Many of you have expressed concern over what I have been able to eat here in London. I must say it has not been easy. Unlike Italy or France, the UK is not exactly heralded for its cuisine. I’m learning that the term “pub grub” is not just a catchy phrase—it’s a precise description of traditional English fare. Not only does the food taste bad, it even sounds unappetizing. “Bangers and mash” sounds like something you would feed to livestock. And blood pudding? Let’s not even go there.
It’s a challenge just to find something edible—let alone healthy. Part of the problem is that some of the most common menu items here are completely unrecognizable. For example, “Welsh Rabbit” is cheese and crackers. Who knew?
And then there are jackets. If you’re not in the know, the jacket issue is very confusing. Jackets are everywhere. In Tesco (the British 7-Eleven), in my office cafeteria, in all the pubs, and even in finer dining establishments. Considering that most restaurants are not air-conditioned (again with the air-conditioning problem!), it’s a bit weird to always have waitstaff asking if you want a jacket. It’s equally strange to see buffets with dedicated Jacket Stations. So what is this mysterious culinary delight? Here’s a hint: in the States, we usually top them with sour cream and chives. Yes, jackets are good ol’ fashioned baked potatoes. Clearly, the low-carb phenomenon has yet to catch on here.
But for the few people who are watching their starches, there are alternatives. Namely, the rocket salad.
Leave it to the English to find a vegetable I don’t like. Rocket is disgusting! And it’s devious. Outwardly, rocket looks like your typical mixed green. You might not even notice it tossed in among the romaine or spinach. But you will know it when you bite it. Taste-wise, rocket fuel might be more palatable. I’m not quite sure how such an innocent looking vegetable manages to pack such a peppery punch, but it literally made me sick to my stomach. Apparently I am in the minority on this one as my coworkers seem to love the stuff, but as far as I’m concerned, rockets are not for eating.
It’s a challenge just to find something edible—let alone healthy. Part of the problem is that some of the most common menu items here are completely unrecognizable. For example, “Welsh Rabbit” is cheese and crackers. Who knew?
And then there are jackets. If you’re not in the know, the jacket issue is very confusing. Jackets are everywhere. In Tesco (the British 7-Eleven), in my office cafeteria, in all the pubs, and even in finer dining establishments. Considering that most restaurants are not air-conditioned (again with the air-conditioning problem!), it’s a bit weird to always have waitstaff asking if you want a jacket. It’s equally strange to see buffets with dedicated Jacket Stations. So what is this mysterious culinary delight? Here’s a hint: in the States, we usually top them with sour cream and chives. Yes, jackets are good ol’ fashioned baked potatoes. Clearly, the low-carb phenomenon has yet to catch on here.
But for the few people who are watching their starches, there are alternatives. Namely, the rocket salad.
Leave it to the English to find a vegetable I don’t like. Rocket is disgusting! And it’s devious. Outwardly, rocket looks like your typical mixed green. You might not even notice it tossed in among the romaine or spinach. But you will know it when you bite it. Taste-wise, rocket fuel might be more palatable. I’m not quite sure how such an innocent looking vegetable manages to pack such a peppery punch, but it literally made me sick to my stomach. Apparently I am in the minority on this one as my coworkers seem to love the stuff, but as far as I’m concerned, rockets are not for eating.
2 comments:
Enuff!!!!!
This trip is becoming a "bad dream" in a nightmare.
Terrorists, housing under construction, ornery hotel staff, floods, sweaty tubes, sweaty restaurants, heavy currency, hail, rain, rain, and rain, splenda shortage, high prices, low expectations, and now "grub", a very,very,very distant relative to actual "food".
It's ironic that the one thing most find the least enjoyable is airline travel and yet that seems to be the highlight of your trip.
God bless first class!
Come home soon. You need a break!
PS
WHN is preparing for camping weekend. He has currently set a record in spending the most for something he wishes to do the least. Hmmmmmmm... That bread-and-breakfast idea may have some merit! (-;
Smile!
Counting down the hours now! My sentence has been abbreviated- time off for good behavior I suppose. Will be back in the great ol' U.S. of A. on Tuesday :)
Hope the blog hasn't become too whiny-- I promise to try to post something positive before I go!
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