If you've been to London, you know M & S. For those of you who haven't been to London or any of the other countries where they operate, I'm talking about Marks and Spencer.
M & S is fantastic. It's in my book as one of the 2 best stores in the world. It's right up there with Tokyu Hands. But for those of you who haven't been you have to imagine a cross of Trader Joe's and Target, but about 100 times better, and even that doesn't do it justice.
M & S is also the largest clothing retailer in Britain. Now don't take that to mean they're selling crap. I'm no metrosexual and she's no fashionista but we like our clothes. And we love M & S. They have everything. It's wonderful.
But where they truly shine is with their food. They're much like Trader Joe's but so much better in every way. For example, take this.
The New Gastropub Line.
Gastropub = Pub + Gastronomy = Gourmet Comfort Food.
I don't have time to explain it in any more detail.
Now we were both skeptical. And yet She and I both knew we had to try it. So out it comes from the box...
and out of the packaging, and the instructions are followed...
and so far I'm still not impressed. I mean, are you? Look at it all pasty and sluggish. So into the oven. And then?
Magic! 3/4 through the cooking process and it smells as good as it looks, and doesn't it look good?
I say again, Doesn't it look good?
And after eating it how did we feel?
(yes, this was a photo staged for our amusement.)
And why did it make us feel this way? Because it tasted even better than it looked. Crispy crackling skin? Juicy tender meat. Check and Check. Delicious? Oh yes.
Now including the oven time of 45 minutes this all took 50 minutes. Yup, 5 minutes prep time if that. Any maybe 3 minutes in the middle to make the sauce they include.
I'm a big fan of Trader Joe's but c'mon. Joe can you do this for me? I didn't think so.
