Adventures in London: Issue 153

This week has been an absolute chalker filled with client meetings and trips, new dishes, a dinner party, and ending with a concert at the O2.

The start of the week was certainly all work and no play with two client trips. The first (a little less exotic) was to Leaderhead, UK and the second was to Stockholm, SE. I wish I had more time in Stockholm, but sadly it was literally fly in, and fly out after a 3 hour client meeting. It will certainly be an expensive trip (bottle of water costing more than a beer), but the city looked absolutely amazing. I would like to take a trip to the Nordic region. Such beauty out there. One day, will have to add it to my list of countries to visit.

Once 20 hour day that was Wednesday was out of the way it was time to balance things out by play even harder. Thursday was an easy day at work (wasn't meant to be, but didn't have the energy for my full to-do list) so I unwound with by adding dish #20 to the list: Morrocan inspired lamb chili something or other.

On Friday, I hosted my first dinner party in ages. Yes we've had BBQs, but this time it was just a small dinner party. For some reason small dinner parties are more stressful than a big shin-dig. Big shin-digs are stressful in that you worry if you have enough food for everyone, but with dinner parties you can see everyone face and plates as they eat.....that is STRESSING!!!

All stresses over the menu aside, I think the dinner party went well. It had been a while since I'd seen Powers and Michael so it was great to catch up. The menu (planned naturally as I was shopping) was:

- Miso soup (dish #21)

- Char Siu Bao (did not make this)

- Kimchee (not a hit at all)

- Asian veggie stir fry (dish #22)

- Tamarind inspire Lamb Chops (dish #23)

- Garlic & Chili naan bread

- Cupcakes - - yummy yummy cupcakes

It was such a chill night catching up with dear friends. Words cannot describe the wonderful evening we had and the memories we will certainly cherish - - especially those of Michael singing to us all.

To follow the mini-concert of Friday night, Saturday afternoon we went to the real concert. Which concert was that exactly?! GLEE BABY!!! I am not ashamed of admitting that I am indeed a massive GLEEK! Before I get to the concert...I have a bit of moaning to do. Back in the day, cameras were never allowed to concerts, but with the invention of iPhones, camera phones, and min digital camera, cameras are all over concert arenas. That said, there is still one sort of camera that are no allowed -- SLRs as they are deemed for professional use only. REALLY!?!? What sort of dated rule is that? SLRs are no longer for professional use only. Seriously! If you are in section 400, what sort of photos are you taking to sell? Lame rule! Back to the concert...the concert was truly brilliant. Wish I could have captured it better, but photos from my BB is what you all will have to settle for. The one thing that I would have changed about the concert is if it was longer (75 minutes with the material that they have is just ridiculous) and that Gwyneth sang at our concert ;-)

Well I think that is enough of whining for a post. Sorry to end on a whinge note....am turning into a Brit more and more :-(

On that note, I will bid you all adieu

Miss you all

xx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 152

Keen to finally ditch the crutches, I went to James & Son (around the corner from the office) and purchased myself a walking stick. Walking in that store I definitely had the temptation for a fancy one, but after seeing the price tag, I went for a basic walking stick to support me. Walking sticks are certainly designed for 'the old man' as they had to cut mine by a good 10 inches. Took a couple of resizing, but eventually I had myself a nice walking stick.

Having this also meant that I am able to travel on the tube. It is a new era for me. I still take the bus to work, but I take the tube on the way back. I am not going to lie I did not miss the tube....Covent Garden station is way too crowded and there is no escaping the tourist and crowds.

To celebrate my new purchase, I met up with Smith and Hubbs at what is starting to become my new local The Salisbury. It was a relaxing evening chit chatting with mates and dear ones over a scotch and a bison burger (sound like a good time - - it was)

The joys of the week continued with adding another new dish to the list. It was nothing major, but getting in touch with my inner Jew and made potato pancakes with smoked salmon and spinach leaves. It was a basic dinner, but it was easy and easy is what I was going for. It was certainly a good way to counteract the heavy meal the night before.

Little Wib introduced us to Bacon Dip (bacon, cream cheese, etc in a bread bowl). Remembering the hit bacon dip was at the bank holiday BBQ, when the Sainsbury delivery came I apparently decided to throw our whole order into a bread bowl and call that lunch. What exactly is that on the left? Dish #19 is a seafood stew in a bread bowl: mussels, scallops, bacon, spinach, and zucchini in a cream of mushroom 'soup'. Sounds like a mess, but it actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. In fact, a little less black pepper and I will cook it again. Whether people will eat it again is a whole other question.

On Sunday Hubbs and I went to the Taste of London in Regrent's Park. The Taste of London is essential a festival dedicated to food. The top London restaurants showcase their signature dishes. You walk around with 'crowns' and taste various dishes. It is heaven! Honestly. The dishes that were showcased and the variety of selection that you could go through was out of the world. We really need to plan next year's better as we missed out on desserts. We did however attend a champagne tasting session which was about pairing champagnes with different types of food. I've had scotch pairing, beer pairing (i.e. with hot wings), wine pairing, port pairing, but this was unique. I never thought to pair spicy foods with rose brut champagne. It is so simple, and yet you never think about it.

The afternoon was perfect. Jumping from stall to stall eating and drinking. Swinging by tastings and demonstrations. The highlight of the afternoon was definitely getting to 'meet' Gwyneth Paltrow. She was there promoting her new cook book. I had bought it a couple of weeks back and it is rather good. Wouldn't say it was worth buying it again, but if you desire a copy, we have an extra!

Next year, we will have to read up on the agenda for the festival (though I know we looked online and couldn't find it....not the best for pre-organising) so we can plan ahead. Will also make sure that we go to some of the cooking demonstrations. Those looked fun. In fact, I think taking a cooking class could be fun. Will have to look into this.

Well on that note, I wish you well

xx

T

Adventures in London: Issue 151

There has been a terrible flu spreading around the office which completely destroyed me. Have not felt like this in a while. Not the best to have a bum ankle and the flu.... [cue the violins]. That moaning aside, the flu did not stop me from adding 2 new dishes to the list. Dish #16 was pork chili with asparagus, peppers and black olives topped with cheese. Dish #17 was a tuna, mushroom and mozzarella bake. Finally used a recipe as I was started to run out of ideas in my head.

I really need some inspiration to get me through this resolution of mine. Why did I come up with 53? That seems like such a larger number from here. We can do this...just need to rally. Perhaps need to read a cookbook or watch some more Come Dine with Me for ideas. Does any one have a dish that I can steal with pride for this resolution? I know I could come up with something if I had more time to cook, but trying to not spend the entire evening in the kitchen slaving over the stove. Hmmm there must be a balance on things. Will need to keep looking for ideas.

On Wednesday I was still out of commission from work, but needed to rally for my physio appointment. The session went well and my therapist is pleased with my progress. The swelling and stiffness is still there in the ankle, but I am able to walk with much more ease. I spent the session walking back and forth (quite a strange feeling to be walking without any crutch or anything) and getting my leg massaged, twisted, stretched, etc. Sounds like torture, but it was a great feeling. I am looking forward to finally having a 100% mobility in my foot. The pain from it is unbearable...nothing to the beginning of April when I broke it, but 2 months later I am still in agony from things. Oh to the day...that sweet sweet day ;-)

Saturday was a frantic cleaning of the flat with the great reward of watching X-Men First Class. What is it about superhero movies?!?! I just love them....hmmm that said I did not see Hulk, or that random Nicholas Cage biker with fire movie.

X-Men First Class is great! It is not the typical action packed movie, but it gives the back ground on Prof X and Magneto two of the most interesting X-Men leads. It is ironic to see the two polar backgrounds that the two came from and what turned them into the superpowers they were destined to be. I am talking about fictional people right...they don't exist Tini. They did not prevent the Cuban Missile Crisis...okay now that it clear! I'd highly recommend the movie if you have not yet seen it. I am open to your opinions if you feel otherwise.

On Sunday Hubbs and I spent the afternoon in the pub (The Old Dairy) catching up on our book club reading. KV has already finished. KV is a ridiculously faster reader and put the pressure on us to finish the book. I felt like I was in American Lit again... deadline for the book report a week away and I haven't yet started the book. Oh yes that was quite a usual occurrence for me. If the deadline is to far in advance I don't know how to plan for it. It is only when I can see it in the future that I am able to put together a process and steps to deliver. I [fore the most part] always deliver. Never turned in a paper late ;-)

Not quite a new dish, but it was a new one for the people of England (or maybe just one as I did not cook for the entire country). THE BU MUFFIN:

English muffin (which is not actually an English thing), fried egg, cheese and America bacon!!! Who can resist American bacon!!! Clearly not me. Always said that I was a fat person waiting to happen...I think my time has come. Not being able to run or do anything is going to catch up with me.... uh oh!

Hope you all are well. Miss you all dearly!

Adventures in London: Issue 150

Mondays before the accident used to be "New Dish & Glee" nights... I think I am back on that routine again. The week kicked off with the addition of dish #15 - Egg Curry served on rice. I have not had this dish for years so thought I would give it a try using some spices (and cheats) from my India trip. It was just what I needed to celebrate the bank holiday Monday. It was a good weekend for cooking...must say I quite enjoy being back in the kitchen. Not yet walking fully, but good to be able to stand. That said, I think I stood too much the evening before with the BBQ and prep. Looking forward to the day that I am able to walk and stand like a normal person.

The highlight of the week was the Andrea Corr concert at Union Chapel in Islington. It was certainly an interesting concert. I have been a Corrs fan for years now, so was pretty gutted when they stopped recording (apparently they have not officially split as a band just focusing on family). When I learnt that Andrea was touring I was excited to go see them. I remember seeing the Corrs in 2005 at the Today Show summer series. I will never forget that day and meeting Sue Davies.

Anyway!

Union Chapel is an open seating venue. By the time we arrived for the concert and grab a bite, the line was down the street. Being a bit cheeky (and also in pain from standing in line) we asked if there was a 'handicap' section. Thankfully for us there was and that met that we jumped straight to the front of the line and furthermore to the front row of the venue. It was amazing to watch Andrea Corr from the first row. Sad in some sense how thin she is...no one should be that thin. Her band was an interesting group..far from the Corrs sisters and Jim. Overall the songs were okay, but the best hands down were the 'Corr covers' she did. Caroline was visiting and did some cameo performances with her - - that was pretty wicked. And and all - - great night! Cannot wait for the Sharon Corr concert ;-)

Finally it came time for the weekend. It was supposed to be a low-key weekend, but it ended up turning into a social marathon starting with Sean's farewell. It is always bittersweet when a member from your team leaves the company. You are filled with mixed sentiment, happy for them, but gutted that they are gone.

On Saturday we celebrated a friend's birthday. I was not feeling 100% and embarrassingly spent the evening drinking peppermint tea. It was not the rock-star night of birthday celebration, but I think the decision to opt-out and rest allowed me the ability to be up and around on Sunday for coffee and chit/chat with S&N. It was good to catch up with them...always a pleasure to see the two of them outside of the office. Later that afternoon we went to Power's new flat in Clapham (which is wickedly adorable) and then went out for lunch joined with Diamond to an American diner type place. How I wish I could eat beef...so wanted a burger that afternoon. You will be happy to know that I did not break it and still beef free.

It's been a lovely week catching up with friends and experiencing new places. That is what London is all about after all right?

Hope you all are well

xx

T