Birthday Brunch @ Lawson Grove Shop

PG's first comment was, "Is that someone's house?" The Lawson Grove Shop is that homey. What I liked most about it is that it's snuggly tucked away from view and from the rest of the world but still, people come together to eat at the cafe. Walking in, it makes you feel as if you've stepped back in time, when there were cows chewing on the green grass and chickens outside.

While it is tucked away, it is no secret to the people living nearby. The coffee is from Gravity and it's smooth, silky and not burnt. I want another one. Food, of course, is the reason why people come back for more. It's rustic, simple yet filling. It is also original and tasty. WL had the french toast with marscapone and poached quince, PG had the baked eggs with sausage (he loved the sausage so much he saved it for last) and I had the brekky burritto. Someone seated beside us talked about how another person loved the breakfast special--toasted brioche with sauteed mushrooms.

Service was fast and quiet, I hardly noticed because the conversation and the company were so good. My brekky burritto has a bit of spice in it which is alright for me. I haven't had spicy breakfast in a while, so this is not bad at all. The scrambled eggs were cooked just creamy and not overly dry, it complemented the rich sour cream and the red kidney beans. A hit of fresh coriander completes the ensemble and it's time to dig in again for another bite.

As our new acquaintance left us, waving pleasantly good-bye, he wished us well saying, "I don't believe in coincidence but I believe in energy and am sure we'll see each other again". If energy will bring us back together again at Lawson Grove Shop, then life's definitely a treat.

SAZL Sweats: Humble Boiled Potatoes

Almost everybody who knows me understand why I love to watch Pride and Prejudice. The music, the scenery, the costumes, the screenplay and let's not forget the parties, table settings and the food. Food-wise, it might not be significant and somewhat minimal but most happenings were around the table, while they were having breakfast, lunch or dinner. Of course, Jane Austen did not focus on food but on the people. In the movie, however, Mr. Collins complimented on the "excellent boiled potatoes" that night when he came over to the Austen residence to chose a wife. From the stack of huge chunks of boiled potatoes, I noticed that it was glistening and specked with herbs and thought, what does it actually taste like? Most potato dishes I've had were fried, baked or braised. Granted all these were tasty and memorable (like the beetroot and potato gratin at Momo) but boiled potatoes? Hmm...

So I came up with my idea of boiled potatoes, it may not be as healthy but it is really, really yummy!

Ingredients:

4 potatoes, cut into chunks

2 tablespoons cream (any will do, I believe that cream cheese or ricotta will also work well)

1 tablespoon dried parsley

few knubs of butter

a pinch of salt

Method:

Place cut potatoes into a large pot with cold water just enough to cover the potatoes. Bring this to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot. Place the rest of the ingredients in until butter is melted. Serve warm.

I know it's so simple and you can probably add more or less into the boiled potatoes but on a cold day like this...it's the perfect boiled potatoes for me.