Franco Manca Review

“It had better be a flipping good pizza!” I loudly grumbled, stepping once again into the bitterly freezing night air. Another painful twenty minute walk later and we at last arrived at our destination: Franco Manca, Chiswick.

Time and money are always in short supply for the busy student, and as a result I hadn't eaten out in quite a while. After a brief discussion with some friends, we decided it was about time we went out for a good old chomping jaunt again. The question was, where to eat? We had decided we could afford to give up an evening, but the question remained as to where one could indulge in some fine London eating without sacrificing the entirety of one's student loan in the process.

Raspberry Vinegar Mojito

I was idly perusing the aisles at the BBC Good Food Show Spring when I spotted it. Amongst the usual hoards of olive oils, curry pastes, chilli jams and the occasional flavoured vodka (yawn), was the Drury and Alldis of Thornwood stand.

The first thing that caught my eye was the live bee hive on their stand. And then it was the beautiful bottles they use for their oils and vinegars. Finally, my eyes fell on the stunning rosé hue of the Sweet English Raspberry Vinegar. Really? It had to be given a go. The taste was every bit as good as the look; sour as a vinegar should be, yet complimented by a delightful sweet raspberry kick.

A History of Food in 100 Recipes

Today marks the release of the book of William Sitwell's A History of Food in 100 Recipes. It is a book that I have been eagerly anticipating for many months – since August 2011 to be precise – for several reasons.

“Coming from a family of writers,” said Sitwell at the launch of his book last night, “writing a book was something that I had always wanted to do.”

“My great great grandfather, Sir George Sitwell” – who wrote notable works such as The Introduction of The Peacock to Western Gardens, Sitwell joked – “wrote a book called The History of the Fork. When I discovered this I said 'how dare he tread on my territory!' But I have included a chapter on the history of the fork nonetheless.”

I've Given Up Being Healthy for Lent...

Don't become a slave to this innocent looking wheel...

Although Christian, I have never really given anything up for Lent. This is not because I am simply too weak-willed and indulgent to deny myself any kind of luxury for forty days, it is just that somehow I have never felt the need to.

Different people give up different things, whether that be chocolate, sweets, crisps, alcohol, and even television or Facebook – basically anything unhealthy and addictive. Some do it for the love of a challenge, some for a bit of fun and the shake-up of every day banality, whilst others do it for the gratification and sense of self-control that it effuses. But I've decided to give up something quite different, and for quite different reasons too. I have given up being healthy. Well, almost.

In Praise of the Pancake

I have always had a preference for Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, over that of St. Valentine. There could be several reasons for this. Perhaps it is because I make a better pancake than I do a Valentine. Perhaps it is my Dutch heritage. Most of all though, there is something that is just solid and dependable about the humble pancake.

Looking at Valentine's Day, it reminds me of a chocolate fondant. It looks lovely and tastes gorgeous, with its soft sponge and warm indulgent chocolate filling, but it's not particularly strong or stable, is easy to get wrong, and for all its delight it just isn't that healthy. The slightest push and what you thought was a sturdy exterior gives way to goo. Pure deception.

Please Hold the Line...

One may have noticed that there has been a significant lack of activity on this blog of late. There is a reason for this; and instead of the usual general incompetence on my part, this time it is my graduate photography project.

The project, which you can read about by following the above link, involves me researching, writing and photographing a book, amongst other things, and has to be completed by the beginning of May - which means things are hectically busy at the moment. Oh for the stereotypical student life, eh?

As a result, it means I won't be able to pay much attention to this blog; I won't have time to pick the weeds and mow the lawn of this little corner of the interweb, so to speak. I will of course continue to cook and eat (I may cease to exist if I don't), but I just probably won't have the time to write.

But don't worry, it's not the end, it's more a case of 'please hold the line' than anything else. For about three months, if you could be so patient...

Bacon and Sage Wrapped Pheasant with Delicious Roast Veg

A Student's Christmas Dinner

This is a properly student friendly Christmas dinner. That is to say, it's not a traditional Christmas dinner; not the whole nine yards. No, your mum will be cooking that for you on the 25^th. But why not have a simple alternative with your flat mates to celebrate the end of the deadline rush and the close of yet another (or maybe your first) splendid term at university?

I've swapped Turkey for a smaller, but equally – if not more – delicious bird here: Pheasant. Pheasants are in abundance at this time of year; it'sthe height of the game season, so you shouldn't have to pay more than a fiver for the whole thing. The roast vegetables recipe is pretty much fool proof and is one that I've used again and again since I first learnt it. Gently roast, crispy skinned, melt-in-the-mouth in the middle, and beautifully aromatic from the rosemary, these veggies are almost as indulgent as chocolate. Almost.

Finally, all of this happens in one dish, and once in the oven you simply have to wait for it to roast, so it really is quite stress free.