bad food myth debunked

I was told I don't know how many times before coming here that I was in for it--simply put, British food does not have a great reputation. So far, though, this just has not been my experience. Maybe all the warnings set my expectations low enough I have avoided disappointment, or maybe I just love food so much anything tastes good to me. Or maybe London food is different... I don't think we've ate the same ethnicity of food twice since we've been here. Whatever the case... I've been properly nourished and exposed to multicultural London at the same time.....

Uncarbonated beer-- growing up in the states we are definitely accustomed to highly carbonated beverages of all kinds. This is not the British way. This is mostly because the pump the taps by hand, but to some extent it is simply how they like it... and honestly, I didn't mind. I know one of my roommates has found the struggle for carbonated Coke a bit frustrating at times, but the lack of carbonation in a pint strangely seems appropriate here. (Maybe it just suits their local brews) I have to make a note here also about the drinking culture we've been introduced to thus far. Every day of the week around 6 (as people are getting off work or out of school), the pubs begin to fill and overflow out onto the streets. The atmosphere is social, friends getting together after a day to connect before they head home for dinner. The other drinking observation I have made relates to their laws. There is no "open-container" laws in Britain, therefore it is legal to walk about the streets, alcoholic beverage in hand. This caught me off guard at first, but after talking to a few of the locals, realized they don't worry about it as much because so few people drive anywhere.

British pub food-- of course, fish and chips. Every pub we come across, which is about three to every block, advertises their version of fish and chips. They also have a dish called the "plowman's meal," which never includes a description, but always comes on a cutting board with various meats, breads, cheeses, and fruit, that you can assemble yourself. I learned that it is supposed to represent a traditional meal that a plowman would take to the fields with him on a work day.

Thai food-- this meal was, first of all, delicious, but the venue caught us off guard. We ventured into a pub one evening literally covered in flower baskets inside and out. Once you passed the bar, you stepped into another section that was a Thai restaurant inside the pub! I never imagined the combo, beer and Thai food, together, but in that venue it strangely made sense.

Japanese-- we experienced authentic edamame, sushi and noodles in a lovely hole in the wall place really close to our home. Japanese culture seems to be fairly spread throughout the city, not really concentrated in one area like some cultures are.

Indian/Bangladeshi-- my first time having Indian food ever. Our professor took us to Brick Lane for our class the other morning. Brick Lane is the area of London where the bricks used to be made to be used to pave the streets of "the city." Back then, it was prodominantly a Jewish area. It is on the east end of London, and home to most immigrating cultures before they disperse throughout the city. It also has a reputation because of the artists and musicians who choose to create and perform there. Currently, it is prodominantly a Bangladeshi area. We had a traditional Indian lunch there. I have to say, it was good, but not my favorite.

French-- there is a little cafe on the way from our residence to our school here in London. On days when we're running ahead of schedule, we have occasionally stopped for coffee or tea here. Every time, we gaze into the case tempted by the pastries, breakfast dishes and desserts. One morning, I gave it. I also learned that I love croque monsieur! I had to indulge just one other morning, but its definitely something I'd like to learn how to make at home!

Italian-- Pasta and pizza.... Honestly, I've never met an Italian dish I despise. Mostly, though, we've discovered a cafe on the way back to our residence from the tube stop that serves gelato. Mmmm anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE ice cream :) So whenever my group has been up for it, we stop on our way home for a bit of gelato. It's the perfect night cap in my opinion.

Now that I'm hungry I suppose I'll go rummage through the small fridge in our room for something I can create for lunch. We've been trying to strategically use up all of our food before we transfer to Swansea. As such, meals around here have been a little hodgepodge. Almonds, green grapes, and a bagel it is!