Work is ticking along nicely. It's not been ridiculously busy, but it could be worse! It's been busier in the evenings than during the day, but slowly but surely we're getting a few in earlier. After our first few weeks of very busy Sundays, it seems to have died down a little. Not sure if it's the snob factor kicking in, or people just not liking the fact that there's football on the tellies, but it's definitely died down a little. Still, it's about the whole week and not just one day. I am slowly getting out of the old restaurant mindset and getting into the new Saffy's mindset. In the old days, we would get maybe 25-30 bookings on a Sunday and a few that walked in on the day, whereas here, sometimes we only have 4-6 bookings, but the majority of people turn up on the day. I need to stop panicking when we don't have many bookings! It makes the weekly meat order a bit of a lottery, but hey, it's all part of running a kitchen.
Managed a night out on Monday with some very good friends, alas my worst food fears were confirmed! I wont name the restaurant, because it would be unfair, but I had suspicions before booking that the pictures on their website were not theirs, and unfortunately I was right. It's annoying because it was left to me to organise where we went, and after researching for days, I found it. Or at least I thought I had! I had even gone on a local community Facebook page to try and get some feedback, and I only read positive things! Did none of these people not realise that you couldn't order ANY of the food in the pictures, a sit wasn't theirs. I think it is a total con. How can a restaurant submit photos to their website of food that isnt theirs? Even the background in the pictures was of different restaurants. Maybe they count on the fact that once they have got you in once you will come back. However, I think 10.50€ for a very average burger with 5 chunky chips is not going to get me to go back there. Don't get me wrong, the setting was nice, the waitress was pleasant and they had made an effort with the presentation of the food, and the food was okay, but I was VERY disappointed with the lack of choice. To cap it off, they had a specials board with a couple of nice sounding dishes on, but when I asked about them, I was told they weren't on and they had forgotten to rub them off the board! WHY CAN I NEVER FIND A DECENT RESTAURANT? All that aside, I had a cracking night out, so thanks to Laura, Heidi, Mel, Martyn and Paul and I look forward to the next outing in June!
I am well and truly back on the food wagon and yesterday started a proper regime again. I'm fed up not losing any weight and the only one who's going to do anything about it is me! So, Slimbo is back! Finally!
Made some chickpea burgers last night, (recipe going in the book!), and served them with some home made coleslaw and a feta and beetroot salad. Full of flavour, a bit of heat, low calorie and inexpensive.....Perfect..
I also made an asparagus and leek soup. I used some spring onions in it as well and whereas usually, I would just use asparagus and onion to make the soup with a little chicken stock, the addition of leek and spring onion really made a difference. Really tasty, healthy and hardly and calories!
I've started a little herb garden in our little courtyard at work and it's coming along nicely. At the moment I'm growing basil, Greek basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, coriander and I'm trying to 'regrow' some celery
My first coriander shoot has sprouted!
and my celery seems to be regrowing!
Completely changing the subject, here is a picture of Sunday's belly pork. I came across it while uploading the above photos and just wanted to share it with you. If you're not a foody, you wont understand this, but doesn't it just make you want to cook?......
So, hopefully now that I am back on my diet, I should have lots of piccies and ideas for you to peruse over the next few days.
It's good to be back peeps, thanks for reading and I'll be back with you soon
Take care
Slimbo!!!
