Leftovers #18

I owe an essay that my hangover stole from me.

Sometimes you just have to yield to the hangover, which in my case meant still honouring a 9am swim at the Ladies' Ponds because it was a scorcher and I can’t be lying in bed when it’s 28ºC outside. I did, however, stop off at the McDonald’s by Archway station, where I promptly ordered a Sausage McMuffin and two hash browns, and immediately regretted not getting a Fanta, deciding against it because it was 8.30am and I thought people might judge me for that carbonated choice, which is ridiculous when you think about how I was shovelling a sausage patty and two layers of potatoes down my throat at that time anyway.

That is my version of ‘my dog ate my homework’, hence why there was no 1500 word tome dedicated to some cultural commentary or social observation from my week. I’ll make sure this weekend’s essay (on feeling old and ‘being real’) really hits the mark. No pressure, she says to herself. In the meantime, here are this week’s recommendations, including a new chilli oil that hits different, the trick to a very good Spanish tortilla and the pantry box you need to get delivered to your door.

1. My very talented friend Luce has re-launched her business On The Table, which delivers delicious deli essentials to your doorstep, like silky Citizens Of Soil olive oil, wavy bronze cut mafalde from Forest Hill’s own Pastaio A Mano and my fave Bold Beans. It makes an excellent gift (I sent one to my brother to score some bonus points; but also sent one to myself too, which I truly did appreciate), and supports the amazing independent producers that keep the food industry sustainable!