Bad Food Award
The Consumers International World Congress is meeting in Sydney this week, and will present on Tuesday its Bad Products Awards.
Quote:
"The 'awards' will be given to leading brand companies guilty of high profile examples of irresponsible behaviour."
Those companies that market products high in sugar and salt had best beware.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to that eponymous British dish (that claims to be Indian) Chicken Tikka Masala, which celebrates 60 years this month.
It is the UK's most popular dish, according to Food Service Intelligence.
It represents 25% of the total turnover of £2.5BN of all the 9000 "curry houses" in the UK. In another staggering statistic the organisers of the National Curry Week have estimated that if all the portions of chicken tikka masala consumed annually in the UK were stacked on top of one another, they would form a tower 2770 times taller than the Greenwich Millennium Dome.
The origin of this peculiar hybrid dish is rumoured to be one of the first Bangladeshi restaurants that opened in Britain in the 1940s. A customer was disappointed to find that his Chicken Tikka was "dry", as it was meant to be. He therefore asked for some gravy, the chef opened a can of tomato soup and poured that over it.
Result?
The birth of a new dish, the rest is history.
Happy birthday to that eponymous British dish (that claims to be Indian) Chicken Tikka Masala, which celebrates 60 years this month.
It is the UK's most popular dish, according to Food Service Intelligence.
It represents 25% of the total turnover of £2.5BN of all the 9000 "curry houses" in the UK. In another staggering statistic the organisers of the National Curry Week have estimated that if all the portions of chicken tikka masala consumed annually in the UK were stacked on top of one another, they would form a tower 2770 times taller than the Greenwich Millennium Dome.
The origin of this peculiar hybrid dish is rumoured to be one of the first Bangladeshi restaurants that opened in Britain in the 1940s. A customer was disappointed to find that his Chicken Tikka was "dry", as it was meant to be. He therefore asked for some gravy, the chef opened a can of tomato soup and poured that over it.
Result?
The birth of a new dish, the rest is history.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Greed
Greed
It is regrettable to see that some pubs are jumping in on the "gastro pub" bandwagon and attempting to pass of very mediocre food as "gastro", whilst charging top prices for it.
The price of pub food has now "soared" to an average £20 for a two-course lunch and glass of wine, according to the Good Pub Guide.
The guide lists about 5,000 UK pubs and is based on reports from more than 2,000 pub-goers, plus anonymous visits from its editors.
Seemingly some pubs are charging over £10 for a rather pathetic steak and kidney pie. The guide concludes that pubs are overcharging customers by about 67% for food.
I am a firm believer in "what goes around, comes around". Customers will not tolerate being ripped off with poor quality shit, and will vote with their feet by going elsewhere.
The pubs that try to rip people off in this manner deserve to go out of business.
It is regrettable to see that some pubs are jumping in on the "gastro pub" bandwagon and attempting to pass of very mediocre food as "gastro", whilst charging top prices for it.
The price of pub food has now "soared" to an average £20 for a two-course lunch and glass of wine, according to the Good Pub Guide.
The guide lists about 5,000 UK pubs and is based on reports from more than 2,000 pub-goers, plus anonymous visits from its editors.
Seemingly some pubs are charging over £10 for a rather pathetic steak and kidney pie. The guide concludes that pubs are overcharging customers by about 67% for food.
I am a firm believer in "what goes around, comes around". Customers will not tolerate being ripped off with poor quality shit, and will vote with their feet by going elsewhere.
The pubs that try to rip people off in this manner deserve to go out of business.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Compulsory UHT?
Compulsory UHT?
A row has broken out over media reports that the government was going to force people to drink UHT (a most disgusting and foul tasting product) in place of fresh milk, so as to cut down on carbon emissions (UHT uses less energy to store).
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has rushed to deny the press reports:
"Defra has been working in close collaboration with all parts of the dairy supply chain to look at ways to reduce the environmental impact of dairy production and consumption, including greenhouse gas emissions.
The paper referred to was drawn up to stimulate discussion - it does not represent government policy and was never intended to.
The government is not and will not be telling people what kind of milk to drink, people need to make their own decisions."
It sounds to me as though the leak was designed to test public reaction, the reaction being so vehemently negative Defra was forced to rush out the denial.
A row has broken out over media reports that the government was going to force people to drink UHT (a most disgusting and foul tasting product) in place of fresh milk, so as to cut down on carbon emissions (UHT uses less energy to store).
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has rushed to deny the press reports:
"Defra has been working in close collaboration with all parts of the dairy supply chain to look at ways to reduce the environmental impact of dairy production and consumption, including greenhouse gas emissions.
The paper referred to was drawn up to stimulate discussion - it does not represent government policy and was never intended to.
The government is not and will not be telling people what kind of milk to drink, people need to make their own decisions."
It sounds to me as though the leak was designed to test public reaction, the reaction being so vehemently negative Defra was forced to rush out the denial.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Ramsay Rated by Michelin
Ramsay Rated by Michelin
Gordon Ramsay has become one of the two most Michelin starred chefs in the world, after his New York restaurant (Gordon Ramsay at the London) was awarded two stars in its first year.
This is a welcome change of fortune for the restaurant, which received poor reviews when it opened earlier this year. There have also been reports of arguments between the restaurant's staff over tips, and neighbours of restaurant complained about noise and other irritations.
The 2008 Michelin guide awarded the London two stars, signifying "excellent cuisine, worth a detour", it praised its consistency in food and service and singled out its seven-course Menu Prestige.
Ramsay now has 11 Michelin stars.
Gordon Ramsay has become one of the two most Michelin starred chefs in the world, after his New York restaurant (Gordon Ramsay at the London) was awarded two stars in its first year.
This is a welcome change of fortune for the restaurant, which received poor reviews when it opened earlier this year. There have also been reports of arguments between the restaurant's staff over tips, and neighbours of restaurant complained about noise and other irritations.
The 2008 Michelin guide awarded the London two stars, signifying "excellent cuisine, worth a detour", it praised its consistency in food and service and singled out its seven-course Menu Prestige.
Ramsay now has 11 Michelin stars.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Jamie's Authentic Italian
Jamie's Authentic Italian
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has announced that he will create a chain of Italian restaurants across Britain. The first branch of "Jamie's Italian" will open in Bath next year. He is planning to create a chain of up to 40 across Britain.
The aim is to prepare "rustic Italian" cuisine. All pasta will be freshly made on site, and the bread will be baked daily by artisan bakers.
The mission of the chain is to create a "fast, urban casual dining" experience.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has announced that he will create a chain of Italian restaurants across Britain. The first branch of "Jamie's Italian" will open in Bath next year. He is planning to create a chain of up to 40 across Britain.
The aim is to prepare "rustic Italian" cuisine. All pasta will be freshly made on site, and the bread will be baked daily by artisan bakers.
The mission of the chain is to create a "fast, urban casual dining" experience.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Irish Coffees
Irish Coffees
Those of you with a penchant for Irish coffees, as I do, could do a lot worse than pay a visit to Mae Ping a Thai restaurant in Croydon.
The preparation of the coffee is a most enjoyable performance to watch, as the waiter brings a trolley to your table and then begins the show.
-The rim of the glass is dipped in liqueur and then in sugar
-A small stove on the trolley is lit, and the sugar caramelised in the flame
-Whisky is flamed in a ladle and poured, with a flourish, into the glass
-A coffee liqueur is then flamed and poured
-After which the coffee itself is poured
-Finally the cream added
I would hasten to add that the Irish coffee looks, and tastes as good, as the performance leading up to it.
Therefore Mae Ping is worth visiting for the Irish coffees alone. The food, atmosphere and service are also good!
Mae Ping
16-18 South End
Croydon
0208 760 0278
Those of you with a penchant for Irish coffees, as I do, could do a lot worse than pay a visit to Mae Ping a Thai restaurant in Croydon.
The preparation of the coffee is a most enjoyable performance to watch, as the waiter brings a trolley to your table and then begins the show.
-The rim of the glass is dipped in liqueur and then in sugar
-A small stove on the trolley is lit, and the sugar caramelised in the flame
-Whisky is flamed in a ladle and poured, with a flourish, into the glass
-A coffee liqueur is then flamed and poured
-After which the coffee itself is poured
-Finally the cream added
I would hasten to add that the Irish coffee looks, and tastes as good, as the performance leading up to it.
Therefore Mae Ping is worth visiting for the Irish coffees alone. The food, atmosphere and service are also good!
Mae Ping
16-18 South End
Croydon
0208 760 0278
Monday, October 01, 2007
The World's Largest Salad
The World's Largest Salad
Pulpi, in the Almeria province of Spain has entered the record books for having tossed the world's largest salad.
It contained 6,700kg of vegetables, and took 20 chefs over three hours to prepare it.
The salad was prepared in a container 18m (59ft) long and 4.8m (15.7ft) wide.
The salad was distributed to restaurants in Pulpi, to provide free to their clients, Mr Navarro told reporters.
Pulpi, in the Almeria province of Spain has entered the record books for having tossed the world's largest salad.
It contained 6,700kg of vegetables, and took 20 chefs over three hours to prepare it.
The salad was prepared in a container 18m (59ft) long and 4.8m (15.7ft) wide.
The salad was distributed to restaurants in Pulpi, to provide free to their clients, Mr Navarro told reporters.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
British Food Fortnight
British Food Fortnight
In case you were unaware of it, the sixth British Food Fortnight has just begun.
It runs from 22nd September to 7th October 2007. Details of activities around the country, recipes and advice on eating British are available on www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk
In case you were unaware of it, the sixth British Food Fortnight has just begun.
It runs from 22nd September to 7th October 2007. Details of activities around the country, recipes and advice on eating British are available on www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
World's Largest Soup
World's Largest Soup
Following on from Edinburgh's largest bowl of porridge, Venezuela have claimed the world record on Saturday for making the largest pot of soup; a giant cauldron of stew, prepared by President Hugo Chavez's government.
The soup was prepared outdoors in downtown Caracas, and contained about 3,960 gallons of "sancocho" stew. The current record-holder listed on the Guinness World Records Web site, a pot of 1,413 gallons of spicy soup prepared in Durango, Mexico, in July.
The soup, called "Bolivarian stew", was enough to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people.
It contained 6,600 pounds of chicken, 4,400 pounds of beef and tons of vegetables.
Following on from Edinburgh's largest bowl of porridge, Venezuela have claimed the world record on Saturday for making the largest pot of soup; a giant cauldron of stew, prepared by President Hugo Chavez's government.
The soup was prepared outdoors in downtown Caracas, and contained about 3,960 gallons of "sancocho" stew. The current record-holder listed on the Guinness World Records Web site, a pot of 1,413 gallons of spicy soup prepared in Durango, Mexico, in July.
The soup, called "Bolivarian stew", was enough to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people.
It contained 6,600 pounds of chicken, 4,400 pounds of beef and tons of vegetables.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Porridge
Porridge
The world's largest bowl of porridge ever was created in Edinburgh this weekend.
It weighed 81.2kg, easily beating the previous world record of 66.26kg, and was served to around 2,000 people at the Edinburgh Farmers' Market.
The porridge was stirred by a specially commissioned 1.5m spurtle, and Stoats Porridge Bars provided 25kg of organic oats.
Border Tablet provided pieces of tablet to be sprinkled on top of the porridge, while Caurnie Soap produced a giant soap made with oats.
The Edinburgh Farmers' Market is held in the city's Castle Terrace
Edinburgh Farmers' Market takes place in the Castle Terrace car park, off Lothian Road, every Saturday from 0900 BST until 1400 BST.
It is the largest in Scotland, with over 70 producers attending regularly.
The world's largest bowl of porridge ever was created in Edinburgh this weekend.
It weighed 81.2kg, easily beating the previous world record of 66.26kg, and was served to around 2,000 people at the Edinburgh Farmers' Market.
The porridge was stirred by a specially commissioned 1.5m spurtle, and Stoats Porridge Bars provided 25kg of organic oats.
Border Tablet provided pieces of tablet to be sprinkled on top of the porridge, while Caurnie Soap produced a giant soap made with oats.
The Edinburgh Farmers' Market is held in the city's Castle Terrace
Edinburgh Farmers' Market takes place in the Castle Terrace car park, off Lothian Road, every Saturday from 0900 BST until 1400 BST.
It is the largest in Scotland, with over 70 producers attending regularly.
Friday, September 14, 2007
London Dining
London Dining
In news that will not surprise anyone who has eaten recently in London, Britain's capital city now rates as the world's most expensive city (even above Tokyo) for dining out.
An average meal, including a drink, tax and service for London diners runs to £39.09 pounds, up 2.9% from last year.
This is the conclusion of Zagat Survey, which published its 2008 London Restaurants guide on Wednesday.
I am a firm believer in "what goes around, comes around". Whilst London restaurant owners in the short term may be milking their customers, in the medium term once City bonuses have been slashed by the effects of the ongoing credit crunch we will see more realistic prices as the restaurants battle to find custom.
In news that will not surprise anyone who has eaten recently in London, Britain's capital city now rates as the world's most expensive city (even above Tokyo) for dining out.
An average meal, including a drink, tax and service for London diners runs to £39.09 pounds, up 2.9% from last year.
This is the conclusion of Zagat Survey, which published its 2008 London Restaurants guide on Wednesday.
I am a firm believer in "what goes around, comes around". Whilst London restaurant owners in the short term may be milking their customers, in the medium term once City bonuses have been slashed by the effects of the ongoing credit crunch we will see more realistic prices as the restaurants battle to find custom.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Restaurant
The Restaurant
Raymond Blanc hosted a new BBC 2 show last night, that is meant to be to foodies what "The Apprentice" is to "business people".
True enough it showcased a group of restaurant wanabees, many of whom were staggeringly incompetent and naive. However, much like "The Apprentice", it is very clearly staged (the hapless wanabees had one week to open for business) and bears no resemblance to the reality of setting up and running a restaurant.
When Alan Sugar dealt with his apprentice failures, the encounter took place in a "Star Trek" style board room mock up. Blanc, for reasons that baffle me, chooses to take his "apprentices" to task in a room decorated like a brothel.
If you like watching people fail and cry, then this is the show for you; you certainly won't learn anything about food from this show.
Raymond Blanc hosted a new BBC 2 show last night, that is meant to be to foodies what "The Apprentice" is to "business people".
True enough it showcased a group of restaurant wanabees, many of whom were staggeringly incompetent and naive. However, much like "The Apprentice", it is very clearly staged (the hapless wanabees had one week to open for business) and bears no resemblance to the reality of setting up and running a restaurant.
When Alan Sugar dealt with his apprentice failures, the encounter took place in a "Star Trek" style board room mock up. Blanc, for reasons that baffle me, chooses to take his "apprentices" to task in a room decorated like a brothel.
If you like watching people fail and cry, then this is the show for you; you certainly won't learn anything about food from this show.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The Price of Meat
The Price of Meat
Those of you who enjoy flesh, as indeed I do, will be concerned to know that the price of meat in the UK is going to rise.
Meat prices will rise as farmers pass on the rise in costs of wheat and animal feed. Deloittes report that the costs of these items have almost doubled for farmers.
Deloittes warn that the price rises are vital, as the industry is at "breaking point" after the recent foot-and-mouth scare and floods.
The bad weather has not just been confined to the UK, but to key grain growing areas such as Canada and parts of Europe. There are now fears of a grain shortfall, exacerbated by the rising demand from the biofuel industry which uses the grain to produce ethanol for cars.
The Labour government's "Islington centred" neglect of the countryside for the last 10 years will come home back to haunt them.
Those of you who enjoy flesh, as indeed I do, will be concerned to know that the price of meat in the UK is going to rise.
Meat prices will rise as farmers pass on the rise in costs of wheat and animal feed. Deloittes report that the costs of these items have almost doubled for farmers.
Deloittes warn that the price rises are vital, as the industry is at "breaking point" after the recent foot-and-mouth scare and floods.
The bad weather has not just been confined to the UK, but to key grain growing areas such as Canada and parts of Europe. There are now fears of a grain shortfall, exacerbated by the rising demand from the biofuel industry which uses the grain to produce ethanol for cars.
The Labour government's "Islington centred" neglect of the countryside for the last 10 years will come home back to haunt them.
Friday, August 17, 2007
The World's Most Expensive Dessert
The World's Most Expensive Dessert
The golden plum souffle, a British creation, has made the Top Ten of the world's most expensive desserts (it came tenth); the list is compiled Forbes Traveler magazine.
The golden plum souffle costs £24, and is served at the Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire.
The dish is the creation of Michel Roux, and contains mirabelle plums, a delicacy from Alsace in France.
Top of the list was Fortress Aquamarine, costing £7,300, available in Galle, Sri Lanka. This contains an 80-carat aquamarine which is balanced on an upright sliver of chocolate shaped like the resort's logo. It comes with cassata served in a vase of sugar.
Oddly enough, no one has bought this absurdly priced dessert yet.
The golden plum souffle, a British creation, has made the Top Ten of the world's most expensive desserts (it came tenth); the list is compiled Forbes Traveler magazine.
The golden plum souffle costs £24, and is served at the Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire.
The dish is the creation of Michel Roux, and contains mirabelle plums, a delicacy from Alsace in France.
Top of the list was Fortress Aquamarine, costing £7,300, available in Galle, Sri Lanka. This contains an 80-carat aquamarine which is balanced on an upright sliver of chocolate shaped like the resort's logo. It comes with cassata served in a vase of sugar.
Oddly enough, no one has bought this absurdly priced dessert yet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)