FEAST LONG AND PROSPER!

FEAST LONG AND PROSPER!

Over the years I've sampled a lot of different styles of food.

Something that has been on my thoughts a lot recently is 'first times' with regards to meals.

The first time I tried indian food is now safely buried somewhere in my subconscious.

Apparently the 4 year old me nagged and nagged my Father to let me try some of his Chicken Madras.

After the umpteenth 'it'll be too hot for you' Dad relented and I tried a piece. My face turned scarlet and if it could cartoon steam would have blasted from my ears.

The first time I that I do remember having an Indian meal is a far more positive affair.

Around 1988, the parents and their friends shared a take away, and 'the kids' (my brother and the other couples offspring) got the run of the front room.

This was complete with TV and video rented specially for the occasion (the then new video release 'Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home').

Our Indian meal was relatively simple - Chicken Tikka with rice, poppadums and a bottle of cola (hopefully not Panda Pops).

I remember as the brief recap of 'The Search for Spock' 's denouement played, the looks of wonder across our three faces as we took a bite.

This look was one of sudden realisation - that there was a whole new frontier of food wonderment out there.

I have not looked back since, and I never will.

FEAST LONG AND PROSPER!

Over the years I've sampled a lot of different styles of food.

Something that has been on my thoughts a lot recently is 'first times' with regards to meals.

The first time I tried indian food is now safely buried somewhere in my subconscious.

Apparently the 4 year old me nagged and nagged my Father to let me try some of his Chicken Madras.

After the umpteenth 'it'll be too hot for you' Dad relented and I tried a piece. My face turned scarlet and if it could cartoon steam would have blasted from my ears.

The first time I that I do remember having an Indian meal is a far more positive affair.

Around 1988, the parents and their friends shared a take away, and 'the kids' (my brother and the other couples offspring) got the run of the front room.

This was complete with TV and video rented specially for the occasion (the then new video release 'Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home').

Our Indian meal was relatively simple - Chicken Tikka with rice, poppadums and a bottle of cola (hopefully not Panda Pops).

I remember as the brief recap of 'The Search for Spock' 's denouement played, the looks of wonder across our three faces as we took a bite.

This look was one of sudden realisation - that there was a whole new frontier of food wonderment out there.

I have not looked back since, and I never will.

SEEING RED

I'm in love…with a sandwich!

'Red Cafe' (as the regulars endearingly call it) - real name: ‘Buffet Bar’, really does shine out like a scarlet jewel in these dark, cold January mornings around the Leather Lane area.

Located at the corner of Kirby and Greville Street, they serve up a great variety of breakfasts, wonderful selection of sandwiches, and dinner-style fare such as various pasta dishes.

However, this writer has only recently discovered the Crimson Cafe's true

'Pièce de résistance - a foccica wonder known as 'The Hot Escalope Special'.

A beautifully breaded escalope of chicken, lovingly wrapped in cheese,

topped off with tomato and herb sauce and sprinkled with BAD ASS bacon bits.

This was my first sampling of the 'specials' menu. It shall not be my last…

Until next time - eat first, ask questions later!

THE DADDY

'Daddy Donkey' on leather lane has been serving up burritos to the Farringdon lunchtime crowd for quite a few years now, pre-dating the explosion in Burrito chains we are currently experiencing in the big smoke.

It was actually the first food I purchased in this great market - and what an expence it was!

Daddy Donkey burritos are a fair (i.e. LARGE) size and are busting with so much flavour, after

my first bite I could have closed my eyes and been in the Mission District, SF.

Prices are fair, and a variety of extras are on offer (feta cheese, jalapenos, extra cheese).

This mobile fan of food-dispensing goodness opens at 7:30 in the morning and offers breakfast burritos up until 11. 

The breakfast burrito is also an awe inspiring experience. I was in two minds as to whether I should devote another article to this, but let's just say once you've had one - the fry up no longer cuts it.

Buy a breakfast burrito and get a free coffee courtesy of the sister stall, 'Momma Mule'

Back in 2010 Daddy Donkey opened up a branch in my neck of the woods, Brick Lane. This momentous event was marked with a whole day of free burritos!

Here's a film of the opening. Watch until at least until 2:42 to see the man who always gives lunch a

chance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPDBEFLyJE4