On a Side Note: European Hot Choc

European version - glorified

I felt the need to discuss Hot Chocolate. Not the nice fluffy, frothy chocolate milk type that us 'Southerners' are used to. But the thick, mud-like, syrup that calls itself Hot Chocolate in Europe (please see the glorified picture above).

I have now had this sludge in more than one European country and I am most disgusted. First in Poland and I thought that was a fluke. And now, most recently in Venice and I am shocked. I cannot believe in such a food-forward country like Italy that they serve this poor excuse for Hot Chocolate, especially when their coffee is so delish.

Getting that smooth frothy milk chocolate flavoured craving was not even close to being satisfied when I was served with the sickly brown imitation chocolate-flavoured syrup.  So disappointed in fact it only lasted one (okay two) sips and then was thrown in the bin. It also burned a hole in the pocket with three euros for a polystyrene 200ml cup. You also do not get any froth, or sprinkles or marshmallows. Not that I am a marshmallow fan but still. Yeuck.

Not only is it calling itself Hot Chocolate, the traditional milky version is not even an option. You only have the one version. It's like drinking chocolate icing which sounds fun for a while but when its so dense it verges on being a pudding it doesn't only look like poo but tastes like it too.

I can only hope that the Hot Chocolate in England is better (and I'm not talking the Starbucks kind)....watch this space.


Ciao

Kiwi version - I miss you!!

Borough Market Bliss



 chorizo, pepper and rocket bun

Located amongst the hub and daily grind of one of the busiest capitals of the world sits the Borough Market. Traders from way back in the 13th century used to trade vegetables, livestock fish and grain in what is now the current location of the Borough Market.  The Market itself is one of London's most famous eateries and oldest fruit and vege market. Its been opened for just over a decade and has over 100 stalls selling a range of produce to hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

The Market is usually extremely packed in the weekend as it's only open Thursday - Saturday.  Many a foodie, the locals, occasional posh elite and definitely token sightseers are amongst those who swarm the produce. However don't let this put you off, it's definitely worth the crowds just to get a taste of that mouth watering prosciutto or the smooth and creamy organic mushroom pate.



The food tastings are one of the many 'pull factors' to the Borough Market. As are the range of fresh produce at ones fingertips, but purchasing all the wonderful delicacies can leave a giant hole in your pocket. It's easy to go to the Market with a wad of cash (cash only please! No debit card facilities available) and for it to quite easily disappear in the few hours that you are there. Although disappointed in how much you may have spent you most certainly will have some goodies to take home with you! Take the Mustard Man for example, I continually find myself in front of his stall trying all the varieties of mustard's he has to offer (wild garlic, sundried tomato, sweet chilli, and horseradish to name a few) despite having tasted them all before. Each time I am enlightened to find a new mustard to take home to add as a condiment or marinade to my next dish.

To be honest, I don't want to scare you with the money that you could spend there as you could quite happily spend nothing and go around doing tastings all day "Ohh what's this?" (finger pointing) "I haven't tried that before... it looks good" (you most certainly had tried it before!) "Mmm thats delicious! Thanks!" and you run away now with a pleasant taste in your mouth to the next stall!


One of the down sides of The Market is as I have stated the amount of people that attend, especially in the weekend. If you are lucky enough to have a not be working during the week I would definitely advise going either Thursday or Friday. For one you won't be swimming through the crowds and you wont have to wait in such ghastly long lines to devour the specialities of The Borough Market. Some of the longest lines I have encountered are at the roast sandwich stall near the front of the Market, and the chorizo, pepper and rocket bun stall also near the front. Although worth waiting for you don't want to spend all day in a line where there is much more to enjoy!

I have to do a special mention here to the mushroom pate gentlemen of Pate Moi (http://www.mushroompate.co.uk/) who made my first experience to the Market most enjoyable. Not only did they enlighten my taste buds with their creamy smooth pate but they were also kind enough to give me their only copy of things you can do with the mushroom pate. They also didn't mind that we kept coming back for more 'tastings' and continued to greet us with a big grin. Bless them and their delicious pate!



I have also tried the mouldiest cheese that I have ever set my eyes on at the Borough Market. Whilst being very uneasy on the eyes (or one would definitely describe it as visually un-appealing) it was full of flavour and it's creamy smoothness an intense sensation on the tongue. I only wished I could have afforded to get a decent slab of it!



The Paella blokes always catch my eye with their incredibly large saucepans of food and smell sensations, and always willing to offer up many a taste of Thai green curry, or Spanish paella.



And what a better way to wash down all your tastings or to combine that cheese you have been devouring with a lovely glass of mulled wine? The perfect accompaniment to a winters day market trek!

It is these little gems at The Borough Market that keeps its visitors coming back for more.
As you may be able to tell I have now been to the market more than once and are very keen to return!

As one foodie to another, this is one definite trip worth making the time and effort for on a visit to London. Absolute bliss!