Blog Archives
British teeth, pt. 2 (Electric boogaloo)
Speaking of teeth, I have to share this little clip from “The Graham Norton Show.” He interviews Olivia Colman, who was in “The Iron Lady,” and yes, the topic of “funny English teeth” does come up.
Thanks, Lillie, for sending this!
British teeth
At the risk of alienating half of my readers (note: I am convinced that discussing British teeth is #18 on the list of ways to annoy the British), I feel obliged to share the latest news item.
According to a survey by the British Dental Health Foundation …
* Seven million Britons do not clean their teeth regularly
* One in seven admitted to leaving it two whole days before they picked up a toothbrush
* 21 per cent also said they forget to floss
Sacre bleu, right? But the study continues and expands into the general realm of common decency and hygiene:
* 25% forget to cover their mouth when coughing and fail to wash their hands after going to the toilet
* 7.5 million Britons also forget to shower daily
*Sighing and shaking my head* (and recognizing that a survey stateside would likely provide similar results)… What do you make of all of this?
Very British problems
I’m partial to British problems (you know, these kinds of afflictions), so was pleased to hear about the @SoVeryBritish Twitter feed, chalk-filled with goodies like …
“Assuring your hairdresser the water temperature is fine, despite a strong suspicion your scalp is beginning to melt.”
“Speeding up to pass a pavement hog, then feeling you must keep up the uncomfortably fast pace until at least a mile away”
“The shock of lifting an index finger from the steering wheel to thank a fellow driver and not receiving an acknowledgment finger in return.”
Read the feed and add one of your own here!
Thanks, Vicki, for the tip!
British fashion featured on Goop.com
Stylist Elizabeth Saltzman has rounded up some lovely British designers and fashions this week in Goop.com, Gwyneth Paltrow’s digital media and e-commerce brand. She’s pulled together a range of looks from designers like Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Antonio Berardi.
My favorite pieces of the bunch are these soft pastels, perfect for dressing up and for more relaxed weekend fun.
Portland’s Frying Scotsman
Last weekend, we spent three days in Portland, Oregon. It was a wonderful little mini break! Have you been to Portland? Isn’t it charming?
We missed trying the food carts last year when we were in Portland – this time, it was on my list! We went to the one on SW 10th and Alder Street and scoped out the scene!
I had heard great things about the Frying Scotsman, which is a fish-and-chips spot run by a Scotsman! The menu includes mushy peas and Irn-Bru!
We got the haddock and chips. He adds a touch of turmeric to the batter, which gives it a hint of curry flavor. Just a hint. The fries were double fried and delectable. It was certainly the best fish and chips we’ve had on the west coast!
On another note, I also tried the famed chicken and rice from Nong’s Khao Man Gai, which was great comfort food, as well as a pork taco from Korean Twist. All in all, it was a stellar first Portland food cart experience!
Tea at Wickle
After our visit in Devon, we headed back on the train to visit friends in the town of Lewes for a couple of days. Lewes is a gorgeous little town just an hour from London on the southeast coast.
One of our favorite moments was having afternoon tea and cake in the children’s shop Wickle. The shop sells beautiful clothes, high-quality toys and games and tucked in the very back of the store is a little cafe, perfect for children and grownups. The kids got the most decadent hot chocolates and we sampled ginger cake, brownies, millionaire’s shortbread and victoria sponge cake.
I like Marmite
When we visited the U.K. last month, I discovered Marmite. Yep, the love-it-or-hate-it yeast extract is now my boo.
I had tried it about 10 years before and I fell strongly into the “hate” camp. But this time around? It blew my socks off with its unami goodness! Paired with buttered toast and a perfect dippy egg, it became my favorite breakfast.
I bought some to take home and have continued the love affair on this side of the Atlantic. If you’ve never tried it, pick up some at CostPlus World Market and let me know what you think!
Stateside Candy Company
Americans who are homesick for their favorite candies can get them delivered in the U.K. now, thanks to the Stateside Candy Company.
The selection is impressive, including Hershey’s and Twizzlers, Life Savers, Willy Wonka candies, salt water taffy, Mike and Ike’s, jumbo gummy bears and the list goes on and on! Grocery items like American cereals, pancake mixes, cookies, cake mixes and barbecue sauces are also offered. U.K. delivery charges start at £4.50.
Anniversary dinner at Ode
One of the highlights of our recent trip to England was celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary at Ode in Shaldon, which has been named UK’s most sustainable restaurant by the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
The food was absolutely amazing, delicious, fresh and exciting from beginning to end. Service was friendly and helpful (owner Tim Bouget was lovely!). And all of this for a great price! Our wedding anniversary fell on a Wednesday and Ode features a reduced price menu on Wednesdays: three courses for 29 pounds! We added a couple of glasses of kir royale to start and a very pleasant French white wine to accompany our main courses.
Olba’s Pastilles in the USA
I just spotted Olba’s Pastilles at my local Sprouts supermarket. Different packaging than the British version, but certainly the same herbal lozenges we all know and love when you’re feeling under the weather!
BRITRISH.COM 