Sugared Almonds

Sugared Almonds, or confetti as we call them in Italy are one of my greatest passions.

I compulsively eat as many as I can find until my teeth ache.

Our new pack memeber was born on 24th May and little Phil’s baptism provided an opportunity to eat a lavish meal and to gorge on confetti.

What I think is fascinating about confetti is that they have evolved so much from the simple ‘sugared almond’ definition they almost warrant a new name like ‘almond delight’ or something less naff.

Anyway in the eighties you could find chocolate flavoured ones but now the choice is truly inspiring. You can select pear and milk chocolate, pear and white chocolate, coconut, strawberry, chapagne and all sort of flavours.

So quite frankly next time you hand me a bomboniera (the exquisite silver ornament that is packaged next to the confetti in crinoline and bows) be  aware that it will be torn to pieces as soon as I get in the car so that I can unlock the almondy goodness inside.

Temakinho- Temakeria Brasileira

We’ve been absent for a while for a number of reasons; summer holidays, work…finding out we’re expecting another member of our pack (in human form)! And sadly, accompanying nausea that made blogging and any kind of movement pretty improbable.

Now safely half way through the third month we’re returning to old habits although the discovery that I have no immunity to toxoplasmosis means that my culinary adventures are dramatically limited.

So, last night we ventured as far as the Naviglio grande where we tried out as an ‘antipasto’ this Brazilian Tekamakeria that we’d had our eye on.

It’s cute, small but modern and the staff is friendly. It definitely embodies my idea of a successful modern eatery innovative food, limited menu, good quality and an eye for design.

Mr Towers has the coquille st Jacques and salmon egg temakinho, while I had to go for fried prawns and surimi (presuming these were all cooked).  The food was served quickly and was yummy but the price on these little parcels is pretty steep and will set you back anything between 6-10 euro per roll.

Temakinho

Atmosphere: laid back but cute. A bit cramped when it gets crowded I should think

Food: Temaki

Dinner for two: Expect to spend 50 euro for 2 people, particularly if you are hungry.

Would we go back? Perhaps, but for a snack and not a proper meal

Italian food in Beijing

On today’s online version of Corriere della Sera an interesting video by Beijing based restauranteurs that explains a little about how to make it in Beijing with an Italian restaurant.

Difficulties catering to sophisticated Beijingren and sourcing genuine Italian products (such as mozzarella di bufala, salami, burrata etc).

PS. Sorry it’s all in Italian!!