I actually bought this book kind of by mistake. I was on one of those book bundle websites where you can buy 27 Alistair McClean books for £9.26, and I tapped "Irvine Welsh" into the search bit. Needless to say nothing happened ( I can never get the magnifying glass thing to do anything, must be me) so I highlighted it and pressed "enter" which is my usual method. Up came the usual suspects (not literally he didn't write that) but stuff like "Trainspotting", "Porno", "Glue" and the like, all of which I've read. There were also some lesser know works which I'd read too, and "Last Exit to Brooklyn" was at the bottom. I'd long since got bored of actually concentrating on what I was doing, so I clicked on "pay" and shelled out the £2.17 or whatever it was.
Anyway it turns out Irvine Welsh didn't write it at all, but a slightly strange bloke called Hubert Selby Jr did. Irvine Welsh is a bit of a fan by all accounts, and wrote an introduction about how the book was a modern masterpiece, had changed his life when he read it, how it will still be read in 100 years time and all that old bollocks. Not only that, but back when it was published in the late 60's the book was banned and was the subject of a court case, so controversial were its contents. Furry muff I thought, I like a bit of controversy so I gave it a bash to see what all the fuss was about.
First thing is, don't let your Mum or your kids stumble upon this one and start reading it. Don't leave it in the loo (or at least if you do put it somewhere high up). This really is an odd and at times disturbing piece of work from a man who clearly has a very vivid imagination and that's being charitable. There's a few stories kind of woven loosly together, all concerning a run down area of Brooklyn in the 50's. There's wife beating, prostitution, transexual relationships, a man who commits an unspeakably indecent act and lots more besides.
So is it any good, that's the question? Well, they say that it's art, that it was a snapshot of its time and Irvine Welsh says it influenced the way he writes. I can see the last point, because it has that same phonetic thumbprint that much of his stuff has, equally you don't get words in "speechmarks" when people are in conversation, there's more of a rhythm to the spoken word, a natural pace to it all. As for whether it's any good or not, and whether it's art or not, do me a favour. I personally read it and hoped there's be a point to it all somewhere before the end, somewhere beneath all the depravity and depression. I was disappointed though, there wasn't and it is bollocks. Disturbing bollocks, but bollocks all the same.
Wednesday 21 March 2012
"Sticks n Sushi" the @14TheFrog review.
May as well get a confession out of the way here, I'm not a big fan of sushi. Never have been to tell the truth, I just think it's an awful lot of fuss over something not that remarkable. Still, when an overseas restaurant chain (in this case from Copenhagen) decides to open it's first UK outlet in Wimbledon, the least you can do is give it a go.
It's location is at the bottom of Wimbledon Hill Road which potentially ain't a bad spot (as I should know), but it IS hidden behind a busy little bus stop which means you've got to kind of know where you're going. You do get the odd disgruntled bus punter sitting on the window ledge outside while they wait for the promised but never arriving 93, and presumeably to counteract the distraction they keep the restaurant lights quite low. Also and I don't know if this is deliberate or not, the signage is very understated and as a result of all this you could quite easily miss it if you don't know where you're going. Anyway, it's just up from Wagamamas if you're looking for directions.
When you get in the door, they'll all shout something at you in unision. DON'T think they've mistaken you for a character from The Usual Suspects or that they think you are dealing drugs, it just sounds like "KaiserSose" or "Sensimillion" but in fact is neither. What it actually is, is comething completely unintelligable which means "welcome to my house" in Japanese (I know because I asked, which is what I suspect the whole thing is all about). It's good natured and harmless enough, but as neither you nor they are Japanese it does seem a tad odd, but maybe that's just me.
The restaurant itself is beautifully fitted out, spacious but warm with clean lines and an interesting "brick" curtain which mirrors the real brick wall opposite. The menu has helpful photos of lots of different types of sushi, and lots of "sticks" which are little Teryaki thingies. You can buy them in made up platters, or you can make your own up. Drinks wise you can have a selection of beers and wines, plus soft drinks and "Yellow juice" which one of the kids had. This has got carrots in it and no doubt other healthy stuff, and is flippin lovely. They also do other coloured juice, probably green and red but don't quote me on it. I'd go for yellow anyway, the others simply can't be nicer than that. Also they have a kids section of the menu which is ideal. If you order a kids meal it comes in a little box with sections, and my kids thought it was utterly brilliant. One of my kids said "I think this is the best restaurant in the World Daddy", and while I think she might be over-stating it a fraction it certainly is very good.
Both times I've been now I've had some edamame beans to start. They do a kind of plain salted version and one that has this dressing on. Naturally I'd advocate getting both as they are excellent, but the "with dressing" ones are absolutely out of this world. Quick tip-they give you a hot towel at the START of the meal, keep it because you'll need it as you go along. Both times I've been I've had a vegetable salad with tofu (and I never thought I'd say that) and that's fantastic too. I don't go a bundle on sushi as I've said, so I generally get three or four sticks and hoover up any leftovers on the sticky rice and fish department. The sticks are great, all of them (to be truthful I can't remember any particular ones, they're all good) and the sushi is nice too as sushi goes. They do these little things which look like prawns wrapped in rice crispies (I think they're called Ebby bites or something) which are brill, and shedloads of other stuff which I haven't tried yet. I cannot speak highly enough of the food, it really is absolutely superb.
The service is great (we've been twice now and it's been top notch both times). Despite the fact that they roar Japanese greetings at anyone within earshot, the servers really are extremely nice and lovely people. They know the menu and are very helpful when you're ordering, plus they're smashing with the kids and are generally smiley and bubblicious.
My kids loved the toilets (there's a slight twist which I won't spoil for you here) and insisted on dragging me in there to have a look. They also loved the kitchen, as one of the lovely waitresses (the one with the scarf on) offered to take them in and show them around. The waitress with the scarf was one of the one or two Danish staff which they have wisely sprinkled around in order presumeably to instill the culture of the place into the new staff. These people are stand out fantastic, and it'll be a challenge to replicate what they bring to the table should they head off back in the land of the vikings. Another challenge is going to be how well the restaurant will cope with the crowds which I have absolutely no doubts will flock to the place. How quickly they can spin tables, satisfy bookings etc is going to be pivotal.
Through no fault of theirs there's also going to be the issue of kids too. Here, I'm going to come away from the review for a second and give the people of South West London a message....Take your kids to restaurants and pubs by all means, BUT IT'S NOT OK TO HAVE THEM RUNNING AROUND LIKE LUNATICS!!. There, someone had to say it but for heavens sake, lets let people do their jobs properly and let people eat their meals properly. Few things are more distacting than being asked "what are you doing?" while you've got a mouthful of food by someone else's six year old. We all think our kids are cool (and they are) but lets keep them sitting at OUR table (and these people do give you the obligatory colouring sheets and pencils to keep the ankle biters occupied). Anyway I've said it now, but come on public get it sorted.
We had some desserts. The kids had a bowl of ice cream (beautiful ice cream too) wish a chocolate fish in it, we had a cappucino cup with some souffle thing which was divine also. There is a 12.5% service charge (grrrrr) but I did ask the servers and they assure me that they DO get it. They are worth every penny, and I for one would have left a bit more.
All in all, I couldn't recommend this restaurant highly enough, it is utterly fantastic. The food is tip top and the service is superb. Go, today.
It's location is at the bottom of Wimbledon Hill Road which potentially ain't a bad spot (as I should know), but it IS hidden behind a busy little bus stop which means you've got to kind of know where you're going. You do get the odd disgruntled bus punter sitting on the window ledge outside while they wait for the promised but never arriving 93, and presumeably to counteract the distraction they keep the restaurant lights quite low. Also and I don't know if this is deliberate or not, the signage is very understated and as a result of all this you could quite easily miss it if you don't know where you're going. Anyway, it's just up from Wagamamas if you're looking for directions.
When you get in the door, they'll all shout something at you in unision. DON'T think they've mistaken you for a character from The Usual Suspects or that they think you are dealing drugs, it just sounds like "KaiserSose" or "Sensimillion" but in fact is neither. What it actually is, is comething completely unintelligable which means "welcome to my house" in Japanese (I know because I asked, which is what I suspect the whole thing is all about). It's good natured and harmless enough, but as neither you nor they are Japanese it does seem a tad odd, but maybe that's just me.
The restaurant itself is beautifully fitted out, spacious but warm with clean lines and an interesting "brick" curtain which mirrors the real brick wall opposite. The menu has helpful photos of lots of different types of sushi, and lots of "sticks" which are little Teryaki thingies. You can buy them in made up platters, or you can make your own up. Drinks wise you can have a selection of beers and wines, plus soft drinks and "Yellow juice" which one of the kids had. This has got carrots in it and no doubt other healthy stuff, and is flippin lovely. They also do other coloured juice, probably green and red but don't quote me on it. I'd go for yellow anyway, the others simply can't be nicer than that. Also they have a kids section of the menu which is ideal. If you order a kids meal it comes in a little box with sections, and my kids thought it was utterly brilliant. One of my kids said "I think this is the best restaurant in the World Daddy", and while I think she might be over-stating it a fraction it certainly is very good.
Both times I've been now I've had some edamame beans to start. They do a kind of plain salted version and one that has this dressing on. Naturally I'd advocate getting both as they are excellent, but the "with dressing" ones are absolutely out of this world. Quick tip-they give you a hot towel at the START of the meal, keep it because you'll need it as you go along. Both times I've been I've had a vegetable salad with tofu (and I never thought I'd say that) and that's fantastic too. I don't go a bundle on sushi as I've said, so I generally get three or four sticks and hoover up any leftovers on the sticky rice and fish department. The sticks are great, all of them (to be truthful I can't remember any particular ones, they're all good) and the sushi is nice too as sushi goes. They do these little things which look like prawns wrapped in rice crispies (I think they're called Ebby bites or something) which are brill, and shedloads of other stuff which I haven't tried yet. I cannot speak highly enough of the food, it really is absolutely superb.
The service is great (we've been twice now and it's been top notch both times). Despite the fact that they roar Japanese greetings at anyone within earshot, the servers really are extremely nice and lovely people. They know the menu and are very helpful when you're ordering, plus they're smashing with the kids and are generally smiley and bubblicious.
My kids loved the toilets (there's a slight twist which I won't spoil for you here) and insisted on dragging me in there to have a look. They also loved the kitchen, as one of the lovely waitresses (the one with the scarf on) offered to take them in and show them around. The waitress with the scarf was one of the one or two Danish staff which they have wisely sprinkled around in order presumeably to instill the culture of the place into the new staff. These people are stand out fantastic, and it'll be a challenge to replicate what they bring to the table should they head off back in the land of the vikings. Another challenge is going to be how well the restaurant will cope with the crowds which I have absolutely no doubts will flock to the place. How quickly they can spin tables, satisfy bookings etc is going to be pivotal.
Through no fault of theirs there's also going to be the issue of kids too. Here, I'm going to come away from the review for a second and give the people of South West London a message....Take your kids to restaurants and pubs by all means, BUT IT'S NOT OK TO HAVE THEM RUNNING AROUND LIKE LUNATICS!!. There, someone had to say it but for heavens sake, lets let people do their jobs properly and let people eat their meals properly. Few things are more distacting than being asked "what are you doing?" while you've got a mouthful of food by someone else's six year old. We all think our kids are cool (and they are) but lets keep them sitting at OUR table (and these people do give you the obligatory colouring sheets and pencils to keep the ankle biters occupied). Anyway I've said it now, but come on public get it sorted.
We had some desserts. The kids had a bowl of ice cream (beautiful ice cream too) wish a chocolate fish in it, we had a cappucino cup with some souffle thing which was divine also. There is a 12.5% service charge (grrrrr) but I did ask the servers and they assure me that they DO get it. They are worth every penny, and I for one would have left a bit more.
All in all, I couldn't recommend this restaurant highly enough, it is utterly fantastic. The food is tip top and the service is superb. Go, today.
Monday 12 March 2012
Pizzaro The @14TheFrog review.
We actually intended going to "Jose", which is the sister tapas and sherry bar to this Bermondsey St favourite, but they were jammed in like sardines when we got there so we gave it the swerve. "Pizzaro" is only 100 yards back up the road and although we hadn't booked (not even sure you can) you could at least get in the door without taking a run up, so in we went.
First impressions were good in that it was very buzzy, lots of dark wood everywhere and a nice young girl with a clipboard managing the queue. After leaving our names, we were told we'd be able to get a table for two in 45 minutes, so we headed for the throng at the bar. We must have looked a bit nonplussed by the wine-barrish look (we were to be honest) because the manager gave us the old "you're safe with me" look and flipped us a drinks menu in between a few heads infront of us. He was good this guy, having his finger well and truly on the pulse and he was matched the barman, who despite a dodgy haircut was extremely professional and buzzing around like a wasp in a jam jar.
We ordered a bottle of Alberino, declining said barmans offer of trying one which was twice as expensive (just in case we liked it), and it was superb. He offered us some olives or almonds, and needless to say we went for "all of the above" cheers. At this point a couple in front of us who were perched on two of the few barstools bang in front of the bar were called to their table, so I was in like a butchers dog and we had a prime spot.
From this observation post it was comfortable and easy to guage the buzz and the mechanics of the restaurant. The waiters were all professional, all Spanish and all out of the top drawer. The kitchen is open, so despite the fact that the chefs all look like blokes who used to man the waltzers down at the local fairground with their tats and earrings, they do make the effort to look cool, and they do.
The olives and almond were very tasty, especially the almonds, and the girl with the clipboard came over bang on the 45 minutes to steer us to a seat. I say seat rather than table because it was at a kind of window bench thingy, but as the vista is like a scene from "Notting Hill" (except with the occasional black person) we didn't mind one bit.
As for the food, well I opened the batting with the croquettes, while Sarah went for a big prawn on black rice. The croquettes were sensational and definately the high point of the whole meal. Little fried balls of fish and silky smooth potato, about the size of a Ferrero Rochet but infinately more satisfying. Sarahs prawn thing was also good, the rice (which she said had squid ink in it and who am I to argue?) was good too.
For mains I had braised pigs cheek in sherry with almonds, while Sarah had salt cod. The pigs cheek dish was very good, tasty chunks of meat which were meltingly tender. You got a lump of bread with it and I'm probably showing my philistine Britishness when I say I'd have liked a scoop of buttery mash to melt into the sauce (which was quite thin without it).
Sarah's salt cod was very tasty, the brining of the fish rendering it almost meat like in texture. To be totally honest I can't remember what it came with, which probably says more about me than it does about the food.
At this point (and having had two bottles of wine) I had to break the seal and toddled off to find the loo (there's only one cubicle, if you go yourself DON'T wait until you're as desperate as I was). Sarah said she was going to order some sherry, and when I came back I pronounced it the most devine glass of sherry I'd ever tasted. Fortunately I didn't say it too loudly, so when I was informed it was actually dessert wine I wasn't too embarrassed by the whole faux pas. Whatever it was though it was sensational, as was the catalan brulee we had for dessert. This was kind of like its French cousin, but a bit looser and slightly more creamy it seemed to me. Superb anyway.
The service at our table was excellent, and the waiter was a smashing fella too. There was no service charge so full marks for that, and the bill came to £126 which considering we had over half that worth of wine, represented good value in my book.
We had a really good night at Pizzaro, and I'd definately go again. It's not easy to feel romantic to a couple who've been married for 15 years, but long before the end of the meal we were holding hands and feeling pretty lucky to be together (although having definately got the better end of the deal, I normally feel like that).
It's an easy place to get to, train into Waterloo then about a tenner in a cab. It's got a lovely atmos' for a night out with your wife and I'd recommend it to anyone. That said, judging by the queues at the two restaurants most people don't need a recommendation, they go anyway.
First impressions were good in that it was very buzzy, lots of dark wood everywhere and a nice young girl with a clipboard managing the queue. After leaving our names, we were told we'd be able to get a table for two in 45 minutes, so we headed for the throng at the bar. We must have looked a bit nonplussed by the wine-barrish look (we were to be honest) because the manager gave us the old "you're safe with me" look and flipped us a drinks menu in between a few heads infront of us. He was good this guy, having his finger well and truly on the pulse and he was matched the barman, who despite a dodgy haircut was extremely professional and buzzing around like a wasp in a jam jar.
We ordered a bottle of Alberino, declining said barmans offer of trying one which was twice as expensive (just in case we liked it), and it was superb. He offered us some olives or almonds, and needless to say we went for "all of the above" cheers. At this point a couple in front of us who were perched on two of the few barstools bang in front of the bar were called to their table, so I was in like a butchers dog and we had a prime spot.
From this observation post it was comfortable and easy to guage the buzz and the mechanics of the restaurant. The waiters were all professional, all Spanish and all out of the top drawer. The kitchen is open, so despite the fact that the chefs all look like blokes who used to man the waltzers down at the local fairground with their tats and earrings, they do make the effort to look cool, and they do.
The olives and almond were very tasty, especially the almonds, and the girl with the clipboard came over bang on the 45 minutes to steer us to a seat. I say seat rather than table because it was at a kind of window bench thingy, but as the vista is like a scene from "Notting Hill" (except with the occasional black person) we didn't mind one bit.
As for the food, well I opened the batting with the croquettes, while Sarah went for a big prawn on black rice. The croquettes were sensational and definately the high point of the whole meal. Little fried balls of fish and silky smooth potato, about the size of a Ferrero Rochet but infinately more satisfying. Sarahs prawn thing was also good, the rice (which she said had squid ink in it and who am I to argue?) was good too.
For mains I had braised pigs cheek in sherry with almonds, while Sarah had salt cod. The pigs cheek dish was very good, tasty chunks of meat which were meltingly tender. You got a lump of bread with it and I'm probably showing my philistine Britishness when I say I'd have liked a scoop of buttery mash to melt into the sauce (which was quite thin without it).
Sarah's salt cod was very tasty, the brining of the fish rendering it almost meat like in texture. To be totally honest I can't remember what it came with, which probably says more about me than it does about the food.
At this point (and having had two bottles of wine) I had to break the seal and toddled off to find the loo (there's only one cubicle, if you go yourself DON'T wait until you're as desperate as I was). Sarah said she was going to order some sherry, and when I came back I pronounced it the most devine glass of sherry I'd ever tasted. Fortunately I didn't say it too loudly, so when I was informed it was actually dessert wine I wasn't too embarrassed by the whole faux pas. Whatever it was though it was sensational, as was the catalan brulee we had for dessert. This was kind of like its French cousin, but a bit looser and slightly more creamy it seemed to me. Superb anyway.
The service at our table was excellent, and the waiter was a smashing fella too. There was no service charge so full marks for that, and the bill came to £126 which considering we had over half that worth of wine, represented good value in my book.
We had a really good night at Pizzaro, and I'd definately go again. It's not easy to feel romantic to a couple who've been married for 15 years, but long before the end of the meal we were holding hands and feeling pretty lucky to be together (although having definately got the better end of the deal, I normally feel like that).
It's an easy place to get to, train into Waterloo then about a tenner in a cab. It's got a lovely atmos' for a night out with your wife and I'd recommend it to anyone. That said, judging by the queues at the two restaurants most people don't need a recommendation, they go anyway.
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