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[chelseagirl]

Thanks to those who replied on the Tolkien and gender question; there were lots of interesting responses. I'm pleased to say that teenygozer counted herself and one of her friends in the Merry-sex-changers camp, so that though we are few, we are more prevalent than I would have thought! (I have known both teenygozer and silme for a *very* long time, much longer than, I think, anyone else on my f-list, so it's fascinating that they are the ones who'd thought along the same lines lo those many years ago . . . ) Anyway, please do ask your friends and let me know what they have to say; and check out the other replies, amaka's detailed and thoughtful one in particular.

Amused to note that while my genre book group is doing Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell for next time, my other book group is reading Monica Ali's Brick Lane. As I've read both of these books before, it gives new meaning to the term Summer Rerun Season! I'm particularly looking forward to rereading JS&MN again, though, as I devoured it much too quickly on my first reading.

M. and I watched Gordon Ramsay's new reality show, Hell's Kitchen, last night. And you know, much as I wish he'd get out of the restaurant business, seeing him talking and yelling at the screen like a sports fan last night made me realize, it really *is* in his blood. Plus we were eating this amazing seafood and avocado salad he'd made while watching it . . .

Comments

[havocthecat]

Hey, I randomly happened upon that last night and watched it. Hell's Kitchen, I mean. Very...interesting. And I think I enjoyed the strange mix of boot camp, survivor, and restaurant drama. How glad was I that the chief drama queen got booted off after the second episode, though? Very.

So, two questions: What sorts of things was M. shouting at the screen? And is there any chance on getting a recipe for the avocado/seafood salad? Because that sounds like the perfect sort of summer dinner to make on a really hot and humid day. :)

[chelseagirl.livejournal.com]

Oh, he was yelling at the drama queen, coaching or scolding various team members, telling me how solid Ramsay's decisions were -- *just* like a sports fan.

He's more improvisation guy than recipe guy, but I can tell you what was in it -- shrimp, smoked salmon rolled up into little, uh, rolls, avocado, tomato, onion, cucumber, and mesclun lettuce mix. He dresses it with what he calls a "Mary Rose" dressing (it's a Brit thing, I don't entirely get it) which he makes from mayonnaise and ketchup -- which tastes a lot better than it sounds, but you could definitely go another way with the dressing . . . And it is a great summer dinner.

[studiesinlight.livejournal.com]

>"a "Mary Rose" dressing (it's a Brit thing, I don't entirely get it) which he makes from mayonnaise and ketchup"

Mayonnaise and ketchup are the main ingredients in my family's recipe for imitation Thousand Island dressing. I have no idea of the origin of this recipe, except that I come from excruciatingly frugal people.

[havocthecat]

The drama queen deserved much yelling. Oy. And yes, he does sound like a sports fan in that regard. *giggle* Ooh, I think ep three is on either tonight or tomorrow! Must check TV Guide.

Hey, I have a silly question: Do chefs have to wear those horrid white t-shirts under their jackets? I'd think a tank top would be okay, because it wouldn't be quite so dreadfully hot that way.

Thanks for the recipe, BTW! I don't know if I'll go with exactly what M. is doing, but it sounds really yummy and I could probably come up with something, even if it might not be pro-in-the-food-industry level good.

[chelseagirl.livejournal.com]

It's on tonight. M.'s got plans but he's already announced he's coming home in time to watch. *Just* like a sports fan -- the tape delay won't work.
Even though his mum apparently watched this show in England months ago . . .

Dunno about the t-shirts; I'll see if M. does. (My only other chef source is currently on a cooking-and-eating trip of Italy; life sucks for some people, eh?) Years ago someone told me that men wear t-shirts even in summer because it keeps them cooler, but that kind of sounds icky (sweat recycling?) and counterintuitive to me.

[havocthecat]

*giggle* And I spent half of last night's episode wondering how much M. was shouting at the screen.

Dude. Jeff saved his kidney stone? That's gross. And then later? I can accept screwing up in the kitchen because you're in pain and therefore distracted, but then after you pass your kidney stone, you come up with a whole new excuse? Time to suck it up and deal then.

And thanks for checking on the shirt thing! :)

[chelseagirl.livejournal.com]

Having duly reported my recipe approximation to M. he wants to make sure that you know that "Mary Rose" sauce also includes Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and paprika. Which does sound rather better than what I'd described, doesn't it?

[havocthecat]

You know, that does sounda lot better. :) And the name will help me to look something up. Thanks a lot! :)