food – Ian’s Thing

LEss Tolerant With Age

October 31, 2021October 31, 2021 IBM Leave a comment

As my fifties have given way to my sixties, I’ve not so much noticed that I’ve slowed down – I can still get up a decent walking pace – but I have found I am less tolerant to several things.

I’ve always enjoyed going to the pub. I like the social aspect of it. I also like cask ale, which isn’t generally available elsewhere. I also feel good about supporting a struggling industry and local businesses too.

However, I do notice a difference these days. Back in my twenties, I’d drink more when I went out, and I went out more. I would sometimes get hammered and then feel ill the next day. The “I’ll never drink again” thoughts only lasted a day or so, though. These days, I’ll only have a few beers, and I feel off the next day. Not hungover or with my head in the toilet bowl; just under the weather.

It’s the same with sleep. I rarely sleep well. This morning, as I write this, I’ve been awake since around 4 am. I don’t shake that off quite as well as I used to, either. I’ll be feeling like falling asleep around 2 pm, but I don’t usually have time to take naps. Then again, when I do, I end up just looking at the ceiling!

Food is another issue at times. Having mild Crohn’s disease has put paid to me having anything too hot, although I do sneak in a couple of chilli peppers or sauce from time to time; I have to be very careful how much! I do enjoy a good hot curry, but I’ll pay for it the next day.

So, has this made me a miserable so-and-so? No, of course not. I just have to practice moderation. That’s a good thing of course, but not always easy to do, when I get an ale I like or a favourite dish.

These days, we cook primarily at home, with an occasional treat out. That’s a winner on several counts. Firstly, you know what’s in the pot or pan; secondly, you can more easily choose your quantity; thirdly, it’s way cheaper to cook and eat at home.

I get that some people don’t like cooking. I’m not a gourmet chef. However, I know I can cook a good meal, which, even though it is perhaps somewhat predictable (meat and two vegs, again?) is generally fresh and healthy and edible.

The other thing I need to do is move more. Perhaps I should buy a bicycle or take up yoga.

A Sober Day Out

October 7, 2017October 7, 2017 IBM Leave a comment

Friday dawned a lovely blue sky day.

It stayed that way well into the afternoon too. Some of the gorgeous weather was missed while we traveled into the West End.

We were going there for a treat for myself that Kathy had bought for me earlier in the year. A pampering at Ted’s Grooming Room in Mortimer Street just a short walk from Oxford Circus.

I had my hair cut and styled; hot towels; a cut-throat shave and an arm massage.

Afterwards, we headed around the corner to Byron for lunch. As I’m trying to cut out wheat this month, I went for the bunless option with a side salad instead.

Afterwards we took a few photographs around All Souls Church, and then we walked towards Tottenham Court Road and Holborn.

We browsed in a few shops along the way, and then headed towards Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials.

Carrying on, we ended up on Shaftesbury Avenue and then diverted into Chinatown, where we stopped for a meal.

We also picked up some Asian products in a couple of supermarkets along the way too. We ended up grabbing a slice of cake and a cappuccino by Leicester Square station before taking the Underground and bus home.

Ended up walking around three or four miles in total, and doing over ten thousand steps.

It’s Beer O’Clock… Sometimes

October 1, 2015October 1, 2015 IBM Leave a comment

A colleague recently commented that my Facebook postings seemed to be about just beer and food, giving the (unsaid) impression that all I do is stuff my face, and booze!

In some ways that would be nice, if I had to the time to indulge in these favorite pastimes all day every day. However, I’d be really huge by now, instead of a little overweight.

In reality, most of the time I’m at work during the day, like most other people; and like most other people my day job is not at all interesting, and almost never worthy of screen estate. Therefore I rarely mention it.

That leaves the things I do like doing, such as sampling craft beers and trying new dishes. I use an app called Untappd to record the beers I drink, and share this with others that use the app, and with my Facebook friends, some of whom share my love of good craft beer.

I wouldn’t bother blogging and mention beer if I was drinking megabrew chemical swill ‘lager’ like Fosters or Budweiser, but It’s good to share unusual and rare discoveries with like-minded friends.

As for food, I’ll admit to having gotten that habit of photographing much of what I eat, but again, that’s just to share with those that enjoy food like I do!

At the time of writing this, I’m on the first day of a four-day break, so I’m sure I’ll find time to enjoy a brew or two, a bite to eat, and perhaps some other local adventures.

Cheers!