How much?!?

I'm currently trying to get myself back into the old way of thinking - local shops, local produce, better quality. Is it really cheaper though than heading off down the nearest Walmart inspired store? I'm not so sure.

I went down the local fishmonger today, and when I say local I don't just mean a short walk down the road. No. I had to drive a good 5 miles just to go there. It's worth it though as I've been there before and I know it's good, but... boy is it expensive.

Today I bought a large sea bass, just the one mind and it cost me £9.10! Eeek! Yes there is enough for two, and yes I'm sure it will be fantastic but at that price it's more of a treat than a regular meal.

At least I made it out of the shop without choking this time, last time I went there I was given a piece of sea asparagus to try, which went down the wrong way, made me look like a cat with a furball in it's throat and if it hadn't been for the swift action of the lady fishmonger getting me a drink of water I would have surely sicked it all back up again right onto the cod roe.

Next stop was the butchers next door. I'm a big fan of the cookery shows on TV, and the chefs are currently saying we should all be heading down our local butchers for low cost, high quality stuff. Plus even better you can ask there advice on how to cook stuff. Great.

Today I wanted a lovely lamb roast for tomorrows Sunday dinner, so when I spotted a small boneless leg all neatly wrapped up I asked the butcher to give me a price on it, and boy did he give me a price. "£13.95!!" I coughed. He saw my despair immediately and began to justify the price. He explained that it had been hung for 3 weeks for added flavour, and that I'd never taste another bit of lamb like it.

So with great pain I handed the money over, I'd been sold. I don't know what I'd been sold, but I'd been sold nonetheless.

Yes I know it will do two meals, and yes I'm sure the quality is fantastic but I can't help thinking back to the leg of lamb I bought in Sainsbury's last time which was twice the size and half the price.

Anyway the proof is in the eating and I aim to have gobbled up both of them before the end of the weekend, so I guess I'll let you know.

I'll probably burn it anyway.

Bottomless coffee makes me happy!

Ok, I'm new to this whole Blog thingy but I've realised I'd better get hot on it pretty quick as my friend and colleague Tim Clague is launching us headlong into our first video blog next week. This will be a series of short films which ultimately the audience will have full control over whether they want to see more of the same thing or give us something completely new to work on.

It's the start of something big alright and our real masterplan can be found here - www.365films.com

I didn't want to start my own blog really but seeing as you get the chance automatically when you sign up as a user of Blogger I thought I'd better get full use out of it.

I guess this Blog will be about anything and everything but mostly it will give me a chance to have a rant about stuff and see what gives.

First up is - why is it only in America that I can go into just about anywhere and get free refills on my coffee??

Over here the chance for an infinite slurp on the black demon drink is seldom offered but when it is it's greatly recieved (unless it's like quaffing my own warm bile and then I barely make it to the end of the first mug).

For a while Harvester did an offer where you could get such a drink, but it was hidden away and rarely advertised on the menus. Now it is gone once more.

My fave place for a slow feed of caffeine has to be a diner just outside of London on the M40. It's called Starvin' Marvins and right from the outset you know what to expect as the glorified greasy spoon is housed in a glorious American silver trailer.

So come on you big guys, the Starsluts and Coffee Repubic and the like, what are you waiting for? Is it really down to the independents to keep me at the level of addiction I'm accustomed to?

Hey I'll even buy a muffin!