That Bloke In The Big Smoke

I don't know if this is broadcast outside the British Isles so in case it isn't, enjoy! I should share more delightful local ads and so should you!

It's a crisp. That's the decision of the Court of Appeal, reversing last July's High Court judgment that Pringles is not a potato crisp.

It could've been a perfect Sunday afternoon. My mum and sis were in town. We'd been invited to our best friend's place to watch the football, and both the mum's of the households did what they do best and cooked a truly sumptuous Indian meal. It got better when Manchester City scored against the run of play against derby rivals, Manchester United. And when Man U laid siege to the City goal, but just couldn't score, one couldn't imagine a better way to start dessert (Pakistani mangoes and Pistachio Kulfi). There was a minor blip inbetween as news filtered in that Arsenal were 1-0 up against Blackburn Rovers, but within a quarter-hour of the Liverpool-Chelsea game, the afternoon reached a climax as Steven Gerrard's defence-splitting, slide-rule pass halfway down the field set-up Fernando Torres's Premiership debut goal, and at Anfield too! I was on cloud nine. It felt even better to be wearing a Torres Liverpool jersey too! (Meanwhile, Rovers had equalized and I couldn't imagine a more satisfying Sunday in weeks), when Rob Styles, the Liv-Chelski referee pointed to the spot! Nobody could believe their eyes or ears. Nobody! Not surprisingly, he's currently gettin' a lotta shtick for that decision, among other pathetic blunders. Penalty-specialist Fat Lampard, slotted the equalizer from the spot and the afternoon withered away... The balloon full of joy had been punctured in one second of pure refereeing madness, and if it wasn't for a tasty Lamb Passanda and Dahi Papdi for dinner, I might've gone to bed depressed. Papa arrives tomorrow morning!

"" (Watch on YouTube)

OTHER WEEK 3 RESULTS:
Birmingham City 0 - 1 WEST HAM UNITED [Noble 70' pen]
Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Arsenal [Dunn 72'; Van Persie 18']
Fulham 1 - 2 MIDDLESBROUGH [McBride 16'; Mido 55', Cattermole 88']
MANCHESTER CITY 1 - 0 Manchester United [Geovanni 31']
Newcastle United 0 - 0 Aston Villa
PORTSMOUTH 3 - 1 Bolton Wanderers [Kanu 16', Utaka 30', Taylor 88' pen; Anelka 12']
READING 1 - 0 Everton [Hunt 44']
TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 4 - 0 Derby County [Malbranque 2' 6', Jenas 14', Bent 80']
WIGAN 3 - 0 Sunderland [Heskey 19', Landzaat 62' pen, Sibierski 69' pen]

GOALS: 21, RESULTS: 7, DRAWS: 3.

The London public transport system has gotta be one of the world's best - especially for its reach & efficiency. There's no doubt it is also very expensive, but what isn't in London? And even though the Tube is easily accessible within the M25, I've been using buses and trains a lot more since arriving. I love the Tube to bits, but when you're commuting to Central London, there's a greater pleasure in riding with a view. I am lucky to be living in an area with 2 different railway lines, and there are at least 3 railway stations within 20 minutes walking distance! I've taken both lines down to Central London; one ends at Moorgate and the other at Liverpool Street. Both terminals are within walking distance of each other, but their routes diverge along the way, and you see different parts of North London. On the one to Moorgate you pass by the monstrosity that is the Emirates Stadium and the home of Arsenal FC. On the other, you pass by White Hart Lane, the home of Tottenham Hotspurs FC. These are the biggest football clubs in the area, and if you follow English football, you'll also know they're among two of the most successful clubs in the country. Needless to say, theirs is a heated rivalry; but to be fair, Arsenal is by far the better and more successful team.

In my short time here I've also had the pleasure of shopping at the world's 4th largest retailer: Tesco. I've always liked Tesco more than Sainsbury's. Luckily for me, two branches of Tesco are closer than the nearest Sainsbury's, so I've been doing all my groceries there. In the 4 years since my last visit to London, and 7 years since my last visit to Tesco, I've noticed substantial changes. The most significant of which for me, is the extensive range and variety of Indian cuisine. It's like I've never left home. It's significant because it's available in the general retail store, and not just dedicated Indian cash and carries, as in North America. You can buy ready-made frozen meals (with Naan, Curry, Rice & Sabji), 2 minute "Just Heat & Eat" Paneer Tikkas and even Walker's Lime & Coriander Chutney Poppadom Crisps in the general crisps section. It's the little things like these that convince me I've moved to the right city.

But just in case you're not satisfied with Tesco's selection, there are dedicated Indian groceries dotted around the city. The best ones are in Wembley where you can even get crates of Alphonso mangoes; my favourite type. And remember how everything is so damn expensive here? Well if ever there were any exceptions, groceries would be one of them. With intense competition from Sainsbury's et al, grocery shopping can be done on the cheap. (Just as long as you hunt for the bargains!). Another exception to expensive London is Chinatown, but that's to be expected. In fact a Muslim buddy of mine told me it's even possible to get Chinese Halal there!

There's so much I love about this city and I've only touched upon two things. In the next few weeks and months I hope to illustrate the many other facets that contribute to making London, the greatest city in the world.

Till next time, Cheerio!

* RAMI'S MIXED RAITA *
Quantity:
- 5/6 servings

Ingredients:
- Plain White Yogurt
- Milk
- Half an Onion
- Peeled Cucumber (1/5th of original)
- One Tomato
- Salt & Pepper

Preparation:
1. Mix 6/7 table spoons of yogurt with 1/4 cup of milk.
2. Beat until smooth.
3. Chop onion, cucumber and tomatoes.
4. Add to yogurt/milk mix.
5. Add salt and pepper.
6. Chill and Serve.

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NEXT RECIPE: Potato Fry