The pain in my legs has slightly worsened, I am now intimidated by stairs. Many people have questioned me on my unusually long nails, the only way it hinders my life is punching. I can’t make a fist. I don’t go around punching things or people often but I don’t like that I can’t…you know?
Salads:
Thai spiced black eyed beans + squash
Kimchi rice
Cauliflower + cashew pesto pasta
Smokey sausage + chickpea
Soup: Indian spiced potato + tomato
Sandwich: Pulled lemon chicken, cheddar, Chilli relish, classic coleslaw + tomato
My computer let me down yesterday so I couldn’t post the menu, sorry my darlings. I was quite immobile over the Christmas break so I’ve started back at the gym. Jesus help me. I must of looked like a baby giraffe yesterday. My legs are suffering.
Salads:
Paprika roasted cauliflower + lentil
Sumac rice
Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta
Roast winter veg panzanella
Soup: Cauliflower · potato + turmeric
Missed me? Of course you did. I had this plan that if I opened the deli a couple weeks into the new year I would miss out on all the new year conversations. I was wrong. At least most my customers exclaim their ‘happy new years’ with a sarcastic edge.
Salads:
Mexican beans
Herbed rice
Mushroom ragu pasta
Soup: Smokey chickpea + tomato
Sandwich: Pastrami beef, Brie, Chilli relish + tomato
So this is Christmas. Nothing is wrapped, the house is a mess and no prep has been done for Christmas lunch. Perfect. Enjoy this festive period as much as you can. I’d say I love you all but some of you really get under my skin. Buon Natale Bitchez.
Salads:
Thai coconut curry
Mushroom ragu pasta
Mustard + maple potato salad
Sandwich: Cumberland sausage, Bacon, Cheddar cheese, Cranberry sauce + festive slaw
Good morning my lovelies. The shop is more of a hang out zone today and i’m sure it will be tomorrow as well. Still not feeling festive however I have already eaten an ungodly amount of food. My brain is slowly shutting down so excuse the relaxed atmosphere.
Salads:
Rosemary white beans
Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta
Pasta bake
Soup: Mild vegetable madras
I have to keep reminding myself it’s Christmas. I don’t know if it’s because i’m knee deep in work or because i’m aging but I have to force myself to get into the festive spirit. I swear if these gremlins don’t like my presents I will Krampus this Christmas to the ground.
Salads:
Moroccan spiced lentils
Sumac rice
Roast pepper pasta
Sandwich: Cumberland sausage, Provola cheese, Branston pickle + tomato
I’m in a slight panic. Usually i’m super proud of the thoughtfulness of my presents. This year it’s meh, i’m not a meh person, i’m the main event but time has got the better of me and I don’t know if i’ve done enough this year. I know my presence is the real gift but you can’t unwrap me!
Salads:
Paprika roasted squash + white bean
Leek + dill rice
Spinach + cashew pesto pasta
Soup: Carrot · orange + turmeric
Sandwich: Milano salame, Cheddar, Chili relish + tomato
It’s a lovely leisurely vibe in the deli this morning. Many have escaped to the countryside in fear that Boris might stop them from seeing mummy and daddy this year. Lucky for me my mother is in the kitchen and my father went to go get a pint of milk 2 years ago… I’m sure he’ll be back soon.
Salads:
Thai spiced curry with sweet potato
Edamame + crispy shallot rice
Med veg ragu pasta
Soup: Sweet potato + cumin
Sandwich: Chicken, bacon, brie, cranberry + red onion
400 hundred days. I wondered if after COVID I would stop these little intros but I find them slightly therapeutic to write in the morning and it’s fun to look back at the emotional rollercoaster that is this deli. Plus I say after COVID but I don’t think such a thing will ever exist but I will learn to live with it just like I did with my mother.
Salads:
coconut curry with autumn veg + chickpeas
Ginger + turmeric rice
Broccoli · tomato + pumpkin seed pasta
Sandwich: Chicken, bacon, swiss cheese, cranberry sauce + red onion
People think i’m a loud person. Unfortunately I’ve had to adopt a louder way of life because my Mother (for as much as she hates the stereotyping) is Italian. This means I have shout to be heard. I’m also surrounded by whirling fridges and a radio. Sorry for the high decibels.
Salads:
Mexican beans
Rainbow rice
Baked veggie pasta
Chorizo + squash fregola
Soup: Vegetable madras
The idea of some people coming to the deli to brighten their day warms my cockles. I also know that some people just want a sandwich and wish that I would shut up but I’m sorry Caroline that’s not going to happen.
Salads:
Beetroot goulash
Red pepper rice
Courgette · tomato + basil pasta
Panzanella
Soup: Indian spiced parsnip + potato
Sandwich: Fennel salame, Asiago cheese, Onion relish + tomato
I like my personal space. This morning it was invaded by an overly friendly customer. It’s amazing what can happen before 10am. While some are just waking up I’ve already heard about someone’s night of gallivanting, another’s morning of hard risings and a families traumatic Christmas tales. I need something stronger than coffee.
Salads:
Med veg lentils
Spinach + herb rice
Mushroom ragu pasta
Christmas bake
Soup: Tuscan tomato
I treated my body with respect this weekend. For the most part. I spent Sunday panicking in department stores questioning how there were so many items for sale and NOTHING for my mother. Nothing says I love you like channel soap and ray ban sunglasses.
Salads:
Turmeric + coconut curry with lentils
Edamame + crispy shallot rice
Chicken + chorizo ragu pasta
Brussel sprout cheesy bake
Soup: Broccoli · spinach + potato
Sandwich: Speck ham, Manchego cheese, Chilli relish + tomato
So many conversations take place in the deli through out the day and some of them really play on my mind. I’ve considered time and time again to put up CCTV so I can revisit some of my favourite moments when I’m feeling down in the dumps. That or sell them to whatever channel needs quality reality content.
Salads:
Five spice black eyed beans
Miso + pickled ginger rice
Roast squash ragu pasta
Korean BBQ pork noodles
Soup: cumin roasted sweet potato
Sandwich: Milano salami, Smoked mozzarella, chilli relish + tomato
I was having a swell time until I splashed a heavy amount of boiling ilk on my arm. I am now tingling, and not in a good way. Alas my responsibilities of the morning have been completed, Mother is seemingly happy so all I have to deal with is this burning sensation.
Salads:
Roast pepper + white bean stew
Lemon + rosemary rice
Cauliflower + cashew pesto pasta
Baked pasta
Soup: Tomato + chickpea with Mediterranean herbs
Sandwich: Chorizo, Pecorino, sun-dried tomato + fresh tomato
I’m going for dinner with my darling brother tonight. He’s my darling brother because I haven’t seen or heard from him in a while… so he hasn’t had the chance to annoy me. I’m sure after 5 minutes in his presence I’ll remember why time apart is good for us.
Salads:
Ginger + turmeric cauliflower + lentils
Peshwari Rice (Almonds, sultanas + coconut)
Mushroom ragu
Curried paneer + potato
Soup: Roast squash + rosemary
I needed that weekend. I think, because I haven’t got an advent calendar this year I’m not getting into the merry mood as I have done previous years. Sure, my snack at the moment is mince pies but that’s the only xmas spice I’ve wrapped my mouth round this year.
Salads:
Chilli non carne
Spinach + herb rice
Leek · black olive + tomato pasta
Polenta croutons with winter veg baked
Soup: Mild vegetable madras
Sandwich: Parma ham, fontina cheese, Spicy peach relish + tomato
You might wonder how I stay 100 all the time. It is a lie. Today for example. The weather is reflecting my mood it’s partially the cause I think. I can’t get my head out of this blue state of mind. Alas, after a few mince pies and some Sean Paul I should be right as…rain?
Salads:
Mung bean curry with winter roots
Lemon + ginger rice
Roast pepper + cashew pesto pasta
Soup: Lightly spices black bean + aubergine
I was woken up last night to the sound of the dog howling at the front door because someone was knocking. At 4am. They knocked again, so I contemplated grabbing my cricket bat and seeing who was calling at this ungodly hour. But no, I drifted into slumber.
Salads:
Black bean + sweet potato
Edamame + crispy shallot rice
Courgette · tomato + basil pasta
Teriyaki tofu noodles
Soup: Lightly spiced parsnip
Sandwich: Speck ham, Pecorino cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato
For newbies, entering the deli must be so confusing. There’s so much laughing and shouting (even at 8am). I know it’s not for everyone but my advice would be to just get into it. We’re thick skinned and well versed with all walks of life.
Salads:
Med veg lentils
Leek + dill rice
Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta
Pearl barley with a chorizo ragu
Soup: Chilli Tuscan tomato
Sandwich: Fennel salame, Asiago cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato