A simply relaxing weekend with friends, food and furry beasts. I had a moment of panic last night when I realised I was in such a state of peace, it doesn’t bode well for the job. The morning was challenging, Moose is up and alert when he hears me stir but the young pup Diego is a warm, silky weight that doesn’t care for a single alarm.
Salads:
Chilli non carne
Red pepper rice
Roast squash ragu pasta
Soup: Tuscan tomato
Two of my cherished customers have had to vacate Clapham because their rent has become too dear. Before departing they came to bid me farewell, and they brought gifts. Did I nearly cry on shop floor? Maybe. But I pulled a Johnny Bravo and sucked in my tears. It was the peak of what was already a top tier Thursday! It’s crazy to see how much my mindset has changed since ousting a couple cancerous characters from my life.
Salads:
Tuscan beans
Baked veggie pasta
Ham ragu pasta
Soup: Cumin spiced lentil + spinach
I enjoy driving, I don’t have to drive for work so it’s not a chore for me. My 08 Corsa and I have been on many adventures, I love her. I’ll tell you what I don’t like, when it’s 5am the roads are clear apart from one car (usually a KIA or Tesla) that’s creeping along at 17-20 miles per hour ON A TOTALLY CLEAR ROAD. Where’s your joy? Do you intend to reach your destination anytime before Christmas? Pagans.
Salads:
Mild vegetable curry
Lemon + rosemary rice
Courgette + tomato pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced lentil
Sandwich: Speck ham, Provola, Chilli relish + tomato
The sun is starting to set earlier and winds are becoming colder, winter is nigh. While I’d like to curl up on my sofa and shut out the bitter world I must instead do the opposite and get out there, it’s running season. Some are born to run, they put on a cute outfit and happily do laps around the common or Battersea park. I however am not so graceful. By the end of a run I look like I survived attempted murder. It’s best if I stay in the shadows.
Salads:
Roast squash + split peas
Roast pepper rice
Mushroom + tomato pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced chickpea + tomato
Opinions fly around daily about numerous issues that face our society but I heard one thing that I thought should really be implemented. When there are road works, they should be worked on at all hours until said work is done. Why don’t we do this?
Salads:
Moroccan spiced chickpeas
Sumac rice
Sausage + ham pasta
Soup: Squash + ginger
Sandwich: Fennel salami, Asiago cheese, Jalapeno relish + tomato
A full pep talk took place this morning as the time to jump out of bed grew closer. Then the worst happened, Moose crept into my room and slumped his half asleep body across mine. It was dark and misty outside, the warmth resonating off my dog plus my plush bedding. Winter is upon us. I’ve already achieved so much just by being here. The rest of the day is just extra credit.
Salads:
Mexican beans
Lemon + herb rice
Roast vegetable pasta
Soup: Mushroom + white bean
On this day, many moons ago, someone very dear to me was painfully pushed out into this world. Since then they have endured the trials and tribulations that this wonderful world has to give. Along the way they met me. I want to thank whatever spirit that makes good shit happen because without this person i’d probably be in an asylum. I’ve met a lot of people in this life but none of them sing to me quite the way you do. Tanti auguri to my Dragon.
Salads:
Mushroom cacciatore
Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta
Braised potatoes with chicken + tarragon
Sandwich: Chorizo, Fontina cheese, Spicy peach relish + tomato
Every morning I walk in to be greeted by our bread delivery, a tower of cardboard boxes filled with carby goodness. This morning there was a second tower with a note attached to it ‘For Buddies Deli’. The competition (apparently). Though I do love a bit of drama, I’m not one for terrorism the second tower is safe…this time.
Salads:
Vegetable curry
Ginger + herb rice
Roast olive + cashew pesto pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced broccoli + potato
Another bonkers day. In an attempt to be hospitable to a customer I have nothing in common with, I made the light joke. ‘Have you heard the news? Paracetamol can cause autism!’ turns out the pensioner is in support of this claim and was not best pleased with my jesting. Oh well, I tried. I will go back to the drawing board and try and find a less aggravating topic. I should just stick to talking about the weather.
Salads:
Med veg lentils
Spinach + herb rice
Baked veggie pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced spinach + sweetcorn
Sandwich: Parma ham, Manchego, Jalapeno relish + tomato
The return was relatively painless, huzzah! My favourite interaction yesterday came from one of my oldest customers. He asked about my holiday and I told him I went to Sicily, he went on to tell me that all Italians are liars and thieves…it was like experiencing first hand one of those street interviews with an EDL supporter. Great banter, the ignorance and arrogance of the general public is frightening but very entertaining!
Salads:
Thai coconut curry
Ginger + turmeric rice
Tomato + many greens pasta
Soup: Sweetcorn + ginger
We’ve returned to work in the nick of time, I was getting use to that blissful leisurely life. It’ll take me a moment to rearrange my prefrontal cortex to be able to interact with people again. Needless to say i’ve been living in my own little hole for the past 2 weeks. I am happy to be back though, being able to frequent other food establishments in the city has helped me appreciate that we’ve got something good here.
Salads:
Vegetable curry
Rainbow rice
Sausage + ham pasta
Soup: Sweet potato + ginger
Sandwich: Garlic salami, Provola, Chilli relish + tomato
It’s here, the last day before we shut up shop for 2 weeks. When we returned from our winter break the summer looked so far away. As I reflect on the past 8 months and recall the happenings in our little establishment all I can do is let out an exhale of air. It’s a lot. Let’s take this time apart to breath, we’ll reconvene on September 22nd. Hopefully the other local businesses run some deals so you don’t have to take out a second mortgage while we’re away. All tea, all shade.
Salads:
Potato + broccoli gratin
Mushroom + tomato pasta
Roast vegetable panzanella
Procrastination isn’t an option right now. I woke up yesterday determined and that determination led to a seamless day. I got home and executed my menial tasks then zoomed into central London again to return the atrocities I bought on Tuesday. I even incorporated a few other errands along the way, who carped the diem? Me. Here’s hoping today leaves me with the same level of satisfaction. There’s nothing like a deadline to light a fire under ones arse.
Salads:
Vegetable curry
Lemon + herb rice
Cauliflower + cashew pesto pasta
Soup: Spiced vegetable
I did myself the disservice of going into central London in the hopes of refreshing my wardrobe. It was a total flop and a waste of time. I will venture back into the hell hole later today to make some returns. Yay. I have a boring list of tasks to complete and it’s raining. Somehow i’m still feeling jolly, probably because I know this weekend i’ll be sipping an espresso in a foreign location.
Salads:
Mexican beans
Spinach + herb rice
Tomato + basil pasta
Soup: Sweet potato + ginger
Sandwich: Garlic salami, Gorgonzola, onion relish + tomato
The saying goes ‘if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen’. While this may seem a little harsh to the faith hearted, it is in fact the kindest option you can give to a person. I will not force you to stay, I will trust you know yourself well enough to determine whether you’re up for the task. If you’re not, be kind to yourself and leave.
Salads:
Med veg + white bean
Roast pepper rice
Sausage + mushroom pasta
Soup: Tomato + sweetcorn with a little sriracha
I ate like a beast this weekend and i’m not even sorry! Life is short. The morning has brought up some harsh realities, i’m not surprised just disappointed. We encourage each other to look at the brighter side of life, no matter how dark it may seem. As a pessimist, I have to summon all my mental strength to employ this sentiment. Alas, life is good, people are a problem, we move on.
Salads:
Thai coconut curry + sweet potato
Ginger + lemon grass rice
Roast pepper + tomato pasta
Soup: Spiced tomato + chickpea
Sandwich: Milano salami, Provola cheese, Chilli relish + tomato
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. It was mighty hard convincing my brain to get out of bed with the sound of the pitter patter outside. The streets were empty, doesn’t feel like a Friday. One more week to go until we close for 2 weeks. Am I excited? Not just yet, there’s plenty to do in the meantime and excitement tends to lead me astray. I’ll remain tense for a moment longer.
Salads:
Med veg lentils
Veggie baked pasta
Sausage + ham pasta
Soup: Vegetable madras
In the midst of the the morning rush I made a coffee and sandwich for a gent. He sat outside, ate, then came in to pay. He was chuffed by the value of his meal then exclaimed he was surprised by my service. Why? because a google review led him to believe that I was rude. I replied with an honest response ‘sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe shit’. I’d like to think I dish out negativity where applicable, with that being said, I hope you fall in a puddle Megan Barton.
Salads:
Ginger + turmeric chickpea
Spiced spinach rice
Leek, black olive + tomato pasta
Sandwich: Spicy salami, Gorgonzola, Onion relish + tomato
I predict an intense day ahead of me. It’s 8am and I’m frantically writing this post in the hopes of staying on top of things, possibly easing the stress. But I don’t doubt that the day will be filled with highs and lows. There’s only so much I can control. If I could govern all of it i’d probably live a boring life. Shout out to my crazy custom for keeping life interesting…I guess.
Salads:
Black eyed beans + braised roast peppers
Chilli + rosemary rice
Smokey aubergine + tomato pasta
Soup: Spiced lentils
That was a bang tidy weekend. Did I accomplish everything on my ‘to do’ list? no. I don’t care, all will be sorted in due time. What I did achieve was a feeling of relaxation, splendid. I am now hungrier than ever for our 2 week break in September. For now, I have to lock in, i’m back at my desk and there are still many parties to cater for before we can rest again.
Salads:
Moroccan spiced lentils
Sumac rice
Roast vegetable ragu pasta
Soup: Lightly spiced vegetable
Sandwich: Milano salami, Manchego, Chilli relish + tomato