Restaurant
The Townhouse
81-82 St James St
Kemptown
Brighton
BN2 1PA
Tel: 01273 693216
Website The Townhouse
Overview
Eva and popped into The Townhouse in Kemptown the other day for an impromptu lunch.
The Townhouse is relatively new, and is both a bar and restaurant.
It offers contemporary British food (cooked by a head chef who hails from The Dorchester) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ambience
The Townhouse is a cheerful and bright venue, it has "rustic" wooden tables and brick faced walls. Aside from a dining area, it has a lounge bar and a piano room where you can sit around the Baby Grand Piano on bar stools while drinking!
Menu
The menu offers a good selection of British cuisine including; smoked haddock, roasted cod, crab, steak, rack of lamb and belly of pork.
Service
The service was excellent, efficient and friendly. I was even offered a choice of wood or plastic toothpicks (a first!), which shows great attention to detail.
Food
I had the pork belly, which was slow roasted and served with an apple mash and prune jus. I was very impressed with this dish, the pork was a good sized tasty cut/join,t and the crackling was crispy. The mash was not overpowered by the apple, and went well with the meat.
Eva had one of the specials, beef sausages and mash. This was very good, four thick tasty sausages atop a bed of mash served with a gravy.
The meal, which included some quality beers and very large brandies, came to around £40 from memory (I have lost the receipt!).
Overall Opinion
A very enjoyable meal, and I have no hesitation in recommending this venue. We will certainly be returning, this time for dinner.
Showing posts with label British. Show all posts
Showing posts with label British. Show all posts
Saturday, February 05, 2011
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
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
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.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Trobador
Trobador
Rambla Catalunya 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 318 40 41
Website www.restaurantetrobador.com
Overview
On our first evening in Barcelona, Eva and I were wandering around acclimatising ourselves and looking for somewhere to eat. It was late, around 11:00pm, so we were quite peckish by this stage.
We chanced upon a very lively venue called Trobador.
Trobador is a bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Spanish dishes, grills and Tapas in an informal atmosphere.
Ambience
Trobador was very lively and packed bar/restaurant; well lit, bright, cheerful and bustling. We didn't think that we would be able to find a table. However, we were assured that if we waited for ten minutes, at the bar, a table would be found.
I am delighted to say that they kept their word, and a table was found for us within five minutes.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very efficient and courteous. However, I would suggest that maybe our waitress could learn to smile a little more readily.
Food
This being Spain, I started with the egg and chips...don't laugh, I was hungry and wondered how they would present them.
I have to say I was rather impressed, two large eggs sprinkled with chili powder were presented atop a pile of fries.
I rather enjoyed this dish, despite Eva castigating me for being so "British":)
I chose the Catalan sausage and beans for my main course. This consisted of a most excellent, large and porky herbed sausage served with cannellini beans. An ideal meal for the weary traveller.
Eva started with the Iberian ham, which was a generous portion of local smoked ham.
She then had a selection of sausages and sauteed potatoes. The sausages were first class, one being spicy the others being variations on the version of mine.
An absolutely splendid introduction to our holiday.
The meal included a bottle of Chablis, unfortunately I have lost the bill. However, I can assure you it was less than 60Euros.
Overall Opinion
A great place, good fun and good food; give it a go!
Rambla Catalunya 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 318 40 41
Website www.restaurantetrobador.com
Overview
On our first evening in Barcelona, Eva and I were wandering around acclimatising ourselves and looking for somewhere to eat. It was late, around 11:00pm, so we were quite peckish by this stage.
We chanced upon a very lively venue called Trobador.
Trobador is a bar and restaurant that serves a variety of Spanish dishes, grills and Tapas in an informal atmosphere.
Ambience
Trobador was very lively and packed bar/restaurant; well lit, bright, cheerful and bustling. We didn't think that we would be able to find a table. However, we were assured that if we waited for ten minutes, at the bar, a table would be found.
I am delighted to say that they kept their word, and a table was found for us within five minutes.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella.
Service
The service was very efficient and courteous. However, I would suggest that maybe our waitress could learn to smile a little more readily.
Food
This being Spain, I started with the egg and chips...don't laugh, I was hungry and wondered how they would present them.
I have to say I was rather impressed, two large eggs sprinkled with chili powder were presented atop a pile of fries.
I rather enjoyed this dish, despite Eva castigating me for being so "British":)
I chose the Catalan sausage and beans for my main course. This consisted of a most excellent, large and porky herbed sausage served with cannellini beans. An ideal meal for the weary traveller.
Eva started with the Iberian ham, which was a generous portion of local smoked ham.
She then had a selection of sausages and sauteed potatoes. The sausages were first class, one being spicy the others being variations on the version of mine.
An absolutely splendid introduction to our holiday.
The meal included a bottle of Chablis, unfortunately I have lost the bill. However, I can assure you it was less than 60Euros.
Overall Opinion
A great place, good fun and good food; give it a go!
Friday, June 01, 2007
Patak's Sold
Patak's Sold
Patak's, Britain's best-known Indian food brand, is being sold by its founding family (the Pathaks) for over £100M to Associated British Foods, whose brands include; Sunblest bread, Silver Spoon sugar, Twinings tea and Ovaltine.
Patak's is run by husband and wife team Kirit and Meena Pathak, the "h" in the family name was dropped to make it easier for the English to pronounce.
Patak's was founded in 1957 by Kirit's father, Laxmishanker, who came to Britain in the 1950s as a refugee from Kenya, with his wife and six children. He started with just £5 in his pocket when he arrived in the country.
The business supplies approximately 75% of the 8,000 Indian restaurants in Britain. It also sells curry paste, pappadums, chapattis and cooking sauces through the major supermarket chains and exports to around 40 countries.
Mr Pathak will become chairman of the combined business of Patak's and Blue Dragon and wife Meena will also become a director.
The family is retaining the rights to the Patak brand in India.
Patak's, Britain's best-known Indian food brand, is being sold by its founding family (the Pathaks) for over £100M to Associated British Foods, whose brands include; Sunblest bread, Silver Spoon sugar, Twinings tea and Ovaltine.
Patak's is run by husband and wife team Kirit and Meena Pathak, the "h" in the family name was dropped to make it easier for the English to pronounce.
Patak's was founded in 1957 by Kirit's father, Laxmishanker, who came to Britain in the 1950s as a refugee from Kenya, with his wife and six children. He started with just £5 in his pocket when he arrived in the country.
The business supplies approximately 75% of the 8,000 Indian restaurants in Britain. It also sells curry paste, pappadums, chapattis and cooking sauces through the major supermarket chains and exports to around 40 countries.
Mr Pathak will become chairman of the combined business of Patak's and Blue Dragon and wife Meena will also become a director.
The family is retaining the rights to the Patak brand in India.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Dangers of Curry
The Dangers of Curry
News that a ban has been imposed on British Airways staff microwaving their own food following, the explosion of a curry at 35,000 feet should cause a sigh or two of relief amongst those passengers of a nervous disposition.
The blast caused around £20,000 of damage to an aircraft.
However, for those of you who enjoy good food this story confirms what I have said many times before.
The food on BA is not particularly good, if it were then the staff would not take their own meals on board (note I have discussed this many times with BA staff, and they agree).
Would they?
News that a ban has been imposed on British Airways staff microwaving their own food following, the explosion of a curry at 35,000 feet should cause a sigh or two of relief amongst those passengers of a nervous disposition.
The blast caused around £20,000 of damage to an aircraft.
However, for those of you who enjoy good food this story confirms what I have said many times before.
The food on BA is not particularly good, if it were then the staff would not take their own meals on board (note I have discussed this many times with BA staff, and they agree).
Would they?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Fat Fears Close Burger King
Fat Fears Close Burger King
Burger King has spent $3M closing 21 restaurants and rescuing its franchisees in Britain, as the British consumer starts to shy away from fat laden burgers.
Burger King now has 578 locations in the UK, so there is still the opportunity to buy a burger.
Despite this new found fear of fat, some 66% of adult Brits are still obese!
Burger King has spent $3M closing 21 restaurants and rescuing its franchisees in Britain, as the British consumer starts to shy away from fat laden burgers.
Burger King now has 578 locations in the UK, so there is still the opportunity to buy a burger.
Despite this new found fear of fat, some 66% of adult Brits are still obese!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Bird Flu
Bird Flu
Britain's consumers appear to be, very sensibly, calm in the wake of the current bird flu outbreak in the UK.
Poultry sales in Britain are holding up, despite the outbreak at a farm owned by Bernard Matthews, Europe's biggest turkey producer.
Britain's leading supermarket chains, Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda and Morrison's all reported sales were bearing up well.
However, foreign consumers are not so relaxed. South Korea and Hong Kong have banned British poultry.
South Korea imported about £1.5m in poultry products from Britain last year.
Hong Kong imported 11,400 tonnes of British poultry and poultry products in the first 10 months of last year.
Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Africa and Indonesia have also banned imports of poultry or related products from the UK.
In the wake of the foot and mouth epidemic and mad cow disease of a few years ago, the countryside and farming in Britain has more than had its fair share of problems.
Britain's consumers appear to be, very sensibly, calm in the wake of the current bird flu outbreak in the UK.
Poultry sales in Britain are holding up, despite the outbreak at a farm owned by Bernard Matthews, Europe's biggest turkey producer.
Britain's leading supermarket chains, Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda and Morrison's all reported sales were bearing up well.
However, foreign consumers are not so relaxed. South Korea and Hong Kong have banned British poultry.
South Korea imported about £1.5m in poultry products from Britain last year.
Hong Kong imported 11,400 tonnes of British poultry and poultry products in the first 10 months of last year.
Ireland, Russia, Japan, South Africa and Indonesia have also banned imports of poultry or related products from the UK.
In the wake of the foot and mouth epidemic and mad cow disease of a few years ago, the countryside and farming in Britain has more than had its fair share of problems.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Burger Off!
Burger Off!
Proving yet again that the Olympics is about money and sponsorship, not about sport, the British Olympic Organising Committee have landed themselves in an embarrassing situation with regard to one of the sponsors (McDonald's) for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Green Party is demanding to know how McDonald's, the burger chain, fits in with promises to promote locally grown food. It should also be noted that the British government is currently conducting a very assertive healthy eating/anti obesity campaign in the UK, as such some people could argue that to associate itself with a promoter of fast food is a tad hypocritical.
The London organising committee, needless to say, are insisting that McDonald's would not have any exclusive control over catering and would be just one of a range of outlets supplying food.
Rather laughably McDonald's is the "official restaurant" (how on earth can anyone describe McDonald's as a restaurant?) of the Games, as a result of a long-term deal with the International Olympic Committee.
Money first, health and sport second!
Proving yet again that the Olympics is about money and sponsorship, not about sport, the British Olympic Organising Committee have landed themselves in an embarrassing situation with regard to one of the sponsors (McDonald's) for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Green Party is demanding to know how McDonald's, the burger chain, fits in with promises to promote locally grown food. It should also be noted that the British government is currently conducting a very assertive healthy eating/anti obesity campaign in the UK, as such some people could argue that to associate itself with a promoter of fast food is a tad hypocritical.
The London organising committee, needless to say, are insisting that McDonald's would not have any exclusive control over catering and would be just one of a range of outlets supplying food.
Rather laughably McDonald's is the "official restaurant" (how on earth can anyone describe McDonald's as a restaurant?) of the Games, as a result of a long-term deal with the International Olympic Committee.
Money first, health and sport second!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Dining Out
Dining Out
British eating habits are changing, according to official figures more money is now being spent on eating out than eating at home in Britain.
Dining out has rocketed in popularity in the UK in the last decade, as British people have higher disposable income and seek to avoid cooking.
UK government figures show spending on food and drink consumed outside the home has doubled between 1992 and 2004 to £87.5BN, nearly £2BN more than spending on food and drink for the home.
That being said, spending on food and drink at home still rose by over 50% between 1992 and 2004.
British eating habits are changing, according to official figures more money is now being spent on eating out than eating at home in Britain.
Dining out has rocketed in popularity in the UK in the last decade, as British people have higher disposable income and seek to avoid cooking.
UK government figures show spending on food and drink consumed outside the home has doubled between 1992 and 2004 to £87.5BN, nearly £2BN more than spending on food and drink for the home.
That being said, spending on food and drink at home still rose by over 50% between 1992 and 2004.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Paco Alcalde
Restaurant
Paco Alcalde
Almirall Aixada 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 221 50 26
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Paco Alcalde, a charming fish restaurant (famed for its fresh seafood) situated near the seafront in the old fishing port.
Ambience
Paco Alcalde was established in 1921, and is still owned and run by the founding family.
It was located just off the seafront in one of the narrow streets of the old fishing village of Barcelona. In case you are worried about walking past it by mistake, don't be! Standing outside, day and night, is one on the staff who greeted us warmly when we arrived and ensured that we had a nice table.
The restaurant is bright, cheerful and charming; it is decorated with cool tiled walls, and numerous ornaments related to fishing and the sea.
It is famed for its seafood, which is selected and prepared fresh every day.
The restaurant has a smoking and non smoking section, as well as a private function room for larger parties.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of freshly caught local seafood, as well as steak and chicken.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and the staff spoke English to varying degrees. They also offered to help us with our three or four words of Spanish.
We were made to feel very welcome. Indeed when it came time for the cointreaus, at the end of meal, we were poured two rather magnificent measures (enough to swim a goldfish in!).
When we left we were offered warm and hearty handshakes by the staff and a friendly adios!.
Food
I have to confess that I am not that fond of fish, so I stuck to the meat dishes; and started with a cannelloni.
This was rather good, unlike the Italian version it contained no tomatoes but instead was very meaty and was smothered in an unctuous bechamel sauce. I was more than happy with this as a starter.
Eva decided to save herself for her main course which was a paella. This was a simple (by British Spanish restaurant standards) dish, containing langoustines, clams and squid served in a bed of rice which had been cooked in a dark fish stock (squid I would say). Note were you order this dish in the UK, it would be stuffed with all manner of seafood, peas and peppers.
That being said, less is more; the dish was well balanced and not overpowering, and the fish were very fresh. Eva was happy with the "simple" version.
I had an entrecote steak for my main course. This was a good thick cut of meat, rich, thick and with just the right amount of fat to add flavour. The steak was cooked just right, and was very tender. It was served with french fries and a grilled tomato.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Torres Vina Sol and two very large cointreaus, came to 52Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A superb restaurant, which we most certainly will visit again when we return to Barcelona.
Paco Alcalde
Almirall Aixada 12
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 221 50 26
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Paco Alcalde, a charming fish restaurant (famed for its fresh seafood) situated near the seafront in the old fishing port.
Ambience
Paco Alcalde was established in 1921, and is still owned and run by the founding family.
It was located just off the seafront in one of the narrow streets of the old fishing village of Barcelona. In case you are worried about walking past it by mistake, don't be! Standing outside, day and night, is one on the staff who greeted us warmly when we arrived and ensured that we had a nice table.
The restaurant is bright, cheerful and charming; it is decorated with cool tiled walls, and numerous ornaments related to fishing and the sea.
It is famed for its seafood, which is selected and prepared fresh every day.
The restaurant has a smoking and non smoking section, as well as a private function room for larger parties.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of freshly caught local seafood, as well as steak and chicken.
Service
The service was very friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and the staff spoke English to varying degrees. They also offered to help us with our three or four words of Spanish.
We were made to feel very welcome. Indeed when it came time for the cointreaus, at the end of meal, we were poured two rather magnificent measures (enough to swim a goldfish in!).
When we left we were offered warm and hearty handshakes by the staff and a friendly adios!.
Food
I have to confess that I am not that fond of fish, so I stuck to the meat dishes; and started with a cannelloni.
This was rather good, unlike the Italian version it contained no tomatoes but instead was very meaty and was smothered in an unctuous bechamel sauce. I was more than happy with this as a starter.
Eva decided to save herself for her main course which was a paella. This was a simple (by British Spanish restaurant standards) dish, containing langoustines, clams and squid served in a bed of rice which had been cooked in a dark fish stock (squid I would say). Note were you order this dish in the UK, it would be stuffed with all manner of seafood, peas and peppers.
That being said, less is more; the dish was well balanced and not overpowering, and the fish were very fresh. Eva was happy with the "simple" version.
I had an entrecote steak for my main course. This was a good thick cut of meat, rich, thick and with just the right amount of fat to add flavour. The steak was cooked just right, and was very tender. It was served with french fries and a grilled tomato.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Torres Vina Sol and two very large cointreaus, came to 52Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A superb restaurant, which we most certainly will visit again when we return to Barcelona.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Scary Stats
Scary Stats
The British public's demand demand for ready meals grew by 70% between 1994 and 2004, we now eat more than £900M of ready meals each year.
Pathetic!
It is hardly surprising that we are morphing into obese lumps of fat.
The British public's demand demand for ready meals grew by 70% between 1994 and 2004, we now eat more than £900M of ready meals each year.
Pathetic!
It is hardly surprising that we are morphing into obese lumps of fat.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Taj Mahal Wins Tiffin Cup
Taj Mahal Wins Tiffin Cup
Taj Mahal, an Indian restaurant established in Pembrokeshire nearly three decades ago, has won the inaugural Tiffin Cup.
Over 40 South Asian restaurants in the UK had been nominated for the contest by their local MPs, before being whittled down to a shortlist of 14 for the final showdown at the House of Commons last night.
The Tiffin Cup was launched by British MPs Keith Vaz, Michael Fabricant and John Barrett in recognition of the contribution of South Asian restaurants to British cuisine and to raise money for charity.
Jack Straw, leader of the House of Commons, was Chief Guest.
Birmingham's 'Royal Al Faisal', specialising in Kashmiri cuisine, came second while 'B Raj Tandoori' Fraserburgh in Scotland finished third.
The entries were judged by celebrity chefs and presenters; Lloyd Grossman and Ainsley Harriott, event management expert Teji Singh, Bollywood actor Saeed Jaffrey and Nina Wadia from the television show 'Goodness Gracious Me'.
A raffle organised on the occasion raised over 1,500 for two charities, the Roko Cancer Appeal and TB Alert.
I wonder if they had read that the Taj Mahl was shut for 5 days in 2004, as a result of a rat infestation?
Taj Mahal, an Indian restaurant established in Pembrokeshire nearly three decades ago, has won the inaugural Tiffin Cup.
Over 40 South Asian restaurants in the UK had been nominated for the contest by their local MPs, before being whittled down to a shortlist of 14 for the final showdown at the House of Commons last night.
The Tiffin Cup was launched by British MPs Keith Vaz, Michael Fabricant and John Barrett in recognition of the contribution of South Asian restaurants to British cuisine and to raise money for charity.
Jack Straw, leader of the House of Commons, was Chief Guest.
Birmingham's 'Royal Al Faisal', specialising in Kashmiri cuisine, came second while 'B Raj Tandoori' Fraserburgh in Scotland finished third.
The entries were judged by celebrity chefs and presenters; Lloyd Grossman and Ainsley Harriott, event management expert Teji Singh, Bollywood actor Saeed Jaffrey and Nina Wadia from the television show 'Goodness Gracious Me'.
A raffle organised on the occasion raised over 1,500 for two charities, the Roko Cancer Appeal and TB Alert.
I wonder if they had read that the Taj Mahl was shut for 5 days in 2004, as a result of a rat infestation?
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The Tiffin Cup
The Tiffin Cup
Chefs from 14 curry houses in the UK will travel to Parliament on the 16th of May to compete in a "cook off" for the inaugural Tiffin Cup, which celebrates south Asian cuisine.
MPs Michael Fabricant, John Barrett and Keith Vaz launched the Tiffin Cup because of the "colourful contribution" south Asian restaurants make to the British food industry.
40 south Asian restaurants throughout the UK were nominated for the award by their local MPs. These were cut down to a shortlist of 14, and they will compete in a cook-in at the Commons on 16 May.
The judges include presenters Loyd Grossman, Ainsley Harriott and Nina Wadia from TV's Goodness Gracious Me.
The winning restaurant will get a year's supply of Cobra Beer, and the 2006 Tiffin Cup.
The competition will raise money for the Roko Cancer Appeal, which also fights tuberculosis in the UK and India.
Mr Vaz said:
"The UK's love affair with curry has come a long way. I am delighted to host the first Tiffin Cup grand final, which will feature 14 of the best south Asian restaurants Britain has to offer.
These restaurants raise a greater awareness and understanding of Britain's Asian communities.
I am sure this will be a fun-packed evening that will highlight how far south Asian cuisine has developed in this country, while also supporting two very worthy causes."
Chefs from 14 curry houses in the UK will travel to Parliament on the 16th of May to compete in a "cook off" for the inaugural Tiffin Cup, which celebrates south Asian cuisine.
MPs Michael Fabricant, John Barrett and Keith Vaz launched the Tiffin Cup because of the "colourful contribution" south Asian restaurants make to the British food industry.
40 south Asian restaurants throughout the UK were nominated for the award by their local MPs. These were cut down to a shortlist of 14, and they will compete in a cook-in at the Commons on 16 May.
The judges include presenters Loyd Grossman, Ainsley Harriott and Nina Wadia from TV's Goodness Gracious Me.
The winning restaurant will get a year's supply of Cobra Beer, and the 2006 Tiffin Cup.
The competition will raise money for the Roko Cancer Appeal, which also fights tuberculosis in the UK and India.
Mr Vaz said:
"The UK's love affair with curry has come a long way. I am delighted to host the first Tiffin Cup grand final, which will feature 14 of the best south Asian restaurants Britain has to offer.
These restaurants raise a greater awareness and understanding of Britain's Asian communities.
I am sure this will be a fun-packed evening that will highlight how far south Asian cuisine has developed in this country, while also supporting two very worthy causes."
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Tripe
Tripe
According to a recent survey carried out by Olive magazine, of British food preferences, the most hated food in Britain is Tripe (the lining of a cow's stomach).
The worst 5 were:
1 Tripe
2 Jellied eels
3 Deep fried Mars bar
4 Brawn
5 Black pudding
Yet ask another group of people and you will find that they love some, or all, of the above.
Taste is a very personal thing.
According to a recent survey carried out by Olive magazine, of British food preferences, the most hated food in Britain is Tripe (the lining of a cow's stomach).
The worst 5 were:
1 Tripe
2 Jellied eels
3 Deep fried Mars bar
4 Brawn
5 Black pudding
Yet ask another group of people and you will find that they love some, or all, of the above.
Taste is a very personal thing.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Vaz Urges Immigration Relaxation
Vaz Urges Immigration Relaxation
Keith Vaz, Labour MP for Leicester, has urged the government to relax the immigration system, so that cooks from India can obtain work permits to work in Indian restaurants in Britain.
Vaz told the House of Commons that Indian and Chinese restaurants in Leicester were facing a crisis due to shortage of cooks.
Vaz stated that the demand for cooks from India and China was increasing, since many of the founders of Indian and Chinese restaurants who opened their establishments in the 1960s were approaching retirement and their children had no interest in running them.
Vaz claims that Britain has the largest number of Indian restaurants outside of India, approximately 10,000. They serve some two million meals a week and the sector is worth over £3BN to the British economy.
Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, said that he did not agree but promised to monitor the system.
There is no reason to assume that chefs, of non Asian origin, cannot be trained to cook Asian meals.
Keith Vaz, Labour MP for Leicester, has urged the government to relax the immigration system, so that cooks from India can obtain work permits to work in Indian restaurants in Britain.
Vaz told the House of Commons that Indian and Chinese restaurants in Leicester were facing a crisis due to shortage of cooks.
Vaz stated that the demand for cooks from India and China was increasing, since many of the founders of Indian and Chinese restaurants who opened their establishments in the 1960s were approaching retirement and their children had no interest in running them.
Vaz claims that Britain has the largest number of Indian restaurants outside of India, approximately 10,000. They serve some two million meals a week and the sector is worth over £3BN to the British economy.
Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, said that he did not agree but promised to monitor the system.
There is no reason to assume that chefs, of non Asian origin, cannot be trained to cook Asian meals.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
British Beef Back in Europe
British Beef Back in Europe
British beef can finally return to Europe's shops and restaurants, after the 10 year ban imposed on it as a result of BSE.
EU food safety experts agreed yesterday to lift the export ban, that was imposed during the mad cow crisis.
British beef exports to the European Union were halted in 1996, as brain-wasting Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) spread across the country.
I regularly ate beef on the bone at that time, which I purchased "illegally" from a trusted butcher.
British beef can finally return to Europe's shops and restaurants, after the 10 year ban imposed on it as a result of BSE.
EU food safety experts agreed yesterday to lift the export ban, that was imposed during the mad cow crisis.
British beef exports to the European Union were halted in 1996, as brain-wasting Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) spread across the country.
I regularly ate beef on the bone at that time, which I purchased "illegally" from a trusted butcher.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Leicester Is Britain's Curry Capital
Leicester Is Britain's Curry Capital
Manchester has lost its self awarded title of Britain's curry capital.
Manchester's "curry mile", in Rusholme, has been usurped by Leicester. The Frequency of Overseas Dishes (FOOD) study has found that Leicester has the highest density of curry houses of all British cities, with at least two every square mile.
However, it is not the quantity but the quality that matters surely?
Manchester has lost its self awarded title of Britain's curry capital.
Manchester's "curry mile", in Rusholme, has been usurped by Leicester. The Frequency of Overseas Dishes (FOOD) study has found that Leicester has the highest density of curry houses of all British cities, with at least two every square mile.
However, it is not the quantity but the quality that matters surely?
Monday, February 20, 2006
BA's Shameful All Day Deli
BA's Shameful All Day Deli
I had the misfortune to fly by BA to Stockholm last week, and suffer the unpalatable and tasteless excuse for food that they insult their customers palates with.
BA is the national airline of Britain, yet in respect of its catering (performed by a third party company "Gate Gourmet", a title that most surely is a contradiction in terms) it more resembles British Rail's catering efforts of the seventies and eighties.
The in flight catering on the route consists of a boxed sandwich and some fruit in sugared water, this abomination in a box labours under the misnomer "all day deli".
Unlike many companies who have woken up to the idea that customers who are after all paying for the product deserve a choice, BA offered no choice on either the outward or inward bound flights that I took.
My outward bound "meal" was an egg mayonnaise sandwich.
This consisted of a small portion of chopped egg, a sad piece of lettuce and a hint of mayonnaise placed between two unbuttered pieces of brown bread.
The combination was bland, unpalatable and unsatisfying.
I fared no better on my return trip, again being offered no choice. This time my "meal" was a cheese and coleslaw soft roll.
I saw, nor tasted, any evidence of cheese.
Neither "meal" pack contained any salt or pepper to add life or luster to these culinary abominations.
I raised the issue as to lack of choice and poor quality with the very kind and service minded stewardess, she was very apologetic and said that the staff were embarrassed to serve them
She noted that they don't eat these "meals" themselves, and wished that someone would complain loudly enough to improve the situation. Indeed, she said that some of the food that they have served was in fact worse.
Let us hope that BA take note of this complaint this time. It is not the first time that I have had to chide them for their lamentable lack of culinary imagination or skill. They won the coveted "Worse Than Worthless Award" for their Ham and Cheese Bloomer in 2003.
I had the misfortune to fly by BA to Stockholm last week, and suffer the unpalatable and tasteless excuse for food that they insult their customers palates with.
BA is the national airline of Britain, yet in respect of its catering (performed by a third party company "Gate Gourmet", a title that most surely is a contradiction in terms) it more resembles British Rail's catering efforts of the seventies and eighties.
The in flight catering on the route consists of a boxed sandwich and some fruit in sugared water, this abomination in a box labours under the misnomer "all day deli".
Unlike many companies who have woken up to the idea that customers who are after all paying for the product deserve a choice, BA offered no choice on either the outward or inward bound flights that I took.
My outward bound "meal" was an egg mayonnaise sandwich.
This consisted of a small portion of chopped egg, a sad piece of lettuce and a hint of mayonnaise placed between two unbuttered pieces of brown bread.
The combination was bland, unpalatable and unsatisfying.
I fared no better on my return trip, again being offered no choice. This time my "meal" was a cheese and coleslaw soft roll.
I saw, nor tasted, any evidence of cheese.
Neither "meal" pack contained any salt or pepper to add life or luster to these culinary abominations.
I raised the issue as to lack of choice and poor quality with the very kind and service minded stewardess, she was very apologetic and said that the staff were embarrassed to serve them
She noted that they don't eat these "meals" themselves, and wished that someone would complain loudly enough to improve the situation. Indeed, she said that some of the food that they have served was in fact worse.
Let us hope that BA take note of this complaint this time. It is not the first time that I have had to chide them for their lamentable lack of culinary imagination or skill. They won the coveted "Worse Than Worthless Award" for their Ham and Cheese Bloomer in 2003.
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