Comfort Food
Today, my dear readers, I felt it necessary to write to you about comfort food. Outside, it's cold, it's wet, it's windy. (It's Aberdeen, I hear you say!) It was, for sure, one of 'those days.' And, as I can guarantee you've all had one of 'those days', you would fully understand that, on coming out of a two-hour seminar on the reasons for American entry in the Spanish-American War, I was on a search for cake, and would not settle until I found some. So, as my friend (who was also having one of 'those days') and I were polishing off our much sought-after cakes and tea, that we found ourselves discussing the topic of comfort food. (It was, at this point, that my friend produced the latest Sainsbury's magazine, much to my delight!)
Comfort food is quite possibly one of the nation's favourite types of food, and probably for this reason: it is entirely individualistic. It comes in whatever shape, form, taste and colour you want it to be. So naturally, it is incredibly easy to come by. With the aim of bringing us back to a state of positivity and general well-being, the times when we are in desperate need of comfort food are times when calorie-counters can take a break and diets can go out the door, window or through any other exit you find necessary. Your comfort food of choice can be specific to you for a number of reasons. Perhaps it's nostalgia: your favourite might bring back happy memories from childhood. Or perhaps it's homesickness: you're far from home and you're craving something that'll make it seem a little bit nearer. Or perhaps it's just pure convenience: after a tough day at work all you want to do it curl up with a microwave mac'n'cheese. A quick look on the internet shows that the nation is generally united in their opinions about comfort food. People turn to warm, hearty dishes such as lasagne or cottage pie. For those with a sweeter tooth, it's chocolate, ice-cream or cake. And not namby-pamby pretty cakes with cute icing. It's proper cake. The kind you can eat it with your fingers, not a cake-fork. The kind that leaves you feeling morbidly obese after eating. That's proper comfort cake.
So what's your comfort food of choice? For me, it would have to be a banana sandwich (on brown bread) or a Starbucks Caramel Machhiato. Or proper cake. Certainly the banana sandwiches hit the nostalgia mark, but Caramel Macs are incredibly comforting: they're sweet and warm. Absolute comfort.
Friday, 8 October 2010
Monday, 4 October 2010
Aberdeen's Finest...
Aberdeen's Finest - A whistle-stop tour of the coffee-house gems in the Granite City.
Today's find: Kilau Coffeehouse, Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen
Well, before I enlighten you all on my journey through Aberdeen's coffeeshops, I must apologise for the lack of contact recently. What with settling back into the busy schedule of an Honours degree (I've read enough history in the past week to last me a lifetime), a hectic social life and a sheer lack of 'coffee money', my coffee drinking has been kept to an unfortunate minimum. However, I revisited another gem in Aberdeen which I feel I should tell you all about.
Ever been to Kilau coffeehouse? Tucked away on Little Belmont Street (just off 'Big Belmont Street'), Kilau is Aberdeen's home to 'Coffee, Crepes and Contemporary Art'. Situated half-way down the street, Kilau's dark-purple double-doors will definitely be open. The concrete floored, poster-covered walls may seem a little daunting at first, but it could not be more different on the first floor. Kilau deserves three words: it's cosy, it's casual, it's creative.
Kilau is cosy. There's no doubt about that. The real wooden floor holds a perfect number of smooth wooden tables and chairs, and a handful of leather couches thrown in for good measure. Kilau is split into two levels: the first is slightly larger, the second (up a couple of wooden steps) is smaller and a bit more private. The walls are white, the leather dark brown and the floor and wood is light. It works.
Kilau is casual. What I love about this place is the variety of people who come here. There's a group of friends sitting round the table playing a game of Scrabble, a guy in the corner working on his laptop, a couple slouched on a sofa together, two friends catching up over a coffee, intellectuals having a debate over something...I could go on, but I think you've got the picture. When I was here last, the owner came over and chatted with my friend and I (they're on first-name terms) - this place is relational, it's personal, the owners know their regulars. No-one feels like an outsider, everyone is welcome.
Kilau is creative. As it says, it's home to 'Coffee, Crepes and Contemporary Art.' And it does what it says on the tin. Decorating the walls, (Kilau boasts a high ceiling) are exhibitions from a number of contemporary artists, ranging from photographs, funky pictures of animals, people and humdrum day-to-day bits and pieces, beautifully put together on some canvas. To add to it's quirk, this place even has espresso cups hanging from it's lightshades. How cool.
Kilau's range of food and drink is certainly impressive. Its renowned for it's crepes: both savoury and sweet, with a huge choice of fillings - you can even be creative and make up your own. Don't feel restricted to a crepe though, there's baguettes, salads, soups, sandwhiches.... Their coffee is great too - on Saturday, my friend and I had a 'Castrata' - two shots of espresso and latte milk on top (and finished off with a bit of latte art, obviously.) They have an extensive range of coffee syrups, and I'd definitely recommend a hot chocolate (with the works: cream, flumps, a chocolate flake, chocolate powder...it's a sweet tooth's dream.) Be adventurous, you've certainly got the choice.
And the other great thing about this place? (You mean, besides the live music nights, their extension onto Aberdeen University campus, their loyalty card AND internet connection?) Kilau is open in the evenings. In fact, well into the night. Way past my bedtime at least. For those in town, it's yours 'til 11pm. Could it get much better?
Today's find: Kilau Coffeehouse, Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen
Well, before I enlighten you all on my journey through Aberdeen's coffeeshops, I must apologise for the lack of contact recently. What with settling back into the busy schedule of an Honours degree (I've read enough history in the past week to last me a lifetime), a hectic social life and a sheer lack of 'coffee money', my coffee drinking has been kept to an unfortunate minimum. However, I revisited another gem in Aberdeen which I feel I should tell you all about.
Ever been to Kilau coffeehouse? Tucked away on Little Belmont Street (just off 'Big Belmont Street'), Kilau is Aberdeen's home to 'Coffee, Crepes and Contemporary Art'. Situated half-way down the street, Kilau's dark-purple double-doors will definitely be open. The concrete floored, poster-covered walls may seem a little daunting at first, but it could not be more different on the first floor. Kilau deserves three words: it's cosy, it's casual, it's creative.
Kilau is cosy. There's no doubt about that. The real wooden floor holds a perfect number of smooth wooden tables and chairs, and a handful of leather couches thrown in for good measure. Kilau is split into two levels: the first is slightly larger, the second (up a couple of wooden steps) is smaller and a bit more private. The walls are white, the leather dark brown and the floor and wood is light. It works.
Kilau is casual. What I love about this place is the variety of people who come here. There's a group of friends sitting round the table playing a game of Scrabble, a guy in the corner working on his laptop, a couple slouched on a sofa together, two friends catching up over a coffee, intellectuals having a debate over something...I could go on, but I think you've got the picture. When I was here last, the owner came over and chatted with my friend and I (they're on first-name terms) - this place is relational, it's personal, the owners know their regulars. No-one feels like an outsider, everyone is welcome.
Kilau is creative. As it says, it's home to 'Coffee, Crepes and Contemporary Art.' And it does what it says on the tin. Decorating the walls, (Kilau boasts a high ceiling) are exhibitions from a number of contemporary artists, ranging from photographs, funky pictures of animals, people and humdrum day-to-day bits and pieces, beautifully put together on some canvas. To add to it's quirk, this place even has espresso cups hanging from it's lightshades. How cool.
Kilau's range of food and drink is certainly impressive. Its renowned for it's crepes: both savoury and sweet, with a huge choice of fillings - you can even be creative and make up your own. Don't feel restricted to a crepe though, there's baguettes, salads, soups, sandwhiches.... Their coffee is great too - on Saturday, my friend and I had a 'Castrata' - two shots of espresso and latte milk on top (and finished off with a bit of latte art, obviously.) They have an extensive range of coffee syrups, and I'd definitely recommend a hot chocolate (with the works: cream, flumps, a chocolate flake, chocolate powder...it's a sweet tooth's dream.) Be adventurous, you've certainly got the choice.
And the other great thing about this place? (You mean, besides the live music nights, their extension onto Aberdeen University campus, their loyalty card AND internet connection?) Kilau is open in the evenings. In fact, well into the night. Way past my bedtime at least. For those in town, it's yours 'til 11pm. Could it get much better?
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
What Makes a Good....
What Makes a Good....Cappuccino?
"The thick, foaming milk isn't just poured into cups of waiting espresso, it's dolloped and swooshed and scooped with spoons and spatulas, as a painter uses different brushes." (Jan Angilella. 'The Art of Cappuccino in Bologna')
Possibly one of my earliest memories of drinking coffee actually doesn't involve coffee at all. I have several memories of being in various coffee-shops with my parents, who had both ordered cappuccinos. Once the frothy, cloud-like drinks had arrive, I would pick up my spoon and scoop out both helpings of chocolate dusted foam. My parents would essentially have espresso left over, while I undoubtedly got the better half of the deal.
Although a basic cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee drinks around, the ability to create weightless, snow-white foam is a skill which baffles baristas worldwide. It does not, however, have to be as difficult as you may think it is. So whether or not you take your cappuccino with a flavoured syrup, decaffeinated coffee or with chocolate or cinnamon powder on top, follow the step-by-step guide below and with a lot of patience and a huge amount of practise, you'll soon be making your very own cappuccinos at home.
Creating Cappuccinos with an Espresso Machine:
While the espresso is being brewed in the machine, fill a stainless steel jug half-full with milk (either whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed, it's your choice!) and position the tip of the steam-wand just beneath the surface of the milk. Open the steam-valve fully. Keep an eye out for small bubbles - if they get any bigger, move the wand deeper into the milk. The milk should be increasing in volume and and making a low rumbling noise. Keep heating the milk until it doubles in volume and the jug is hot to touch (the ideal temperature for the milk would be approximately sixty degrees. Close the steam-valve. Knock the jug against a surface to separate the steamed (heated) milk from the froth. Using a spoon to block the froth, pour the steamed milk from the side of the jug, then spoon the froth on-top of the steamed milk and espresso.
"The thick, foaming milk isn't just poured into cups of waiting espresso, it's dolloped and swooshed and scooped with spoons and spatulas, as a painter uses different brushes." (Jan Angilella. 'The Art of Cappuccino in Bologna')
Possibly one of my earliest memories of drinking coffee actually doesn't involve coffee at all. I have several memories of being in various coffee-shops with my parents, who had both ordered cappuccinos. Once the frothy, cloud-like drinks had arrive, I would pick up my spoon and scoop out both helpings of chocolate dusted foam. My parents would essentially have espresso left over, while I undoubtedly got the better half of the deal.
Although a basic cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee drinks around, the ability to create weightless, snow-white foam is a skill which baffles baristas worldwide. It does not, however, have to be as difficult as you may think it is. So whether or not you take your cappuccino with a flavoured syrup, decaffeinated coffee or with chocolate or cinnamon powder on top, follow the step-by-step guide below and with a lot of patience and a huge amount of practise, you'll soon be making your very own cappuccinos at home.
Creating Cappuccinos with an Espresso Machine:
While the espresso is being brewed in the machine, fill a stainless steel jug half-full with milk (either whole, semi-skimmed or skimmed, it's your choice!) and position the tip of the steam-wand just beneath the surface of the milk. Open the steam-valve fully. Keep an eye out for small bubbles - if they get any bigger, move the wand deeper into the milk. The milk should be increasing in volume and and making a low rumbling noise. Keep heating the milk until it doubles in volume and the jug is hot to touch (the ideal temperature for the milk would be approximately sixty degrees. Close the steam-valve. Knock the jug against a surface to separate the steamed (heated) milk from the froth. Using a spoon to block the froth, pour the steamed milk from the side of the jug, then spoon the froth on-top of the steamed milk and espresso.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Aberdeen's Finest...
Aberdeen's Finest - A whistle-stop tour of the coffeehouse gems in the Granite City...
Today's Find: Espresso Bar on 2, John Lewis Department Store, Aberdeen.
It's Tuesday lunchtime. As I write this, I'm sitting in my favourite Starbucks, escaping from the undefeatable Aberdeen wind and rain, drinking a 'spicy tea' - a warm and comforting, less caffeinated, less calorific version of a Chai Tea Latte. Devoid of the latest edition of Tatler magazine, I turn to writing. As I glance around Starbucks, (my refuge in this kind of weather: warm drinks accompanied by leather armchairs in the window and Norah Jones playing in the background), I'm struck by the variety of people I'm surrounded by. In front of me sit two very yummy yummy-mummies, complete with immaculate hair, manicured nails and A/W 2010 Collection Hobbs' dresses. They're discussing their children's private schools, and I'm wondering where their 4x4s are parked. Behind me sits a father with his son, who "only eats chocolate." Four boys from the local academy school have just walked in and are in the noisy process of rearranging the furniture, allowing them to sit round the table and eat their Sainsbury's sandwiches. Behind the bar, the friendly baristas frantically make an extra-hot, skinny, sugar-free Caramel Machhiato or a triple-shot cappuccino. I can't help but smile at how, despite a difference in background, salary and coffee-taste, people are able to come together over a mug of warm-something.
But now to return to the Aberdeen's Finest series. I'd like to introduce you to the Espresso Bar on 2 in Aberdeen's John Lewis department store. I met a friend here for brunch this morning, and the chic espresso bar certainly deserves a write-up. Tucked away in the corner of the furniture floor of JL (the second floor, if the name of the espresso bar doesn't give it away), it is the perfect place to meet a friend or beloved-other before a meander through the store. As I looked round, I saw older couples sharing a scone and drinking tea, and people catching up with today's newspaper over a deliciously frothy cappuccino. The Espresso Bar is is a smaller, private, more modern version of the main coffeeshop upstairs. The one down-side to this is that the menu isn't as extensive, but if that really is a problem, a ride upstairs on an escalator wouldn't hurt much. The frosted glass tables and dark leather seats are a perfect accompaniment to John Lewis' freshly-made scones which my friend and I chose ("warmed, with butter and jam?" Yes please...). The menu? Pastries that look too good to eat, cakes, bakes and other slices and a selection of coffees, teas and cold drinks. As far as I'm aware, lunch food is served upstairs (I couldn't see any sandwich toasters or soup urns) - the Espresso Bar strikes me as a strictly morning coffee, brunch and afternoon tea type of place. Word of warning though, if you're craving a scone, (I'd recommend a cheese one), get there early or you'll be disappointed!
The Espresso Bar, although just a department store coffee stop, is spacious, well lit, quiet and certainly doesn't break the bank. If you're spending a morning or afternoon in John Lewis (which is easily done, I can tell you,) I'd definitely factor in some Espresso Bar on 2 time.
The lunch-rush is over but Starbucks has still maintained it's buzz. The yummy-mummies have been replaced by two business men closing a deal and the school-kids have returned to their classes. It's time to go back out into the rain and back to the big, bad world. Maybe one more coffee first though...
Today's Find: Espresso Bar on 2, John Lewis Department Store, Aberdeen.
It's Tuesday lunchtime. As I write this, I'm sitting in my favourite Starbucks, escaping from the undefeatable Aberdeen wind and rain, drinking a 'spicy tea' - a warm and comforting, less caffeinated, less calorific version of a Chai Tea Latte. Devoid of the latest edition of Tatler magazine, I turn to writing. As I glance around Starbucks, (my refuge in this kind of weather: warm drinks accompanied by leather armchairs in the window and Norah Jones playing in the background), I'm struck by the variety of people I'm surrounded by. In front of me sit two very yummy yummy-mummies, complete with immaculate hair, manicured nails and A/W 2010 Collection Hobbs' dresses. They're discussing their children's private schools, and I'm wondering where their 4x4s are parked. Behind me sits a father with his son, who "only eats chocolate." Four boys from the local academy school have just walked in and are in the noisy process of rearranging the furniture, allowing them to sit round the table and eat their Sainsbury's sandwiches. Behind the bar, the friendly baristas frantically make an extra-hot, skinny, sugar-free Caramel Machhiato or a triple-shot cappuccino. I can't help but smile at how, despite a difference in background, salary and coffee-taste, people are able to come together over a mug of warm-something.
But now to return to the Aberdeen's Finest series. I'd like to introduce you to the Espresso Bar on 2 in Aberdeen's John Lewis department store. I met a friend here for brunch this morning, and the chic espresso bar certainly deserves a write-up. Tucked away in the corner of the furniture floor of JL (the second floor, if the name of the espresso bar doesn't give it away), it is the perfect place to meet a friend or beloved-other before a meander through the store. As I looked round, I saw older couples sharing a scone and drinking tea, and people catching up with today's newspaper over a deliciously frothy cappuccino. The Espresso Bar is is a smaller, private, more modern version of the main coffeeshop upstairs. The one down-side to this is that the menu isn't as extensive, but if that really is a problem, a ride upstairs on an escalator wouldn't hurt much. The frosted glass tables and dark leather seats are a perfect accompaniment to John Lewis' freshly-made scones which my friend and I chose ("warmed, with butter and jam?" Yes please...). The menu? Pastries that look too good to eat, cakes, bakes and other slices and a selection of coffees, teas and cold drinks. As far as I'm aware, lunch food is served upstairs (I couldn't see any sandwich toasters or soup urns) - the Espresso Bar strikes me as a strictly morning coffee, brunch and afternoon tea type of place. Word of warning though, if you're craving a scone, (I'd recommend a cheese one), get there early or you'll be disappointed!
The Espresso Bar, although just a department store coffee stop, is spacious, well lit, quiet and certainly doesn't break the bank. If you're spending a morning or afternoon in John Lewis (which is easily done, I can tell you,) I'd definitely factor in some Espresso Bar on 2 time.
The lunch-rush is over but Starbucks has still maintained it's buzz. The yummy-mummies have been replaced by two business men closing a deal and the school-kids have returned to their classes. It's time to go back out into the rain and back to the big, bad world. Maybe one more coffee first though...
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Aberdeen's Finest...
Aberdeen's Finest - A whistle-stop tour of the coffeehouse gems in the Granite City...
Today's Find: Tinderbox, Union Square
I'll admit it, Tinderbox wasn't today's find as such, but I think it's a good place to start. When Aberdeen opened it's much-cherished, brand shiny new shopping centre in November 2009, one of the additions to it's 1st floor of food delights was Tinderbox: a Glasgow-based chain situated at the far end of Union Square, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping centre. Frequented by tired shoppers in need of a mid-afternoon pick-me-up and so-called 'nerds' working away on the internet or finishing that last chapter, Tinderbox is Aberdeen's own American diner-come-coffeehouse. Their long wooden tables and distressed leather sofas provide an area to eat, drink and chill out from dawn 'til dusk and their seating booths provide a more private space for those wanting to shut-off from the world. Being the only place where I've ever won a game of Scrabble, Tinderbox is the perfect place to hang out with friends, engage in one of the board games provided in the evenings or people-watch from the seats situated in the mall itself.
It's menu? Typical American diner food and drink. The giant Pretzels (warmed) are a must, as are it's Flat Whites: an 8oz double espresso topped with "velvety steamed milk and a little bit of densely packed foam." The highly trained and enthusiastic staff 'twist and grind' the coffee themselves as opposed to pushing a button on a machine, and proceed to finish off each coffee with decorative 'Latte Art'. Each meal of the day is catered for: start the days with a hearty bowl of porridge, choose from soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch, meat pies with salad and crisps for dinner, and their range of cakes definitely fills a hole for those with a sweet tooth. And to drink? Tinderbox not only boasts an extensive range of fruit and herbal teas, coffees and cold drinks, but a selection of popular wines, champagnes and ciders.
I would, if I were you.
Today's Find: Tinderbox, Union Square
I'll admit it, Tinderbox wasn't today's find as such, but I think it's a good place to start. When Aberdeen opened it's much-cherished, brand shiny new shopping centre in November 2009, one of the additions to it's 1st floor of food delights was Tinderbox: a Glasgow-based chain situated at the far end of Union Square, away from the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping centre. Frequented by tired shoppers in need of a mid-afternoon pick-me-up and so-called 'nerds' working away on the internet or finishing that last chapter, Tinderbox is Aberdeen's own American diner-come-coffeehouse. Their long wooden tables and distressed leather sofas provide an area to eat, drink and chill out from dawn 'til dusk and their seating booths provide a more private space for those wanting to shut-off from the world. Being the only place where I've ever won a game of Scrabble, Tinderbox is the perfect place to hang out with friends, engage in one of the board games provided in the evenings or people-watch from the seats situated in the mall itself.
It's menu? Typical American diner food and drink. The giant Pretzels (warmed) are a must, as are it's Flat Whites: an 8oz double espresso topped with "velvety steamed milk and a little bit of densely packed foam." The highly trained and enthusiastic staff 'twist and grind' the coffee themselves as opposed to pushing a button on a machine, and proceed to finish off each coffee with decorative 'Latte Art'. Each meal of the day is catered for: start the days with a hearty bowl of porridge, choose from soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch, meat pies with salad and crisps for dinner, and their range of cakes definitely fills a hole for those with a sweet tooth. And to drink? Tinderbox not only boasts an extensive range of fruit and herbal teas, coffees and cold drinks, but a selection of popular wines, champagnes and ciders.
I would, if I were you.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
In the beginning...
Dear Reader,
Well here I am. After several uninspired attempts to create a blog - each attempt with an utterly pointless meaning to it - I've finally found a reason to keep one.
During a lecture on my Masters History Degree, my classmates and I came across the concept of 'Coffeehouse Culture.' I'll try and keep the history lesson brief, but Coffeehouse Culture was created during the Enlightenment period in Europe. 'Coffeehouses' (the olden day coffee shops) were used as a place to discuss and debate ideas: political, religious, industrial and economical. The Coffeehouse Culture of the Enlightenment period kick-started a new way of socialising. Nowadays, Coffeehouses are used by almost everyone, everywhere. From the global chains such as Starbucks to the independently owned coffee-shop on the corner of your street, these places are used for a variety of reasons: to sit and chill out with your favourite book, catch-up with a long-lost friend or finish off that assignment. Used by businessmen, students, yummy-mummies, nannies and an abundance of other people, we can't help but admit that coffeehouses are a significant part of our society.
So, history lesson over. One of my passions in life is coffeehouses. It may seem sad, I know, but I can't help it. Having worked in a coffeeshop for almost four years (originally a summer job...), my dream would be to own my very own coffeeshop. What it'll look like, it's name, even where it'll be is a complete mystery to me, but this will hopefully be the beginning of the journey to get there. The Coffee Story will essentially be my account of the journey there. Where I go, what I taste, make and see - it'll all be written down here. And who knows, maybe someday you'll be able to taste and see for yourself where this journey will take me....
Well here I am. After several uninspired attempts to create a blog - each attempt with an utterly pointless meaning to it - I've finally found a reason to keep one.
During a lecture on my Masters History Degree, my classmates and I came across the concept of 'Coffeehouse Culture.' I'll try and keep the history lesson brief, but Coffeehouse Culture was created during the Enlightenment period in Europe. 'Coffeehouses' (the olden day coffee shops) were used as a place to discuss and debate ideas: political, religious, industrial and economical. The Coffeehouse Culture of the Enlightenment period kick-started a new way of socialising. Nowadays, Coffeehouses are used by almost everyone, everywhere. From the global chains such as Starbucks to the independently owned coffee-shop on the corner of your street, these places are used for a variety of reasons: to sit and chill out with your favourite book, catch-up with a long-lost friend or finish off that assignment. Used by businessmen, students, yummy-mummies, nannies and an abundance of other people, we can't help but admit that coffeehouses are a significant part of our society.
So, history lesson over. One of my passions in life is coffeehouses. It may seem sad, I know, but I can't help it. Having worked in a coffeeshop for almost four years (originally a summer job...), my dream would be to own my very own coffeeshop. What it'll look like, it's name, even where it'll be is a complete mystery to me, but this will hopefully be the beginning of the journey to get there. The Coffee Story will essentially be my account of the journey there. Where I go, what I taste, make and see - it'll all be written down here. And who knows, maybe someday you'll be able to taste and see for yourself where this journey will take me....
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