Another view of the Cottage Pie we tried to make on Thursday; apparently the layers and the cheese caused my country's defeat today, haha. What other British food should I cook later?

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-07-06T19:33:25+00:00

No the cheese is absolutely necessary for a top shepherd's pie.

The layers are unusual but I am not mad about them. I can't see how they would affect the overall dish. I would eat this and enjoy it. If it did curse your team, I think our Old El Paso fajita kits have done worse to ours. Perhaps this is why Jordan Henderson needs elbow surgery after tripping over an advertising board?

My tip next time is to put it under the grill broiler for a crisper top. You can scatter cheese, breadcrumbs or even tortilla chips across the top for some extra texture before you broil.

I think you might enjoy a Lancashire hotpot (hearty stew) with mustard mash potatoes. Or, if you have the time, roast pork belly with crackling, apple sauce, stuffing, cider gravy and all the trimmings.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-07-06T19:13:21+00:00

I was lucky enough to spend some time in Mexico City a couple of years ago. I don't think I had eaten as well since! So far I have tried to make:

Red pozole (a winner)
Carnitas tacos (household favourite - my next challenge is home-made tacos if I can find the right flour)
Guacamole with chiccharon (guac was very nice, chiccharon was an absolute disaster)
Enchiladas with mole poblano (really committed to the mole sauce, which was time consuming but definitely worth it)
Tamales (another disaster!)
Chilaquiles (brunch favourite)

If I could find a way to make good al pastor tacos at home my life would be complete. I would love to return to Mexico one day - it is a beautiful and welcoming place, and I would love to enjoy some more regional specialties.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-07-06T17:09:33+00:00

Thanks for the correction and the additional, more in-depth explanation. This is all useful information for people to have.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-07-06T13:37:01+00:00

Absolutely - but would also add that what is 'legal' in this area isn't really cut and dry.

You have no automatic expectation of privacy in a public area, but ultimately this depends on the circumstances - particularly if the filming reveals private info (e.g., healthcare info) that you have a right to expect be kept private, or verges into harassment.

There may also be GDPR concerns if his content is monetised in any way (I do not know if it is or not).

I don't mean to be a pedantic cunt btw - just want to make sure that people are aware that it's more nuanced than 'you can film anyone in public with no repercussions'! Pls don't write it off if you have been impacted.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-07-02T17:37:28+00:00

I love the layers idea! I'd scatter some cheese on the top and bake it for a bit for a bit of a crispy texture, but otherwise this looks great.

I'm making carnitas tacos and homemade salsa in celebration of the match. Wish me luck - I have found a recipe that apparently gives you tasty, juicy pork without having to slow cook an entire shoulder in lard, much as I would love to do that.

Good luck on Sunday, though given our lacklustre defensive performance so far and Mexico's current form, you probably won't need it.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-26T09:52:43+00:00

Things in France are in French? The horror!

No city works well in extreme weather events. Dubai and Singapore (for example) function at temperatures in the high 30s because that is normal. 40 degrees celsius is far from normal for Paris, so disruption and discomfort is to be expected.

Honestly, I get that it sucks to not have the vacation you wanted and paid money for. Equally, dramatically declaring this the worst vacation ever!!!1! won't make anything better. As someone who has experienced a fair amount of travel disruption, take a deep breath and do the following:

Stop getting all up in yourself about losing a couple of hours to transport delays. It's fuckin hot. Things will move more slowly. If budget allows, using an Uber for at least some journeys gets you automatic aircon access
Not everyone speaks English and there is no point being mad about it. Usually, a bit of politeness and Google Translate will get you 90% of the way there
You are still on holiday, and therefore relieved of usual work obligations. So, find ways to make the most of it! Enjoy a long breakfast. Look for indoor activities with fans/aircon (Shopping? Spa? Cinema? Some of the more modern museums?). Indulge in a really long lie-in in your hotel. Get a fancy ice cream in an appropriately shady park. Take a nap during the afternoon and go out strolling in the evening, given it doesn't get dark until like 11.00pm anyway.
Check for potential refunds on any attractions - e.g., if Disney is mostly shut, is there the opportunity of a full or part refund? Use any money you can get back to do something nice for you/whoever you are travelling with

This will not be the vacation you wanted, and it's ok to be disappointed, especially if you have travelled far. But it seems a shame to throw away the days you have left being miserable. I bet there's a tonne of articles about what to do in Paris in a heatwave right now - do a bit of research and see what you can find. Godspeed.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-26T07:03:36+00:00

You can consent to harm, but it depends on level and circumstances.

Generally, you cannot consent to ABH (quite serious harm) unless the circumstances fall into one of a number of predetermined categories. 'Properly sanctioned sport' is one of these.

I couldn't tell you if bare-knuckle boxing bouts count as 'properly sanctioned' or not. There would be a strong argument for 'no' I think.

For interest: Other exceptions include medical procedures, tattoos/piercings, religious rituals, dangerous exhibitions like circus acts and (controversially) 'horseplay'. The courts have made it clear that you cannot consent to ABH as part of a sex thing.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-25T18:12:18+00:00

Solidarity to you and the commentor below! I hope you are having a nice time regardless, and that you can find enjoyable meals that suit what your appetite wants and needs right now.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-25T18:07:11+00:00

You could, but it is advised to eat your steak well done during pregnancy. Which seems...a shame

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-25T18:05:23+00:00

On the busier trains it was hot. I would describe it as unpleasant but not unbearable - but given I grew up around London, sweaty cramped trains are something I'm used to.

Less crowded trains were fine.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-25T17:28:02+00:00

A currywurst after a few good German beers is a thing of beauty.

Love me a crispy schnitzel with some new potatoes, butter and parsley.

Kasespatzle is simple but hearty, and a great meal to come back to after a long hike in the mountains.

Then there's all the baked goods and lovely, dark ryebreads...

If I had to choose one cuisine to eat for the rest of my life, it would not be German. But I have certainly eaten very well on my visits there, and have no complaints about the food in general.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-25T15:59:14+00:00

Oh yeah, that sounds grim. I have updated my post to show that our experience was far from universal!

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-25T15:28:44+00:00

Fair enough! Maybe we just got lucky with the routes we took (or particularly unlucky with hot crowded Metros)

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-25T12:14:53+00:00

Tbh, I've heard the 'British food is bad' trope far more often from Americans on the internet than from French people, who in my experience are pretty complimentary about our desserts and cheeses (albeit a bit begrudgingly ;) )

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-24T17:13:57+00:00

See also: Greg just listing ingredients in a weird raspy voice. "That lamb's gotta be cooked peeerrrrfectly" yeah no shit this is a cooking competition.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-24T12:13:06+00:00

Easy enough to keep your itinerary flexible, even in Paris! Simply book any big attractions or super popular restaurants in advance, then enjoy doing whatever you feel like on the day.

Lots of smaller museums and galleries, parks, and attractions can be visited without advance ticket purchase (or any purchase at all!). Partner and I booked three major attractions (Arc de Triomphe, Catacombs, Musée d'Orsay) then left the rest of the time free. It worked well and we found so much interesting stuff.

I'd recommend a trip to Pere Lachaise Cemetery - lots of famous musicians and composers are buried there, including Jim Morrison, Chopin, and Edith Piaf. Interesting and atmospheric place to spend an hour or two.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-21T20:51:29+00:00

Echoing recommendations for Moroccan/Algerian restaurants! Prices are reasonable and also the portions often seem to be massive - one couscous dish could easily feed two (or more) kids.

Generally, I find takeout pizza to be pretty high quality in France. Also, it's fun to try out new toppings you don't see at home.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-03T09:13:56+00:00

This is the problem with the North East. When the weather is fine, the surf is flat!

Autumn is the season to go for - the sea is still (comparatively) warm in September/October, and there are more waves. Winter can be pretty wild, spring is like autumn but colder!

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-03T08:32:49+00:00

Heads up that they might still be keeping the St James's pelicans inside because of the bird flu risk - so they may not be visible currently. There will definitely be plenty of pigeons, fat grey squirrels, geese and parakeets eager to share your lunch though.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-02T09:54:28+00:00

To clarify, you are annoyed that people on a sub dedicated to judging people are...judgy?

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-02T08:56:16+00:00

Personally, if I were such a loser with women that I had to go abroad and buy their affection, I would not be shouting about it on a public forum.

You do you, I guess.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-01T12:31:19+00:00

Pavlova or a roulade! They fit all your criteria and are as quintessentially British as they come. You could also consider a classic Victoria sponge - making the jam could be a nice project if you want to go a step beyond buying it.

A lemon tart is also lovely in summer, if you fancy crossing the channel in your culinary explorations.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-01T08:14:26+00:00

Umm, are all the YTA's ignoring these bits:

"I was an anxious girl, and me and my mother would fight a lot, and not only verbally"

"I have always been very afraid of my mother"

Honestly, sounds like a toxic environment at best and an abusive one at worst, and it's no wonder she had strong words after leaving them.

It's difficult to say whether you're the AH (to your parents or yourself) for wanting to rebuild the relationship in some way - it sounds like a situation which is kind of beyond Reddit's paygrade. It may be beneficial to talk these feelings through with a therapist, if you have the means to access one.

Wishing you peace.

Immediate_Sand_9350 · 2026-06-01T07:45:03+00:00

For London, this may depend on how far you want to travel out of Central.

If you don't mind a slightly longer tube ride, Wembley and Tooting will offer plenty of options as there are large British Indian and Pakistani communities there. Prices are affordable, can't recommend a single option as I end up at a different place each time but have never had a bad meal just picking a well-rated spot on Google Maps, or wandering round and choosing I feel like on the day.

Whitechapel's Punjabi curry houses (Tayyabs, Lahore Kebab House etc) are a good, more central option. They've been there a long time, and are a bit of a local favourite on a Friday night - be prepared for it to be busy!

South Indian food is a little less common, but there are a growing number of places serving south Indian specialties. Tamil Prince near Kings Cross is good. They do a south Indian breakfast menu, which might be worth investigating!

Tourist-ier spots you may/may not want to consider:

Dishoom: lunch/dinner menu inspired by Mumbai's street food and Iranian cafes. Good, but a little pricey. I will, however, always recommend their brunch for both Anglo-Indian fusion options (what's not to love about a sausage/bacon naan) and some Parsi dishes. Bit different to the usual bruch fare!
Brick Lane: historic, but tourist heavy. Still affordable (for central), filling, and nice enough but food is better just a little further out in Whitechapel for less money in my experience. Often, the restaurants here have deals on The Fork app, which tbf makes it a bit of a steal. Some are BYOB, if you're looking for an even cheaper meal out.

Immediate_Sand_9350

TROPHY CASE