Peeled, marinated tomatoes with rocket and buffalo mozzarella (and Next)

“Je Veux d’l’amour, d’la joie, de la bonne humeur, ce n’est pas votre argent qui f’ra mon bonheur, moi j’veux crever la main sur le coeur papalapapapala allons ensemble, découvrir ma liberté, oubliez donc tous vos clichés, bienvenue dans ma réalité.” Lyrics from Zaz (rest of lyrics here)

Let me explain.

I recently read Life, on the Line by Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas.  It was utterly captivating, even without the incredible and unbelievable part at the end where Achatz get’s tongue cancer.  It’s a must read for everyone that has ever thought that the grass is greener on the other side or that some people are just lucky in life while they are not (Totally been guilty of these indulgent thoughts in my time, by the way).  It’s a story about perseverence, about not taking no for an answer – ever, putting your eye on the prize (your perceived prize) and not stopping until you get it.  Being the best, getting as close to perfect as you possibly can.

And this just in: you can’t have it all.

Have I convinced you to read it yet?

Roast Pumpkin filled with Quinoa, served with Rocket and Pickled Beetroot salad and Tahini drizzle

I met Misterrios at a vegetarian cafe named Die Rebellion des Zimtsterns.  It is a cute cafe, with a fun green wall and big communal table.  I balked at the fact that you could get a warm lunch on a plate for €5!  Mr. Rios looked at me like I was from Mars.  Well I live in Mitte!  And London before that so – yes, I think it is cheap!

It was back when my computer was out of action and he had heroically volunteered to fix it.  So he ordered the pumpkin dish of the day and hunkered down behind my Mac to gently prod it back to life.

Now for a little aside…

Even if I don’t know you very well, I will probably eat food from your plate.  Over the years, I have learned that this drives most people bananas!  I can’t help it though!  Chalk it down to my Middle Eastern upbringing, we share food!  I have since learned that the correct way to approach sticking your fork in someone else’s lunch is to first volunteer they try yours.  The usual response is “No, but would you like to try some of mine?”

Count to 3…

1 Mississippi,

2 Mississippi,

3 Mississippi

…then go for it!