I’m going on a date tonight, but it isn’t with my Valentine (he’s at home stroking the cat). It’s with a great girlfriend in need of some TLC and a large bottle of wine after a recent break-up. Now I don’t normally go out for a meal on Valentine’s Night, everyone knows it’s the worst night for service and restaurants are known to churn out the food safe in the knowledge that no-one is going to complain in front of their date. Also I’m not known for looking longingly into my lover’s eyes while I await a frankly average overpriced plate of food made to look romantic in some overworked way. However I was drawn to Valentine’s for Everyone, a pop-up restaurant in collaboration with Forgotten Feast and their eco-chef Tom Hunt to produce a 3 course banqueting experience made up unwanted foods saved by FareShare that might otherwise end up in landfill. I’m grateful to see that everyone will sit together for the feast, so me and my compadre shouldn’t get too many looks from confused diners! What’s more ticket sales will enable an additional 80 meals for the hungry and vulnerable people they support, so at least others can benefit from this yearly Valentine debacle. The event promises: ‘From heart to honey, pheasant to parsnip and even kaffir lime leaves, Valentines for Everyone will transform surplus food into a bountiful seasonal banquet. Surplus food is delicious, healthy produce that hasn’t made it into the shops because too much was ordered, it’s in the wrong packaging or it’s just a bit wonky. Be prepared for a culinary exploration, we will cater for vegetarian and red-blooded carnivores alike.’ I’m sure I’m not the only one slightly concerned about what we’ll actually be served up; roadkill, stale bread? At least I don’t need to impress my date.
15th March 2005 HOI AN Staying at Ancient House Resort on Cua Dia, a small boutique hotel with spacious, immaculate and stylish rooms. Can imagine that this would be a good place for honeymooners, as the service is discreet and the gardens and pool are beautiful. Got an upgrade on the second day to a room with a balcony so I can now sit outside and write, which is a marked improvement. I get free bike rental here so I’ve been out exploring. Riding a bike after so long and in Asia was a thrilling experience. Make me think how much quicker I could get about and see so much more. Today I cycled off the beaten track for a good 2 hours until I came to a boatyard where I pulled up for a refreshing drink. Don’t think these people see many white faces round here. I was drinking alone then suddenly there were about 15 faces staring at me. Curiosity got the better of one old man who hopped on his moped and escorted me down the road! I noticed that even this far out, huge speakers blast out propa...
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