Purple Rain is big. From the first words… “dearly beloved, we are gathered here to talk about this thing called life….” you are cast into this deep, meaningful abyss of an album. At all material times, you feel an ominous je ne sais quoi. This is more than music. Purple Rain is cultural heritage. In fact, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. The Registry comprises a list of sound recordings that “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important”
Purple Rain is certified 13-times platinum and has sold 25 million copies. It is now the third best selling album of all time!
Given this, I am aghast that nobody is talking about it. In 2016, the album was re-released and became the 13th best selling album of that year.
But enough about this album’s achievements. No one more, it is currently 148 in Rolling Stones top 500 albums of all time.
Prince’s rock & roll is as authentic and compelling as his soul and his extremism is endearing in a era of play-it-safe record production and formulaic hit mongering. Rolling Stones
I could go on ad infinitum about the accolades of this album. But let us talk about my favourite tracks, because this is my blog, after all. Darling Nikki is my favourite track. It’s about a sex fiend and how she romanced Prince with her rough haphazard ways. There’s a freaky solo at the end which makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Baby I’m A Star is also a standout track. Let’s Go Crazy and When Doves Cry reached Number 1 in the US charts. Usually one shouldn’t pay attention to what Americans think but they’re right on this occasion.
“Let’s Go Crazy” is a furious blend of metallic guitars, Stonesy riffs, and a hard funk backbeat; the anthemic title track is a majestic ballad filled with brilliant guitar flourishes. Allmusic
The tracks on this album are sharp and aggressive. They will send you to places you didn’t think music could take you. They shall open your eyes to the true extent of Prince’s prowess. There’s nothing quite like the total overwhelming brilliance of Purple Rain.
It grieves me that I did not record my favourite eateries when I spent my year in Rome. However, my recent trip to the Eternal City proved fruitful indeed. I overloaded myself with countless meals. Actually, I suppose I could count them if I really wanted to. But I don’t!
Pane e Salame is a splendid sandwich shop. The menu is fast and fully amenable to one’s fickle desires. Often, I would order a panini and go to sit by the Trevi fountain, an easy 3 minute walk away, watching the heaving tourists and the resplendent cascading waters.
I must have tried 75% of the paninis there in my time. However, on this occasion, I went for the U panini. You’ll be able to see the menu here:
U was the ham; brie; lettuce and truffle cream panini. Oh what a joyous snack. The bread is made freshly each day. It can be a little crunchy. Masticate with care, as they say. My sandwich is pictured below:
Nel cuore di Roma, a pochi passi da Fontana di Trevi!
Salumi e formaggi di qualità, tutti rigorosamente italiani!
Pane e Salami is #4 restaurant of 10,000+ in Rome, at the time of writing. It is hardly surprising given the location; quality and price combined. All of these prove to be a winning combination for Pane e Salame. I can’t recommend this enough for those who want a quick and exquisite meal in Rome. If you are looking to sit in the restaurant proper, be prepared to wait in line for some time. Peak times are monstrous at this restaurant, queues of selfie-stick-laden tourists stretch around the corner.
Nonetheless, it behoves all of us to try one of their paninis when in central Rome.
Tucked away in the mean streets of Selly Oak, Birmingham, is a genuine and delightful Korean restaurant. Dining at Kimchi was a spontaneous decision. My dear friend Adomas had come back from Madagascar and was bored while I ran around on errands all day. We met, at last, in Kimchi.
At first, I was glad to find it so empty. My visit was at around 4pm which explains it. But one cannot complain. Fewer people inadvertently caught in a photo means fewer potential lawsuits. Equally, the chefs are just waiting around to cook for you, which means the food arrives at lightning speed.
Above is pictured the masterful Korean spicy chicken. This gorgeous dish reminds me of a dish which my super chef flatmate See Yu used to make us with porc belly. I have since tried hopelessly to reproduce the beautiful consistency. There is something magical in the way the sesame seeds mingle with the honey and soy sauce caramelisation. I think about this flavour often and wish I could walk in a world where everything were made of this. Perhaps then it would not be so special. Anyway, below is pictured my own attempt, before I move onto Adomas’ dish.
I tried my best. Admittedly it was phenomenal.
Adomas opted for the beef ramen. He did not expect it to come in such a vast portion. This was his fourth meal of the day. I seldom exceed one on account of terrible loneliness robbing me of appetite. It is pictured below, and what a sight it was.
Kimchi prides itself on no-nonsense authentic Korean food. This beef ramen was exactly that. Hearty; filling and replete with many wonderful flavours. They do ramen varieties soy sauce; seaweed; menma; pickled ginger and spring onions were all present and made for a delicious dish. Adomas very much enjoyed it.
I do hope you’ll meander down to Kimchi when you’re next in Selly Oak. It will make you forget all about the rat infested student houses in the surrounding area. An oasis in the dank, musky underbelly of Birmingham University’s forgotten suburb.
Before I go, here is a picture of Adomas at my home, looking groovy.
During my time in Rome, I wrote a number of essays for my university. Here is the one of which I am most proud. It received 30 e lode, which is Italian for “really well done, I’m impressed”.
Since it is over 4000 words, I’ll not drain your already waning attention on a lengthy introduction. This essay provides an answer to the question burning in everyone’s minds:
Are you tired of Birmingham posts yet? Terribly sorry there are more to come. I must spend a considerable amount of my time here on account of my Master’s degree. But fret not, I shall still undertake to leave every now and then. There are some exciting places lined up for me to visit in the coming weeks.
But let’s get to the essential point. The Meat Shack.
Known throughout town as the restaurant where one is always referred to as “boss”, The Meat Shack provided me with endless greasy joy.
What you behold before you are frickles. Deep fried, cider battered pickles. They came with a choice of hot sauce and blue cheese sauce. The waiter recommended that I combine both. What a joyous dish this was. It accompanied the burger very well. Speaking of which…
Aged beef patty; red Leicester cheese; Dutch cheese; candy bacon crumb; Stornaway black pudding; Gochujang mayo and iceberg red onion.
The homemade burger buns; the ungodly combination of the aforementioned ingredients, the frickles – as you can imagine I had a marvellous time. Combining crumbled bacon and black pudding on a burger is nothing short of genius. What I would give to eat this burger again. In fact, I shall be taking my class to our monthly luncheon there at the end of October.
While you’re there, take time to appreciate the honest and brash artwork which dominates the walls. all are done by local Birmingham artists. I’m so impressed with the Meat Shack. The prices are reasonable and the quality of the food is high. Meals here are prepared to a high standard and have yet to disappoint me. I look forward to hearing my colleagues’ responses in a few weeks.
One additional advantage is its proximity to Birmingham New Street station. As you can see from the map, below, you won’t have to walk very far! And if you’re driving, there is a car park right next door.
The Meat Shack is the place to go for a groovy burger. You will certainly not be disappointed!
Attached is a brief treatise on why I had to rid myself of Instagram permanently.
Many factors led to this decision. I listed the three most pertinent ones. Please read the attached with an open mind. This is not a personal attack, it is an explanation of my recision.
One might question what such a diatribe is doing on a food blog. Those in confusion ought to remember that this is my blog, and not theirs.
