September 2023 Favourites list

This month I am saying hello to the new academic year and saying goodbye to the Summer. It is thrilling and enjoyable to get to know my new students. At the same time, it is obvious that the season is changing and soon we will have cooler, greyer, and less cheerful weather.

Therefore this month’s photos are the last of the Summer flowers, as we hope for a last few glorious days before we have to accept the onslaught of Autumn and then Winter. As the seasons change, so will our clothes and our food preferences. I hope that my future lists will ring those changes, but I am not quite ready yet. 

Food articles

What’s in season in September? Apples, blackberries, marrow, kale, plums and spinach. With recipe ideas. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/g42814703/september-recipes/

CAMRA have picked their prettiest pubs in the UK. Lucky for us in London, four of them are in the capital! https://metro.co.uk/2023/09/05/uk-prettiest-pubs-full-list-london-19448858

British people can’t appear to agree on the ideal shade of brown for the perfect cuppa. https://metro.co.uk/2023/09/07/how-dark-do-you-go-brits-divided-on-the-correct-shade-of-tea-19463529  The Twitter post which created the furore: https://twitter.com/SoVeryBritish/status/1698636192953102413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Did you know that “prison ramen” (instant noodles for prison inmates) are a thing? Not only that, but someone has been taste testing them? Here is the best prison ramen recipe, y’know, in case you recently tried to escape jail but didn’t get far 4 days later… https://www.theramenrater.com/2019/08/13/best-prison-ramen-burrito-texas-beef/

This is going to be contentious… a list of red flags which will warn you a restaurant is going to be bad. Not sure I agree with all of these, but there are some very interesting observations here. https://www.grubstreet.com/2023/09/restaurant-red-flags.html

Kitchen and cooking tips

Many households, particularly Asian ones, use an electric rice cooker to cook fluffy rice using the absorption method. If you love perfectly separate grains with their integrity intact, just cooked and not too soft, a rice cooker is a great solution. Another thing to consider, whether your are thinking of buying a rice cooker or whether you already have one is – can I use it to cook a meal in one, rather than a rice accompaniment to another dish. This will help: https://www.eater.com/23831511/rice-cooker-meal-prep-one-pot-meal-the-move

Nutritional yeast is another way of adding flavour to your cooking, it isn’t vegan, but if you are seeking to cut down on your meat consumption, or looking for new ingredients, this might be for you. https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/nutritional-yeast-2

 

Recipes

Although this is suggested as a side dish to be eaten with other Indonesian food, I think this sweetcorn fritter recipe from Petty Pandean-Elliot's book The Indonesian Table (£24.95, Phaidon Press) would make a great lunch for sunny days: https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/entertain/indonesian-sweetcorn-fritters-with-chilli-and-tomato-sambal/

Aaron and Claire share a recipe for a soupless tantanmen noodle dish called tsuyunashi tantanmen, of chewy noodles tossed in a creamy sesame sauce with a spicy pork topping. https://aaronandclaire.com/soupless-tantanmen/

TV

The Woman In The Wall

The Magdalene laundries were a painful part of Irish history, which Joe Murtagh has used as the basis of this complicated series which combines whodunnit and thriller genres with an examination of how the past affects the present day. Ruth Wilson (who is always worth watching) makes you want to follow Lorna Brady as she struggles not only to come to term with what happened to her, but her battle to find out the truth about what happened to her daughter. It’s a tough and uncompromising watch, with many dark moments, but the performances are excellent all round. (TW: murder, violence, arson).

Available on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001q28v/the-woman-in-the-wall

Music

Available for another 20 days, Johnny Marr, currently Radio 6 Music’s artist in residence shares his most loved musical collaboration in a career spanning decades. Some of these tracks are little known (other than to fans) and some are old friends. Dig in, because they all contain guitar perfection! On BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001qmzw

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.

August 2023 favourites list

Welcome to this month's favourites list! I've put together another list of the things which I have been enjoying this month.

This month, my photos are from Studio Gauthier, the new restaurant from chef Alexis Gauthier. If you know his Gauthier Restaurant in London's Soho, you'll be aware that classically trained chef Alexis has turned his attention to vegan fine dining. Studio Gauthier is a less formal vision of the Gauthier vegan approach.

The dishes were as follows:
Summer barbjuan, "BLT" tartlet (canapes)

 

Faux gras (fake foie gras with brioche fuillieitee) (bread and pate)
Tomato tortellino (pasta and sauce)
3D plant flank en tagine (printed fake meat tagine) [hard to believe this is not actually meat!]
Brochette of Summer mushroom and thin smoked tofu
Dark chocolate mirror

Food articles

What's in season in August? Garlic, leeks, courgettes, mushrooms, onions, plums, sweetcorn and tomatoes. Here are some ideas for August cooking: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/g42934748/august-recipes/
 

Foodie travel destinations for August, in the UK and beyond, as chosen by Olive magazine: https://www.olivemagazine.com/travel/august-food-holidays/
 

This is going to cause controversy... which foods are totally overrated? After the NYT deemed burrata "boring", here are some opinionated people, cancelling roast dinners, sourdough bread, and truffles. Ouch! https://metro.co.uk/2023/08/02/burrata-is-cancelled-eight-other-foods-people-think-are-overrated-19229992

 
 

There's obviously debate to be had on what kind of behaviour is acceptable when eating out. But please can we agree that booking and not showing up and rudeness are absolute no-nos. Otherwise, just don't be a dick. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/aug/02/no-shows-cork-sniffers-and-salt-addicts-restaurateurs-on-21-dining-habits-to-avoid
 

Dim sum is one of my favourite things, so I enjoyed reading this article from the Evening Standard featuring their recommendations for the delicious treats in London. https://www.standard.co.uk/reveller/restaurants/best-dim-sum-london-yum-cha-dumplings-chinese-food-b1095214.html
 

Chef Amit Bagyal, former head chef at Atul Kocchar's Kanishka has set up his own Indian fine dining restaurant, Yaatra. Here is Fiona Maclean's review: https://www.london-unattached.com/yaatra-indian-restaurant-westminster/
 

If you've been to India, you will have encountered the highly individual fizzy drinks you probably haven't seen anywhere else. I loved Limca (the lime 7 Up equivalent) and Thums Up (the slightly spicy tasting cola drink). This article on Thums up will make you smile if you've ever had a bottle cracked open for you: https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-voices/thums-up-the-history-legacy-of-indias-favourite-homegrown-cola
 

Kitchen and cooking tips
 

Some tips and ideas to make your own dips, which will taste fresher than shop bought: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/next_level_dips
 

Ideas for pantry/fridge jarred products for instant no-fuss flavour: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/aug/15/wanted-pastes-jars-instant-flavour-kitchen-aide
 

Recipes
 

Arepas are a Columbian classic, like a corn bread toasted sandwich. I've had them as street food over there, but didn't realise they were easy to make at home. Here's how: https://lifehacker.com/make-piping-hot-arepas-with-four-ingredients-1850664222
 

Summertime lunch by Nigella Lawson - light herby courgette fritters. I'm thinking of serving them with a little garlicky Greek yoghurt. https://www.nigella.com/recipes/courgette-fritters
 

Russian salad is a Spanish tapas classic. Here is Jose Pizarro's recipe: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jul/29/russian-salad-recipe-jose-pizarro
 

My other writing
 

I've written a guest blog post at Gingeybites' food blog! Catch my Nissin x Shoryu instant #noodle review over there, and do check out her other instant noodle reviews: https://gingeybites.com/2023/07/nissin-x-shoryu-the-ramen-masters-cup-noodles-review-by-snigdha.html
 

Film

Till

Mamie Till-Mobley left the American Deep South for Chicago, and with reservations, let her son Emmett visit relatives in Mississippi, knowing the unabashed and vicious racism he would encounter there. Wrongly accused by a white woman shopkeeper of crude behaviour and sexual advances, 15 year old Emmett was beaten to death. His mother despite dealing with the unimaginable loss of her only son courageously responded to his murder by publicising his brutal murder, exposing the violence and racism of the American south around the world. Danielle Deadwyler is exceptional as Mamie. Jalyn Hall manages to bring out the humanity, youth and innocence of Emmett, despite the brevity of his performance. It's a tough but essential watch.

Available on streaming services.

Jerry And Marge Go Large

One tough watch should surely merit a corresponding light and fluffy one, right? Retired former factory worker Jerry, despite his clear ability and keen mind, is forced into retirement, which he hates. His ever ticking brain can't be kept satisfied with standard retirement activities and he is bored... until he works out a way of playing a particular state lottery and winning. Does he buy fast cars and diamond studded watches with his winnings? No, Jerry (with help from his wife Marge) decide to help their struggling small town. Unashamedly feelgood and fun stuff, this film doesn't demand that you think too hard, but enjoy Brian Cranston as Jerry and Annette Bening as Marge.

Available on streaming services.

The original article which inspired the film can be found here: https://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/lotto-winners/

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.

July 2023 Favourites list

Welcome this month's list of stuff which has kept me occupied, inspired, entertained and enthralled.

I hope you enjoy my selections, along with some beautiful summer flowers.

Food writing

What's in season in July? Fennel, rocket, cucumber, radishes, courgettes, blackberries and strawberries. With recipe ideas. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/g42799372/july-recipes/

Nissin's Cup Noodle tubs are a food icon. A supermarket in Shenzen found giant size packs were such a hit, they sold out in half a day. Each giant pack has 24 regular size pots. The perfect stash of noodles! https://mustsharenews.com/giant-cup-noodles-china/  

Recipes

Ten salads to help you boost your plant/veggie intake: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jun/15/eat-the-rainbow-10-spectacular-salads-to-help-you-eat-30-plants-a-week

I’ve started experimenting with Korean ingredients like Gochujaru and Gochujang, so this spin on a US classic has captured my interest: https://www.saveur.com/recipes-by-course/gochujang-sloppy-joes-with-kimchi/

If you have seen any of my food pictures, you’ll know I am firm believer that toasted sesame seeds make everything look and taste great. This chicken salad recipe is going to be another excuse for me to get my fix: https://cravingsbychrissyteigen.com/recipes/sesame-chicken-salad

Three pasta salads to keep us going through the rest of the summer: https://www.stylist.co.uk/food-drink/3-quick-and-easy-pasta-salad-recipes-to-enjoy-all-summer-long/794156

Quinoa gets a bad rap from people wanting to dunk on “middle class” food. But it’s easy to cook, healthy and versatile. I’m always looking for new salads to add some quinoa to, so I’m sharing this: https://www.wellplated.com/sweet-potato-quinoa-black-bean-salad/

A cauliflower, pomegranate and pistachio salad from Yotam Ottolenghi: https://www.purewow.com/recipes/yotam-ottolenghi-cauliflower-pomegranate-pistachio-salad

“Cowboy butter” mixes up all the things which go well with steak. Great for a summer barbeque: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/cowboy-butter/

Wagamama restaurant chain’s recipe for miso cod ramen : https://www.lovefood.com/recipes/89840/wagamama-miso-cod-ramen-recipe

 

Kitchen know-how

Barbeque cooking experts share the perfect temperature for cooking meat. It’s important to avoid food poisoning. https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/26/bbq-experts-share-perfect-temperatures-to-cook-meats-from-chicken-to-steak-18834908/  

Has a bowl of soup or porridge exploded all over the inside of your microwave? Here’s how to clean your microwave, and what not to use: https://www.hungryhuy.com/how-to-clean-a-microwave/

 

Cost of living

The Big Issue have put together a summer survival list, to help families over the school summer holiday with the cost of living. You’ll find it here: https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/summer-survival-guide-summer-holidays-cost-of-living-crisis/

 

TV

The Change

Stand up comedian Bridget Christie (A Bic for Her) writes and stars as Linda, a woman who realises how dismally she is put upon on her 50^th birthday which her useless husband Steve (Omid Djalili) tries to make all about him. Taking off for a few days, much to the chagrin of her judgmental sister Siobhan (Liza Tarbuck, channelling more internal misogyny than I would normally care to see, in a great performance), she meets culture wars radio hosts Joy and Verderer, two sisters devoted to eels, and seeking a time capsule left by the younger Linda aged 10, during her journey of self discovery. I’m not going to give any giveaways from this quirky comedy drama. Available on Channel 4’s free streaming service: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-change

Je Tue Mon Mari (I Killed My Husband)

French thriller about lawyer Anna Viera who, on a dark and stormy night, initially believes she has killed her husband. Her doubts grow, and she realises she must prove her innocence. Without giving anything away, Anna realises that many things in her life have been a lie, including her happy marriage. Great performances, and effective slow burn storytelling make this uniquely watchable. (TW: rape, murder, violence and coercive control). Available on Channel 4’s free streaming service: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/i-killed-my-husband

Black Mirror – Loch Henry

The first episode of this new series, Joan Is Awful, got plenty of attention for it’s warped internet spying meta AI narrative. But Loch Henry, the second episode is more old fashioned but even darker. Travelling back home to a small lochside village, Davis wants to make a folksy documentary about an egg collector. His girlfriend Pia, upon discovering the village harboured a serial killer, convinces him that the murders should be the subject of the documentary. What then happens is something I won’t spoil for you. (TW: murder, serial killing). Available on Netflix streaming service.

Music

Olivia Dean – Messy

Prince – Purple Rain

Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey

Miriam Makeba and Harry Belafonte - An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba

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.

June 2023 favourites list

Welcome to this month's favourites list. 

This month's photos are from my recent visit to Darjeeling Express, Asma Khan's acclaimed and boundary pushing restaurant. With its emphasis on home style Indian food cooked by a team of women who would not usually be working in the commercial catering sector, it is great to visit upon its return to Kingly Court in Soho, London.  

Food writing

What's in season in June? Artichokes, asparagus, blackcurrants, cherries, courgettes and elderflowers. With recipe ideas. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/g42752918/june-recipes/

Three London restaurants make it to the list of 50 best restaurants in the world. They are British-Mexican fusion restaurant Kol, Ikoyi restaurant specialising in sub-Saharan African cuisine, and modern British restaurant The Clove Club. https://metro.co.uk/2023/06/22/worlds-best-restaurants-london-nabs-three-spots-in-top-list-18995104

An examination of sexism in wine culture: https://lithub.com/do-wines-make-women-giggly-on-sexism-in-wine-culture/

I've been Twitter chatting about instant noodles today, the lifesaver of workplace lunch when you are in a rush or didn't pack lunch in advance. Food bloggers Gingeybites reviews instant noodles, a helpful resource for noodle enthusiasts. https://gingeybites.com/guide-to-instant-noodles

If you love food and travel, then Kavey’s guide to Vietnam, complete with itinerary and top tips, is well worth reading. https://www.kaveyeats.com/3-week-vietnam-itinerary-food-culture-history-cities-nature

Can you increase your chilli heat tolerance, and what causes differences in tolerance in the first place – a fascinating look into capsaicin: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/spice_tolerance

 

Recipes

South East London’s Babur restaurant is a must visit for fans of Indian food. They have been lovely enough to share their recipe for Dal Makhani: https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/dal-makhani/  

From Su Scott’s book : https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/meat-and-poultry/korean-bossam-poached-pork-belly-wrap/

How to make Saag Paneer from scratch, including how to make your own Paneer: https://getpocket.com/explore/item/saag-paneer-is-the-luscious-indian-comfort-food-you-need

Algamja jorim are Korean soy sauce braised baby potatoes. A slightly time consuming dish to make, but one which is well worth the trouble. https://mykoreankitchen.com/gamja-jorim-korean-braised-potatoes/

 

Kitchen know-how

Many Instagram food posts include flowers. Please only use edible flowers. This article identifies them and how to use them. [NB Sweet pea flowers are not edible, but pea flowers are. Don’t get confused!] https://www.marthastewart.com/edible-flower-varieties-guide-7510570

How to make super smooth hummus with either dried chickpeas or tinned: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/super_smooth_hummus

A major study has found the Mediterranean diet could cut the risk of dementia in later lift by 25%. Here’s a summary of the findings, and what to eat and how to incorporate the Med diet foods in your diet. https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/diet_reduce_dementia_risk

13 alternative to wheat flour, from grain flours to bean flours and more: https://lifehacker.com/your-guide-to-13-alternative-flours-1850414480

If you love garlic as much as I do, you’ll love this. Kaitlyn from the Woks of Life food blog gives her guide on how to cook with garlic: https://thewoksoflife.com/cooking-with-garlic/ 

 

TV

Colin From Accounts

Offbeat Australian comedy in which an impulsive spur-of-the-moment piece of cheekiness leads to an accident which brings two unlikely people together as they struggle to do the right thing behind the innocent pooch they call “Colin from accounts”. TW – dog injury in a car accident. On iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0f255x9/colin-from-accounts

Glastonbury 2023

Gabriels: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft12mg/glastonbury-gabriels

Los Bitchos: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft1qtj/glastonbury-los-bitchos

Rick Astley & Blossoms play The Smiths: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft6w7z/glastonbury-rick-astley-blossoms-perform-the-smiths

Chvrches: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0fsyy41/glastonbury-chvrches

Hozier : https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft12v9/glastonbury-hozier

Caroline Polachek: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ftbbbs/glastonbury-caroline-polachek

Kelis: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0ft0pdc/glastonbury-kelis

Music

Charlotte Gainsbourg – 5:55

Film

She Said

In the mould of investigative journalism films like Spotlight and All The President’s Men, I found this film documenting the investigation which exposed Harvey Weinstein and birthed the “Me Too” movement highly engaging. The performances are stand out. Good to see so many women in starring roles in a journalistic drama, although obviously the circumstances are horrible. [Available on streaming services].

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.