Americans, Brits & Food

Originally posted by googlefudge
Ironically, I have no moral issues with taking recreational drugs (note taking the drugs, if you take into account
the effects of buying them from illegal sources and all that goes with that it's a different story) and yet unlike
so many of the 'holy' people here I don't drink (alcohol), don't smoke, don't take recreational drugs, have never done so, ...[text shortened]... need god to keep you on the strait and narrow and restrain you are talking total bunk.

Didn't you know our body produces alcohol because it needs it?

Originally posted by RJHinds
Didn't you know our body produces alcohol because it needs it?

I'm sure he does because he seems well read and educated.
What point are you trying to make?

Originally posted by wolfgang59
I'm sure he does because he seems well read and educated.
What point are you trying to make?

The point was that not drinking any amount of alcohol is unnecessary, even
though I very seldom drink any myself.

Originally posted by RJHinds
The point was that not drinking any amount of alcohol is unnecessary, even
though I very seldom drink any myself.

I don't abstain from drinking alcohol because I prohibit myself from drinking alcohol.
I just don't ever feel the desire to do so.

There are a great variety of 'soft' drinks that I enjoy, and feel no need or desire to drink alcoholic ones.

I would say that I do often put alcoholic drinks into my cooking, (sources and marinades) and about 2/3rds
of the alcohol content will still be in it by the time I serve.

So my alcohol consumption is not zero, just very low.


I always find it interesting that when people find I don't drink alcohol they always start trying to talk me into it.

What is so hard to understand about me being content with the many non-alcoholic drinks available?

I mean I could list all the advantages, (costs less, no hangovers, no liver damage, no impairment when driving...)
but why should I have to work to explain why I don't drink alcohol?

I am not trying to stop anyone else from doing it.

Originally posted by googlefudge
I don't abstain from drinking alcohol because I prohibit myself from drinking alcohol.
I just don't ever feel the desire to do so.

There are a great variety of 'soft' drinks that I enjoy, and feel no need or desire to drink alcoholic ones.

I would say that I do often put alcoholic drinks into my cooking, (sources and marinades) and about 2/3rds
...[text shortened]... o explain why I don't drink alcohol?

I am not trying to stop anyone else from doing it.

It was not my intent to talk you in to drinking. That is probably better in
most cases. I thought your not drinking alcohol was your belief that it was
a health issue, which drinking too much can be. So the idea is that it is okay
to drink a small amount every now and then.

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
What the hell this has got to do with Spirituality I don't know, but where's all this anti-British rancour sprung from all of a sudden?

For your information, only France and Italy have more Michelin starred restaurants than the United Kingdom. It's impossible to get a better curry even in India than in the better quality British outlets. Frankly, ...[text shortened]... ll of our ridiculous spiritual beliefs without resorting to ignorant, ill-informed bigotry?

What styles of cuisine do those M-starred British restaurants serve? Are any of them a traditional "English" cuisine, free of Indian, French, Italian, or other influences? "British" cuisine per se seems to admit of empire-colony associations, so I would like to know of some English cuisine restaurants where we could dine when next there. I had a great meal nearby to Windsor Castle, once, but can't remember much about it.

Originally posted by JS357
What styles of cuisine do those M-starred British restaurants serve? Are any of them a traditional "English" cuisine, free of Indian, French, Italian, or other influences? "British" cuisine per se seems to admit of empire-colony associations, so I would like to know of some English cuisine restaurants where we could dine when next there. I had a great meal nearby to Windsor Castle, once, but can't remember much about it.

I suppose a roast might be termed traditional English cuisine and there are many
excellent places around. My only quibble with the English style is that they boil their
vegetables which reduces the nutritional value and taste. In Scotland we have a
broader range i think, salmon and trout, venison, pheasant, none of which i am
particularly keen on.

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
I suppose a roast might be termed traditional English cuisine and there are many
excellent places around. My only quibble with the English style is that they boil their
vegetables which reduces the nutritional value and taste. In Scotland we have a
broader range i think, salmon and trout, venison, pheasant, none of which i am
particularly keen on.

Piffle, we have just as broad a range of food, including game.

We had partridge last night. Often have venison, have a broad range of fish, pheasant is also a common weekend meal (in season).

As for boiling veg, depends on the veg. some gets boiled, some steamed some roasted.
that which gets boiled gets boiled only briefly.

The main issue with boiling is the duration.
If you cook broccoli for more than a minute your doing it wrong.

Originally posted by googlefudge
Piffle, we have just as broad a range of food, including game.

We had partridge last night. Often have venison, have a broad range of fish, pheasant is also a common weekend meal (in season).

As for boiling veg, depends on the veg. some gets boiled, some steamed some roasted.
that which gets boiled gets boiled only briefly.

The main issue with boiling is the duration.
If you cook broccoli for more than a minute your doing it wrong.

Everyone should use those asian bamboo steamers. They are everywhere and cost about 2buks.
Then you can place them on top of your pasta or rice pot and save energy as well as vitamins

Originally posted by karoly aczel
Everyone should use those asian bamboo steamers. They are everywhere and cost about 2buks.
Then you can place them on top of your pasta or rice pot and save energy as well as vitamins

Or, you know, I can use my stainless steel ones....

Generally too much hassle for mid week cooking, generally only get used at weekends/special occasions.

You haven't leached much out of the veg when its still nice and crisp and firm when you eat it.
And it's not like we have any vitamin deficiencies.

Originally posted by googlefudge
Piffle, we have just as broad a range of food, including game.

We had partridge last night. Often have venison, have a broad range of fish, pheasant is also a common weekend meal (in season).

As for boiling veg, depends on the veg. some gets boiled, some steamed some roasted.
that which gets boiled gets boiled only briefly.

The main issue with boiling is the duration.
If you cook broccoli for more than a minute your doing it wrong.

no you dont, you dont have any decent Salmon rivers, while we have squillions, heck,
even prince Charles comes up here to fish. You suck, were awesome! 😛

Originally posted by googlefudge
Or, you know, I can use my stainless steel ones....

Generally too much hassle for mid week cooking, generally only get used at weekends/special occasions.

You haven't leached much out of the veg when its still nice and crisp and firm when you eat it.
And it's not like we have any vitamin deficiencies.

I just like the bamboo ones better than the steel ones.

It's not like you really have anything to lose by ensuring max vitamins and no extra pot to boil!

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
no you dont, you dont have any decent Salmon rivers, while we have squillions, heck,
even prince Charles comes up here to fish. You suck, were awesome! 😛

Prince Charles is awesome 😀

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
no you dont, you dont have any decent Salmon rivers, while we have squillions, heck,
even prince Charles comes up here to fish. You suck, were awesome! 😛

And this might be an issue if we hadn't invented fast refrigerated food transport that enables people to eat food from other places....

Originally posted by googlefudge
And this might be an issue if we hadn't invented fast refrigerated food transport that enables people to eat food from other places....

nothing like a fresh salmon straight from the river my friend! if you like that sort of
thing but id rather have spinach and Indian cheese to be honest!