4,000 Mc Jobs
As Britain lurches into recession, the good news is that McDonald's is launching a recruitment drive to fill 4,000 new "McJobs" following strong UK growth.
Seemingly, despite government warnings about obesity and diet, McDonald's is serving an extra two million customers a month compared with last year.
I assume that people are eating more burgers etc, as a form of comfort food as the economic news worsens.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Dangers of Sandwiches
The Dangers of Sandwiches
Last night's Dispatches programme on Channel 4 delivered a stinging critique of the British sandwich industry (worth £5BN).
Dispatches showed that sandwiches from some of the top retailers contain huge amounts of salt and fat; many are also bulked up with chemicals, water and starch.
"Proper thick ham", as described on the front of one packet of sandwiches, was in reality (as per the small print on the back) formed from pork products. This being rendered meat; whereby the carcass is subjected to a powerjet that removes all fat, gristle and meat which is then reformed into textured slices.
Nice!
The programme also secretly filmed the shockingly unhygienic practices at one factory that supplies small shops and garages.
Take a careful look at the ingredients next time you buy a sandwich. It is far better to make your own.
Last night's Dispatches programme on Channel 4 delivered a stinging critique of the British sandwich industry (worth £5BN).
Dispatches showed that sandwiches from some of the top retailers contain huge amounts of salt and fat; many are also bulked up with chemicals, water and starch.
"Proper thick ham", as described on the front of one packet of sandwiches, was in reality (as per the small print on the back) formed from pork products. This being rendered meat; whereby the carcass is subjected to a powerjet that removes all fat, gristle and meat which is then reformed into textured slices.
Nice!
The programme also secretly filmed the shockingly unhygienic practices at one factory that supplies small shops and garages.
Take a careful look at the ingredients next time you buy a sandwich. It is far better to make your own.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Fast Food Ban
Fast Food Ban
Planners in Los Angeles have imposed a moratorium on the opening of new fast food outlets of chains such as Burger King and KFC in South Los Angeles, in an attempt to encourage better eating habits among the area's mainly black and Hispanic population.
The full Los Angeles council is expected on Tuesday to approve the restrictions across the 32 square-mile area of the city, where fast food outlets make up 45% of restaurants.
The trouble is that fast food is only one part of the problem. Consumers need to take responsibility for how much they eat and what exercise they take. Additionally, the fast food outlets provide much needed employment in areas of poverty and deprivation.
This is not a cure all solution for the alleged obesity epidemic.
Planners in Los Angeles have imposed a moratorium on the opening of new fast food outlets of chains such as Burger King and KFC in South Los Angeles, in an attempt to encourage better eating habits among the area's mainly black and Hispanic population.
The full Los Angeles council is expected on Tuesday to approve the restrictions across the 32 square-mile area of the city, where fast food outlets make up 45% of restaurants.
The trouble is that fast food is only one part of the problem. Consumers need to take responsibility for how much they eat and what exercise they take. Additionally, the fast food outlets provide much needed employment in areas of poverty and deprivation.
This is not a cure all solution for the alleged obesity epidemic.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Trans Fats
Trans Fats
The San Fransisco Chronicle reports that:
"California is poised to become the first state in the nation to ban restaurants and other food facilities from using trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease, under a bill approved by the state Legislature Monday and sent to the governor.
The measure, passed with a bare majority, comes two weeks after a similar ban in New York City became fully effective. California doctor and consumer groups support the law, while restaurant groups have offered a lukewarm response. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position, a spokesman said."
All very well, but since when does the state have the right to dictate what people may or may not eat?
The San Fransisco Chronicle reports that:
"California is poised to become the first state in the nation to ban restaurants and other food facilities from using trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease, under a bill approved by the state Legislature Monday and sent to the governor.
The measure, passed with a bare majority, comes two weeks after a similar ban in New York City became fully effective. California doctor and consumer groups support the law, while restaurant groups have offered a lukewarm response. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position, a spokesman said."
All very well, but since when does the state have the right to dictate what people may or may not eat?
Monday, July 07, 2008
Stop Waste
Stop Waste
It is rare indeed that I find myself agreeing, in part at least, with Gordon Brown. However, for once I do agree with him when he says that people should stop wasting food.
Britain is facing the highest level of food price rises in Europe, the negative effects of which are being felt the most by those on low incomes.
It is therefore quite right that people should stop wasting food and learn to use leftovers, as I was brought up to do.
However, whether the Prime Minister should try to micromanage people's shopping habits quite so much, by suggesting that people should plan meals in advance and that supermarkets should end three-for-two deals, is open to question.
I suspect we will soon see a "Dig for Victory" campaign.
It is rare indeed that I find myself agreeing, in part at least, with Gordon Brown. However, for once I do agree with him when he says that people should stop wasting food.
Britain is facing the highest level of food price rises in Europe, the negative effects of which are being felt the most by those on low incomes.
It is therefore quite right that people should stop wasting food and learn to use leftovers, as I was brought up to do.
However, whether the Prime Minister should try to micromanage people's shopping habits quite so much, by suggesting that people should plan meals in advance and that supermarkets should end three-for-two deals, is open to question.
I suspect we will soon see a "Dig for Victory" campaign.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
M&S Hit By Downturn
M&S Hit By Downturn
The consumer downturn is even affecting theat bastion of the high street, Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer issued a profit warning yesterday, stating that sales at its British stores open more than a year fell 5.3% in the 13 weeks to June 28 and noted that its upscale food business had lost market share as shoppers switched to cheaper rivals. Sales at stores open more than a year in the group's food business were down 4.5%.
M&S also announced that Steven Esom, head of food, was leaving after just one year and that it would look at more programs like its "Dine in for 10 pounds" campaign to win back customers.
M&S will look at how to adapt their food range to shoppers who are more concerned about price.
The consumer downturn is even affecting theat bastion of the high street, Marks & Spencer. Marks & Spencer issued a profit warning yesterday, stating that sales at its British stores open more than a year fell 5.3% in the 13 weeks to June 28 and noted that its upscale food business had lost market share as shoppers switched to cheaper rivals. Sales at stores open more than a year in the group's food business were down 4.5%.
M&S also announced that Steven Esom, head of food, was leaving after just one year and that it would look at more programs like its "Dine in for 10 pounds" campaign to win back customers.
M&S will look at how to adapt their food range to shoppers who are more concerned about price.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Taste of London
Taste of London
The Taste of London in Regent's Park, which ran from 19-22 June, has been a success.
Regent's Park was smothered in celebrity chefs, restaurateurs and foodies for the fifth festival of its kind.
The festival was a chance for foodies to sample some of London's top restaurants' signature dishes; including creamed lobster and brandy soup from Le Gavroche, squid salad with coconut passion fruit dressing from Benares, seven-hour braised lamb shoulder and mash from Tom’s Kitchen, and lemon tart from Rhodes Twenty-Four.
Guests also were given the chance to meet their favourite chefs in the Waterstone's book signing lounge, where authors such as Tana Ramsay and Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall gave Q&A sessions.
Even the weather was just about reasonable for the event!
The Taste of London in Regent's Park, which ran from 19-22 June, has been a success.
Regent's Park was smothered in celebrity chefs, restaurateurs and foodies for the fifth festival of its kind.
The festival was a chance for foodies to sample some of London's top restaurants' signature dishes; including creamed lobster and brandy soup from Le Gavroche, squid salad with coconut passion fruit dressing from Benares, seven-hour braised lamb shoulder and mash from Tom’s Kitchen, and lemon tart from Rhodes Twenty-Four.
Guests also were given the chance to meet their favourite chefs in the Waterstone's book signing lounge, where authors such as Tana Ramsay and Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall gave Q&A sessions.
Even the weather was just about reasonable for the event!
Monday, June 02, 2008
La Barca Revisited
La Barca Revisited
Top marks again to one of my favourite Italian restaurants in London, La Barca, for presenting another excellent meal, hospitality and evening.
I went there last Friday with my mother and uncle, and we had a splendid evening; my poussin was superb as was the rest of our meal.
I am very happy to continue to recommend La Barca.
Top marks again to one of my favourite Italian restaurants in London, La Barca, for presenting another excellent meal, hospitality and evening.
I went there last Friday with my mother and uncle, and we had a splendid evening; my poussin was superb as was the rest of our meal.
I am very happy to continue to recommend La Barca.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Greed
Greed
Not content with marking food up by hefty percentages, and adding in service charges of 10% or more, some of the country's top restaurants are accused of being excessively greedy with their mark ups on wine as well.
The Fat Duck, in Bray, Berkshire, charges £58 for a bottle of 2005 Bourgogne Aligote. However, the Telegraph contacted the restaurant's supplier, Berkmann Wine Cellars, and discovered that the purchase price was £12.12 per bottle; giving the Fat Duck a fat profit of five times the cost.
The Telegraph conducted a similar exercise at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons, in Great Milton, Oxon, owned by Raymond Blanc. A 2006 bottle of Corbière La Tour Château Grand Moulin costs £26. The wine can be bought from their supplier, the General Wine Company, for £5.37 – a profit of £16.08 after VAT.
At Fifteen Cornwall, near Newquay, which was founded by Jamie Oliver, a 2006 bottle of Belisario Verdicchio di Matelica sells for £27. The same bottle can be bought for just £6.08 from the restaurant's supplier, Liberty Wines, which means a £16.20 profit per bottle after VAT.
The solution to this excessive greed is simple, use other restaurants that are more reasonably priced.
Greed will simply price these places out of the market.
Not content with marking food up by hefty percentages, and adding in service charges of 10% or more, some of the country's top restaurants are accused of being excessively greedy with their mark ups on wine as well.
The Fat Duck, in Bray, Berkshire, charges £58 for a bottle of 2005 Bourgogne Aligote. However, the Telegraph contacted the restaurant's supplier, Berkmann Wine Cellars, and discovered that the purchase price was £12.12 per bottle; giving the Fat Duck a fat profit of five times the cost.
The Telegraph conducted a similar exercise at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons, in Great Milton, Oxon, owned by Raymond Blanc. A 2006 bottle of Corbière La Tour Château Grand Moulin costs £26. The wine can be bought from their supplier, the General Wine Company, for £5.37 – a profit of £16.08 after VAT.
At Fifteen Cornwall, near Newquay, which was founded by Jamie Oliver, a 2006 bottle of Belisario Verdicchio di Matelica sells for £27. The same bottle can be bought for just £6.08 from the restaurant's supplier, Liberty Wines, which means a £16.20 profit per bottle after VAT.
The solution to this excessive greed is simple, use other restaurants that are more reasonably priced.
Greed will simply price these places out of the market.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Britain Exposed To Food Price Rise
Britain Exposed To Food Price Rise
Ernst & Young's Item Club has issued a report today that states that the UK is "more exposed" to rising food price rises than other similar countries.
The US has a balance of food, France has a surplus whilst the UK has a trade deficit in food.
World food prices are rising as a result of population growth, poor climate in the major cereal producing nations, the growth in the production of biofuels, and the increasing wealth in developing nations which has prompted a higher demand for meat and livestock products.
This will have a negative impact on the finances of businesses and households. However, if people learn to use leftovers and stop wasting perfectly good food significant savings can be made and the negative effects of the price rises mitigated.
People need to stop being so wasteful, and learn the recipes of their grandparents eg; bubble and squeak, corned beef hash, cold cuts, shepherd's pie etc.
Ernst & Young's Item Club has issued a report today that states that the UK is "more exposed" to rising food price rises than other similar countries.
The US has a balance of food, France has a surplus whilst the UK has a trade deficit in food.
World food prices are rising as a result of population growth, poor climate in the major cereal producing nations, the growth in the production of biofuels, and the increasing wealth in developing nations which has prompted a higher demand for meat and livestock products.
This will have a negative impact on the finances of businesses and households. However, if people learn to use leftovers and stop wasting perfectly good food significant savings can be made and the negative effects of the price rises mitigated.
People need to stop being so wasteful, and learn the recipes of their grandparents eg; bubble and squeak, corned beef hash, cold cuts, shepherd's pie etc.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Gordon's Law
Why is Gordon Ramsay ranting about fining restaurants for serving non seasonal, non local produce?
Does he not cook with olive oil?
Does he not serve pineapples in his restaurants?
A silly, poorly thought through rant; he should stick to cooking.
Does he not cook with olive oil?
Does he not serve pineapples in his restaurants?
A silly, poorly thought through rant; he should stick to cooking.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Taylors and Jones
Taylors and Jones
Those of you who live in Stockholm and hanker after English sausages, pork pies and good cuts of beef should pay a visit to Taylors and Jones at Hantverkargatan 12 in Kungsholmen (www.taylors.se).
Eva and I pooped into their shop last week, where they sell sausages to restaurants, pubs and individuals. They also sell Christmas turkeys, many varieties of meat and British specialities such as sausage rolls, meat pies, haggis and black & white pudding.
The meat is of good quality, the beef is hung for 30 days, and the Lincolnshire and Cumberland sausages that we bought and barbecued were excellent (as was the sausage roll that we munched on the way home).
It is not cheap, but certainly worth a visit if you want to treat yourself.
Those of you who live in Stockholm and hanker after English sausages, pork pies and good cuts of beef should pay a visit to Taylors and Jones at Hantverkargatan 12 in Kungsholmen (www.taylors.se).
Eva and I pooped into their shop last week, where they sell sausages to restaurants, pubs and individuals. They also sell Christmas turkeys, many varieties of meat and British specialities such as sausage rolls, meat pies, haggis and black & white pudding.
The meat is of good quality, the beef is hung for 30 days, and the Lincolnshire and Cumberland sausages that we bought and barbecued were excellent (as was the sausage roll that we munched on the way home).
It is not cheap, but certainly worth a visit if you want to treat yourself.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Festival of English Food
Festival of English Food
Wednesday 23rd April is St George's Day.
To celebrate the day Borough Market will temporarily set up shop in Trafalgar Square, together with food inspired street theatre and cabaret performances, in a Festival of English Food.
Stalls from Borough Market include:
-Wrights Oysters oysters and shellfish from Cornwall
-Shell Seekers Dorset diver caught scallops and shellfish
-Furness Fish & Poultry Morecombe Bay shrimp
-Farmer Sharp Herwick lamb
-Mrs King Melton Mowbray pies and Cornish pasties
-The Ginger Pig sausage rolls
-Northfield Farm, Beef
-Sillfield Farm Westmorland wild boar and pork
-Chegworth Valley Apple juice
-Flour Power City bread and scones
-Neal’s Yard Dairy Cheese
-England Preserves London’s best jam and pickles
-The Veggie Table vegetarian food, ginger beer and lemonade
-Flour Station Chelsea buns and Eccles cakes
-Burnt Sugar traditional cakes and bakes
-Secretts Direct Surrey vegetables
-Ceylon 1 London’s finest Tea
-Booth’s Flower Stall red rose and oakleaf
Wednesday 23rd April is St George's Day.
To celebrate the day Borough Market will temporarily set up shop in Trafalgar Square, together with food inspired street theatre and cabaret performances, in a Festival of English Food.
Stalls from Borough Market include:
-Wrights Oysters oysters and shellfish from Cornwall
-Shell Seekers Dorset diver caught scallops and shellfish
-Furness Fish & Poultry Morecombe Bay shrimp
-Farmer Sharp Herwick lamb
-Mrs King Melton Mowbray pies and Cornish pasties
-The Ginger Pig sausage rolls
-Northfield Farm, Beef
-Sillfield Farm Westmorland wild boar and pork
-Chegworth Valley Apple juice
-Flour Power City bread and scones
-Neal’s Yard Dairy Cheese
-England Preserves London’s best jam and pickles
-The Veggie Table vegetarian food, ginger beer and lemonade
-Flour Station Chelsea buns and Eccles cakes
-Burnt Sugar traditional cakes and bakes
-Secretts Direct Surrey vegetables
-Ceylon 1 London’s finest Tea
-Booth’s Flower Stall red rose and oakleaf
Friday, April 11, 2008
Myung Ga
Restaurant
Myung Ga
1 Kingly Street
London
Phone 0207 734 8220
Website www.myungga.co.uk
Overview
I had the good fortune to be invited out for dinner by a Korean friend of mine in London the other week. We dined at Myung Ga, an authentic traditional Korean restaurant near Piccadilly. It specialises in BBQ (on the table) and other dishes
such as; Kimchi, Bulgogi, Bibimbop, Pajon. It was established in 1990.
Ambience
Myung Ga is a bustling, lively modern Korean restaurant that serves a whole host of Korean foods.
The restaurant was bright, well lit, and very popular with both Koreans and Europeans alike.
Each table has a central barbecue pot, which is used for special dishes such as bulgogi (barbecued beef).
Menu
The menu in Korean, English and with photos of the food and drinks offered an extensive range of Korean cuisine including:
- Kaeranjjim: Steamed egg in hot pot.
- Pajeon: Pan-fried spring onion and seafood pancakes.
- Kimchi jeon: Pan-fried Kimchi pancakes.
- Tubu jeon: Fried bean curd
- Bindae dok: Mung bean pancakes
- Tteok bokgi: Rice cake with vegetables.(Spicy)
- Tangsuyuk: Sweet & sour chicken or pork.
- Ggampoonggi: Sauteed chicken with spicy sauce.
- Hongeo hoe: Thinly Sliced raw skate seasoned with spicy sauce.
- Bap: Steamed rice
- Bokum bap: Special fried rice.
- Maeun tang: Spicy hot stew with seafood.
- Yukgaejang: Spicy beef soup with vegetables.
- Doengjang jjigae: Soybean paste stew with seafood.
- Kimchi jjigae: Kimchi stew with pork.
- Mandu guk: Dumpling soup with meat broth.
- Seolleong tang: Beef bone soup
- Kalbi: Marinated beef ribs, charbroiled.
- Bulgogi: Marinated, barbecued beef.
- Deung sim gui: Grilled beef sirloin.
- Hue gui: Sliced ox tongue.
Service
The service was friendly and very efficient.
Food
My friend and I had a feast of many dishes, too numerous to mention, which we shared. However, our dishes did include bulgogi and Yuk hoe (raw stripes of tender beef with pine nut, pears and egg) - a Korean version of steak tartar.
The meal was absolutely first class, the food tasted superb; we washed it down with copious quantities of Korean beer and Soju.
Overall Opinion
An excellent establishment, and well worth visiting should you be in that part of town.
Myung Ga
1 Kingly Street
London
Phone 0207 734 8220
Website www.myungga.co.uk
Overview
I had the good fortune to be invited out for dinner by a Korean friend of mine in London the other week. We dined at Myung Ga, an authentic traditional Korean restaurant near Piccadilly. It specialises in BBQ (on the table) and other dishes
such as; Kimchi, Bulgogi, Bibimbop, Pajon. It was established in 1990.
Ambience
Myung Ga is a bustling, lively modern Korean restaurant that serves a whole host of Korean foods.
The restaurant was bright, well lit, and very popular with both Koreans and Europeans alike.
Each table has a central barbecue pot, which is used for special dishes such as bulgogi (barbecued beef).
Menu
The menu in Korean, English and with photos of the food and drinks offered an extensive range of Korean cuisine including:
- Kaeranjjim: Steamed egg in hot pot.
- Pajeon: Pan-fried spring onion and seafood pancakes.
- Kimchi jeon: Pan-fried Kimchi pancakes.
- Tubu jeon: Fried bean curd
- Bindae dok: Mung bean pancakes
- Tteok bokgi: Rice cake with vegetables.(Spicy)
- Tangsuyuk: Sweet & sour chicken or pork.
- Ggampoonggi: Sauteed chicken with spicy sauce.
- Hongeo hoe: Thinly Sliced raw skate seasoned with spicy sauce.
- Bap: Steamed rice
- Bokum bap: Special fried rice.
- Maeun tang: Spicy hot stew with seafood.
- Yukgaejang: Spicy beef soup with vegetables.
- Doengjang jjigae: Soybean paste stew with seafood.
- Kimchi jjigae: Kimchi stew with pork.
- Mandu guk: Dumpling soup with meat broth.
- Seolleong tang: Beef bone soup
- Kalbi: Marinated beef ribs, charbroiled.
- Bulgogi: Marinated, barbecued beef.
- Deung sim gui: Grilled beef sirloin.
- Hue gui: Sliced ox tongue.
Service
The service was friendly and very efficient.
Food
My friend and I had a feast of many dishes, too numerous to mention, which we shared. However, our dishes did include bulgogi and Yuk hoe (raw stripes of tender beef with pine nut, pears and egg) - a Korean version of steak tartar.
The meal was absolutely first class, the food tasted superb; we washed it down with copious quantities of Korean beer and Soju.
Overall Opinion
An excellent establishment, and well worth visiting should you be in that part of town.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Delia In Trouble Again
Delia In Trouble Again
Delia Smith finds herself in trouble again over her use of ready made foods in her new TV series "How To Cheat at Cooking".
This time she has fallen foul of the anti salt brigade, championed by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash).
Cash claim that a single serving of one of the recipes, carbonara real quick, contained more than a whole day's recommended salt intake.
Maybe so, but an indulgence once in a while won't kill you.
Delia Smith finds herself in trouble again over her use of ready made foods in her new TV series "How To Cheat at Cooking".
This time she has fallen foul of the anti salt brigade, championed by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash).
Cash claim that a single serving of one of the recipes, carbonara real quick, contained more than a whole day's recommended salt intake.
Maybe so, but an indulgence once in a while won't kill you.
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