Differences in food & drink culture in the UK compared to abroad

[aquapiranha]

{Moved from the 'Entry level cable group test - AOS event 31-10-2009' thread in The Artist's palette}

Glad to hear it. Never been 'into' wine, I only really like whiskey. And Absinthe of course, which explains a lot - poor memory for example, just ask Hamish.

[Spectral Morn]

Glad to hear it. Never been 'into' wine, I only really like whiskey. And Absinthe of course, which explains a lot - poor memory for example, just ask Hamish.


And there lies the path to ruin.....;) Been there and got out....:lol::lol::lol:


Regards D S D L

[Marco]

It's interesting to note the difference between British and, say, Italian culture in that respect. I love wine and don't particularly care much for spirits (I can take them or leave them) :)

Italians grow up with red wine at a very early age (I first tasted it when I was 4 years old); it is present at every meal, and it would be almost inconceivable that any meal eaten at the table with your family would not be accompanied by some red wine (nothing fancy, just ordinary 'table wine'). Therefore, for me, it has been an integral part of my life, and so I have developed a taste for it over many years.

In Britain, wine is still considered, in the main, (although things have changed significantly in recent years), as a 'luxury' or something to have on a special occasion. I know that we drink wine far more often nowadays in the UK, but nowhere near to the same extent as, say, the Italians or French.

But then we (Italians) always cook proper home-made food (which compliments wine), sit for our meals at the table, and spend considerable time there relaxing, talking, and enjoying food and wine with our families. It is not uncommon for meal times to last for a few hours, as we consider it of great importance; i.e. we live to eat, not eat to live, as appears to be the case in the UK. Food is far more than just 'fuel'!

Here in this country, for the majority of people, it's a quick shove of something in the microwave, and then it’s eaten on a tray whilst watching TV. Everyone has such little time and is always in a rush (I could go into this in much more detail but that's for sometime else on another thread). I know that we all have busy lives, but in my opinion too much time is spent doing things which are far less important than sitting at the table eating and enjoying a proper meal, and spending some quality time with your family in the process. I feel that some people's priorities should be re-evaluated.

Also, in Italy, the attitude to alcohol is very different to what it is here. We (Italians) see it as something to enjoy with our meal (I only occasionally drink wine or beer without food), whereas (in general) in the UK, it's seen as something to get pissed with and consume to excess...

Perhaps this topic deserves a separate thread of its own? It’s a subject I’m very passionate about and have many views on.

Marco.

[Macca]

Marco -

Intersting points - I think the 'meal as ritual' used to be commonplace in this country throughout all the social classes but like many rituals that seem to serve no definite purpose it is gradually dying out or has died out for a lot of people now. The problem in this country is that if we cannot see the immediate point of something then people want to get rid of it - IMHO getting rid of tradition and ritual is the worst possible thing that can happen to a society - it is the intangible benefits that are of the greatest importance. (See also 'why we should keep the monarchy').

Regards

[StanleyB]

Since so few people now cast their vote, maybe we should abolish elections and just get the government to appoint unelected members of parliament aka Peter Mandelson. It works in banana republics.

[aquapiranha]

And there lies the path to ruin.....;) Been there and got out....:lol::lol::lol:


Regards D S D L

Indeed! though in my defence I rarely touch it nowadays, and consider it a bit of a treat.

:)

[Barry]

Hi Marco,

In general I would agree with you over the lamentable attitude of the British to food, cooking and eating. To comment on some specific points you make:


It's interesting to note the difference between British and, say, Italian culture in that respect. I love wine and don't particularly care much for spirits (I can take them or leave them) Yes we know - Bourbon indeed!


Italians grow up with red wine at a very early age (I first tasted it when I was 4 years old); it is present at every meal, and it would be almost inconceivable that any meal eaten at the table with your family would not be accompanied by some red wine (nothing fancy, just ordinary 'table wine'). Therefore, for me, it has been an integral part of my life, and so I have developed a taste for it over many years.

It is a shame that we aren't exposed early enough to wine, or rather watered down wine, as the French do for their children. (To be pedantic, it is actually illegal to give alcohol to any child younger than five; legistation introduced to stop careless mothers giving 'gripe water' to babies to stop them grisling.)

We usually have wine with the main meal - not always: I prefer a bottle of lager with curries and spicy food. And lest I come across as a wine snob, the wine we drink is usually a modest Californian 'table wine'; the wines that I mention in the 'Wine and Real Ale' thread are specials, usually enjoyed only at a weekend.


But then we (Italians) always cook proper home-made food (which compliments wine), sit for our meals at the table, and spend considerable time there relaxing, talking, and enjoying food and wine with our families. It is not uncommon for meal times to last for a few hours, as we consider it of great importance; i.e. we live to eat, not eat to live, as appears to be the case in the UK. Food is far more than just 'fuel'!

This is the nub of the problem. The British attitude is "we have to eat to live, so let's get it over without fuss or care". The Continental attitude is "we have to eat to live, so let's celebrate the activity and enjoy the occasion". Unfortuately modern life styles make it impossible for most people to spend several hours over a meal.


Here in this country, for the majority of people, it's a quick shove of something in the microwave, and then it’s eaten on a tray whilst watching TV. Everyone has such little time and is always in a rush (I could go into this in much more detail but that's for sometime else on another thread). I know that we all have busy lives, but in my opinion too much time is spent doing things which are far less important than sitting at the table eating and enjoying a proper meal, and spending some quality time with your family in the process. I feel that some people's priorities should be re-evaluated.

First, you are fortunate Marco in that you have managed to be self employed and semi-retired, so that you do have the time to cook (or help with the cooking) and take a leisurely pace over meals. No criticism - it is how it should be done, however in most families both partners have to work a full day and after working an eight hour day plus commuting, have neither the time nor inclination to do more than 'zap' a couple of 'ready meals' in the microwave. This is the way British society has developed since my parent's generation.

A great shame, because if people had more time and energy to cook their own meals, they would not only be tastier, better for them (the amount of salt used in 'ready meals' and food processing in general is unbelievable) but would be cheaper as well. To do this requires time to shop every day, visit farm shops, farmer's markets etc. as the ingredients ought to be as fresh as possible. However they would be better for it and have money spare for a bottle of wine.


(I could go into this in much more detail but that's for sometime else on another thread).

No you can't; you've at least one report to write!

Cheers

[Marco]

Hi Barry,


It is a shame that we aren't exposed early enough to wine, or rather watered down wine, as the French do for their children.


I should've stated of course that the wine I was given by my parents when I was four years old was indeed watered down. However, when I was a little older I used to moan rather loudly when water was added! :eyebrows:


And lest I come across as a wine snob, the wine we drink is usually a modest Californian 'table wine'; the wines that I mention in the 'Wine and Real Ale' thread are specials, usually enjoyed only at a weekend.


Indeed, and the same applies to us, although increasingly I find it harder to drink the 'table wine' sold here, when my palate has been 'spoiled' with the better stuff! I can taste the extra chemicals and additives in it and the often sharp, bitter, taste this gives. Conversely, I have no problem drinking the majority of table wine in Italy or France, served in places where I would eat, as it is usually locally produced (normally inexpensive) and direct from the vineyard, therefore free from chemicals and additives.

It's all about demand, selling produce quickly at its freshest, and consuming it when it's at its best.


Unfortuately modern life styles make it impossible for most people to spend several hours over a meal.


I understand and appreciate this, but I don't necessarily agree. Obviously there are many variables to consider. My view is that if something is genuinely important to you then you'll find time to do it.

It's a bit like people who put off visiting a friend or relative because they're 'too busy', when in reality they can't be arsed or would rather spend their time doing something else. It's more about (arguably wrong) priorities (for a variety of reasons) than lack of time, in my view.


First, you are fortunate Marco in that you have managed to be self employed and semi-retired, so that you do have the time to cook (or help with the cooking) and take a leisurely pace over meals.


Indeed. I am fortunate, but trust me, the lifestyle I'm now able to enjoy didn't just land on my plate. I had to work bloody hard for it! ;)

Fortunately I had the sense to realise early on that enjoyment of life in your later years is largely governed by what you do (or don't) when you're younger, and the decisions and choices you make then.

It's very important I feel to plan for the future as soon as you possibly can, when you're in a position to do something about it. It became obvious to me quite early that a state (or even private) pension would not support the type of lifestyle I like by the time I was still young enough to enjoy it, therefore I decided to create my own 'pension fund', accumulated through entrepreneurial success in business and investments, and was fortunate enough to achieve it.

I keep things ticking over though, and for the moment still continue to work, but the important thing for me is that I can choose when to do so or not. I believe in the concept of work-life balance; something that in the UK I feel in general we've got all wrong...


No criticism - it is how it should be done, however in most families both partners have to work a full day and after working an eight hour day plus commuting, have neither the time nor inclination to do more than 'zap' a couple of 'ready meals' in the microwave. This is the way British society has developed since my parent's generation.


Yes I agree, but why is that the case, I wonder? Is it perhaps partly because we've grown to value material possessions far more than is necessary or healthy, often getting into massive debt in the process, and so have to work ludicrously long hours in order to fund a standard of lifestyle we can't really afford?

The sad fact is the majority of people these days live way beyond their means and it's causing serious problems. The old saying of 'cutting your coat according to your cloth', I feel, here is most apt. Returning to and embracing such old-fashioned values would definitely help.

And are we also pampering and spoiling our kids too much and giving them unrealistic expectations in life when they eventually have to fend for themselves?

I definitely think so, and I could say a lot more about this!!


A great shame, because if people had more time and energy to cook their own meals, they would not only be tastier, better for them (the amount of salt used in 'ready meals' and food processing in general is unbelievable) but would be cheaper as well.


I completely agree. It's a total fallacy that good, healthy food has to be expensive. It's simply a matter of education. You can make a massive pot of nutritious home-made soup for pennies, or a rice-based or pasta meal, and even a stew using 'unpopular' cheap cuts of meat, which are actually often tastier than the expensive ones.

However, people need to be taught to appreciate fresh ingredients and to cook at an early age, as it's no longer something handed down from previous generations - and encouraged to continue doing it. Our whole eating culture and attitude to food must be changed at ground roots level in order to make any kind of a real difference. Sadly, people like Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall are only scratching the surface.


To do this requires time to shop every day, visit farm shops, farmer's markets etc. as the ingredients ought to be as fresh as possible.


Ideally, yes, but that's not totally necessary. Often very good produce can be found in supermarkets; however people often bypass it heading for the processed ready meal section under the misconception that it's cheaper! It's a combination of laziness and simple lack of knowledge.


However they would be better for it and have money spare for a bottle of wine.


Too right - and also money spare for far more important things, too!

After I've written the MAD cable report tomorrow I'll move these posts to a separate thread in Abstract Chat. We can then get down to the nitty-gritty of this emotive and (sometimes) thorny subject... :cool:

Marco.

[Barry]

Without wishing to distract you from the Report, I'll just clarify a couple of points:


Quote:
To do this requires time to shop every day, visit farm shops, farmer's markets etc. as the ingredients ought to be as fresh as possible.

Ideally, yes, but that's not totally necessary. Often very good produce can be found in supermarkets; however people often bypass it heading for the processed ready meal section under the misconception that it's cheaper! It's a combination of laziness and simple lack of knowledge.

What I was trying to say was that shopping at traditional greengrocers and buying say root vegetables with the dirt still on them, is cheaper than buying the bags of pre-prepared washed spuds in the supermarket. I am neither impressed with the raw cuts of meat available in supermarkets. I much prefer to use my local butcher. It's cheaper too, not only for raw meat but for sausages and bacon as well. Also his Wiltshire ham is often better and cheaper than can be found in supermarkets.

If people found a little more time for cooking then it could be more economical without sacrificing taste. Andre mentioned somewhere the use he makes of a slow cooker. I used to use one of these when I was a research student. By slow cooking you can use cheap cuts of meat, yet end up with delicious stews and casseroles. But you have to spend time preparing and sometimes part cooking the ingredients. This has to be done in the morning for the evening meal - no doubt something which commuting workers have no time for. Again a shame.

We do live in a material world with a lot of peer pressure, maintained by agressive and insidious marketing and a credit culture. It takes a lot to be on one's guard against all that and resist!

Gripe over.

Regards

[Marco]

You make some good points again, Barry. I will add further comment, but I promise not until after I've finished the MAD cable report tomorrow! :)

Marco.

[Rare Bird]

Andre mentioned somewhere the use he makes of a slow cooker.

Hi Barry
Yes the slow cooker is a god sent for us two.As i don't really have time (But do have time to post shit on AOS throughout the day) ;) to cook between monday-Thursday, i find the slow cooker the perfect thing,i can prepare all the veg & meat in a morning stick it on before i totter off to work for the wife to switch it off then when she gets in, it's all done that way. You can cook virtually anything in a slow cooker & it good for you.

I'm far from the bill of health intake wise as i do have bad habbits like boozing for Englnd & the odd takeaway, but i always ensure my main meals are healthy & made with fresh ingredients.

No way on earth do i have 2 hours to spend talking shit at the dinner table nor do i want to.My attitude is you eat to live not live to eat, i'm not bothered about food & it's quite honestly a bore eating,the quicker i get the nose bag on & finished the better..I find the time taken to prepare the food is quite enough time spent.

:)

[Barry]

Hi Andre,


No way on earth do I have 2 hours to spend talking shit at the dinner table nor do I want to. My attitude is you eat to live not live to eat, I'm not bothered about food & it's quite honestly a bore eating,the quicker I get the nose bag on & finished the better..I find the time taken to prepare the food is quite enough time spent.

Oh dear, well at least you are being honest in stating that you have the typical British attitude to food. I know someone who regards eating as simply 'refueling'. :mental:

You don't want to talk 'shit' at the meal table, but like to talk 'shit' here on AoS. Are we a more receptive audience? ;)

Regards

[Rare Bird]

:nocomment:

[Rare Bird]

Joking aside i honestly don't see the attraction in making a song & dance regarding eating a meal!

[Marco]

:nocomment:


I think you've misunderstood the tongue-in-cheek nature of Barry's post ;)

Marco.

P.S Barry, I haven't forgotten about the cable report. It's on my 'things to do' list!

[Barry]

Joking aside, I honestly don't see the attraction in making a song & dance regarding eating a meal!

It's not so much about making a 'song and dance', more about maximising the enjoyment. But I think we are going to have to agree to disagree on this matter!

Cheers

[Rare Bird]

No worries Barry i have visions of you playing footsie under the table while feeding the other half strawberries & cream in a very over romantic manner

;)

[Marco]

Joking aside i honestly don't see the attraction in making a song & dance regarding eating a meal!


Andre, it's not a question of making a "song and dance"; it's about appreciating good food and spending quality time with your family in the process. This type of social interaction at one time used to occur around the dinner table in many UK households, not just in places like France and Italy. It's certainly how I grew up.

Nowadays people hardly say 'boo' to one another, and kids are often either glued to the TV or a computer. No wonder we're raising a generation of social misfits who can barely communicate with people on a real level. That's not always the case, of course, but it often is. Just try having a decent conversation with an average teenager these days.

People can also be just as passionate about food & wine as they are, for example, about music or hi-fi - I know that I am :)

I can tell you that it's not uncommon in Italy, for example, for men in pubs to swap recipes for their pasta sauce or discuss where the best Porcini mushrooms can be found locally to put in risotto!

Marco.

P.S I've just seen your last reply to Barry - love it! :lol:

[Barry]

No worries Barry I have visions of you playing footsie under the table while feeding the other half strawberries & cream in a very over romantic manner

;)

Is this discussion going to lead on to the consumption of Asparagus, Oysters or Figs? :eyebrows:

Regards

[The Grand Wazoo]

I'm on the social interaction side of things here.
I was brought up in a house where the table was the centre of the household. It was where you knew you could be sure that everyone would be, at fixed(ish) times of the day. It was where the family became a family, rather than a group of individuals who bumped into each other every now & then.

Nowadays, my daughter would be mortified if we told her to go & eat her evening meal in front of the TV!

[Marco]

It was where the family became a family, rather than a group of individuals who bumped into each other every now & then.



Hear, hear Chris! :clap:

That's precisely what's missing nowadays in many households, and what I alluded to earlier with kids often being unceremoniously dumped in front of the TV or their computers by parents to 'keep them quiet'. I suspect that most have no idea of the lasting damage this does to their development.

As a teenager (and even earlier) I used to enjoy sitting together with my parents at the table enjoying our meal, listening to them 'putting the world to rights', and offering my views on a whole variety of subjects.

It partly made me the confident, articulate, outspoken, and educated person that I am today, and which to a degree I also was then.

It's no coincidence, I feel, that the near death of this form of family social interaction has coincided with many kids nowadays growing up as introverted characters, lacking in confidence and self-esteem.

There are of course many reasons for this but it certainly doesn't help that in general families are not spending as much quality time together as they did before when life was less pressurised, and as a result kids aren't developing their social/people skills as much from an early age.

Marco.

[The Grand Wazoo]

I used to enjoy sitting together with my parents at the table enjoying our meal, listening to them 'putting the world to rights', and offering my views on a whole variety of subjects.

The table was where I learnt about politics, religion, sex, history, food, alcohol (though, this is a subject I'm still researching), and at a very young age this was also where I discovered the fine art of balancing an upended bowl of ice-cream on my head!

I've never eaten a ready meal in my own home & chopping veg is one of the most satisfying 'chores' ever invented by man.

I can confirm that the above is men's work because, at 7:35 tonight, while we were making the evening meal, my wife tried to remove her finger with a very sharp knife! She missed the cabbage & went for the fleshy bit. I had to take her to A&E after administering a bit of first aid - we knew things were bad because there was blood on the ceiling (really!) & on a just-ironed shirt on the other side of the room behind her. Blood everywhere!

Still, when we got home later, finished cooking & sat down to eat, the gravy was great!!!

[Marco]

Still, when we got home later, finished cooking & sat down to eat, the gravy was great!!!


Maybe because that bit of 'sausage' you seen was actually a finger!

Cannibalism is rife, chez-Chris... I hope there are no veggies in your house :eek:

Marco.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Well, actually, my wife is!!!!!
Black pudding for me tomorrow, though!

[Rare Bird]

Hear, hear Chris! :clap:

That's precisely what's missing nowadays in many households, and what I alluded to earlier with kids often being unceremoniously dumped in front of the TV or their computers by parents to 'keep them quiet'. I suspect that most have no idea of the lasting damage this does to their development.

As a teenager (and even earlier) I used to enjoy sitting together with my parents at the table enjoying our meal, listening to them 'putting the world to rights', and offering my views on a whole variety of subjects.

It partly made me the confident, articulate, outspoken, and educated person that I am today, and which to a degree I also was then.

It's no coincidence, I feel, that the near death of this form of family social interaction has coincided with many kids nowadays growing up as introverted characters, lacking in confidence and self-esteem.

There are of course many reasons for this but it certainly doesn't help that in general families are not spending as much quality time together as they did before when life was less pressurised, and as a result kids aren't developing their social/people skills as much from an early age.

Marco.

Reality Check

I think you ought to have kids & realise it not an easy life as you think where you can sit down at a dinner table at a set time for two hours.I was married with two kids at 17 & we both had full time jobs.You try preparing healthy meals day in day out for the kids & tend for their ever needs whilst trying to be a family & hold two jobs down.It's very hard especially at a young age they/i was, eveyone knows kids want to get to the table eat the meal & buzz off.. they do, thats what young kids do.

So i've not adopted the typical British meal attitude to meal times at all i've just gotten so used to it when the kids lived with me, i just automatically do the meal & off thing now. Some households only have the father work hence the wife can stay in all day, take the kids to school, cook, clean up & make sure your foods on the table at a set time but that to me isnt the real hard working life now is it.

I'm suspecting those who havent replied to this topic also agree with me.

[Marco]

Hi Andre,

Good points :)


You try preparing healthy meals day in day out for the kids & tend for their ever needs whilst trying to be a family & hold two jobs down.It's very hard especially at a young age they i was, eveyone knows kids want to get to the table eat the meal & buzz off.. they do, thats what young kids do.


Well, my parents managed it, and trust me, they worked all the hours under the sun running two fish & chip shop businesses. I certainly didn't eat my meal and buzz off when I was a kid - I was there to the death, savouring the lovely nosh my mum had made (who is and was a superb cook) and having a chat about this and that. I guess it depends on how you were brought up and what you were used to.

It was always a standing joke between my mates and me that when we were out playing footie and they were called in for their dinner, they were in and out in 15 mins, whereas I was away for ages!! If was a different story though whenever they were invited in for some home-made lasagne or roast chicken! :eyebrows:

I'm just relating exactly how it was at home when I was a kid/teenager, as are Barry and Chris, and saying that people now could benefit from adopting some old-fashioned values.

I think it's a very valid point. What was it like at home when you were young?

We're all entitled to our opinions :cool:

Marco.

[Alex_UK]

To a point I agree Andre - in the week, it is never going to happen for us, we just don't have the time before bed - but we do try and make an effort at the weekends, always having family meals at the table, even though my little one is 14 months old, I think it is important we don't do TV dinners, (at least not that she witnesses!) Of course at the moment she's "strapped in" so she can only grizzle if she "wants out" - but she also has her own little table and chairs where she sits for a snack, good as gold, bless her.

Time will tell, of course! I certainly intend to introduce her to watered down wine at a young(ish) age as I think that takes away the "forbidden" aspect of it and de-mystifies alcohol, and hopefully she will respect it.

BTW, I'm a definite "live to eat not eat to live" (as my ample girth will testify!) so maybe that influences how I want the family meals to be? :confused:

[Rare Bird]

Hi Andre,

Good points :)



Well, my parents managed it, and trust me, they worked all the hours under the sun running two fish & chip shop businesses. And I certainly didn't eat my meal and buzz off when I was a kid - I was there to the death, savouring the lovely nosh my mum had made (who is and was a superb cook) and having a chat about this and that.


Well they must have been superparents then cos it's not possible.As Alex points out there is just no time to do it till weekend.Same here.. the Wife works days, i work afternoon so we never eat together within the week.The weekend is where we both catch up with what we can't do in the week & this is without the kids, go out & eventually eat & drink together.It really is easy to say 'well go gett more realistic jobs', really is easier said than done..

You can't really judge people & tell them how to & how not to run their lives, cos you just can't possibly know what kind a life, routine or commitment people have.Being self employed can be a teriffic thing & does give you time to fit things into the everyday routine but can also be a nightmare, i know i've been there.I also understand that food can be a terrific thing & some people have gone on to making a career out of it but i really do no see the importance in it all i really don't.Yes i like good meals on holiday, everyone does but a week enough of rich food & wining/dining for me.

On a slightly different note:i feel this topic may be showing what it was intended for!!

Humans are weird little creatures, they have introduced little things into lives over the years where they render them more important than life itself, food, hi-fi, cars, fashion, holidays, lavish lifestyles! This is where the dreaded classes come into play & this is where i get cross about it all, every one is exactly the same, no one is better than others, everyone gets the same chance in life, you should never look down on anyone because they don't eat in flash restraunts or can't afford to! Yes people do work extremely hard to get where they are, plenty money & good living but they should keep it to themselves it's their good forutne not to be used against the less fortunate.

If posting flash wine names & vintages on a board continuously is a sign of impressing & showing people they are better than others or preaching this is how you are suppose to live forget it, it doesnt work on me for starters all i just do is laugh to be honest, same with hi-fi if i see someone bragging about some flashy hi-fi again i just laugh,why shouldnt i ? i see myself as a down to earth guy with no hairs or graces, i for one wont put up with a snooty bragging git who thinks he's better than anyone else....

Thats my view anyway..

Now this would be a much better topic if were about the differences between each countries cuisine alone.

[Marco]

Andre,

Without going into your post in too much detail (as I'm in the middle of having my lunch ;)):


If posting flash wine names & vintages on a board continuously is a sign of impressing & showing people they are better than others or preaching this is how you are suppose to live forget it, it doesnt work on me for starters all i just do is laugh to be honest, same with hi-fi if i see someone bragging about some flashy hi-fi again i just laugh,why shouldnt i ? i see myself as a down to earth guy with no hairs or graces, i for one wont put up with a snooty bragging git who thinks he's better than anyone else....


I'm afraid you've got completely the wrong impression of people here. I could say more, but I won't.

I'm not interested in 'impressing' people, nor looking down on anyone, as I'm sure others here aren't. I'm just being honest. If like-minded people who share a mutual interest can't talk about it openly, and be themselves, without your rather rude and ignorant remarks being made, then it's a sad day... :(


Well they must have been superparents then cos it's not possible.


So are you saying I'm a liar? I'm simply telling you as it was! You're coming across as someone with a chip on their shoulder, mate, and it's not doing you any favours.

Marco.

[Rare Bird]

I'm not interested in 'impressing' people, nor looking down on anyone, as I'm sure others here aren't. I'm just being honest. If like-minded people who share a mutual interest can't talk about it openly, and be themselves, without your rather rude and ignorant remarks being made



Not rude nor ignorant i'm also simply telling you as see it! I'm not calling you a liar just stating you maybe had superparents..

;)

[Marco]

Ok (very good!), but in future please don't refer to people as "snooty bragging gits" just because they may have different opinions and/or values to you.

Cheers!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll get back to my home-made cannelloni and a glass of Chianti! :lol:

Marco.

[Rare Bird]

Ok keep your hair on

:lol:

[Marco]

Hahaha... :lolsign:

Marco.

[The Grand Wazoo]

We've always managed to provide meals cooked from fresh food every day, despite both of us working - sometimes long and/or difficult hours when I was living on the job. Admittedly, we haven't always spent 2 hrs over a meal but I would never class myself as anything approaching a 'super-parent'

[Marco]

Just to make it clear, I should add I'm not advocating that families spend two hours eating every night at the dinner table either; merely that they spend some time eating together there (and preferably that the food is more often than not fresh and home-cooked)! ;)

The two-hour thing (or more) was in reference to what sometimes happened when I was younger, mainly abroad in Italy, where meals (especially celebratory ones during weddings and Christenings) could sometimes go on forever, and where amazing food and wine were never-ending..... Those, for me, are very fond memories.

I too never had "superparents"; they just did what they had to do.

Marco.

[REM]

Black pudding for me tomorrow, though!

Hi Chris, hope it's THIS STUFF (http://www.blackpuddingsbury.co.uk/), top puddin' reet champion tackle.

Cheers

[The Grand Wazoo]

Well, it might have to be boughten stuff, cos I couldn't gather enough to feed a family of three from Mrs Wazoo's injuries!

You wouldn't believe it but she cut herself again this morning!

[Themis]

I would like to add some thoughts :

Spending time in aperitif/eating/digestif is a perfect way of exchanging views, gossiping, talking politics, philosophizing about anything important/unimportant, joking, understanding others... Put simply, it is a good way of doing what makes us -human beings- evolve and build a better future : thinking, communicating and perfecting our view of the surrounding world.

But, before that, we need to prepare a perfect scenery for this exchange : a satisfactory meal and drinks seems a good basis to start with. You don't need anything very special, as it's your will of wanting to prepare the best basis for this exchange which will be ultimately visible. It's your enthusiasm of job well done, not the meal itself.

But, of course, every community has its own codes, and, for countries spending less time at meals, there has to be another exchange scheme. They are all equal, I suppose.

[Marco]

Spending time in aperitif/eating/digestif is a perfect way of exchanging views, gossiping, talking politics, philosophizing about anything important/unimportant, joking, understanding others... Put simply, it is a good way of doing what makes us -human beings- evolve and build a better future : thinking, communicating and perfecting our view of the surrounding world.


That's quality, Dimitri, and I am in complete agreement. I must say that I really like how your mind works and your philosophical view of the world :)

Marco.

[Alex_UK]

And, whilst we're having a bit of a "love in" - let's not forget Dimitri is Greek, living in France - and his English is better than most English!

[Marco]

Damn right! I'm fluent in Italian, and have reasonable French, but Dimitri's English is amongst the best I've read from a non-native person - and it's getting better all the time since he's been here...

I presume that he's been reading lots of Hamish's posts! :lolsign:

Marco.

P.S Only kidding, Hamish - you knows I luvs ya!

[Themis]

You guys are too kind... :o

[Barry]

I think this thread has more or less worked itself out. However I have just spotted a comment from Andre:


If posting flash wine names & vintages on a board continuously is a sign of impressing & showing people they are better than others or preaching this is how you are suppose to live forget it, it doesnt work on me for starters all I just do is laugh to be honest, same with hi-fi if I see someone bragging about some flashy hi-fi again I just laugh,why shouldnt I ? I see myself as a down to earth guy with no hairs or graces, I for one wont put up with a snooty bragging git who thinks he's better than anyone else....

If this is directed at me, then you have misunderstood both me and the intention of the thread: 'Wine and Real Ale Recommendations'. I make no apology for my postings there; I mentioned in my first introductory post that wine was one of my interests along with photography, travel as well as music and its reproduction. Since there is already a thread for recommended alcoholic beverages, I see no reason why I should not post there. You don't have to read the posts or pay any attention to them, any more than you need pay any attention to the 'Spinning Today .. ' postings.

Anyway going to have to stop now to enjoy a chicken casserole I put together. Cost about £8 and will feed the two of us for two days (casseroles always taste better when reheated). Oh, and we shall be drinking a 2006 'Château Castegens La Croix' Bordeaux with it.

Regards

PS. I shall be posting some more wine recommendations later. You don't have to read them.

[Joe]

(casseroles always taste better when reheated).

Have you verified this through blind tastings?

[Mike]

Have you verified this through blind tastings?

I have!
Well... blind drunk tasting, anyway! :lolsign:

[Mike]

Damn right! I'm fluent in Italian, and have reasonable French,

Shame yea cannat manage playne eenglish though, innit! :lol::ner:

[Themis]

In Corsica they say "Inglish" (see link address) : http://taxi-minibus.fr/index-inglish.htm

[Marco]

Shame yea cannat manage playne eenglish though, innit! :lol::ner:

Aye, uh furgoat aboot Glasga slang... That makes me trilingual! :lolsign:

Marco.