Foodie_Penguin

I do recall my (American) husband and I had a Thanksgiving meal (special menu for Thanksgiving) at Joe Allen's in Covent Garden one year. The food wasn't memorable (I think it was was Thanksgiving dishes with a twist kind of thing) and it wasn't traditional. It might be worth checking with the restaurant to see what's on the menu this year. It may be better. Foodie_Penguin

I was just wondering if there was any difference between chai and masala teas. So, they're the same. Why the different names? I've only ever drunk the tea in restaurants and I've always seen it on the menus as masala tea. Foodie_Penguin

The US population in general knows little about Korea, especially its food and people. Part of the reason is that a Korean influence has not permeated to the mainstream such as in fashion, music, TV and films. Also, some of the main ingredients of Korean food (the chilli peppers, the garlic) may put off Americans trying the food. Hence, Korean food is really only found in areas where there are communities of Korean Americans and/or Koreans. Chinese and Japanese food have become more mainstream in the US because those groups have had a presence in the US longer than Koreans (my guess). As with most ethnic foods in the US, in order to make it more appealing, the cuisine has undergone a transformation (call it bastardization if you prefer). Foodie_Penguin

I'm fond of Korean food but I was devastated to discover that a local Korean run restaurant didn't offer any Korean entrees. In fact, though the owners are Korean, they serve Chinese food instead. I live in Durham, NC and it looks like I'll have to go to Raleigh to experience "bibimbap". Another odd thing I noticed in NY (at least) is that there are quite a number of Japanese/Korean restaurants serving food from both countries. That's really odd to me. I've never seen such a combination in the UK nor heard of Koreans running a Japanese restaurant (or vice versa). I love kimchee and found passable homemade kimchee from a Japanese grocery store (the only one in the area) in Cary. Foodie_Penguin

I don't live in the UK any longer but when I did, I used to eat rabbit. As a child my mother served rabbit stew. I don't know where she got the rabbit. Maybe from a supermarket in those days. Since I started preparing rabbit stew myself, I've seen and/or bought rabbit from farmers markets in London (that's where I lived) but also at my local Sainsburys (at least the one on Finchley Road in London). I expect a decent butcher in the UK would be able to get you rabbit as a special order. I think rabbit's considered "peasant" food in the UK and was probably eaten regularly up till the 70s. I think rabbit meat is harder to find in the UK because most people have not eaten it and are squeamish about eating it. Foodie_Penguin

I must have ended up in Kappabashi where I bought some replica food. It's expensive but I have to admit looks so real. They made good presents for friends and family (who are familiar with Japanese food). The replica food is made to look like the real food and not the other way around. Diners know the portion size and the ingredients that will be in the dish. Foodie_Penguin

Whereabouts in the world do you live? If you live in the UK, there's a company named Wellspring that manufacture many Japanese foodstuffs. I've ordered from them online when I lived in the UK. I would think they sell gomashio. If you live in Europe, it's possible that they ship to your country. Foodie_Penguin

I try to reuse my bags but not when I go grocery shopping. I've found that carrier bags in the US are far less durable than in the UK so if there's no hole in the bottom that's formed from transporting groceries, I'll reuse them to collect food debris when preparing meals and throw them in the communal garbage skip the morning after. Foodie_Penguin

Can't guess what was eaten at the picnic but I reckon the ladies ate too much, loosened their clothing, kept on eating and had to disrobe altogether. Foodie_Penguin

What's the Q Shack like for lunch? Is it popular and does this mean service is slow? I'm considering taking a friend there for lunch on a weekday and I want to be confident that I can get in and out there in an hour without having to rush eating. Foodie_Penguin

I don't think it takes a genius to work out that by reducing the serving size of restaurant meals, the calorie count for dish falls. However, does a 3 oz qty of dessert satisfy the average diner? Foodie_Penguin

I love my seafood (penguin in my username is no coicidence) and I go over to Tom Robinson's in Carrboro when I can get organized enough on a Saturday morning. I missed going to Cliff's Meat Market in Carrboro by a hair last time I was in Carrboro (going to Tom Robinson's, naturally). Foodie_Penguin

A previous poster has already mentioned a fish and chip restaurant but I'd like to recommend Seafresh in Wilton Road, minutes away from Victoria Station. They do takeaway as well as eat in too. Foodie_Penguin

I live in the Triangle, NC and here are my faves grocery stores (chain)- Harris Teeter if the usual place to shop but I'm getting disappointed with their fresh produce, especially the stuff that gets sprayed with water automatically. The food deteriorates quickly after I get it home. Kroger sells better pork than HT and my closest branch sells a good range of "natural" foods (more than HT). I shop at Wholefoods Market for my goat's yoghurt, fruit juice (they have the biggest selection) and most of my fish. I do not buy fresh fish at either HT or Kroger (ocassionally frozen but none fresh). Costco gets an honorable mention even though my membership's expired. Their food quality, especially meat and fresh produce is superior to any grocery store I've visited in the area. In fact, during the time I had membership, most of what I bought was the food. Foodie_Penguin

Whereabouts are you? If you live in or near north London may I suggest the butcher in St. John's Wood High St. Since the American School is nearby, I would think this butcher sells turkeys in November for Thanksgiving. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the butcher but it's the only one on St. John's Wood High Street (if it's still there). Best of luck, Foodie_Penguin

If your friends like garlic, may I suggest Garlic and Shots in central London. I've taken overseas visitors and friends there. If you can't already guess, all the food and drink contains garlic. They have an extensive shot "menu" as well as garlic laden beers. The decor is quirky too. Kind of goth like with lots of black and white. There's bunches of parsley at the table so you can chew on that before you head out the door... Foodie_Penguin