Christmas Tips
Now that the season of overindulgence, and colds, is with us again here are a few tips to stay healthy:
1 Eat plenty of raw garlic, to stave off colds and other bugs
2 Eat plenty of fresh ginger, to ease bloating and to promote a healthy digestive system
3 Drink plenty of water to flush your kidneys
4 Drink hot toddies when you are feeling cold:
-whisky
-lemon juice
-cinnamon stick
-cloves
-sugar
-hot water
5 Make sure that your turkey is properly cooked; 25 minutes per pound at 180 (allow for the weight of the stuffing), and make sure that the juices run clear when the thickest part of the flesh around the legs is pierced.
Have a happy and enjoyable Christmas!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Croydon's Dirtiest "Restaurants"
Croydon's Dirtiest "Restaurants"
The Croydon Advertiser names and shames Croyodn's dirtiest restaurants. However, it fails to let the readership in on the secret of Croydon's cleanest.
It also rather misleadingly uses the word "restaurant" in the article's title, given that many in the list are takeaways this description is misleading.
The Croydon Advertiser names and shames Croyodn's dirtiest restaurants. However, it fails to let the readership in on the secret of Croydon's cleanest.
It also rather misleadingly uses the word "restaurant" in the article's title, given that many in the list are takeaways this description is misleading.
Monday, December 03, 2007
The Truffle of The Century
The Truffle of The Century
Congratulations to Stanley Ho for securing ownership of the the largest truffle found in half a century.
The massive truffle, weighing in at 3.3lb, was unearthed in Italy last month and sold for $330K at an auction held simultaneously in Macau, London and Florence.
The winning bid on Saturday night came from Macau casino mogul Stanley Ho, who bid by phone.
Congratulations to Stanley Ho for securing ownership of the the largest truffle found in half a century.
The massive truffle, weighing in at 3.3lb, was unearthed in Italy last month and sold for $330K at an auction held simultaneously in Macau, London and Florence.
The winning bid on Saturday night came from Macau casino mogul Stanley Ho, who bid by phone.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Money To Burn
Money To Burn
Those of you with a spare £100K or so lying around could emulate Li Sze Lim, who sat down to dinner last night in Hong Kong with some friends and feasted on a truffle that cost him £102K in an auction.
The white truffle, all 750g of it, has gone into the record books as being the most expensive ever.
Those of you who fancy a nibble can take part in the online auction of truffles being held on www.whitetruffleauction.com.
Try some shaved over omelettes, scrambled eggs, risotto, polenta and pasta dishes.
Those of you with a spare £100K or so lying around could emulate Li Sze Lim, who sat down to dinner last night in Hong Kong with some friends and feasted on a truffle that cost him £102K in an auction.
The white truffle, all 750g of it, has gone into the record books as being the most expensive ever.
Those of you who fancy a nibble can take part in the online auction of truffles being held on www.whitetruffleauction.com.
Try some shaved over omelettes, scrambled eggs, risotto, polenta and pasta dishes.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Bird Flu
Bird Flu
Bird flu has struck a UK turkey farm at the most inopportune moment, namely the run up to Christmas.
Vets have ordered 5,000 turkeys to be slaughtered at a free-range farm in Diss, Norfolk.
Needless to say this could not have come at a worst time for the British food and farming industry, in the wake of foot and mouth and an earlier flu scare at Bernard Matthews turkey plant in February.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that early tests showed the turkeys had the H5 strain of bird flu, but it is not yet known if it is a highly pathogenic form.
The deputy chief veterinary officer, Fred Landeg, said the cause of the infection was unknown.
"Everybody needs to be concerned. This is avian influenza.
We are asking every poultry keeper to be vigilant, to house their birds where they are required to do so in any restricted area and carry out good bio-security measures and report any signs of disease."
We will be looking at the movements on to the premises and off the premises of birds; and movements of people, vehicles and things, to see whether there is another origin somewhere in the country or whether the disease could have spread."
Peter Kendall, president of the National Farmers' Union, tried to put a brave face on it.
Quote:
"We fully support the measures Defra have put in place in the protection and surveillance zones and we will be working with them to make sure producers within the zones understand the implications of the restrictions.
But it is important to remember that avian influenza is a disease of birds. There is no reason for public concern and the Food Standards Agency says there are no risks from eating poultry meat and eggs provided they are cooked properly as, of course, all food should be."
He is of course quite right.
Unfortunately, the already unnerved British consumer may well not see it that way, sales of turkey's in the run up to Christmas are likely to be adversely affected if this is not resolved very quickly.
Bird flu has struck a UK turkey farm at the most inopportune moment, namely the run up to Christmas.
Vets have ordered 5,000 turkeys to be slaughtered at a free-range farm in Diss, Norfolk.
Needless to say this could not have come at a worst time for the British food and farming industry, in the wake of foot and mouth and an earlier flu scare at Bernard Matthews turkey plant in February.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that early tests showed the turkeys had the H5 strain of bird flu, but it is not yet known if it is a highly pathogenic form.
The deputy chief veterinary officer, Fred Landeg, said the cause of the infection was unknown.
"Everybody needs to be concerned. This is avian influenza.
We are asking every poultry keeper to be vigilant, to house their birds where they are required to do so in any restricted area and carry out good bio-security measures and report any signs of disease."
We will be looking at the movements on to the premises and off the premises of birds; and movements of people, vehicles and things, to see whether there is another origin somewhere in the country or whether the disease could have spread."
Peter Kendall, president of the National Farmers' Union, tried to put a brave face on it.
Quote:
"We fully support the measures Defra have put in place in the protection and surveillance zones and we will be working with them to make sure producers within the zones understand the implications of the restrictions.
But it is important to remember that avian influenza is a disease of birds. There is no reason for public concern and the Food Standards Agency says there are no risks from eating poultry meat and eggs provided they are cooked properly as, of course, all food should be."
He is of course quite right.
Unfortunately, the already unnerved British consumer may well not see it that way, sales of turkey's in the run up to Christmas are likely to be adversely affected if this is not resolved very quickly.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Yorkshire Truffles
Yorkshire Truffles
I see that Asda has announced plans to plant and grow gourmet truffles in Yorkshire. They are conducting a trial to see if truffles, a valuable and much sought after delicacy, can be grown successfully at a one-acre site near Cridling Stubbs, near Pontefract.
Normally truffles sell for thousands of pounds per kilo.
However, Asda spokesman Alan Slator has a mission to bring them to the tables of ordinary people:
"Truffles are normally the food of millionaires. People eating in some restaurants can pay £50 just to have a few scrapings on the top of their food.
We want to bring them to ordinary people."
I see that Asda has announced plans to plant and grow gourmet truffles in Yorkshire. They are conducting a trial to see if truffles, a valuable and much sought after delicacy, can be grown successfully at a one-acre site near Cridling Stubbs, near Pontefract.
Normally truffles sell for thousands of pounds per kilo.
However, Asda spokesman Alan Slator has a mission to bring them to the tables of ordinary people:
"Truffles are normally the food of millionaires. People eating in some restaurants can pay £50 just to have a few scrapings on the top of their food.
We want to bring them to ordinary people."
Monday, October 29, 2007
Bad Food Award
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.
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 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.
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