Saturday, 29 January 2011

Service - how much does it matter?

I have had the debate for a long time that good service can change an average meal into an exceptional one. There are some that disagree and say that the food speaks for itself. It tends to be that the better the food, the better the service but I have had some atrocious service in supposed excellent restaurants and impeccable service in a Café. 

Wednesday, 19 January 2011

Jerusalem Artichoke and Leek Soup with Collar bacon

I can see how some might think I've recently become obsessed with soup. This is not true but it seems the most appropriate thing to slurp in January. One thing I am obsessed with is Jerusalem artichokes.
Despite their unsociable side effects they are one of my absolute favourite vegetables. Unfortunately I can never seem to get my hands on them or they all get snaffled up by abdominally superior individuals before I can get to them. When I can get them though I always do.

Wednesday, 5 January 2011

Celeriac, Leek and Apple soup

A new year and many resolutions to break. I decided to start with good intentions however with a fresh, earthy and filling soup.
It had three main ingredients; celeriac, leek and apple. To be frank and somewhat rude, the celeriac is not a looker. If you've been through life without the celeriac, please overlook its brutal looks in favour of its wonderful flavour. My apple was half a Russet and half a Kentish somethingorother and rather strikingly large. My leeks were still covered in mud and had a little frost still left from picking in the green ends.
The Farmers' Market can offer these things in a way that nothing else can. It is for vegetables like this and a hundred other reasons why I love it so much.