think green

Food: did Jamie Oliver go too far?

A few years back, everyone (or almost everyone) watched Jamie's debut "The Naked Chef".

The concept was new and fresh.

It attracted people who didn't like to spend too much time in the kitchen, probably because recipes where easy fast without fuss.

There was that special touch which brought the ultimate cool thing to do with friends on weekends.

Then Jamie Oliver became more famous; started to publish books about food of course.

He got married and became a Dad as well, with four children.

After opening a few restaurants, He decided to speak openly in various TV and radio programmes about school dinners and the importance of revising what children are eating and the quality of all ingredients. Some pupils don't even know that a chip comes from a potato or that baked beans don't grow in trees!!! Alarming, isn't it?

Sadly, it has been announced that what Jamie wanted to achieve has not worked out. Why? Probably because of our Society.

It is simple though: health and food are directly related.

However, what we see is a mega birth of take-away and fast-food outlets. What is available is generally processed and saturated with salt and sugar in order to minimise wastage.

Winners are all these corporations who want to monopolise our High Streets.

Consumers are becoming sheep: following the trend. A bit like if everybody goes there it must be good. In fact, it is not that good. Portions are huge and people see that they are getting a good deal out of what they get in their plates (or boxes)!!!

Quantity does NOT mean quality! We know this, but it seems that the visual impact is stronger than common sense. Eat more but all of it is not that good for your organs.

So, Jamie has failed to convert parents, teachers, children about his healthy school dinner project!

"...A 500ml bottle of cola has 131/2 teaspoons. What? Half the sugar you consume is hidden in foods. The single largest amount of calories consumed by our children is in sugary soft drinks..." Source

There are two issues:

1. easy to buy ready meals which take a few seconds to be hot by using a micro-wave oven,
2. lazyness of parents who are too 'busy and tired' to spend time in the kitchen to prepare fresh vegetables based meals.

Whatever the County Council allows, it could well affect our health. In other terms, how many pizza, burger places and other greasy spoons do we need?

Jamie didn't certainly go to too far about trying to change (bad) eating habits. It has just been incorrectly received by families.

As he said himself: ...eating well is a 'posh and middle class' concern...

However, local markets can be cheap and bring very good quality ingredients on our tables. Of course, this requires an effort...and even this seems to be 'complicated'. Of course, calling or online ordering a pizza - bucket of chicken wings with french fries and have it delivered is the easy option, without actually caring about sugar and salt intake!

No wonder that the UK Government is worried about obesity of young children. More food and less exercise is what makes the nation fat. Technology such as game consoles and social media are making the future generations lazy.

It will (eventually) change but even more efforts and patience will be required... or is it already be too late?

 

Have you ever heard of London foraging courses

What is foraging?

As the definition says, it is searching for wild food resources (Source Wikipedia).

According to The Guardian it is also seen as a lifestyle - read more HERE.

When I met a friend last week, I must say that I never heard about such thing before. Everybody likes to have fresh vegetables from their garden and then cook them to make something good and tasty.

But this kind of "science" is taking things a step further. When he told me that he attended a couple of foraging courses in London, I stepped back and questioned it all. According to what I understood it was something similar to what Christopher McCandless did during his ultimate trip to Alaska. The film "into the wild" being based on a true story.

However, there is nothing to be scared of when being at a foraging day in London because you won't have to eat unknown and dangerous species of plants.

The person running the formation/training is usually an expert. As stated on Robin Harford's site:

"...On this London foraging course you’ll uncover a secret world of unique edible possibilities, and discover…
    •    How to identify wild edible plants
    •    Learn to cook, prepare and preserve these plants
    •    Be immersed in their mystery, history and folklore
    •    As well as how to forage sustainably, safety guidelines, and the law..."

It seems that everything we need is present just under our feet - but (sadly) our lives and the entire Society or even the World are gone digital and virtual. What about the nature and what makes our planet beautiful?

Are individuals too materialistic? Are we caring too much about having the latest smartphone and firmware to download such or such podcast or App? The answer to these questions is certainly and unfortunatley: YES!

And overall, it is just a quick fix because the joy and happiness will only be ephemeral. Then the need to purchase is back again. Some being addicted to shop/buy to release their saddeness or frustration.

By using what the nature gives us, there is a sense of mutual respect. Looking after it to feed us is the main point. But people always want more and don't actually know how the food they are eating is cultivated, harvested, produced.

Take the example of soya milk. Some are drinking eat because they can't have natural cow's milk. Others believe it is healthier, when in fact it is not that good from a health point of view. Read full article HERE. You will certainly be surprised if not shocked.

Foraging courses seems to be the most "down to earth" activity to discover wild food whether you live in the countryside or in the urban landscape. Who thought so?

On this London foraging course you’ll uncover a secret world of unique edible possibilities, and discover…

• How to identify wild edible plants
• Learn to cook, prepare and preserve these plants
• Be immersed in their mystery, history and folklore
• As well as how to forage sustainably, safety guidelines, and the law

- See more at: http://www.foragingcourses.com/london-foraging-courses#sthash.FMLL1ODv.dpuf

On this London foraging course you’ll uncover a secret world of unique edible possibilities, and discover…

• How to identify wild edible plants
• Learn to cook, prepare and preserve these plants
• Be immersed in their mystery, history and folklore
• As well as how to forage sustainably, safety guidelines, and the law

- See more at: http://www.foragingcourses.com/london-foraging-courses#sthash.FMLL1ODv.dpuf

 

A green house on the rooftops of Brooklyn [video]

Incredible and great idea by Gotham Greens.

...Gotham Greens designs, builds and operates commercial scale greenhouse facilities in urban areas for fresh vegetable production... Source

 

To see and read more about it visit http://www.crane.tv/

The English Riviera - the other Côte d'Azur

France can see a lot of British visitors/tourists certainly because what is bringing the crowd (mainly) to the south of France is the sunny weather. The Côte d'Azur is what attracts: Cannes, Nice and St Tropez are popular.

The paradox being that the Southwest of England has something similar: there is a microclimate which brings good weather too - delightful sun and light breeze. There are numerous beaches too.

So, why are British holidaymakers going abroad when they can find the same - and maybe even more at a better price at their doorsteps?

It is certain that changing scenery is a winner. It is also about discovering new cultures and traditions.

There is also an obvious interest for the Brits to taste a bit of traditional French cuisine, with all relevant herbs and fresh ingredients.

The English Riviera is beautiful and unique too. Torquay and Torbay have a few palm trees and the entire southwest coast, up to Lyme Regis is magical with incredible landscapes as well. There are still traditional tea rooms serving Devonshire cream teas (scones, clotted cream, jam and tea of course).

Devon is seen as something very green and peaceful. Indeed, it is the countryside but it is buzzing too because Exeter and Plymouth aren't that distant and in between, there are places such as Dartmouth (with a castle and great architecture) and Dartmoor and its wild ponies.

Trekking or cycling through Devonshire is good fun even if some cyclists might find it difficult because of the uneven horizon, but this is what makes it fun afterall. Between Lympstone and Exmouth there is "A la ronde".

...Quirky 18th-century house with fascinating interior decoration and collections...

There are a lot of quaint little things to explore.

Like most touristic places it is essential to keep that coastline neat, clean and spotless. Nature is not a disposal bin.

Some businesses are taking action before it is too late. Managing waste is definitely important as health and hygiene is a major factor when it comes to the well-being of people visiting and having fun on a sandy beach (unless you go to Budleigh Salterton where there are pebbles). 

To recycle empty plastic bottles and other packaging purchased by various individuals, a process has to be in place to tackle the situation before it is an irreversible problem: Coastal UK offers business/residential skip hire in Exmouth and around Devon (http://www.coastaluk.co.uk/) to make sure that this beautiful place on earth remains pristine after the passage of 10, 100 or 1,000 people.

Recycling unwanted/used products is becoming a full time job. Until now, too many people didn't care about the environment and climate change. Thankfully, it is now on the cards and most of us are putting efforts to use bottle banks as well as dedicated containers for garden and households refuse.

This is just a start. There is a long way to go but...things are looking good as long as everyone is respecting the set rules.

 

 

Croissant + Doughnut = Cronut [video]

When mixing two existing treats to create a third one. This is the story and passion for the cronut.

 

Souce

Food and drink festival in Exeter (Devon)

For a decade (since 2004) the Exeter Food & Drink Festival has been followed by so many fans and gourmets appreciating fresh and local products/produce.

The event is going from strength to strength despite the economic struggle.

After all, food and drink are two essential components in our daily lives.

So it is going to kick off on the 25th April 2014 until 27th April 2014. There are also some special events in the evening: after dark party nights (24th - 26th April).

Whst to expect during this long weekend in the beautiful setting of Exeter Rougemont Castle?

...Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink promises to be a sizzling weekend of culinary delights, delicious local food and high quality music nights...

All the exhibitors will deliver to all visitors something unique and full of flavour including:

• meat,
• vegetables,
• beer and cider,
• coffee,
• wine,
• bread,
• ice cream,
• pasties,
• cakes,

and the list goes on.

Despite the numbers of visitors (increasing each year), it is all very relaxed and fun - and patience is necessary because there are and will be queues for drinks and food whatever the stand.

 

Sponsors are also very important for such event and without them, it wouldn't be possible.

One important thing to remember, is that most people selling products will require cash payments only as card machines will certainly not be in action... it is a huge market after all - nothing wrong with this, but sometimes and in fact most years a minority turn up only with cards.

To keep in touch with all updates; there are of course the traditional social media networks:

facebook - https://www.facebook.com/exeterfoodfest

twitter - https://twitter.com/exeterfoodfest

Which day is the best for a good visit?

It all depends what you like/prefer.

Friday is probably a good day as most people are working and some exhibitors are still setting up their stalls.

It is sure that Saturday is the busiest day. Last year, it was shoulder to shoulder from 11am to 3pm and marshalls did a great job to control the flow of people.

Sunday is quieter and after long hours of work, some producers are packing up around mid afternoon... However, the good point of the Sunday visit is that some products are eventually discounted otherwise they would be wasted and binned. A good plan, if your budget is limited.

In general, this visit is rather pleasing because you can eat, drink but also try new and sometimes unknown dishes without forgetting the Festival Cookery Theatre which is included in your entrance fee.

You can get a full weekend ticket or just a day ticket, according to what you prefer and your allocated time - but overall  a great investment for a fantastic day in the heart of Exeter with a stunning backdrop.

Café Pouchkine: Easter egg Hermitage

Easter is about chocolate eggs and family reunion too. But what about something special?

At Café Pouchkine there is a luxurious and eloborate - specifically designed Easter Egg; Hermitage!

 

This creation is rather exclusive and can be found in the boutique on Boulevard Haussman in Paris.

64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

A real work of art. However, be ready to spend quite a bit for this incredible delicacy: 59 Euros!

It is about the chocolate but also the décor where you will enjoy this rare experience.

Absolute worth it - an experience of a lifetime.