Food

'Local shop' as in 'not a chain shop', i.e. independent and mostly small-ish. I used to go to the Morrison's (which back then was Safeway), too, before I switched to using almost only local shops, and I occasionally buy travel snacks at Wholefoods (and did when it was still Fresh & Wild, and I think before then it was part of another London mini-chain, but I can't remember its name). It wasn't so much aimed at you but at all of the other considerations of only chain shops when to me they don't figure at all. Let's just hope we can defeat the idiotic Wilmer Place development with a Sainsbury's in it ... not massively hopeful, though.

Oh right! I always though 'local' shops meant those really near me. So, is a 'corner shop' a 'local' shop, not just one on the junction of two streets?

I'd say most corner shops are still local shops, but there are now also plenty of chain shops on street corners. It's terribly confusing.

shit. I've got no chance. i'm just going to 'shops' from now on.

^ Get us a cornetto while your there?

badum-tschhhhh

I made a Christmas Pie last night for our work Pot Luck Christmas Lunch on Friday.

Turkey & Sausagemeat (layered), with cranberries, apricots & chestnuts:

Friday needs to come soon...

Dammit would be horrified that you are not using kitchen scales to weigh bike parts.

I think that pie weighs more than his cannondale.

Dammit would be horrified that you are using kitchen scales to weigh something other than bike parts.

Is this what you meant?

I think that pi weighs more than his cannondale.
Fixed.

before it got nicked Iains seta weighed about the same as Pi, except his had only been to 3 places.

Grandma Butterfield's Christmas Pizza - YouTube

Wasn't sure where to ask, so thought I'd go to where the foodies hang out.

I'm looking to buy a stand mixer for under £100. Every review I have read about any model seems to have a few people complaining over something about it. Is it just the case that cheaper mixers are crap or are they being too fussy for <£100?

I initially thought this looked quite good, but upon reading the reviews of this model (and the onther colour variants) I don't think I can spend £80 on something that might not be satisfactory.

Any suggestions/advice? Anyone selling?

my mother in law has a kitchenaid that she bought in 1972 that's still going strong.

/csb

I know someone that was selling something quite nice (can't remember what make/model), will ask if they still have it...

Yeah, yhat's what I want. Those things are in excess of £250 new though.
I might just scrap the idea for now, save up a bit and buy a better one for her birthday instead of Christmas.

I'd appreciate that, thanks TS

Kenwoods are half price in Argos at the mo. You can get the Kenwood Chef classic in white for £159.99. I have one and my mother had one from the 70's which is still going.

Look for a stolen Kitchenaid one on gumtree or fleabay. That's what we did. They last forever. The motors burn out quickly on the cheap ones, esp. if you are working heavy dough like bread, so if you are going to use it a lot save up.

kitchenaid ftw...
I have many points with an airmiles scheme and that kitchenaid mixer was on the list of items you could buy with points. Something to consider if you have points.

Any suggestions/advice? Anyone selling?

Hatbeard is selling a KitchenAid I think

Wasn't sure where to ask, so thought I'd go to where the foodies hang out.

I'm looking to buy a stand mixer for under £100. Every review I have read about any model seems to have a few people complaining over something about it. Is it just the case that cheaper mixers are crap or are they being too fussy for <£100?

it may be shit so don't blame me but my gf just bought one from Wilkinsons in Stratford for £20. It's a decent size and so far has made an excellent ginger cake. At that price, even if it turns out to be a bit rubbish, it's still hella cheap

I went to Viajante last night, got there at 6.30 had a gin and dill tonic,sat down at the table, left table 23 courses and 4 hours. Was the best meal of that type I've had! Missus also had 23 but all pescatarian.

(Note: I work there so was treated like a king and I am mainly boasting :-)

Hatbeard is selling a KitchenAid I think

nope

Speaking of gadgets, anyone got a blendtec or vitamix blender? if so just how useful are they? am trying to eat healthier and these seem to be able to whip up a lot of the stuff you pay through the nose for in health food stores from scratch.

just wondering if they justify the significant outlay or not.