Food we're going to miss
#61
Re: Food we're going to miss
True story - When Mrs AX (A Canadian) and I lived together in the UK I used to cook proper bacon and she'd eat the tail (the streaky bit) and give me the decent fleshy bit. These days, I've learned to embrace Canadian bacon but it must be crispy, mind. Loblaws used to do a passable British bacon "Wiltshire Cure" but I gather it's been discontinued. You can get smoked Lou's Peameal which is OK but not a patch on decent British (or Danish) stuff.
#62
Re: Food we're going to miss
You know in the grand scheme of things 'british' cuisine doesn't rise to the top of world cuisines and generally has a bland, overcooked reputation in which regional specialities have been whitewashed a lot. Compared to Italian, French, Spanish, oriental or middle eastern specialities, 'british' cuisine doesn't hold up well...now if we're talking sense of humour and level of banterdom then Britain can hold its head up high.
If I was to tell a non-brit that a web forum of expats were getting all nostalgic for food from Britain that they can't get here in Canada, I believe there would be a lot of bemused looks.
If I was to tell a non-brit that a web forum of expats were getting all nostalgic for food from Britain that they can't get here in Canada, I believe there would be a lot of bemused looks.
#63
Re: Food we're going to miss
You know in the grand scheme of things 'british' cuisine doesn't rise to the top of world cuisines and generally has a bland, overcooked reputation in which regional specialities have been whitewashed a lot. Compared to Italian, French, Spanish, oriental or middle eastern specialities, 'british' cuisine doesn't hold up well...now if we're talking sense of humour and level of banterdom then Britain can hold its head up high.
If I was to tell a non-brit that a web forum of expats were getting all nostalgic for food from Britain that they can't get here in Canada, I believe there would be a lot of bemused looks.
If I was to tell a non-brit that a web forum of expats were getting all nostalgic for food from Britain that they can't get here in Canada, I believe there would be a lot of bemused looks.
#64
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 3,874
Re: Food we're going to miss
You know in the grand scheme of things 'british' cuisine doesn't rise to the top of world cuisines and generally has a bland, overcooked reputation in which regional specialities have been whitewashed a lot. Compared to Italian, French, Spanish, oriental or middle eastern specialities, 'british' cuisine doesn't hold up well...now if we're talking sense of humour and level of banterdom then Britain can hold its head up high.
If I was to tell a non-brit that a web forum of expats were getting all nostalgic for food from Britain that they can't get here in Canada, I believe there would be a lot of bemused looks.
If I was to tell a non-brit that a web forum of expats were getting all nostalgic for food from Britain that they can't get here in Canada, I believe there would be a lot of bemused looks.
Never mind telling a non-Brit .................... this former Brit but long-time Canadian (50 years out of GB) gets bemused at all the nostalgia!
I don't remember British food with too much fondness!
#65
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Food we're going to miss
True story - When Mrs AX (A Canadian) and I lived together in the UK I used to cook proper bacon and she'd eat the tail (the streaky bit) and give me the decent fleshy bit. These days, I've learned to embrace Canadian bacon but it must be crispy, mind. Loblaws used to do a passable British bacon "Wiltshire Cure" but I gather it's been discontinued. You can get smoked Lou's Peameal which is OK but not a patch on decent British (or Danish) stuff.
Back Bacon | Lou's BBQ
#66
Re: Food we're going to miss
You know in the grand scheme of things 'british' cuisine doesn't rise to the top of world cuisines and generally has a bland, overcooked reputation in which regional specialities have been whitewashed a lot. Compared to Italian, French, Spanish, oriental or middle eastern specialities, 'british' cuisine doesn't hold up well..
If I was to tell a non-brit that a web forum of expats were getting all nostalgic for food from Britain that they can't get here in Canada, I believe there would be a lot of bemused looks.
If I was to tell a non-brit that a web forum of expats were getting all nostalgic for food from Britain that they can't get here in Canada, I believe there would be a lot of bemused looks.
With a few exceptions I think most of the "can I get" or "what's an alternative" questions have been about peripheral things or extras. A particular brand. A comfort if you will.
It's Marmite for toast - we're not looking to replace the bread.
HP or Daddies Brown sauce - it's just a dollop.
Something with less sugar/salt.
A chocolate bar - you just want the one you like best.
We're puzzled that Canadian cheese sent to the UK costs less there (and it's tastier) than it does in Canada.
Or it's Squash - the drink.
Or Real ale instead of something cold and fizzy.
I daresay that a Spanish person living in France might hanker after Chorizo sausages or someone in Italy might say "Pasta...again?"
Maybe if you were in France for an extended period you might think you've got the rest of your life for all those sauces and cheeses so what's wrong with a plate of poutine or spotted dick and custard once in a while?
#68
limey party pooper
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,982
Re: Food we're going to miss
Scampi and chips in a basket with a half of lager sitting in front of a roaring fireplace.
#70
Re: Food we're going to miss
I can't remember the last time I saw that available. Must have been The Cat and Fiddle pub somewhere between Bristol and Exmouth.
#71
limey party pooper
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,982
Re: Food we're going to miss
The basket might be missing but they must still serve scampi somewhere? It's at least 20 years since I've been able to eat breaded stuff or drink lager so for me it probably is missing an era.
I do miss gastropubs. Everywhere here has the same menu, deep fried something in bread with fries or a salad.
I do miss gastropubs. Everywhere here has the same menu, deep fried something in bread with fries or a salad.
#72
Re: Food we're going to miss
A few basics on the menu but plenty of different things. I'll pass on the Boar Poutine though.
#73
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Food we're going to miss
The basket might be missing but they must still serve scampi somewhere? It's at least 20 years since I've been able to eat breaded stuff or drink lager so for me it probably is missing an era.
I do miss gastropubs. Everywhere here has the same menu, deep fried something in bread with fries or a salad.
I do miss gastropubs. Everywhere here has the same menu, deep fried something in bread with fries or a salad.
#74
Re: Food we're going to miss
I know a man who was a project foreman in Ft Mac and when his guys complained they "couldn't get no good seal meat here" he organised shipments of flippers and salt cod and Jesus knows what else for them by air from Newfoundland. He gave me about 10 lbs of the salt cod.
#75
Re: Food we're going to miss
We have one downtown. Tide and Boar.
A few basics on the menu but plenty of different things. I'll pass on the Boar Poutine though.
A few basics on the menu but plenty of different things. I'll pass on the Boar Poutine though.