Sketchy...

After finally getting around to a little spring(or should that be winter?) cleaning I discovered some old drawings I did, and thought I would share them. Yes I am well aware that they will come back to haunt me, but they show a certain part of my history and that is what I'm proud of.
For me drawing is a constant development. When I first drew these a year or so ago, I was immensely happy and yet, already as I write this I am finding fault with them, re-designing things in my head. Also I know that my ideas don't flow together but these were all done on separate occasions and not with an intention to flow together. Just a way to empty my overflowing recycling bin of a brain.
So enjoy.... Or else!

Hugs and butter, xoxo

Thai Siam

Payday, treat day, call it what you like day, just make sure you have earned it! I took my other half for lunch, as he is the one who normally takes me to lunch, and he chose this place he had spied a mere few days before.
Upon entering the small dining room (and viewing the almost non-existent kitchen) you are greeted by a cave of delights, alpine style tables and chairs meet gothic wall sconces while modern framed prints of Thailand adorn the gold striped walls, but don't let this put you off.
They offer both a menu del dia and a full a la carte menu with traditional Thai dishes and their unpronounceable names. Choosing between Pad Thai, Tom soup and Golden Banana can be a challenge so I went for the limited options of the menu del dia. I ordered Thai coconut soup, flavored with tomatoes, basil, lemongrass, spring onions and king prawns to start, then spaghetti with chicken and a green Thai curry sauce for mains.
After giggling at the rather blunt service (I asked for "diet coke" and was told "you have coke zero" - but maybe it was a lost in translation moment) and listening to the two women (one chef and one waitress) bantering or possibly having a very polite conversation (my Thai is not that good just yet!) the soup arrived, piping hot.
It was as tasty as it smelled, and I devoured every last drop. After the clearing of plates and more banter between the ladies the mains arrived. The green curry was a hit, with just the right amount of spice to leave your lips tingling and not burning, the spaghetti also worked surprisingly well.
The only fault I could find was the dessert, flan, it was the only option and one of my most detested desserts, so I opted for a nice strong coffee instead. If you find yourself wandering close to Plaça Espanya then do call by for lunch I can guarantee you will love it.

Hugs and butter, xoxo

P.s once again the photo is not mine, it was found online.

Marmalade - Barcelona

On a cold, frosty afternoon towards the end of November. Me and my (un)loved one headed into the city (Raval to be precise) to munch on some lunch. The decision was made before hand to visit Marmalade as we already knew their brunch was exquisite.
Walking into Marmalade can often cause a little confusion as the building has a fork prong layout. you enter in the centre and them their are two wings that get opened up either side as required. this has its pros and cons. it creates a relaxed and private atmosphere while you dine, drink or chat with friends, but it can also be difficult to locate people inside (i.e. its best to meet somewhere more open before heading in).
With choices of brunch options, burgers and salads, it's hard to choose, while sitting back and relaxing in the comfy(ish) chairs. The decor is as expected, lowly lit, dark and moody which is perfect for its intended use, a place to grab cocktails in the evening.
The staff are friendly, the service is good and the food is excellent. I chose the Mexican burger, a mountain of toasted bread, minced beef, sliced tomato, sour cream, guacamole and jalapeños, served with some excellent twice fried French fries and home-made tomato ketchup (which I generally hate, but this version was more than paletable). This was then topped off with a dessert of thick, fresh, yoghurt with red berries and crunchy muesli. Oh and let's not forget the all important after dinner coffee (which was also excellent).
All this for a bargain price of €9/10. All that's left to say is who is coming with me next time?

Hugs and butter! Xoxo

P.s the images used are not my own.

A new obsession...

So the joys of my days are finally complete, a new app means I am now going into business as a cat photo assassin. See the results below, and get in touch if you require one of your own.

And so it begins....

So here we go. After a while of procrastination, time wasting and general laziness I have decided to get back to blogging, this time solo. (You can check out my older stuff here: www.icanhavemycakeandeatit.blogspot.com)
I'm hoping to wow you with recipes, stories and general stuff about me. As a cooking aficionado, an excellent teacher (my students words, not mine, although only teaching them the words "excellent" and "teacher" helped), and a citizen if Barcelona I hope to have enough entertaining to share with you.
Check out the blog for some things that didn't quite make the recipe list, but were still delicious, as well as some images from around Barcelona.

Hugs and butter, xoxo

P.s any feedback is always more than appreciated.