DAy 152 & 153 When it rains in Spain, nothing works!

Sorry no blog last night, but it rained - and in Spain, when it rains, nothing works! So on arriving home late last night, our internet wasn't working, therefore, no blog! All seems to be in order today though!

Had an above average day at work  yesterday in the cafe and a decent night upstairs in the restaurant. The only sour note of the day was that the local police turned up to tell us that we couldn't put one of our tables and chairs where it normally goes, because it was obstructing the zebra crossing. A normal request I hear you say. It would be 'normal' if the idiots from the council hadnt put the zebra in the wrong place, (right outside our door). We were there first. Our awning was there first. The trees were there first. The taxi rank was there first. The council have agreed that they have put it in the wrong place and are moving it, but until such time, we have had to move our table! Fortunately, the nice people in the sport shop next door are more than happy for us to put it there. Only problem is, we cant see it from inside the cafe! Oh well, nevermind, they're digging up the bloody pavement on Monday, so it won't matter anyway...

Had a good night in the restaurant , with a diverse mix of customers, some eating the 'all you can eat' menu, and some eating the Set menu.

One of the mains was an Asian spiced tuna steak with brown rice 'a la Jimbo' and I was very pleased that 3 people had it, (and liked it)! Here's a piccy....

 

Goodness, I am still able to download pictures directly, yipee!

 

One of the other mains was a simple, rustic, Italian chicken dish with lentils....

 

 

We had a youngish couple in from Milan, who said the food was 'assolutamente deliziosa'. I think that means they liked it! It means a lot to me when people from Italy try my food and like it, because Italian is my passion. I know if the Italians, (who are very particular about their food), like it, then I must be doing something right.... One had tomtao and basil bruschetta, (could you get any more Italian), and the other had char grilled vegetable cous cous with rocket salad for their starters. One had the chicken (above) and the other had fusilli pasta with sundried tomato pesto. So pleased they liked it. It makes up for the tittish English family that turned up at 8.30pm and left becuase they couldnt find anything on the menu that they liked. Apparently the man wanted to leave because he fancied steak or chicken. He was made aware that we were serving an 'all you can eat menu' including chicken and steak, but thats not what he wanted!!!! Thank God for the Italians!

On to today... As I type this, it is approximately 6pm, and I am just about to go back to work. (Thought I'd catch up on yesterdays lack of blog before tonight).

We have just had our busiest day of the year so far, and one of the busiest days we've ever had in the cafe. Things are starting to get busier and busier as we move towards our busiest month. Shame the dickheads at the council have ruined it all by digging up the road on Monday.....

I'm off to work now, (Fish & Chip night, zzzzzzzz), so I will continue this on my arrival home tonight. Bye for now, back soon.....

I'm back! Just got in from work, had a quick swim and here I am! Not a lot happened tonight, in fact, it was one of the quietest Friday nights I can remember. Why should the day be so busy, and yet the night so quiet? I have to say, the town looked very quiet as we drove home...

For once, I am feeling in a positive frame of mind for tomorrow's weigh in. All week long I have been a good little bunny. I have eaten well, exercised a lot, and haven't touched a fizzy drink in over a week now. I am drinking more water and I feel thinner. Tomorrow should be interesting! As always, I will report all on here tomorrow evening, but if you cant wait, try my Facebook page in the morning from 10am!

Take care peeps, sleep well and we will speak again tomorrow
Jimbo

Day 151 - Unbelievable news from the Town Hall....ARRRRRRGGH! But heartening news elsewhere.....

Soon after we arrived at work today, a lady from the town hall arrived with a letter. We managed to translate.... It stated that works would be starting on the pavement outside our cafe on Monday. Are they serious! Are they really going to dig up the pavement RIGHT OUTSIDE OUR DOOR for the next few weeks... Yes, they are. Not content with digging up the road outside our door for 6 weeks back in May and financially crippling us, they are now going to dig up the pavement.... We knew that they would continue with the road works 'after the holidays', but this is taking the piss. September is our busiest month. No one will be able to sit outside as there will be no pavement. Our doors completely fold back so we can have a fully open frontage, but we will have to keep them shut to keep out all the dust and dirt etc. Who in their right mind would want to sit in our cafe with the doors shut in temperatures averaging 35 degrees........ I've had enough of this effing incompetence from the idiots making the decisions in the town hall. They just dont give a shit..... Wankers... I try not to swear whilst writing this blog as I am unsure who is reading it, so I apologise for my outburst, but I am sooooooooo angry......

Work was pretty busy today, so I suppose we better make the most of it as I cant see there being many more busy ones over the coming weeks....

On a positive note, the news that I can't talk about just yet, has taken a little step further forward and I received some very heartening information today, so its looking more of a reality... Watch this space!

Its late again, (2.05 am) and I gotta get to bed, so I'm off as I have a big day of prep ahead. Will fill you all in with all the goings on tomorrow

Nite nite!
Jimbo

Day 150 - Another work out and more back pain. Are they related?

An ok Tuesday at work. No where near as busy as last year, but it ticked over and we should be able to pay the rent this week......! Nothing noteworthy to talk about really, but I am excited as I have finally been able to download a picture straight to this page. Since I started the blog, I have been having to upload images to Facebook and then copy and paste them here. You can see why they are all different sizes etc now!

I have just tried to upload a couple of pics directly here, and it worked. Yeeeeha! So, in all their glory, here is a picture of the fig, mozzarella and Serrano salad that was one of the starters on Sunday and also tonights dinner, which was Rigatoni pasta with sunblushed tomatoes, green olives, sunflower seeds, Parmesan and basil.

 

 

I managed another workout this afternoon and I have to say, they are getting a little easier. The problem today was that I didnt have too much back pain today, until I started the workout. It wasnt particularly painful, but it was definitely worse when I was exercising. However, it hasnt got any worse as the evening has worn on, so I'm not gonna let it stop me.

 

I have just watched a film called 'The Dictator', courtesy of Karl, the Rumanian DVD seller. Absolute rubbish! If there were any of you thinking of watching it, dont bother! Sacha Baron Cohen usually makes me laugh, but apart from a couple of silly bits that made me chuckle, the film was crap! Hark at me, the film critic!

 

Ok, I'm off to bed now to read a little more of Gordon Ramsay's book. The first chapter has me gripped already...

 

Sleep well peeps and speak to you tomorrow

Ciao for now

Jimbo!

Day 149 - A day off and very little back pain...coincidence?

Today was a day off for me, and I have to say, it was really needed. Although the last one was 'just' 2 weeks ago, it seems like forever. Its been soooo hot at work, and the back has been sooooo painful, that I was praying for a rest. What a wimp!

We had been promising to take Harrison out, (so he could spend his birthday money), for ages, and this is the first chance we have had. So it was a day at La Marina shopping centre (nr Benidorm).

I didn't buy anything, but it was nice to be able to look at clothes in the 'normal people' section! Although I am still a XXL on top, I can now shop freely, without having to go to the 'fat bloke' section. I have spent years being frustrated at not being to take advantage of all the offers available to 'normal sized people' and wondering why fat people are penalised by having to pay more. I appreciate that more material is needed, but still...! Anyway, no longer!

I did manage to sit in one of those massage chairs that you chuck a quid in and get 5 mins worth of torture, but I have to say, it felt great. The back felt much better today, and it's not coincidence that I wasnt at work. Perhaps I'll have to retire! If only!......

Harrison seemed chuffed with his purchases, and even managed to keep about 40€ back for his next trip. Not bad for 6, eh!

Right, after being recommended this book by long time friend and thoroughly good chap, Kerrigan, I am about to start reading 'Humble Pie' by Gordonn Ramsay, so I'm off to bed!

Back to work in the morning, so will let you all know how my day went on my arrival home.

Sleep well all and I will be back tomorrow
Buenas noches
Jimbo

Day 147 & 148! - Weight stayed the same...Ready for pahse 2!

First of all, apologies for there being no blog yesterday, but I got home, relaxed, ate, watched a little TV and just crashed! Really didnt have the ooomph!

Not alot happened anyway! I got on the scales yesterday morning for my weekly weigh in, but alas, no loss... I hadn't gained, so I suppose it could have been worse. I am not happy though because I haven't lost weight  now for 2 weeks. I'm not sure if it has coincided with my gym sessions, or if its just that I am not being as careful as I was at the start of the journey, but I need to change a few things.

For one, although I have been swimming every day, I havent been doing as much as I did at the old house with the bigger pool, so methinks I need to do a little more. I also think I need to get back to basics with the calorie intake and log everything down that I eat. We shall see next week...

Work was pretty same old same old yesterday, nothing really to report. An average sort of day, but no where near as busy as last year...

Today has come and gone, the back pain this afternoon has been the worst its ever been, but I managed to lie down for around 20 mins after work, and that eased the pain a little.

21 in for Sunday Lunch today, which would normally be pretty pathetic, but considering the weather today, it could have been worse. It poured down! I cannot actually remember the last time it rained, and I mean that, its not just a figure of speech, but boy oh boy did the heavens open up today. It was only for a couple of hours, but when it rains here, it realy rains. Well done to the 21 who all arrived looking like drowned rats, and thank you for making the effort. I didnt do a soup today, a) because I wanted the left over mushroom soup for myself!, and b) its too hot. I know that the Calpe 'Old Fart Sunday Lunch' guide stipulates that you must serve soup, but bollocks! My fig tree is still yielding those little buggers like there's no tonorrow, so I did a warm fig, mozzarella and Parma ham salad and my favourite goats cheese, caramelised onion, Serrano ham and balsamic on toasted bread. Can you believe that one customer asked why there was no soup on the menu! When Laura came back and told me, I wanted to scream..'BECAUSE ITS NOT EFFING COMPULSORY!' He must have been the editor of the 'Old Farts' mag!

So another weekend has passed and we all have our health, (even if my back is telling me differently).

I am off now to watch Match of the Day, so I wish you all a very good nights sleep, and I will be back to bore you tomorrow.

Hasta la pasta amigos...
Jimbo

I hit the pool this afternoon, dont think I even swam a length, just spent a couple of hours with Harrison & his girlfriend Susana. Slowly, but surely over the last couple of weeks, Susana has been showing a little more confidence each time, and today she did really well. Not only did she jump in off the side for the first time unaided, but she swam her first full width on her own. It may not seem much, but 4 weeks ago she was terrified of water. Well done Susana x

Day 146 - Weigh in tomorrow...

A pretty qiuet day for a Friday in August, so not too much to report...

I have my 21st weigh in tomorrow, and I'm really unsure as to how it will go. I have done 4 work outs since the last weigh in, and although I have swum every day, I am not swimming as much as I used to at the old house. To be honest, the back problem I have is not helping, but I make no excuses. I don't remember being particulary naughty on the food front, so who knows.... We will see tomorrow...

I will post the results tomorrow evening on here, or as always, if you cant wait that long, you can try my Facebook food page https://www.facebook.com/groups/185455448234743/ after 10am.

I'm off to bed guys, sorry its been a short one, I'll try and make up for it tomorrow

Sweet dreams
Jimbo

Day 145 - Serious back pain!

I'm not one for whinging about pain etc, as life has taught me that there are people far worse off than myself, but my back has been gradually getting worse and worse over the last year or so and on a couple of occasions today, I was doubled over in agony on the kitchen floor. God, I sound like a right wuss! I suppose I am saying this publicly in case any of you out there have an answer. maybe one of you has had the same symptoms and can give me a diagnosis....? Basically, there is a tightness in several places on my back and at times it fells like I've been winded. I can also feel a type of burning sensation occasionally....... I look forward to your answers!

That aside, t'was another disgustingly hot, humid, sticky and busy day. Glad its over...!

After a slow start, we managed 28 tonight. Good for the pocket, but another disappointing evening as far as converting the Brits in concerned! Out of the 28, only 3 ate off the menu, and the other 25 had 'All you can eat'. I know there are exceptions and reasons why customers choose that option, but I just wish more would try eating off the menu. Here is tonight's set menu. At 11.95€, I think its incredible value for money. See what you think...


Although I made it , I have to say that the mushroom soup was REALLY good. Had a little myself after service! I managed to get a quick piccy of the aubergine starter before it left for the table. Is it me, or does it look like the 2 stacks are having a little romantic moment?

Its a bit 90's, but tastes good! I'd love to take the menu up a couple of notches, but there just isnt the demand for it... I wish Calpe was a more affluent area, with some people under 70.....

A big hello to Ian Clarke, who has been reading the blog and visiting our restaurant page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauras-at-West-Beach-Calpe/179443228776929 , who came in for dinner this evening. If you are reading this Ian, it was a pleasure to cook for you and your family this evening! Hope my boys stuff the Toon on Saturday!

Ok, back seriously playing up again. I am sitting very upright and I think my posture is good, but too painful, so I'm off to bed.

I'll be back tomorrow peeps,
sleep well
Jimbo x

Day 144 - Thanks Treeeees, and Slow roasted Moroccan lamb...Delish

Another ridiculously hot, sticky, humid day. A strange day as well, as nothing happened work wise until about 1.30, then all hell broke loose..............

Usually, (especially in August), we are busy virtually as soon as we open the doors for breakfast, but it's been a strange month, and today was no exception....

It was a really slow start to the day, and apart from a few regulars early on, we were wondering where every one was... Then, at around 1.30pm, the floodgates opened! Absolute madness that continued until 4pm. It would seem that every one wanted lunch, not breakfast today........

Got home at around 4.30pm, and with no work tonight, I decided to make an effort with dinner. I bought a lovely shoulder of lamb and made a rub using some ground cumin, ground coriander, thyme, rosemary and sea salt. It was slow roasted for about 2 1/2 hours whilst I completed my 5th work out. It felt a little easier today for the first time, but the heat was unbearable at times. Although I am in the shade, it is still ridiculously hot and humid. Back to the food...I shoved some garlic in the dish as well, as I love pushing all the sweet, sticky goo out of the skin and eating it! I'm not the biggest fan of garlic, but there's a time and a place! I made a carrot salad by peeling a carrot into ribbons and making a little dressing using the juice of 1/2 an orange and some red wine vinegar, some chopped coriander and salt & pepper. I also stuck some yoghurt in a bowl and added some harissa paste for a bit of a kick... I warmed a couple of pittas in the oven and shoved it all in. Yum! Think it might be going in the book!

Here's a piccy......


Harrison (my 6 yr old son) let me know in no uncertain terms that it should be served with lettuce, cucumber, tomato and sweetcorn. He's eaten far too many kebabs! Being the kind Daddy that I am, I allowed him his luxuries!

Tomorrow is major prep day for me tomorrow as it is 'Set Menu' AND 'All you can eat' night. Not only do I need to prep for the set menu, but I've got to create some interesting stuff for the salad bar. I really hate the whole concept of 'all you can eat' & a salad bar, as its far too reminiscent of a Harvester for my liking, but it pays the rent. I know I say it all the time, but I wish Calpe had a few more foodies and a few less old codgers! I think the main problem in Calpe is the fact that are so many 'old' people. When I say 'old', I suppose I mean set in their ways, as well as their age. They've grow up eating meat and 2 veg, gammon egg and chips and pie & chips and they will never change. When faced with a chance to eat something along the lines of 'Pan fried fillet of cod with sage butter and champ potatoes', they would ask for it to be battered with chips and garden peas... That's the daily dilemma I face... So, I will stroll around the supermarket looking for some inspiration in the morning, and spend the rest of the day preparing it. I will try and remember to take some photos.

I'm off to bed now. It's 1.30 am and still 31C. It's not right. Even with a ceiling fan on in the bedroom, its still uncomfortably warm. Gonna have to save up for some aircon next year!

Before I forget, a big thank you to an old mucker, Theresa, who sent me a very kind and thoughtful message today about the harm that diet drinks can do. I have to confess to being far too ignorant on the subject, but am about to have a session on Google to find out more. I will report my findings tomorrow. I should also say that she has lost approximately 3 1/2 stone in about 12 weeks and I am completely in awe............ Keep up the amazing work Treeees, and thanks again

Nite all
Jimbo

Day 143 - Burst throught he 7000 blog view barrier!

Well, for some strange reason, you lot read this and I have now amassed over 7000 views in 5 months. Thanks for reading!


Not much happened today in the cafe. We're ticking over, but it should be busier......... A couple of spurts at breakfast and lunchtime, (funny that), but otherwise like a 'normal day' really. Its definitely not as busy as last summer.

Moving away from the doom and gloom, I purchased a rather sexy looking shoulder of lamb today and I will be doing something with it for din dins tomorrow. Methinks I may do something with a Moroccan vibe, but I may well change my mind by tomorrow! Either way, I will post pics and let you know what it was like.

Went out this evening with 'Janet the Ganet' to a Chinese buffet. They are not my favourite places as you never quite know how long the food has been sitting there and I think  alittle quality is lost for quantity, but what the hell. Its cheap and the company was good. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves as well.

For me, it was a bit of a test. It's very difficult for a recovering eater to be faced with such temptation, but I think I got my tactics spot on! In the past, I would have dived into the startery type things, i.e ribs, prawn toasts, battered prawns, chicken wings, crispy duck with pancakes, prawn crackers, satay chicken, dim sum, dumplings etc, but tonight I grabbed a plate of asparagus, courgettes, aubergine and red pepper and got the chap behind the 'wok station' to cook them for me. I asked him for a drizzle of olive oil and a little salt. Got to say, they were excellent! After finishing my 'starter', I would normally pile my plate high with rice, noodles and various dishes covered in sugary sauces full of MSG, and then go back for more! Tonight I picked out some prawns, some more asparagus, a little white fish, (no idea what it was, but it wasn't cod, haddock, bream or bass). It looked a little like panga, but I thought panga was a more pinky colour........ Who knows. Whatever it was, it, and the rest of my plate was quite yummy. I had asked my new friend at the 'wok station' to chuck a little chilli and garlic on, and I must say, he cooked it all perfectly!

Well, I'm off now as I forgot that I promised to submit a recipe to a local magazine by the morning and its gone midnight!

Take care all and I'll be back tomorrow
Jimbo

Day 142 - What to do with those bloody figs!!!

Monday's here again and I was determined to get rid of these figs! I put a 'special' on in the cafe today....., it was fig, goats cheese, Serrano ham and balsamic on lightly toasted bread. Couldn't sell a portion! So, I decided to give it away! Anyone ordering a cold drink was given one, (without the Serrano as thats too expensive to give away!) Got some very nice comments about how nice it was too. SO WHY DIDNT THEY BLOODY ORDER IT THEN?!!!! I made it for the 2 Spanish girls who work in the sports shop next door and they both loved it. Nice to let them know that us Brits dont just cook a full English..... Anyway, here's a piccy of the freebie we were giving away...


Got my disheartened head on again! I just want them to be a little more adventurous.............. Can't always get what you want though, eh?

I have started thinking abouth the menu for Thursday night and I'm already fighting back the demons telling me that I shouldnt be bothering! My passion always takes over though, so I'm sure I will come up with something interesting.......

I'll let you know my final thoughts a little nearer the time.....

Managed my fourth work out today and its finally seeming to be getting a little easier. Its still ridiculously difficult for some one as unfit as me, but I'm getting there. I think I'm actually starting to feel some muscles....... I know they're in there somewhere!

Ok, its 1.45 am  and time to hit the sack. Good night one and all, and I will be back tomorrow.

Sleep well
Jimbo xx

Day 141 - Sunday lunch...... (we're here again)!

It's Sunday again........... I keep saying it, but it really does seem to come round so quickly.

Ok, so today I decided that as no one had eaten my figs, I was gonna stick 'em on as a starter! I thought that if I put them on with a boring old soup, (tomato), I might get some takers..... Yeah, right......, 14 soup and 2 fig and goats cheese salads! Whats up with people? The soup was really nice, but its just tomato soup at the end of the day. How often are figs in season, beautifully ripe and sweet and bursting out of their skins? These bloody customers just dont give a toss! 'Oooh, I cant have anything different, I might explode'........... JUST BLOODY TRY IT! In all honesty, we have an awful lot of regulars on a Sunday, and to those that will try all the various starters I produce, I applaud you. To the others, who eat the same thing EVERY WEEK when there is such variety, GET A LIFE! You do not have to eat the same thing at the same time at the same table evry week. Why will you not try something different? Aaah, who cares? Well, actually, I do. Thats my problem. I simply care too much and want people to a)try and b) enjoy my food and I get disheartened when they dont try. Although I am proud of all the food I serve and therefore shouldnt worry whose having what, over a period of time I get to know who's having what and I think to myself....., 'if these people like it here and enjoy the food so much that they come every week, why do not they try?'......... Rant over, here's what they missed by not trying the goats cheese and fig salad.....

Ok, its not the best picture in the world, but you get the idea. 3 lovely little figs topped with goats cheese and melted in the oven served with some mixed nuts, dry fruit and balsamic syrup and a few dressed salad leaves. Fresh, tasty and a perfect light starter........

We move on to the main course....... Maybe I ranted too soon! For the first time EVER, beef was NOT the biggest seller. Today, in the battle of the meats, Pork was the victor. So chuffed about that, as I thought long and hard about whether or not to even cook the dish! Glad I took the plunge! Because experience tells me that our regular clientele would rather just have a plain old 'traditional' roast, I am always a little uncertain about whether to serve something that isn't. I decided on pork tenderloin served with a lentil 'sorfrito', (for want of a better term) and some dijon mash. I think it tasted really good and looked decent too. In fact as part of three courses including wine for 14.95€, I think its a steal....... I bet just the pork dish on its own would be close to 14.95€ in a lot of restaurants. Decide for yourselves.......


Ok, thats me done! I've moaned, ranted and shown off my food. Just off to watch Jamie Oliver cook Morrocan shoulder of lamb. One for the menu next Sunday? Yeah, right!

Nght peeps, speak to you all again tomorrow. Thanks for reading
Jumbo

Day 140 - The 20th weigh in...

So, I worked my nuts off this week......., swum every day, followed my work out all week and GAINED 2 pounds! C'est la vie!

I'm not too disheartened though........ I feel smaller, my clothes are looser and people are noticing, so I must be doing something right. I will keep doing what I'm doing and we'll see what happens next Saturday............

On to work. A petty quiet day in the cafe was followed by a couple of hours at home before heading back for evening service. It's been a pretty tedious week really. Not 1 person ordered anything off the menu. Everyone who ate in the restaurant this week, (apart from Friday's fish and chips), oredered the 'all you can eat' option. As I said on Thursday, its a little demoralising when you've prepped loads of food for the menu and no one orders from it. Its easier to get the food out when everyone is ordering the same, but it's mind numbingly tedious. Still, it pays the bills........

Enough of the depression of work, and on to XFactor! Yes, I admit it.... I watch XFactor! I have to be honest and say that I could not sit through the whole thing as it happened, as there are too many adverts for me and too much talking, but I enjoy fast forwarding through the crap and just watching the acts! I thought Jahmaine (not sure if thats how its spelt) was different class and a really nice kid and Ella was pretty good too. I look forward to next week!

Off to bed now as another Sunday lunch draws closer....

Sleep well and I will see you all tomorrow
Jimbo (definitely not Slimbo today......)

Day 139 - The night before the 20th weigh in.......

I cant believe I've been doing this for 20 weeks!

Another pretty uneventful day at work. In fact, the highlight of my day was popping outside to watch the thermometer go up and up and up! The highest I caught it at was 46.3C, but didnt have my phone with me on that occasion, so I could not take a piccy of it. However, I did manage to pop out a little later and record this....

Tooooooooo hot!

Managed to swim twice today, only for about 15 minutes each time, but its better than nothing. Its even hot in the pool!

I've got my weigh in tomorrow morning and I really dont know how I feel about this one...... I had a little too much chilli on Wednesday night, but I've had two hour long gym sessions this week and swum every day, so who knows?

As always, I will report the results on here tomorrow, but if you'd like to know earlier, I will be posting the results on my Food Page on Facebook at around 10am https://www.facebook.com/groups/185455448234743/

Off for an hour of poker before bed, so I will bid you all farewell, and speak to you tomorrow.

Nite nite
Jimbo x

Day 138 - My second work out. GOD I ACHE!

Another day has come and gone. Its been hot, its been sticky, blah blah blah! We've had punters, we've made food, blah, blah,blah!

I spent most of the day, as I always do on a Thursday, upstairs in the restaurant kitchen preparing for tonight's service.  I found one of those velcro strap things that you put an Iphone in when you go jogging, in one of our boxes we unpacked during the move. I had bought it a few years ago whe I was doing a bit of cycling. Okay, I went out on my bike about 4 times!!!!! It meant that instead of having my Iphone in my shorts pocket and the ear phone cable getting in the way of chopping etc, I could strap it to my upper arm and listen happily to Mr Ed Sheeran whilst doing my thang!

I went through the usual routine of preparing the salad bar. (I hate the whole concept of  'the salad bar', it just reminds me of 'Harvester restaurants' from the 80's, but its what the punters want and it pays the rent, so it stays for now......) I do however try and change it about a bit, so at least I don't get too bored! Today, I used Spanish onion instead of spring onion in the potato salad. I live on the edge.....................;0)

In all seriousness, I changed it a little this week. I ditched the chargrilled veg pasta salad and made a really nice chargrilled veg cous cous instead! Just a different wheat I hear you crying....... Maybe, but I added some coriander and mint, some lemon juice and some dried fruit and nuts and it was rather scrumptious! Once again though, I dont know why I made the effort, as it was hardly touched!

Had 20 odd in tonight and ALL went for the 'All you can eat' option. Although it disappoints me that people do not try the delights that I spend hours creating on the menu, service is very easy when everyone is having the same, so part of me is quite happy!

Managed to pop home for a couple of hours this afternnon, and like a good boy, I hit the gym! I found Tuesday's first work out a lot easier than todays! Stiff as a board today! I remembered all my stretching routines etc and had a rest day yesterday, but still ache to buggery! I'm guessing it gets easier.......................... I am going to do a little spreadsheet so I can monitor my progress.

Ok, its late, (1.50 am), and another loooooooooooooong day awaits tomorrow, so I'm off to bed.

Sleep well all and I will bore you all to tears again tomorrow
Nite nite
Jimbo xx

Day 137 - 'Janet the Ganet' popped round for dinner!

A pretty bog standard day in the cafe today, just a normal Wednesday in August.....

Nothing to report on the work front..., no fussy punters, no one ordering anything strange, just a basic day. I wish I had something interesting for you all to read, but alas, I dont!

We had a visit today from an old friend, (well she's not old in age, just havent seen her much since she moved back to England last year), Justine, also known as 'Janet the Ganet'! (She likes her food), so that was nice. She brought her kids over, Oliver 11 and Yasmin 3, so Harrison had some play mates for the evening. Laura cooked a rather excellent chilli and I have to confess to eating a little more of it than I should. Oh, and some tortilla chips too! Oh, and a glass or 2 of wine! Not that it excuses it, but I have just had a pretty vigourous 20 minute swim and I have my weight training tomorrow to hopefully burn off a few of the calories eaten tonight!

I'm also back in touch with my old boss, Chris, from many moons ago. He's a top bloke and its good to be chatting again. If you're reading this Baldy, hope your risotto was nice, it sounded it!

I'm off for some internet poker, so I'll catch up with you all tomorrow. Got to compose a set menu for tomorrow night, so I'll fill you in with it all when its finished....

Sleep well
Jimbo xx

Day 136- my first 'real' work out on the multi gym....

A pretty ok day at work was followed by an hour of using muscles that I never knew existed.............

A very fine chap by the name of Sam, (a personal trainer), popped over this afternoon to show me how to properly use my inherited multi gym. I was put through my paces and strangely, thouroughly enjoyed my work out. I will be doing it every other day for approximately 1 hour. Thats the idea anyway! Gonna be difficult to fit it in on occassions, but I'm pretty dedicated.....................

Dinner was a simple affair, I simply ate the 'Tuscan sausage pasta' that no one ordered on Saturday night in the restaurant! I try not to waste anything! Here's a piccy....


Not much else to report today, so I'm off for a few games of Poker before bed. Sleep well all and I will speak to you all tomorrow

Buenas noches todos mis amigos.......
Slimbo xx

Day 135 - A good meeting .......................

Had a day off today! Had a lie in, (well, 9am), and a very relaxing morning in the pool with the little fella and then headed off for my meeting...............................

I still cannot reveal too much, as nothing is set in stone yet, but it was a very positive chat, and I think we could both be very good for each other. Going to have another chat soon to add some more detail, so watch this space. Sorry I can't say much more, but it would be very unprofessional of me to say anything else. Very positive though.........

Took Harrison out afterwards to a kids play place thingy, you know the type, ball ponds, bouncy castles, slides etc with his friends Susana and Alex. Alex was 2 on Sunday, so we took him as his pressie cos we didnt have a clue what to get him! The fact for the whole of August its free admission didnt even cross my mind!! The kids seemed to enjoy it, but it was tooooooooooooooo hot. We could only really stay an hour as they'd have been burnt alive if we'd stayed any longer. Will definitely go back in the cooler months....... Popped to MacDonalds for a bit of air con and a salad, (well, I had salad, you can guess what the kids had..................)

Home now and writing my blog early before a little game of poker or two! I took some photos of the house today, here they are....

I'm having problems downloading pictures again and I cant get a cursor at the end of the pictures, so I'll say good night now, and I will speak to you all again tomorrow!

Ciao for now
Slimbo xx

Day 134 - Another Sunday Lunch.. I seem to write that a lot!

Sunday has come and gone again and here I am writing that not one out of 29 people ordered the minestrone soup! Who cares! I get to take it home and eat it for a week! I just find it a little strange....... Maybe its the heat......

A pretty smooth service, if a little hot, (yeah, I know, I'm going on about the heat again!), and I was glad to get home to the pool. Think I stayed in for about 2 hours!

Got a day off tomorrow, but of course I have my important meeting thingy that I can't tell you about yet. If all goes well, I will be able to divulge some more info. Gonna take a few piccies of the house tomorrow and post them on here in case any of you are interested in having a look.

I'm off now to watch highlights of Chelsea - Man City, so I'll speak to you all tomorrow, hopefully with some good news!!

Night night, hasta manana
Slimbo

Day 133 - I've lost 3 stone!

Yabbadabbadoo! Got on the scales at the 'Beauty Box' this morning and I'd lost 2 lbs. That means I have lost a total of 3 stone since April 1st. So, thats 3 stone, or 42 lbs or 19kgs or 19,050 or 19 million, 50 thousand eight hundred and eighty milligrams! I'm pretty chuffed with that, but I also know that I'm only half way there............. I'm hoping also to lose 6 more lbs before the end of August for my next target. Not sure if I'll get there, but it wont be for the want of trying!

On to things work related..... a decent day in the cafe today and a really good night in the restaurant. 29 in tonight and all left with a smile on their face. Thats what its about.... I wont whinge tonight that 25 of the 29 had 'all you can eat' and one of the 4 that chose the set menu ordered the pan fried cod with parsley butter and creamy mash, but asked for chips and garden peas!!! Who cares!

Got 25 booked i for Sunday Lunch tomorrow, so should be another good day. Its 1.30am as I type this and I'm knackered so time for bed methinks.... Well, I might just have one quick game of Songpop, (I'm coming for ya Kerrigan), before settling down!

Nite all, sleep well and I'll be back tomorrow
Slimbo

Day 132 - Stupidly busy, stupidly hot, weigh in tomorrow!

The title says it all! Stupidly hot today. Not a lot of sun, but horribly humid and sticky. The sort of weather where back in England, all the flying ants come out............

Work was crazy! Virtually from the moment we opened the cafe this morning, to the end, we didnt stop. Well I seem to remember a little 10 minute lull just after lunch...... We also managed 48 covers in the restaurant tonight for our fish & chip menu, so stupidly busy there too. Can't compain, it pays the rent... Actually I can complain! It was too bloody hot!

We have half a day off tomorrow, (not in until about 3.30-4pm), so after my weigh in in the morning, I will fly round the supermarket for tomorrow nights and Sundays essentials, and try and get home mid morning so we can do something with the day.

I'm quietly confident about the mornings weigh in, as I have been pretty good this week and done loads of excercise. If I havent lost, I wont be too disheartened as I'm putting on muscle, but it would be nice to crack the 3 stone barrier...... I also want to reach my target of being under 17 stone by the end of August. We shall see......

As always, I will update you all on here tomorrow evening with the results of my weight! If you cant wait until tomorrow night, you can check out my food page https://www.facebook.com/groups/185455448234743/ in the morning for the result.

Take care, sleep well all and I'll speak to you tomorrow

Jimbo

Day 131- Eureka!

Yes, yeeeeha, ya, si, oui, aye, marvellous, fantastic, amazing, heart warming, get in my son! 

Do excuse my rather excited start to this evenings ramble, but I am a happy bunny tonight as people actually tried something different tonight in the restaurant!!! I have literally skipped to the computer to type this.................................!

I shall show you a picture of tonights set menu, which will help you all to understand my drivel a little easier......


We were particularly busy tonight, and I was very heartened that the majority of customers chose the set menu as opposed to the all you can eat meat fest! Thinking about it, there did seem to be a distinct lack of fat, pink Brits tonight, so that probably explains it! If there are any fat, pink Brits reading this a) sorry and b) get your fat arses down to the restaurant on Saturday for all you can eat steak, ribs, chicken etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As regular readers will be aware, I get extremely disheartened when I go to great lengths to ensure that I offer interesting, fresh, and inexpensive food, only for no one to order it. I spent about 5 hours today prepping for tonight and the whole time I was doing it, I was thinking to myself... 'why I am doing this, no bugger will even try it. Why do I waste my time making the effort.....' I'll tell me why, young fellow me lad, because of nights like tonight!

I sold out of the goats cheese starter, see below...

 and got excellent feedback!

I sold out of the stuffed pork loin, (I just typed 'lion' instead of loin! Should have left it.....!) see below..
 and got excellent feedback!

2 people ordered the chargrilled chicken, and again, we got excellent feedback.

After selling out of the goats cheese starter, I had to quickly improvise an create another, so chopped up these tomatoes......


Ooops, I cant get the picture any smaller, sorry, and came up with this...........,

Once again, the computer is playing with my head at 2 am and I cant resize this picture, sorry!, but guess what......, excellent feedback!

I sold several portions of my Tuscan sausage, and although I was too busy to take a photo of the finished plate, I took some of it being made earlier........

First I skinned the sausages and took the meat out. Then mixed with some oregano and seasoned well. Then rolled the meixture into little balls....


sorry, all the pictures are going to be huge now!

Then fried them in small batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.....


and then cooked them in a red wine and tomato sauce................

Oh, nearly forgot..., got excellent feedback!

We also sold some portions of the fusilli with 'deconstructed pesto' and a few bowls of the tomato and roasted pepper soup, so all in all, I'm a happy bunny! I forgot to mention that several people did have the 'All you can eat', (don't worry fat, pink Brits, I have ordered more food), option and they were happy too!

No doom and gloom tonight, my faith has been restored!

So all in all, a very successful evening, both financially and in a fulfilling way and therefore I am going to leave it there!

Enjoy your day tomorrow peeps and I will be back as ever with some more happenings of the day

Sleep well
Jimbo

Day 130 - Pretty much the same.......

Here I am again, if a little earlier in the evening than normal!

Another steady day at work, and another hot one! Getting very tedious now isn't it! Still pooping my pants at the thought of the temperatures expected for the weekend........ The government have changed their warning from orange to red alert!! As always, I will be going outside to check on the thermometer and taking photos for you all to see. (I'm such a saddo at times!)

I dont have much to report about today... I have been a 'good boy' so far this week with my eating habits and I have 'been to the gym' every day, (its the rusty thing in my garden, but it works!). In fact, here's a piccy for you....

Excuse the state of the garden ,but we've only just moved in! I have also swum every day, so I gotta be confident about the weigh in on Saturday. The only thing that 'worries' me a little is that muscle weighs more than fat, and I must be putting muscle on.... Still, the overall objective remians the same, which is to lose weight and get fit. As long as my body continues to get smaller, I'm happy!

I will be prepping for tomorrow nights menu in the morning, so will try and remember to take some pictures. After the disappointing response to my REALLY tasty butternut squash risotto last week, I am a little reluctant to express my food fully this week. You know me though, I aint changing for any bugger! I will cook the food I love to eat and if they don't like it, there are plenty of microwave pinging restaurants that they can go to! I am going to stuff some pork loin, make a sausagy, (that's a cooking term!),  pasta dish and a char grilled chicken dish for the set menu, so I will update you with pictures of the dishes and how they were received, tomorrow!

Take care all, sleep well and I look forward to feeding you some more drivel tomorrow!

Nite, nite
Jimbo

Day 129 - Ditto to day 128.............

Another steady day in the cafe, and another hot one! You lot must be getting bored of this now!!
 Nothing else really to report from work. No dramas, no strange visits from the town hall etc, just chugging along.... 

Home life followed the same pattern as yesterday, although I managed to stretch before and after my stint on the multigym thing! Shoulders etc not too bad today!

Some of you may know that a few weeks ago I mentioned that there may be some VERY INTERESTING developments happening......... I cannot divulge anything yet, but I have a meeting set up on Monday, so will hope to have some more news for you then..... All I can say is that I am VERY excited. Cant wait to tell you all about it...........

Thats it for today!
Speak to you all tomorrow

Jimbo

Day 128 - The multi gym gets some action!

Another hot and sticky day! The thermometer outside the cafe showed 36 for most of the day, even though the forecast said 31. Its a little worrying then when the forecast for the weekend is 40. I guess the thermometer may be in the mid forties........... IN THE SHADE!!

Work has definitely picked up. Thee seem to be quite a few Brits around and we are starting to see some familiar faces from last year. It was a decent day today, without being too difficult. Every one seemed to come in about 5 mins after each other, which gives us a chance. Its when they all sit down at the same time and want fiddly things off the menu that we struggle. It was mostly easy stuff today, so we managed quite well.

Closed tonight, so had a relaxing afternoon and evening at home. I cleaned the multigym that we inherited when we moved in, and had about 20 mins of various pulling and pushing etc. Not a clue what I'm doing really, but a customer of ours is a personal trainer and has said that when he gets back from England, he will pop over and show me what to do! My theory at the moment is that any exercise is good exercise! I am really feeling it in my upper arms and shoulders tonight. I always preach to people that no matter what exercise they are undertaking, they should stretch before and after, and there's me, jumping straight in without stretching. A very good old friend of mine, (well, he's not that old, I've just known him for ages, although haven't seen him for about 23 years!), Kerrigan, also suggested that I stretch before and after. I'm sure you are having a little chuckle as you read this Mr Bryant!

Dinner was a very simple affair this evening. Although Laura had made a really nice lasagne, I decided that I would have something a little less in calories and I needed to use up a load of left overs anyway. I made a fried rice dish using up some brown rice, onions ,peas and spare ribs from work! It wasnt too bad at all! Here it is.......

First, I gently sweated some onions in a little olive oil for about 5 minutes and then added the chopped pork and peas......

Shoved in the cooked brown rice......

Chucked in an egg and voila!....


Its not a culinary masteroiece, but it used up some old left overs lying around, and took about 10 mins from start to finish..........

Thats my lot for tonight pees, sleep well and I will be back tomorrow!

Nite nite
Jimbo

Day 127 - Another Sunday lunch has been and gone...

Another uneventful Sunday. An average turn out and still only 2 people out of about 100 diners in the restaurant this week tried the risotto! Still, their loss,.....guess what I had for dinner!

We made it home for about 4pm, so I managed to have a watch of the Olympics for the first time. I chose a good day for it! Well done to Jessica Ennis for an amazing performance, Andy Murray for some breathtaking tennis and Usain Bolt for just being the fastest thing that has ever ran.........

I forgot to take a picture of my dinner, so there's really not much else to say about today......

I hope to furnish you all with a more interesting blog tomorrow!

Nite nite
Jimbo

Day 126 - The 17th Weigh in.........

I hit the scales at 'The Beauty Box' this morning in fairly confident mood of a loss, and I was not disappointed! I lost 3 pounds, yey! Go Jimbo, go Jimbo, (yes, I'm doing that silly dance)! So, an overall loss of 2 stone 12 lbs. 2 more pounds for the 3 stone landmark! I'm also aiming to be under 17 stone by the end of the month, so 9 pounds to go for that target.................................

A so so day at work both downstairs today in the cafe, and upstairs tonight in the restaurant. Oh, and guess what?.............., it was bloody hot again! It was more of a sticky humid heat than a direct sun heat if that makes sense. I was a little saddened that no one had the Butternut squash and red pepper risotto, butr hey, thats life. I often talk about the frustrations of trying so hard and putting so much effort into making interesting an sometimes innovative dishes, just to see them go to waste. Although I am disappointed that no one even tried it, there is a positive side................... Firstly, I get to eat some for my dinner tomorrow, yipee, and secondly I can make 'arancini' with the rest! For those of you not familliar with the Italian staple, it is simply risotto left to go cold and rolled into balls. Then flour , egg and breadcrumbed to make the finished arancini. Deep fry them for 4/5 mins and serve them on top of  a little home made tomato sauce. YUMMY!

Off to bed now as its 1am and its an early start for Sunday lunch prep tomorrow.

Nite all, and speak to yuo all again tomorrow
Ciao for now!

Slimbo (I'm back)!!

Day 125 - The night before another weigh in......

Here I am again, hot, bothered and knackered and also wondering if the 3 crispbreads with low fat Philly that I have just had for dinner will make a difference to the scales in the morning! Yep, its weigh day again tomorrow. How do I feel?....... Confident in a sort of unconfident way! I know that apart from a pizza on Monday night, I have been a very good boy. However, I have not swum as much as I'd have liked to this week as the pool has only really been swimmable in for the last couple of days. Is swimmable a word? Perhaps 'able to swim in' would be better English! I feel less bulky than last week and the clothes that I've only just started wearing again are starting to feel more loose. When I look in the mirror, I see a smaller person, so whatever the result, I know I'm still heading in the right direction. I will be surprised if I have not lost weight, but I have also learnt that anything can happen on weigh day..... As always, I'll keep you all updated in the morning on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/groups/185455448234743/ , or later tomorrow night on this blog.

On to work. It was another mysteriously quiet day in the cafe today, but a busy night (38 in for fish & chips). Still can't fathom out the reasons why, but whats the point.......... If they come in they come in, if they dont, they dont. Simplesk!

I know I've been going on about the heat over the last couple of days, and I know you are thinking that I'm probably having a bit of a whinge, so I have posted a couple of pictures for you to decide for yourselves.

The kitchen was a little warm today.......


So I went outside to 'cool down'........ in the shade!


Now do you see where I'm coming from?

I hope this has given you all a little insight into just how hot it really is.

I'm off now. Gotta get some sleep and I'll speak to you all tomorrow

Nite nite xx
Jimbo

Day 124-The hottest day I can EVER remember....

I got up at about 8am this morning as I had some washing to hang out, (yes, I do the washing!) and instantly knew when I stepped outside that it was going to be stupidly hot. We have had warnings on Spanish TV that we are in 'orange alert', whatever that means! It doesn't help when you spend 14 hours in a kitchen with no windows............ I love cooking, but its days like today that I hate what I do. Knowing that tomorrow will be just as hard and just as hot is just depressing.........

So I will move on to the subject I love....food. Sometimes I find food prep a little boring and somewhat of a chore, but after yesterday's visit to 'Carrefour', I was excited about creating some dishes for tonight. I know its silly, and some of the dishes are just things like coleslaw, potato salad and pasta salad, but knowing where the produce came from and knowing the quality of it, makes it exciting to use. I must sound like a real foody saddo! So I joyfully set about my prep this morning with pride and gusto and a massive fan 2 feet from my face!! Here's a piccy of the salads...


Ooooh, just thought, I've never posted a piccy of a menu on my blog yet, so here is todays!


I think its excellent value for money, what do you lot think?

On to my Butternut squash risotto....... I dont often 'big up' my own creations, in fact I'm very critical of my own work, but I have to say that its one of the nicest things I have EVER eaten. I made it with some butternut squash, (obviously),little piquito peppers, some rosemary, sage and lots of grated Parmesan. A seriously good dish. Here is a photo of it. Please note that the finished dish would be looser, but as no one ordered it, I had to make up a mock one for photographic purposes!


Hopefully someone will order it over the next couple of days, if not, I will turn it into arancini, one of my favourite things in the whole world!

Well, thats it for now, its 2.15 am (still 31 degrees) and a heat wave predicted for the weekend! It cant get any hotter.........can it?

NIte nite peeps, thanks as always for reading my drivel, and I will furnish you all with details of my day tomorrow.

Take care
Jimbo

Day 123

An averagely busy day for the time of year today, and another exceptionally hot one! The street thermometers were showing high 30's in the shade. Far too hot for working in a kitchen! Nothing too much exciting to report from work, but I got very excited afterwards!

It may seem like nothing to most of you, especially those of you who do not live in Spain and therefore don't realise how crap the supermarkets are here, but to me, my occaisional trip to the 'Carrefour' supermarket is one of great joy and inspiration! A fantastic selection of fresh fruit and veg, 100's of different breads all for me to look at! So much more inspiring than the usual rubbish that I am faced with on a daily basis in the majority of supermarkets over here.

I can walk round the usual supermarkets trying to look for inspiration for things to put on the menu and just feel so frustrated at the lack of produce. Today however, I was like a kid in a sweet shop. Within a minute of striding into the fruit and veg section, I had come up with several ideas for tomorrow nights menu. Why can't I live closer to this 'palace of gold'. I have taken some photos of the produce for you to look at. As I said earlier, to most of you this will just seem like the same old ingredients that you would find in your local supermarket, but for me they are treasures!......









These are my 50 shades! Who needs porn when you can look at this!!

I saw some butternut squash, and immediately came up with the idea of a butternut squash and sage risotto. Thats how simple a chef's life can be when the ingredients do all the work for you. I will furnish you all with news of my creations tomorrow! My goodness, I seem to have found a little passion that has been seriously lacking over the last couple of years!

Okay, enough of my fruit and veg fettish, its nearly time for bed!

I must say that I have not swum properly in the new house yet, as the pool has had some 'balancing' problems, but hopefully I will be able to have a good session tomorrow.

Take care all, and I'll speak to you all again tomorrow

Jimbo