Fine Food - those dishes where there is more plate than food, dishes that are meant to look good and are priced way beyond the pocket of the average man in the street. To me, food is food, and I believe that there is nothing better than a good, tasty plate of food at the end of the day. I pride myself in being something of a cook, and can produce a good sit-down meal for a table of eight that I guarantee will be enjoyed by all and sundry. I'm talking about Sunday Lunch, about that special dinner for a group of convivial friends. In my personal opinion any good cook should be able to produce a meal where the diners get to help themselves to its various constituents. I'm talking about dishes such as:
- A whole poached River Spey salmon served with new potatoes, young peas and carrots with a green parsley sauce
- Hungarian Goulash
- Beef Stroganoff
- Spaghetti Bolognaise
- Poached Chicken in parsley sauce
- Roast Rack of Lamb served with a freshly made mint sauce
- Roast Sirloin of Beef - of course with Yorkshire Pudding
- Roast Suckling Pig
I have another gripe. I have visited and eaten in more countries than the fingers and toes on my hands and feet. I have even eaten with royalty, but I have to assert categorically that I have never found Brussels Sprouts that taste and look as good as mine. I would stake my life on that. Yes, I have a secret little recipe, and it will probably go with me to my grave.
What ever happened to the family restaurant? Fine Food? Pigswill!
© Michael J. Mason 2012