So apparently those of us who live in the gardenless-grid known as the North Laine have an opportunity to own a little bit of green. I’m talking about allotments and I had no idea that these were available until just now when I stumbled upon their blog. (Even allotments have blogs nowadays, didn’t you know?) I’m always moaning to Stephen about how much I’d love to have a garden so that I can grow my own herbs and veggies and now I just may have that chance! Of course, I have no idea what it entails and thus far I have difficulty keeping a mere basil plant alive BUT I do know that it means I can buy a supercute pair of gardening gloves and a fab pair of wellies, along with a funky gardening hat, preferably from Velvet.

The info on the council’s website says that you can indeed share an allotment. I must get on to my Girl Wonder and see if she’d like to foster a partnership of growing luscious tomatoes and gorgeous bell peppers. I definitely think the wellies will win her over! A full plot is only £34 a year and just think how much money you’d save NOT having to buy your veggies from Le Tesco. Doesn’t get more local than this, does it?

Now, just need to check and see if the bus will get me there….

… and refuses to share, resulting in London having a tantrum, taking its toys and going home.
I found out, not by being a diligent pseudo-journalist, but by hearing the sign announcing Bill’s win being knocked to the floor whilst I was dining there this past Saturday. So a big congrats to Bill’s! They won Best Newcomer and they definitely deserve it! Hopefully the Observer won’t be tight and will give them another sign.

More winners include Carluccio’s for best breakfast (they do breakfast??). The Jolly Sportsman in Lewes won 2nd place for Best Sunday Lunch (ah-ha! A UPSD visit is definitely in order!) and Pokeno Pies in 3rd place for Best Cheap Eats. I’m glad to see that Taj got a mention too for Best of the Rest Southeast Food Retailer along with Real Eating Company. I’ve been looking for an excuse to upload these Taj pics so here ya go!

I apologise for the sheer un-Pc’ness of the title. Come on, it’s funny! It was a toss up between that and the “Me so solly!!” line from Krusty the Clown. Flapping dickie anyone?

So everytime we want to order in Stephen votes for Chinese and he is always immediately veto’ed. Not because I don’t like Chinese but because we simply haven’t found a really awesome Chinese takeaway yet. I would constantly argue that my old Chinese in Belfast rocked the house and was far superior to any that I’ve had here in England and Stephen would constantly argue back that they’re pretty much all the same. Well. We went to Belfast a couple of weeks ago and after a few drinks at the pub we went back, ordered a Chinese (although not from my beloved Emerald City as they heard rumours of “hygiene issues”) and it was just. so. lovely. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence, I know that there are really good Chinese places here in Brighton, I just have no idea where or who they are. I don’t mean posh Chinese either, although I’ll be reviewing some of that soon since I have my FOF voucher for Gars down in the old lanes.

What I need are your suggestions so that I can finally say to Stephen, “Yes. Yes we can order that Chinese tonight.”

Basically, what I’m after are some places that are good for a meal that’s none too pricey but also none too gross. I like those 2 and 3 course menus but most of the time they turn out to be so very below average. So I never go to these places. I need you, my readers, to let me know where it is you all go when you want to dine out but it’s about 2 days from payday and you’re just a tad bit skint. We’ve already mentioned Pokeno Pies and Carluccio’s. Anywhere else? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?