNgPpEUmhd/s1600/P1060868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV05mg0bc1MbbC6zfGv9gS1D0ZSkm0BxESnCgWTZO_GVGp9gB4tB9RKqXfYiy9Lxe6bZ25swWYFU3aFhwmnQKfzvm1Biu1qqnwGG5omINZQd0nFnDyLF6THHxV1DGhJo2LYKNgPpEUmhd/s320/P1060868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and then a trip around the super-groovy Brooklyn-esque boutiques and coffee shops in the area, as well as the San Franciscan style food market in Jaffa port.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFzE9nZwadlYiTSvNu7g903bSkdGceOk0w5ksn70HunODV2tW61PRsfako9MFMUl7pR_TCD7cGJwZTKVy8cDH6ob9vYsOoIHPaLAKJs_fKRsQwrDsjsGL37H1eWwsBvMYsupiNNvLPNtL/s1600/P1060874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFzE9nZwadlYiTSvNu7g903bSkdGceOk0w5ksn70HunODV2tW61PRsfako9MFMUl7pR_TCD7cGJwZTKVy8cDH6ob9vYsOoIHPaLAKJs_fKRsQwrDsjsGL37H1eWwsBvMYsupiNNvLPNtL/s320/P1060874.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoeZGOpvT_mAMEtDCO1pPIOqFdMBMlrUrijR0N-Um-A3lafwaC-_-o0f3nrTQXbDvqqdzi308y3bIpvhY96V28MxZkDuyaZZEzh2sh9WpbwCuIEPjTl2-ry6JGT6HzfZ_yPgbHlzjE3r4/s1600/P1060871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoeZGOpvT_mAMEtDCO1pPIOqFdMBMlrUrijR0N-Um-A3lafwaC-_-o0f3nrTQXbDvqqdzi308y3bIpvhY96V28MxZkDuyaZZEzh2sh9WpbwCuIEPjTl2-ry6JGT6HzfZ_yPgbHlzjE3r4/s320/P1060871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZyXu6apdYeHHO0FEJ9TpDxFTgYiPX2PBz7JG9jTs_ENqWLKUQQQf2PO8ST5Cf6pPmeMpKlzj_gNUBUuPDGB3CH9eYR67xh34ahUdE-2TukWiP4pxuOHNipMAXhcZQF1JiIzIIaxa0PLL/s1600/P1060873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZyXu6apdYeHHO0FEJ9TpDxFTgYiPX2PBz7JG9jTs_ENqWLKUQQQf2PO8ST5Cf6pPmeMpKlzj_gNUBUuPDGB3CH9eYR67xh34ahUdE-2TukWiP4pxuOHNipMAXhcZQF1JiIzIIaxa0PLL/s320/P1060873.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Need a little drink before lunch? Tel Aviv is AWESOME for fresh juices:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDLuE2Ir-kV4SoqXVDvI2Ft7im8osrhwcO05sdapek53K3GItS6gNyT2ycXnikF4wdCc_vq-rGBknLIzAhx9LsS_AlHBNgtnWXS7AaOjHdQz09D4SySmXKXuzMrhjMUQP33Q6dS6WVuXL/s1600/P1060827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDLuE2Ir-kV4SoqXVDvI2Ft7im8osrhwcO05sdapek53K3GItS6gNyT2ycXnikF4wdCc_vq-rGBknLIzAhx9LsS_AlHBNgtnWXS7AaOjHdQz09D4SySmXKXuzMrhjMUQP33Q6dS6WVuXL/s320/P1060827.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
(and hot men)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WSYTuUFKvnQgIU8vsgqF2LFKAiIAbZM9uwmpn9P-xznkMtj4gwHtS8mPHFBmH2cwBXl2RRoDkYcSVDnQYJ7qQwczxSCIXEkbNbs2hPPe63PhKzlOs_o-On5H-q25r1PehTIUjmSkWc9F/s1600/P1070027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WSYTuUFKvnQgIU8vsgqF2LFKAiIAbZM9uwmpn9P-xznkMtj4gwHtS8mPHFBmH2cwBXl2RRoDkYcSVDnQYJ7qQwczxSCIXEkbNbs2hPPe63PhKzlOs_o-On5H-q25r1PehTIUjmSkWc9F/s320/P1070027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and lovely, refreshing drinks such as mint lemonade:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPJdHNjDPqSpaoJUnfmxqKZSnyNdtR7xjb5djqY-t0XdetDH3bqKbWyhQVUQ_3nkSv9-iRHxrYy6QUpLD1B5lmrw-20xP7oGpc8FoMo8l0iVXtbtHiBhyphenhyphengFQDeDq89sIk0CbsG6HTf7g5/s1600/P1070038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPJdHNjDPqSpaoJUnfmxqKZSnyNdtR7xjb5djqY-t0XdetDH3bqKbWyhQVUQ_3nkSv9-iRHxrYy6QUpLD1B5lmrw-20xP7oGpc8FoMo8l0iVXtbtHiBhyphenhyphengFQDeDq89sIk0CbsG6HTf7g5/s320/P1070038.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Time for a little lunch - at Orna and Ella, a hip cafe on fashionable Shenkin Street, again one of Ottolenghi's favourites. The food there is simple and full of flavour. These yam cakes with sour cream and chives make you ponder why you don't eat sour cream and chives alongside everything savoury:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NDfaEZD4QUaTzMC0qVRdO5004eMD1MgXXVP2C7Zo_rVPFLwKrJyMtzPb_KP901hPCrdpF8zMGxPL6jxkZzu3NFwWWeD4m2DjNP-Bk_m8cWpup0my9fATTegeQcm1uCX4wEM8bDZcdMk3/s1600/P1060842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NDfaEZD4QUaTzMC0qVRdO5004eMD1MgXXVP2C7Zo_rVPFLwKrJyMtzPb_KP901hPCrdpF8zMGxPL6jxkZzu3NFwWWeD4m2DjNP-Bk_m8cWpup0my9fATTegeQcm1uCX4wEM8bDZcdMk3/s320/P1060842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Not to mention the lush corn bread. And this simple grilled chicken salad (with rosemary and thyme) served with a chopped cucumber salad with coriander, tarragon and parsley - was just killer, killer, killer:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg269IHaxOna9z5v5Yi3YJ2wkO9uDLDObhjdaWDESqQ8M5-n4WFntlvOcjyjEbm6C_ozSf6EukOBLvT4H2w1vkvh7wwHU5WSuPl6yeBNVCGmO65dqBDmsQBwIpgTkHVJCVl8AuwuLntCr96/s1600/P1060841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg269IHaxOna9z5v5Yi3YJ2wkO9uDLDObhjdaWDESqQ8M5-n4WFntlvOcjyjEbm6C_ozSf6EukOBLvT4H2w1vkvh7wwHU5WSuPl6yeBNVCGmO65dqBDmsQBwIpgTkHVJCVl8AuwuLntCr96/s320/P1060841.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or if you want more volume, how about a shipudim lunch (meat on skewers + loads of awesome sides) at Al Diwan - an arab restaurant in the unfortunately named town of Gaash. Vibrant, fresh salads:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlZl3bLXfkM76RE8Y_HbtYfBYnCCjl5JWsaRvmoM0jXcSFoJYJNThsJTj81A6r077CwJbr_Q8dgrJBsqk_Ba2uEVzlhn5osgioJOzFNVQbGKxf0GgZdcXkOeOnSQ0L_XQgpOT_yLXSLHg/s1600/P1060755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlZl3bLXfkM76RE8Y_HbtYfBYnCCjl5JWsaRvmoM0jXcSFoJYJNThsJTj81A6r077CwJbr_Q8dgrJBsqk_Ba2uEVzlhn5osgioJOzFNVQbGKxf0GgZdcXkOeOnSQ0L_XQgpOT_yLXSLHg/s320/P1060755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Giant, warm, soft sesame sprinkled flatbreads<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQguCmTFeFsIoUu-F4L-iRyIeZJ1aGiSYP4nkvQOzRCqjyvDaighoCn1CQkwAZlOLLkY2si3SRlO3lA4YMvB9SLMAkd5YM928TLh_5Blk5uuw2xXCUZdvHqrachtUPMZBlpTPu-fwHm7KI/s1600/P1060749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQguCmTFeFsIoUu-F4L-iRyIeZJ1aGiSYP4nkvQOzRCqjyvDaighoCn1CQkwAZlOLLkY2si3SRlO3lA4YMvB9SLMAkd5YM928TLh_5Blk5uuw2xXCUZdvHqrachtUPMZBlpTPu-fwHm7KI/s320/P1060749.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Crunchy falafel and delicate, crispy lamb cigars:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCYhil_E1gyLVuQ0LtSnPqsgun3gjUq1i3HTEe25rinoZM-IqpZ3-k4zPc6XpLFZOEu3dfvfQpeRObYPcDoCEsLX9gicCVh3_eto-E2G1QyUpHSFxPZAmB6P5mIgsc3whyphenhyphenQpsMYDNkpxM/s1600/P1060756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCYhil_E1gyLVuQ0LtSnPqsgun3gjUq1i3HTEe25rinoZM-IqpZ3-k4zPc6XpLFZOEu3dfvfQpeRObYPcDoCEsLX9gicCVh3_eto-E2G1QyUpHSFxPZAmB6P5mIgsc3whyphenhyphenQpsMYDNkpxM/s320/P1060756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Perfectly tender, grilled meats<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut2Y3UhS9k3TSQGyYZZDnGBLAPl-8JOCGl7y280iya27eP-H9GLpGXUZP6Kh6SaDH2nF8EHI7lYrpl7ReAqNX38I_ihW57k8e9X6tX3xG3cG-OXpFnGHJOrgsqowUYSaOkPnOnAgNaDvz/s1600/P1060765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut2Y3UhS9k3TSQGyYZZDnGBLAPl-8JOCGl7y280iya27eP-H9GLpGXUZP6Kh6SaDH2nF8EHI7lYrpl7ReAqNX38I_ihW57k8e9X6tX3xG3cG-OXpFnGHJOrgsqowUYSaOkPnOnAgNaDvz/s320/P1060765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And some perfect roast cauliflower:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK7NkVt8qo83PtF07nrnj2KVgzP9ot59Spt1hZhx7dsgfbR1wQOj19BwaY1F4RO1uY5p4xDEsNifbOTrEE8sOG0Tba1pKb8DPKqAyrAkFWwVF3XHCfvMVbEK-MNRpLAb2U-NyZxEoYGDb/s1600/P1060771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK7NkVt8qo83PtF07nrnj2KVgzP9ot59Spt1hZhx7dsgfbR1wQOj19BwaY1F4RO1uY5p4xDEsNifbOTrEE8sOG0Tba1pKb8DPKqAyrAkFWwVF3XHCfvMVbEK-MNRpLAb2U-NyZxEoYGDb/s320/P1060771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Feast!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73UAuhWgLbKs1fJjIM8bzhAf7eKvCdpYiNN0lb7Ezc-knxPQpiWMW1LJPoVp_mi7vatsmdk0s1TO9AeG_o7Rwwm7TBEZi5ZjCfrMF8lO1pbGg1amXATaioj10UrR0UlLH5u3hguB6Em6x/s1600/P1060758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73UAuhWgLbKs1fJjIM8bzhAf7eKvCdpYiNN0lb7Ezc-knxPQpiWMW1LJPoVp_mi7vatsmdk0s1TO9AeG_o7Rwwm7TBEZi5ZjCfrMF8lO1pbGg1amXATaioj10UrR0UlLH5u3hguB6Em6x/s320/P1060758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I would like to think that I'd be healthy if I lived in Tel Aviv.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lQqgX2wgqIjLxQycj0WOAWsMtaw8i4ReeYfTESsfkPO53Cz8WKSuFRp_aQMnRHkEywcmirp-qE45sWMI3tzTlSDCDC7HqeD_eg6rUFqYcs76pKGHJCzgiieaZ2mk-vn09ZLsDTOHa3Ut/s1600/P1060962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lQqgX2wgqIjLxQycj0WOAWsMtaw8i4ReeYfTESsfkPO53Cz8WKSuFRp_aQMnRHkEywcmirp-qE45sWMI3tzTlSDCDC7HqeD_eg6rUFqYcs76pKGHJCzgiieaZ2mk-vn09ZLsDTOHa3Ut/s320/P1060962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If I could shop in a market like Shuk Ha Carmel, in south Tel Aviv, I'd eat fresh fruit and veg all day every day:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_-Aepf05RvAl4JpppDBtMqFFvJTtfjFq5_V7GMutscIxDpoFN-ErnpbkR2981wbrfEOusnEI8FTxq0mUdw_gmeTZFUEGdJaIcwp5sF2S8-Hwaft9wTDcXGFCSUiWg8AjauWpmYRGoH9O/s1600/P1060964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_-Aepf05RvAl4JpppDBtMqFFvJTtfjFq5_V7GMutscIxDpoFN-ErnpbkR2981wbrfEOusnEI8FTxq0mUdw_gmeTZFUEGdJaIcwp5sF2S8-Hwaft9wTDcXGFCSUiWg8AjauWpmYRGoH9O/s320/P1060964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELrUFw3bV_zECyY5n0lskhtnL2v4fTs97ftiuyViaRdlJMFHJratOJU4QRe9zoJ_Dpj5e66B6kKXVRTDyivD-KJUALk0hMl-rPg6Nd5_Ejk7zZp0M5dsOeDU64CCyPDb7gy-HBaN_cQN8/s1600/P1060989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELrUFw3bV_zECyY5n0lskhtnL2v4fTs97ftiuyViaRdlJMFHJratOJU4QRe9zoJ_Dpj5e66B6kKXVRTDyivD-KJUALk0hMl-rPg6Nd5_Ejk7zZp0M5dsOeDU64CCyPDb7gy-HBaN_cQN8/s320/P1060989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The produce is so bountiful...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyTyW6H9cniRz_GiU8cQkqMMjToj6QdzTcIcSQgjQ65oq5eIXFpxBAqIe5mx1qCGXxYlZdyZqcXbue97NidvfSU6502aEy8N7SGyn86oVvV0ejv_JdyUdc4GrubcXs2CkgKmRZ-HhjUA2/s1600/P1060954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyTyW6H9cniRz_GiU8cQkqMMjToj6QdzTcIcSQgjQ65oq5eIXFpxBAqIe5mx1qCGXxYlZdyZqcXbue97NidvfSU6502aEy8N7SGyn86oVvV0ejv_JdyUdc4GrubcXs2CkgKmRZ-HhjUA2/s320/P1060954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtM3wUlv_pbyY3-ve0UHq8MP9_60J4UNRXrp61CygA0C2qy8Qnf-y8erUZA9uQ87BNL6CqeY_OCE9BUJ2hicB36BoXOOEz9-ycVPGV5ZKRIxuMAkcmc6aZH23Q9Ncgr9rU7FKXddaptlZ/s1600/P1060998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtM3wUlv_pbyY3-ve0UHq8MP9_60J4UNRXrp61CygA0C2qy8Qnf-y8erUZA9uQ87BNL6CqeY_OCE9BUJ2hicB36BoXOOEz9-ycVPGV5ZKRIxuMAkcmc6aZH23Q9Ncgr9rU7FKXddaptlZ/s320/P1060998.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkV8bb8oxPQ2xGdWirhNvQr8ecrf3c4J6w0TmD1qEoxDogHXbTbNo_QKx3Xj3WTnVAEE3EiZv5HACz0jECOgx4k1j6n2jFLnWLleE2U8fUvAm2G37XvsGG5fX5j8BZ52Ed7dyYxtn3gew/s1600/P1060983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkV8bb8oxPQ2xGdWirhNvQr8ecrf3c4J6w0TmD1qEoxDogHXbTbNo_QKx3Xj3WTnVAEE3EiZv5HACz0jECOgx4k1j6n2jFLnWLleE2U8fUvAm2G37XvsGG5fX5j8BZ52Ed7dyYxtn3gew/s320/P1060983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhF-tbGsmTUWK5XWzZbJgke672pNxtXYIgMMomEW3tYDPlBgQDkbTWB2i5VAb_swOhonkIKNBpeKqiv76LC0Brti8lNY_0N4LdJMms0hOccRrq7lI3onfvFAMQWVpVCrd-AALjuS3EYAW/s1600/P1070004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhF-tbGsmTUWK5XWzZbJgke672pNxtXYIgMMomEW3tYDPlBgQDkbTWB2i5VAb_swOhonkIKNBpeKqiv76LC0Brti8lNY_0N4LdJMms0hOccRrq7lI3onfvFAMQWVpVCrd-AALjuS3EYAW/s320/P1070004.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5j7YYEQETQGNNU_2kxDJJRurPrQdSFMjkFpUcyFmsQO70hyphenhyphenR-t1GmYbuidZ-uHMjJCcgy-pl4oodhkQdFwz0D7TQV37_RZMDpdUQC2yTnZdssBRsgFPfw-Qm7EgzkWAPDluPH_-gSqpF/s1600/P1060965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5j7YYEQETQGNNU_2kxDJJRurPrQdSFMjkFpUcyFmsQO70hyphenhyphenR-t1GmYbuidZ-uHMjJCcgy-pl4oodhkQdFwz0D7TQV37_RZMDpdUQC2yTnZdssBRsgFPfw-Qm7EgzkWAPDluPH_-gSqpF/s320/P1060965.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
The smell of fresh herbs lush:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFm0_fAcJsXzEopbeh8w2FBoVuuG8rK6mtFgJKYQPMm5_ElfNWsg0drucba6lVFFRLQfIXWf6w3L6aKlcGW9-KTQjzSlRJcwWr2kSHJXXqkxiK6d6f47vOtW2mYPn_WWKR3Q1ABpQZb2t/s1600/P1060972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFm0_fAcJsXzEopbeh8w2FBoVuuG8rK6mtFgJKYQPMm5_ElfNWsg0drucba6lVFFRLQfIXWf6w3L6aKlcGW9-KTQjzSlRJcwWr2kSHJXXqkxiK6d6f47vOtW2mYPn_WWKR3Q1ABpQZb2t/s320/P1060972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And there's a world of spices to play with too:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MKXLteoDhJTBKpS1f-QYuSUIm2o7gjYd3gwhOcm6OuOtjRUp-WBIPG6Ut39PPl8VvsZTI02PUNr3lzanEJxaPab0ntJzCQ9z_Ypdw5JV-2d9eX12tvka-cPP687Uw8T4GE1QOJowbD5M/s1600/P1060987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MKXLteoDhJTBKpS1f-QYuSUIm2o7gjYd3gwhOcm6OuOtjRUp-WBIPG6Ut39PPl8VvsZTI02PUNr3lzanEJxaPab0ntJzCQ9z_Ypdw5JV-2d9eX12tvka-cPP687Uw8T4GE1QOJowbD5M/s320/P1060987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
But then I'd probably undo all the good work by troughing on lush ice cream, like this phenomenal banana, toasted almond and dark chocolate from Vaniglia:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2KXWZuffs2T9KxExbFZrKviyoIXjI1TCfiWCF2G77BWvo8xWqXyCxfe0b9LmTFpupTyesuVfiyb0dnH50qt4OiYwCBJFI6EuDLsFz5NLFqlL16S9inXM7oBCEEeypH_d1cMudFdgHMXt/s1600/P1060902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2KXWZuffs2T9KxExbFZrKviyoIXjI1TCfiWCF2G77BWvo8xWqXyCxfe0b9LmTFpupTyesuVfiyb0dnH50qt4OiYwCBJFI6EuDLsFz5NLFqlL16S9inXM7oBCEEeypH_d1cMudFdgHMXt/s320/P1060902.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Or some of the amazing pastries:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmJYqw77Rxi6mhJLsUps2eMajUC_Yedeful_aOkrCU05LbB-LoPnzONAZ16hquhuxmS93_T-sDDmjV6ZVsN2lsAFD_7m7cBp2tR-5SnSsTJVeN17kFUcf3V3xX2H0GcFI_HSi79v0ZoWE/s1600/P1060776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmJYqw77Rxi6mhJLsUps2eMajUC_Yedeful_aOkrCU05LbB-LoPnzONAZ16hquhuxmS93_T-sDDmjV6ZVsN2lsAFD_7m7cBp2tR-5SnSsTJVeN17kFUcf3V3xX2H0GcFI_HSi79v0ZoWE/s320/P1060776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY1zItUeguk67d9mB7SL8E-aZ6qMmP2cIH5wHt4tj82XownF86Jou9UI3TATqknx94txaLztDGTlMSo44TH_W9Tabq9Nnmc8H8hNaIkoEboqXGxuVTznTeA4Emwze5QgRUe6gHJntKj9t/s1600/P1060973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY1zItUeguk67d9mB7SL8E-aZ6qMmP2cIH5wHt4tj82XownF86Jou9UI3TATqknx94txaLztDGTlMSo44TH_W9Tabq9Nnmc8H8hNaIkoEboqXGxuVTznTeA4Emwze5QgRUe6gHJntKj9t/s320/P1060973.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7vu_CNdPyPZ-zy2HKJWJvBmrJwFRxp5a9p7UgzNaGY6xPAVVmNUsSTnyoeBndX3kkLMKzxXVwXe1XCvUzVqTo98UFTFqyB_RDp3RCPGb-Qx2R4prUXjjYIShf9v0u6axgQOkT53Bafpu/s1600/P1060969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7vu_CNdPyPZ-zy2HKJWJvBmrJwFRxp5a9p7UgzNaGY6xPAVVmNUsSTnyoeBndX3kkLMKzxXVwXe1XCvUzVqTo98UFTFqyB_RDp3RCPGb-Qx2R4prUXjjYIShf9v0u6axgQOkT53Bafpu/s320/P1060969.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0l9P5YNiP_bDx-7qEkNIedPiAe95d9cNnnQquKrwgYxt6mM-PSH5qqd1-prRcleiDD6LkS4A0JKX7Kr6Oy2yYhkJ13K0xmmLaxwckIKLm2vXekTN8O8EgXl1FuQSCX5T8hd0Vhkkl6Wr/s1600/P1060832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0l9P5YNiP_bDx-7qEkNIedPiAe95d9cNnnQquKrwgYxt6mM-PSH5qqd1-prRcleiDD6LkS4A0JKX7Kr6Oy2yYhkJ13K0xmmLaxwckIKLm2vXekTN8O8EgXl1FuQSCX5T8hd0Vhkkl6Wr/s320/P1060832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
and breads - which this city excels at:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZWICfKxqVXOWrrW-XhK-Y70KuX9IuVY9omqKSHH7g-tX6IYTNZGl06m1THM_FuhNe2r55qUtYG1_rTA555UBDSFnl1H7Rs95KEZ5rVuYRJaS6M7xQvdT15lT9f6DwqxPgAOo02XwChte/s1600/P1060833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZWICfKxqVXOWrrW-XhK-Y70KuX9IuVY9omqKSHH7g-tX6IYTNZGl06m1THM_FuhNe2r55qUtYG1_rTA555UBDSFnl1H7Rs95KEZ5rVuYRJaS6M7xQvdT15lT9f6DwqxPgAOo02XwChte/s320/P1060833.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVzbuNz2_DmihQSB0Q76FogHM25wXGXHOExkQMflZWJ4IepkAdmrWT3fkPyeXLEhP2_fCIRgKhgXrBndrzR8-22iaHEv5O4CpLGhqAhGaQAbBJcBvpW_90-cRf9lANsLp1KsuWe5RW-IW/s1600/P1060715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVzbuNz2_DmihQSB0Q76FogHM25wXGXHOExkQMflZWJ4IepkAdmrWT3fkPyeXLEhP2_fCIRgKhgXrBndrzR8-22iaHEv5O4CpLGhqAhGaQAbBJcBvpW_90-cRf9lANsLp1KsuWe5RW-IW/s320/P1060715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyPpWR_TJQ-MzwyOjmkKjLFCa-IwsVF4Hc4gcCaV74klI84zw9jNqS57g6GH5JQrpMxO-W5gLw5W73SMuz1WRGlyyP0ZUGppzDfLxQm5tB-9M7hJmexLTjsq9t6JQ4ngYqt7AO1OqBmtE/s1600/P1070025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyPpWR_TJQ-MzwyOjmkKjLFCa-IwsVF4Hc4gcCaV74klI84zw9jNqS57g6GH5JQrpMxO-W5gLw5W73SMuz1WRGlyyP0ZUGppzDfLxQm5tB-9M7hJmexLTjsq9t6JQ4ngYqt7AO1OqBmtE/s320/P1070025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Even on the beach you can eat like a king. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsHu7T7xJlxkd1RVowwOEmkEQbjQM7sa5E7jNDKEhqZv0K3l6Ak_266ARaq_1I2w_CMomnxiKOOev3KNtG0CdNczY7_I7csTiBFe2lWjmgcUVh0_5QdatS2Aberx5NBDyUcoBiRdU5-A4/s1600/P1070028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsHu7T7xJlxkd1RVowwOEmkEQbjQM7sa5E7jNDKEhqZv0K3l6Ak_266ARaq_1I2w_CMomnxiKOOev3KNtG0CdNczY7_I7csTiBFe2lWjmgcUVh0_5QdatS2Aberx5NBDyUcoBiRdU5-A4/s320/P1070028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Watermelon and salty Bulgarian cheese (trust me - it works.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGmLJLKPm9UXQ_EotwtrL3TXW-L-fTOdOVj9-3o-4szAuuJkbGKjvnL8Kbnmo5jwdY0phkhrh_StpY5e-dFiuAbVKZC2PniwNNKM6V9PNf3MZOzlgW3HlmSRHCqfw9DsmPCZTgxjg2Rw_/s1600/P1070031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGmLJLKPm9UXQ_EotwtrL3TXW-L-fTOdOVj9-3o-4szAuuJkbGKjvnL8Kbnmo5jwdY0phkhrh_StpY5e-dFiuAbVKZC2PniwNNKM6V9PNf3MZOzlgW3HlmSRHCqfw9DsmPCZTgxjg2Rw_/s320/P1070031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A darn site better than a hot dog on Brighton Beach, that's for sure.<br />
<br />
Tel Aviv's restaurant scene is having a moment. The two mega-highlights were at Rama's Kitchen, in Nataf, above the hills of the Arab village Abu Ghosh, 20 minutes from Jerusalem. <br />
<br />
The setting couldn't be prettier:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQFVhqNL3yPLgvvz-qy60nDOGh2OWjqRnBJUuKV0ITBkfGuUBI1U7eqckhcXRuADRwZmU8zWDjaW0ixFSbG8tMEZtazeNMfoc4fHdSXy0jeGUn2W9yHiGQbGww064QgJOkKGmWVGAqVKH/s1600/P1060703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQFVhqNL3yPLgvvz-qy60nDOGh2OWjqRnBJUuKV0ITBkfGuUBI1U7eqckhcXRuADRwZmU8zWDjaW0ixFSbG8tMEZtazeNMfoc4fHdSXy0jeGUn2W9yHiGQbGww064QgJOkKGmWVGAqVKH/s320/P1060703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
with a stunning view across the hills, and a beautiful and extensive herb and vegetable farm:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2OkWlik43evkALFtsbjg7_f_CxpozBV7KQFRjCAWKm7l9Gz_fPXHEd92qJ1GbLfx6QZphZCEWwXJHgQsfnFctC1Ph0CkTwforFt-COrxoth_pD-4fMiGCPSp3-7H8eTttWBq5vxrKMGi/s1600/P1060737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2OkWlik43evkALFtsbjg7_f_CxpozBV7KQFRjCAWKm7l9Gz_fPXHEd92qJ1GbLfx6QZphZCEWwXJHgQsfnFctC1Ph0CkTwforFt-COrxoth_pD-4fMiGCPSp3-7H8eTttWBq5vxrKMGi/s320/P1060737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And the food itself was a revelation, showcasing all the fresh, organic veg grown on the farm. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDz8vFJukEdbn48zOejQ_zTcXxb83OszmqyOdOHzjk6Oy3qZfaEOuWFPTVhvrqIho3tDdd3WStVO-EXcr8WWlllVFtZaw6s2aAMQjeuclXx2TYfWXd63uk_10SUDNb-p6zENMDV7pGda_/s1600/P1060720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDz8vFJukEdbn48zOejQ_zTcXxb83OszmqyOdOHzjk6Oy3qZfaEOuWFPTVhvrqIho3tDdd3WStVO-EXcr8WWlllVFtZaw6s2aAMQjeuclXx2TYfWXd63uk_10SUDNb-p6zENMDV7pGda_/s320/P1060720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So for example, that is freshly baked Taboon bread (a Taboon = a clay oven), covered in sour cream with a parsley, garlic and coriander pesto - divine. The pesto on its own was one of those vibrant, simple dips that is theoretically super easy to make at home, and yet I never would. But I should.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uKOr3WVy3Q7qssaMoT7ONmDReTqhzlkUGO1QBJM4z3PbGb7PTqVuDMsI7USzXavz_KfEA5ONgCGEdW2aFB-js5P5xOClOX3rsgWXguQnR1Sqm1bNgZk1SHP3DTDAnWeRDg_rYU-BcqDs/s1600/P1060714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uKOr3WVy3Q7qssaMoT7ONmDReTqhzlkUGO1QBJM4z3PbGb7PTqVuDMsI7USzXavz_KfEA5ONgCGEdW2aFB-js5P5xOClOX3rsgWXguQnR1Sqm1bNgZk1SHP3DTDAnWeRDg_rYU-BcqDs/s320/P1060714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Meanwhile, when bread is warm and oven-fresh and looks like this, how can you not eat it all in one swoop?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTocoEUczpjHb7LLzTif3KUa8YNEDLT5ntmC_1gUmTdHj7y2-qZTZ5hoRjm857aWHDXrFon8vPJcvLR9T5Zkjs3OW4MyjoMVTqr5-ELR4sa-d86BbAqw0a4xXsB0uGTS-ha1JTpuH6VOia/s1600/P1060710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTocoEUczpjHb7LLzTif3KUa8YNEDLT5ntmC_1gUmTdHj7y2-qZTZ5hoRjm857aWHDXrFon8vPJcvLR9T5Zkjs3OW4MyjoMVTqr5-ELR4sa-d86BbAqw0a4xXsB0uGTS-ha1JTpuH6VOia/s320/P1060710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's sprouted seeds, roast red papper, labneh, caperberry and star of the show kohl rabi - a stunning combo of sharp, creamy, sweet and fresh - as fine a balanced dish as you could hope for:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66gS8kkkWMU6R1hbwNp2W3dGtfwpQ06uf8rJICew76SCerpDopRe5lzeyjQSAx4-LNo560gXaSMXb86OCYKKlUMrJnqJbIETkxKQs7yldovVo9sgvJtHurCfrPrleCAcaUsLeaBefTPhY/s1600/P1060707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66gS8kkkWMU6R1hbwNp2W3dGtfwpQ06uf8rJICew76SCerpDopRe5lzeyjQSAx4-LNo560gXaSMXb86OCYKKlUMrJnqJbIETkxKQs7yldovVo9sgvJtHurCfrPrleCAcaUsLeaBefTPhY/s320/P1060707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On to some simple tomato salad on top of green tahini with black olive crisp bread:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVxiD4sVPKfctM2Em7mjmYIDW6jFtwGoob1YS37WN0s9t5Kev4ji2XDK34pHEZq4xgaCHfykq0MzoK24sI0FTSdQ-P3ynbaUJklGNKlo1YtlPwtc5gDs1qAq7QN_6dmvSqnZNCzIQ-7Bx/s1600/P1060725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVxiD4sVPKfctM2Em7mjmYIDW6jFtwGoob1YS37WN0s9t5Kev4ji2XDK34pHEZq4xgaCHfykq0MzoK24sI0FTSdQ-P3ynbaUJklGNKlo1YtlPwtc5gDs1qAq7QN_6dmvSqnZNCzIQ-7Bx/s320/P1060725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And a lush minced lamb on bread with more sour cream:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCBc8Djf_qfQwhnrHYpSnfeEX1SN99hbTmOZ6ORSR4HiW9EpRPfiyt3MeuFrdGeG5FTVy1ECjNEUdsX-Cgns8HAMzKcMrvEM5zAuROEfgZBYVSYHzxcIXANk0-9CAbUcaYO9PeJH_O5FN/s1600/P1060727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCBc8Djf_qfQwhnrHYpSnfeEX1SN99hbTmOZ6ORSR4HiW9EpRPfiyt3MeuFrdGeG5FTVy1ECjNEUdsX-Cgns8HAMzKcMrvEM5zAuROEfgZBYVSYHzxcIXANk0-9CAbUcaYO9PeJH_O5FN/s320/P1060727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfz1UCI5szSFnlo1xruUeX0tiuvbn85cktMplbBFNI52oGNqBAHc2JkWCqZ9Dh2pjI6XKUvuzcLOwmQ82sYypAgUfsiq-YwGUuA6z5KX8oOVdEHoMJvQ002yO7_BrNGh9CSHm0p7X4gz9/s1600/P1060732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfz1UCI5szSFnlo1xruUeX0tiuvbn85cktMplbBFNI52oGNqBAHc2JkWCqZ9Dh2pjI6XKUvuzcLOwmQ82sYypAgUfsiq-YwGUuA6z5KX8oOVdEHoMJvQ002yO7_BrNGh9CSHm0p7X4gz9/s320/P1060732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And finally, the very best meal of the trip, at Tzfon Abraxas, aka North Abraxas, near Rothschild, back in Tel Aviv.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fLsR2068keqSwZpe25mieS9OvJDKMLDwbA5kjeAs9NYm8RDh1Nv3w4nSPhjVf14Q6gKbvHUD6LareWfvLW_x0OPr9IELwbBQVubqkRYiLJx3GWRJKcUwLL5YuZ4WWRH96ngA9BERzY8r/s1600/P1060778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fLsR2068keqSwZpe25mieS9OvJDKMLDwbA5kjeAs9NYm8RDh1Nv3w4nSPhjVf14Q6gKbvHUD6LareWfvLW_x0OPr9IELwbBQVubqkRYiLJx3GWRJKcUwLL5YuZ4WWRH96ngA9BERzY8r/s320/P1060778.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Everyone I know who's been to Tel Aviv in the last year has raved about this restaurant and it didn't disappoint.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcfkztJ059g2O9v1WoXL0N0qCNypJmM7kg3xWOIsZQuGolXscLfCOX8wpwbH1L-0ERX2qqDSV6QyJum_125LeG495xb_whuPQ_2fxS4greBpXBtIQ_PGPBP2U4pBttLEX4s66OWFAYmaN/s1600/P1060781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcfkztJ059g2O9v1WoXL0N0qCNypJmM7kg3xWOIsZQuGolXscLfCOX8wpwbH1L-0ERX2qqDSV6QyJum_125LeG495xb_whuPQ_2fxS4greBpXBtIQ_PGPBP2U4pBttLEX4s66OWFAYmaN/s320/P1060781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It's all very casual and hip - they even dump a little pile of salt on your brown paper mat, rather than having anything as square as a salt cellar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5es_NDJKAs6Ff3djmCvAHfcoU-q00simIGUifj9Xvd86aR7XdHKek42l_iN48dp-7x7sSzrwZOKFVYZs6q5QjHhAXhyphenhyphenXUr9pxqBb-DSvIHVdOsYQrYeU4aHLBe4cQuaf_P-pne7O9U7_/s1600/P1060799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5es_NDJKAs6Ff3djmCvAHfcoU-q00simIGUifj9Xvd86aR7XdHKek42l_iN48dp-7x7sSzrwZOKFVYZs6q5QjHhAXhyphenhyphenXUr9pxqBb-DSvIHVdOsYQrYeU4aHLBe4cQuaf_P-pne7O9U7_/s320/P1060799.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Again, it was an example of perfect ingredients treated with a lot of respect and love - like these tomatoes:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxPOPZkPr1iA2mYZEsuaUtJQTpxOOgR1F-QggaeZtVEAGeg3XqUjtg2u-Sg10zmFzfrArzHk8voilwkohbPax9E0FhYZj-0di_OXGYZWnBN8u-ZBSmdgX6mjl8_PFQd9Wa9em8J70dJ0f/s1600/P1060793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxPOPZkPr1iA2mYZEsuaUtJQTpxOOgR1F-QggaeZtVEAGeg3XqUjtg2u-Sg10zmFzfrArzHk8voilwkohbPax9E0FhYZj-0di_OXGYZWnBN8u-ZBSmdgX6mjl8_PFQd9Wa9em8J70dJ0f/s320/P1060793.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Or creme fraiche, with tomato seeds and olive oil, served with fresh bread:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhktXI5GbJ_CcMcLf4z_NBhimed7UZPnzZI4mbqUbmFg4OrzS8eSsoXkTCKQBCfAUh2TBrXtGcqv1RjpXai0UL7bAAqbrztBcVEl7Xio5HCCfsveoBf1LhpKwdP2u41CmxKaXHSaW_t0R/s1600/P1060788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhktXI5GbJ_CcMcLf4z_NBhimed7UZPnzZI4mbqUbmFg4OrzS8eSsoXkTCKQBCfAUh2TBrXtGcqv1RjpXai0UL7bAAqbrztBcVEl7Xio5HCCfsveoBf1LhpKwdP2u41CmxKaXHSaW_t0R/s320/P1060788.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
And the unexpected highlight of the entire trip - a jacket potato. Yes, a jacket potato, with a hardboiled egg, creme fraiche, and chopped salad of tomato and cucumber, with a lemon and olive dressing. Who knew a humble potato could steal the entire show?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfLHmP4-AyNSGCmOpaH3dJwOlwDc97GwKt8t2rVR9hRSE_EHgpZQqogwluEfAo5dzV4ZmyzgtxocsTyNEn6oPjGUIZ0uqcvCIsQ9qlr0pi9FH7HhnFzubi2ZbXm-qqwgOWzMUuJdnQZtb/s1600/P1060802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfLHmP4-AyNSGCmOpaH3dJwOlwDc97GwKt8t2rVR9hRSE_EHgpZQqogwluEfAo5dzV4ZmyzgtxocsTyNEn6oPjGUIZ0uqcvCIsQ9qlr0pi9FH7HhnFzubi2ZbXm-qqwgOWzMUuJdnQZtb/s320/P1060802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One more thing! One of the internet's primary functions is to host pictures of cats. Tel Aviv has loads of cats, and as I am a cat person, I thought I'd introduce you to two of my favourites:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaK-gYjlZG5DXZe_IkOS4phe1AOuKowRuk-TI_lw8ANtA_sXGp1p166b3zQGx0S49xZeOcAGLVf2O1J7EtiLfm4C3cgbxGF6j9HOnyQZ_4CB_Fs1BZRuYi6F_8u913RzC0rRlxmDkt83Z/s1600/P1060846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaK-gYjlZG5DXZe_IkOS4phe1AOuKowRuk-TI_lw8ANtA_sXGp1p166b3zQGx0S49xZeOcAGLVf2O1J7EtiLfm4C3cgbxGF6j9HOnyQZ_4CB_Fs1BZRuYi6F_8u913RzC0rRlxmDkt83Z/s320/P1060846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuaW5xK4TcrRN_bynXX1ZR-1Xm13v1CO_d9NtNHrO055J5EXqQj8XbVM2cCNCt4MgUtwiJGg8MzOVvIufyuGa7jMgC2lG5RXFCpoRPzI5VLCxi58XV75T01ZpsfYATfa4nnm1I-F_-43W/s1600/P1060958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuaW5xK4TcrRN_bynXX1ZR-1Xm13v1CO_d9NtNHrO055J5EXqQj8XbVM2cCNCt4MgUtwiJGg8MzOVvIufyuGa7jMgC2lG5RXFCpoRPzI5VLCxi58XV75T01ZpsfYATfa4nnm1I-F_-43W/s320/P1060958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-92016344636769504662013-07-01T11:02:00.002-07:002013-07-01T11:02:40.484-07:00Tate - rehung, A Wong - re-hungry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You know when you go on holiday to a foreign city and you do so much when you're there - visit galleries and architecturally significant Bauhaus buildings, track down random things you've read about online, make an effort to go and look at an abandoned train station? (Tel Aviv, I'm talking about you! More on this in a subsequent post...)<br />
<br />
And then you come back to your home city and watch a lot of iPlayer, go to your local drinking haunts and never make the most of where you actually live? <br />
<br />
I've been making a bit more effort to do stuff in London this year - and when I can combine 'culture' with some awesome food in the environs, all the better.<br />
<br />
There've been a lot of glowing reviews in the press about the Tate Britain rehang (hung vs. hanged btw - hanged is purely for murder by the neck - I never knew that.) I went the other day - and while I can safely say that I know less than nothing about art (or rather I instantly forget any art fact as soon as I've read it) - the rehung main collection was brilliant (well, up until about the 1980s when I think it all goes to shit.)<br />
<br />
There were so many paintings that struck me - but for the sake of brevity, check out my three faves:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU7HnUAohr8iGryM2dGMIUpXwb9N4wGExd2_MDC2otx5gQfwP31yeMEj1i7_RqyjjgtYZF4OPpsMgz5sVR5b4aqKBTZLuRH_EPohqanKj_IoBFc4tygknishRhNCDPXhBhlwPoWsZ_Txx/s1600/P1070045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU7HnUAohr8iGryM2dGMIUpXwb9N4wGExd2_MDC2otx5gQfwP31yeMEj1i7_RqyjjgtYZF4OPpsMgz5sVR5b4aqKBTZLuRH_EPohqanKj_IoBFc4tygknishRhNCDPXhBhlwPoWsZ_Txx/s320/P1070045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I am SO putting those two ladies in my next book.<br />
<br />
And this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JTomG842Ww8iWIdUnOEBdQgPq5tpxCEpUDoAelwQ_QGXaksXC5hB-moCxdahniHCDZuhE9WvlgdIsi22W-Ormm70YSHT1L88gl6UYwizt9-mNddSi1Kd0b57gDP8ybNBeTig0hZ2a8rs/s1600/P1070048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JTomG842Ww8iWIdUnOEBdQgPq5tpxCEpUDoAelwQ_QGXaksXC5hB-moCxdahniHCDZuhE9WvlgdIsi22W-Ormm70YSHT1L88gl6UYwizt9-mNddSi1Kd0b57gDP8ybNBeTig0hZ2a8rs/s320/P1070048.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
And this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Moj2lJon6rwF7fdxQpJpnGDATN6QrUu9TN-vYgRLuxoXpqKnUXx3xLxV6IuH4vGDM2KAvO8ds0CqdqBjakzIpQnxmpjO1NayfaBWJ4luNkANAtn-wfRp3WgPsLh-STrT_lG8vGdstf3h/s1600/P1070049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Moj2lJon6rwF7fdxQpJpnGDATN6QrUu9TN-vYgRLuxoXpqKnUXx3xLxV6IuH4vGDM2KAvO8ds0CqdqBjakzIpQnxmpjO1NayfaBWJ4luNkANAtn-wfRp3WgPsLh-STrT_lG8vGdstf3h/s320/P1070049.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Still, there's only so much art a dilettante can take - and so the really good news is that less than 15 minutes walk from the gallery is <a href="http://www.awong.co.uk/">A Wong</a>, a Chinese restaurant that has been getting <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2013/apr/27/a-wong-london-sw1-review">rave reviews</a>. It was so great I took my mum and dad back there the following week for lunch.<br />
<br />
They do fantastic dim sum - only at lunch - and a regular menu at dinner. Highlights of what we ate are as follows:<br />
<br />
An epic prawn cracker, that didn't look like any other prawn cracker I've encountered in my many years of hanging out with prawn crackers:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nit1balQU0OrFL68CraTjaj1sji3UBtcGrfCMTuTFbgvg6V1-Q9-EHm73bG34GRnOsLVDJsV1TZUY5iFGwytVMJGQ7TtgBDoPJ49cyMa9mM3K6bhM-DDJeGH8sIoO2f3BmyZ261RUOvv/s1600/P1070053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nit1balQU0OrFL68CraTjaj1sji3UBtcGrfCMTuTFbgvg6V1-Q9-EHm73bG34GRnOsLVDJsV1TZUY5iFGwytVMJGQ7TtgBDoPJ49cyMa9mM3K6bhM-DDJeGH8sIoO2f3BmyZ261RUOvv/s320/P1070053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A luscious, delicate, smokey sesame buttered chicken and cucumber salad:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiupgnZxI5MO1NH6b-kyUb5VGmsVBuYid9O0KZUQhQJ-vYS9kaWFPWghl6eG3RXy8KXXcTj5NMlGstmdyA8CvqhjMKgPrAUsfpsqZvALirgS63_-VzRZVZjR7esE8TPNCp4UFjfTedlKM0/s1600/P1070058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiupgnZxI5MO1NH6b-kyUb5VGmsVBuYid9O0KZUQhQJ-vYS9kaWFPWghl6eG3RXy8KXXcTj5NMlGstmdyA8CvqhjMKgPrAUsfpsqZvALirgS63_-VzRZVZjR7esE8TPNCp4UFjfTedlKM0/s320/P1070058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
An amazing hot, salty yet mild Yunnan style fried cheese served with Sichuan pepper salt:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv4hS8eV3HDgqTtQnI7CY_6BtS5oxkpXg7cGmuTnjhY2GzNIBqVTVQ45WMrEdfoQGbUxkINd7D4UxRRpauJ64fL0n6dA5WifjzlWTxJ7xK-1CT0ELlyJZPsY5sdWXaQKEBHX57Oq3fdbH/s1600/P1070060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv4hS8eV3HDgqTtQnI7CY_6BtS5oxkpXg7cGmuTnjhY2GzNIBqVTVQ45WMrEdfoQGbUxkINd7D4UxRRpauJ64fL0n6dA5WifjzlWTxJ7xK-1CT0ELlyJZPsY5sdWXaQKEBHX57Oq3fdbH/s320/P1070060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
(Does your heart sing when you see the phrase 'fried cheese?' Mine does, though perhaps it's the first signs of cardiovascular disease.)<br />
<br />
A very sweet yet deeply savoury crisp-on-the-outside, fluffy on the inside barbeque pork bun:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFTdiLGzZAjMF-e13TS2mx1FEWiDYiuqrLG8nBaVXmppd9KT_rmqJTU1dS_kolHlsPoJE1aLDRqrsg-OYwowX7ad428EebhuZ4ZWZNVhEKHEjjVqNIwc9xT2AtcomoHYxYd0sJwCpHbAO/s1600/P1070067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFTdiLGzZAjMF-e13TS2mx1FEWiDYiuqrLG8nBaVXmppd9KT_rmqJTU1dS_kolHlsPoJE1aLDRqrsg-OYwowX7ad428EebhuZ4ZWZNVhEKHEjjVqNIwc9xT2AtcomoHYxYd0sJwCpHbAO/s320/P1070067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Killer Scottish beef rump fried noodles:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq3Xz-XuT_Y3jwu-TyRKL69boyxM-sRt2qxej_uBdJTG5z4sXN0nwt51IvdhJwbTeNsd1ukgqr78le-3UNNwCQgufYCeGmOzXqZc1-vphlwqM4M9AvRssdfC608R3n_cnheED3caYc4Ss/s1600/P1070072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq3Xz-XuT_Y3jwu-TyRKL69boyxM-sRt2qxej_uBdJTG5z4sXN0nwt51IvdhJwbTeNsd1ukgqr78le-3UNNwCQgufYCeGmOzXqZc1-vphlwqM4M9AvRssdfC608R3n_cnheED3caYc4Ss/s320/P1070072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Something I forget the name of, I was so transfixed by its prettiness:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1nR29H4sRX3GGrrYtg-lg2Dar9LWgwO0i6WvD41NSxpXZn9kLyHfgKNm5efb1m5nmbb3DpvlVmYBorFgPRoSC77GaHa0EfmS6cozgJFl7xpz1TMwFFbhnwdJ29scnldnE5Af5ZTjoy4L/s1600/P1070075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1nR29H4sRX3GGrrYtg-lg2Dar9LWgwO0i6WvD41NSxpXZn9kLyHfgKNm5efb1m5nmbb3DpvlVmYBorFgPRoSC77GaHa0EfmS6cozgJFl7xpz1TMwFFbhnwdJ29scnldnE5Af5ZTjoy4L/s320/P1070075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And a magical melting pudding. I was so high on food happiness that again I forget the exact description - I think it was tobacco smoked banana, nut crumble, chocolate, soy caramel sauce. Either way - now you see it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9i0ZUWhdPaMBV3j7UniKrzt28iCzmycVuKI0OEKCYT6XpBFbDx3Sq7gSl5Meune3uLboxaPBPivRrYXvHIHBexgUlu_dC4jXqheh5ekvyK53bP5myg2ObvdgDZ-6TOc_3NboA3i2tt5O/s1600/P1070078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9i0ZUWhdPaMBV3j7UniKrzt28iCzmycVuKI0OEKCYT6XpBFbDx3Sq7gSl5Meune3uLboxaPBPivRrYXvHIHBexgUlu_dC4jXqheh5ekvyK53bP5myg2ObvdgDZ-6TOc_3NboA3i2tt5O/s320/P1070078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Still there, just about:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF24-vKCd0gIZ5VY1AcJghH53Q-EzdcjuoH3ZIPlV-Ef76SMy4mDcsXmt2z0yBoAksNY9VYfAwzMn98KUFhUeGJBM7l4lXi5Bj0OouIg3z0QRJM0yd4GRn0g2zqQfyR-U_G3l7ZHb8xVL/s1600/P1070081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF24-vKCd0gIZ5VY1AcJghH53Q-EzdcjuoH3ZIPlV-Ef76SMy4mDcsXmt2z0yBoAksNY9VYfAwzMn98KUFhUeGJBM7l4lXi5Bj0OouIg3z0QRJM0yd4GRn0g2zqQfyR-U_G3l7ZHb8xVL/s320/P1070081.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Now you don't:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5J8jmVpIB2i3QXSp1QiqufZcSAE5lFFlcCXW1LqBdqzG2dZNxTXeUGzpTDHKkDi7RQGXZ9msQ_3FjCiDNQb3WvnchEqfwamFTqcZZZxbk2SocT7M6GKlavI3fS-SQNrw5dPGS95Kx_3wn/s1600/P1070083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5J8jmVpIB2i3QXSp1QiqufZcSAE5lFFlcCXW1LqBdqzG2dZNxTXeUGzpTDHKkDi7RQGXZ9msQ_3FjCiDNQb3WvnchEqfwamFTqcZZZxbk2SocT7M6GKlavI3fS-SQNrw5dPGS95Kx_3wn/s320/P1070083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A hot mess - a very very fine hot mess indeed.<br />
<br />
The service was excellent too - and the prices were nowhere near as expensive as the food looks. A total find in the backwaters of Victoria - and the perfect reward following a self-improvement session at The Tate...<br />
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-61877732083254710332013-04-10T01:00:00.001-07:002013-04-10T07:22:01.095-07:00The book factory!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So excited! Last week I went with mum and dad to see my new book being printed up in Bungay in Norfolk. <br />
<br />
I've been to a pudding factory (excellent, smells of vanilla) - but I've never been to a book factory before, and it was amazing! (doesn't smell of vanilla though.) A lovely lady called Tanya showed us around and made us feel like we were as important as J K Rowling and E L James put together. (Note to self: would I sell more books if I wrote under initials? Maybe the more initials the better - J K E L Newman? Must source more middle names immediately.)<br />
<br />
It was all a bit of a blur as I was just so happy to be there. (My dad was not well for most of last year and so to be there with him and my mum felt extra-special.) Things I remember as follows:<br />
<br />
Piles of book covers to be wrapped round their contents:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDGiXfRnDdThgsqLuqxqw9N0Z-aMS5n32Mmxxtph_HN_pTX6pFiEtUaDMIoqmeUt0H1PIXUw5dGlDHvHVJZBHrLGVKfnvOic9jg47HpmCQbN5fRUGNVTlyF4T5a22CajLupnOq9Spof9n/s1600/P1050542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDGiXfRnDdThgsqLuqxqw9N0Z-aMS5n32Mmxxtph_HN_pTX6pFiEtUaDMIoqmeUt0H1PIXUw5dGlDHvHVJZBHrLGVKfnvOic9jg47HpmCQbN5fRUGNVTlyF4T5a22CajLupnOq9Spof9n/s320/P1050542.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Books are printed in sections a bit like lasagne. (For my latest lasagne mishaps click <a href="http://pastafriends.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/pasta-for-grey-april-day-when-it-really.html">here</a>.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqVH_uzDkf1aTYRsb16RuGSEx7jqPLMuOWUfdu1XDBZYALKvNW0x2fMb2PfDM6xK2Tqh3Ny-eauaE5nu1yz3-g8LRSTUzJ2UKl7txWpTgQzgOlXp4_bnaYvT1CPf53LEVkKtkxju6YFVE/s1600/P1050546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqVH_uzDkf1aTYRsb16RuGSEx7jqPLMuOWUfdu1XDBZYALKvNW0x2fMb2PfDM6xK2Tqh3Ny-eauaE5nu1yz3-g8LRSTUzJ2UKl7txWpTgQzgOlXp4_bnaYvT1CPf53LEVkKtkxju6YFVE/s320/P1050546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Books are printed in pairs, one up one down, and then chopped in half:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2IyUINKE8stiOy8YXXVvw0VadZJoK8ClVPUYyQ_ssi5wONjmaRQLrRtg04zJf783evyzwRs1BlLyGBnDO4HdAQ-VP_xyorFkqfcw8tqcLG7HjI0gJCxZqKvYr30pSBGHrx7zYCL-MKQZ/s1600/P1050560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2IyUINKE8stiOy8YXXVvw0VadZJoK8ClVPUYyQ_ssi5wONjmaRQLrRtg04zJf783evyzwRs1BlLyGBnDO4HdAQ-VP_xyorFkqfcw8tqcLG7HjI0gJCxZqKvYr30pSBGHrx7zYCL-MKQZ/s320/P1050560.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The glue used to bind them looks like jewels, and cries out to be played with:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wSh-9Q6Nmx-cWJZIkK7KgcwCxCK4DuELVd_WZzts_EzrTyCLAtuZDOylQ1vqEdZEaxaIzy_DT1qIqQC67QovSEWke2yaaVjtb635xB5jT3uYH69e_MS7wdSQj9-kDTRauXnvydfkpwv1/s1600/P1050558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wSh-9Q6Nmx-cWJZIkK7KgcwCxCK4DuELVd_WZzts_EzrTyCLAtuZDOylQ1vqEdZEaxaIzy_DT1qIqQC67QovSEWke2yaaVjtb635xB5jT3uYH69e_MS7wdSQj9-kDTRauXnvydfkpwv1/s320/P1050558.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The process is huge and fast and brilliant, and seems to be run by a bunch of 6 foot hotties. (Note 2 to self - bring wing women to printing of next book.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu7NtVtsVhg2COUrFCzRNlWZQwc6Aute1FOqKvyVs660SVLYqbG76Zbjw73w4fNtHXf9fcgkcy-85LhsRsMsKEX_L3YmYrsHkog-r1ENraiblErxMA8g0SL22_iACRpvEAdoY37QXkFul/s1600/P1050548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu7NtVtsVhg2COUrFCzRNlWZQwc6Aute1FOqKvyVs660SVLYqbG76Zbjw73w4fNtHXf9fcgkcy-85LhsRsMsKEX_L3YmYrsHkog-r1ENraiblErxMA8g0SL22_iACRpvEAdoY37QXkFul/s320/P1050548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Seeing a book you've written whizz down a production line suddenly makes it all feel very, very real, and you start panicking about not being Nabokov...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilN5G0dxSFGlnrJdbN00vfBuYIiV2ny_RtHBTfYWkUOic4MqtcHe5kwjiXPURolVJrIqC2iFblWM3S-vLKXmVnJ-Rw4mDRsu6gdcIhHSwzfriNQ2ZHtuDqGs3XHnbfnftyI1Br6OEyf3jr/s1600/P1050580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilN5G0dxSFGlnrJdbN00vfBuYIiV2ny_RtHBTfYWkUOic4MqtcHe5kwjiXPURolVJrIqC2iFblWM3S-vLKXmVnJ-Rw4mDRsu6gdcIhHSwzfriNQ2ZHtuDqGs3XHnbfnftyI1Br6OEyf3jr/s320/P1050580.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh well, too late for that now, though maybe I could make that one of my new middle names? Stella Nabokov Rowling Jenny (I always liked the name Jenny) Newman. S N R J Newman. Hmm, looks like my fingers fell asleep on the typewriter.<br />
<br />
Anyway, at the end of all those conveyor belts, out comes a book, or a few books. Magic!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-iijsN9kXrphR3iOff0P_76rzdQw-dBMwBE82hZHEN_daZwdDQuc1QpgNJUeI1OI9dZd00RUEcTaO122SPRHaQqyn7sjfd8rMHFUTZ0x2lK9T5KYUpT6V9l7TW6ratpUnMX6_ldQRoAT/s1600/P1050564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-iijsN9kXrphR3iOff0P_76rzdQw-dBMwBE82hZHEN_daZwdDQuc1QpgNJUeI1OI9dZd00RUEcTaO122SPRHaQqyn7sjfd8rMHFUTZ0x2lK9T5KYUpT6V9l7TW6ratpUnMX6_ldQRoAT/s320/P1050564.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Afterwards we went for lunch in the terribly pretty medieval town of Lavenham,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe_m6QYTGwd6vpC3KMYksoesQHXtrllV9oLBMBbZn10rmY034ntIDGr9SVFAUH5AqHJDq4kQ6yl0-IGKlbwAwd_IL1zK6aeuGLKYlpdtTgToPI6w3CfJbmVysb5ah1Ek2dmEKfKZV0FHZ/s1600/P1050594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPe_m6QYTGwd6vpC3KMYksoesQHXtrllV9oLBMBbZn10rmY034ntIDGr9SVFAUH5AqHJDq4kQ6yl0-IGKlbwAwd_IL1zK6aeuGLKYlpdtTgToPI6w3CfJbmVysb5ah1Ek2dmEKfKZV0FHZ/s320/P1050594.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
where we ate at Marco Pierre White's <a href="http://www.wheelersangel.com/">The Angel</a>. We had a Taste discount card which meant the food was half price - or in my family's case meant you order double the amount of food. Prawn cocktail, lamb boulangere with triple cooked chips, creamed spinach, broccoli hollandaise, and finally a light-as-air-and-just-as-well chocolate and coffee mousse. All super delicious, and I needed to build some muscle anyway for an epic book signing session today at Harper Collins!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpP_n-Ltjf1mP29NGIqbSMGsJCZ3bxVw_j7CQ-BJx2WPR6frDy5qkMdztui-b9kkkth6PrkCb2ewlzrrUAFE1unr6VPKCLDZmT7DzL6P6KaMvG7H0iVsyerP6_YKCsf9MqHIT5YvYqY1nb/s1600/P1050722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpP_n-Ltjf1mP29NGIqbSMGsJCZ3bxVw_j7CQ-BJx2WPR6frDy5qkMdztui-b9kkkth6PrkCb2ewlzrrUAFE1unr6VPKCLDZmT7DzL6P6KaMvG7H0iVsyerP6_YKCsf9MqHIT5YvYqY1nb/s320/P1050722.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-84780355316593013962013-04-09T13:54:00.003-07:002013-04-09T13:54:39.551-07:00That space between them is very me shaped...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOg3wJPBzz84nbOUX1wDfF6AgJkzFFvCv2cKvl8zUmoV_HVlJMffD7R9fEkAVnNDO1KjNpud0TVqcofDulWspqLYbr3-6MG-3KeYOQhv1BmdJNBYaJS1amDqZ4Qwu5eUtdT402IbSxMP0/s1600/enhanced-buzz-26541-1355766547-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOg3wJPBzz84nbOUX1wDfF6AgJkzFFvCv2cKvl8zUmoV_HVlJMffD7R9fEkAVnNDO1KjNpud0TVqcofDulWspqLYbr3-6MG-3KeYOQhv1BmdJNBYaJS1amDqZ4Qwu5eUtdT402IbSxMP0/s320/enhanced-buzz-26541-1355766547-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-2353164613369110372013-03-08T00:25:00.005-08:002013-03-08T23:50:33.483-08:00Hong Kong Eat-a-thonNo amount of walking up and down Hong Kong's steep hills is going to wear off the calories from this lot...<br />
<br />
This city knows how to eat. I too know how to eat. I just don't know how to stop...<br />
<br />
Some of the hightlights of my 3 day trip, as follows:<br />
<br />
Perfect prawn wantons in this soup at <a href="http://travel.cnn.com/hong-kong/eat/best-wonton-noodles-744828">Mak Man Kee</a> in Jordan, Kowloon (not to be confused with Mak An Kee noodle shop, though you might, mightn't you?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzpUG5TGNunoyXufMRhjjBM_LyfGbgxLM-0GuZsb2N_V1jGCmwwuqxN9-pGjbEv-om5emWlXAsg3r62EaE0FxVqYKWeG0o0EzE7hNO6Vliq1Bb1d2Wa9UeabXsW2nqY_UiliZIoPqC0jT/s1600/P1030015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzpUG5TGNunoyXufMRhjjBM_LyfGbgxLM-0GuZsb2N_V1jGCmwwuqxN9-pGjbEv-om5emWlXAsg3r62EaE0FxVqYKWeG0o0EzE7hNO6Vliq1Bb1d2Wa9UeabXsW2nqY_UiliZIoPqC0jT/s320/P1030015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Super light, delicate wanton wrapper, with a mega prawn lurking inside:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTBnh0DMkE4R8l5U6bxlbYafDvREQfQZo5bevIYrvoufcP8gaHGMePtvhoTbwdT6yYNa5IK_QF-cpr5J_pobMoqf3fyL0rmaN4H_JDRz0Ysky5c7DqgLq7eO_n3GLOF6D7PTCBPu-cRQd/s1600/P1030018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTBnh0DMkE4R8l5U6bxlbYafDvREQfQZo5bevIYrvoufcP8gaHGMePtvhoTbwdT6yYNa5IK_QF-cpr5J_pobMoqf3fyL0rmaN4H_JDRz0Ysky5c7DqgLq7eO_n3GLOF6D7PTCBPu-cRQd/s320/P1030018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This man was a dynamo:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9Lk55GCIVnLaVhCRyVs7g-5M4zm_SyqCszAmISH0wAzILP35BRl89hLic1kPCZNA5Vv5PmUrw-7LgEorfD7lkPhKJJVFkmo-M5zyv8XL3wkOmKp-6TThwq_dH8jVbkqF10zfZ9d28lSe/s1600/P1030022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9Lk55GCIVnLaVhCRyVs7g-5M4zm_SyqCszAmISH0wAzILP35BRl89hLic1kPCZNA5Vv5PmUrw-7LgEorfD7lkPhKJJVFkmo-M5zyv8XL3wkOmKp-6TThwq_dH8jVbkqF10zfZ9d28lSe/s320/P1030022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then head out of the noodle shop and turn right, walk two shops down, and get involved in a whole world of awesome egg based treats here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I4oMzztsvlA3bWAiXPFdPPEn5KdLSjXjMJP0_EmFbb_Z1uCU5hH4WJDvKaIfEmSzlDx61cIRPiRiKgwVevcT8uCGFeE0UVJlxuMDZ7thyphenhyphenjzmNthOLujnDy_PMg0YLgrQSKlaoFbwexED/s1600/P1030027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I4oMzztsvlA3bWAiXPFdPPEn5KdLSjXjMJP0_EmFbb_Z1uCU5hH4WJDvKaIfEmSzlDx61cIRPiRiKgwVevcT8uCGFeE0UVJlxuMDZ7thyphenhyphenjzmNthOLujnDy_PMg0YLgrQSKlaoFbwexED/s320/P1030027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These were the best ever scrambled eggs - perfectly buttery and salty on pillowy toasted white bread -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4jVgQeNnfx7rIbaK_HsjkTCEnFx-N1VvEtVHXCwP8VU6mXLCrpdmvOkuLp0p0sh5moV2FuONlfB-bWzslM5SJfvACqmcI_lLbyXMH0e6FlxEXzoVpcTHJGmmJqd9QsldD0aZbT8qfcHf/s1600/P1030030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4jVgQeNnfx7rIbaK_HsjkTCEnFx-N1VvEtVHXCwP8VU6mXLCrpdmvOkuLp0p0sh5moV2FuONlfB-bWzslM5SJfvACqmcI_lLbyXMH0e6FlxEXzoVpcTHJGmmJqd9QsldD0aZbT8qfcHf/s320/P1030030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Followed by a light bowl of very sugary eggy custard. Eggs are protein you know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRERbOFwZAFdYa2UEXK-gJVV1Q2T4ZbD1m5JSjaeDHMnHtrkunhNwMI6wHg-utykQXP-iJmTMsSXngutqxV5Y9FEgjQom9YRQAcqTTQl5yRiuSHIg46mNTLmFxRkjzz6vIfNnf8PUBX7Q/s1600/P1030028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRERbOFwZAFdYa2UEXK-gJVV1Q2T4ZbD1m5JSjaeDHMnHtrkunhNwMI6wHg-utykQXP-iJmTMsSXngutqxV5Y9FEgjQom9YRQAcqTTQl5yRiuSHIg46mNTLmFxRkjzz6vIfNnf8PUBX7Q/s320/P1030028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then hop back on the Star Ferry (bargain, around 20p) at 8pm, just in time to watch the light show on the water.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAnAip5qVFzSI3-lG62TsYj_MCEnUYr7XfG7qYmYXNOujBfNO8EuJS3dAe25t9jcLSHz2iqLO1t3eP_bDxASOOyVqBbml6QF79sGgPddIdqJMcVqfxFgbHLmjtDLwB0pKODxzPRZFEIe0/s1600/P1030037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAnAip5qVFzSI3-lG62TsYj_MCEnUYr7XfG7qYmYXNOujBfNO8EuJS3dAe25t9jcLSHz2iqLO1t3eP_bDxASOOyVqBbml6QF79sGgPddIdqJMcVqfxFgbHLmjtDLwB0pKODxzPRZFEIe0/s320/P1030037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day we had lunch at <a href="http://www.tomeatsjencooks.com/894/hks-best-the-chairman">The Chairman</a>. It'd had rave reviews - I'd say it was a good 7 out of 10.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_Td9MyRvs_1X3mYFwpaCuZCXP7SNxaQtemujJPyZpZLKDDctuJjnKBnyx4eOQahdqQpNOtgyI4TClZpzMXFkQhZNCzALzKDZZDLnp6OHS4q9nkKfk2dnJzXeGT3kSSkf1EFWLA83Z3-A/s1600/P1030054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_Td9MyRvs_1X3mYFwpaCuZCXP7SNxaQtemujJPyZpZLKDDctuJjnKBnyx4eOQahdqQpNOtgyI4TClZpzMXFkQhZNCzALzKDZZDLnp6OHS4q9nkKfk2dnJzXeGT3kSSkf1EFWLA83Z3-A/s320/P1030054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The highlights were these delicious little prawn cakes<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJl4xgqnSvj1wUomZXO1eVEwfL-w-dE9KL_FaqSmi6D49tofh5nnuMaHr_oQHgOlzvaI6TX1qoXZrx7yrZqgfC6eA6rUMuoHkfySUTiYAJz-WKWPj-WmM-Eh6IA9Jfu4TINi3ARgO6ElX/s1600/P1030055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJl4xgqnSvj1wUomZXO1eVEwfL-w-dE9KL_FaqSmi6D49tofh5nnuMaHr_oQHgOlzvaI6TX1qoXZrx7yrZqgfC6eA6rUMuoHkfySUTiYAJz-WKWPj-WmM-Eh6IA9Jfu4TINi3ARgO6ElX/s320/P1030055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And this terrific wolfberry ice cream. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZxncgB9z0xtDPZHYs7XPx_TKVXdIGb5ooDFMeHRKlEVwXzTeJicmCxxpRAV3Wkgy9mChK7iMb0_A_E07MP-NdSzAMVemUkZQFKqPt9Su03XU_A8EVtLXsb3pn1ryLyhqw3Q91_6P787Q/s1600/P1030061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZxncgB9z0xtDPZHYs7XPx_TKVXdIGb5ooDFMeHRKlEVwXzTeJicmCxxpRAV3Wkgy9mChK7iMb0_A_E07MP-NdSzAMVemUkZQFKqPt9Su03XU_A8EVtLXsb3pn1ryLyhqw3Q91_6P787Q/s320/P1030061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What is a wolfberry? A goji, by another name. Normally I find goji berries taste like shit, but not in the form of ice cream they don't.<br />
<br />
Then drinks on the roof at <a href="http://www.wooloo-mooloo.com/steakhouse/wan-chai/menu-detail.aspx?id=25596c04-5f00-4f51-b41a-dffcef793680">Wooloomooloo</a> in Wan Chai at dusk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSi8CTKeBPwHivDNkKpKS8bBUdBFchaGMbEJ5xyqorLjEtFXd5XmkVJQYDc0TOp3o4E2AbMSXLLd2p3IF72LNQlfq9vqZMZp1i0uX1d1JvI82p5lGdQcfKo8Nni_xGaX_DUb0QTDhdMof/s1600/P1030070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSi8CTKeBPwHivDNkKpKS8bBUdBFchaGMbEJ5xyqorLjEtFXd5XmkVJQYDc0TOp3o4E2AbMSXLLd2p3IF72LNQlfq9vqZMZp1i0uX1d1JvI82p5lGdQcfKo8Nni_xGaX_DUb0QTDhdMof/s320/P1030070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a great rooftop bar, not busy at all around 5pm, and the perfect place to get pissed while you watch the city's lights come on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBgSVN5UfmXD61PONNJyxGbaVoLoSioHOpmk_WTxGLx5oICSJWcPaxIIina4VdsWKFbs-SBc92aNJW2kuR4VuROHK0krHA1CczqMrYIu2GDpHDBa1BinYp4E3r1H-OwxabhijzLNaYDMl/s1600/P1030075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBgSVN5UfmXD61PONNJyxGbaVoLoSioHOpmk_WTxGLx5oICSJWcPaxIIina4VdsWKFbs-SBc92aNJW2kuR4VuROHK0krHA1CczqMrYIu2GDpHDBa1BinYp4E3r1H-OwxabhijzLNaYDMl/s320/P1030075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then on to my favourite meal of the trip, at <a href="http://www.yardbirdrestaurant.com/">Yardbird</a>. Scrap that, my favourite meal of the year, hands down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lmTRVPeaPnNHr6rmpqd3Idlj_N9KnjzK0DSIF0lmQ9cxzYRNjnnFCY9u2gh1DXxamm7Dq91Lc1RSP0VbqOv6e-4JaQUDTTygzGK8nH7rzw2t4RXcAi5YM2ItJn2naupEksggKfKPHLZ3/s1600/P1030099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lmTRVPeaPnNHr6rmpqd3Idlj_N9KnjzK0DSIF0lmQ9cxzYRNjnnFCY9u2gh1DXxamm7Dq91Lc1RSP0VbqOv6e-4JaQUDTTygzGK8nH7rzw2t4RXcAi5YM2ItJn2naupEksggKfKPHLZ3/s320/P1030099.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Pretty much every dish was phenomenal, but my top three were these great balls of corn:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwHnlBCVNKzrpB1knbpfoY1hfBviS43L7Ou49JtL0eolCMcNg-0mUf_bSWToSXhyphenhyphenlUQ1prV0sL1ZU12Izr50z4ltx9sEltShhlr3EDXN7g0dPCr_dmDDg9Qka5rYiroZSlq2Pa-ccLYxO/s1600/P1030086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwHnlBCVNKzrpB1knbpfoY1hfBviS43L7Ou49JtL0eolCMcNg-0mUf_bSWToSXhyphenhyphenlUQ1prV0sL1ZU12Izr50z4ltx9sEltShhlr3EDXN7g0dPCr_dmDDg9Qka5rYiroZSlq2Pa-ccLYxO/s320/P1030086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Extraordinary Brussels sprouts with maple syrup, soy and garlic - would convert even the most hardcore anti-brassica into a believer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3Yh69GE31Lp0mNgh-He6bVJ5gRsCuFuMbt-41W1SOl55476qAgL7OrSZpZ9d6Edap-71SIkbAGTHEzaY7EvgtXMi2JfEh5zOHuZfobQPBR6SSrZvHbqt_t_QQrjGe954-0kdXbSTqSs/s1600/P1030090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3Yh69GE31Lp0mNgh-He6bVJ5gRsCuFuMbt-41W1SOl55476qAgL7OrSZpZ9d6Edap-71SIkbAGTHEzaY7EvgtXMi2JfEh5zOHuZfobQPBR6SSrZvHbqt_t_QQrjGe954-0kdXbSTqSs/s320/P1030090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These extraordinary cauliflower fritters:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6ir_EJp8SbPhUHUzmxn7eXD51ACvhr628fMCUvJ6VCGKkJ162aJclIZVcQ3zGj_Y3muBUEG2y9u-A8qnNCF7iKIgnLtAKm5sRgDbYVXq6tZZu4T4I6ivPKrOslvqyoQuXINHjOIJP1cL/s1600/P1030112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6ir_EJp8SbPhUHUzmxn7eXD51ACvhr628fMCUvJ6VCGKkJ162aJclIZVcQ3zGj_Y3muBUEG2y9u-A8qnNCF7iKIgnLtAKm5sRgDbYVXq6tZZu4T4I6ivPKrOslvqyoQuXINHjOIJP1cL/s320/P1030112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Divine sticky, sweet, crunchy exterior with a perfect interior with a slight bite, but silky nonetheless, and with a subtle heat from kimchee, though with no overpowering kimchee flavour:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQP62GYG0AanSFnKLR6qMAIrscvINz4BWiSy1yhk4s0dux_GZ_-VhKnEf3lphFZ_oXn4cO_1krPsUkyexk88Hrqu3nMzAhRzVLtyduL57L29uoc-bbfH2GhS40JKp5A-O9ms3sUQiEmy1/s1600/P1030121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQP62GYG0AanSFnKLR6qMAIrscvINz4BWiSy1yhk4s0dux_GZ_-VhKnEf3lphFZ_oXn4cO_1krPsUkyexk88Hrqu3nMzAhRzVLtyduL57L29uoc-bbfH2GhS40JKp5A-O9ms3sUQiEmy1/s320/P1030121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You know a restaurant is doing something right when they can transform sprouts, corn and cauliflower into the most exciting, memorable dishes you've eaten in forever.<br />
<br />
Which is not to say that the meat dishes weren't all that. They were. All that and more. Particularly the Scotch eggs with tonkatsu and kewpie mayo, which we ordered a portion of, had one bite, then ordered more of immediately:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDo79L2xrkPUN6_g9kw_ZS86NeofnMXlDPJznoqkVRFET5KMQUfnjTPdTCtP6FopTTUxXFIqd_t59a2aL36xEOy58VTndKzPCn6hNbkyxCJGH0cNOjqwGqpCC6FCt6_gJStsiHZF6xg9y/s1600/P1030106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDo79L2xrkPUN6_g9kw_ZS86NeofnMXlDPJznoqkVRFET5KMQUfnjTPdTCtP6FopTTUxXFIqd_t59a2aL36xEOy58VTndKzPCn6hNbkyxCJGH0cNOjqwGqpCC6FCt6_gJStsiHZF6xg9y/s320/P1030106.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Happy days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLRwLWkaCYVh_CxVLgpO7Ho2UpkL_W1IFIrM0QOH1DNJx-6OzmK07n9C1lr1bPdW-KUJk-_OTittY5G11CGlLwPIK6HzSGHJD3T79M9CoBNLq0WBaD1OQeK93gJXmI1TzE0qinQNEJW2H/s1600/P1030109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLRwLWkaCYVh_CxVLgpO7Ho2UpkL_W1IFIrM0QOH1DNJx-6OzmK07n9C1lr1bPdW-KUJk-_OTittY5G11CGlLwPIK6HzSGHJD3T79M9CoBNLq0WBaD1OQeK93gJXmI1TzE0qinQNEJW2H/s320/P1030109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And then terrific egg fried rice with deep fried chicken bits<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfveEHD25C7h-oyQGVe63khWnUPmzr3tG9gBjoc619EV7qIgY9-ZzQhM5ZMA1azqEXdznEmb5UO7YvPRyeMsCJO3f2tRZGCLQksvo3lQogb4zPuLsUfUwjxK0SdmVne1gsPhBcCQxxyld/s1600/P1030145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfveEHD25C7h-oyQGVe63khWnUPmzr3tG9gBjoc619EV7qIgY9-ZzQhM5ZMA1azqEXdznEmb5UO7YvPRyeMsCJO3f2tRZGCLQksvo3lQogb4zPuLsUfUwjxK0SdmVne1gsPhBcCQxxyld/s320/P1030145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cute beer, how could you not love him?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_IDikhxh2ACFLNfoko6JLp01lav0R4k2270JUde-0SAsE4L5qiuX64l3ieDT2fJ74B6Xt66_tq03bifZ5gI7Pc3I5UT4PpvYYPwpvHTvHeA-9KRO8f3yBZl21VYnVejePkxIHOn6iwO2/s1600/P1030083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_IDikhxh2ACFLNfoko6JLp01lav0R4k2270JUde-0SAsE4L5qiuX64l3ieDT2fJ74B6Xt66_tq03bifZ5gI7Pc3I5UT4PpvYYPwpvHTvHeA-9KRO8f3yBZl21VYnVejePkxIHOn6iwO2/s320/P1030083.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Also less cute, more deadly sake<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kLUfbJViE_UBuWwx8l-Ys9WaECIhLW87lz_cmBMR2_VyFe9dLs1pxxI9-omccxR5yLZhhc2PU8G8Clk-QhAo_kbsyyuTRSwZDIIioRKqQS8JmB8TF1oR080YDB2J2FU7WmrCgvASsoSb/s1600/P1030105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kLUfbJViE_UBuWwx8l-Ys9WaECIhLW87lz_cmBMR2_VyFe9dLs1pxxI9-omccxR5yLZhhc2PU8G8Clk-QhAo_kbsyyuTRSwZDIIioRKqQS8JmB8TF1oR080YDB2J2FU7WmrCgvASsoSb/s320/P1030105.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
And then on to Feather Boa for very deadly dacquiris, with glasses covered in cocoa, which lull you into a false sense of security that you're actually drinking a dessert, not getting hammered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOk_kQ9gKw_-upRuldq9kzqU4jfAW5tLETTEn2904pEEgdv99plW8xzPm9ug92DpLB_JTbNroVqbicsdBw7V0hQgmXf4ZJ9mngdUoQTwxQE8sjXSzpUo8jSiynf7ve0SD0WKvTVH0aHg2E/s1600/P1030152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOk_kQ9gKw_-upRuldq9kzqU4jfAW5tLETTEn2904pEEgdv99plW8xzPm9ug92DpLB_JTbNroVqbicsdBw7V0hQgmXf4ZJ9mngdUoQTwxQE8sjXSzpUo8jSiynf7ve0SD0WKvTVH0aHg2E/s320/P1030152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
Still hungry? Didn't think so, but that's not going to stop me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZNbLWyDrGAtEdsMRpFG40jQH1TAZjY77IjC5sT4e9zjcGcirz8pvM0lku8CmsiwrvwfszffUQZOk1x1-qp9WQeWJRezWYTa7B31W2Oipsg6JcvkGrn2VPyp4d3y6KjYKox2jd5vJWrrM/s1600/P1030158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZNbLWyDrGAtEdsMRpFG40jQH1TAZjY77IjC5sT4e9zjcGcirz8pvM0lku8CmsiwrvwfszffUQZOk1x1-qp9WQeWJRezWYTa7B31W2Oipsg6JcvkGrn2VPyp4d3y6KjYKox2jd5vJWrrM/s320/P1030158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Famous for its beef noodle soup. Ask for lean brisket or you'll get a bowl of fat, not that there's anything wrong with a bowl of fat if the mood is right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvyS54bZWr17psYTAyLsCCE7uqAFT6so4VLgB9UGMdct7EGMiFKofIYK1-uzSLPiylQIN4iJeATbUmiVJ39QQB5LeionC_LDGVmODhrTZ2ueELyMYxLDxXAEVR21mjBAmMyTx-Ysu4eSn/s1600/P1030163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvyS54bZWr17psYTAyLsCCE7uqAFT6so4VLgB9UGMdct7EGMiFKofIYK1-uzSLPiylQIN4iJeATbUmiVJ39QQB5LeionC_LDGVmODhrTZ2ueELyMYxLDxXAEVR21mjBAmMyTx-Ysu4eSn/s320/P1030163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then on to the ridiculous Landmark mall, which is full of people who think £700+ is an acceptable price for a pair of shoes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgck3fotfVTXRVNgT2nm4Yzt_WI2CUROXDD312rspnOy7gxnDULuCeSJG1ep8naWOBXLFvGRrSaUf9hJN1cB_zfrk6NUh90Tn6DV08ynztt4pXn932Pi7sRbtQESYgNLOKAfxE1g4uunT1w/s1600/P1030175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgck3fotfVTXRVNgT2nm4Yzt_WI2CUROXDD312rspnOy7gxnDULuCeSJG1ep8naWOBXLFvGRrSaUf9hJN1cB_zfrk6NUh90Tn6DV08ynztt4pXn932Pi7sRbtQESYgNLOKAfxE1g4uunT1w/s320/P1030175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
For a little pear and caramel cake at Robuchon's cake shop. The only thing you'll find in this mall for less than a fiver - in fact the only thing you'll find here for less than about £20k.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4C7Uz0B28Zgk9ZtndCYHDhnb-BHBO6uQupeZnCLCzeEQOdxVwwJVPrFzPGFduMe8u8fmESUnt8q0cIY-cPKfQWsQ_KqZ_S5RBmQlNUgYcmJZ7TihXwQ3io8HJI8m77JB6r5uC8Z4j7P1/s1600/P1030176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4C7Uz0B28Zgk9ZtndCYHDhnb-BHBO6uQupeZnCLCzeEQOdxVwwJVPrFzPGFduMe8u8fmESUnt8q0cIY-cPKfQWsQ_KqZ_S5RBmQlNUgYcmJZ7TihXwQ3io8HJI8m77JB6r5uC8Z4j7P1/s320/P1030176.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
And finally off to Chilli Fagara for bowls of beer. Yes, bowls. I'm drinking all my booze in bowls from now on:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTo9DL14yjDqguUN7ZN3Lt9jIWfjLDN3_9ljFJYBlQhX5Hu5mCeBt8al43xJyteXwXbvPnRTM7WvTTeF2SAd1ZKOvEel-9WW9UzgmB-rW40o7GQMVjuKHvVCENSInqGWHJOy7CtwATXmA/s1600/P1030187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTo9DL14yjDqguUN7ZN3Lt9jIWfjLDN3_9ljFJYBlQhX5Hu5mCeBt8al43xJyteXwXbvPnRTM7WvTTeF2SAd1ZKOvEel-9WW9UzgmB-rW40o7GQMVjuKHvVCENSInqGWHJOy7CtwATXmA/s320/P1030187.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
And Szechuan prawns as big as your head:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q78yfYDSmx5Yk416p-wv0rBxLiW79h7FGm0XdoDp9EI-LL2gqueh-Zc20HpEUooagI-Sr6tIOrfRQUVUOtI8GcSNhnfAIiEOkvzVto9JhY5lTqYvVUt-0s2gSu5veCsJ586iXD4-tArA/s1600/P1030193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q78yfYDSmx5Yk416p-wv0rBxLiW79h7FGm0XdoDp9EI-LL2gqueh-Zc20HpEUooagI-Sr6tIOrfRQUVUOtI8GcSNhnfAIiEOkvzVto9JhY5lTqYvVUt-0s2gSu5veCsJ586iXD4-tArA/s320/P1030193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You may think I ate everything in Hong Kong - it looks that way, doesn't it? But I didn't get round to eating this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr_yHvHZfosN-V4qDZj0NtInbrE3qvZTaQDBDS8H1THBHVqki5aduG6iXi1ivucOap8HPf-pPVSrBEVeiAw6A9GDfqo0tqLZs3c2ingIEE01152SfQMS3s3LX4kYRsrQtA_K910eIaJM9/s1600/P1030004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr_yHvHZfosN-V4qDZj0NtInbrE3qvZTaQDBDS8H1THBHVqki5aduG6iXi1ivucOap8HPf-pPVSrBEVeiAw6A9GDfqo0tqLZs3c2ingIEE01152SfQMS3s3LX4kYRsrQtA_K910eIaJM9/s320/P1030004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The middle one. Bacon creme anglaise. Why is there not more bacon custard in my life?<br />
<br />
Oh. I did eat one more thing - popcorn. I'm usually ambivalent, but seriously, this Chicago mix, courtesy of <a href="http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/flavors/">Garrett Popcorn</a> in the IFC mall - half cheese flavour, half caramel crisp.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3rgWTiK4IMxmCV9-0SEh92dlSzwZx71HvXYIAtgNBE8g-M8eJxckA6r3Erg74-I00kD3740X2S470_ERytb6ZR1lWWDG6iCU0_2FruJO3apQjXWiDV-rntgjTwklho4lnZs_5K55uAhT/s1600/P1030009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3rgWTiK4IMxmCV9-0SEh92dlSzwZx71HvXYIAtgNBE8g-M8eJxckA6r3Erg74-I00kD3740X2S470_ERytb6ZR1lWWDG6iCU0_2FruJO3apQjXWiDV-rntgjTwklho4lnZs_5K55uAhT/s320/P1030009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Who knew, I mean really?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDChuiQTFAqrpKpXda9aE7g2l5KmaNnJTgoNY4Y_P02Q9hPhVytUYflmGE9HUh23T4n59hSzqTcG5MruCPx9LrCfIccB6btgs4Nn6ynNIlVtPmTTwueknheBh5KX5jsd06cLQiv8VXHD0J/s1600/P1030008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDChuiQTFAqrpKpXda9aE7g2l5KmaNnJTgoNY4Y_P02Q9hPhVytUYflmGE9HUh23T4n59hSzqTcG5MruCPx9LrCfIccB6btgs4Nn6ynNIlVtPmTTwueknheBh5KX5jsd06cLQiv8VXHD0J/s320/P1030008.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-31420418156366137442013-01-16T02:22:00.003-08:002013-01-16T02:33:07.479-08:00I'm going method....Just call me the De Niro of contemporary women's fiction.<br />
<br />
In my new book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Leftovers-Stella-Newman/dp/184756271X">(<i>Leftovers</i></a>, Harper Collins - out April 25th, no doubt extremely reasonably priced), my main character has quite a lot to do with pasta. In one scene, she makes herself a bowl of pasta to recover from having seen a photo online of her ex, with his new girlfriend, at a fashion party in Bond Street.<br />
<br />
She makes a bowl of stortini - which are small macaroni, designed for soup. She chooses them for several reasons (explained in the book) - one of which is that they look like little smiles (genuine smiles, not fashion party smiles.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS9t00km5zsMlZv9eLhPh9xawU_eo_Bn2_msEtWAMJdrHBRHhiWvB-qKfov-jmgTwMUE9LSMUiBRdcS6vg80bUR3rAnObMDxxmYAGZnsazYPMhLHwXcQ-uQOcjIT0o0IcxETEj1hZeB2a/s1600/P1020818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS9t00km5zsMlZv9eLhPh9xawU_eo_Bn2_msEtWAMJdrHBRHhiWvB-qKfov-jmgTwMUE9LSMUiBRdcS6vg80bUR3rAnObMDxxmYAGZnsazYPMhLHwXcQ-uQOcjIT0o0IcxETEj1hZeB2a/s320/P1020818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is important to her character that she knows how many smiles are in her bowl, so she (i.e. moi) had to count the number of the little buggers in a 100g portion:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXGvCfGJGojYnpVPUWfHaXpr_9ct-Lc09LdcwfuTnSXiueDOKCmvIDRbHB3UXpxF947t0e0JoVLIrbGguiwX2ChGtMDeMY6MPlvN4qBma77Y3yKP-y2l4Ex9vHEv85aWy83C1Bqmr4OXc/s1600/P1020821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXGvCfGJGojYnpVPUWfHaXpr_9ct-Lc09LdcwfuTnSXiueDOKCmvIDRbHB3UXpxF947t0e0JoVLIrbGguiwX2ChGtMDeMY6MPlvN4qBma77Y3yKP-y2l4Ex9vHEv85aWy83C1Bqmr4OXc/s320/P1020821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKiNZthqrm7tXFxhNqLDVVBbLrYM56sIo9n1Ifa-XeRnP_e86YaX-FhczZKYvJBkSRPpvB1TvF3UQ-IwX8KJOUZRSt4-Y95Nby3vK3c_eawwuAs0bicC-xXztR54MOYogejk4hXA7e008/s1600/P1020811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKiNZthqrm7tXFxhNqLDVVBbLrYM56sIo9n1Ifa-XeRnP_e86YaX-FhczZKYvJBkSRPpvB1TvF3UQ-IwX8KJOUZRSt4-Y95Nby3vK3c_eawwuAs0bicC-xXztR54MOYogejk4hXA7e008/s320/P1020811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
436, seeing as you've asked.<br />
<br />
The thing is, I know fiction is made up but I think it's important within your made-up universe to have veracity. Most writers seem to be obsessive types - I think maybe you have to be a weirdo, to sit on an uncomfy chair all day, on your own, facing a blank page.) And counting macaroni is not the worst way to spend your time. And then of course you get to eat it too, in the form of mac-cheese - gruyere's so the way forward.<br />
<br />
Another thing my heroine is into (aside from pasta) is an actor by the name of Ryan Gosling. Maybe you've heard of him? He is quite <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/mouthwatering-ryan-gosling-moments-of-the-year">attractive</a>.<br />
<br />
So purely in the name of research I have been watching quite a few of his movies. On a loop. My next post will be on the subject of how I have thus suffered for my art. Don't cry for me, reader, I'm doing all this for you....<br />
<br />
<br />Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-67810902018264612452012-11-08T10:11:00.002-08:002012-11-08T10:21:03.159-08:00Awesome new burgers (and even awesome-r half price mega-burger)So I had a bit of an average burger at my beloved <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4123091635544310740#editor/target=post;postID=6781090201826461245">Hawksmoor</a> a while back, and figured 'they're expanding, their eye is slightly off the ball. I love them so I will give them the benefit of the doubt, but in the meantime I'm going to have to get me some other burgers.'<br />
<br />
Happy to report 3 terrific alternatives, and 1 disappointment - all within a round, burger shaped mile of each other in W1.<br />
<br />
Let's start with the excitement. Newest kid on the block is the burger at <a href="http://www.mashsteak.dk/2012/11/08/50-opening-discount-at-mash-london/">MASH</a>, Copenhagen's hottest American Steak House, that opened last Saturday on the site of The Atlantic in Piccadilly. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HUDq9-cpFFkB17-atUL0zYE4q9T6w57wBEps-2MXhophfojQat3EKkfcJp0BTMzVctZN3mFYMUimATIYfhoPQ5QeZTwRlCH6Qh4TOLaSAcnSm_pIzaLgj-ExIyJcgrpc6iR5qv3aHJkr/s1600/P1020753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HUDq9-cpFFkB17-atUL0zYE4q9T6w57wBEps-2MXhophfojQat3EKkfcJp0BTMzVctZN3mFYMUimATIYfhoPQ5QeZTwRlCH6Qh4TOLaSAcnSm_pIzaLgj-ExIyJcgrpc6iR5qv3aHJkr/s320/P1020753.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you eat there before the 12th November it's half price on food, which was a joyful surprise when the bill came. Though perhaps annoying, as I might have ordered a steak had I known I could afford it. By all accounts their meat is phenomenal - they certainly take it very seriously:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigV3vYr4KqbAtN_Yx9iAKCLTYU39UrRPF6mUdGXeibmra74J-sBWuTq8tEIIE8KuNWW7hTWBsrduqb9AzOUB_rG3O63w9H2IvvjyRIRHxZosfzmkmUlVymA-2DeGm2iS_iE2H9N7jh__7O/s1600/P1020748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigV3vYr4KqbAtN_Yx9iAKCLTYU39UrRPF6mUdGXeibmra74J-sBWuTq8tEIIE8KuNWW7hTWBsrduqb9AzOUB_rG3O63w9H2IvvjyRIRHxZosfzmkmUlVymA-2DeGm2iS_iE2H9N7jh__7O/s320/P1020748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, the burger: posh Big Mac, but contained and perfectly ratio-d, unlike the <a href="http://stellanewmansblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/meat-liquor-famous-dead-hippie-burger.html">Dead Hippy</a> that's just a bit of a student mess. Served with chilli fries. And at a half price of £7.50, an utter bargain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxoIn6bGYLmReZ_imygrZOLjMGKMvwczyYAv-bDB3aNtOVUAMUW6jnR-Mm51N5_qanRH1IDiK3TDIg1aqjxIWv9SurLEVmDqr6xHQYTAXiVxDfVLjlLnXaP6PX2SR_YntzqCnSXCZknFV/s1600/P1020759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxoIn6bGYLmReZ_imygrZOLjMGKMvwczyYAv-bDB3aNtOVUAMUW6jnR-Mm51N5_qanRH1IDiK3TDIg1aqjxIWv9SurLEVmDqr6xHQYTAXiVxDfVLjlLnXaP6PX2SR_YntzqCnSXCZknFV/s320/P1020759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOnVyNSAD_VzOetn9kF-quaxCuZXcG9IkzDVf5YkdRJc1Avpyi4mWSe0Y4cUe-BG-6kRftubhCQw14HbK4BqTg_bYIoCgN8i0_pkS3nNITBLtell5NjDjvKsyUWx-vbUgQKt1f6AW-0vI/s1600/P1020756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOnVyNSAD_VzOetn9kF-quaxCuZXcG9IkzDVf5YkdRJc1Avpyi4mWSe0Y4cUe-BG-6kRftubhCQw14HbK4BqTg_bYIoCgN8i0_pkS3nNITBLtell5NjDjvKsyUWx-vbUgQKt1f6AW-0vI/s320/P1020756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The venue - vast, grand, a lot of covers - 300 I believe. Good for a date with someone rich. Or even better, someone rich who likes bourbon - the bar has an extensive (and I mean 3 page) list of bourbons: happy day. I ate at 6pm, drank some drinks at the bar (bar staff supremely nice, knowledgeable and friendly)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVuUfXFn3c3atUsIWUdj0xOp1gcKcIbXeqwEIrYWY9AoIu5xvj2HF79YksHIPH36_vEBje5T77OP2SfDRY5VdfRUSb0MszxaDtd9usnzzSmLkyBxsyguFh9OWIvyt6NOd6TrO9tA89ufo/s1600/P1020747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVuUfXFn3c3atUsIWUdj0xOp1gcKcIbXeqwEIrYWY9AoIu5xvj2HF79YksHIPH36_vEBje5T77OP2SfDRY5VdfRUSb0MszxaDtd9usnzzSmLkyBxsyguFh9OWIvyt6NOd6TrO9tA89ufo/s320/P1020747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and got home at 4.30am, and believe me there was some damage along the way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaiSQBKxqpxPzR-fcMyBmDARdebV_xBFq21GEC1WYq3qc41j-F7ETfjZBRry5ZEqTgSEvvtfVoMKF7qOjEpFFhjr6VGmRJPYwG6DMss_t7fMVd3If6ZzYkpwah4j0hgBMjIfiykDk2N1h/s1600/P1020764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaiSQBKxqpxPzR-fcMyBmDARdebV_xBFq21GEC1WYq3qc41j-F7ETfjZBRry5ZEqTgSEvvtfVoMKF7qOjEpFFhjr6VGmRJPYwG6DMss_t7fMVd3If6ZzYkpwah4j0hgBMjIfiykDk2N1h/s320/P1020764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Next up, Honest Burger. Not new news, I know, and my friend at work has been trying to drag me to the original for-evah 'It's even better than the one in Soho,' - yes, well Alex, last time I went south of the river bad things happened, didn't they, so we don't do south at the moment.<br />
<br />
Anyway, Honest Burger in Soho - in essence utterly delicious meat, perfect caramelised onion chutney, neat, contained, perfect bun. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6MBvVCbKdDTxI98Yni4yIaxFFCP3ReT3UhABKpybMulJrEvUNR6UXucg7YkRAcILxOqqoxjAoi8plTjYMjZByQXSYxlTef45uJi9KhkNS18GoseMGo2iOgsQRmS9F02WJcNyZSwNV61z/s1600/P1020613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6MBvVCbKdDTxI98Yni4yIaxFFCP3ReT3UhABKpybMulJrEvUNR6UXucg7YkRAcILxOqqoxjAoi8plTjYMjZByQXSYxlTef45uJi9KhkNS18GoseMGo2iOgsQRmS9F02WJcNyZSwNV61z/s320/P1020613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Great staff, simple concept, terrific rosemary fries. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV86Ffq4EKrwt9TKAr1PiHLnwkDEDsVc8ohaVYLvP8bWAMaC61yYl9dy8t5ngPITB_J3o55mr8W6suDwLKPswEWLI3QIJEI1XKzCECfVk6y7YHur2ZP36S6oLQGBtNyJaMgafdJIdyKuAM/s1600/P1020601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV86Ffq4EKrwt9TKAr1PiHLnwkDEDsVc8ohaVYLvP8bWAMaC61yYl9dy8t5ngPITB_J3o55mr8W6suDwLKPswEWLI3QIJEI1XKzCECfVk6y7YHur2ZP36S6oLQGBtNyJaMgafdJIdyKuAM/s320/P1020601.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Love it, and it's the one I'd go back to the most - not just because it's cheapest, but because it's the one I've thought about the most since I ate it back in August. Dream burger.<br />
<br />
And my third awesome burger - <a href="http://www.goodmanrestaurants.com/">Goodmans </a>(no pics, but trust me.) Plus, it comes with bacon / cheese/ fried onions/ fried mushrooms / a fried egg - any and all of the above AT NO EXTRA COST! (I went bacon, cheese, onions. You kind of have to.)<br />
<br />
Finally - the disappointment. To be fair, <a href="http://www.burgerandlobster.com/">Burger and Lobste</a>r doesn't need my adoration - with a three hour wait on a Friday night, they'll have a non-stop queue of 20 somethings with pretend glasses till at least August 2013. And I do like the concept - simplicity, do few things and do them well. And I like the room. And I liked the lobster roll. But £20 is almost definitely too much for a burger, and probably too little for a lobster (am not the world's greatest lobster aficionado, but I went with a person who sort of is.) If it was called Hot Dogs and Foie Gras, and they were at the same price point, you'd surely think twice. Though I'm sure Hot Dogs and Foie Gras's about to open, now I come to think of it :-(<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong. It wasn't a bad burger. It looked like a great burger:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOfVeFM0VGBmVas01K5lBopEWrLjGZrfPaGMLIkSC3n8X3XAz38QMwD0KR3IY6dqtkiVmMzYEl8OSAbYubYNwyiEkrm6B790xlSNaDB1yugMm_QdKSS1TvIIIsGrXIvhOJYESn6zD1ilK/s1600/IMG_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOfVeFM0VGBmVas01K5lBopEWrLjGZrfPaGMLIkSC3n8X3XAz38QMwD0KR3IY6dqtkiVmMzYEl8OSAbYubYNwyiEkrm6B790xlSNaDB1yugMm_QdKSS1TvIIIsGrXIvhOJYESn6zD1ilK/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
But when a burger looks this perfect:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MTvYyl6dtcR3jYEu0iePnxrCxmH31xe6hVS8cXRQG6GNKA8E8UXRGi7HvRgsnyKpsPXICs-KIIb1NWBstLDUsWbl2l7v5q_-YHrDrwJLUNKllShK4L9_jR_V07UFbyhHzgJbyX7rA94F/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MTvYyl6dtcR3jYEu0iePnxrCxmH31xe6hVS8cXRQG6GNKA8E8UXRGi7HvRgsnyKpsPXICs-KIIb1NWBstLDUsWbl2l7v5q_-YHrDrwJLUNKllShK4L9_jR_V07UFbyhHzgJbyX7rA94F/s320/IMG_0562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and just doesn't really taste of much...well, all I'm saying is it's average. And £20 for an average burger makes it 'not a good burger.' Less than a two minute walk away you've got Honest burger - less than half the price, twice as tasty. To be fair, you're paying for the scene and the room at Burger and Lobster. And the cute bibs:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItCuHlsol2cr2VyyYtPe25uVLDYJhgL7L0Q7rsPtazrqDM706GXcvvK0kI33BIrtNrSoBpoB2UBfMyDd7HjoBA9jRJnc_4bKti1xCKBf5_zQvfBWkDJhBXev9vmCRCwckyhkxXCMIeUcb/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItCuHlsol2cr2VyyYtPe25uVLDYJhgL7L0Q7rsPtazrqDM706GXcvvK0kI33BIrtNrSoBpoB2UBfMyDd7HjoBA9jRJnc_4bKti1xCKBf5_zQvfBWkDJhBXev9vmCRCwckyhkxXCMIeUcb/s320/IMG_0567.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
But how about I bring my own bib, and you re-invest that money into a bit more flavour? <br />
<br />
Or better still, build a subterranean tunnel between Burger and Lobster and Honest, and just serve the Honest burgers in your groovy, well-designed, New York hipster-lit, fun-filled room. I'm sure Ben Whishaw can bring up some underground tunnels on a flatscreen for you. <br />
<br />
And if Javier Bardem or Daniel Craig can serve them to me? Well that there's your £20 burger.Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-20312882978597010052012-08-26T13:39:00.000-07:002012-08-26T13:44:55.390-07:00Duck and Waffle - hello.Absolutely, utterly besotted with this place. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I thought it might be a bit wank because of its location - 40th floor of the Heron Tower in the City, above Sushi Samba. (Sushi Samba = a New York 'hip' sushi fushion chain of restaurants, which is hip in a cougar / banker way (i.e. not at all), rather than a beardy / jumpers that don't fit way.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We popped into Sushi Samba for a drink before our dinner and it was properly full of nob-heads. Two South African big swinging city dicks next to me at the bar, moaning about their kids waking them up in the morning, and fantasising about a Russian hooker named Tatiana. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bar man was also a dick, and the wine by the glass was undrinkable. The food smelled good, and the view is AMAZING, and the roof top bar, if it were not full of nob-heads, would be bloody brilliant. You can see the whole of London twinkling (it's a bit like one of those cut-away scenes in The Apprentice that they film from Sir Alan's chopper.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I thought Duck and Waffle would be the same as Sushi Samba - they're owned by the same people: i.e. relying on the fact that it has one of the best views in London, and that it's on Broadgate, so everyone within a square mile is square mile. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But no. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think it's the best new restaurant I've been to in London in, like, ever. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The decor is properly jangly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8nIQoVYnL27W3ZwTb7F5ohSP5y1Uu4TfUhyphenhyphen8YVP9H2U2zxzAURaJPQiaJgWMHyR2MjHbSpb7hkhHjyAOBCdyFzAcWhAGSOWOMhqOjfteO4PwOV2x5Dgdoh-WyieKJYJaKgGuHC3lsQCO/s1600/mail-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ8nIQoVYnL27W3ZwTb7F5ohSP5y1Uu4TfUhyphenhyphen8YVP9H2U2zxzAURaJPQiaJgWMHyR2MjHbSpb7hkhHjyAOBCdyFzAcWhAGSOWOMhqOjfteO4PwOV2x5Dgdoh-WyieKJYJaKgGuHC3lsQCO/s1600/mail-3.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div>
And they do silly, pretentious things like 'introduce you' to their cocktails. I introduced myself to one of their Manhattans, which came with a cinammon smoke, which I inhaled from the decanter (I don't think you're meant to do this) and it was like smoking a clove cigarette when you're an early teen, i.e. not a good idea.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But then we came to the food, and it was kil-ler. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My friend asked the waiter what the chef would recommend, and the waiter said we could go and ask him ourselves, so we went into the kitchen and chatted to the poor guy (two drunk women on a Friday night, just what he needed.) He recommended the cod tongues, and the pigs ears. I explained that I don't do tongues or ears - well not on a first date anyway. Besides, do cods have tongues to write home about? Regardless, he sent us out a bag of pigs ears anyway, gratis - and they were delish - a revelation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We ate the flatbread with brandade and charred tomato jam - and as soon as I started eating it, I wanted to order another one. Totally amazing - warm, fresh bread with a salty brandade and a sweet, sharp tomato jam cutting through - outstanding combo.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rTOrFgg8mAvUt1AkK5cYvNaDfemYidV2WYly7g935n0oAezLCpcj-xlJwNSeHL-hgD6EJQ4G5qBuqSsyHHhINJLtcUMYdsmJLi3UPzH495tmsdxjd0pUP_siY8IPJKJPqXxXDX3iQEAg/s1600/mail-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rTOrFgg8mAvUt1AkK5cYvNaDfemYidV2WYly7g935n0oAezLCpcj-xlJwNSeHL-hgD6EJQ4G5qBuqSsyHHhINJLtcUMYdsmJLi3UPzH495tmsdxjd0pUP_siY8IPJKJPqXxXDX3iQEAg/s1600/mail-2.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we had bacon wrapped dates. I'd like to go on some bacon wrapped dates. They were beyond. And we had the scallops with apple and lime, which were good. But they came on this weird bar of salt which reminded me of those mineral deoderant bars that were big 15 years ago when it was thought deoderant gave you cancer, so that was a bit strange.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A_J7zI-yXpHpoL1PGARKjZfB_0wuHdL4aqz0nLRDeqe7h-fhTLv47yk6WRr9-XUKNTNhVR-xCRLA-vwWF7TXp0MrAKGpE4_CDFba0FZEEcGGOU-bkfqjLIh71hS585nzW_4muxmqDlPN/s1600/mail.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A_J7zI-yXpHpoL1PGARKjZfB_0wuHdL4aqz0nLRDeqe7h-fhTLv47yk6WRr9-XUKNTNhVR-xCRLA-vwWF7TXp0MrAKGpE4_CDFba0FZEEcGGOU-bkfqjLIh71hS585nzW_4muxmqDlPN/s1600/mail.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then on to meatballs and tomato sauce with ricotta, pine nuts and garlic bread - and while I don't do tongues or ears, I have no problem with balls. Utterly delicious - and again, tomato, cheese, and meat - plus garlic bread - not sure one can go wrong with that combo. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The signature dish, duck and waffles was quacking (sorry) - fried duck egg, duck, a waffle, and mustard maple syrup. I read one review somewhere that said duck doesn't go with waffles. That's like saying bacon doesn't go with french toast, or crinkle cut crisps don't go with Dairy Milk: wrong. A combo of tender meat, crunchy fat, soft sweet baked goods, and sharp sweet syrup - it works, it works.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which brings me on to my favourite dish of the night, nay the year: Foie Gras All Day Breakfast. We ate this dish and immediately ordered and ate it again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a work of genius, a total 'THIS S*** IS F***ED UP AND I LOVE IT' dish, of audacity and brilliance, and the chef deserves a gold medal for it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOOfLNvd-NqO1GsqmyWGIv7TStw3a-f75mCMBFD6zo0Ff_yk8sQxHjrLQgPAbOAROEpU8g_W0-zpRUNEsRWjtLbUpHcEnAFd4bd9nr7kzlappsY-q8lKb7VGhHgzzIgTtFAgVhgxe2tg7/s1600/mail-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOOfLNvd-NqO1GsqmyWGIv7TStw3a-f75mCMBFD6zo0Ff_yk8sQxHjrLQgPAbOAROEpU8g_W0-zpRUNEsRWjtLbUpHcEnAFd4bd9nr7kzlappsY-q8lKb7VGhHgzzIgTtFAgVhgxe2tg7/s1600/mail-1.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div>
Beautiful brioche, with a tranche of fois gras, bacon, eggs, (two little balls of black pudding which I ignored because I try to ignore things that I don't like, with limited success usually) - and the absolutely mental part of it - a slathering of chocolate spread. I know what you're thinking: 'THAT S*** IS F***ED UP / THAT SOUNDS GROSS / YOU ARE WEIRD AND WRONG.' All of these things are true, except I am not wrong. Honestly it was like an insane trip of flavour, texture, salt, fat, sweet, soft, crunch and happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We left on a cloud of goodwill and meat-sweats. Book now, before the South African bankers and Tatiana get in there first... </div>
Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-73377265495808842482012-06-19T14:35:00.001-07:002012-06-19T14:38:02.522-07:00Did I mention I like food?It's funny because some people who slag off my book on the internet complain that the main character goes on and on about food. <br />
<br />
Well, like yes. It says it's a book about food on the cover. <br />
<br />
And if you don't <i>like</i> food, maybe you could go read some light S&M porn instead? Maybe I'll just write Fifty Shades of Gravy next time and kill two birds with one stone.<br />
<br />
However if you are a person who does enjoy food, here are some pictures of things I have recently eaten, mostly in Italy - including some vegetables:<br />
<br />
Perfect peas:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwbN2Rbq8kB3jvQpdLg-Rwk6eSTUH6z6XjKnL78ah7NNg3pkQlcBm2J7bdhl9RMdqh9Ft3Cog5rReKI8t2AjQraZY09RpBrfZk0AxaFmcjoRWE_nX2-wwpgTBwDKa2sxkNb62sVdBb-jz/s1600/P1020166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwbN2Rbq8kB3jvQpdLg-Rwk6eSTUH6z6XjKnL78ah7NNg3pkQlcBm2J7bdhl9RMdqh9Ft3Cog5rReKI8t2AjQraZY09RpBrfZk0AxaFmcjoRWE_nX2-wwpgTBwDKa2sxkNb62sVdBb-jz/s320/P1020166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Artichokes:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U306AdHhDNCFKwX1bX9fiJXQQgR_tkQ2PFAV_VBXnsJY-hNRsLTjJ-Ot7zTpXCWFUDKqtP9UNwQCEo2Aq_eCsrpqImox4ketFLqZfsbOq0KoGNeqLkwf9_A95f1wngcVzw5CuhFyWb5d/s1600/P1020155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U306AdHhDNCFKwX1bX9fiJXQQgR_tkQ2PFAV_VBXnsJY-hNRsLTjJ-Ot7zTpXCWFUDKqtP9UNwQCEo2Aq_eCsrpqImox4ketFLqZfsbOq0KoGNeqLkwf9_A95f1wngcVzw5CuhFyWb5d/s320/P1020155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Bruschetta - so totally simple but perfect - fresh tomato, a tiny bit of basil, olive oil, warm bread...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-W_NJ7VjTFSldbjuFtN0lwOUOxJmGHaXAzgbpPmZIteAU1ZTKA_kbefY35QnRZIL71mgJsze01KGORy_yEwGVjHbU0-3cVOvyUHg0pJNzfbeMkTpWJ8aDvlrfGKhFJrxlPCPN5adG55H1/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-W_NJ7VjTFSldbjuFtN0lwOUOxJmGHaXAzgbpPmZIteAU1ZTKA_kbefY35QnRZIL71mgJsze01KGORy_yEwGVjHbU0-3cVOvyUHg0pJNzfbeMkTpWJ8aDvlrfGKhFJrxlPCPN5adG55H1/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
An 8.5 out of 10 millefeuille - not quite enough layers for my liking but yummy nonetheless:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpKskNztKIz5Otg-Padn9Bmz4ev0g7EXqpk2dCzYj0QBgYviOaEG_GJVJRgjJ9cO2NLMwO5IPVJjyJWATVzt66Rbqv3SwazULmAeoaSScL2_3qKxBcYOBgRvOfa7xdbvXyMFndwSzLEBy/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpKskNztKIz5Otg-Padn9Bmz4ev0g7EXqpk2dCzYj0QBgYviOaEG_GJVJRgjJ9cO2NLMwO5IPVJjyJWATVzt66Rbqv3SwazULmAeoaSScL2_3qKxBcYOBgRvOfa7xdbvXyMFndwSzLEBy/s320/IMG_0179.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ah. This is where I started using an iPhone to take photos and the food looks quite anaemic. Oh well. Trust me, it ate in technicolour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This, however, was probably the best thing I've eaten since the <a href="http://stellabites.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/12-bacon-and-onion-bread-at-ledbury.html">bacon pastry</a>. Gutted it looks so wishy-washy in this picture...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABsGtI1jWxWnzq_jZe5GBlXIC-2DPUyTN1_9FZgvlm_-soRZpTeUOI7Mti_O1NeK0Bc9qGIIGISQ_NPYjHIOisTle9YpOKkO-lPQ9fIlvEfgrXPIxTZfDeHA_GvPBkroT1fV1cApttVwT/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABsGtI1jWxWnzq_jZe5GBlXIC-2DPUyTN1_9FZgvlm_-soRZpTeUOI7Mti_O1NeK0Bc9qGIIGISQ_NPYjHIOisTle9YpOKkO-lPQ9fIlvEfgrXPIxTZfDeHA_GvPBkroT1fV1cApttVwT/s320/IMG_0327.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
and also in this one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TmdZWwrWXBbYuCBo5Y48qgwxP2hql_zollmcMsLzas07PLKT5WjMDglT-5OU7ZhrVskOy-oB5SYSL5wrDTmsioZMyRFg4_zUegV-Zih9FiYVvtiJlNbD7IGKVbGqp1_MWFtCiKILGCy7/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TmdZWwrWXBbYuCBo5Y48qgwxP2hql_zollmcMsLzas07PLKT5WjMDglT-5OU7ZhrVskOy-oB5SYSL5wrDTmsioZMyRFg4_zUegV-Zih9FiYVvtiJlNbD7IGKVbGqp1_MWFtCiKILGCy7/s320/IMG_0330.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Even en masse you can't really appreciate the awesome-ness..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD_8tMutMuUCWefgjrJwToitiVDOk53iRvC-kivFOw0_AXSrp8RqaXkfGD5-Cd1UxOXHeiaUy3ROFVvpk6iRyteJJSfEVRJtft9QpTnxgHMQ0sCFlgHxcKa9To1wj9CuaFsyPk0Nbe4-H/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD_8tMutMuUCWefgjrJwToitiVDOk53iRvC-kivFOw0_AXSrp8RqaXkfGD5-Cd1UxOXHeiaUy3ROFVvpk6iRyteJJSfEVRJtft9QpTnxgHMQ0sCFlgHxcKa9To1wj9CuaFsyPk0Nbe4-H/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Let's just say that after I ate one of these bad boys, I ordered 12 on the spot. Ok: it was small; a miniature profiterole stuffed with the most dense, lush, heavy, thick, creamy pistachio custard, and topped with pistachio cream and pistachios. And believe me when I say that I can normally turn my back on a pistachio, if necessary. It's not like they're cashews. And profiteroles / pro-shmitteroles - you know I'm all about the brownies.<br />
<br />
There was just something stupidly magical about the combination / size / texture / weight / density of the cream, that stopped me in my tracks. I would even go so far as to say that I would plan an entire week's holiday around this one bakery in Locri, in Calabria. Of course I have forgotten the name of it but if anyone is going anywhere near Calabria, twitter me or whatever, and I'll ask my friend to remember the name for you.<br />
<br />
Finally I shall leave you with one very British treat that I didn't get round to posting last month - this blue Battenburg that I ate at the Chelsea Flower Show, la di da.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm-GyQFwMowGJVUKMcugY-86kcJfUnw-zLPeXHro-KrJnS4vdAwZ9R2SknhMg-Fpdr7nBZoteNGQqnA16D0psKiAyWwVeK4iZl4V4seaiIeUgFKmnwOIadAdCMH1dCrB3UNVILZGfUkHE/s1600/P1020447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm-GyQFwMowGJVUKMcugY-86kcJfUnw-zLPeXHro-KrJnS4vdAwZ9R2SknhMg-Fpdr7nBZoteNGQqnA16D0psKiAyWwVeK4iZl4V4seaiIeUgFKmnwOIadAdCMH1dCrB3UNVILZGfUkHE/s320/P1020447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It didn't taste brilliant but I admired the concept nonetheless. Right, off to write some soft porn and make my fortune...Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123091635544310740.post-75118011830832132052012-06-05T11:31:00.003-07:002012-06-05T11:32:00.546-07:00My new favourite placeCannot believe I'd never been to Sicily until last Tuesday. Am sure my ancestors were Sicilian - how else to explain the fact that everything I love is Sicilian.<br />
<br />
The evidence:<br />
<br />
Cannoli. Sicily = birthplace of cannoli. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdYtFkPbhC-FWyvr4gHp4chbR8efyZHqnX4oPMX3RloYnKm5CCRgkFloVRnUlvJzxSaZF5Fc8iSXSs-SKrZakTUr6BIeXm2-cGqcQKVXqlJ9h_rn-X4JQJe1mocowwUJuO0_dxI_rP-6V/s1600/P1020497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdYtFkPbhC-FWyvr4gHp4chbR8efyZHqnX4oPMX3RloYnKm5CCRgkFloVRnUlvJzxSaZF5Fc8iSXSs-SKrZakTUr6BIeXm2-cGqcQKVXqlJ9h_rn-X4JQJe1mocowwUJuO0_dxI_rP-6V/s320/P1020497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Killer tuna sandwiches on perfect sesame seeded white bread, with fresh tomato and a touch of olive oil...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiFukALONhGhp7nIqv0jidC9tvDm6oBORmCppWm2OSOdR83w-ODExNkdW-FzlEWIh85UNFDQn2vY8sSntBTbHd2ZKG9v_l1myojqbbxAGlIXp6efaDe9FaZzrecPuKyxpRjnUpvUD6pGg/s1600/P1020516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiFukALONhGhp7nIqv0jidC9tvDm6oBORmCppWm2OSOdR83w-ODExNkdW-FzlEWIh85UNFDQn2vY8sSntBTbHd2ZKG9v_l1myojqbbxAGlIXp6efaDe9FaZzrecPuKyxpRjnUpvUD6pGg/s320/P1020516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Spaghetti all day every day - this one with pistachio and prawns, at <a href="http://www.ristorantevittorio.it/">Da Vittorio</a>, which is apparently <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2006/aug/12/features.foodanddrink1">Giorgio Locatelli's favourite</a> restaurant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tXw5b5YDiqom9byzWiiH9NRiGdhLnvhXDxVFN0Au7TWjQls6OAgUAeAJePzTKNekky88-tGlNsXqIu58UIVzwM-3kdTYGdAIVdsMxkz7XiM100JdtvQll_m1aOaxlJ2EYrPvaJuDy4AQ/s1600/P1020543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tXw5b5YDiqom9byzWiiH9NRiGdhLnvhXDxVFN0Au7TWjQls6OAgUAeAJePzTKNekky88-tGlNsXqIu58UIVzwM-3kdTYGdAIVdsMxkz7XiM100JdtvQll_m1aOaxlJ2EYrPvaJuDy4AQ/s320/P1020543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Ridiculously stunning beaches:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SywmMmWiflTu6Wj7YODsuuCIQCS9PM4PEQ13G1jsE5FL4xBOKjINH158BRXIvyQOXJrmaq5Px5gm6YMSLkhRAOZg_ltSM459jFj6Z-xayhbMfCHVCOyyiePV3ofXtALXyWZ0gohfBL8q/s1600/P1020504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SywmMmWiflTu6Wj7YODsuuCIQCS9PM4PEQ13G1jsE5FL4xBOKjINH158BRXIvyQOXJrmaq5Px5gm6YMSLkhRAOZg_ltSM459jFj6Z-xayhbMfCHVCOyyiePV3ofXtALXyWZ0gohfBL8q/s320/P1020504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Awesome ice cream, and even granita (which I normally can take or leave, but how can you leave something that looks this good?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3uiOfiPO1sgg8xuErpHWIBi53_ZMO_9W278zRq1XAnLBUTyUHxGqiv5NUSVoFHS6pVxPC1iDZI2KOmDpTs_CDbjsJQoBeivU7lG2PSm9is5afuUhZgyzVMj8w0Km1deHeCEgaMXyblDM/s1600/P1020482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3uiOfiPO1sgg8xuErpHWIBi53_ZMO_9W278zRq1XAnLBUTyUHxGqiv5NUSVoFHS6pVxPC1iDZI2KOmDpTs_CDbjsJQoBeivU7lG2PSm9is5afuUhZgyzVMj8w0Km1deHeCEgaMXyblDM/s320/P1020482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Little almond biscuits that look like the sun:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9R_7hgJkHYJXmTfqCLP19SSTuW6jXVccUbrBGNg637ZUramrr-EVo2W1esBqTu3pAYWodOV9wB6DQUQp3_10XfZjDY7H6y_artVqDUvItAAp1bXoDphjA6C-303NlDNYwRA6xrspKSdQ/s1600/P1020521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9R_7hgJkHYJXmTfqCLP19SSTuW6jXVccUbrBGNg637ZUramrr-EVo2W1esBqTu3pAYWodOV9wB6DQUQp3_10XfZjDY7H6y_artVqDUvItAAp1bXoDphjA6C-303NlDNYwRA6xrspKSdQ/s320/P1020521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Salt! And look how nicely they make it...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZgMxkenASHo0-b2ScdxCNeFgo1evEA5mtDljc9RvtYfqHae4Khy11_-n-eC9GXToKWGtHXoHh5nOol1b9Yk0JPzh3wGCnJffAZMImPE3ePKPwBRaLM9iqDrMd1KTL6pwrwK_kd66sdpi/s1600/P1020486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZgMxkenASHo0-b2ScdxCNeFgo1evEA5mtDljc9RvtYfqHae4Khy11_-n-eC9GXToKWGtHXoHh5nOol1b9Yk0JPzh3wGCnJffAZMImPE3ePKPwBRaLM9iqDrMd1KTL6pwrwK_kd66sdpi/s320/P1020486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Plus they stuff ice cream in to a brioche!! Seriously, I am ALL OVER that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGEfpoSmhl8RjPnBKBNeuPI6qgkNzvUpqTsbRREVOIDAQplTFNCxtTtRI0_l7yicOL3U-hB-HqEBfPUaWceikYzvXXrNLWQhs52ELsPO9s5Cx4oGCg8L5p30eB7dYpazIlBNzYloc4DXU/s1600/P1020546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGEfpoSmhl8RjPnBKBNeuPI6qgkNzvUpqTsbRREVOIDAQplTFNCxtTtRI0_l7yicOL3U-hB-HqEBfPUaWceikYzvXXrNLWQhs52ELsPO9s5Cx4oGCg8L5p30eB7dYpazIlBNzYloc4DXU/s320/P1020546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Pears! Pretty wrapped pears...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6W4CyYfVfGUrVCR9bXd-A7JCznr2ZstysqC1TWwoOqJ1ZNnvsi8vfyBtDMKs9ac7Ar0pqW93LxFIqbsZ8LiD2lg6FFTK2btwDoyWb5y_QMrVthVx_OR_vxwEGdFWwmGzpIbVpIQXvVN5/s1600/P1020453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6W4CyYfVfGUrVCR9bXd-A7JCznr2ZstysqC1TWwoOqJ1ZNnvsi8vfyBtDMKs9ac7Ar0pqW93LxFIqbsZ8LiD2lg6FFTK2btwDoyWb5y_QMrVthVx_OR_vxwEGdFWwmGzpIbVpIQXvVN5/s320/P1020453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
and pears covered in custard, lots of custard generally. At my hotel they even served breakfast croissants with a jug of chocolate sauce and a jug of custard. Happiness. <br />
<br />
And finally, insanely good looking men. (No photos sadly, but half of them made <a href="http://models.com/work/dolce--gabbana-dolce--gabbana-light-blue-pour-homme-fragrance-contract-2012-ss-12">David Gandy</a> look like David Mellor.)<br />
<br />
If anyone out there has a villa / house / small flat, and would like me to house-sit for them for a year or so, just say the word...<br />
<br />Stella Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03704890712595209263noreply@blogger.com0