Lola at the Coffee House

It's futuristic my dear.

I have been told that nobody ever makes any of the dishes Nigella concocts. People just enjoy watching her, and her back-up staff, producing them. It's called food porn in the trade.

I bet not a single one of her puddings is a match for Jam Roly-Poly out of a tin and with runny custard to swill it down.

I had "field work" for mine mapping and exploration for various resources.
We always had a contract cooking service who travelled with us and brought all the food and equipment.
They always asked, what don't you guys like? any special meals? and breakfast times.
We always had a greats eries of cooks and one who was with me for almost a decade (I would teach in the winter and go to field starting in May ).
I recall the black cans (this was in the 70's and 80's and wed use the cans for samples.
The coffee really was not too good nd we made em go to something else besides perk.

Bump for some biscotti

Meanwhile, Happy Year of the Horse, everyone. Or Gung hoy fet choi, as they say in Chinatown.

bump

Futuristic - tosh!

Re Nigella - people DO make the dishes in her cookery books! I prefer the recipes of Nigel Slater and Antony Worrall Thompson, but that's a personal preference. As for the 'trade' and 'food porn' - what nonsense. A beautifully cooked, beautifully presented meal, is a delight - but I'll leave you to enjoy your peasant grub.

My your little red envelopes be bountiful!

Well--yes it is. It speaks volumes for how well-trained and domesticated a chap's wife is and how expertly organised his domestic establishment has come to be under his guidance. A chap does need to keep a keen edge on his appetites what with them being known to become jaded so rapidly under the stress of surfeit.

What could be better than her finding delight in it herself?

I put this on another thread, but, hey, it's the year of the horsies..



See the article for more horse photos - the year of the horse in pictures -

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2014/jan/29/chinas-year-of-the-horse-in-pictures

The first photo shown in there is a complete stunner (to me).

It is, literally, a feast for the eyes.

Why not make every aspect of life as aesthetically appealing as possible?

We should enjoy a special dinner for Chinese New Year.

Um, what are those items with what look like coatings of sesame seeds? They look familiar... (haven't gotten to a good dim sum place for decades now). There's one here, simply terrible. If I knew the name, maybe I could find recipes and whip up a batch. . . . after a few tries.

A place I might enjoy checking out, right about now... http://www.lansugarden.org/

I think this is the scholar's garden:


From SFGate -
Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland, Ore. Lan Su, Garden of Awakening Orchids, was modeled after the Ming Dynasty gardens of China. An atmosphere of tranquillity has been created by artisans from Suzhou, Portland's sister city. Visit early this month. Toss your red ribbon into the hong bao money tree or Chinese Wishing Tree in the Fragrance Courtyard. If it sticks, you'll receive good fortune in the new year. Every season is unique; one visit, never enough. 239 Northwest Everett St., (503) 228-8131.

I couldn't find a photo of the Fragrant Garden, at least in the time I looked, nor that particular wishing tree.

Here's another wishing tree, though:



I remember that Dys really liked this garden.

I think I will join you. The gardens look so lovely.

I think you'd like this place, that is if you've not already been there.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardens_of_Bomarzo

A very beautiful garden, Ossobucco - thank you for introducing us to it.

What a wonderful array of food - looks totally delicious. I'll definitely eat dinner here!

I like the stone dragons, Izzy. Be perfect in our garden - sigh! An incredible place.