Stayed at our friend's place in London and since they had a ridiculous kitchen (induction cookers and double convection ovens!), I had to do some cooking to thank our gracious hosts Stefan and Cherey (thanks!) for letting us stay there. The produce looked spectacular at Mark and Spencer's (a high end grocery store), but all the meats and seafood were shrink wrapped??? WTF? No fish monger or meat guy anywhere on site. Even the mussels came in a sealed box??Any who, I have to admit the produce were spectacular. The santini tomatoes were by far the sweetest I've ever had. Almost like eating candy which was kinda weird. Basically tossed that with some spectacular pasta (Mark and Spencer brand imported for Italy), corn and basil. This pasta was so good it had some great chew to it 45 minutes after cooking it - I had thirds :) Corn was also insanely good, but New Jersey corn is still tops in my opinion.
It was also interesting seeing the labeling of the produce firsthand. The country, farm name, and even the strength of cheese 1-4 (4 being uber stank) is on every single label. Looks like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey are making an impact over there - I don't forsee Sandra Lee or Rachel Ray transforming the grocery stores for the better in America.
Even the airport had the UK sandwich shop Pret A Manger. We have this store in NYC as well, but not at the airports. Usually the US airport options are limited - aka shitty. The all day sandwich (eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, and sprouts) was a welcome change and interesting to see their slogan - they make everything that day and whatever they don't sell they give to food kitchens. Good stuff and I like the variety.
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