Have you ever had one of those days when you’re feeling pretty dreadful and possibly a little hung over, (as I was after an evening out with friends who were over from Dubai) and, to make up for it, you eat you eat and eat… and EAT!
I can’t tell you what I had for breakfast because I don’t actually remember, but I’d imagine it was somethingorother comforting like Marmite on toast. Then I had a meeting at Borough Market. A cup of coffee hardly ever passes my lips, but on this occasion it was very strong, neat stuff with sugar.
Afterwards, I suddenly felt like exploring the market, but I couldn’t cast my eyes beyond the signs for pig farmers and free bones (presumably for dogs, or stock, rather than weird voodoo ceremonies).
Focusing on the burly guys chopping up racks of ribs and tearing dead animals apart was well nigh impossible in my fragile state.
However, some of the more voluble stall holders managed to lure me over to try out some curries.
Yes, at 11.0 am I was sampling the delights of Thai and Malaysian chicken dishes, full of spices and …
by the time I reached the Caribbean curry my vision was somewhat out of focus and I was beginning to feel a little queasy (though don’t get me wrong guys, the flavours were totally delicious!)
Next port of call was a café on the main road, where I steadied myself with a mid-morning vegetarian calzone toasted sandwich. Yum.
Actually any carbs would have done the trick, but this certainly hit the spot and I was ready to make the trip back to my office, where I polished off a bag of salt and vinegar crisps on arrival.
You’re probably feeling as ill as I was by now, just reading this. Nevertheless, I put in a good afternoon’s work before heading off for … a fish and chip supper at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Perfect!
Armed with my curiously cheap ticket, I entered the hallowed ground, where men strode purposefully towards dinner.
Although dizzy with expectation, it was probably not a good idea to look up at the towering floodlights...
However, the space age stands and media centre were really impressive. Not sure what the bell is for.
Inside was… fish and (not so authentic or hand cut) chips with divinely mushy peas. I didn’t really want you to see the dollop of butter on the side of my plate - evidence that I'd greedily tucked into some bread beforehand too...
And all watched over by arty portraits of cricketing heroes like Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Viv Richards, Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and this curiously cricket ball coloured, bare-chested man below, who I think is Brian Lara?
The only thing missing was vinegar.
It was such a pleasure to retire home to bed, though on the way back I stopped to admire this wonderful monument to the marvellously curious game – now also played at night.
It really was rather special and worth remembering – perhaps in a Cooking up Memories journal from ShopCurious. Do check out these lovely books – they’re great as gifts and are totally priceless.
By the way, have you ever had one of those days? Surely I’m not the only one - do tell...
Will you?
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Funny how our style of shopping changes over time. A curious trend I’ve noticed is that markets are becoming much posher of late. This has a lot to do with creative types selling artworks, retro and crafts based products from stalls and pop-up shops in edgy locations.
