Tag lamb

The Ivy, Tower Bridge – Part 2

Mishmash Media Blog 2 Comments

After the blogging event, we jumped on the Tube and went to The Ivy, London Bridge. It is near the station and the bridge so easy to find. The restaurant has a large glass window front with a magnificent view of London Bridge. We crossed the bridge to reach the restaurant and was able to take some wonderful night time views.

When we located the place we had trouble finding the entrance as you have to walk around the corner to actually find it. We arrived and was taken to our table. A lovely place which was exceedingly busy with lots of people having animated conversations about life and enjoying the delicious food.  We were asked if we would like still or sparkling water and my daughter firmly said ‘tap please’. I love the way she doesn’t worry about what people think, although nor do I nowadays.

The staff were friendly and told us all about the menu, but we couldn’t hear because it was soooo noisy. Unfortunately, this does seem to be a problem, but I could see that the problem would not last and many people were finishing their meals and had come from work so would probably depart which is, exactly what happened.

I had duck pate to start, lamb for my main course and then this most amazing chocolate bomb. I decided to have a beer because I had to drive home from the station, in a few hours time. Unfortunately, the glass was completely inappropriate for a female as it was large with a handle and the rime was about half an inch thick. I tweeted them about it, but was positive apart from complaining about the glass. The food and service were superb. The chocolate bomb was incredible and the highlight of the meal.  The waiter poured hot caramel sauce over the smooth mound and it all collapsed into a kaleidoscope of beauty and gorgeousness.  Oh, the  decadence of it! Yum! We are still dreaming about it. Quite sublime.

Can recommend the experience and it wasn’t too pricey. Not really. It is what life is all about really, isn’t it?

Easter prep, gym, cooking and a flat tyre…

Mishmash Media Blog 3 Comments

Had a good week. Was invited to a family meal 🥘 . It was a lovingly home cooked Spanish tapas and absolutely delicious. We had bruschetta (as photo), meat balls, tortilla, olives, veggies, canary potatoes, prawns and manchego cheese. The pud was homemade brownie with ice cream and was absolutely amazing. The beer was Punk IPA by BrewDog which is my all time favourite beer, at the moment. Must say, tapas is a great way to entertain because you can pick what you like which, in my case, is most of it. Oops.

Been to the gym three times and been on a couple of walks. Tried to go on about 1200 calories and some days have been ok but others, as above, not great. However, feel more in control as not stuffing chocs and biscuits so feel a lot better. With Easter Sunday looming this is my main aim. Upwards and onwards. Really aiming to start properly after Easter.

On Saturday, did the booze and bits top up shopping and discovered a flat tyre when we returned to our car. Luckily, handy husband was with me and put the spare tyre on. This seemed to fascinate the local shopping population. Looked a fairly simple operation but I probably wouldn’t have the strength for the nuts. We then had to rush to the tyre shop and the man insisted I stayed in the car, like lady muck, while he jacked the car up! So I carried on nonchalantly writing this blog post! All part of life’s rich tapestry! Can you change a tyre?

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday and I’m looking forward to a jolly family day of roast lamb and all the trimmings including homemade Yorkshire puddings, chocolate pudding and cake. Then I’m back on the running, gym and healthy diet routine. I promise.

The obligatory Easter chocolate cake is a simple affair…

8oz marg

8oz caster sugar

8oz self raising flour

4 eggs

Chocolate drops

Splash of treacle and or milk (makes it fudgy and yummy)

2 oz Chocolate powder

Mix together and put into two 8 inch tins.

Icing is 2oz butter with around 3oz icing sugar and 1oz chocolate powder. Mix with a tiny drop of boiling water. To be honest, you don’t have to be too careful about measurements for the icing.

Enjoy and have a wonderful Easter.

Please don’t forget to press the FOLLOW button. 😉

Food on Valentine’s Day

Mishmash Media Blog Leave a comment

Enjoyed walking little O across cold, windy fields and felt better for the jaunt. Had a quick cuppa with Zillah, O’s owner, then went home.

A huge van was blocking our driveway,  but I was glad to see it because it meant the plumber had turned up, and was dealing with the drainage problem. After some panicked activity, we paid the helpful chap, who had dreadlocks down to his waist and settled down at the computer to do some blogging work.  We were relieved the drainage problem was sorted.

Having received the happy news from dreadlock plumber, we decided to venture out to celebrate Valentine’s Day and clear, clean drains. Such is life.

The jolly couple (us) had lamb shank in a yummy red wine gravy, mash potatoes plus veg. We were then pursuaded into having a chocolate pudding which arrived with two dollops of ice cream. The chocolate pud was in the shape of a heart which amused the waiter. Who says romance is dead? Great day but I do feel rather full now.

As you can tell the diet has left the building…

To be continued…

img_0175

Everyday inspiration – Parkrun, reading and cooking…

Mishmash Media Blog Leave a comment

Saturday – was an inspiring day so I’m going to share with you.  It started with a bowl of yogurt, oats and frozen berries.  This is a impressive breakfast, because it is sooo gratifying and looks rather resplendent too.

Parkrun…

This was followed by a drive to the local park for this week’s Parkrun.  I’ve been running for a while off and on and recently decided to train more seriously.  To reduce the risk of injury, been doing a tough workout at the gym with weights and leg strength exercises. Consequently, my legs feel marginally stronger and I managed to keep shuffling along for the whole 5k.  Jolly tough for me, I can tell you.

Parkrun helps because it is challenging and timed.  It is held in many parks nationally on Saturday morning and starts at 9pm.  If you try it, arrive early because there is a short talk before the running starts.  Don’t forget to log on and obtain your bar code so your time can be recorded and emailed to you.  To find your local Parkrun, here is the website: http://www.parkrun.org.uk
Cooking and catching up with stuff…

Returned home feeling invigorated and got stuck into a few housework chores, showered then had some lunch.  The afternoon was spent food shopping, reading and making this Moussaka for dinner.  It has been a long time since I made one and I really enjoyed it. Moussaka is simple to make and a favourite meal.

Fry slices of aubergines with a red onion. Cook some lamb mince and season then make a simple white sauce.  Layer in a deep dish, the aubergines, onion, mince and sliced potatoes. Add the white sauce and sprinkle some cheese if you are piggy like me then shove in a hot oven.  Job done. Here is a recipe to guide you: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/moussaka_71985

Evening road trip and craft beer…

During the evening I checked out the pub King and Queen in Edenbridge.  A pleasant, evening trip and driven by somebody else.  This was just as well because they had craft beer.

So what is special about today?  Nothing much but it was inspiring.  A new PB at the exhausting but satisfying Parkrun, interesting reading, catching up, cooking a different meal and drinking some super craft beer. A day doing fab stuff, when I wanted.  Always a good thing, isn’t it?

Thank you so much for reading my blog.  Check out my new Facebook page too and ‘like’ the page.  https://www.facebook.com/Mishmashmediablog/