Okay so- it's nearly election time. Shouldn't be too hard to do better than the existing lot. So here goes:
Foreign Affairs:
We will definitely not be drawn into conflicts in other countries- or sponsor, fund, arm or logistically support any sides in any conflicts around the world. We will not be pushing for "regime change". If other nations wish to change their leaders- good luck to them- don't rely on us. That is after-all what the United Nations is for.
We will insist on the United Nations being the forum for dealing with any international matters, conflicts or issues- just like it used to be. Of course, we will (in Tony Blair style) ask for reform of the United Nations along the following lines-
All new UN resolutions will be binding on all affected countries and parties.
All old UN resolutions will be tabled again & if adopted will be binding
The UN Security Council which is partisan & ineffective will be dissolved - to be replaced by the UN General Assembly as the world's decision making forum. The idea of some countries having more "weight" than others or having vetoes is not acceptable.
We will pull all troops out of everywhere. There's no need for unnecessary wars.
We believe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a key priority and needs to be engaged with. To this end we will intensify current diplomatic efforts based on a 2- state solution. This would mean, and we would seek international support for an immediate stop to the building of additional settlements on disputed land. There would be a "committee" of international stakeholders to engage both sides in negotiations.
In the interim- and for the first time- we would advocate that Palestine is made a "Protectorate" of the UN. It then becomes the world's business- and this approach would guarantee a Palestinian State-once negotiations are complete. There would be no need for Palestinians to feel the need to resort to desperate tactics to achieve their aim of a separate viable state. There will immediately be a Palestinian State- under the auspices of the new reformed UN. The exact boundaries of any such state however will be subject to negotiation- between Israel and the UN. This will now be everybody's business.
We will support enhanced roles for the various organs of the UN- UNESCO, UNICEF & so on.
In summary- our policy will be one of peace, mutual cooperation, tackling poverty worldwide, improving trade links and communication links globally.
But what about terrorism, militant groups and such like. Well, these will be engaged head -on by a multinational UN anti-terrorist collaborative force. This will not be a peacekeeping force. We will do what it takes.
There you have it.
Culture Media & Sport:
We will maintain current levels of support and funding streams for sport- at all levels from grassroot to Olympic level. We will not however allow participation in any international event organised by countries in which human rights and/or the rule of law are seriously compromised. We will work to attract top level international competition to the UK- such as World & European Championships in various sports.
We will similarly maintain current support and funding streams for the arts. We will initiate the creation of a national venue for top-level United Kingdom & International art & cultural events- having the same status as the Tate Gallery for example. This will be a designated National Theatre. We will similarly seek to identify regional and county venues which are able to serve as arenas for government supported cultural and theatrical events which people can access at very low rates.
We will immediately seek through parliament- a major review of the BBC licence fee. Our aim will be for a trimmed-down settlement which allows the broadcast of public service programmes, but doesn't support big-budget entertainment programmes for export (such as "The Voice", "The Musketeers" and similar programmes which would be expected to generate sufficient funds to support the other aspects of the BBC's work. Our projected figure for a potential licence fee is £49.99.
There you have it.
Friday, 4 April 2014
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Rebecca's song
So heard Rebecca got conned out of 100k by people she held dear. No doubt she'll put the whole experience to song as a way of dealing with it.
Suppose the song may go like this-
Take my money if you must- but you know then you've taken all my trust
Take my money if you must- but I hope with it you rot and rust
I was conned by your guile
You know your tactics were vile
Now my dreams lay buried in the dust
Take my money if you wish- that never really meant that much
Take my money if you want- as far as that's concerned- you've got the Midas touch
You stood by- watched my poor heart break
Watched my tears become a private lake
And left me with my dreams- lying in the lurch
You take my money- and you're gone. I should be on a massive high
Take my money- now you're gone. Should be easy t'say goodbye
You were the one who betrayed
All my plans so gently laid
One day I know I'll move on- just not today.
Chorus-
Please, please, please won't you stay away
Let me handle this my own special way
One day I'll move on - but not today-
One day I'll move on -just not today.
(End)
Suppose the song may go like this-
Take my money if you must- but you know then you've taken all my trust
Take my money if you must- but I hope with it you rot and rust
I was conned by your guile
You know your tactics were vile
Now my dreams lay buried in the dust
Take my money if you wish- that never really meant that much
Take my money if you want- as far as that's concerned- you've got the Midas touch
You stood by- watched my poor heart break
Watched my tears become a private lake
And left me with my dreams- lying in the lurch
You take my money- and you're gone. I should be on a massive high
Take my money- now you're gone. Should be easy t'say goodbye
You were the one who betrayed
All my plans so gently laid
One day I know I'll move on- just not today.
Chorus-
Please, please, please won't you stay away
Let me handle this my own special way
One day I'll move on - but not today-
One day I'll move on -just not today.
(End)
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Nearly lost it
Untold anguish as I'd thought I'd nearly lost my blog.
Couldn't find it via Google- after frenzied repeated searching.
Felt a sense of anguish and despair.
All my personal little tit-bits gone for good?
Lots of things I know I'd wish to reference in the future
Heck- I'd even got new stuff ready to add.
This is kind of like my own personal Wikipedia- it can't just vanish
Into cyberspace?
Can it?
Seems so.
Definitely wasn't there for a while.
But then that old dee-o-dee bulldog spirit.
Never give up.
"Strong hearts keep going"- and all that.
And hey whadd'ya know.
It's back.
It's here. I'm here.
How lucky can you get.
Ba-oh-di-oh-di-oh-di-oh-di-oh-doe.
Couldn't find it via Google- after frenzied repeated searching.
Felt a sense of anguish and despair.
All my personal little tit-bits gone for good?
Lots of things I know I'd wish to reference in the future
Heck- I'd even got new stuff ready to add.
This is kind of like my own personal Wikipedia- it can't just vanish
Into cyberspace?
Can it?
Seems so.
Definitely wasn't there for a while.
But then that old dee-o-dee bulldog spirit.
Never give up.
"Strong hearts keep going"- and all that.
And hey whadd'ya know.
It's back.
It's here. I'm here.
How lucky can you get.
Ba-oh-di-oh-di-oh-di-oh-di-oh-doe.
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Chancellor George Osborne
Chancellor Osborne- George
Kept to the course that he forged
He ignored all advice
And stuck to his vice
Now we're on the edge of a gorge
George Osborne -what can we say?
History's been made today
With all said & done
You turn out the one-
Who's lost us our "Triple A"
Chancellor George Osborne
Deprived us of all our fun
He caused us real pain
With none of the gain-
And now there is nowhere to run
Chancellor George Osborne
No wonder he is looking forlorn
With such heavy loss
Perhaps now will his boss
Give somebody different a turn
Comes across arrogant as a sod
He made our economy plod-
Now he's lost our trust
And it's all "doom & bust"
No wonder they call for his blood
As far as Chancellors go-
This one's at an all time low
For years he's been smug
Now they've pulled out the plug
Daresay- we told you so!
Kept to the course that he forged
He ignored all advice
And stuck to his vice
Now we're on the edge of a gorge
George Osborne -what can we say?
History's been made today
With all said & done
You turn out the one-
Who's lost us our "Triple A"
Chancellor George Osborne
Deprived us of all our fun
He caused us real pain
With none of the gain-
And now there is nowhere to run
Chancellor George Osborne
No wonder he is looking forlorn
With such heavy loss
Perhaps now will his boss
Give somebody different a turn
Comes across arrogant as a sod
He made our economy plod-
Now he's lost our trust
And it's all "doom & bust"
No wonder they call for his blood
As far as Chancellors go-
This one's at an all time low
For years he's been smug
Now they've pulled out the plug
Daresay- we told you so!
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Festivals
We urgently need a directory of festivals. And I don't mean music festivals like "Glasto" (June 26) or the family friendly "Latitude" in Southwold in Suffolk (July 18). Okay- I guess if you like that sort of thing. And I suppose there are more mature music festivals like "The Big Chill", or the "Larmer Tree", or the one in Portmeirion in Wales. But I was thinking more of the exotic, unusual, characterful, nonsense-fun kind of festival.
Over the years, I've been discouraged gently from running-with-the-bulls in Pamplona in June. (Had hotels booked and all). So my new "bezzie" is "La Tomatina" in Bunol near Valencia- last wednesday in August. (Bunol is famed for it's Paella-yum-yum!).
The big one of course- (dr-e-eee-aaa-mmms) will be the New Orleans Jazz Festival (nojazzfest.com April 26) or the Rio Carnival. For Jazz buffs, Nice puts on a good Jazz Festival in June.
In the meantime- locally- across the water in Ireland- in August is the Galway Oyster Festival. (Be sure also to venture to Moran's Oyster Cottage in nearby Kilcolgan. In Alba (close to Genoa) in Italy, there's the "White Truffle Festival" (October 1). Imagine Truffles over pasta in the town square! Also in Italy is the interesting "Il Palio" horse-riding race event in Siena (16th July and 16th August). And if you happen to be close by Malmo in Sweden- then savour the Malmo Crayfish festival (August 15-22, www.malmofestivalen.se)
Other local favourites are the Town Crier's festival (there's one close to Liverpool I think). and a few festivals where you roll a big round cheese down a small hill (there's bound to be one near you- otherwise head for Cooper's Hill near Gloucester. www.cheese-rolling.co.uk (May 27). There's also the "Dieppe Kite Flying Festival"- the world's largest -alternate Septembers- if you are so prone. "Oktoberfest" for beer drinkers in Munich- don't ask when. And of course not forgetting the "International Balloon Festival" in new fave city- Bristol.
Fantastic recently also to read about the Calcot (a kind of Asparagus-shaped onion) festival in Valls (last sunday in January), near Reus -not far from Barcelona in Spain. You learn to peel and eat the roasted Calcots- and wash them down with local red wine from a "purro". Or otherwise eat your Calcots in a "masia"- a traditional farmhouse-style restaurant. Yes please!
Of course, if all else fails- there's always the Chelsea Flower Show (rhs.org.uk, May 21st).
Bye.
Over the years, I've been discouraged gently from running-with-the-bulls in Pamplona in June. (Had hotels booked and all). So my new "bezzie" is "La Tomatina" in Bunol near Valencia- last wednesday in August. (Bunol is famed for it's Paella-yum-yum!).
The big one of course- (dr-e-eee-aaa-mmms) will be the New Orleans Jazz Festival (nojazzfest.com April 26) or the Rio Carnival. For Jazz buffs, Nice puts on a good Jazz Festival in June.
In the meantime- locally- across the water in Ireland- in August is the Galway Oyster Festival. (Be sure also to venture to Moran's Oyster Cottage in nearby Kilcolgan. In Alba (close to Genoa) in Italy, there's the "White Truffle Festival" (October 1). Imagine Truffles over pasta in the town square! Also in Italy is the interesting "Il Palio" horse-riding race event in Siena (16th July and 16th August). And if you happen to be close by Malmo in Sweden- then savour the Malmo Crayfish festival (August 15-22, www.malmofestivalen.se)
Other local favourites are the Town Crier's festival (there's one close to Liverpool I think). and a few festivals where you roll a big round cheese down a small hill (there's bound to be one near you- otherwise head for Cooper's Hill near Gloucester. www.cheese-rolling.co.uk (May 27). There's also the "Dieppe Kite Flying Festival"- the world's largest -alternate Septembers- if you are so prone. "Oktoberfest" for beer drinkers in Munich- don't ask when. And of course not forgetting the "International Balloon Festival" in new fave city- Bristol.
Fantastic recently also to read about the Calcot (a kind of Asparagus-shaped onion) festival in Valls (last sunday in January), near Reus -not far from Barcelona in Spain. You learn to peel and eat the roasted Calcots- and wash them down with local red wine from a "purro". Or otherwise eat your Calcots in a "masia"- a traditional farmhouse-style restaurant. Yes please!
Of course, if all else fails- there's always the Chelsea Flower Show (rhs.org.uk, May 21st).
Bye.
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Non, Rien de rien by Edith Pilaf
Tracked down the words to this lovely song. Love it so much. Generally love french- and this song is good old fashioned traditional french. Quite simple but cohesive- it holds together well (apart from the chorus). But mostly, like most folk I love the way they r-r-r-r-r- oll thei-r-r-r-r "R"-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-s.
Non, rien de rien
Non, Je ne regrette rien
Ni le bien qu'on m'a fait
Ni le mal, tout ca me bien egal
Non, rien de rien
Non Je ne regrette rien
C'est paye, balaye, oublie-
Je me fous du passe.
Avec mes souvenirs
J'ai allume des feux
Mes chagrins, mes plaisirs-
Je n'ai plus besoin d'eux
Balayes mes amours,
Avec leurs tremolos
Balayes pour toujours
Je repars a zero
Non, rien de rien
Non je ne regrette rien
Ni le bien qu'on ma fait
Ni le mal, tout ca m'est bien egal
Non, rien de rien
Non, Je ne regrette rien
Car ma vie, car mes joies, aujourd'hui-
Ca commence avec toi.
Non, rien de rien
Non, Je ne regrette rien
Ni le bien qu'on m'a fait
Ni le mal, tout ca me bien egal
Non, rien de rien
Non Je ne regrette rien
C'est paye, balaye, oublie-
Je me fous du passe.
Avec mes souvenirs
J'ai allume des feux
Mes chagrins, mes plaisirs-
Je n'ai plus besoin d'eux
Balayes mes amours,
Avec leurs tremolos
Balayes pour toujours
Je repars a zero
Non, rien de rien
Non je ne regrette rien
Ni le bien qu'on ma fait
Ni le mal, tout ca m'est bien egal
Non, rien de rien
Non, Je ne regrette rien
Car ma vie, car mes joies, aujourd'hui-
Ca commence avec toi.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Gifts
Thought there should certainly be a directory for gifts & gift shops & suppliers.
Of course there are the usual favourites- like John Lewis', Jo Malone, the Conran Shop, L'Occitane (en Provence et en-ligne), Iwantoneof those - dot-com, Amazon, www.lovethelakes.net and many more.
You can always give Spa vouchers like those from the RibbyHall SpaHotel.
Stuff comes up every now & then-
Recently there's been - www.ayedo.co.uk who do a lovely bath set in a bucket at a good price & www.slumberslumber.com who sell a fab silk pillowcase which prevents hair crease & wrinkles.
Will update whenever there's new stuff.
Of course there are the usual favourites- like John Lewis', Jo Malone, the Conran Shop, L'Occitane (en Provence et en-ligne), Iwantoneof those - dot-com, Amazon, www.lovethelakes.net and many more.
You can always give Spa vouchers like those from the RibbyHall SpaHotel.
Stuff comes up every now & then-
Recently there's been - www.ayedo.co.uk who do a lovely bath set in a bucket at a good price & www.slumberslumber.com who sell a fab silk pillowcase which prevents hair crease & wrinkles.
Will update whenever there's new stuff.
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Foreign Affairs
I should really collect all my tit-bits about places to stay in, or eat out in, overseas in one place.
Take the Hotel Al Duemila in rustic Puglia. Supervised activities around the pool for the kids. Priceless.
And it's easy to get to Marseille where you can stay at Le Rhul - 269 Corniche Kennedy, 04 91 52 01 77, www.lerhul.fr. They do an excellent Bouillabaisse. Similar at restaurants- Le Miramar 12, Quai du Port, 04 91 91 10 40, www.lemiramar.fr or Chez Fonfon 140 Vallon des Auffes, 04 91 52 14 38, www.chez-fonfon.com . You can also stay also by the sea at "Au Vieux Panier"- 6 rooms each by a different artist. www.auvieuxpanier.com 0033 632 199005.
Oh and when in Marseille, please pop into "La Maison du Pastis"- which stocks 95 varieties of Pastis.- www.lamaisondupastis.com 0033 491 908 677.
Easy to overlook the beaujolais region in France- close to Lyon. Here there's the Sarmentelles celebrations on November 14 in the capital "Beaujeu". Stay at The Auberge de Clochemerle in Vaux-en-Beaujolais (+ 33 4 74 03 20 16, www.aubergedeclochemerle.fr ) Really cheap and it has a Michelin Star. Or there's a wine farm- Domaine de la Tour de la Belle-Mere- in Charentay (+33 4 74 66 82 21, www.dutraive.com - stunningly cheap).
Quite fancy one day travelling by train along the route from Athens to Thessaloniki. Takes 4 and a half hours- but so so scenic.
Or enjoy the Barolo region of Italy. Bra for excellent slow-food. Nieve home to the top Grappa maker Romano Levi, & Alba - home to Ferrero Rocher- look out for the famous ambassador.
If in the Ronda area of Spain- look out for the music "Festival de Cante Grande" in August (www.turismoderonda.es). Why not splash out and stay at the Casa Consistorial- part of a chain which includes historic castles & monasteries called "Paradores de Turismo de Espana".
But there's no need to focus so much on big towns or cities, or popular places. There's a lot of joy to be had "off the beaten track": so perhaps Montreuil (1 hour away from Calais), Bayeux for that famous "embroidery"- yes it really is a big embroidery, and Amboise (near Tours) in the Loire valley- Chateau, river boats (www.milliere-raboton.net), patisserie (www.bigot-amboise.com), and Le 36 restaurant at the Hotel Choiseul (www.le36-amboise.fr). Alternatively wander the cobbled streets of Saint-Emilion(near Bordeaux)- wine tasting as you go.
There you go.
Take the Hotel Al Duemila in rustic Puglia. Supervised activities around the pool for the kids. Priceless.
And it's easy to get to Marseille where you can stay at Le Rhul - 269 Corniche Kennedy, 04 91 52 01 77, www.lerhul.fr. They do an excellent Bouillabaisse. Similar at restaurants- Le Miramar 12, Quai du Port, 04 91 91 10 40, www.lemiramar.fr or Chez Fonfon 140 Vallon des Auffes, 04 91 52 14 38, www.chez-fonfon.com . You can also stay also by the sea at "Au Vieux Panier"- 6 rooms each by a different artist. www.auvieuxpanier.com 0033 632 199005.
Oh and when in Marseille, please pop into "La Maison du Pastis"- which stocks 95 varieties of Pastis.- www.lamaisondupastis.com 0033 491 908 677.
Easy to overlook the beaujolais region in France- close to Lyon. Here there's the Sarmentelles celebrations on November 14 in the capital "Beaujeu". Stay at The Auberge de Clochemerle in Vaux-en-Beaujolais (+ 33 4 74 03 20 16, www.aubergedeclochemerle.fr ) Really cheap and it has a Michelin Star. Or there's a wine farm- Domaine de la Tour de la Belle-Mere- in Charentay (+33 4 74 66 82 21, www.dutraive.com - stunningly cheap).
Quite fancy one day travelling by train along the route from Athens to Thessaloniki. Takes 4 and a half hours- but so so scenic.
Or enjoy the Barolo region of Italy. Bra for excellent slow-food. Nieve home to the top Grappa maker Romano Levi, & Alba - home to Ferrero Rocher- look out for the famous ambassador.
If in the Ronda area of Spain- look out for the music "Festival de Cante Grande" in August (www.turismoderonda.es). Why not splash out and stay at the Casa Consistorial- part of a chain which includes historic castles & monasteries called "Paradores de Turismo de Espana".
But there's no need to focus so much on big towns or cities, or popular places. There's a lot of joy to be had "off the beaten track": so perhaps Montreuil (1 hour away from Calais), Bayeux for that famous "embroidery"- yes it really is a big embroidery, and Amboise (near Tours) in the Loire valley- Chateau, river boats (www.milliere-raboton.net), patisserie (www.bigot-amboise.com), and Le 36 restaurant at the Hotel Choiseul (www.le36-amboise.fr). Alternatively wander the cobbled streets of Saint-Emilion(near Bordeaux)- wine tasting as you go.
There you go.
Friday, 6 April 2012
Our Likes
Few handy hints from recent St Albans holiday.
Baltic restaurant- near the Tate Modern- 74 Blackfriars Rd, SE1 8HA, 02079281111. Eastern European food in an awesomely contemporary setting.
Hummus Bros- restaurant-Southampton Row in Holborn- www.hbros.co.uk 02074047079
Then there's Ace Fusion -afro-carribean place- at Clapham Junction- www.acefusion.co.uk 02072285584. And check out the nearby 5-star luxury www.hotelrafayel.com nearby.
Or if you'd rather South African cuisine at Shaka Zulu in Camden- at Stables Market, London NW1 8AB- www.shaka-zulu.com 02033769911. Looks nice on the web-site- set on 3 floors- with DJs in residence- but still family friendly. Hooray!
Still in Camden- Frederick's- Camden Passage, Islington- 0207 359 2888.
Like the sound of "The Gun". 0207 515 5222 www.thegundocklands.com . Portugese barbecue restaurant. Views across the docklands to the O2 Arena- and a riverside terrace.
And now they've got all these Lidos in London- in case you fancy an impromptu plunge. They have them in Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park (The Serpentine), Tooting Bec, and in Brockwell Park- my old stamping ground when I lived in Herne Hill.
Outside of London check out-
Farington Lodge Hotel in Preston- www.classiclodges.co.uk 5 minutes from Leyland Station
and - Leoni's Italian restaurant - 55 Cross St, Manchesterrr. M2 4FW- 0161 835 1254
In Bristol at Clifton there's Papaji's Bar and Teasmith's- that's right tea taken to another artistic level- 01179 466 144, www.papajis.co.uk
DemiJohn is a "Liquid Deli" in York at 11 Museum Street- 01904 637487 www.demijohn.co.uk. Sounds interesting- a "liquid deli".
And if you're short of somewhere to stay in the South West- try Archanagel Hotel in Frome in Somerset. 01373 456 111 www.archangelfrome.com
(Also just heard of Cafe de la Post in Biot near Nice for lovely cupcakes- but of course that's miles away). Enjoy. But then heard of Ashoka- bar with a live DJ and open fire in CapeTown. 0027214220909- www.asokabar.co.za
Baltic restaurant- near the Tate Modern- 74 Blackfriars Rd, SE1 8HA, 02079281111. Eastern European food in an awesomely contemporary setting.
Hummus Bros- restaurant-Southampton Row in Holborn- www.hbros.co.uk 02074047079
Then there's Ace Fusion -afro-carribean place- at Clapham Junction- www.acefusion.co.uk 02072285584. And check out the nearby 5-star luxury www.hotelrafayel.com nearby.
Or if you'd rather South African cuisine at Shaka Zulu in Camden- at Stables Market, London NW1 8AB- www.shaka-zulu.com 02033769911. Looks nice on the web-site- set on 3 floors- with DJs in residence- but still family friendly. Hooray!
Still in Camden- Frederick's- Camden Passage, Islington- 0207 359 2888.
Like the sound of "The Gun". 0207 515 5222 www.thegundocklands.com . Portugese barbecue restaurant. Views across the docklands to the O2 Arena- and a riverside terrace.
And now they've got all these Lidos in London- in case you fancy an impromptu plunge. They have them in Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park (The Serpentine), Tooting Bec, and in Brockwell Park- my old stamping ground when I lived in Herne Hill.
Outside of London check out-
Farington Lodge Hotel in Preston- www.classiclodges.co.uk 5 minutes from Leyland Station
and - Leoni's Italian restaurant - 55 Cross St, Manchesterrr. M2 4FW- 0161 835 1254
In Bristol at Clifton there's Papaji's Bar and Teasmith's- that's right tea taken to another artistic level- 01179 466 144, www.papajis.co.uk
DemiJohn is a "Liquid Deli" in York at 11 Museum Street- 01904 637487 www.demijohn.co.uk. Sounds interesting- a "liquid deli".
And if you're short of somewhere to stay in the South West- try Archanagel Hotel in Frome in Somerset. 01373 456 111 www.archangelfrome.com
(Also just heard of Cafe de la Post in Biot near Nice for lovely cupcakes- but of course that's miles away). Enjoy. But then heard of Ashoka- bar with a live DJ and open fire in CapeTown. 0027214220909- www.asokabar.co.za
Monday, 2 April 2012
Quick B & Bs
Quick post of B&Bs that have caught the eye and aint too expensive.
Quality seems to approach that in Shaftsbury (Somerset) stayed in years ago.
There's southquaybedandbreakfastpadstow.co.uk (01841532383) in Cornwall- close to Uncle Rick's place and the Padstow harbour.
I also quite fancy - The Archway in Cumbria of Windermere. www.thearchway.com 01539445613
And of course, if you stay in Staffordshire- it has to be Stoop House Farm in Butterton. www.stoophousefarm.co.uk 01538304486.
Really fancy Ivydene House in the tiny village of Uckingall, near Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire close to the M50 and M5 and Cotswolds. £75. www.ivydenehouse.net 01684592453. (It has it's own tennis court in the garden!).
But nearby in Northleach in Gloucestershire is Wheatsheaf Inn- a reasonably priced country hotel- with Bang & Olufsen TVs, a spa, & 14 charming rooms. Billed as "countryside with edge" this one. (01451 860244, cotswoldswheatsheaf.com). Hmmmmm!
In chic Clifton Village in Bristol is the cool Number 38 Clifton. Handy for Bristol Zoo, the Lido (restaurant, Spa and Pool www.lidobristol.com) and for shopping in Clifton Village. www.number38clifton.com 01179466905.
Quality seems to approach that in Shaftsbury (Somerset) stayed in years ago.
There's southquaybedandbreakfastpadstow.co.uk (01841532383) in Cornwall- close to Uncle Rick's place and the Padstow harbour.
I also quite fancy - The Archway in Cumbria of Windermere. www.thearchway.com 01539445613
And of course, if you stay in Staffordshire- it has to be Stoop House Farm in Butterton. www.stoophousefarm.co.uk 01538304486.
Really fancy Ivydene House in the tiny village of Uckingall, near Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire close to the M50 and M5 and Cotswolds. £75. www.ivydenehouse.net 01684592453. (It has it's own tennis court in the garden!).
But nearby in Northleach in Gloucestershire is Wheatsheaf Inn- a reasonably priced country hotel- with Bang & Olufsen TVs, a spa, & 14 charming rooms. Billed as "countryside with edge" this one. (01451 860244, cotswoldswheatsheaf.com). Hmmmmm!
In chic Clifton Village in Bristol is the cool Number 38 Clifton. Handy for Bristol Zoo, the Lido (restaurant, Spa and Pool www.lidobristol.com) and for shopping in Clifton Village. www.number38clifton.com 01179466905.
Saturday, 17 March 2012
It's nicer in Nice
Here's a quick post- with more things to do in Nice. You never know when you'll pass through. Perhaps en route Corsica, or Monaco for the Grand Prix, or Cannes for the film festival.
I knew about the Matisse Museum, and the Notre Dame Monastery up the hill in Cimiez- but didn't know of the Fashion Gallery on Rue du St Suaire at the far end of the Cours Saleya with it's flower market. There's also the Musee Massena (musee-massena-nice.org, 0033 493 911910).
Have heard of- but not yet been to "Vinivore" 32 Av de la Republique- next tram stop to Place Garibaldi- for wine, cheese and charcuterie at wafer thin prices.
Dine at Chez Palmyre at 5, Rue Droite 0033 3 857 232- they've got fig ice cream. Also on Rue Droite (No 38) is "Acchiardo"- 00 33 493 855 116. Ask for their "merda" a local version of Gnocchi. At 35 Rue Droite is "Le Fois a Bois Espruno" for freshly baked speciality bread- 0033 493 805067. You could almost get all your needs met on Rue Droite. I also really like the sound of "La Cave d'Origine at 3, Rue Dalpozzo 0033 483 500960. They've got bone marrow and blackboards rather than menus. My style.
For a quick snack- "La Gratta" is a kiosk at the end of the port- 56 boulevard Stalingrad- and eat your "Pan Bagnat" overlooking the harbour. Or maybe bistro Voyageur Nissart- 1 Rue d'Alsace Lorraine (0033 43 821 960) for lunch up to 2.30pm (not Mondays).
If you need a cheap hotel then Hotel Gounod (gounod-nice.com) has a rooftop pool. Better still stay at Nice Gardens- with exquisite views overlooking Nice. Or book a bargain at Villa La Tour- www.villa-la-tour.com -0033 493 800815. Bon Jour for sure. The latest news of course is that the 4-star Hotel Riviera now has a brand new classy spa.
Not strictly in Nice but nearby- theres the very rustic but pleasant- Le Clos St-Pierre in Le Rouret near St Paul de Vence. Of course La Colombe d'Or in St Paul is too grand- but one day maybe. Meanwhile why not have one of the lovely cupcakes at Cafe de la Poste in Biot- the home of glassblowing of course.
Or en route Monaco- spend a while at Menton. Exceptional views and a lovely medieval "old" town.
Eat at Le Petit Port (4 Rue du Jonquier, +33 4 93 35 82 62), or in the old town- "A Braijade Meridounale" 04 93 35 65 65 abraijade.fr. And in case you're Michelin star inclined- then there's Mirazur (04 92 41 86 86, www.mirazur.fr). Enjoy!
I knew about the Matisse Museum, and the Notre Dame Monastery up the hill in Cimiez- but didn't know of the Fashion Gallery on Rue du St Suaire at the far end of the Cours Saleya with it's flower market. There's also the Musee Massena (musee-massena-nice.org, 0033 493 911910).
Have heard of- but not yet been to "Vinivore" 32 Av de la Republique- next tram stop to Place Garibaldi- for wine, cheese and charcuterie at wafer thin prices.
Dine at Chez Palmyre at 5, Rue Droite 0033 3 857 232- they've got fig ice cream. Also on Rue Droite (No 38) is "Acchiardo"- 00 33 493 855 116. Ask for their "merda" a local version of Gnocchi. At 35 Rue Droite is "Le Fois a Bois Espruno" for freshly baked speciality bread- 0033 493 805067. You could almost get all your needs met on Rue Droite. I also really like the sound of "La Cave d'Origine at 3, Rue Dalpozzo 0033 483 500960. They've got bone marrow and blackboards rather than menus. My style.
For a quick snack- "La Gratta" is a kiosk at the end of the port- 56 boulevard Stalingrad- and eat your "Pan Bagnat" overlooking the harbour. Or maybe bistro Voyageur Nissart- 1 Rue d'Alsace Lorraine (0033 43 821 960) for lunch up to 2.30pm (not Mondays).
If you need a cheap hotel then Hotel Gounod (gounod-nice.com) has a rooftop pool. Better still stay at Nice Gardens- with exquisite views overlooking Nice. Or book a bargain at Villa La Tour- www.villa-la-tour.com -0033 493 800815. Bon Jour for sure. The latest news of course is that the 4-star Hotel Riviera now has a brand new classy spa.
Not strictly in Nice but nearby- theres the very rustic but pleasant- Le Clos St-Pierre in Le Rouret near St Paul de Vence. Of course La Colombe d'Or in St Paul is too grand- but one day maybe. Meanwhile why not have one of the lovely cupcakes at Cafe de la Poste in Biot- the home of glassblowing of course.
Or en route Monaco- spend a while at Menton. Exceptional views and a lovely medieval "old" town.
Eat at Le Petit Port (4 Rue du Jonquier, +33 4 93 35 82 62), or in the old town- "A Braijade Meridounale" 04 93 35 65 65 abraijade.fr. And in case you're Michelin star inclined- then there's Mirazur (04 92 41 86 86, www.mirazur.fr). Enjoy!
Saturday, 3 March 2012
In case you end up in London
It's so big and confusing London. Hard to know where to go, what to do and see, where to eat.
Spent many hours walking round and round in Soho and Covent Garden trying to find "somewhere suitable".
So- if by chance you get to Bermondsey-by the river- close to Tower Bridge:
Try Zucca- http://www.zuccalondon.com/, 02073786809 one of the World's finest Italians apparently.
There's Jose- http://www.josepizarro.com/ a tapas bar with a to-queue-for range of impressive sherries.
M Manze- http://www.manze.co.uk/ 02074072985 is a pie and mash shop par excellence.
Then there's the Bermondsey Square Hotel- http://www.bermondseysquarehotel.co.uk/ 02073782450 -where Greg Wallace- he of the Masterchef fame, has opened a new restaurant. Expectations, expectations.
Like the idea of the Garrison ("Catey Awards" pub of the year 2011)-with a 20 seat cinema in the basement.
There's the White Cube Art Gallery http://www.whitecube.com/ , the Fashion and Textile museum http://www.ftmlondon.org/ and the London Glass Blowing Studio http://www.londonglassblowing.co.uk/
Of course Bermondsey is easy access to the South Bank, the Tate, the Tower of London and
A wander through Borough Market- particularly on a Saturday is a must.
Oooh- I wish I were a tourist already.
Spent many hours walking round and round in Soho and Covent Garden trying to find "somewhere suitable".
So- if by chance you get to Bermondsey-by the river- close to Tower Bridge:
Try Zucca- http://www.zuccalondon.com/, 02073786809 one of the World's finest Italians apparently.
There's Jose- http://www.josepizarro.com/ a tapas bar with a to-queue-for range of impressive sherries.
M Manze- http://www.manze.co.uk/ 02074072985 is a pie and mash shop par excellence.
Then there's the Bermondsey Square Hotel- http://www.bermondseysquarehotel.co.uk/ 02073782450 -where Greg Wallace- he of the Masterchef fame, has opened a new restaurant. Expectations, expectations.
Like the idea of the Garrison ("Catey Awards" pub of the year 2011)-with a 20 seat cinema in the basement.
There's the White Cube Art Gallery http://www.whitecube.com/ , the Fashion and Textile museum http://www.ftmlondon.org/ and the London Glass Blowing Studio http://www.londonglassblowing.co.uk/
Of course Bermondsey is easy access to the South Bank, the Tate, the Tower of London and
A wander through Borough Market- particularly on a Saturday is a must.
Oooh- I wish I were a tourist already.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Psychobabble
How long have we got
50 minutes- long or not
And why not rather this chair
Than the sofabed there
The room’s sanitised clean
White tiles make up blank screen
What’s the use to explore
My deep private folklore
If I sit here in the buff-
My shame showing- that’s tough
Is the meaning we uncover
Worth the free-floating bother
Can’t find my secondary gain
Nor catharsis- just pain
And why sit on the fence
It’s a shared transference
So I’m anal am I?
Well then interprete! Please try.
No wonder people resist
Trust the internal analyst.
Next session’s to think
Now wash your hands in the sink-
Flush!
50 minutes- long or not
And why not rather this chair
Than the sofabed there
The room’s sanitised clean
White tiles make up blank screen
What’s the use to explore
My deep private folklore
If I sit here in the buff-
My shame showing- that’s tough
Is the meaning we uncover
Worth the free-floating bother
Can’t find my secondary gain
Nor catharsis- just pain
And why sit on the fence
It’s a shared transference
So I’m anal am I?
Well then interprete! Please try.
No wonder people resist
Trust the internal analyst.
Next session’s to think
Now wash your hands in the sink-
Flush!
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Local Restaurants
Haven't been blogging for ages- too busy tweeting.
Here's a few local restaurants for my list- lest I forget them.
http://www.lalocanda.co.uk/ Italian place- Pizza free here- It's all about authentic Italian fare. La Locanda in Gisburn near Clitheroe. 01200 445303.
Freemasons Gastropub in Wiswell. Love their web-site- very inviting. Also near Clitheroe. http://www.freemasonsatwiswell.co.uk/ 01254822218.
Then there's the recommended http://www.oysterandotter.co.uk/ quite nearby in Feniscowles. 01254 203200. They're good with seafood apparently.
Finally, there's Calypso Carribean Restaurant 01254261020 although there's no web-site- they've a facebook page.
Also Feilden's Arms - 01254814655- ranked #1 in the Blackburn Area- actually in Mellor Brook- near "Cassis" and "The Millstone" at Mellor.
Then there's the Duke of York pub with an accomplished chef in Gridleton- not too far away hopefully.
And love the Walled Garden- a branch would you've guessed of the Barton Grange Garden range along the Garstang Road.
So many others too- to be found on the Ribblevalleyfoodtrail.
Live life like the locals. Enjoy.
Here's a few local restaurants for my list- lest I forget them.
http://www.lalocanda.co.uk/ Italian place- Pizza free here- It's all about authentic Italian fare. La Locanda in Gisburn near Clitheroe. 01200 445303.
Freemasons Gastropub in Wiswell. Love their web-site- very inviting. Also near Clitheroe. http://www.freemasonsatwiswell.co.uk/ 01254822218.
Then there's the recommended http://www.oysterandotter.co.uk/ quite nearby in Feniscowles. 01254 203200. They're good with seafood apparently.
Finally, there's Calypso Carribean Restaurant 01254261020 although there's no web-site- they've a facebook page.
Also Feilden's Arms - 01254814655- ranked #1 in the Blackburn Area- actually in Mellor Brook- near "Cassis" and "The Millstone" at Mellor.
Then there's the Duke of York pub with an accomplished chef in Gridleton- not too far away hopefully.
And love the Walled Garden- a branch would you've guessed of the Barton Grange Garden range along the Garstang Road.
So many others too- to be found on the Ribblevalleyfoodtrail.
Live life like the locals. Enjoy.
Monday, 19 September 2011
Lakes
The Lake district seems to feature a lot in magazines these days.
Just discovered http://www.lovethelakes.com/ they have an excellent range of not expensive, but classy gifts. All one's Xmas shopping can be done in this one- stop shop.
Also read about 43 Arnside in Cumbria- http://www.no43.org.uk/ - lovely modern B&B with minimalist decor & lovely views-which feels more like a boutique hotel.
My best-even though I've never been has to be Willowford Farm - http://www.willowford.co.uk/ - with underfloor heating- a new experience for me- and waterfall showers. It's on a working farm quite close to Hadrian's wall- so can't wait to visit- credit crunch and weather permitting.
Also heard about Hotel Historic reasonably priced nice hotel in Girona, and Casa Marieta- reasonably priced eatery in Girona for those of us who can't afford La Cellar... the new Michelin starred "El Bulli" reincarnation in Girona.
Ah- and there's a new gem- the Wilson Arms. B&B, self-catering cottages for the week-end, & electric bikes for hire. Worth checking out- www.thewilsonarms.co.uk , 01539 441 237.
Musn't forget Egana Oriza (+34 954 227 211 Calle San Fernando)- restaurant in Seville which sounds awesome, or Casa Robles + 34 954213150, or the Corral del Rey +34 954500708 (http://www.corraldelrey.com/ ) which is also a boutique hotel.
Anyway, it's all about adventure. Discover new places. Savour new experiences. Bye
Just discovered http://www.lovethelakes.com/ they have an excellent range of not expensive, but classy gifts. All one's Xmas shopping can be done in this one- stop shop.
Also read about 43 Arnside in Cumbria- http://www.no43.org.uk/ - lovely modern B&B with minimalist decor & lovely views-which feels more like a boutique hotel.
My best-even though I've never been has to be Willowford Farm - http://www.willowford.co.uk/ - with underfloor heating- a new experience for me- and waterfall showers. It's on a working farm quite close to Hadrian's wall- so can't wait to visit- credit crunch and weather permitting.
Also heard about Hotel Historic reasonably priced nice hotel in Girona, and Casa Marieta- reasonably priced eatery in Girona for those of us who can't afford La Cellar... the new Michelin starred "El Bulli" reincarnation in Girona.
Ah- and there's a new gem- the Wilson Arms. B&B, self-catering cottages for the week-end, & electric bikes for hire. Worth checking out- www.thewilsonarms.co.uk , 01539 441 237.
Musn't forget Egana Oriza (+34 954 227 211 Calle San Fernando)- restaurant in Seville which sounds awesome, or Casa Robles + 34 954213150, or the Corral del Rey +34 954500708 (http://www.corraldelrey.com/ ) which is also a boutique hotel.
Anyway, it's all about adventure. Discover new places. Savour new experiences. Bye
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Parisiene Fancies
I'm always cutting out scraps of newspaper with scraps of travel info- so I thought I'd be less scrappy and more organised and file stuff ee-leck- trow- ni-cally. That's good n'est-ce-pas?
In Paris - for restaurants try-
Restaurant Chartier- inexpensive bistro cuisine- 7 Rue du Fauborg- 0033147708629- http://www.restaurant-chartier.com/
or when you're at the Eiffel Tower- there's
Jules Verne- Avenue Gustave Eiffel- 0033145556144- http://www.lejulesverne-paris.com/
or Chateaubriand- 29 Avenue Parmentier- 0033143574595. (I have heard there's a tres posh new place opened just beside it).
And you can amost smell the loaves at- Poillane's bakery- 8 Rue du cherche-midi. 0033145484259.
Of course these are just a few places- you can hardly go wrong en France. Bonne Chance.
Oops I nearly forgot my favourite place in Paris- Bigarrade- http://www.bigarrade.fr/ . I love it because there's no menu here- "you get what you're given". If I had my way all restaurants would be like it.
And now they've gone and opened - "Wanderlust"- 32 Quai d'Austerlitz, www.wanderlustparis.com. It's an all-in-one- club, restaurant, openair cinema & exhibition space- with different events laid on at different times. Ace.
Cheerio.
In Paris - for restaurants try-
Restaurant Chartier- inexpensive bistro cuisine- 7 Rue du Fauborg- 0033147708629- http://www.restaurant-chartier.com/
or when you're at the Eiffel Tower- there's
Jules Verne- Avenue Gustave Eiffel- 0033145556144- http://www.lejulesverne-paris.com/
or Chateaubriand- 29 Avenue Parmentier- 0033143574595. (I have heard there's a tres posh new place opened just beside it).
And you can amost smell the loaves at- Poillane's bakery- 8 Rue du cherche-midi. 0033145484259.
Of course these are just a few places- you can hardly go wrong en France. Bonne Chance.
Oops I nearly forgot my favourite place in Paris- Bigarrade- http://www.bigarrade.fr/ . I love it because there's no menu here- "you get what you're given". If I had my way all restaurants would be like it.
And now they've gone and opened - "Wanderlust"- 32 Quai d'Austerlitz, www.wanderlustparis.com. It's an all-in-one- club, restaurant, openair cinema & exhibition space- with different events laid on at different times. Ace.
Cheerio.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Directories direct
Lots of useful tit-bits. Bits of info about places to go- thought it would be nice to have them all in one place for easy reference. Here we go.
Furniture. Well there's http://www.retrosofas.co.uk/ and http://www.theoakandropecompany.co.uk/ who do lovely benches for inside and out.
If thinking of new windows, or a conservatory. Think German engineering. Think www.weru.co.uk . Available from Amy Johnson way, Blackpool. 01253 341 444.
For that tricky bay window- it's not a problem for www.trackandpoles.com .Old Windmill, Mill Lane, Parbold (near Wigan). 01257 462 787.
Kids holiday camps- there's always http://www.pgl.co.uk/ and http://www.adventuremakers.co.uk/ .
Also just found out about the Barcelo Hotel, Bobadilla, in Andalucia in Spain. 5- star luxury with a "five-fork" restaurant (whatever that is). Sounds like one for the 50th D.V.
Then there's all things french.
In Troyes (on the way to Nice) there's an outlet shopping village http://www.mcarthurglen.fr/ equivalent to our dear "Cheshire Oaks" over here.
In Paris itself I'd want to visit http://www.bigarride.fr/ a lovely menu-less restaurant. Don't you just love restaurants without menus.
More to come soon with a cheap hotels directory.
Dee.
Furniture. Well there's http://www.retrosofas.co.uk/ and http://www.theoakandropecompany.co.uk/ who do lovely benches for inside and out.
If thinking of new windows, or a conservatory. Think German engineering. Think www.weru.co.uk . Available from Amy Johnson way, Blackpool. 01253 341 444.
For that tricky bay window- it's not a problem for www.trackandpoles.com .Old Windmill, Mill Lane, Parbold (near Wigan). 01257 462 787.
Kids holiday camps- there's always http://www.pgl.co.uk/ and http://www.adventuremakers.co.uk/ .
Also just found out about the Barcelo Hotel, Bobadilla, in Andalucia in Spain. 5- star luxury with a "five-fork" restaurant (whatever that is). Sounds like one for the 50th D.V.
Then there's all things french.
In Troyes (on the way to Nice) there's an outlet shopping village http://www.mcarthurglen.fr/ equivalent to our dear "Cheshire Oaks" over here.
In Paris itself I'd want to visit http://www.bigarride.fr/ a lovely menu-less restaurant. Don't you just love restaurants without menus.
More to come soon with a cheap hotels directory.
Dee.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Open Letter to Ed Balls
Dear Ed,
I have always been a huge fan- so I feel entitled to write directly to you- and to call you Ed.
I thought it was perhaps Gordon Brown's biggest error that he did not make you Chancellor after you'd staunchly supported him for years- but of course there were other pressures on him.
Anyway, I'm not sure that people are aware of how bad the economic situation can possibly get- if we continue with the current strategies, and how desperate the need for change is.
I lived in West Africa in the early 80's when the economies there collapsed- and I can see all of the warning signs here now. I remember clearly sellers desperately slashing prices and trying everything possible to attract buyers- but just like it is here at the moment- nobody bought. Suddenly inflation took off and ran away, 20 years later things seem to be picking up a little.
It is tempting to believe that by cutting back hard, the economy will get back on track. I know that you argue for more gradual cuts- but cuts alone and restructuring will not get the economy working again. It wouldn't work in a household budget- to cut back, scrimp and save- if one owes thousands of pounds. One would need to "consolidate one's debts into a single manageable payment". Same for the country don't you think.
By all means restructure and cut back- hard as you like. The key thing- the most important thing is to put a bit of dosh in people's pockets.
I see shopkeepers standing in their shop doorways. Cars piling up on the forecourts. Homes in need of basic repair. Lowcost carriers begging to fly people abroad- but no takers. Who can afford anything in this climate. Without the people buying, shopping and stimulating the economy, it's downhill I'm afraid.
So if you ask me- keep the cut backs, restructure if you will- but don't tie people's hands behind their backs- give them their pay rises. We need measures that work. It's what the Labour Govt did- your govt- with holding down VAT, and the car scrappage scheme. It's what you guys did with the various tax credits.
Put money in people's pockets. It's all about confidence. Might be our only chance.
I have always been a huge fan- so I feel entitled to write directly to you- and to call you Ed.
I thought it was perhaps Gordon Brown's biggest error that he did not make you Chancellor after you'd staunchly supported him for years- but of course there were other pressures on him.
Anyway, I'm not sure that people are aware of how bad the economic situation can possibly get- if we continue with the current strategies, and how desperate the need for change is.
I lived in West Africa in the early 80's when the economies there collapsed- and I can see all of the warning signs here now. I remember clearly sellers desperately slashing prices and trying everything possible to attract buyers- but just like it is here at the moment- nobody bought. Suddenly inflation took off and ran away, 20 years later things seem to be picking up a little.
It is tempting to believe that by cutting back hard, the economy will get back on track. I know that you argue for more gradual cuts- but cuts alone and restructuring will not get the economy working again. It wouldn't work in a household budget- to cut back, scrimp and save- if one owes thousands of pounds. One would need to "consolidate one's debts into a single manageable payment". Same for the country don't you think.
By all means restructure and cut back- hard as you like. The key thing- the most important thing is to put a bit of dosh in people's pockets.
I see shopkeepers standing in their shop doorways. Cars piling up on the forecourts. Homes in need of basic repair. Lowcost carriers begging to fly people abroad- but no takers. Who can afford anything in this climate. Without the people buying, shopping and stimulating the economy, it's downhill I'm afraid.
So if you ask me- keep the cut backs, restructure if you will- but don't tie people's hands behind their backs- give them their pay rises. We need measures that work. It's what the Labour Govt did- your govt- with holding down VAT, and the car scrappage scheme. It's what you guys did with the various tax credits.
Put money in people's pockets. It's all about confidence. Might be our only chance.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Simple recipee
Forget "chicken a la king"- here's something tastier and just as simple.
You'll need:
8 chicken thighs on the bone- keep the skin on- that's the best bit
1 tbsp olive oil
200ml dry white wine
4 medium leeks- cut into 5cm lengths
2 cloves of garlic- crushed
Leaves from 4 srigs of thyme- not sure how you get just the leaves off.
2 bay leaves
200ml chicken stock
A handful of chopped parsley (finely if you're after Michelin ratings)
One and a half tbsp Dijon mustard (I used Colemans- what the heck!)
Here's the deal-
Heat your oven to 200 degrees cee- gas mark 6. Season chicken.
Brown for 3 mins then 1 min on the other side.
Use the fat from the chicken frying exercise, add the wine and bubble for 5 mins.
Add everything else- ah- except the mustard and parsley. Bubble for 5 mins.
Tip the bubbly mixture into the chicken pieces.
Cook in oven for 30 min covered with foil, and for 30 mins uncovered.
Whisk the mustard into the cooked juices (of course you'd have removed the cooked chicken before whisking it to smithereens!)
Reunite the chicken and mustardy juices. Sprinkle on parsley and you're ready to "roll". (or mashed potato if you prefer, or rice.)
And also here's a bit of a slight twist on the traditional Irish Stew-
You'll need-
4 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions
1 garlic clove
1.6kg braising steak or shin
5 tbsp plain flour
600ml Guiness
500ml beef stock
2 sprigs of thyme
Chopped parsley
What you do-
Heat 1 tbsp oil and fry over medium heat- the onion, garlic & thyme for 2 minutes or until soft.
Season the flour with salt & pepper & dust the beef with it- or in it.
Heat 3 tbsp oil in a casserole dish over high heat & fry beef until browned.
Add onions, garlic, & thyme (fried above) to the casserole dish & heat over a medium heat. Then add the Guiness, stock & herbs (what herbs?) & bring to the boil.
Cover & simmer on low heat (how else would you simmer?) for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
Add the chopped parsley and serve (and enjoy- with some extra Guiness).
Yum-yum.
You'll need:
8 chicken thighs on the bone- keep the skin on- that's the best bit
1 tbsp olive oil
200ml dry white wine
4 medium leeks- cut into 5cm lengths
2 cloves of garlic- crushed
Leaves from 4 srigs of thyme- not sure how you get just the leaves off.
2 bay leaves
200ml chicken stock
A handful of chopped parsley (finely if you're after Michelin ratings)
One and a half tbsp Dijon mustard (I used Colemans- what the heck!)
Here's the deal-
Heat your oven to 200 degrees cee- gas mark 6. Season chicken.
Brown for 3 mins then 1 min on the other side.
Use the fat from the chicken frying exercise, add the wine and bubble for 5 mins.
Add everything else- ah- except the mustard and parsley. Bubble for 5 mins.
Tip the bubbly mixture into the chicken pieces.
Cook in oven for 30 min covered with foil, and for 30 mins uncovered.
Whisk the mustard into the cooked juices (of course you'd have removed the cooked chicken before whisking it to smithereens!)
Reunite the chicken and mustardy juices. Sprinkle on parsley and you're ready to "roll". (or mashed potato if you prefer, or rice.)
And also here's a bit of a slight twist on the traditional Irish Stew-
You'll need-
4 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions
1 garlic clove
1.6kg braising steak or shin
5 tbsp plain flour
600ml Guiness
500ml beef stock
2 sprigs of thyme
Chopped parsley
What you do-
Heat 1 tbsp oil and fry over medium heat- the onion, garlic & thyme for 2 minutes or until soft.
Season the flour with salt & pepper & dust the beef with it- or in it.
Heat 3 tbsp oil in a casserole dish over high heat & fry beef until browned.
Add onions, garlic, & thyme (fried above) to the casserole dish & heat over a medium heat. Then add the Guiness, stock & herbs (what herbs?) & bring to the boil.
Cover & simmer on low heat (how else would you simmer?) for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
Add the chopped parsley and serve (and enjoy- with some extra Guiness).
Yum-yum.
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Fuelling up
Thought I'd create a directory of really good fuels and gels to test out in the coming weeks.
Just coasting really most weeks- as I have to keep breaking off to go on my training course in Group Psychotherapy- or Psychobabble as I prefer to think of it.
So here goes-
Most popular seems to be TORQ products- http://www.torqfitness.co.uk/ for hydration and energy. One 51 year old marathon runner (older than me) recommends CLIF bar Shot Bloks http://www.clifbar.com/ . There's NaKD (http://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/) and 9 snack bars sound good (http://www.naturalcollection.com/ ). Also Maxi Fuel Viper Active 35grams of carbs(http://www.maxifuel.com/ ). Also Gatorade Perform Orange with its' 30g of carbohydrate, or Maxi
If it's drinks you're after then try Powershot Organic Energy (http://www.thehealthbay.com/), or Orbana Energy (http://www.orbana.com/). All the local supermarkets stock- Neurosport- which replaces electrolytes & minerals but is low cal.
How about "4:1" by High5- http://www.highfive.co.uk/ which is four parts carbs and one part whey protein- good for extending endurance- now that's just what I need.
For endurance- there's Nectar Sports Fuel Concentrate & Gatorade Endurance Hydration.
A few runners use "yoursportsfuel" before and after races- but I can't find a website for it- I'm sure there is one. One runner takes a Bi-Carb capsule beforehand to prevent lactic acid build-up which causes the dreaded "wall", and there's even talk of milk and coconut water as a recovery drink.
Whatever will they think of next- now order on-line and experiment. Or maybe make your own. 200ml (Isotonic) or 400ml (hypertonic) of concentrated orange squash- in 1litre of water with a pinch of salt. Simples. Serve chilled.
Just coasting really most weeks- as I have to keep breaking off to go on my training course in Group Psychotherapy- or Psychobabble as I prefer to think of it.
So here goes-
Most popular seems to be TORQ products- http://www.torqfitness.co.uk/ for hydration and energy. One 51 year old marathon runner (older than me) recommends CLIF bar Shot Bloks http://www.clifbar.com/ . There's NaKD (http://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/) and 9 snack bars sound good (http://www.naturalcollection.com/ ). Also Maxi Fuel Viper Active 35grams of carbs(http://www.maxifuel.com/ ). Also Gatorade Perform Orange with its' 30g of carbohydrate, or Maxi
If it's drinks you're after then try Powershot Organic Energy (http://www.thehealthbay.com/), or Orbana Energy (http://www.orbana.com/). All the local supermarkets stock- Neurosport- which replaces electrolytes & minerals but is low cal.
How about "4:1" by High5- http://www.highfive.co.uk/ which is four parts carbs and one part whey protein- good for extending endurance- now that's just what I need.
For endurance- there's Nectar Sports Fuel Concentrate & Gatorade Endurance Hydration.
A few runners use "yoursportsfuel" before and after races- but I can't find a website for it- I'm sure there is one. One runner takes a Bi-Carb capsule beforehand to prevent lactic acid build-up which causes the dreaded "wall", and there's even talk of milk and coconut water as a recovery drink.
Whatever will they think of next- now order on-line and experiment. Or maybe make your own. 200ml (Isotonic) or 400ml (hypertonic) of concentrated orange squash- in 1litre of water with a pinch of salt. Simples. Serve chilled.
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