I meant to say impromptu dinner, importune has a VERY different meaning, spelling is important kids. I was querying one of my customers on the evolution of their child’s eating habits and he told me ‘She loves a cheddar sandwich, we tried her with Comte but she’s just not having it…too nutty’. How middle class. However it’s important to introduce your offspring to the complexities of food while they’re young in the hopes that they won’t be so picky when they’re older. On that, Bubula provided a lot to talk about, I will post my review later in the week.
Salads:
Peri peri cauliflower
Carrot + dill rice
Sausage + ham pasta (gnocchi)
Soup: Broccoli + tomato
Sandwich: Parma ham, Pecorino cheese, Chilli relish + tomato
In an effort to make Tuesday’s something to look forward to I have booked an importune dinner for us musketeers! Bubala. It’s all the rage in the restaurant world and i’m yet to sink my teeth in. I’m intrigued to see if they can elevate what is already a top tier cuisine, add in that it’s a vegetarian eatery and you got yourself a challenge. Mother is the perfect accomplice as she is no stranger to creating a veggie meal that satisfies the most carnivorous humans.
Salads:
Ginger + turmeric chickpea curry
Lemon + chilli rice
Courgette, tomato + basil pasta
Soup: Sweet potato + ginger
I had a busier weekend than usual. Saturday was devoted to DIY and dogs, my Sunday was traditionally English as I had a roast dinner! I know this is a regular affair so a lot of households but for me it’s a luxury. I was in a vortex of joy as I chowed down on my roast beef and customary sides. All in all i’d say it was a pretty perfect weekend.
Salads:
Roast squash + white bean
Spicy sumac rice
Roast vegetable ragu pasta
Soup: Cauliflower + potato
Sandwich: Cooked ham, Smoked mozzarella, Spicy peach relish + tomato
Spring is so close I can taste it! Friday has rolled around again and wile i’m a little stressed because the conclusion to the week is always hectic, i’m gassed for the weekend. Nothing major is set in place but I have a few tasks that i’ve been gagging to complete. My resolution was to try and avoid procrastination, we’re still on track.
Salads:
Sweet potato coconut curry
Korean chilli + miso rice
Sausage + ham pasta
Soup: Tuscan tomato
The saying goes ‘curiosity killed the cat’ but what do we take away from this? Do we shy away from the unknown? or do we go forth with trepidation? The latter is inevitable, it’s the quintessential homosapien trait. It is unnatural to stay put, both physically and mentally. You’re not inspired by the ones that go with the herd, you’re envious of the few that push the boat out and explore. You should ponder why the cat was so curious rather than berate the feline for their inquisitive ways.
Salads:
Mushroom cacciatore
Rainbow rice
Artichoke + almond pesto pasta
Soup: Vegetable madras
Sandwich: Garlic salami, Provola cheese, Chilli relish + tomato
I was very entertained yesterday when a customer came in with a fun game of ‘what mental health problem does that tube line have?’. She had previously heard me rant about being asked ‘how are you?’ 101 times a day. While I do appreciate the concern, the question does become tiresome. Especially when the answer is irrelevant to the task at hand, lunch. We had a dandy time analysing TFL and it’s neurodiversity, any opinions?
Salads:
Chickpea vegetable curry
Ginger + turmeric rice
Mushroom ragu pasta
Soup: Roast squash + lentil
Tedious tasks help the day slip away and I have quite a few to take on today. The slightly warmer weather is much appreciated, it gives me that extra bit of encouragement to live rather than just hibernate. The entertainment system has decided to stop working in my car which leaves me with my own thoughts as I sit in timeless London traffic. That doesn’t perturb me though, the voices can be delightful.
Salads:
Braised lentils
Lemon + dill rice
Tomato + basil pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced bean
I had a weekend that was neither here nor there. I did a few odd jobs around the house but now I want to do more and I have to be patient which isn’t my strong suit. My mind wonders on my given day so when I have unfinished tasks it usually sends me into a general absent state, there’s just so much to do and not enough time!
Salads:
Chilli non carne
Spinach + herb rice
Sausage + ham pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced red lentil
Sandwich: Milano salami, Fontina cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato
We dined at Shake Shuka yesterday and boy did we eat, food seemed to be forever arriving at the table. We ordered a selection of middle eastern classics and it was delicious. The interior was laid back, the servers were friendly and efficient, it was great food with no pretence, highly recommend. I’m still full, I really need to learn to exercise self control, I treat every meal as if it’s my last, it’s a problem.
Salads:
Tuscan beans
Lemon + parsley rice
Roast pepper + tomato pasta
Soup: White bean, tomato + rosemary
Sandwich: Parma ham, Chilli pecorino, Chilli relish + tomato
I’m having dinner with an old friend this evening that I haven’t seen or heard from in a year. It made me reflect on the year i’ve had and while i’ve been suffering from a bit or boredom recently it’s undeniable that the last year has definitely been entertaining. It’s made me feel more comfortable in my lull. I haven’t been out for dinner in a while too and we’re planning on going somewhere i’ve had on the list for a minute, I should start up my reviews again.
Salads:
Mexican beans
Sumac rice
Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced sweet potato
Yesterday turned out to be a perfectly lovely day, maybe in future I won’t shit on Tuesday’s as a whole, I’ll just take each one as it comes. We’re a little less busy at the start of the year so there’s more time for me to engage in conversation which isn’t great. Contrary to popular belief i’m more of an introvert. I think it comes from the PTSD of past interactions. I do have a filter but sometimes said filter gets a little corroded and I end up letting out sentences like ‘don’t worry your moustache doesn’t make you look like a nonce’ and while the deli crowd is liberal, I know the majority don’t want small talk about paedophilia with their sandwich.
Salads:
Peri peri cauliflower + split peas
Dill + spring onion rice
Mushroom ragu pasta
Soup: Sweet potato + ginger
It’s my least favourite day of the week and i’m feeling it. It’s days like this that i’m glad that I just have to worry about me, myself and I. All I have to do is knuckle down and get through the shift then my evenings are my own. I think one of the hardest parts about being a parent would be having to be present even when the work day comes to an end. To go home and still take on unwanted responsibility when all you want to do is stare at a wall and just be.
Salads:
Thai coconut curry + sweet potato
Ginger + lemongrass rice
Sausage + ham pasta
Soup: Squash, potato + rosemary
Sandwich: Cumberland sausage, Cheddar, Onion relish + tomato
Cold, freezing, bitter, chilly. Yes, it’s the same every year and yes the weather is a British obsession that I don’t care to talk about but my brain is that of a frosted windscreen this morning and I can think about nothing else. And to my iced coffee customers, you need help, this addiction needs some therapy, why do you need to be so cold?!
Salads:
Veggie curry
Rainbow rice
Cauliflower + cashew pesto pasta
Soup: Bean, tomato + rosemary
ah Valentines day, another bastardisation of a catholic legend, turned into a commercial field day where you’re reminded how loveless this life is or how underwhelming your partner is. I’m being mean, reality is i’m really feeling the love at the moment. Life isn’t feeling as bleak as the weather would let on. I’m surrounded by people that remind me everyday how loved I am, I won’t take that for granted. Much love my people xoxo
Salads:
Black lentil curry
Ginger + turmeric rice
Spring green pasta
Soup: Paprika spiced bean + beetroot
Today we will be welcoming a new dog into la famiglia. My Brother couldn’t resist any longer, it’s time to add another furry specimen to the roster and I can’t wait to be an aunt. Humans are complex and tedious, no surprise I much prefer the company of a canine, the more the merrier! Don’t worry Moose, you’ll always be my number one, you really are the best boy.
Salads:
Med veg lentils
Roast pepper + spinach rice
Pasta bake
Soup: Indian spiced potato, tomato + spinach
I don’t know what was said in yesterdays board meeting with all my personalities but my mind went haywire. It was like a dog with the zoomies but in my head, I was a shell when I got home. I’ve got plenty work to keep me busy today so I shouldn’t have the time to spiral. We will check in again tomorrow.
Salads:
Beetroot goulash
Spinach + herb rice
Roast pepper + tomato pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced bean + veg
I forgot to press send on the menu yesterday, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was effected by this great tragedy. It’s a week of errands and I need to make a list because my body keeps getting chills thinking I forgot something. It was so cold yesterday my body nearly convinced my mind to go into hibernation, the mind is very powerful like that. Unfortunately my mind spends most the day in board meetings with all my personalities which leaves me quite vacant in the face. Bear with.
Salads:
Black bean + aubergine
Ginger + tofu rice
Sausage + ham pasta
Soup: Roast squash + sweet potato
Sandwich: Parma ham, Manchego, Jalapeno relish + tomato
The weekend has left me feeling fabulous. I had a proper reset day yesterday, no frills just peace. I tried to watch the Superbowl yesterday but I just couldn’t stomach it. If you compare it to rugby it’s honestly trash. The constant advertisements, the countless stops and the bravado of the players. It’s so American. As sports go, I don’t respect the craft, sorry not sorry.
Salads:
Braised chickpea + squash
Lemon + herb rice
Almond + artichoke pesto pasta
Soup: Tuscan tomato
I'm feeling a little tired this morning but I know some shenanigan is gonna walk through the door and zip me up so i'll be on top form when you end up dragging yourself here. I've been working on a getting a little more shut eye, I heard it's good for you. Some people are hellbent on getting their 8 hours but I don’t see the point, I still won’t want to leave my lair when I rise from slumber and snacks taste better under the moonlight.
Salads:
Med veg split peas
Spinach + herb rice
Breadcrumb dumplings with sausage + ham ragu
Soup: Braised bean + tomato
Sandwich: Spicy salami, Gorgonzola, Onion relish + tomato
My midweek moan was pacified with a couple of unexpected gifts that really warmed my cockles. It’s nice to feel appreciated. I hope the weather stays dry. I think I need a good dose of greenery to perk up my spirits. For once i’m not referring to God’s great green plant, I will settle for a bit of land densely populated with some trees and general foliage. The bleak mid winter is really bleaking.
Salads:
Mushroom cacciatore
Rainbow rice
Roast pepper, fennel + olive pasta
Soup: Thai spiced veg