South Mimms Service Station, M25

Been on a jaunt to see the relatives today, it's a trek I haven't made for some time, so when Big Brother suggested we pull in at South Mimms it was a bit of a trip down memory lane.  We used to stop here on annual trips through with parents, sadly no longer with us.  We used to walk past the huge plaque announcing that the services were opened by Margaret Thatcher (where has that gone?).

Now the place seems larger, a bit more barn-like.  We made for the Eat-In eatery, and ordered coffee and muffins.  Actually we had a bargain.  The muffins were half price (£1) when purchased with coffee.  The coffee was very much to my taste as well, being mild and milky.  We sat at a time under the speaker blaring musak and surveyed the business meetings taking place nearby and the newly-arrived pensioners hobbling gamely towards the food offers.

The more cynical will believe that all services provide the same kind of service as Dick Turpin, and true, the coffee was slightly more expensive than in a high street shop, but that half price muffin made the morning with its tangy apricot pieces and moist cake mix.

We continued on our way rejoicing.

Street Spice festival, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne

As is usual with life, it's either all or nothing socially and I was wondering how, or indeed if, I could squeeze in a visit to the Street Spice festival.  It's been well publicised and had the very worthy aim of raising money for a brain tumour charity.  In the end the only time I could manage was a quick visit on Saturday early evening after work.   I'm glad I went. 

Parking in Westgate Road was easy and I cut through by the Settle Down cafe (qv) and was soon at the Centre for Life.  (I had also managed a quick raid on M&S, and was pleasantly surprised to see how busy the town was.  I'd popped in on Tuesday evening to find it very empty.  And so, sparing kind words of direction for lost North American tourists, I was on my way to Street Spice.)  The marquee was bustling and there was a discreet and reassuring security presence.  It was a little crowded what with buggies and all, but I managed to fight my way round and see the fine array of fare on offer.  But what to choose?  Play safe with a vegetable samosa?  Coffee and cake?  Buy chilli sauce for home use?  Jamican rum dumplings!  Could I then drive home?  Eventually I settled, for Vietnamese potato cakes courtesy of Electric East.  The lady serving was dressed to indoctrinate but probably not kill and the food was beautifully served in a little cardboard dish.  I took advice and added the sweet salsa and the yogurt dressing and stood in a corner and ate.

This was my introduction to Vietnamese food and I liked it.  I liked the tangy and tingly sensation on my lips and tongue, without the food being ;'hot' in a spicy way.  I could have carried on experiencing new food sensations had time and money permitted, but sadly I had to make that do.  Will the festival happen again?  I hope so, and judging by the crowds it would be a popular event.  Next time I will allow much more time and go along with a fat wallet and a thin waistline and watch them change places!