View Full Version : OK, What's For Lunch or Tea Today?
Fantastic looking chops Marco, nice caramelisation but...
https://www.healthylivingdirect.com/media/catalog/product/cache/304ce9c17c01d0a2ddd08360963e6821/2/5/25425_-_crucial_mint_sauce_n.jpg
(Probably tasted great without).
Lol, cheers, Royster... That's *SO* funny though, as Del had made some mint sauce, with fresh mint from the garden, which I used (and yes it complimented the lamb beautifully), but it missed being pictured. I put it on last and couldn't be arsed taking another pic, as I wanted to eat!:D
Marco.
Lol, cheers, Royster... That's *SO* funny though, as Del had made some mint sauce, with fresh mint from the garden, which I used (and yes it complimented the lamb beautifully), but it missed being pictured. I put it on last and couldn't be arsed taking another pic, as I wanted to eat!:D
Marco.
Will let you off then :D
I had a very poor takeaway curry (made the fatal error of using one other than my 'usual'). Sheek kebab starter was ok but the lamb dopiaza was bordering on bland and the meat was poor quality. Should have just slung the chip fryer on.
Yup, golden rule with takeaways is stick to what you know, as the results are so variable, unless you have very good reason to try somewhere new (great reviews, recommendation from a trusted friend, etc).
Granty, what do you think of the soupy I had and chop-ettes? I see you're up!:D
Marco.
Yup, golden rule with takeaways is stick to what you know, as the results are so variable, unless you have very good reason to try somewhere new (great reviews, recommendation from a trusted friend, etc).
Granty, what do you think of the soupy I had and chop-ettes? I see you're up!:D
Marco.
soup looks good.. a bit like a ministrone... spuds and green beans look great too.
Yeah, I know what you mean about the minestrone, although it tasted totally different. Not into the chops then, as I see they didn't get a mention?:eyebrows:
Marco.
Yeah, I know what you mean about the minestrone, although it tasted totally different. Not into the chops then, as I see they didn't get a mention?:eyebrows:
Marco.
yeah, chops look good.. never enough meat on chops for me and too much work too.. you end up using more clories than you take in lol. im a lazy eater i guess.
Lol, I get that, but those ones were like lollipops! So you just grab hold of the bone and sook the meat off:D
Seriously... Almost zero effort required. Del had seared them on the BBQ on a really high heat/flame, to give them that lovely chargrilled flavour, and they cook underneath really quickly, leaving the meat really soft and succulent:)
Marco.
Lol, I get that, but those ones were like lollipops! So you just grab hold of the bone and sook the meat off:D
Seriously... Almost zero effort required. Del had seared them on the BBQ on a really high heat/flame, to give them that lovely chargrilled flavour, and they cook underneath really quickly, leaving the meat really soft and succulent:)
Marco.
you do get nice flavour as its next to bone i agree. i can taste those roastie right now lol
you do get nice flavour as its next to bone i agree. i can taste those roastie right now lol
Lol - they were nice, too. It was a lovely evening last night, so after we'd finished eating, we just sat and chatted/had a laugh and polished off two bottles of vino!:D
Seriously though, I wonder how many married couples these days spend quality time together, enjoying such simple pleasures, as opposed to running around like headless chickens or largely living separate lives? It's a sobering thought. No wonder so many are unhappy or stressed to buggery!:doh:
Marco.
Lol - they were nice, too. It was a lovely evening last night, so after we'd finished eating, we just sat and chatted/had a laugh and polished off two bottles of vino!:D
Seriously though, I wonder how many married couples these days spend quality time together, enjoying such simple pleasures, as opposed to running around like headless chickens or largely living separate lives? It's a sobering thought. No wonder so many are unhappy or stressed to buggery!:doh:
Marco.
oh yes ;), a partay eh... naughty marco:ner:
Lol - who said anything about a party?:D
Del did get a little tipsy, though;)
Marco.
Lol - who said anything about a party?:D
Del did get a little tipsy, though;)
Marco.
lol, i bet she did...:D she likes getting tipsy tho so alls well that ends well. hope she didnt go off to work with a hangover
Lol - as you know she's a good girl, so wouldn't do that:eyebrows:
She even polished her shoes this morning, rather than leaving them for me to do!:eek:
Marco.
Lol - as you know she's a good girl, so wouldn't do that:eyebrows:
She even polished her shoes this morning, rather than leaving them for me to do!:eek:
Marco.
bravo... but shouldnt you have done that?:ner: actually i like cleaning shoes.
.............
She even polished her shoes this morning, rather than leaving them for me to do!:eek:
Marco.
:eek: Thirty four years together and I can't remember Fliss ever cleaning any shoes (mind you, I quite like giving leather a bit of a buff :))
bravo... but shouldnt you have done that?:ner: actually i like cleaning shoes.
Lol... Aye, along with tidying her princess room, hoovering, doing the dishes, sorting the cats out and cleaning the house? Yes, I usually do, as she normally just hands me her shoes before skipping off into the shower, with a little smile, which of course means 'get them ready to wear when I need them!' Lol.
I think because they were her favourite court shoes, she wanted to do it herself. Certainly can't fault her for dressing smartly for work.
In any case, I can't really complain. For a girly-girl, she's not afraid of mucking in when necessary or getting her hands dirty, but of course still prefers being served and treated like a princess!
Marco.
:eek: Thirty four years together and I can't remember Fliss ever cleaning any shoes (mind you, I quite like giving leather a bit of a buff :))
Lol - she's got you trained, too:D
Buffing leather, eh? Guy the buffmeister, lol. Well I don't mind doing that with Del's black hot pants, but only when she's wearing them!:stalks:;)
Marco.
No-one eating anything today?:)
Marco.
All just sitting around thinking of buffing leather :D
Lol... Did what I said earlier plant an image in your head?;)
Marco.
No-one eating anything today?:)
Marco.
Just had a banana [emoji4]
Lol... Did what I said earlier plant an image in your head?;)
Marco.
Funnily enough; yes - has to be good quality Nappa though :lol:
Just had a banana [emoji4]
That just opens up a whole new train of thought :)
No-one eating anything today?:)
Marco.
been out all afternoon looking at cars.. ive ordered fish n chips to be delivered lol
been out all afternoon looking at cars.. ive ordered fish n chips to be delivered lol
I recently discovered a really good chippie here in Worthing that delivers. The food in the care home is very good, home cooked and a great variety, no pre packed ready meals here but occasionally I just fancy something else. I must start photographing the food here, I think it will surprise how good it is.
Must be fastest delivery ever. Under 10 mins. Hell the shop is 10 mins away.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210906/e7d059924f2dbf24cfe65430e04a84b4.jpg
I recently discovered a really good chippie here in Worthing that delivers. The food in the care home is very good, home cooked and a great variety, no pre packed ready meals here but occasionally I just fancy something else. I must start photographing the food here, I think it will surprise how good it is.
indeed, do so ian. this supper is nice
That just opens up a whole new train of thought :)
Ok, next time she's eating a banana, wearing her (quality) leather hot pants, I'll send you a pic!:D
Need to get Granty's permission first though, as her unky, and he's strict...;)
Marco.
been out all afternoon looking at cars.. ive ordered fish n chips to be delivered lol
Just make sure it's the one that lights up pink inside, for the princess, as she's already set her heart on going for a ride in it, and to fondle your furry dice:eyebrows:
Marco.
Just make sure it's the one that lights up pink inside, for the princess, as she's already set her heart on going for a ride in it, and to fondle your furry dice:eyebrows:
Marco.
that was the 2008.. i couldn't get in it easily enough alas, but the 3008 was plenty big.. not sure if it does pink tho alas.
Did you miss this, daftee:
Ok, next time she's eating a banana, wearing her (quality) leather hot pants, I'll send you a pic!:D
Need to get Granty's permission first though, as her unky, and he's strict...;)
:)
Marco.
Ok, next time she's eating a banana, wearing her (quality) leather hot pants, I'll send you a pic!:D
Need to get Granty's permission first though, as her unky, and he's strict...;)
Marco.
permission refused:ner:
Hard luck, Guy, told you he was strict!:lol:
Anyway, she's just walked in the door from work, so it's all stations go... Kettle on, thankfully no bottle needed today 'cos it's warm, Gilbert down for a cuddle, and foot rub at the ready!:D
Marco.
Must be fastest delivery ever. Under 10 mins. Hell the shop is 10 mins away.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210906/e7d059924f2dbf24cfe65430e04a84b4.jpg
Does your chippy do deliveries, then? None round here do...
Fish looks pretty good. Is it haddock?:)
Don't think much of the chips, though (a bit dried up). Yours or Roy's look far better! If it were me, I'd be ordering a single fish and making the chips myself.
Marco.
yeah there are a few who deliver.. its was ok. not the best ive had but fine; haddock
Haddock makes all the difference for me, and a much better fish supper. It's thinner than cod, so not as stodgy/filling to eat, and because it's not as 'fleshy', promotes a crispier batter - for me all win-wins:)
Sadly though, down here you've got about as much chance of finding Lord Lucan riding Shergar, than a chippy that sells haddock!:doh:
Those chips look like reheats to me though, not cooked fresh, or were made with the wrong potatoes. When we get fish & chips, we only use places where everything is freshly cooked to order, with nothing left hanging around. You have to wait a little bit, but it's worth it.
Marco.
Sadly though, down here you've got about as much chance of finding Lord Lucan riding Shergar, than a chippy that sells haddock!:doh:
.
My local chippys do Haddock and as you say far better than cod.
yeah chips were i think reheated. not much tho. fish was good but batter wasnt particularly crispy; maybe due to steam in transit.
I was too tired after driving and sitting in cars etc
Is “Rock Eel” a thing anywhere else other than Suffolk? Norfolk has Rock Salmon, which is dogfish I think, but it’s not the same, as both are on some Suffolk menus. Rock Eel must be a, ahem, eel, as it has a single large bone (spine) through the middle but not much else bone wise. Missus loves it, but I had never heard of it until I came to Suffolk. I’m more of a saveloy or jumbo sausage man myself. :eyebrows: Or maybe a Pukka pie, and anything from the chippy has to come with mushy peas...
My local chippys do Haddock and as you say far better than cod.
Nice one, Roy, and lucky you. I like cod for other things, but not for frying in batter as part of a 'fish supper', as we call it in Scotland. Haddock or whiting, IMO, is far better suited to the task:)
Marco.
yeah chips were i think reheated. not much tho...
Lol - that's a bit like saying 'I was shot, but not too badly!':D Point is, reheats, IMO, are totally unacceptable in any chippy that purports to be good, or cares about its reputation!
Marco.
I’m more of a saveloy or jumbo sausage man myself. :eyebrows:
Sadly evidence from 'trusted sources' suggests otherwise;)
Marco.
Is “Rock Eel” a thing anywhere else other than Suffolk? Norfolk has Rock Salmon, which is dogfish I think, but it’s not the same, as both are on some Suffolk menus. Rock Eel must be a, ahem, eel, as it has a single large bone (spine) through the middle but not much else bone wise. ...
Yes, I like a bit of rock to, nice and meaty and doesn’t taste like fish.
rmcin626
06-09-2021, 18:46
This is our local , not the nearest but the best, you can order online , or use their app , they also delivery, or just turn up but everything is cooked fresh.
https://www.mammafranca.co.uk/
Looks pretty decent, Robin. Is it actually owned by Italians or just kid on Italian to sound good?:)
Marco.
This is where I had my best fish supper ever (other than the stuff my dad used to serve in his chip shops when I was a kid):
https://theweechippyanstruther.co.uk/takeaway/
Far better than the famous award-winning one, which is always rammed with tourists!;)
Marco.
rmcin626
06-09-2021, 18:57
Looks pretty decent, Robin. Is it actually owned by Italians or just kid on Italian to sound good?:)
Marco.
to be honest not sure, they took over the place just before the first lockdown. Many years ago it was run by an Italian called Marco , who later married a girl who was in my class at school, but its had a couple of owners since then.
THere are plenty of others around some of which are run by Italians but they are not as good, much the same as some of the local cafes.
to be honest not sure, they took over the place just before the first lockdown. Many years ago it was run by an Italian called Marco, who later married a girl who was in my class at school, but its had a couple of owners since then.
THere are plenty of others around some of which are run by Italians but they are not as good, much the same as some of the local cafes.
Not guilty, lol:D
It doesn't need to be Italian to be any good, with cafes or chippies. It's all down to how much the owner cares about the quality of product they're serving to their customers, and how much having a good rep means to them.
My dad was 'old school', and a total perfectionist. He got his fish fresh every day, from the market in Glasgow, and everything was cooked fresh while you waited. He even closed on a Monday because there was no fresh fish over the weekend, as the fishermen didn't go out, so didn't want to serve his customers frozen fish. And NOTHING was ever reheated!:doh:
He made his own batter, from an old family recipe, which was superb, and even after the machine had cut the chips, his assistant and him (a family friend) used to go through them all by hand and cut out any with 'eyes' or that didn't look anything less than perfect. He even made his own vinegar, which was delicious and unique!
That, and because he was friendly and liked a bit of banter with his customers, was the reason why there were queues going round the block every Friday and Saturday night, and people would travel for miles to go to his shop - even football supporters buses would take a detour to go there, taking fans home after the game - all because he CARED about giving his customers the best.
I wonder how many chip shops these days could say the same? It's probably partly where I get my perfectionist attitude towards food from!;)
Marco.
Some boiled pots I cut in half and air fried with a bit of beer battered cod. Bit of ketchup too.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/9e2c8595bf1865764c019ea69b5dc24e.jpg
Today's dinner, homemade lasagna with garlic bread and mixed veg followed by homemade banoffee pie.
https://i.postimg.cc/nhmFJ7bW/fi.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/SRj4tYfD/f1a.jpg
looks great. maybe i should move in :)
It's really good food Grant, perhaps not the tidiest plates but I want to eat not stare at it lol
It's really good food Grant, perhaps not the tidiest plates but I want to eat not stare at it lol
yup, food is for enjoying the taste, and it looks fine to me.
Roast pork by ‘er indoors
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/30cb1e12410c528a84f3a1c86de56b74.jpg
Roast pork by ‘er indoors
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/30cb1e12410c528a84f3a1c86de56b74.jpg
looks great too roy.. sure youre plate is full enough mate, i see the odd bit of white :ner:
Some great looking dinners, Roy’s roast especially... and Ian’s for a catering dinner.
Inspired by a post a while back from Barry I realised I had‘t had Ratatouille in about 20 years! I’ve made it a few times, cheated tonight by using tinned tomatoes but it was still lovely.
Berni Inn style garnished roast citrus and smoked paprika salmon, garlic and lemon prawns. Yum!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/2bfce4d7f22f7ef1e8aee520b7c06d3a.jpg
Tonight at Berni Suffolk we had griddled tuna steaks with spicy potato wedge “crabs” and minted mushy peas.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210908/5a387be79141da1b4bed5e86a315db86.jpg
Followed up with a trip to the vets as puppy started foaming at the mouth, but I can’t blame my cooking, something he picked up in the garden...
Oh no, hope puppy is ok. Is he staying at the vets overnight?
Oh no, hope puppy is ok. Is he staying at the vets overnight?
Thanks Guy. They gave him an injection to make him sick, but couldn’t really identify what it was that was affecting him. We brought him home with some charcoal medicine just in case but he seems to be fine, a bit grumpy at first (as anyone would be!) and it will now be much closer supervision in the garden - even closer once we see what the vet bill is I would imagine!
Thanks Guy. They gave him an injection to make him sick, but couldn’t really identify what it was that was affecting him. We brought him home with some charcoal medicine just in case but he seems to be fine, a bit grumpy at first (as anyone would be!) and it will now be much closer supervision in the garden - even closer once we see what the vet bill is I would imagine!
I really hope all is ok with pup, they worry us so much when they are ill.
Thanks Ian, Syd is back to his mischievous self, so all good.
Thanks Ian, Syd is back to his mischievous self, so all good.
:cool:
mad-moon
10-09-2021, 01:11
Al's new toy...it's amazing what can be done with this thing...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51441908374_885647086d_c.jpg
Lawrence001
10-09-2021, 05:53
Al's new toy...it's amazing what can be done with this thing...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51441908374_885647086d_c.jpgIs that a fancy chip fryer Alan?
mad-moon
10-09-2021, 09:29
Is that a fancy chip fryer Alan?
yes
rmcin626
10-09-2021, 10:27
Al's new toy...it's amazing what can be done with this thing...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51441908374_885647086d_c.jpg
Have been looking at one of these ourselves, more about what else it can do, as we don’t eat that many chips.
ive got the round ninja.. original and had it for must be a year and half.. superb thing. pressure cooking is super, but can saute, slow, airfry etc... i use it most days.
rmcin626
10-09-2021, 10:50
ive got the round ninja.. original and had it for must be a year and half.. superb thing. pressure cooking is super, but can saute, slow, airfry etc... i use it most days.
That might be a better choice, as the twin drawer seems a bit limited in uses.
they are often on offer on amazon on their sale days. often one in november, which is when i got mine 2 yrs ago in nov. saved 50/60 quid
mad-moon
10-09-2021, 11:00
Have been looking at one of these ourselves, more about what else it can do, as we don’t eat that many chips.
Have a read up online about the foodi air fryers..There are a couple of bigger machines again than the one I've just bought...which also have a pressure cooker facility..I nearly went for the pressure cooker type, but I've got a pressure cooker and a three tier stainless steamer set, so went for the dual, little or no oil air fryer...or as one clever person expressed....a fancy chip fryer...but you can do anything from a rib eye steak to beef jerky, dried fruit and vegetables (it has a dehydrate function) or even cakes and muffins..of course, it can do chips too, baked potatoes, roast potatoes, stuffed peppers, chilli corn on the cob, fish, infact just about anything that is done in a conventional oven, but at a fraction of the time...you can even bake bread...the list goes on..
rmcin626
10-09-2021, 11:06
Have a read up online about the foodi air fryers..There are a couple of bigger machines again than the one I've just bought...which also have a pressure cooker facility..I nearly went for the pressure cooker type, but I've got a pressure cooker and a three tier stainless steamer set, so went for the dual, little or no oil air fryer...or as one clever person expressed....a fancy chip fryer...but you can do anything from a rib eye steak to beef jerky, dried fruit and vegetables (it has a dehydrate function) or even cakes and muffins..of course, it can do chips too, baked potatoes, roast potatoes, stuffed peppers, chilli corn on the cob, fish, infact just about anything that is done in a conventional oven, but at a fraction of the time...you can even bake bread...the list goes on..
Thanks for additional info, will investigate further
mad-moon
10-09-2021, 11:25
Done a very simple meal last night...It was just crinkle cut skin on chipped potatoes and a couple of Veggie Cheese and spring onion crisp bakes..this is clearly the simpler stuff, most people will buy this type of machine for and a double drawer will do lots of fries...The crinkle cut fries were soft moist and fluffy inside and had an exceptionally crisp exterior.. the crisp bake was piping hot...this simple extremely low fat meal was delicious for such a simple plate...the chipped potatoes were tossed in one tablespoon of oil, just barely covering the potatoes...I'll be using this now more so than the conventional oven, or the frying pans...cooking more fanciful meals..
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51442345271_b5ac39d25a_b.jpg
Cooking up a roasting beef joint. This doesn't have the extra fat added.
Doing it in the ninja of course.
Start of on sear with seasoned oil and ghee.
Then made up some stock and now under pressure for 75 mins.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210910/c05b7688a2f7c23790924604df55e5ab.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210910/400bd5fe6d0979b06deff0b27968df2b.jpg
mad-moon
10-09-2021, 13:16
caw..that looks the business....could you have taken away the pressure top...and then used it in the air fryer mode to crsip the fat up on the top of the joint??..should you have wanted to do so of course...
caw..that looks the business....could you have taken away the pressure top...and then used it in the air fryer mode to crsip the fat up on the top of the joint??..should you have wanted to do so of course...Yeah you could I guess.
I've removed it now. Strained juufes, and removed most of layer of fat. It's cooling in juices. I will slice it when cold and add some niceties into stock and vacuum seal the whole thing.
That will help it seep into meat nicely in fridge, and will keep for quite a while.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210910/991d692db8a07a12f22fd8aa4803e7db.jpg
We've got the "XL" round one after Grant's masterpieces inspired me after he got his - I often do a whole chicken on the pressure cook mode for 20 mins and then 12 mins on the air fryer to crisp up the skin - not tried beef but I think it would definitely brown it off.
Meat was lovely.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210910/3f07d1efd36d2eaae5c2c94099400192.jpg
mad-moon
10-09-2021, 23:15
Meat was lovely.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210910/3f07d1efd36d2eaae5c2c94099400192.jpg
Mmmmm roast beef and minted potatoes...you can see that the beef is falling to pieces....
Again I've been busy recently with other things, so not posted much here, but I'd just like to say thanks for the contributions of Ian and Alan. Good to see you guys posting pics of your food, as well as the regulars, so keep it up, and also Alex, for his Berni Inn specials!
Berni Inn style garnished roast citrus and smoked paprika salmon, garlic and lemon prawns. Yum!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210907/2bfce4d7f22f7ef1e8aee520b7c06d3a.jpg
Ya gots to love how those prawns have been arranged - Berni would be proud, lol!! Did you get a ruler out?:D;)
Anyway, keep the pics of the scran coming, folks, (good to see you cooking too, Granty), and I'll contribute something over the weekend:cool:
Marco.
Meat was lovely.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210910/3f07d1efd36d2eaae5c2c94099400192.jpg
No doubt, and it does look nice, but given this earlier:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210910/991d692db8a07a12f22fd8aa4803e7db.jpg
...what happened to all those lovely meat juices, packed full of flavour?:ner:;)
I'd have turned it into a gorgeous rich gravy, and poured it all over your lovely beef! So what happened - did you fire it down the sink?:D
Marco.
Sweet n sour chicken on sticky jasmine rice with extra lemon.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210911/d9e5ffd74f5d643bd02e663b76213dbf.jpg
Looks quite good. Did you make it yourself?;)
Oh, and read my previous post, daftee...
Marco.
No doubt, and it does look nice, but given this earlier:
...what happened to all those lovely meat juices, packed full of flavour?:ner:;)
I'd have turned it into a gorgeous rich gravy, and poured it all over your lovely beef! So what happened - did you fire it down the sink?:D
Marco.
it had fat skimmed off this morning. meat sliced and its all back in vacuum container. keeps much better and i will of course make gravy when time is right.
chicken was pre bought and coated etc. i did sauce and rice
Ah okies... No worries, you just do things differently from me.
I like having gravy with my roasts, as I don't like 'dry meat', no matter how tasty it is otherwise (intrinsically), so would always make a gravy with the meat juices, and pour that over the meat, even if it was only using some of them, then keeping the rest for later, as you've explained:)
I may be wrong mate, but you give the impression you're not that 'big' on gravies or sauces, as your meat dishes (although nicely cooked) always look on the 'dry' side - and when I say dry, I don't mean overcooked, just lacking in a sauce or a gravy. You're not alone in that btw, as Guy also comes into the same category, at least from what I've seen of his food so far.
So what gives - is that you prefer meat dishes without a sauce or gravy, or you're not that good at making sauces/gravies, or it's too much work/easier without or what? Just curious!
Well done on the sweet & sour, btw. That does look nice:cool:
Marco.
Ah okies... No worries, you just do things differently from me.
I like having gravy with my roasts, as I don't like 'dry meat', no matter how tasty it is otherwise (intrinsically), so would always make a gravy with the meat juices, and pour that over the meat, even if it was only using some of them, then keeping the rest for later, as you've explained:)
I may be wrong mate, but you give the impression you're not that 'big' on gravies or sauces, as your meat dishes (although nicely cooked) always look on the 'dry' side - and when I say dry, I don't mean overcooked, just lacking in a sauce or a gravy. You're not alone in that btw, as Guy also comes into the same category, at least from what I've seen of his food so far.
So what gives - is that you prefer meat dishes without a sauce or gravy, or you're not that good at making sauces/gravies, or it's too much work/easier without or what? Just curious!
Well done on the sweet & sour, btw. That does look nice:cool:
Marco.
i did pour a bit of juices onto the plate, its just thin so not too obvious. meat was very moist too. but if i had the juices de fatted i probably would have thickened a bit.. but there was a fair amount of fat in it.. it went hard overnight so easy to remove this morning
Lol, no worries, but you haven't really answered my question...
Marco.
Lol, no worries, but you haven't really answered my question...
Marco.
no i like gravy etc, but sometimes i dont bother. depends on what it is. quite like dry meat too
Lolz. okies... Do me a favour then, produce your next meat dish with a sauce or gravy on it, as so far I've seen much more evidence of you not bothering, than bothering!:ner::D
;)
I do suspect though, that this is a bit of a continental vs. British thing, as in our culture, you don't just plonk a dry bit of meat (steak, chicken, pork, lamb or whatever) down onto a plate, no matter how well cooked, without some sort of accompanying sauce or jus.
That would be considered as bland, and rather lazy cooking, unless the meat is chargrilled, as that process adds its own flavour. The use of fresh herbs in cooking is another thing I notice a distinct lack of on these pages, and which would be automatic for an Italian, Frenchman, or any other European. So folks, let's see some more fresh herbs!
Anyway, just making a wee observation, shweety, no offence, so as you were....:eyebrows:
Marco.
Same as other day for me
Waste not want not. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210911/dd43bcf2a5d4028186bf485f22d4e1a6.jpg
GRAVY...!!!:yay::yay::more:
:clapclapclap:
:D;)
Quite right - too good to waste!
Marco.
Well at Berni Suffolk on Thursday it was Italian night (spag bol) and last night it was curry night (chicken tikka) but I forgot to take any pictures... but as it’s Saturday, we pushed the boat out and went for the priciest on the menu - fillet steak accompanied by Parmentier potatoes, fine green beans, roasted tomatoes and cauliflower cheese. Lovely it was, cooked just to my liking, well done chef! :lol:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210911/752da45e2ed1ceab0af4b72729e5de3e.jpg
Nice... Did you decide to waive the blue-cheese sauce, to keep you trim and shexy?:D
Marco.
Nice... Did you decide to waive the blue-cheese sauce, to keep you trim and shexy?:D
Marco.
Yep, my folks over tomorrow for a BBQ, I’ll get my blue fix then. [emoji846]. To be fair, if it had been a sirloin, rump etc. I would have done a sauce, but usually “go in dry” “eyebrows” with a good fillet... [emoji846]
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Beef udon
Quite tasty.. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/140cade185050954176bccaa495402bd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/c1e281b49f20cbe29a9692192a9ed8d8.jpg
That looks ace, mate. Love Udon noodles. I'd happily eat that!:)
Marco.
Yep, my folks over tomorrow for a BBQ, I’ll get my blue fix then. [emoji846]. To be fair, if it had been a sirloin, rump etc. I would have done a sauce, but usually “go in dry” “eyebrows” with a good fillet... [emoji846]
Dive in dry, eh? You animal:eyebrows:
For me, as you'll see in a mo, "she's" usually wet....
Marco.
Yesterday's scran... 28-day matured, air-dried sirloin steak, from our local butcher, in a red wine sauce with field mushrooms, topped with vine tomatoes, and served with steamed green beans, with persillade (see here: https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1TdIrzJNNjNgdGDw4ipILSrOzMlJ TEkFAFtaB6g&q=persillade&rlz=1C1RFPM_enGB708GB709&oq=persilade&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46i10i433j0i10l7.12119j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) and pan-fried potatoes:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/7lSkOG.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/a1KUjS.jpg
When wet, it always slips down nicely...:D
Marco.
greens look nice, as does whole plate tbh..
Cheers, mate. It was great!
What are you having today?:)
Marco.
Cheers, mate. It was great!
What are you having today?:)
Marco.
a ready meal alas lol.. lasagne, but hoping it at least tastes a bit like one lol
Was quite nice actually.
Not like a homemade but one of best bought versionshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210913/87633e74cdda071749836bb6c3693770.jpg
Lol...Looks not bad:)
Marco.
Lol...Looks not bad:)
Marco.
i would consider it again. ive certainly tasted worse... was a good texture and moisture level
was a good texture and moisture level
Noice... I could could say the same about something else I 'licked' last night:eyebrows:
Marco.
Noice... I could could say the same about something else I 'licked' last night:eyebrows:
Marco.
on the ice cream again eh;) i want ice cream..now
Lol... You're telepathic! She 'took a notion' for a lolly last night at 9pm 'WANT a lolly!!' So had to go down to the shop to get her a Feast... Yes, I know, I'm too soft:doh:
Marco.
Steak looks lovely Marco, lovely and moist. :D
Chicken breast wrapped in smoked bacon
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51467757243_89c810d830_o.jpg
Beef udon
Quite tasty.. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/140cade185050954176bccaa495402bd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210912/c1e281b49f20cbe29a9692192a9ed8d8.jpg
Looks lovely Grant - I could eat that !
Yesterday's scran... 28-day matured, air-dried sirloin steak, from our local butcher, in a red wine sauce with field mushrooms, topped with vine tomatoes, and served with steamed green beans, with persillade (see here: https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tTP1TdIrzJNNjNgdGDw4ipILSrOzMlJ TEkFAFtaB6g&q=persillade&rlz=1C1RFPM_enGB708GB709&oq=persilade&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46i10i433j0i10l7.12119j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) and pan-fried potatoes:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/7lSkOG.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/a1KUjS.jpg
When wet, it always slips down nicely...:D
Marco.
Was the parsley laken from your garden?
Lol - interesting question, considering all the other things you could've said!:D
No, mate, it was from Lidl. Good quality, though.
Marco.
Spicy greens and reds..
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210914/b9fe9ddabe3c55482cbfd91426ced5a2.jpg
Meat was optional but I needed to use it up.
That greens and reds was terrifichttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210914/23fde1af6fc955b5b3d713d46e68ac4c.jpg
Works well mate, and bet was tasty:)
The 'greens and red' thing is similar to an Italian dish we make. Do you like peppers?
Marco.
Works well mate, and bet was tasty:)
The 'greens and red' thing is similar to an Italian dish we make. Do you like peppers?
Marco.
yeah it was the basis of an italian spicy beans and tomatos with garlic recipe.. i was going to put peppers and garlic etc in it but decided to try it this way first. i steamed the greens first
Cool, thought it might've been. If you like peppers then, you should try this, a Tuscan classic: https://ciaoflorentina.com/best-peperonata-recipe/
Absolutely gorgeous, trust me!:)
Marco.
yup i will give it a go.. on polenta or potatoes? or pasta?
Whatever you fancy, mate. It's normally eaten on its own with some crusty bread, but you could certainly add some pasta to it, or serve it with polenta or potatoes.
Marco.
Curry n chips
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210914/92f216e3598f140156bd702ed3e09172.jpg
...AND rice!:D
Noice...:peace:
Marco.
Steak Pie, mash and veg..
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210915/e3fba305fc6fde6069be570b9b3d90b8.jpg
My spicy penne.. Boy its warm lol
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210916/da07bdeff2f3dbefe62385aeaa9cc32a.jpg
Looks really nice, mate (so did the pie and mash, btw), but did you run out of Parmesan?;)
Some grated fromage on top is all that's missing...
Marco.
Looks really nice, mate (so did the pie and mash, btw), but did you run out of Parmesan?;)
Some grated fromage on top is all that's missing...
Marco.
thought there was enough flavour in it without adding more tbh.. had NDUJA DI SPILINGA in it and korean spicy red pepper paste plus tomato and basil sauce.. :stalks:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/images/I/51qUc1KqUfL._SS200_.jpg
amazing flavour
Lol - what are you like?:D Yes, I guess then there was enough flavour!:eek: The cheese thing for is that, unless it was a seafood sauce, Italians would never have pasta without grated Parmesan on top:)
Marco.
Chippy tonight
Fresh chips too.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210917/1c6aa4aed5fb4b235f7fad89e6d451b7.jpg
Curry night, chicken Tikka Masala (ish) with another of the Vocation range of pale ales - Tr-hop-ical.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210917/27a231e2881e8de92e562bf6549f1b4f.jpg
Rhubarb crumble yoghurt
Quite nice
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210918/278b9a296bbc651bb6be33838b871259.jpg
Curry night, chicken Tikka Masala (ish) with another of the Vocation range of pale ales - Tr-hop-ical.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210917/27a231e2881e8de92e562bf6549f1b4f.jpg
Looks tasty, Alex, but maybe needed a bit more liquid/sauce?:)
Marco.
Rhubarb crumble yoghurt
Quite nice
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210918/278b9a296bbc651bb6be33838b871259.jpg
On a diet, lol?;)
Marco.
On a diet, lol?;)
Marco.
might have a meal later but i like rhubarb yoghurts. that was a very good one
Light lunch today, enjoyed in the Wrexham sunshine... Wholegrain mustard-encrusted Wiltshire ham (with a dollop of Dijon mustard on the side), Milano salami, Ardennes pâté with mushrooms, some gherkins, Del's homemade vegetable salad in mayo, crusty bread and a slice of Cantal cheese:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/DDlgZ2.jpg
Accompanied by a small dressed side-salad, consisting of Lollo Rosso/Lollo Biondo leaves and heritage tomatoes from our polytunnel:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/ztALT3.jpg
...washed down with a nice chilled bottle of Riesling:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/DJTHIC.jpg
Happy days!:cheers:
Marco.
well im mixing bits of 3 recipes together; maybe 4 lol.. all vegetarian too. im calling it veg chicken tikka and chips:eek:
mixed peppers, sugar snaps, green beans, veg tikka pieces, tomatoes, onion and some herbs including zaatar and spices and a side order of chips.
:eek:
Looks goodhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210918/1d82abe2a95bde40b5e6148045a3448d.jpg
edit.. tasted great too..
Looks tasty, Alex, but maybe needed a bit more liquid/sauce?:)
Marco.
You must like it more moist than I do then! [emoji846]
Your lunch looked fab. Doing home made pizzas tonight, got the bread maker whirring away making the dough now. One of our favourite meals as a family, and we all make our own - all have the same choices from all the ingredients and not one looks the same! Will try and remember to do photos later.
rmcin626
18-09-2021, 15:42
Light lunch today, enjoyed in the Wrexham sunshine... Wholegrain mustard-crusted Wiltshire ham (with a dollop of Dijon mustard on the side), Milano Salami, Ardennes pâté with mushrooms, some gherkins, Del's homemade vegetable salad in mayo, crusty bread and a slice of Cantal cheese:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/DDlgZ2.jpg
Accompanied by a small dressed side-salad, consisting of Lollo Rosso/Lollo Biondo leaves and heritage tomatoes from our polytunnel:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/ztALT3.jpg
...washed down with a nice chilled bottle of Riesling:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/DJTHIC.jpg
Happy days!:cheers:
Marco.
Very nice
Looks goodhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210918/1d82abe2a95bde40b5e6148045a3448d.jpg
edit.. tasted great too..
Lol - whatever it is/was/might be or should've been, it looks pretty tasty!:D
Marco.
You must like it more moist than I do then! [emoji846]
Lol... I've always preferred 'dipping' a nice moist one:eyebrows:
However, this is what I relate to as Chicken Tikka Massala (nice and wet with lots of creamy yogurt spurts, lol):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/zmCDUB.jpg
Yours did look, erm, a little different!:D
Marco.
Your lunch looked fab. Doing home made pizzas tonight, got the bread maker whirring away making the dough now. One of our favourite meals as a family, and we all make our own - all have the same choices from all the ingredients and not one looks the same! Will try and remember to do photos later.
Cheers, mate. Sometimes the simple things are best! Homemade pizza sounds ace, and lots of fun. Liked the look of the last ones you did, so looking forward to seeing what the kids can come up with this time!:cool:
Marco.
Very nice
Cheers, Robin. Have you cracked open that Gigondas yet?:)
Marco.
rmcin626
18-09-2021, 16:39
Cheers, Robin. Have you cracked open that Gigondas yet?:)
Marco.
Not yet, struggling after a nasty stomach bug earlier in week, slowly getting back to normal
Lol - whatever it is/was/might be or should've been, it looks pretty tasty!:D
Marco.
vegetable extravaganza:D what can i say; it was good.
Not yet, struggling after a nasty stomach bug earlier in week, slowly getting back to normal
Ah, sorry to hear that, mate. Hope you feel better soon:)
Marco.
rmcin626
18-09-2021, 17:19
Ah, sorry to hear that, mate. Hope you feel better soon:)
Marco.
Nearly back to normal Marco, everyone in the family has had it, thought I’d dodged it
So, first up is William’s aged 9. He likes his Milano Salami and Chorizo very symmetrical!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210918/9fa348b16d98298cbccf3ad1425626c6.jpg
Then we have Tamzin’s she becomes a teenager on Tuesday!!!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210918/8a72afcd124427fac5d4bb20b34e8c6b.jpg
(Not sure what happened with the lighting on that one, sorry)
And Sue’s effort (if I post her age on a Internet forum it will be the last thing I ever do...). She likes a lot of spinach and an egg on hers, but is not a big fan of Italian Salami... Prosciutto Crudo for her.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210918/886e118db66f84c407a3ae7a8dd94899.jpg
And then me, (aged 52 1/2) I’m the only one who put blue cheese on, one of my faves on pretty much anything! (St Agur today.).
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210918/be08a0792ec691d63dc6db4a5e10a101.jpg
Some left over for lunch tomorrow, except for William who polished off the whole lot! (They’re 13”!)
All top class. My grandson is 14 on Monday.
Pizzas look fab, mate, especially the kids ones - and far better than most so-called 'Italian pizzerias' in the UK! Not sure about the egg thing though (sorry, Sue!):eek: but the common denominator among them all is the quality of the bases - well-fired, nice and thin & crispy!:respect:
Btw, prosciutto crudo is just another way of saying 'raw ham', or rather cured, as in Parma Ham. In Italy, you can also get pizzas topped with prosciutto cotto, which is identical to our cooked ham, similar to what I had on my plate earlier for lunch:)
Marco.
Chicken breast and trimmings.
Quite tasty.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/f3344d59c2bfb3690c364ce3e18380d7.jpg
Gravy!:carrot::carrot:
:D
Having lamb cutlets later, so will post a few pics.
Marco.
rmcin626
19-09-2021, 11:22
Chicken breast and trimmings.
Quite tasty.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/f3344d59c2bfb3690c364ce3e18380d7.jpg
Think we will be having something similar later on today.
"The Dog" at Grundisburgh booked for lunch - both daughters with boyfriends, Fliss, Elsie (granddaughter) and the dog (Daphne). First time we have tried it, dog friendly, menu looks good - so here's hoping :cool:
https://www.grundisburghdog.co.uk
Booked for Tuesday evening following a couple of recommendations
https://www.odaessex.co.uk/
"The Dog" at Grundisburgh booked for lunch - both daughters with boyfriends, Fliss, Elsie (granddaughter) and the dog (Daphne). First time we have tried it, dog friendly, menu looks good - so here's hoping :cool:
https://www.grundisburghdog.co.uk
Let us know how it was please Guy - now we have a pooch I need to find some dog friendly puns and only about 15 minutes from us. Went 13+ years ago and it was good then.
Thanks for the pizza comments Marco. They literally are the closest we can get them to the authentic ones we all loved in Italy.
Roast beef tonight - daughter's choice - I'd better get peeling!
"The Dog" at Grundisburgh booked for lunch - both daughters with boyfriends, Fliss, Elsie (granddaughter) and the dog (Daphne). First time we have tried it, dog friendly, menu looks good - so here's hoping :cool:
https://www.grundisburghdog.co.uk
Looks decent, Guy. Let us know it it was, and I hope you guys all have a lovely day:)
Marco.
Booked for Tuesday evening following a couple of recommendations
https://www.odaessex.co.uk/
Nice one, Roy. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Strangely, I like the look of their lunch menu the most!:D
Annoyingly, they don't have their wine list advertised on their website, so can't offer any reccos...
Marco.
Thanks for the pizza comments Marco. They literally are the closest we can get them to the authentic ones we all loved in Italy.
Roast beef tonight - daughter's choice - I'd better get peeling!
No probs, Alex. I can tell you've all been practicing, as they're even better than the last ones I saw a few months back!:)
Marco.
Nduja meatballs.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/ae54e233c2881f1a9e0f4e1be77c048e.jpg
Anywayz... Sunday lunch earlier, chez moi. Welsh double-lamb cutlets, from out local butcher, marinated in fresh rosemary, thyme and garlic, then chargrilled on the BBQ, and served with steamed Romanesco cauliflower, broccoli and mangetout, plus creamed braised fennel, with a side of fine green beans in a mustard vinaigrette:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/4WYzqN.jpg
Different angles to showcase the veg (all from our local farm shop):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/8H2bjH.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/kcPctO.jpg
...washed down with a nice bottle of Burgundy (Pinot Noir from Lidl, which was superb for the money)!:cheers:
Marco.
Nduja meatballs.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/ae54e233c2881f1a9e0f4e1be77c048e.jpg
Ah, the cheese is back - bravo!:D
Looks nice, mate. Interesting that you've had roast chicken and pasta, all in the one day:cool:
Marco.
Anywayz... Sunday lunch earlier, chez moi. Welsh double-lamb cutlets, from out local butcher, marinated in fresh rosemary, thyme and garlic, then chargrilled on the BBQ, and served with steamed Romanesco cauliflower, broccoli and mangetout, plus creamed braised fennel, with a side of fine green beans in a mustard vinaigrette:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/4WYzqN.jpg
Different angles to showcase the veg (all from our local farm shop):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/8H2bjH.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/kcPctO.jpg
...washed down with a nice bottle of Burgundy (Pinot Noir from Lidl, which was superb for the money)!:cheers:
Marco.
del's done you proud there.. great plateful... struggle to better that
rmcin626
19-09-2021, 16:27
Anywayz... Sunday lunch earlier, chez moi. Welsh double-lamb cutlets, from out local butcher, marinated in fresh rosemary, thyme and garlic, then chargrilled on the BBQ, and served with steamed Romanesco cauliflower, broccoli and mangetout, plus creamed braised fennel, with a side of fine green beans in a mustard vinaigrette:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/4WYzqN.jpg
Different angles to showcase the veg (all from our local farm shop):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/8H2bjH.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/kcPctO.jpg
...washed down with a nice bottle of Burgundy (Pinot Noir from Lidl, which was superb for the money)!:cheers:
Marco.
That all looks great, would have enjoyed that.
Let us know how it was please Guy - now we have a pooch I need to find some dog friendly puns and only about 15 minutes from us. Went 13+ years ago and it was good then.
Hi Alex,
Very pleasant (also busy, so a bit of a wait for order to be taken. We were chatting/enjoying each others company so not a problem).
Starters - good range, Trout pate looked very good - I had salt and pepper squid from the bar snack menu as a starter, pleasant but not world class :) (I have been spoilt with sea food in Hong Kong in the past though)
Main - I had roast pork loin (Eldest daughter had beef, which made me envious as the beef looked like it was done to perfection - still pink inside, but not bloody) Good selection of vegetables, incredible Yorkshire puddings (I was very impressed with how they were turning out consistently well risen, not soggy Yorkshires). Roast potatoes were not crunchy/well cooked, so a bit disappointed with them.
I think that any establishment is going to struggle with a "Sunday roast" as we all can make a "better" one.
I wish that I had asked for the gravy in a boat as I prefer to put it on my own plate.
But, all in all, quite acceptable.
I think that when we go back (and I am sure that we will) I will look at the "specials board" - didn't realise until we were leaving that they had Cromer crab on the menu.
Puddings - I had a Panna Cotta with blackberries and shortbread crumbs - very good. Youngest daughter had the chocolate brownie which she rated as one of the best that she has ever had.
Staff were friendly, surroundings clean and good space between tables. Unfortunately I didn't have a beer (Adnams) as I was driving but daughters boyfriends thought it was fine.
Dog was happy (and really well behaved) - lotsof dogs there - we were happy and very reasonable prices (about £200) for the six of us.
As you live nearby, I think it would be a great place to go on a weekday evening and avoid a lot of "outsiders" :lol:
Anywayz... Sunday lunch earlier, chez moi. Welsh double-lamb cutlets, from out local butcher, marinated in fresh rosemary, thyme and garlic, then chargrilled on the BBQ, and served with steamed Romanesco cauliflower, broccoli and mangetout, plus creamed braised fennel, with a side of fine green beans in a mustard vinaigrette:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/4WYzqN.jpg
Different angles to showcase the veg (all from our local farm shop):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/8H2bjH.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/kcPctO.jpg
...washed down with a nice bottle of Burgundy (Pinot Noir from Lidl, which was superb for the money)!:cheers:
Marco.
That looks really good - and roast potatoes look right :)
Cheers, chaps! You can probably tell she's used to cooking veg!:D
We always have a nice variety of veggies on a Sunday, as Del has that as her main meal - and I certainly get my 5-a-day, lol... All the veg we eat now either comes from our garden or the local farm shop. Big difference in quality compared with what supermarkets sell, trust me!:)
Oh, and Granty, after cooking lunch, the wee soul's back out in the garden sorting out new plants in pots and clearing up some debris left after we cut down some ivy. Not a work-shy princess, is she?:)
No doubt, she'll WANT something later, though!
Marco.
Cheers, chaps! You can probably tell she's used to cooking veg!:D
We always have a nice variety of veggies on a Sunday, as Del has that as her main meal - and I certainly get my 5-a-day, lol... All the veg we eat now either comes from our garden or the local farm shop. Big difference in quality compared with what supermarkets sell, trust me!:)
Oh, and Granty, after cooking lunch, the wee soul's back out in the garden sorting out new plants in pots and clearing up some debris left after we cut down some ivy. Not a work-shy princess, is she?:)
No doubt, she'll WANT something later, though!
Marco.
you'll be back on feet, drink and bath duties plus the cleaning up.... now jump to it!!:D
Lol - you're not wrong! She's in the bath now, giggling away and chatting with her mates on their group chat... Whatever keeps them entertained, eh?:doh::D
Best clear up the mess in the kitchen then, eh? Great cook, but a right messy wee pup!:eek::stalks:
Marco.
she does like a soak and a chat:D
Aye, as long as those 'lost cucumbers' don't make a miraculous appearance!:eek::eyebrows:
Marco.
Thanks Guy, really appreciate your view, and will definitely give it another try. I rarely have a roast in a pub/restaurant, to be fair I’m not really a big roast fan, but I can just about cook one:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/e2dba1de06043df7c77912b97c671b63.jpg
(The beef cooked far more than I would like personally, but I’m in the minority for today’s customers! :lol:)
Then we had the birthday cake, which Tamzin wanted to help make with Mum this afternoon - very nice Victoria sponge.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/858d44818f8242f1121cbdd59b5d32df.jpg
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
All looks great, Alex. Yes, the beef is cooked more than it should be, but you can still tell that it's nice quality:)
Quality cake, too... Hope Tamzin had a lovely day:birthday:
Marco.
Thanks Guy, really appreciate your view, and will definitely give it another try. I rarely have a roast in a pub/restaurant, to be fair I’m not really a big roast fan, but I can just about cook one:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/e2dba1de06043df7c77912b97c671b63.jpg
(The beef cooked far more than I would like personally, but I’m in the minority for today’s customers! :lol:)
Then we had the birthday cake, which Tamzin wanted to help make with Mum this afternoon - very nice Victoria sponge.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210919/858d44818f8242f1121cbdd59b5d32df.jpg
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Your roast potatoes look far better than those in the pub.
Happy birthday Tamzin - like the way that you get involved in the kitchen :thumbsup:
Veggy tagliatelle
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Thanks for the comments chaps. Tesco Finest meal deal tonight as Sue was cooking! (Well, heating up!)
Was quite nice actually, chicken leek & bacon filo pastry pie, dauphinois potatoes and baked Mediterranean veg.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210920/f525e8ff73eb2b0da7814564e6dd2704.jpg
Looks good Roy.
Ended up tasting better than I expected, it was basically all the veg out of the bottom drawer of the fridge that was almost past it's best with pasta, extra virgin, black pepper and cheese.
Roasted veg etc. looked good.
Peperonata
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210921/12f130391c6ee6c7d4cdd0bcf4758cf8.jpg
Rusic lunch
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Nice mate, bread looks decent. too. It should be sweated/reduced down more than that though, until the peppers break down and turn much softer. And to aid that process, cut the peppers into strips, not chunks:)
The idea is that they're cooked slowly on a low heat, for about an hour, with occasional stirring in between. However, that only applies if you don't prefer it less cooked, as you've just done.
What matters most is how *you* like it, but if you want it to be more like a real peperonata, then slow and low for an hour, which will intensify all those lovely flavours!:cool:
Marco.
i fancied some chunks, although they were cooked enough for me. some of the smaller bit mingled with the toms and onion. the recipe said 25/30 mins i think, but i might try more,
it was very nice. the bread was gluten free tho.
i even put a little red wine in lol
Lol - nice one. Look, the main thing is what YOU like the taste of most and enjoy. When Del makes it, she cooks is slowly for an hour on a low heat and the result is more like a pulp, although the skin still retains some 'bite'.
Traditionally, it should look like this: https://www.196flavors.com/peperonata/
But as I said, it's down to what you prefer. Either way though, it's damned good!:)
Marco.
Lol - nice one. Look, the main thing is what YOU like the taste of most and enjoy. When Del makes it, she cooks is slowly for an hour on a low heat and the result is more like a pulp, although the skin still retains some 'bite'.
Traditionally, it should look like this: https://www.196flavors.com/peperonata/
But as I said, it's down to what you prefer. Either way though, it's damned good!:)
Marco.
yeah, there is plenty left so i will cook it a bit further . cheers.
No worries, mate. Let me know how you get on:)
Marco.
No worries, mate. Let me know how you get on:)
Marco.Gave them another 20https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210921/edb47ffc28f468411d72a4f711af6169.jpg
That's more like it. However, as I said, it's down to what you prefer. If you prefer them cooked more, then do it, if not, don't:)
Marco.
Meant to say, Roy, did you go to that Italian restaurant you mentioned? If so, how was it?:)
Marco.
Cod in tomato juice and chips with some beetroot sauce.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210921/98cea4e52a37786af736f1efcf6d098d.jpg
Meant to say, Roy, did you go to that Italian restaurant you mentioned? If so, how was it?:)
Marco.
Going tonight, will take some pics.
Ah, cool. That would be good, including the vino you have!:)
Marco.
Garlic chilli and lemon salmon and prawn linguine tonight, didn’t have a fresh chilli so it was crushed chillies from a jar - think I over did it!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210921/67ea4556fea2fce48f6fe44589e73b62.jpg
Was nice though.
Lol - dried chillies are always hotter than fresh, as it's seeds! Looks good mate, but you certainly weren't shy with the Parmesan - or someone's got a bad case of the Danny Ruff:lol:;)
Marco.
Ah, cool. That would be good, including the vino you have!:)
Marco.
Having Peroni tonight, they have draught
Lol - no worries, enjoy!:cool:
Marco.
you certainly weren't shy with the Parmesan
Go big, or go home as they say! :lol:
Lol - is that what Sue tells you, too?:D;)
Marco.
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Crab and prawn thing, pear and prosciutto with mozzarella, monkfish with a beetroot smear.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210921/f4b6876581b94b256978dcb84ac3d302.jpg
Sirloin
Good stuff, Roy. Hope you're having a nice time:)
Marco.
Had Panna cotta with Eton mess for dessert which I forgot to photograph, bloody lovely, it all was [emoji846]
Lol - is that what Sue tells you, too?:D;)
Marco.
Sadly, never! :lol:
Very nicely presented, Roy. Needs more chips, obvs! ;)
Very nicely presented, Roy. Needs more chips, obvs! ;)
For sure [emoji4]
Stopped off at Legion and topping up with Guinness [emoji6]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210921/f4b6876581b94b256978dcb84ac3d302.jpg
SirloinImagine giving you a dirty plate [emoji16]
S'only a wee bit of jus (or maybe jizz, mixed in with the meat juices... If the chef got a bit too excited over his creation):eyebrows:
In French, they call it mouse du pénis. It's a delicacy in Les Hautes Alps.
Marco.
Imagine giving you a dirty plate [emoji16]
That was other half’s main, stuff like monkfish on the menu and she goes for steak and chips [emoji849]
So what was the verdict then, Roy? Thumbs up, would you go again or what?:)
I'm curious as to what you thought of the portion sizes? I'll tell you my view when I hear yours. Out of curiosity, what did they charge for the monkfish, and did it come with any veg or potatoes on the side (included in the price), or was that extra?
Marco.
Food was all very good but portion sizes were quite small. Monkfish came with quinoa & beetroot purée for £26 so a bit steep. Didn’t think the place was ‘grand’ enough to warrant the prices so next time I’m pushing the boat out we’ll go back to Alec’s or Smith’s.
https://alecsrestaurant.co.uk
https://smithsrestaurants.com/smiths-ongar/
Food was all very good but portion sizes were quite small. Monkfish came with quinoa & beetroot purée for £26 so a bit steep. Didn’t think the place was ‘grand’ enough to warrant the prices so next time I’m pushing the boat out we’ll go back to Alec’s or Smith’s.
https://alecsrestaurant.co.uk
https://smithsrestaurants.com/smiths-ongar/
go to the local greasy spoon:lol:usually good value
Food was all very good but portion sizes were quite small. Monkfish came with quinoa & beetroot purée for £26 so a bit steep. Didn’t think the place was ‘grand’ enough to warrant the prices so next time I’m pushing the boat out we’ll go back to Alec’s or Smith’s.
:eek::wowzer:
Aye, a dollop of the former and a 'skidmark' of the latter! So no veg or pots?:doh: I've had bigger portions as starters, lol!
Fair enough if you enjoyed it mate, but for me that's VASTLY overpriced for what you got.
My advice next time, if you want more (and probably also better for your money, too) is to find a small, family run, Italian restaurant where the accent is on quality, but also VFM, and where the chef (and owner) likes to FEED his customers, not paint pretty pictures on plates and charge plenty for it!!:rolleyes:
Just my POV - but I bet you left there still feeling hungry!;)
When I saw the place (from clicking on your link) and looked at the menu, I pretty much knew what to expect and what the place was about (but didn't like to say) - and it's the kind of place we avoid like the plague.
Both of these, however, look far more interesting:
https://alecsrestaurant.co.uk
https://smithsrestaurants.com/smiths-ongar/
Marco.
Is Hornchurch not to far away, Roy? Have you been here: https://www.tarantinohornchurch.co.uk/
That looks much more like the sort of place I'd got to, and also more authentic!:)
Marco.
Is Hornchurch not to far away, Roy? Have you tried here: https://www.tarantinohornchurch.co.uk/
That looks much more like the sort of place I'd got to, and also more authentic!:)
Marco.
Other half has eaten there and wasn’t impressed, I’ve eaten at one from the same chain in Brentwood and it was average at best.
:eek::wowzer:
..............................
When I saw the place (from clicking on your link) and looked at the menu, I pretty much knew what to expect and what the place was about (but didn't like to say) - and it's the kind of place we avoid like the plague.
........................
Marco.
I was concerned by their presentation :eek:
https://i.postimg.cc/0yBvNMfp/DSC-6354-LO-Copy.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Other half has eaten there and wasn’t impressed, I’ve eaten at one from the same chain in Brentwood and it was average at best.
Ok, fair enough. From the website it just looks much better than where you went. Didn't realise it was a part of a chain. There does seem rather a lot of chain restaurants down your way... Are there any Italian restaurants that aren't? Small and privately owned is usually always the best way to go with most restaurants.
In general though, although I don't know how you feel about eating at lunchtime instead, in Italian restaurants often the best food (and VFM) is found in their lunch menus, and where it's also much cheaper than dining in the evening. That's one of the reasons why Del and I prefer going out for lunch than dinner:)
Marco.
In its defence Monkfish is usually quite expensive (but some extra veg would have been nice) and their sirloin was only £2 more than tarrantinos.
walpurgis
22-09-2021, 10:33
Watching an American TV programme the other day, somebody mentioned a "cottage cheese omelette". I can't for the life of me imagine what that would be like :).
Making chicken Tikka.
Just waiting on rice. (jasmine) https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210922/45b62d8ee2fc273bf4ae55c429587b46.jpg
In its defence Monkfish is usually quite expensive (but some extra veg would have been nice) and their sirloin was only £2 more than tarrantinos.
Sure, but that dish you had would've been about £10 less here, and there would probably have been more of it, plus also a portion of pots and veg served on the side. It's more style over substance mate, and TBH, as Guy's pointed out, with precious little of the former in evidence.
You didn't answer this, btw:
Are there any Italian restaurants that aren't? Small and privately owned is usually always the best way to go with most restaurants.
In my experience, chains rarely offer a rewarding eating experience, in comparison with the best that smaller, more specialised, restaurants can offer. Also, what's your view of going out for lunch rather than dinner? You might be pleasantly surprised at what your get!;)
Marco.
Watching an American TV programme the other day, somebody mentioned a "cottage cheese omelette". I can't for the life of me imagine what that would be like :).
Answer: they don't half eat some shite in the States!:D:doh:
Marco.
Making chicken Tikka.
Just waiting on rice. (jasmine) https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210922/45b62d8ee2fc273bf4ae55c429587b46.jpg
That looks top notch, mate!:)
Looking forward to seeing it plated up.
Marco.
Wah lahttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210922/441cf80604111dfa7f6d34ff382aa266.jpg
Awesome mate, that's what Alex's earlier tikka massala should've looked like! Sorry dahling, but the Grantster's trumped you!:eyebrows::D;)
Marco.
Sure, but that dish you had would've been about £10 less here, and there would probably have been more of it, plus also a portion of pots and veg served on the side. It's more style over substance mate, and TBH, as Guy's pointed out, with precious little of the former in evidence.
You didn't answer this, btw:
In my experience, chains rarely offer a rewarding eating experience, in comparison with the best that smaller, more specialised, restaurants can offer. Also, what's your view of going out for lunch rather than dinner? You might be pleasantly surprised at what your get!;)
Marco.
There were two very good independent Italians we used to use, Mare Bleu in Brentwood (suffered from being down an alley, off the beaten track) and La Bicicletta where you could have an argument with the owner/cook both sadly now closed. ODA’s off the list now so the search will continue.
rmcin626
22-09-2021, 11:53
Wah lahttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210922/441cf80604111dfa7f6d34ff382aa266.jpg
Looks good Grant
https://www.restaurant1539.co.uk/food-and-drink/menus/
Prices for mains here where you dined last July are broadly similar to what I paid at ODAs with sides extra but I’ll concede it’s grander and probably served as more of an occasion.
There were two very good independent Italians we used to use, Mare Bleu in Brentwood (suffered from being down an alley, off the beaten track) and La Bicicletta where you could have an argument with the owner/cook both sadly now closed. ODA’s off the list now so the search will continue.
Yeah, they sounded like the business... No worries. and yes, the search goes on, lol. One question springs to mind, though: what daftee(s) recommended ODA to you?:doh::D
So you know what to do with their 'recommendations' in future, eh?;)
Anyway, there must be one-off, family run, Italian restaurants SOMEWHERE in Essex!:)
Marco.
https://www.restaurant1539.co.uk/food-and-drink/menus/
Prices for mains here where you dined last July are broadly similar to what I paid at ODAs with sides extra but I’ll concede it’s grander and probably served as more of an occasion.
Yes, daftee, but the big difference is we went for the 2-course lunch menu, which was less than your monkfish main course, at Rip-off-Italia: https://www.restaurant1539.co.uk/food-and-drink/menus/food/lunch-menu/
:ner:;)
Kinda puts it into perspective, dunnit? You can get THREE courses there for less than your one. And look at the quality of the dishes offered... Plus, I can tell you that the portions aren't skimped!
We've not had the a la carte menu yet at 1539. and which begs the (as yes unanswered, but asked 3 times now) question... Do you have an eversion for going out for lunch, or must it always be dinner?:popcorn::whistle:
:D
Lunch menus are always much better value!
Marco.
Going to Alec’s in December for (pause for dramatic effect) LUNCH! [emoji846]
This looks ok to
https://davincishornchurch.co.uk/food-drink/
Awesome mate, that's what Alex's earlier tikka massala should've looked like! Sorry dahling, but the Grantster's trumped you!:eyebrows::D;)
Marco.
I agree, looks so much nicer than mine, more authentic, but I did qualify mine a “ish” as in not quite!
...or rather, nowhere near!:lol::D
Just yankin' yer chain, shweety;)
Marco.
Going to Alec’s in December for (pause for dramatic effect) LUNCH! [emoji846]
This looks ok to
https://davincishornchurch.co.uk/food-drink/
Lol... Good stuff. Excellent value for money, isn't it, that 2 or 3-course lunch menu though, in 1539?
No need for a special occasion... I take Del there for lunch when I'm buying her shoes in Chester!:D
Sadly, her footwear is usually rather more expensive than lunch...:doh:
Marco.
Lol... Good stuff. Excellent value for money, isn't it, that 2 or 3-course lunch menu though, in 1539?
No need for a special occasion... I take Del there for lunch when I'm buying her shoes in Chester!:D
Sadly, her footwear is usually rather more expensive than lunch...:doh:
Marco.
Very good value.
An evening meal just feels a bit less rushed but in practice we probably don’t spend any longer in the restaurant than we would for lunch.
Was nice last night however to stop for a few more drinks at the Legion, didn’t get home till eleven for our early night [emoji6].
Indeed on both counts:)
For us, going out for lunch is usually part of a general day out, especially if the weather's nice, and we're in the country or seaside.
So once we've done that, and gone for a nice walk, looked round the shops or whatever, if there's a quaint little town nearby, it's back home to put our feet up in front of the TV, and perhaps open a bottle of wine and watch a movie.
These days, that's generally where we prefer being in the evening, especially during the winter months, although Del (being notably younger than me) will still go clubbing with her pals, or for girly nights out in town. I'm happier at home listening to some choons or talking pish on here!:D
Marco.
Tuna Nicoise tonight, was very tasty.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210922/16135cf12ebaa164164cd6610495c286.jpg
Nice, mate. A much better presented plate of food than some restaurants. Love the searing... I'm presuming though that you like fresh tuna more cooked than rare, as (it could be the pic), but it looks quite well done?:)
I go for nicely seared on the outside, like yours, but next to rare in the middle, as otherwise I find it terribly dry.
Marco.
Yes, it should have been rarer, 4 minutes in total, could probably have halved that really, but it wasn’t dry. Never made the nicoise like that before, Sue really liked it too and relatively quick and easy so will definitely do it again on a school night. [emoji846]
Yups, too right... However, when it comes to food, nothing much escapes the Marco-boy's eagle eye [just the one, mind]:D
Marco.
rmcin626
22-09-2021, 19:40
Tuna Nicoise tonight, was very tasty.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210922/16135cf12ebaa164164cd6610495c286.jpg
Very nice Alex
Ready meal today, but a good one.
Wild rice mixed with long grain Beef Stroganoff.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210923/64c6931d3a689abdb01743a6bff8fa46.jpg
Yes it would be rude to show off one's culinary skills EVERY day!:D;)
Marco.
Yes it would be rude to show off one's culinary skills EVERY day!:D;)
Marco.
hey, i had to heat it up!!! :ner:
Lol - as they say in Wales: 'Happiness is the satisfying ding of a poppety-ping'!:eyebrows:
'Poppety ping' = microwave.
Marco.
Well... It's a gorgeous late summer's evening here in (very) sunny Wrexham. Currently 24C, having just cooled a little from earlier, but accompanied by a nice breeze, and am typing this from under a parasol in our outdoor eating area, where I've just scoffed these lovely cured meats and antipasti...
So we have Porchetta Arrostita (cured pork slices with herbs, from Lidl's Italian week), air-dried Salami and Serrano ham, plus Monte Veronese cheese [from Lidl's Italian week), and assorted Mediterranean antipasti [from Lidl's Italian week], accompanied with Coronation Coleslaw and a Red Pepper Dip, served with a ciabatta roll:
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/WlX5QA.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/6txa04.jpg
Some loving close-ups [Guy, since you love antipasti, you simply MUST get to your local Lidl and snaffle some of this stuff, as it's top-notch:)):
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/fkhJPL.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/923/BZPj3a.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/gPwKvq.jpg
...and washed down with a lovely chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Stay happy and positive, people!:cheers:
Marco.
ah, nickers...;) its cold here; its breezy here; its cloudy here!:ner:
Lol - and you wonder how we can grow corn?:D:eyebrows:
Anyway... Princess says wish you were here, sentiments I also echo:)
Oh,. and if you need some ointment rubbing on your sore bits, she's just slipped into her nurse's uniform and on her way up!:hotrod:
Marco.
Lol - and you wonder how we can grow corn?:D:eyebrows:
Anyway... Princess says wish you were here, sentiments I also echo:)
Oh,. and if you need some ointment rubbing on your sore bits, she's just slipped into her nurse's uniform and on her way up!:hotrod:
Marco.
i badly need nursing from nurse del... badly:eyebrows:
Lol, I bet you do.... Trouble is, how long do you think your to ticker would last mate, seeing her dressed like that?:D:eyebrows::eyebrows:
Marco.
Lol, I bet you do.... Trouble is, how long do you think your to ticker would last mate, seeing her dressed like that?:D:eyebrows::eyebrows:
Marco.
no probs mate. her soothing hands will do job:stalks:
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