June 2024 favourites list

Welcome to this month’s favourites list, which is being written in the middle of a heatwave here in what is actually Sunny London!

I had wanted to share photos of my recent kitchen experiments and cooking creativity. However, I had the misfortune this month of having my phone stolen off me in a street robbery. My phone was literally yanked out of my two hands at a zebra crossing by a young man on a bike, even though the phone was on a neck lanyard (!). I have since replaced the phone (expensive) reset all my passwords and accounts (time consuming) but lost two years worth of photos, including my most recent food pics (annoying). My reminder to you all - in the city there are people on push bikes and e-bikes swiping phones and bags thought to contain laptops and similar. Please be more vigilant and keep your valuables out of reach! I am fine now, just regretting the loss of my photos, so please don't worry about me. I just want others to avoid this unpleasantness. Stay safe! And alway back up your photos!

Now onto my monthly selections, which I hope you will enjoy. 

Eating out

Fish and chips are obviously a classic British dish, and here is where you can sample the best in the UK: https://metro.co.uk/2024/05/31/uks-best-fish-chip-shops-revealed-local-this-list-20945463

What are the most iconic dishes in the London restaurant scene? https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/london-iconic-dishes

Travel and food

I’ve never understood people who say not to spend much time in Tokyo when visiting Japan, but if you do decide to limit yourself to a long weekend, here are some great ideas of things to see and do when you’re there: https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-best-things-to-see-and-do-in-a-long-weekend-in-tokyo

As Barcelona’s Disfrutar receives the accolade of best restaurant in the world, this is all about how Spain has become the “foodiest” country in Europe. I was lucky enough to eat at Disfrutar back in 2016 and it was mind blowing! https://www.cntraveller.com/article/how-spain-quietly-became-the-foodiest-country-in-europe

Food and drink writing

A fascinating food history and social history experiment – what is it like to eat a Victorian diet for a whole week: https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/09/ate-like-a-victorian-a-week-name-science-20993596

There is a very funny scene in the sitcom “Mum” where Cathy’s Father in law Reg is horrified to be given some dip to snack on… Eventually, of course, we see him enthusiastically tuck in after his initial outburst. When I read this article on the rise of the dip in British food culture (with three recipes), I couldn’t help but be reminded of Reg and all the characters from the excellent BBC sitcom. https://www.theguardian.com/food/article/2024/jun/19/its-a-flavour-bomb-the-rise-and-rise-of-the-dip

Su Scott was recently a guest on Cerys Matthews’ Radio 6 Music show. The show is a must listen for me, each Sunday from 10-1pm, featuring recorded music of all the ages and from around the world. Their discussion about Korean home cooking was fascinating. So I was very pleased to find that Kavey has reviewed Scott’s latest book “Pocha” on her Kavey Eats blog. Thank you, Kavey! https://www.kaveyeats.com/pocha-korean-street-food-su-scott

Delicious magazine pick out the best English and Welsh wines to drink this Summer, whether you’re imbibing in the sunshine or sipping in the rain: https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/the-best-english-and-welsh-wines-to-sip-this-summer/

Recipes

Noodle sauces you can (roughly) make in the time it takes for the noodles to cook: https://www.theguardian.com/food/article/2024/jun/11/wanted-noodle-sauces-in-five-minutes-kitchen-aide

“Everything Bagel” spice is very popular in America. It’s got crunch, nuttiness and savoury flavours. Thankfully, it is easy to make at home, to sprinkle on salads in the summertime and soups in the cooler seasons: https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-everything-bagel-spice-223103

Hot weather makes me feel I don’t want to get all hot and bothered in the kitchen. This Prawn ceviche therefore appealed: https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/fish-and-seafood/karla-zazuetas-prawn-ceviche/

Chef Tim Anderson has been writing about Japanese food for years and his cookbooks are great favourites among foodies. Here is his Caesar ramen salad recipe, at Dorothy Porker’s excellent food blog: https://www.dorothy-porker.com/tim-andersons-caesar-ramen-salad/

A summery pasta salad for lunch, made with Greek orzo (rice shaped pasta) with fresh dill and feta cheese: https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/greek-orzo-pasta-salad-with-dill-and-feta/

Jose Pizarro is a chef who writes achievable and delicious Spanish recipes. Here is his anchovy spiked roast chicken with Moorish chick pea (garbanzo) and watercress salad: https://www.theguardian.com/food/article/2024/jun/03/anchovy-spiked-roast-chicken-moorish-chickpea-and-watercress-salad-recipe-jose-pizarro

Spuds and spuds? What’s not to like? Double potato salad recipe: https://lifehacker.com/food-drink/best-double-potato-salad-recipe

What you might have missed at Snig's Kitchen

My photo post about Uzumaki Anime themed Ramen restaurant in Central London: https://www.tumblr.com/snigskitchen/754203752020508672/uzumaki-restaurant-london-this-is-a-fun-and

TV

Outlaws (Season 3)

Thrown together by their need to complete community service, a group of 7 Bristolians find themselves at odds with each other through differences of background, race, class, age and politics, but forced to co-operate. This third season joins the “gang” just as they come to the end of their hours with the shock that Rani has returned with a dead body in the back of her car. Whether there is another series or not, this third series brings a satisfying resolution to a very contemporary comedy drama with memorable characters and a warm soft underbelly.

Available to stream on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0010zy5/episodes/player

Defiance: Fighting the Far Right

From 1976 to 1981, British Asian communities found that not only did they have to deal with racism in their workplaces, but even in their own neighbourhoods as the National Front made “visits” to intimidate, or cause violence, or campaign against immigration. This three part documentary shows how the younger generations of these communities, both in London and beyond fought back. It’s an uncompromising and difficult watch, but necessary.

Available to stream on Channel 4/All 4: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/defiance-fighting-the-far-right

Please note: as with every monthly Favourites List, all of these items have been selected by me simply because I love them. I do not receive any money, benefits in kind or other incentive for posting these links or recommendations