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Maccy D’s, Turkey Twizzlers & all sorts of other processed to hell salt & fat laden junk.
Tabloids.
“Brewed under licence in the UK” tasteless chemical fizz lager.
Two factory farmed chickens for a fiver.
Three litres of brain numbing cider for under £3.
Endless TV that rots the last few brain cells that the cheap booze hasn’t killed.
Limitless tat in pound stores.
Manufactured bands churning out the same old inane bollox.
Why do we have this national love for utter shite, much of which is far from a bargain and generally proof that you get what you pay for?
Discuss.
Tabloids.
“Brewed under licence in the UK” tasteless chemical fizz lager.
Two factory farmed chickens for a fiver.
Three litres of brain numbing cider for under £3.
Endless TV that rots the last few brain cells that the cheap booze hasn’t killed.
Limitless tat in pound stores.
Manufactured bands churning out the same old inane bollox.
Why do we have this national love for utter shite, much of which is far from a bargain and generally proof that you get what you pay for?
Discuss.
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In reply to Pursued by a bear:
Glad you spotted that intentional irony. Have a like.
> Posts that invite comment with the word 'discuss'...T.
Glad you spotted that intentional irony. Have a like.
Post edited at 15:16
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In reply to Chris Harris:
It clearly appeals to some people... just look at Matlock Bath - Potential for one of the most beautiful towns in the country, in a picturesque area but full of shitty penny pushing machine amusements and other cheap nasty stuff all sold well overpriced.
It clearly appeals to some people... just look at Matlock Bath - Potential for one of the most beautiful towns in the country, in a picturesque area but full of shitty penny pushing machine amusements and other cheap nasty stuff all sold well overpriced.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Glass half empty? For each i could give you an opposite, and the majority of the world is worse...
Glass half empty? For each i could give you an opposite, and the majority of the world is worse...
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In reply to Chris Harris:
You might ask why we also have a love for massively overpriced bollocks, as well...
Yes, there is tat in pound shops, but there are also decent branded goods at a price much lower than rrp. You just need to know how to distinguish the tat from the decent stuff. Which applies universally...
You might ask why we also have a love for massively overpriced bollocks, as well...
Yes, there is tat in pound shops, but there are also decent branded goods at a price much lower than rrp. You just need to know how to distinguish the tat from the decent stuff. Which applies universally...
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Perhaps it's because it's a free country and, within limits, people can eat, drink and buy whatever they want.
Maybe you don't like these things but, the people who eat them possibly do and maybe don't have the option of buying the expensive alternatives.
Perhaps it's because it's a free country and, within limits, people can eat, drink and buy whatever they want.
Maybe you don't like these things but, the people who eat them possibly do and maybe don't have the option of buying the expensive alternatives.
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In reply to Trangia:
And have one yourself. From tat to mutual appreciation in not very many posts; there's always a positive way of looking at things.
T.
And have one yourself. From tat to mutual appreciation in not very many posts; there's always a positive way of looking at things.
T.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Just normal, after all Birmingham was world famous as a producer of counterfeit goods, tawdry tat and all that crap 400 years ago. Production has moved overseas since then (perhaps).
Just normal, after all Birmingham was world famous as a producer of counterfeit goods, tawdry tat and all that crap 400 years ago. Production has moved overseas since then (perhaps).
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Independent organic butchers. Food to support vegetarian, vegan and other dietary regimes (enforced either by choice or necessity) available more easily than ever before.
You have me there.
Craft lagers and microbreweries.
Black Mirror (Actually I thought it was rather overrated but had its moments). Flowers.
Elbow. Anna Meredith. Young Fathers. Popular music at the moment is some of the best I remember in my lifetime.
But don't get me started on f*cking superhero and comic book movies...
> Maccy D’s, Turkey Twizzlers & all sorts of other processed to hell salt & fat laden junk.
Independent organic butchers. Food to support vegetarian, vegan and other dietary regimes (enforced either by choice or necessity) available more easily than ever before.
> Tabloids.
You have me there.
> “Brewed under licence in the UK” tasteless chemical fizz lager.
Craft lagers and microbreweries.
> Endless TV that rots the last few brain cells that the cheap booze hasn’t killed.
Black Mirror (Actually I thought it was rather overrated but had its moments). Flowers.
> Manufactured bands churning out the same old inane bollox.
Elbow. Anna Meredith. Young Fathers. Popular music at the moment is some of the best I remember in my lifetime.
But don't get me started on f*cking superhero and comic book movies...
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In reply to planetmarshall:
Yes, all those options exist, I never suggested they didn't.
But in terms of quantity, the shite wins every time.
Yes, all those options exist, I never suggested they didn't.
But in terms of quantity, the shite wins every time.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
I didn't think pound stores were a particularly British phenomenon, unless you take the word "pound" too literally.
There are definitely equivalents in Ireland and France, even if the bar has been raised to 2 Euros.
I didn't think pound stores were a particularly British phenomenon, unless you take the word "pound" too literally.
There are definitely equivalents in Ireland and France, even if the bar has been raised to 2 Euros.
In reply to gethin_allen:
Exactly my point. The question is why people head straight for the crap.
Maccy'd D for 4 - you're looking at shifting getting on for £25 (I had to look it up). You can buy a free range chicken and some organic spuds & veg for 4 people for rather less than that.
> Perhaps it's because it's a free country and, within limits, people can eat, drink and buy whatever they want.
Exactly my point. The question is why people head straight for the crap.
> Maybe you don't like these things but, the people who eat them possibly do and maybe don't have the option of buying the expensive alternatives.
Maccy'd D for 4 - you're looking at shifting getting on for £25 (I had to look it up). You can buy a free range chicken and some organic spuds & veg for 4 people for rather less than that.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Surely amongst the biggest load of crap are our two-faced U-turning politicians!
Surely amongst the biggest load of crap are our two-faced U-turning politicians!
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In reply to planetmarshall:
The last series was about 70% or more awesome. That last one with the twitterstorm/killer bees was one of the best things ever to have been on TV. That upload/80s paradise thing was very, very cool... Always has its flaws, but the fact that you picked it as a counter to crap TV speaks volumes - it's basically awesome.
> .Black Mirror (Actually I thought it was rather overrated but had its moments).
The last series was about 70% or more awesome. That last one with the twitterstorm/killer bees was one of the best things ever to have been on TV. That upload/80s paradise thing was very, very cool... Always has its flaws, but the fact that you picked it as a counter to crap TV speaks volumes - it's basically awesome.
In reply to captain paranoia:
A love which is pursued by a massively smaller percentage of the population.
Seconded. Some of the best buys I've ever made have been in the Harrods lookalike that is B&M Bargains. They had a fantastic deal on a Beaujolais a bit back (Ropiteau Fleurie 2011 at £4.99 - couldn't find it anywhere else for under £12). Meanwhile, the masses were filling their trolleys with alcopops & maybe Jacob's Creek for special.
> You might ask why we also have a love for massively overpriced bollocks, as well...
A love which is pursued by a massively smaller percentage of the population.
> Yes, there is tat in pound shops, but there are also decent branded goods at a price much lower than rrp. You just need to know how to distinguish the tat from the decent stuff. Which applies universally...
Seconded. Some of the best buys I've ever made have been in the Harrods lookalike that is B&M Bargains. They had a fantastic deal on a Beaujolais a bit back (Ropiteau Fleurie 2011 at £4.99 - couldn't find it anywhere else for under £12). Meanwhile, the masses were filling their trolleys with alcopops & maybe Jacob's Creek for special.
In reply to Chris Harris:
If quality were present in quantity then, well, it wouldn't be quality any more...
> Yes, all those options exist, I never suggested they didn't. But in terms of quantity, the shite wins every time.
If quality were present in quantity then, well, it wouldn't be quality any more...
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In reply to planetmarshall:
I think that's what's known as bollocks.
> If quality were present in quantity then, well, it wouldn't be quality any more...
I think that's what's known as bollocks.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Let's face it - we're a nation that celebrates and applauds ignorance and stupidity. A country that turns the likes of Jade Goody into a celebrity for no reason other than being as thick as pigshit really does give a clear message about it's level of national pride.
Let's face it - we're a nation that celebrates and applauds ignorance and stupidity. A country that turns the likes of Jade Goody into a celebrity for no reason other than being as thick as pigshit really does give a clear message about it's level of national pride.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Oh for the gold old days of traditional quality beer of my youth.
Watneys Red barrel, Whitbread Tankard, Double Diamond..........
> “Brewed under licence in the UK” tasteless chemical fizz lager.
Oh for the gold old days of traditional quality beer of my youth.
Watneys Red barrel, Whitbread Tankard, Double Diamond..........
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In reply to Chris Harris:
I give you 'the coffee shop'. Overpriced, pretentious bollocks.
> A love which is pursued by a massively smaller percentage of the population.
I give you 'the coffee shop'. Overpriced, pretentious bollocks.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Does that include paying someone to cook it for you? We're having a roast with everything tonight, courtesy of the Mrs, who loves Maccy D's.
Does that include paying someone to cook it for you? We're having a roast with everything tonight, courtesy of the Mrs, who loves Maccy D's.
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In reply to Moley:
And now, despite the abundance of choice, the biggest selling "Bitter" in the UK is John Smith's Smooth....
Plus ca change.
> Oh for the gold old days of traditional quality beer of my youth. Watneys Red barrel, Whitbread Tankard, Double Diamond..........
And now, despite the abundance of choice, the biggest selling "Bitter" in the UK is John Smith's Smooth....
Plus ca change.
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In reply to Moley:
Don't forget Arctic Lite and Harp lager..
> Oh for the gold old days of traditional quality beer of my youth.Watneys Red barrel, Whitbread Tankard, Double Diamond..........
Don't forget Arctic Lite and Harp lager..
In reply to captain paranoia:
I give you "the charity shop".
Sneered at and shunned by many but actually a first rate method of recycling a wide range of material.
I give you "the charity shop".
Sneered at and shunned by many but actually a first rate method of recycling a wide range of material.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Is it really? How depressing, we have learnt nothing!
> And now, despite the abundance of choice, the biggest selling "Bitter" in the UK is John Smith's Smooth....Plus ca change.
Is it really? How depressing, we have learnt nothing!
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In reply to Moley:
Sadly, yes:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Smith's_Brewery
"John Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England, produces beers including John Smith's, the biggest selling bitter in the United Kingdom since the mid-1990s, as well as being one of the UK's most popular and successful beer brands.
The majority of John Smith's sales are of the nitrogenated Extra Smooth product"
> Is it really? How depressing, we have learnt nothing!
Sadly, yes:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Smith's_Brewery
"John Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England, produces beers including John Smith's, the biggest selling bitter in the United Kingdom since the mid-1990s, as well as being one of the UK's most popular and successful beer brands.
The majority of John Smith's sales are of the nitrogenated Extra Smooth product"
Post edited at 20:27
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In reply to Chris Harris:
Choose life.
Choose a job.
Choose a career.
Choose a family.
Choose a f*cking big television, Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin can openers.
Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance.
Choose fixed-interest mortgage repayments.
Choose a starter home.
Choose your friends.
Choose leisure wear and matching luggage.
Choose a three piece suite on hire purchase in a range of f*cking fabrics.
Choose DIY and wondering who the f*ck you are on a Sunday morning.
Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing f*cking junk food into your mouth.
Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pishing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, f*cked-up brats you have spawned to replace yourself.
Choose your future.
Choose life
Choose life.
Choose a job.
Choose a career.
Choose a family.
Choose a f*cking big television, Choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin can openers.
Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance.
Choose fixed-interest mortgage repayments.
Choose a starter home.
Choose your friends.
Choose leisure wear and matching luggage.
Choose a three piece suite on hire purchase in a range of f*cking fabrics.
Choose DIY and wondering who the f*ck you are on a Sunday morning.
Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing f*cking junk food into your mouth.
Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pishing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, f*cked-up brats you have spawned to replace yourself.
Choose your future.
Choose life
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In reply to Chris Harris:
I hate the inverted snobbery that the majority of Brits have with regard to food and drink. I can buy a decently raised chicken from my local farm shop for not much more per kg than Tesco shite. But I'm considered a middle class tw*t for suggesting that. Liking beer that actually tastes of something rather than just getting me pissed makes me a real ale bore. And God help me if I prefer to drink coffee from somewhere that actually cares about coffee...
It's not like this in other countries. In Italy the poorest people with the simplest food take pride in getting good quality local produce. It may not be fancy, but they care about the quality.
I hate the inverted snobbery that the majority of Brits have with regard to food and drink. I can buy a decently raised chicken from my local farm shop for not much more per kg than Tesco shite. But I'm considered a middle class tw*t for suggesting that. Liking beer that actually tastes of something rather than just getting me pissed makes me a real ale bore. And God help me if I prefer to drink coffee from somewhere that actually cares about coffee...
It's not like this in other countries. In Italy the poorest people with the simplest food take pride in getting good quality local produce. It may not be fancy, but they care about the quality.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
It's so depressing. The UK produces the best beer in the world, and the majority of the population prefer to drink tasteless pap purely for its alcohol content.
> And now, despite the abundance of choice, the biggest selling "Bitter" in the UK is John Smith's Smooth....Plus ca change.
It's so depressing. The UK produces the best beer in the world, and the majority of the population prefer to drink tasteless pap purely for its alcohol content.
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In reply to Hooo:
And yet we can't even get that right. The Belgians can produce beautiful beer that's over twice the alcohol content of 'strong' British ones. Any similar British attempt results in window cleaner.
> It's so depressing. The UK produces the best beer in the world, and the majority of the population prefer to drink tasteless pap purely for its alcohol content.
And yet we can't even get that right. The Belgians can produce beautiful beer that's over twice the alcohol content of 'strong' British ones. Any similar British attempt results in window cleaner.
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In reply to Jim Fraser:
The older I become, the less enamoured I am of strong beer: the Belgians can keep theirs. But there is a real art to brewing a high quality, lower alcohol so-called 'session' bitter that seems unappreciated in much of the world and, sadly, the UK too.
T.
> The Belgians can produce beautiful beer that's over twice the alcohol content of 'strong' British ones.
The older I become, the less enamoured I am of strong beer: the Belgians can keep theirs. But there is a real art to brewing a high quality, lower alcohol so-called 'session' bitter that seems unappreciated in much of the world and, sadly, the UK too.
T.
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In reply to Hooo:
Couldn't agree more, it was Italy that sprang to mind when I started this topic.
And I'm surprised it's lasted this long without someone calling me a snob.
> I hate the inverted snobbery that the majority of Brits have with regard to food and drink. I can buy a decently raised chicken from my local farm shop for not much more per kg than Tesco shite. But I'm considered a middle class tw*t for suggesting that. Liking beer that actually tastes of something rather than just getting me pissed makes me a real ale bore. And God help me if I prefer to drink coffee from somewhere that actually cares about coffee...It's not like this in other countries. In Italy the poorest people with the simplest food take pride in getting good quality local produce. It may not be fancy, but they care about the quality.
Couldn't agree more, it was Italy that sprang to mind when I started this topic.
And I'm surprised it's lasted this long without someone calling me a snob.
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In reply to Hooo:
excellent post, I was just contemplating the (albeit severe) difference in attitude to food between UK and Italy.
although, the Ita attitudes can be as snobbish and parochial as anything we can come up with; just try putting the wrong sauce "on to" the wrong pasta shape......
excellent post, I was just contemplating the (albeit severe) difference in attitude to food between UK and Italy.
although, the Ita attitudes can be as snobbish and parochial as anything we can come up with; just try putting the wrong sauce "on to" the wrong pasta shape......
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In reply to Hooo:
social class and status seem to be the thing that's woven into inverted snobbish attitude, and detrimentally so. A determination to find some reason to look down on or pettily belittle someone, just as there's always someone looking down you.
I think this feeds into nihilistic individualism; kind of epitomized by the Trainspotting intro quote:
Everything is shit; don't strive for better, just get whatever kicks you can and revel in the shitness.
social class and status seem to be the thing that's woven into inverted snobbish attitude, and detrimentally so. A determination to find some reason to look down on or pettily belittle someone, just as there's always someone looking down you.
I think this feeds into nihilistic individualism; kind of epitomized by the Trainspotting intro quote:
Everything is shit; don't strive for better, just get whatever kicks you can and revel in the shitness.
In reply to captain paranoia:
Okay. Let me rephrase that; overpriced, pretentious coffee shops, as seen on every British street corner (and pretty much every other shop in between) are shit.
Coffee shops selling unpretentious coffee at reasonable prices (e.g. as found in most other European countries) are fine...
> Coffee shops are shit...
Okay. Let me rephrase that; overpriced, pretentious coffee shops, as seen on every British street corner (and pretty much every other shop in between) are shit.
Coffee shops selling unpretentious coffee at reasonable prices (e.g. as found in most other European countries) are fine...
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In reply to Chris Harris:
redux
“Choose life
Choose Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and hope that someone, somewhere cares
Choose looking up old flames, wishing you’d done it all differently
And choose watching history repeat itself
Choose your future
Choose reality TV, slut shaming, revenge porn
Choose a zero hour contract, a two hour journey to work
And choose the same for your kids, only worse, and smother the pain with an unknown dose of an unknown drug made in somebody’s kitchen
And then… take a deep breath
You’re an addict, so be addicted
Just be addicted to something else
Choose the ones you love
Choose your future
Choose life”
redux
“Choose life
Choose Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and hope that someone, somewhere cares
Choose looking up old flames, wishing you’d done it all differently
And choose watching history repeat itself
Choose your future
Choose reality TV, slut shaming, revenge porn
Choose a zero hour contract, a two hour journey to work
And choose the same for your kids, only worse, and smother the pain with an unknown dose of an unknown drug made in somebody’s kitchen
And then… take a deep breath
You’re an addict, so be addicted
Just be addicted to something else
Choose the ones you love
Choose your future
Choose life”
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In reply to Pursued by a bear:
Totally agree. The Belgians are very good at what they do, but it's not to my taste. I want a beer of under 5℅ that I can enjoy for the taste of it.
> The older I become, the less enamoured I am of strong beer: the Belgians can keep theirs. But there is a real art to brewing a high quality, lower alcohol so-called 'session' bitter that seems unappreciated in much of the world and, sadly, the UK too.T.
Totally agree. The Belgians are very good at what they do, but it's not to my taste. I want a beer of under 5℅ that I can enjoy for the taste of it.
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In reply to daWalt:
Italy is appallingly parochial and conventional. When I was in London it was full of young Italians desperate to escape the rigid expectations of their homeland. You really can't be different in small town Italy, and there's no way I could live there.
They have got the right attitude to food though
> excellent post, I was just contemplating the (albeit severe) difference in attitude to food between UK and Italy. although, the Ita attitudes can be as snobbish and parochial as anything we can come up with; just try putting the wrong sauce "on to" the wrong pasta shape......
Italy is appallingly parochial and conventional. When I was in London it was full of young Italians desperate to escape the rigid expectations of their homeland. You really can't be different in small town Italy, and there's no way I could live there.
They have got the right attitude to food though
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In reply to Hooo:
I suspect everyone who has lived some years in another country takes a huge interest in how that country is projected in some way in the British imagination (via the media normally) and how different that is to the lived experience of being in that country!
> Italy is appallingly parochial and conventional.
I suspect everyone who has lived some years in another country takes a huge interest in how that country is projected in some way in the British imagination (via the media normally) and how different that is to the lived experience of being in that country!
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In reply to Hooo:
It's something I wrestle with, for sure - and it's not just food and drink, it's everything: listening to Radio 4, moving to the Lakes, you name it. If it's actually any good, I'll feel guilty/like a middle-class tw*t for liking it. Obviously, I am a middle-class tw*t but hey...
That's true, and while we Brits are tw*ts for the reasons you point out and many more, imagine what it would be like being, for example, french! Thinking everything, no matter how shit, was amazing and really really great, just so long as it came from france. It's a tough choice, but i plump for the inverted snobbery every time. Does that make me a racist?
> I hate the inverted snobbery that the majority of Brits have with regard to food and drink. I can buy a decently raised chicken from my local farm shop for not much more per kg than Tesco shite. But I'm considered a middle class tw*t for suggesting that.
It's something I wrestle with, for sure - and it's not just food and drink, it's everything: listening to Radio 4, moving to the Lakes, you name it. If it's actually any good, I'll feel guilty/like a middle-class tw*t for liking it. Obviously, I am a middle-class tw*t but hey...
> It's not like this in other countries. In Italy the poorest people with the simplest food take pride in getting good quality local produce
That's true, and while we Brits are tw*ts for the reasons you point out and many more, imagine what it would be like being, for example, french! Thinking everything, no matter how shit, was amazing and really really great, just so long as it came from france. It's a tough choice, but i plump for the inverted snobbery every time. Does that make me a racist?
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In reply to daWalt:
A fair point. Yes, quality & locality are important to them, but their minds can be completely closed. I remember Jamie Oliver cooking something on one of his programmes in Italy, but because he cooked it the way they cooked it in the next valley, rather than the way it was cooked in that village, he might as well have asked them to suck a tramp's cock.
In its way, as sad an attitude as ours.
> excellent post, I was just contemplating the (albeit severe) difference in attitude to food between UK and Italy. although, the Ita attitudes can be as snobbish and parochial as anything we can come up with; just try putting the wrong sauce "on to" the wrong pasta shape......
A fair point. Yes, quality & locality are important to them, but their minds can be completely closed. I remember Jamie Oliver cooking something on one of his programmes in Italy, but because he cooked it the way they cooked it in the next valley, rather than the way it was cooked in that village, he might as well have asked them to suck a tramp's cock.
In its way, as sad an attitude as ours.
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In reply to Jon Stewart:
Why not celebrate it instead?
> listening to Radio 4, moving to the Lakes, you name it. If it's actually any good, I'll feel guilty/like a middle-class tw*t for liking it.
Why not celebrate it instead?
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In reply to Chris Harris:
It''s a bastard of a job cooking your ptetentious meal option when you're on a family day out
> Exactly my point. The question is why people head straight for the crap.Maccy'd D for 4 - you're looking at shifting getting on for £25 (I had to look it up). You can buy a free range chicken and some organic spuds & veg for 4 people for rather less than that.
It''s a bastard of a job cooking your ptetentious meal option when you're on a family day out
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In reply to Chris Harris:
"And the public gets what the public wants.
But I want nothing this society's got.
I'm going underground"
Or should I say souterrain?
"And the public gets what the public wants.
But I want nothing this society's got.
I'm going underground"
Or should I say souterrain?
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In reply to Jon Stewart:
Or even worse, American. Can you imagine the response a post like the OP would get on an American forum?
I have to admit I prefer the self-deprecating British attitude. At least we can moan about how crap we are without being attacked for our lack of patriotism. It shouldn't have to be snobbery though, we should be able to appreciate what's good and slag off the rubbish.
> imagine what it would be like being, for example, french! Thinking everything, no matter how shit, was amazing and really really great, just so long as it came from france.
Or even worse, American. Can you imagine the response a post like the OP would get on an American forum?
I have to admit I prefer the self-deprecating British attitude. At least we can moan about how crap we are without being attacked for our lack of patriotism. It shouldn't have to be snobbery though, we should be able to appreciate what's good and slag off the rubbish.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
I seem to recall he got a similar reaction from some people in the UK for his School dinners programme. "How dare he come round here and tell us how to cook?"
> A fair point. Yes, quality & locality are important to them, but their minds can be completely closed. I remember Jamie Oliver cooking something on one of his programmes in Italy, but because he cooked it the way they cooked it in the next valley, rather than the way it was cooked in that village, he might as well have asked them to suck a tramp's cock. In its way, as sad an attitude as ours.
I seem to recall he got a similar reaction from some people in the UK for his School dinners programme. "How dare he come round here and tell us how to cook?"
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In reply to timjones:
And you sum up my point perfectly
Why is his suggestion pretentious? It's just inverted snobbery.
On family days out you can take a picnic. That's what I do and what my parents did. Or is that too pretentious?
> It''s a bastard of a job cooking your ptetentious meal option when you're on a family day out
And you sum up my point perfectly
Why is his suggestion pretentious? It's just inverted snobbery.
On family days out you can take a picnic. That's what I do and what my parents did. Or is that too pretentious?
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In reply to Hooo:
To be fair you can understand that, any fool can cook a turkey twizzler and chips.
> I seem to recall he got a similar reaction from some people in the UK for his School dinners programme. "How dare he come round here and tell us how to cook?"
To be fair you can understand that, any fool can cook a turkey twizzler and chips.
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In reply to timjones:
Quite so. However, a family day out that involves heading into Maccy D, rather than somewhere even vaguely passable, is yet another sign of the race to the bottom.
And as Hooo said, my suggestion wasn't pretentious. It merely illustrated the point that good stuff is often cheaper, so playing the cost card is a specious argument.
The piss lager in the pub usually costs more than the cask bitter.
> It''s a bastard of a job cooking your ptetentious meal option when you're on a family day out
Quite so. However, a family day out that involves heading into Maccy D, rather than somewhere even vaguely passable, is yet another sign of the race to the bottom.
And as Hooo said, my suggestion wasn't pretentious. It merely illustrated the point that good stuff is often cheaper, so playing the cost card is a specious argument.
The piss lager in the pub usually costs more than the cask bitter.
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In reply to Hooo:
Pack a flask. I can't stand paying more for one weak latte, than I can buy a 1/2 kilo bag of ground coffee for.
> .On family days out you can take a picnic. That's what I do and what my parents did. Or is that too pretentious?
Pack a flask. I can't stand paying more for one weak latte, than I can buy a 1/2 kilo bag of ground coffee for.
1
1
In reply to Hooo:
Can't remember the response of the school staff, but I do recollect a percentage of parents who were opposed to the notion of feeding something nutritious to their beloved offspring.
> I seem to recall he got a similar reaction from some people in the UK for his School dinners programme. "How dare he come round here and tell us how to cook?"
Can't remember the response of the school staff, but I do recollect a percentage of parents who were opposed to the notion of feeding something nutritious to their beloved offspring.
1
In reply to Hooo:
I always take picnics, but let me assure you, there is nothing shitter than sitting in the pissing rain trying to eat sandwiches.
But there are a myriad of reasons why a family may want to eat out quickly. Out all day? Need two meals? Don't want to lug a picnic with you all day? How about wanting a seat and a rest for 20 minutes?
It's not snobby to listen to radio 4 or eat organic veg but it is snobby to sneer at the choices of others.
I always take picnics, but let me assure you, there is nothing shitter than sitting in the pissing rain trying to eat sandwiches.
But there are a myriad of reasons why a family may want to eat out quickly. Out all day? Need two meals? Don't want to lug a picnic with you all day? How about wanting a seat and a rest for 20 minutes?
It's not snobby to listen to radio 4 or eat organic veg but it is snobby to sneer at the choices of others.
16
2
In reply to Chris Harris:
I suppose that attitude is the same the world over. Implying someone's parenting is lacking is asking for it, whatever the circumstances.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2017/mar/18/stephen...
> Can't remember the response of the school staff, but I do recollect a percentage of parents who were opposed to the notion of feeding something nutritious to their beloved offspring.
I suppose that attitude is the same the world over. Implying someone's parenting is lacking is asking for it, whatever the circumstances.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/ng-interactive/2017/mar/18/stephen...
In reply to XXXX:
McDonald's does have it's uses at times. Free parking , toilets and if from Scotland or Yorkshire napkins, ketchup, salt, pepper etc. to go with your picnic.
McDonald's does have it's uses at times. Free parking , toilets and if from Scotland or Yorkshire napkins, ketchup, salt, pepper etc. to go with your picnic.
7
2
In reply to captain paranoia:
A good old cup of instant Nescafe, now that's British coffee.
> Okay. Let me rephrase that; overpriced, pretentious coffee shops, as seen on every British street corner (and pretty much every other shop in between) are shit.Coffee shops selling unpretentious coffee at reasonable prices (e.g. as found in most other European countries) are fine...
A good old cup of instant Nescafe, now that's British coffee.
In reply to Chris Harris:
not technically crap but ....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39152856
not technically crap but ....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39152856
In reply to Hooo:
It was the organic veg that I thought was pretentious
Beyond that we are lucky enough to have choices, both picnics and the occasional MacDonalds are nice.
Why belittle the choices of others?
> And you sum up my point perfectly Why is his suggestion pretentious? It's just inverted snobbery.On family days out you can take a picnic. That's what I do and what my parents did. Or is that too pretentious?
It was the organic veg that I thought was pretentious
Beyond that we are lucky enough to have choices, both picnics and the occasional MacDonalds are nice.
Why belittle the choices of others?
5
In reply to Chris Harris:
Tastes differ, why do you feel the need to tell us what you like?
> Quite so. However, a family day out that involves heading into Maccy D, rather than somewhere even vaguely passable, is yet another sign of the race to the bottom. And as Hooo said, my suggestion wasn't pretentious. It merely illustrated the point that good stuff is often cheaper, so playing the cost card is a specious argument. The piss lager in the pub usually costs more than the cask bitter.
Tastes differ, why do you feel the need to tell us what you like?
2
In reply to Hooo:
Belgium's make a vast array of beer. Quite a lot it isn't that strong. Yes the triples and quads are but that's not all they produce.
Belgium's make a vast array of beer. Quite a lot it isn't that strong. Yes the triples and quads are but that's not all they produce.
1
In reply to Pursued by a bear:
Feel a bit sorry for you.
I have two breweries within three miles of my house staffed by friendly and very knowledgeable people who produce excellent sesssion bitters.
If I lived in Sheffield I imagine the figure would quadruple
Feel a bit sorry for you.
I have two breweries within three miles of my house staffed by friendly and very knowledgeable people who produce excellent sesssion bitters.
If I lived in Sheffield I imagine the figure would quadruple
Post edited at 09:15
In reply to Tom Valentine:
No need; I'm provided for. Butcombe produce some excellent beer, as do Cheddar Ales. My point wasn't meant to elict sympathy but to highlight a form of brewing that seems to be under-represented on the world stage. Belgium is one example of the good but too strong for me form of brewing; and in the bits of the US I've been to recently (Washington state, Oregon and California) a similar trait can be found. You can get old-fashioned, damn near extinct styles like cream stout and more and hoppier beers than you can envisage, but it's all a bit strong. A good best bitter is a rare thing on the world stage, a good, slightly weaker bitter rarer still.
T.
No need; I'm provided for. Butcombe produce some excellent beer, as do Cheddar Ales. My point wasn't meant to elict sympathy but to highlight a form of brewing that seems to be under-represented on the world stage. Belgium is one example of the good but too strong for me form of brewing; and in the bits of the US I've been to recently (Washington state, Oregon and California) a similar trait can be found. You can get old-fashioned, damn near extinct styles like cream stout and more and hoppier beers than you can envisage, but it's all a bit strong. A good best bitter is a rare thing on the world stage, a good, slightly weaker bitter rarer still.
T.
1
In reply to Big Ger:
Absolutely. Although I don't know the secret to happiness, the secret to unhappiness is trying to please everyone - and there is ALWAYS someone ready to take a pop.
> Why not celebrate it instead?
Absolutely. Although I don't know the secret to happiness, the secret to unhappiness is trying to please everyone - and there is ALWAYS someone ready to take a pop.
1
1
In reply to Pursued by a bear:
My mistake: I thought you were suggesting that a brewery who knew how to make a good session beer was hard to find in the UK.
My mistake: I thought you were suggesting that a brewery who knew how to make a good session beer was hard to find in the UK.
1
In reply to timjones:
OK, I'll give you that. I agree, "organic" is massively overrated, and in the case of supermarket organic it's pure marketing. Far more important to buy local and seasonal.
I thought you were referring to his suggestion of proper cooking over McDonalds as pretentious.
> It was the organic veg that I thought was pretentious
OK, I'll give you that. I agree, "organic" is massively overrated, and in the case of supermarket organic it's pure marketing. Far more important to buy local and seasonal.
I thought you were referring to his suggestion of proper cooking over McDonalds as pretentious.
In reply to Hooo:
It also depends on what it is that is organic and whether for example, the chemicals used at any point can have made it into the edible part and what the risk/impact is (if known!).
Not found an organic turkey twizzler yet...
> OK, I'll give you that. I agree, "organic" is massively overrated, and in the case of supermarket organic it's pure marketing. Far more important to buy local and seasonal.
It also depends on what it is that is organic and whether for example, the chemicals used at any point can have made it into the edible part and what the risk/impact is (if known!).
Not found an organic turkey twizzler yet...
1
In reply to Chris Harris:
In this country we don't seem to celebrate individuality. We like everyone to put into nice pidgeonholed stereotypes (I guess other countries are similar?)
Anyone who stands out as an individual is labelled as eccentric or whacky.
It might be a symptom of overpopulation.
Luckily there are a few of us who don't subscribe to homogeneity.
In this country we don't seem to celebrate individuality. We like everyone to put into nice pidgeonholed stereotypes (I guess other countries are similar?)
Anyone who stands out as an individual is labelled as eccentric or whacky.
It might be a symptom of overpopulation.
Luckily there are a few of us who don't subscribe to homogeneity.
2
4
In reply to Jim Fraser:
Drinking strong Belgian beer requires something of a change in attitude, though. Attack it like you would a night out in Wetherspoons and you're liable to end up in hospital. It needs to be drunk more like a glass of wine than a pint of beer.
> And yet we can't even get that right. The Belgians can produce beautiful beer that's over twice the alcohol content of 'strong' British ones. Any similar British attempt results in window cleaner.
Drinking strong Belgian beer requires something of a change in attitude, though. Attack it like you would a night out in Wetherspoons and you're liable to end up in hospital. It needs to be drunk more like a glass of wine than a pint of beer.
1
In reply to Chris Harris:
there seems to be some idea that there is no better or lesser choices, all things are personal tastes and all are equal. Any possible notion that one choice is in any way at all superior to another is a personal affront to someone's dignity.
shit stuff should be called out as shit, and ignorance should be named as just that.
it just seems to be impossible to do this without being called an elitists snob.
there seems to be some idea that there is no better or lesser choices, all things are personal tastes and all are equal. Any possible notion that one choice is in any way at all superior to another is a personal affront to someone's dignity.
shit stuff should be called out as shit, and ignorance should be named as just that.
it just seems to be impossible to do this without being called an elitists snob.
3
2
In reply to Chris Harris:
I have no respect for the free range "ethical omnivores". They try to asuage their guilt about eating meat by claiming the dead animal was "happy" and led a "good life". I have more respect for vegetarians.
A chicken has a brain the size of the end of my thumb, does not experience or think about the world in the way we do and has only a few needs; food, a fox free perch, warmth. What ever next, "Philosophy Chickens": Hens that have been given the opportunity to sit around in groups and discuss the meaning of life? Yeah, I'd pay more for that!
To a struggling single mum trying to bring up healthy kids with a good diet the £5 for two chickens offer is fab. A correctly cooked chicken can offer 3 meals worth of meat if the carcus is carefully stripped. My student daughter is also a fan!
[/rant]
Can I add; Getting your life constantly affirmed by getting likes off complete strangers. Please "dislike" this comment. I promise not to jump off a bridge as a result unless I am attached to a rope. :-o
> “Brewed under licence in the UK” tasteless chemical fizz lager.
Thats why I brew my own - oh yeah and its cheaper.> Two factory farmed chickens for a fiver.
[Rant]I have no respect for the free range "ethical omnivores". They try to asuage their guilt about eating meat by claiming the dead animal was "happy" and led a "good life". I have more respect for vegetarians.
A chicken has a brain the size of the end of my thumb, does not experience or think about the world in the way we do and has only a few needs; food, a fox free perch, warmth. What ever next, "Philosophy Chickens": Hens that have been given the opportunity to sit around in groups and discuss the meaning of life? Yeah, I'd pay more for that!
To a struggling single mum trying to bring up healthy kids with a good diet the £5 for two chickens offer is fab. A correctly cooked chicken can offer 3 meals worth of meat if the carcus is carefully stripped. My student daughter is also a fan!
[/rant]
Can I add; Getting your life constantly affirmed by getting likes off complete strangers. Please "dislike" this comment. I promise not to jump off a bridge as a result unless I am attached to a rope. :-o
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In reply to captain paranoia:
Costabucks etc fulfil a useful role - somewhere to sit and chat or work on your laptop that isn't a pub.
Yes, the role could be fulfilled better, but I really don't have a problem with them.
Costabucks etc fulfil a useful role - somewhere to sit and chat or work on your laptop that isn't a pub.
Yes, the role could be fulfilled better, but I really don't have a problem with them.
4
In reply to daWalt:
Of course there are better and lesser choices, but they work solely at an individual level/
Your lesser choice mught be someone elses better option. Therefore calling stuff out as shit is futile.
The only exceptions to this rule are football, rugby, roller coasters and solicitors
> there seems to be some idea that there is no better or lesser choices, all things are personal tastes and all are equal. Any possible notion that one choice is in any way at all superior to another is a personal affront to someone's dignity.shit stuff should be called out as shit, and ignorance should be named as just that. it just seems to be impossible to do this without being called an elitists snob.
Of course there are better and lesser choices, but they work solely at an individual level/
Your lesser choice mught be someone elses better option. Therefore calling stuff out as shit is futile.
The only exceptions to this rule are football, rugby, roller coasters and solicitors
Post edited at 12:35
1
1
In reply to Neil Williams:
It's also why pubs are shutting, they haven't moved with the times. There are plenty of independent cafes that serve excellent food, in clean rooms, free WiFi , many with drinks licences for the non drivers etc..
> Costabucks etc fulfil a useful role - somewhere to sit and chat or work on your laptop that isn't a pub.Yes, the role could be fulfilled better, but I really don't have a problem with them.
It's also why pubs are shutting, they haven't moved with the times. There are plenty of independent cafes that serve excellent food, in clean rooms, free WiFi , many with drinks licences for the non drivers etc..
In reply to Greasy Prusiks:
Don't buy it and don't copy it then. Problem solved. The only thing worse than the crappest parts of American culture is copying it and then blaming the Americans for everything.
> Isn't most of that stuff that's come from the US?
Don't buy it and don't copy it then. Problem solved. The only thing worse than the crappest parts of American culture is copying it and then blaming the Americans for everything.
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2
In reply to tallsteve:
I think, perhaps, hens that haven't been confined to such small ground space that they peck each other to death, or pull each other's feathers out, or have to have their beaks clipped to prevent them doing that.
They may have small brains, but that doesn't mean they don't suffer psychological problems from overcrowding or other bad conditions.
> Hens that have been given the opportunity to sit around in groups and discuss the meaning of life?
I think, perhaps, hens that haven't been confined to such small ground space that they peck each other to death, or pull each other's feathers out, or have to have their beaks clipped to prevent them doing that.
They may have small brains, but that doesn't mean they don't suffer psychological problems from overcrowding or other bad conditions.
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1
In reply to Jimbocz:
That is precisely what I think of the situation in Germany, we cannot even find a decent country to be (culturally) colonized by....
CB
That is precisely what I think of the situation in Germany, we cannot even find a decent country to be (culturally) colonized by....
CB
In reply to cb294:
How about the Turks? Their food is quite nice.
> That is precisely what I think of the situation in Germany, we cannot even find a decent country to be (culturally) colonized by....CB
How about the Turks? Their food is quite nice.
2
In reply to cb294:
Why frame it as the British love of crap? It's the same the world over. Italian tv . German pop music. American public art. Travel a bit, the world is full of shite. In global terms the U.K. Is doing fine.
Why frame it as the British love of crap? It's the same the world over. Italian tv . German pop music. American public art. Travel a bit, the world is full of shite. In global terms the U.K. Is doing fine.
10
I understand the reason John Smith's sells so well is that is it nitro-kegged. This means it does not need a cellar as the gas chills the beer.
For that reason, you'll see it in an endless number of Indian restaurants.
Post edited at 15:25
In reply to Chris Harris:
I believe the parents were passing turkey twizzlers through the school fence, in case that posh food poisoned the kids.
> Can't remember the response of the school staff, but I do recollect a percentage of parents who were opposed to the notion of feeding something nutritious to their beloved offspring.
I believe the parents were passing turkey twizzlers through the school fence, in case that posh food poisoned the kids.
In reply to Jimbocz:
I prefer to submit to our Italian overlords. Good food and wine, so I can live with their superiority at football...
CB
I prefer to submit to our Italian overlords. Good food and wine, so I can live with their superiority at football...
CB
In reply to Oldnick:
Exactly my point, which is why I pointed out the ongoing replacement of German culture by American crap pop culture.
This is not to say that there is not good American culture/food/music per se, but we are submitting to shite fast food chains and crap TV show formats rather than Appalachian folk music and New England lobster dishes.
CB
Exactly my point, which is why I pointed out the ongoing replacement of German culture by American crap pop culture.
This is not to say that there is not good American culture/food/music per se, but we are submitting to shite fast food chains and crap TV show formats rather than Appalachian folk music and New England lobster dishes.
CB
In reply to cb294:
In all areas crap is far easier to design and produce than quality. In numerical terms the crap is always going to win.
In all areas crap is far easier to design and produce than quality. In numerical terms the crap is always going to win.
In reply to DancingOnRock:
Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner, but I have to disagree. My home city is one of the best places in the world for people who don't want to fit in.
On the other hand, small towns are the same the world over.
> In this country we don't seem to celebrate individuality. We like everyone to put into nice pidgeonholed stereotypes (I guess other countries are similar?)Anyone who stands out as an individual is labelled as eccentric or whacky. It might be a symptom of overpopulation. Luckily there are a few of us who don't subscribe to homogeneity.
Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner, but I have to disagree. My home city is one of the best places in the world for people who don't want to fit in.
On the other hand, small towns are the same the world over.
2
In reply to cb294:
I suspect that if everyone liked/ could afford lobster then those who rate it now would soon find it less palatable.
I suspect that if everyone liked/ could afford lobster then those who rate it now would soon find it less palatable.
2
In reply to daWalt:
Bloody cultural relativism, innit.
I think it's fair enough to think that way when it comes to art - I have pretty unsophisticated tastes myself But, when it comes to food, some of it is objectively better, in terms of measurable qualities like nutritional value, environmental impact and worker's treatment. To say that choosing McD over a proper cooked meal is a choice as valid as any other is crap. To say that you have to eat crap because you can't afford any better is fair enough, but it's not a choice of equal value.
> there seems to be some idea that there is no better or lesser choices, all things are personal tastes and all are equal. Any possible notion that one choice is in any way at all superior to another is a personal affront to someone's dignity.
Bloody cultural relativism, innit.
I think it's fair enough to think that way when it comes to art - I have pretty unsophisticated tastes myself But, when it comes to food, some of it is objectively better, in terms of measurable qualities like nutritional value, environmental impact and worker's treatment. To say that choosing McD over a proper cooked meal is a choice as valid as any other is crap. To say that you have to eat crap because you can't afford any better is fair enough, but it's not a choice of equal value.
In reply to Hooo:
Really?
All the high streets I know in London are populated by exactly the same chain stores.
Starbucks, Nero, Next, Clarks, Top Shop, M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waterstones...
If you want something different you have to take a trip to Camden or Dalston or any of the other small 'villages'.
John Smith sells well because it's easy to keep like lager and so the pubs stock it rather than real ale. If I'm out with friends who have chosen the venue, it's often all you can get. Unlike the 80s when the pubs sold real ale and the only lager you could get was dependent on the brewery.
Really?
All the high streets I know in London are populated by exactly the same chain stores.
Starbucks, Nero, Next, Clarks, Top Shop, M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waterstones...
If you want something different you have to take a trip to Camden or Dalston or any of the other small 'villages'.
John Smith sells well because it's easy to keep like lager and so the pubs stock it rather than real ale. If I'm out with friends who have chosen the venue, it's often all you can get. Unlike the 80s when the pubs sold real ale and the only lager you could get was dependent on the brewery.
In reply to Tom Valentine:
Disagree completely. There is such a thing as objective differences in quality. I admit that here is also snobism. No Kobe steak is worth several thousand pounds per kg, and specialty coffee made from beans that have passed through a Binturong gut is simply taking the piss (or the crap more precisely), but if you cannot tell the difference in quality between seafood bought directly from the boat in Bar Harbor (as the last post needed a US example) , and the processed shit at your local McDonalds I cannot really help you.
In fact, buying a nice piece of steak and a ciabatta bun plus some toppings is going to make a much better burger for less.
Same goes for music, literature, architecture, bicycles, climbing resorts, you name it.
CB
Disagree completely. There is such a thing as objective differences in quality. I admit that here is also snobism. No Kobe steak is worth several thousand pounds per kg, and specialty coffee made from beans that have passed through a Binturong gut is simply taking the piss (or the crap more precisely), but if you cannot tell the difference in quality between seafood bought directly from the boat in Bar Harbor (as the last post needed a US example) , and the processed shit at your local McDonalds I cannot really help you.
In fact, buying a nice piece of steak and a ciabatta bun plus some toppings is going to make a much better burger for less.
Same goes for music, literature, architecture, bicycles, climbing resorts, you name it.
CB
1
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In reply to Tom Valentine:
Reminds me of a time I was in a seaside restaurant in Ireland and the lobster on the menu was amazingly cheap, so I ordered two just for me. They were great, and I said as much to the local guy at the next table.
"Ugh" he says. "I grew up round here and had the bloody things every day. Couldn't eat another one".
Oysters too used to be a poor man's food, because no one else wanted them.
> I suspect that if everyone liked/ could afford lobster then those who rate it now would soon find it less palatable.
Reminds me of a time I was in a seaside restaurant in Ireland and the lobster on the menu was amazingly cheap, so I ordered two just for me. They were great, and I said as much to the local guy at the next table.
"Ugh" he says. "I grew up round here and had the bloody things every day. Couldn't eat another one".
Oysters too used to be a poor man's food, because no one else wanted them.
2
In reply to DancingOnRock:
I think you misunderstood me. I didn't mean everyone here is wild and individual - far from it. Most people are as ordinary as everywhere else. It's just that in London you can dress and be whoever you want, and no one will bat an eyelid.
I think you misunderstood me. I didn't mean everyone here is wild and individual - far from it. Most people are as ordinary as everywhere else. It's just that in London you can dress and be whoever you want, and no one will bat an eyelid.
1
In reply to cb294:
There are indeed differences in quality but it's hard to say how objective they are sometimes.
Maybe it's possible by prove that lens A is better than Lens B in terms of clarity and light transmission, with graphs , charts and so on, but you will find it harder to prove that Barolo A is superior to Barolo B without having to resort to someone else's opinion about how it tasted to them.
Architecture? Brian Sewell thinks Sacre Coeur is a complete bag of shite, and he's an expert. But I don't agree and nor do millions of others.
I don't know much about climbing resorts but I have been to a few crags. Objective differences in quality between Froggat and Shining Clough?
There are indeed differences in quality but it's hard to say how objective they are sometimes.
Maybe it's possible by prove that lens A is better than Lens B in terms of clarity and light transmission, with graphs , charts and so on, but you will find it harder to prove that Barolo A is superior to Barolo B without having to resort to someone else's opinion about how it tasted to them.
Architecture? Brian Sewell thinks Sacre Coeur is a complete bag of shite, and he's an expert. But I don't agree and nor do millions of others.
I don't know much about climbing resorts but I have been to a few crags. Objective differences in quality between Froggat and Shining Clough?
1
In reply to captain paranoia:
Agreed.
Freedom to express normal, chicken behaviour during their short lives? I don't begrudge them that.
> They may have small brains, but that doesn't mean they don't suffer psychological problems from overcrowding or other bad conditions.
Agreed.
Freedom to express normal, chicken behaviour during their short lives? I don't begrudge them that.
2
In reply to summo:
There are in some places, but provision is not quite as even as Costabucks, and some do get very funny about some things like you sitting there all afternoon to work if you're only buying coffees and not food.
> It's also why pubs are shutting, they haven't moved with the times. There are plenty of independent cafes that serve excellent food, in clean rooms, free WiFi , many with drinks licences for the non drivers etc..
There are in some places, but provision is not quite as even as Costabucks, and some do get very funny about some things like you sitting there all afternoon to work if you're only buying coffees and not food.
In reply to Hooo:
Salmon too, abundant source of food, became a luxury item, now there's farmed salmon cheap as....
> Oysters too used to be a poor man's food, because no one else wanted them.
Salmon too, abundant source of food, became a luxury item, now there's farmed salmon cheap as....
In reply to Tom Valentine:
Don't tell the posh people on here but they're only a fiver at Morrisons, I'm going to buy one and wave it at poor people while I tell them their choices offend me. I hope I don't fall off my pedestal though.
> I suspect that if everyone liked/ could afford lobster then those who rate it now would soon find it less palatable.
Don't tell the posh people on here but they're only a fiver at Morrisons, I'm going to buy one and wave it at poor people while I tell them their choices offend me. I hope I don't fall off my pedestal though.
2
In reply to Tom Valentine:
Really! Seems an odd suggestion. I like lobster, but as I only eat seafood when I'm at the seaside, I don't have it very often.
> I suspect that if everyone liked/ could afford lobster then those who rate it now would soon find it less palatable.
Really! Seems an odd suggestion. I like lobster, but as I only eat seafood when I'm at the seaside, I don't have it very often.
In reply to Chris Harris:
There's a few reasons why people love "utter shite" one being that's all they know, the places they go sell those things, another is they don't feel good enough to try new things because they think those things are above them. Instead of judging them you could perhaps make it your mission to introduce these people to different things, maybe you could try a McDonald's too, you never know, you might enjoy it.
There's a few reasons why people love "utter shite" one being that's all they know, the places they go sell those things, another is they don't feel good enough to try new things because they think those things are above them. Instead of judging them you could perhaps make it your mission to introduce these people to different things, maybe you could try a McDonald's too, you never know, you might enjoy it.
1
1
I've just opened a can of John Smilths.
It's all they had in my local Tesco's Extra.
I'm drinking it while 'not watching'* the TV.
*it's on in the background while I surf the web and eat my dinner.
It's all they had in my local Tesco's Extra.
I'm drinking it while 'not watching'* the TV.
*it's on in the background while I surf the web and eat my dinner.
In reply to Hooo:
If you can buy a decently raised chicken from a local butcher for not much more than Tesco Shite then you are very lucky. A medium to large typical supermarket chicken is between £4.50 and £6.00 depending on size. I have never seen a free range chicken in a local butchers near that price. The last chicken I bought from a supermarket cost £12 and it was very tasty and free range. Unfortunately unlike me and yourself many people cant simply afford that sort of cost.
If you can buy a decently raised chicken from a local butcher for not much more than Tesco Shite then you are very lucky. A medium to large typical supermarket chicken is between £4.50 and £6.00 depending on size. I have never seen a free range chicken in a local butchers near that price. The last chicken I bought from a supermarket cost £12 and it was very tasty and free range. Unfortunately unlike me and yourself many people cant simply afford that sort of cost.
1
In reply to Wsdconst:
I have had about 3 Maccy D's in my life, once pissed & probably twice when nothing else available. Didn't enjoy it on any of the occasions.
Their adverts bang on about how everything they use is 100% free range/organic/pure beef etc, which makes it even more impressive that they manage to turn it into such pap.
> , maybe you could try a McDonald's too, you never know, you might enjoy it.
I have had about 3 Maccy D's in my life, once pissed & probably twice when nothing else available. Didn't enjoy it on any of the occasions.
Their adverts bang on about how everything they use is 100% free range/organic/pure beef etc, which makes it even more impressive that they manage to turn it into such pap.
1
In reply to icnoble:
That point was well made by a young mother when Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall was trying to convince her that she should spend the extra on a free range chicken over a supermarket value version. She explained to him, quite reasonably, that the difference in price would buy a pair of shoes for her daughter.
That point was well made by a young mother when Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall was trying to convince her that she should spend the extra on a free range chicken over a supermarket value version. She explained to him, quite reasonably, that the difference in price would buy a pair of shoes for her daughter.
2
1
In reply to icnoble:
I did say farm shop, not butcher. One of their smaller chickens ( about the size of a medium supermarket bird ) can be had for £7. And I get to show my daughter the cute little piglets before we buy our sausages, so it's a fun trip too
But I get your point, and acknowledged it earlier. Some people just have to buy what they can afford. I'm not criticising anyone for this, I was just complaining about being treated like a pretentious snob for wanting something better.
I did say farm shop, not butcher. One of their smaller chickens ( about the size of a medium supermarket bird ) can be had for £7. And I get to show my daughter the cute little piglets before we buy our sausages, so it's a fun trip too
But I get your point, and acknowledged it earlier. Some people just have to buy what they can afford. I'm not criticising anyone for this, I was just complaining about being treated like a pretentious snob for wanting something better.
3
In reply to Chris Harris:
I've wondered about how they manage that too. I suspect their definition of "beef" includes a lot of material that most people would regard as only fit for stock, or the bin.
> Their adverts bang on about how everything they use is 100% free range/organic/pure beef etc, which makes it even more impressive that they manage to turn it into such pap.
I've wondered about how they manage that too. I suspect their definition of "beef" includes a lot of material that most people would regard as only fit for stock, or the bin.
In reply to Hooo:
But McD is not cheap! I am a bit tired of this excuse, I certainly could not afford a round of McDs for the family as part of the weekly shopping trip.
Even worse, though, is the Porsche Panameras and Audi Q7s parked in front of our local Aldi. I simply despise people willing to spend 200k€ on a car, but happy to buy shit pasta just save a couple of pennies.
CB
> Some people just have to buy what they can afford. I'm not criticising anyone for this, I was just complaining about being treated like a pretentious snob for wanting something better.
But McD is not cheap! I am a bit tired of this excuse, I certainly could not afford a round of McDs for the family as part of the weekly shopping trip.
Even worse, though, is the Porsche Panameras and Audi Q7s parked in front of our local Aldi. I simply despise people willing to spend 200k€ on a car, but happy to buy shit pasta just save a couple of pennies.
CB
6
In reply to cb294:
Hey, don't knock Aldi
A lot of their stuff is equal to or better than the big name supermarkets. Something a lot of well off types have cottoned on to. I'd rather shop at Aldi than Sainos or Tescos TBH.
Hey, don't knock Aldi
A lot of their stuff is equal to or better than the big name supermarkets. Something a lot of well off types have cottoned on to. I'd rather shop at Aldi than Sainos or Tescos TBH.
4
In reply to Hooo:
But these are the people who could easily afford to shop at our local farm shop, or the Italian place next door, where quality is clearly better than at either Aldi or the next supermarket, except they dont. I suspect that a Chelsea tractor gives them "status" in a way that quality food at home does not.
Penis replacement, if you ask me....
I agree, though, that Aldi or Tescos is not much of a difference, if at all, at least for certain types of products (not pasta!).
CB
But these are the people who could easily afford to shop at our local farm shop, or the Italian place next door, where quality is clearly better than at either Aldi or the next supermarket, except they dont. I suspect that a Chelsea tractor gives them "status" in a way that quality food at home does not.
Penis replacement, if you ask me....
I agree, though, that Aldi or Tescos is not much of a difference, if at all, at least for certain types of products (not pasta!).
CB
1
In reply to Hooo:
I love Aldi, you have to pick and choose on occasion but we do the family shop there and on the whole get everything we need. Occasionally more when they have cycle kit in
I love Aldi, you have to pick and choose on occasion but we do the family shop there and on the whole get everything we need. Occasionally more when they have cycle kit in
In reply to Big Ger:
I am doing, there's just another side to the coin too when you stop and realise how predictable you are from your consumer choices. A nice lady on the phone offered me a sky tv deal 70% off. I had to bite my tongue before "I don't watch tv except channel 4 news and Stewart lee - I watch box sets online" came out.
Don't get me wrong, true detective and black mirror are millions of times better than anything on sky, and watching them with glass of decent wine is my idea of time well spent. And IMO there's objective quality that makes them better than The Voice with a can of Stella, it's just a bit snobbish to point it out!
> Why not celebrate it instead?
I am doing, there's just another side to the coin too when you stop and realise how predictable you are from your consumer choices. A nice lady on the phone offered me a sky tv deal 70% off. I had to bite my tongue before "I don't watch tv except channel 4 news and Stewart lee - I watch box sets online" came out.
Don't get me wrong, true detective and black mirror are millions of times better than anything on sky, and watching them with glass of decent wine is my idea of time well spent. And IMO there's objective quality that makes them better than The Voice with a can of Stella, it's just a bit snobbish to point it out!
1
In reply to cb294:
What do you mean by 'clearly better'. I've not seen any evidence that farm shops stock food that is nutritionally higher quality than the stuff you find in supermarkets.
Furthermore, why does it matter so much to you? Nobody who is eating a balanced diet using cheap supermarket ingredients will have any nutritional deficiency as a result of their diet.
I accept that you may prefer the taste of food from a particular shop, but to despise someone for spending money on a car rather than expensive food seems very odd to me.
> But these are the people who could easily afford to shop at our local farm shop, or the Italian place next door, where quality is clearly better than at either Aldi or the next supermarket, except they dont.
What do you mean by 'clearly better'. I've not seen any evidence that farm shops stock food that is nutritionally higher quality than the stuff you find in supermarkets.
Furthermore, why does it matter so much to you? Nobody who is eating a balanced diet using cheap supermarket ingredients will have any nutritional deficiency as a result of their diet.
I accept that you may prefer the taste of food from a particular shop, but to despise someone for spending money on a car rather than expensive food seems very odd to me.
3
1
In reply to cb294:
There's nothing wrong with the products sold in Aldi or Lidl. They're either as good as, or better than those sold in other supermarkets.
I agrre they're stupid to spend 200k on a car.
There's nothing wrong with the products sold in Aldi or Lidl. They're either as good as, or better than those sold in other supermarkets.
I agrre they're stupid to spend 200k on a car.
In reply to MarkJH:
Better taste. If you are no able to distinguish that, or just eat so as not to starve, then I cannot help you.
CB
Better taste. If you are no able to distinguish that, or just eat so as not to starve, then I cannot help you.
CB
1
1
In reply to captain paranoia:
Cook some Aldi pasta vs. proper Italian pasta, it just does not compare. Same for tea bags, fresh vegetables, wine,...
I give you tinned tomatoes and toilet paper, no difference.
CB
Cook some Aldi pasta vs. proper Italian pasta, it just does not compare. Same for tea bags, fresh vegetables, wine,...
I give you tinned tomatoes and toilet paper, no difference.
CB
In reply to MarkJH:
They have no idea, people just buy into a lifestyle. http://freakonomics.com/podcast/freakonomics-radio-do-more-expensive-wines-...
Its like people have steak as a treat, when egg and chips with bread and butter is just as good, but in our culture Steak is a treat.
Whisky tastes shit, a nice cup of tea is better, but you cannot swirl it around in a glass, and smell the peaty aroma and imagine yourself in a Bothie in the Highlands with a couple of Red Deer humping outside.
You pays your money and makes your choice, but its all totally subjective.
> What do you mean by 'clearly better'.
They have no idea, people just buy into a lifestyle. http://freakonomics.com/podcast/freakonomics-radio-do-more-expensive-wines-...
Its like people have steak as a treat, when egg and chips with bread and butter is just as good, but in our culture Steak is a treat.
Whisky tastes shit, a nice cup of tea is better, but you cannot swirl it around in a glass, and smell the peaty aroma and imagine yourself in a Bothie in the Highlands with a couple of Red Deer humping outside.
You pays your money and makes your choice, but its all totally subjective.
2
In reply to cb294:
I'm not entirely sure that I either want (or need) your help. I seem to manage to prepare nutritious and tasty food using supermarket bought ingredients without too much trouble. A case of workmen and tools perhaps...
> Better taste. If you are no able to distinguish that, or just eat so as not to starve, then I cannot help you. CB
I'm not entirely sure that I either want (or need) your help. I seem to manage to prepare nutritious and tasty food using supermarket bought ingredients without too much trouble. A case of workmen and tools perhaps...
2
In reply to cb294:
What constitues 'proper Italian pasta'? That freshly hand made by some Italian momma?
Sorry, I think you're simply being a snob.
> Cook some Aldi pasta vs. proper Italian pasta,
What constitues 'proper Italian pasta'? That freshly hand made by some Italian momma?
Sorry, I think you're simply being a snob.
5
In reply to captain paranoia:
Not necessarily handmade (even though I do prepare certain types of pasta by hand), but there are much better brands than the Buitoni and related garbage sold by Aldi and others that do not necessarily cost more.
CB
Not necessarily handmade (even though I do prepare certain types of pasta by hand), but there are much better brands than the Buitoni and related garbage sold by Aldi and others that do not necessarily cost more.
CB
2
In reply to cb294:
Aldi's range of wine is quite interesting.
So is Lidl's. At one point there were three different brands of Amarone on sale and I assumed they were all made by genuine Italian vineyards.
Aldi's range of wine is quite interesting.
So is Lidl's. At one point there were three different brands of Amarone on sale and I assumed they were all made by genuine Italian vineyards.
In reply to Tom Valentine:
I grant you that the quality of wines sold by Lidl and Aldi has improved dramatically in the last ten years or so. They now have some excellent and cheap re-labelled wine from time to time, same with Lidl (sister in law is responsible for sourcing the stuff for Norma in Germany, so I do have an idea how it works).
If you can get your hands on the surplus from one of the better chateaux that is sold off just to keep the branded stuff exclusive it can be great. Unfortunately, more commonly it is sold off under a different label because the batches in question simply are too good for the vinegar factory but not good enough for the house label. Extremely hard to tell without tasting (or being tipped off).
ast year I bought some excellent stuff from Lirac (a small village opposite Chateauneuf du Pape) where I knew that the vineyard /chateaux on the label did not exist, so I immediately thought surplus, tried one bottle, and immediately went back to buy the rest! I also got some excellent Swiss white wine at the local Lidl (after being tipped of) that was exactly the same stuff I had previously bought in Contey, but for a quarter of the price.
More often, though, the quality is not exactly what I wanted, so I usually buy my wine where I can taste it at the shop.
CB
I grant you that the quality of wines sold by Lidl and Aldi has improved dramatically in the last ten years or so. They now have some excellent and cheap re-labelled wine from time to time, same with Lidl (sister in law is responsible for sourcing the stuff for Norma in Germany, so I do have an idea how it works).
If you can get your hands on the surplus from one of the better chateaux that is sold off just to keep the branded stuff exclusive it can be great. Unfortunately, more commonly it is sold off under a different label because the batches in question simply are too good for the vinegar factory but not good enough for the house label. Extremely hard to tell without tasting (or being tipped off).
ast year I bought some excellent stuff from Lirac (a small village opposite Chateauneuf du Pape) where I knew that the vineyard /chateaux on the label did not exist, so I immediately thought surplus, tried one bottle, and immediately went back to buy the rest! I also got some excellent Swiss white wine at the local Lidl (after being tipped of) that was exactly the same stuff I had previously bought in Contey, but for a quarter of the price.
More often, though, the quality is not exactly what I wanted, so I usually buy my wine where I can taste it at the shop.
CB
In reply to Chris Harris:
It's interesting that people are suggesting that McDonalds is expensive. I'm pretty certain that McDonalds try pretty hard to be the cheapest of the fast food chains. OK, it's more expensive than sandwiches, but it is considerably cheaper than for example decent fish and chips with a drink. I'd have fish and chips every times, but I can afford the difference.
It's interesting that people are suggesting that McDonalds is expensive. I'm pretty certain that McDonalds try pretty hard to be the cheapest of the fast food chains. OK, it's more expensive than sandwiches, but it is considerably cheaper than for example decent fish and chips with a drink. I'd have fish and chips every times, but I can afford the difference.
In reply to cb294:
youtube.com/watch?v=BUnvgKhWZdI&
I'm not a lover of pasta, so I can't vouch for the stuff they sell in Aldi, but given it costs half as much to shop there as anywhere else, it leaves enough left over to run Der Kaiser on 99 ron.
youtube.com/watch?v=BUnvgKhWZdI&
I'm not a lover of pasta, so I can't vouch for the stuff they sell in Aldi, but given it costs half as much to shop there as anywhere else, it leaves enough left over to run Der Kaiser on 99 ron.
1
In reply to cb294:
Thanks for the tip. Next time I fancy a bottle of wine, I'll just pop down to Lirac...
You do realise that almost all the pasta sold in supermarkets is made in Italy? Or is that not 'proper Italian pasta'?
> ast year I bought some excellent stuff from Lirac (a small village opposite Chateauneuf du Pape)
Thanks for the tip. Next time I fancy a bottle of wine, I'll just pop down to Lirac...
You do realise that almost all the pasta sold in supermarkets is made in Italy? Or is that not 'proper Italian pasta'?
In reply to Jim Fraser:
And why is strength so important?
> And yet we can't even get that right. The Belgians can produce beautiful beer that's over twice the alcohol content of 'strong' British ones. Any similar British attempt results in window cleaner.
And why is strength so important?
In reply to Pursued by a bear:
Got there before me.
Actually I'm not convinced it is as under appreciated as people think. Of course John Smiths sells the most, it is available in the most outlets, whereas the craft beers are usually sold in smaller batches.
> The older I become, the less enamoured I am of strong beer: the Belgians can keep theirs. But there is a real art to brewing a high quality, lower alcohol so-called 'session' bitter that seems unappreciated in much of the world and, sadly, the UK too.T.
Got there before me.
Actually I'm not convinced it is as under appreciated as people think. Of course John Smiths sells the most, it is available in the most outlets, whereas the craft beers are usually sold in smaller batches.
In reply to captain paranoia:
You miss the point, Lirac is just a tiny place I happen to know rather well, so when a nonexisting chateaux claims to be from there it is immediately obvious. In fact it is worth trying the stuff from there (and neighbouring St Laurent d ´ Arbre, as it is much less costly than the fancy stuff from across the Rhone.
As for the pasta, I know most of it at some stage has a part of the production (I suspect mostly the packaging) done in Italy. However, there are obvious differences in quality, e.g. anything by Buitoni is horrible. So for normal weekday cooking I pop down to the supermarket and buy the Barilla stuff when the quarterly, half price offer is on and buy as much as I can get, while for Sunday cooking I either make the pasta from scratch or use the much tastier stuff from the Italian shop.
For egg based pasta like spätzle I have more or less given up on the ready made stuff.
CB
You miss the point, Lirac is just a tiny place I happen to know rather well, so when a nonexisting chateaux claims to be from there it is immediately obvious. In fact it is worth trying the stuff from there (and neighbouring St Laurent d ´ Arbre, as it is much less costly than the fancy stuff from across the Rhone.
As for the pasta, I know most of it at some stage has a part of the production (I suspect mostly the packaging) done in Italy. However, there are obvious differences in quality, e.g. anything by Buitoni is horrible. So for normal weekday cooking I pop down to the supermarket and buy the Barilla stuff when the quarterly, half price offer is on and buy as much as I can get, while for Sunday cooking I either make the pasta from scratch or use the much tastier stuff from the Italian shop.
For egg based pasta like spätzle I have more or less given up on the ready made stuff.
CB
In reply to timjones:
Well you can pretend otherwise but liking McDonalds doesn't make it any less awful a dietary choice. I like all manner of sweet treats but I won't pretend they aren't shite.
> It was the organic veg that I thought was pretentious Beyond that we are lucky enough to have choices, both picnics and the occasional MacDonalds are nice.Why belittle the choices of others?
Well you can pretend otherwise but liking McDonalds doesn't make it any less awful a dietary choice. I like all manner of sweet treats but I won't pretend they aren't shite.
1
I'm not sure why we have the infatuation with Belgian beer. Yes it's interesting but it's strong, and brewed for a different purpose to British beer. Mainstream, volume Belgian stuff is as mixed as it is here.
Our beers were primarily brewed because the water alone killed you.
It was also brewed to slake the thirst of our industrial cities, docks and collieries. The last thing you wanted after a 10 hour shift underground was 4 pints of Furtler's Old bastard, at 6% and containing the brewer's thumbnail and a piece of rusty chain.
Our golden age of beer is in reality, industrial quantities of tat, brewed inconsistently, interspersed with smaller regional brewers supplying their tied estate with a better product.
In the 1960's and up to the late 90's you pretty much had to endure kegged beer, bright shite, Smiths or some other cooking bitter.
We've now got a thriving beer industry, not just small craft brewers, but some producers with national reach, and who you can source across the country, in some right shitty little pubs
6
In reply to DubyaJamesDubya:
That seems like the wrong way of thinking about diet to me. There is nothing intrinsically wrong or 'shite' about McDonalds meals. The quality of the raw ingredients is actually pretty good and the nutrients are effectively no different to any those from other sources. Size for size, they are very high in fat, salt and sugar, but there is no reason at all why you couldn't eat a McDonalds meal for lunch and still stay within your RDI for the major nutrient groups by carefully choosing what you eat for dinner. Obviously if you did this every day, then it would be harder to stick to, but there is no reason why a healthy balanced diet couldn't include a burger or two every once in a while. A meal from a good quality restaurant is unlikely to be any better for you. I enjoy both on occasion and have no trouble sticking to a healthy diet.
> Well you can pretend otherwise but liking McDonalds doesn't make it any less awful a dietary choice. I like all manner of sweet treats but I won't pretend they aren't shite.
That seems like the wrong way of thinking about diet to me. There is nothing intrinsically wrong or 'shite' about McDonalds meals. The quality of the raw ingredients is actually pretty good and the nutrients are effectively no different to any those from other sources. Size for size, they are very high in fat, salt and sugar, but there is no reason at all why you couldn't eat a McDonalds meal for lunch and still stay within your RDI for the major nutrient groups by carefully choosing what you eat for dinner. Obviously if you did this every day, then it would be harder to stick to, but there is no reason why a healthy balanced diet couldn't include a burger or two every once in a while. A meal from a good quality restaurant is unlikely to be any better for you. I enjoy both on occasion and have no trouble sticking to a healthy diet.
4
In reply to cb294:
A new Audi Q7 can be yours for less than 50K and the Porsche for 70K - plenty of change left to spend at Aldi,
Chris
> Even worse, though, is the Porsche Panameras and Audi Q7s parked in front of our local Aldi. I simply despise people willing to spend 200k€ on a car, but happy to buy shit pasta just save a couple of pennies. CB
A new Audi Q7 can be yours for less than 50K and the Porsche for 70K - plenty of change left to spend at Aldi,
Chris
2
In reply to cb294:
No, you miss the point; where in the UK am I going to find these wines? I'm very happy for you that you are well-travelled, and know a little man in Lirac who makes the most splendid wine, but it's not really a viable proposition for most of us, is it?
Pasta just packaged in Italy? Dear lord...
> You miss the point
No, you miss the point; where in the UK am I going to find these wines? I'm very happy for you that you are well-travelled, and know a little man in Lirac who makes the most splendid wine, but it's not really a viable proposition for most of us, is it?
Pasta just packaged in Italy? Dear lord...
2
In reply to The New NickB:
The point being made is that while Maccy's is as the cheaper end of the fast food chain, there are infinitely better options available for less.
Maccy is a bucket load cheaper than a Kobe beef burger, but still much more expensive than being arsed to prepare something from ingredients.
One theme through the thread is "the best X costs loads more than the worst X, so people go for the cheap option".
My question, is "why not go for Y, when good quality Y is cheaper & better than low quality X?".
> It's interesting that people are suggesting that McDonalds is expensive. I'm pretty certain that McDonalds try pretty hard to be the cheapest of the fast food chains. OK, it's more expensive than sandwiches, but it is considerably cheaper than for example decent fish and chips with a drink. I'd have fish and chips every times, but I can afford the difference.
The point being made is that while Maccy's is as the cheaper end of the fast food chain, there are infinitely better options available for less.
Maccy is a bucket load cheaper than a Kobe beef burger, but still much more expensive than being arsed to prepare something from ingredients.
One theme through the thread is "the best X costs loads more than the worst X, so people go for the cheap option".
My question, is "why not go for Y, when good quality Y is cheaper & better than low quality X?".
2
In reply to captain paranoia:
Apologies, my post may not have been clear enough.
Lidl, every now and then, would be the answer, and presumably Aldi as well. Because I know the place by chance I could suspect right away that this was a case of surplus relabelling, which saved me the usual trial and error (and quite some money).
CB
Apologies, my post may not have been clear enough.
Lidl, every now and then, would be the answer, and presumably Aldi as well. Because I know the place by chance I could suspect right away that this was a case of surplus relabelling, which saved me the usual trial and error (and quite some money).
CB
In reply to DubyaJamesDubya:
On what grounds do you claim that it is an awful dietary choice?
> Well you can pretend otherwise but liking McDonalds doesn't make it any less awful a dietary choice. I like all manner of sweet treats but I won't pretend they aren't shite.
On what grounds do you claim that it is an awful dietary choice?
1
In reply to Chris Harris:
You may like Y but others may think it is crap
> The point being made is that while Maccy's is as the cheaper end of the fast food chain, there are infinitely better options available for less.Maccy is a bucket load cheaper than a Kobe beef burger, but still much more expensive than being arsed to prepare something from ingredients. One theme through the thread is "the best X costs loads more than the worst X, so people go for the cheap option".My question, is "why not go for Y, when good quality Y is cheaper & better than low quality X?".
You may like Y but others may think it is crap
In reply to Chris Harris:
I guess another question might be: what takeaway or eat-in beefburger Y is better and cheaper than beefburger X?
Maybe, just maybe, some people like the taste of cheap burgers... Who is to say they're wrong? I'm partial to Poundland's Cheesey Balls...
> My question, is "why not go for Y, when good quality Y is cheaper & better than low quality X?"
I guess another question might be: what takeaway or eat-in beefburger Y is better and cheaper than beefburger X?
Maybe, just maybe, some people like the taste of cheap burgers... Who is to say they're wrong? I'm partial to Poundland's Cheesey Balls...
Post edited at 15:22
1
In reply to Chris Harris:
I don't know if people go to McDonalds instead of cooking at home, I only tend to use them in motorway service stations*, when they are often the only option, always the cheapest option and actually the coffee is pretty good.
* I don't have a fully stocked kitchen in my car and if I know of a better option not far off the motorway, I will use that.
I don't know if people go to McDonalds instead of cooking at home, I only tend to use them in motorway service stations*, when they are often the only option, always the cheapest option and actually the coffee is pretty good.
* I don't have a fully stocked kitchen in my car and if I know of a better option not far off the motorway, I will use that.
4
In reply to DubyaJamesDubya:
A Big Mac is a relatively lean beef and cheese sandwich.
It's when you have fries with it and a large Coke that you ramp the bad stuff up.
> Well you can pretend otherwise but liking McDonalds doesn't make it any less awful a dietary choice. I like all manner of sweet treats but I won't pretend they aren't shite.
A Big Mac is a relatively lean beef and cheese sandwich.
It's when you have fries with it and a large Coke that you ramp the bad stuff up.
5
2
In reply to Chris Harris:
Because you might not have the time or inclination for Y on that occasion. I eat at Maccies when I want food quickly or when not at home and don't wish to pay the cost of eating in a proper restaurant.
> My question, is "why not go for Y, when good quality Y is cheaper & better than low quality X?".
Because you might not have the time or inclination for Y on that occasion. I eat at Maccies when I want food quickly or when not at home and don't wish to pay the cost of eating in a proper restaurant.
2
1
In reply to Neil Williams:
Good point.
I appreciate this is Metro, and not the Lancet, but it makes a fair point, that Maccy D's is often demonised, when more mainstream and "middle class" restaurants are pedaling shite.
http://metro.co.uk/2014/05/20/17-horrifying-calorie-facts-about-your-favour...
Good point.
I appreciate this is Metro, and not the Lancet, but it makes a fair point, that Maccy D's is often demonised, when more mainstream and "middle class" restaurants are pedaling shite.
http://metro.co.uk/2014/05/20/17-horrifying-calorie-facts-about-your-favour...
2
In reply to Nevis-the-cat:
My understanding is that McDs treat their staff very well in the UK, supporting progression from junior levels to management, being very open to transfers around the country based on personal circumstances, and being supportive of part time education.
Many middle class restaurants treat their staff like shite.
> I appreciate this is Metro, and not the Lancet, but it makes a fair point, that Maccy D's is often demonised, when more mainstream and "middle class" restaurants are pedaling shite.
My understanding is that McDs treat their staff very well in the UK, supporting progression from junior levels to management, being very open to transfers around the country based on personal circumstances, and being supportive of part time education.
Many middle class restaurants treat their staff like shite.
4
In reply to wintertree:
I worked at one from age 15 to 18, in the 80's.
They were a world away from most employers then. Mat pay, full sick pay, subsidised study leave, decent wages, promotion from shop floor, company GP.
I think they lost the way when the franchises came in, and with it zero hours, but I may be wrong.
I worked at one from age 15 to 18, in the 80's.
They were a world away from most employers then. Mat pay, full sick pay, subsidised study leave, decent wages, promotion from shop floor, company GP.
I think they lost the way when the franchises came in, and with it zero hours, but I may be wrong.
In reply to balmybaldwin:
Not really fair on Matlock, it's always been the Blackpool of The Peak, a place for the grimey Victorian masses from Manc to go for a day out.
We had a 'tourist' afternoon there once, it was great! The place with the fish was brill.
Not really fair on Matlock, it's always been the Blackpool of The Peak, a place for the grimey Victorian masses from Manc to go for a day out.
We had a 'tourist' afternoon there once, it was great! The place with the fish was brill.
In reply to captain paranoia:
And there you go with the sort of snarky comment I was moaning about. I never suggested that you or anyone else should do their shopping in the same sort of places that I do.
But now you come to mention it, I'd be surprised if you didn't have somewhere better and cheaper than a supermarket where you could buy meat. If you were inclined to look for it...
> Yeah; my town is full of farm shops...
And there you go with the sort of snarky comment I was moaning about. I never suggested that you or anyone else should do their shopping in the same sort of places that I do.
But now you come to mention it, I'd be surprised if you didn't have somewhere better and cheaper than a supermarket where you could buy meat. If you were inclined to look for it...
3
In reply to Hooo:
I'm merely pointing out that not everyone has easy access to farm shops.
So what was this comment supposed to mean?
"I can buy a decently raised chicken from my local farm shop for not much more per kg than Tesco shite"
Was it just smug, middle class bragging?
Yes, I'm deliberately using the accusation you said would be aimed at you. But the truth is, I don't care where you buy your food from, or how much money and effort you spend on buying and preparing it; thats your choice of priorities.
Not all supermarket food is shite, so it seems a bit perverse to claim it is. And, funnily enough, it all comes from farms.
I'm merely pointing out that not everyone has easy access to farm shops.
> I never suggested that you or anyone else should do their shopping in the same sort of places that I do.
So what was this comment supposed to mean?
"I can buy a decently raised chicken from my local farm shop for not much more per kg than Tesco shite"
Was it just smug, middle class bragging?
Yes, I'm deliberately using the accusation you said would be aimed at you. But the truth is, I don't care where you buy your food from, or how much money and effort you spend on buying and preparing it; thats your choice of priorities.
Not all supermarket food is shite, so it seems a bit perverse to claim it is. And, funnily enough, it all comes from farms.
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In reply to captain paranoia:
It was meant to be taken in the context of the rest of my post, which most people seem to have understood.
It's a moan about how I can't even discuss food quality without being branded a snob.
It was meant to be taken in the context of the rest of my post, which most people seem to have understood.
It's a moan about how I can't even discuss food quality without being branded a snob.
In reply to captain paranoia:
No but the price the farmer usually receives for it is.
Shop local, cut out the middlemen and reduce the big chains profits.
> Not all supermarket food is shite,
No but the price the farmer usually receives for it is.
Shop local, cut out the middlemen and reduce the big chains profits.
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In reply to wintertree:
Yes, they have always had a good reputation for the way they work with staff in the UK. I know someone who used to work for them and always spoke highly of them.
> My understanding is that McDs treat their staff very well in the UK, supporting progression from junior levels to management, being very open to transfers around the country based on personal circumstances, and being supportive of part time education.
Yes, they have always had a good reputation for the way they work with staff in the UK. I know someone who used to work for them and always spoke highly of them.
In reply to Tom Valentine:
Ermm.. she buys her kids new shoes every week?
> That point was well made by a young mother when Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall was trying to convince her that she should spend the extra on a free range chicken over a supermarket value version. She explained to him, quite reasonably, that the difference in price would buy a pair of shoes for her daughter.
Ermm.. she buys her kids new shoes every week?
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In reply to captain paranoia:
"Proper pasta", (not Italian,) is the stuff you make at home out of durum wheat flour, eggs, oil, and salt, 30 mins before cooking it.
> What constitues 'proper Italian pasta'? That freshly hand made by some Italian momma?
"Proper pasta", (not Italian,) is the stuff you make at home out of durum wheat flour, eggs, oil, and salt, 30 mins before cooking it.
Post edited at 01:42
In reply to Hooo:
Yes you can. What you're doing rather well instead is being a snob and the complaining about being called a snob.
Edit. Actually cb appears to be taking the biscuit on that front. I might have been a little unfair on you singling you out!
What biscuit would he take though? Bourbon?
> I can't even discuss food quality without being branded a snob.
Yes you can. What you're doing rather well instead is being a snob and the complaining about being called a snob.
Edit. Actually cb appears to be taking the biscuit on that front. I might have been a little unfair on you singling you out!
What biscuit would he take though? Bourbon?
Post edited at 07:20
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In reply to Big Ger:
Shoes don't cost £3 either. Oh wait, maybe she meant the money I spend in 3 months, or the interval between new shoes, is about the same!
Or maybe she was poor so obviously stupid and unable to budget.
Shoes don't cost £3 either. Oh wait, maybe she meant the money I spend in 3 months, or the interval between new shoes, is about the same!
Or maybe she was poor so obviously stupid and unable to budget.
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In reply to Chris Harris:
To return to the subject, I believe the prevalence of tat in the UK is partially due to UK corporate mentality - 'got to make as much profit as fast as possible for the shareholders at the expense of everything else so I get my big bonus.' For example, my local independent supermarket now has an agreement with Tesco and sells their products. Since then, they have stopped selling the locally made quality ice cream that they used to because selling Tesco ice cream is more profitable. It's quite noticeable that it's difficult to find quality stuff because shops simply don't stock it. Why don't they stock it? Because the profit margins are smaller than those on mass-produced cheap tat.
To return to the subject, I believe the prevalence of tat in the UK is partially due to UK corporate mentality - 'got to make as much profit as fast as possible for the shareholders at the expense of everything else so I get my big bonus.' For example, my local independent supermarket now has an agreement with Tesco and sells their products. Since then, they have stopped selling the locally made quality ice cream that they used to because selling Tesco ice cream is more profitable. It's quite noticeable that it's difficult to find quality stuff because shops simply don't stock it. Why don't they stock it? Because the profit margins are smaller than those on mass-produced cheap tat.
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In reply to Toerag:
Not at all, the profit margins on premium products can often be higher. A problem nowadays though is discerning what is worth more, or just marketing.
ie is an Arcteryx Gore Tex jacket any better than the cheapest Gore Tex you can buy, or have they both infact come from the same factory in China or wherever.
> Why don't they stock it? Because the profit margins are smaller than those on mass-produced cheap tat.
Not at all, the profit margins on premium products can often be higher. A problem nowadays though is discerning what is worth more, or just marketing.
ie is an Arcteryx Gore Tex jacket any better than the cheapest Gore Tex you can buy, or have they both infact come from the same factory in China or wherever.
In reply to Lenin:
I've generally found you get what you pay for with outdoor equipment, but certainly, like cars where you also get what you pay for, higher price = higher margin.
> ie is an Arcteryx Gore Tex jacket any better than the cheapest Gore Tex you can buy, or have they both infact come from the same factory in China or wherever.
I've generally found you get what you pay for with outdoor equipment, but certainly, like cars where you also get what you pay for, higher price = higher margin.
In reply to Big Ger:
Actually most Italians eat dried pasta at home.
> "Proper pasta", (not Italian,) is the stuff you make at home out of durum wheat flour, eggs, oil, and salt, 30 mins before cooking it.
Actually most Italians eat dried pasta at home.
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In reply to Nevis-the-cat:
Pizza express, Nando's, TGI Friday, Starbuck's & 'Spoons isn't that much of a step up from Maccy is it? They're not exactly Alain Ducasse are they?
> Good point.I appreciate this is Metro, and not the Lancet, but it makes a fair point, that Maccy D's is often demonised, when more mainstream and "middle class" restaurants are pedaling shite. http://metro.co.uk/2014/05/20/17-horrifying-calorie-facts-about-your-favour...
Pizza express, Nando's, TGI Friday, Starbuck's & 'Spoons isn't that much of a step up from Maccy is it? They're not exactly Alain Ducasse are they?
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