SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Sunday afternoon at Highgate cemetery. I haven't been there in a while. It used to be my favourite wandering spot. It was a bit crowded today, but it still has its charm.

This is a cute bench. Must be in memory of a child.

View from Suicide bridge...

Dinner! Ikura-don, steamed pak-choi and char-siu buns.

MORE COOKING!

Here is a recipe of my invention... Steamed salmon with ginger, garlic, green chillies and soy sauce. Served on a bed of... mushy broccoli!!! I boiled the broccoli until tender with some chunks of ginger. Then I mashed them with olive oil, more garlic, ginger and chillies. I used one of those vertical blenders for soups. The consistency is that of mushy peas, but the taste is very intersting with a kick from the chillies. I also added some blanched cherry tomatoes to give the dish a bit of colour.

Today, after my Japanese lesson, I went to the Japan Centre and China Town to buy some groceries. I bought all the ingredients for gyoza. I've never made gyoza from scratch on my own before. I've learnt a couple of weeks ago at Koko and Aya's house. Tonight I've used Koko's recipe. They came out really nice. Gyoza and beer for dinner... so tasty!

RAINY WEEKEND

It has been raining heavily all day... I took advantage of the bad weather to do all the laundry, tidy up all my clothes and clean my messy wardrobe. I still have a bit to go, but it is much better than before.

I 've decided to use up everything in my freezer. First of all because I hate wasting food and also because once the frezer is empty I will be able to switch it off and get rid of the block ice that has formed lately.

Saturday night dinner: unagi-don. I still have a couple of frozen eels in my freezer :)

I bought this cyclamen plant today. Kingyo seems to like it :)

COLD!

The weather has turned cold. It's time for coats, scarves and fluffy boots again... I must say it is a bit sad, as for the second year in a row, we haven't had much of a summer. It is especially bad for me becuase I haven't had any summer holidays this year... sigh! It is back to grey a little too soon.
My birthday has passed quite uneventfully, since it took longer than expected to get rid of my cold. No party, no nothing. I still got nice presents though, which is always nice :)

This cold weather is ideal for Hainanese Chicken Rice. I've been meaning to prepare it for ages and finally I got my inspiration. It came out really well! I'm making it again for sure. Here is a picture of my efforts:

My weird cravings for real mille feuille has finally been satisfied. This one from Patisserie Valerie was very good and tasted exactly like the one I used to eat when I was small. It was such a massive slice! Although it was super yummy, I must admit that I struggled to finish it. It was a meal on its own!!!

I've finally started taking Japanese lessons! Every Saturday morning from 10 to 12. My level is very basic at the moment, but I hope to get better soon. I must revise and learn how to read and write properly... it is hard work, but I'm enjoying it a lot. Ganbarimasu!

SICK DAY :(

I'm ill! Oh no! I got a cold and I didn't go into work.
What to do? A lot of ginger, lemon and manuka honey... a good book... Kafka would do... a toilet paper roll... yes, always handy with a leaky nose... and thank God for the Followil Family (Caleb in particular... he's so cute). I've been listening to Kings of Leon all day. Look forward to their new album.
I hope to get better in time for my birthday on Sunday. I hate being ill.

IT HAS BEEN AGES...

Here are some shots from my very English weekend. From food to heritage. Finally we also had some decent weather. Dinner at S&M in Spitafields, on the footsteps of Jack the Ripper, and day trip to Hampton Court.

I love mushy peas :)

Bread & Butter Pudding with cream is my favourite! I find Apple Crumble with custard a bit too sweet...

Hampton Court...

Pork pies in the Tudor kitchen!!!

WEEKEND SHOTS

Pasta with meatballs :)

Wes!

Nike new pop-up store in the arches on Bateman's Row, Shoreditch. Wesley is the manager.

Chinese floating restaurant on the canal near Regent's Park.

Tommy celebrating Singapore Day.

My mushroom risotto. Very tasty :)

Chocolate eclaire from Dunn's Bakery in Crouch End.