The hyper-local food thread

[Merzbow]

Isn't there a Northern thing of eating cheese with fruitcake even? Pretty sure it's a Christmas staple in some parts.

[neil]

2 hours ago, SuperBacon said:

This thread has reminded me that one of the local bakeries in the village recently had a "gypsy tart" (come on behave) in and I bought a slice, which is something I haven't had since I was growing up.

I wonder if it's just a London/southern thing or if any other areas had/have it? Seems quite an old fashioned thing to be honest.

They also do a sticky lardy cake but I can imagine that's a Northern thing without looking

 

 

1 hour ago, Carbomb said:

Had to look up gypsy tart. Thankfully, my search history algorithm remains intact, as the cake was the first thing that came up. Looks very nice, and sounds exactly like something I would have - made with evaporated or condensed milk, that's definitely going to be something my sweet tooth loves.

I remember learning about it via Gary Rhodes donkeys years ago. Simple to make but incredibly sweet.

[Lion_of_the_Midlands]

6 minutes ago, Merzbow said:

Isn't there a Northern thing of eating cheese with fruitcake even? Pretty sure it's a Christmas staple in some parts.

I'm not from the North, unless you live south of Watford, but it's definitely a thing around here. 

[Carbomb]

35 minutes ago, JLM said:

Oh yeah, a good strong cheddar with a slightly sweet accompaniment is a winner. A lot of crackers have sweetness to them, most cracker selections have those ones that are just digestive biscuits in there. Chutneys and pickles are sugary as hell too, and were only invented because people don’t want to admit they’re eating cheese with jam. True story. 

See, I wouldn't have a strong cheese with a fruit cake - think it would be too much of two extremes. My mum, being Northern, tends to eat Dundee cake with a mild cheese like Cheshire or Wensleydale. That works well enough for me.

[JLM]

I would be happy with either of those things. Party in my mouth, low key soirée in my mouth, it's all good. I'd probably eat a  Kraft single on a Hobnob if offered. 

[Hannibal Scorch]

31 minutes ago, JLM said:

I'd probably eat a  Kraft single on a Hobnob if offered. 

Dirty boy!

Obviously just my own flawed relationship with cheese that makes me think you're all wrong uns. But I did grow up in a house where my dad would eat dry wheatabix with marmite spread on top, so it's amazing I don't have a worse relationship with food to be honest.

[SuperBacon]

54 minutes ago, JLM said:

 I'd probably eat a  Kraft single on a Hobnob if offered. 

It's savoury on savoury but my new favourite thing when I can be arsed, is cutting up some small bits of cheddar (around 20 or so) and having them on top of the Sainsburys or Coop own Bacon flavour frazzles. 

Incredible snack.

[Lorne Malvo]

On 8/14/2024 at 8:33 AM, Lorne Malvo said:

 

Pie Factory is a difficult one though. As nice as it is, the staff are so miserable and the gaffer is a massive arsehole (that probably explains the miserable staff, actually) that I really have to weigh up the pros and cons if I fancy going there.

Had a meal here tonight for the first time in years and my verdict is the same as ever; they do an absolutely cracking pie, it's just a shame you have to endure the most miserable incompetent staff to get to it.

Edited September 3, 2024 by Lorne Malvo

[davertfnewman]

On 8/12/2024 at 11:18 PM, TibBo said:

Mad O'Rourke's Pie Factory
Tipton, West Midland

They used to do a huge cow pie with pastry horns sticking out the top (a la Desperate Dan).
If you managed to eat it all, the chef would come out and have a photo with you, shake your hand and give you a certificate.

Also, their mixed grills are served on a shovel...

Based off this recommendation, my mate and I went here last Friday. Mate had a minted lamb pie, which smelt beautiful, and I had the mixed grill. Fantastic! Strangely, the steak was the worst part of it, the sausages, pork loin, gammon, fried egg and chips were tremendous.

[TibBo]

Ahh amazing! I’m never a fan of steak in general really, I just find it far too much effort to chew lol. Really glad you enjoyed it matey!  I’ve had the lamb pie before and it is lovely.

[davertfnewman]

Love steak, but was just a bit too chewy. Strange thing, they didn't ask how I wanted it cooked, so just got it as is. A bit of blood in it, but not oozing.

[Lion_of_the_Midlands]

1 hour ago, TibBo said:

I’m never a fan of steak in general really, I just find it far too much effort to chew

If your steak is an effort to chew then whoever is cooking it is doing it wrong. When it is cooked and rested well your steak should melt in your mouth.