Floss's Ramblings

FAMILY MEMORIES

Returning home for a weekend in the countryside we uncovered a treasure trove of old photos.  It was hilarious to trawl through decades (how terrifying that I can talk in decades) of memories, birthdays, holidays, christenings, first days of school and milestones.  We found pictures of the solar eclipse, the millennium, Mum’s 40th with strippers in tow, Dad with dark hair and Mum with ginge the revelations were endless.  

It just goes to show how important photos are and furthermore how essential it is to print them out and store them, whether in a collage or photo album or in pride position in its own frame.  

Note to self: ‘Take more photos’ :-)

The Secret Food Urchins Larder Club

I have often picked up fag-ends about these guerrilla-restaurants or pop-up dining rooms and have always been desperate to go but never knew how or where to find the elusive foodie havens.  It seems that London’s inner circle of foodie elites operate in a secret circle of chinese whispers.  Only those who know where to look and know who to ask are allowed into the whereabouts of these secret pop-up restaurants.  

Since arriving in London, we have on a number of occasions, discovered one or two exciting little foodie surprises which have been the subjects of a few of previous posts (Pitt Cue & Meat Liquor).  My new job has also helped me remove my social media training wheels and propel me into the full breadth and depth of its capabilities. 

Anyway one evening I was, as usual, trawling though the twittersphere looking for nothing in particular, as usual. I stumbled upon a summon for help from food writers James Ramesden and food blogger Food Urchin and  I immediately acquiesced confirming my ubiquitous availability - to which an equally quick tweet pinged back telling me where and when to show up later that week.  Ummmm… that was unbelievably easy I thought.  (Slight momentary panic and ridiculously paranoid unfounded fear of being lured into something sordid)

On Thursday evening I arrived at James’s flat in North London at the appropriate time.  Let myself in through the front door into one of the most beautiful flats I have ever been in.  A large bookshelf occupied the far wall adorned with shelf upon shelf of art books and cook books. Tea lights flickered in the low light from every surface.  I french antique birdcage hung centrally from the large beams traversing the high ceiling.  Small bouquets of white tulips decorated the mismatching tables; honestly the attention to detail was stunning.

Beer in hand I was sent to work welcoming guests, taking their coats and wine. It felt like I was a guest at a strangers dinner party everyone was so friendly and eager to engage, ask questions, tell stories and get involved.  The buzz in the room was lively and excited.  As the guests were seated, Peter and I passed around ‘entre nous’ starters of pizzettes topped with various goodies and tempura artichoke hearts.  Through the grace of the gods, the first batch were less than perfect and we were allowed to eat them.  Needless to say they were even more delicious than they looked!  Main course swiftly appeared of Bollito Misto a traditional Italian dish of boiled meats on a bed of lentils with a salsa verde.     The meat was exquisitely tender and flavoursome complimented beautifully with the tang from the salsa.  Pudding of rhubarb zabaglione was the great finale a treat of Prosecco, egg whites and sugar against the sharpness of the rhubarb.  What an experience, what a lovely evening.  I felt like I made some great friends, I had a phenomenal night and it wasn’t nearly as exclusive and daunting as I’d once thought, its a case of right place at the right time, something I definitely intend on repeating.

Somerset House.

Frontline: A Year of Journalism & Conflict

God this was interesting!  I went with a friend Jasper Hunter to see this exhibition. It documented, through photographs and videos, the main news stories of 2011; the Egyptian revolution, Syria, the Libyan conflict and the UK riots.