Reading the cookery writer David Lebovitz’ description of cooking in his minute ‘cuisine americaine’ in his Paris apartment reminds me of the tiny little kitchen in my Parisian flat, not much bigger than a chambre de bonne (maid’s room) in the 20th arrondissement where I lived for 6 years.Sloping roof, a chipped sink, barely enough…
Archives for 2008
100 things to do before you die
This list is doing the rounds: how many have you done? 1. Started my own blog- yes2. Slept under the stars- many times.3. Played in a band- samba bands4. Visited Hawaii-no 5. Watched a meteor shower- in the Jordanian desert.6. Given more than I can afford to charity- don’t think so.7. Been to Disneyland/World- yes8. Climbed…
Iris, Violet and other fleurs du mal
Facebook. People slag it off. But the most magical thing has just happened to me via Facebook. Through the profile of a friend, I saw a long lost name from way back, Pleasant Gehman. And through her, I saw the name of my best friend, when I lived in Los Angeles, Iris Berry. For years…
Restaurants
Browsing some food blogs this morning I feel, um I can only describe it as, seethingly jealous. Why? These bloggers seem to be irritatingly rich, able to dine at fine restaurants every week. One of the main reasons I want a boyfriend/husband/partner/solvent shag is so that they can take me to good restaurants. I can’t…
Baked vacherin cheese in its wooden box
I bought a Vacherin cheese, which is in season now. Talk about an easy cheese fondue style supper! Take the lid of the wooden box, wrap the bottom in tin foil. Pour a glass of white wine in the cheese, stud it with some garlic cloves if you wish. Put it in the oven for…
Boxing day
Went to a gay couple’s house, friends of my sister, for Boxing day. They had their parents there. I was told they were doing curry. I assumed it would be turkey curry (yuk). So I took other ingredients. Brinjal Bhaji recipe: Small aubergines – split lengthways in quarters for quick cooking. Mustard Seeds- a handful…
Christmas Day
First year with my Aga. Peeled, topped and tailed carrots, parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes. Parboil. Slice red onions. Put carrots, sweet potatoes in one tray, added olive oil, cinnamon and maple syrup. Put potatoes, parsnips and red onion in another tray. Add garlic, olive oil, a tin of tomatoes, salt, bay leaves. I put the…
Christmas Eve
Last night: I finally made the perfect… Margarita cocktail: 3 capfuls of tequila 1 capful of cointreau 1 1/2 limes squeezed Prior to this, wet the rim of your glass with the lime and place upside down in a saucer of salt, thereby rimming the glass. Put ice in glass. Add mix above. Perfect. Drank…
Emma Watson’s dress
The teen’s shoes My teenager has just come back from two days at my parents. She rocked up there in complete Victoriana, a ruffly white dress (“It’s dirty.” “I know, it’s supposed to be.”), little lace-up boots, and a black and white leg o’ mutton sleeve coat. The little match girl indeed. Of course my…
Saturnalia, Winter Solstice.
As I described in a previous post, on the 23rd of every month, there is a little ritual at the Crossbones gates of the outcast’s cemetary in Red Cross Way, Southwark. It starts at 7pm. A bell is rung. Around 30 people are there. One is a black taxi driver called Mick. His cab is parked…