AMAZON is Rarely Best Value on Many Items!

In late September I ordered my annual supply of Senseo-machine coffee-pads (not pods) from a German business called Kaffeekapslen. Everything one can see in the image below cost me £81.75 including shipping, postage and packing. The large box of goods was delivered at the beginning of October - since when I have been slowly composing this blog-post.

Image description: 29 packets of coffee-pads; 1 bag of hot-chocolate pads; 2 small bottles of low-calorie coffee-syrups; 1 box coffee-machine filters; and, 2 Senseo cups.

Not all products are available on the UK Amazon website: however, I did find five of the coffees were available there. None of the five cost less: +£O.80; +£2.29; +£4.07; +£5.02; +£5.13 = +£17.31 extra via said wicked# company. I have taken screenshots (below - no image descriptions yet), and took the cheapest version available. Some items were retailing at a helluva lot more.

During the pandemic I have repeatedly gone to Amazon to check out products. Then I have done a Google shopping-search. Not once has the wicked company been the cheapest. Herewith a link to Wikipedia’s article “Criticism of Amazon” (#) - NB it is rather long, but there is a handy-index just under the précis.

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Just yesterday I was searching for an item I wish to remain private to help with some of my maladies. Amazon was not only not the cheapest, it was the most expensive (per Google shopping)!

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Caveat emptor!

(For those outside the UK, that is a commonly-used Latin expression meaning “Buyer beware!”)

Café Jelinek: a Review

What is the first thing one thinks of at the mention of Vienna? Well, for me it is coffee-house culture: coffee and cakes, Kaffee und Kuchen. According to the Vienna Now * Forever website, in 2011 UNESCO added Viennese coffee-house culture to its list of intangible cultural heritage. And unwittingly I chose my favourite café without knowing it is considered one of the six best in the whole city.

It certainly is not pristine; indeed, it is rather faded. It is not even situated next to any of the famous sights and in fact one has to wander a little off the Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s main shopping thoroughfare, to discover its treasures. As can be seen in the photograph above, the flooring is tread-worn; the wallpaper is faded and tabacco-stained; the furniture, fixtures and fittings have all seen better days. So what keeps folk returning to this particular Kaffeehaus?

Well, it serves traditional, homemade cakes - not the wonderful confections found in cake-shops throughout the city, but rather the kind of baking that reminds one of one’s Grandmother’s or Mother’s cakes. The environment and food offerings create the famous gemütlich ambience for which Austria is so famous. (See this Wikipedia article for a fuller explanation of Gemütlichkeit.)

There is additionally ample outside seating for when the sun shines. It is easier to tuck a wheelchair under these tables than navigating the interior. As well as cakes, breakfast is served here all day, because (per VisitingVienna):

‘ “The early bird can go take a running jump” (the polite translation).’

During my latest visit to Vienna I visited the terrace three times. On two of those occasions I opted for the same light-bite from the menu (see image below): Sacherwürstel with Senf (mustard), Kren (horseradish in Austrian German, Meerrittich in German German) and a Semmel (bread-roll, Brötchen in German German).

As can be seen, these snacks were accompanied by beers, in this instance a light and citrusy lager named Wieselburger Bier. This perfectly accompanied the heat from the horseradish and the sweetness from the mustard.

Staff on every occasion I have visited Café Jelinek are calm and unfussed. They will not bother a customer unless beckoned. One will not be asked to leave or order more if one is peacefully reading one of the gratis newspapers or magazines. Neither will one be badgered to pay the bill until one is ready to do so. A totally relaxed environment.

For those in wheelchairs, alas the toilets are not accessible. Also, for those who are ambulant but unsteady on their feet, I suggest taking a friend to open the doors.

The clientele is very mixed: students; academics; shoppers; lovers; tourists and even the odd local celebrity.

And finally, what about the coffee served? In the top-most image one can see a Wiener Melange, a strong coffee with warmed milk and topped with Schlagobers (whipped cream, German German Schlagsahne). I always take this once on any visit to Vienna. However, as can be imagined, it is incredibly rich, nonetheless it goes well with cake. Mostly I drink Große Brauner, which is a double mocha with a drop of warmed milk. Delicious both, as no doubt are the rest of the coffee varieties listed in the menu.

Of course I thoroughly recommend the authentic Viennese coffee-house culture of Café Jelinek. If in Vienna, it is a must-see!

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My apologies for the white background, I have tried all sorts to try to get back to the normal colour but Blogger will have none of it - as ever it does its own thing!

La Canasta, Málaga: a Review

La Canasta is my favourite coffee haunt when in the city of Málaga. This particular branch of the small provincial chain is extremely handy for the largest El Corte Inglés department store in the city. I have never been when the place is not packed and the waiters are run dogged; but they are fair and serve each in turn. In actuality, one is served very rapidly.

On this occasion we were ready for our first shot of caffeine for the day and the milk that we did not have on the cereal we missed by setting off to the city as early as possible. Each café con leche cost €1.35, was hot, strong and delicious.

[Image Description: coffee in a logo'd cup with an almost demolished cake]

Of course, it would have been rude to visit a pâtisserie (amongst other things) without sampling the cakes. My companion tried the new Bracito Pio X and I opted for natural mousse café-turrón. Each at €2,15, they were delicious and nought went back to the kitchen.

Refreshed and sated, we paid as quickly as we had ordered and set off to do our shopping…

Highly recommended.

Café Capricho, Benalmádena, Andalusia: a Review

We have been frequenting Café Capricho for several years. It is located in the Torrequebrada district of Benalmádena, which also happens to be the location of my favourite supermarket chain, Supercor.

[Image description: the eatery's outside terrace, partly covered]

The vast majority of the staff are professional and affable, speaking to one with genuine smiles. Occasionally, one encounters a member of staff having an off-day - do not let that put the reader off from returning. The most difficult aspect at Capricho is trying to pay, for the café is invariably busy and frequented by locals and tourists alike, surely good signs.

We often just pop by for a coffee prior to doing the shopping; but we also stop for longer periods to enjoy a light luncheon.

[Image description: luncheon at table]

 
Whilst there for our first visit of this holiday, we ordered two dishes to share. It being Friday, we requested a plate of queso manchego, traditional cheese from central Spain which goes well with a glass of Rioja. However, we chose to drink draught, light beer instead, a small glass of which is called a caña. We also selected bacalao frito, a small serving of French fries (NB not English style chunky chips!) surrounded by the most lightly battered cod chunks, the flesh of which was moist, and flaked only when one broke off a forkful. This latter dish cost €10, but is highly recommended, especially for Brits who like their fish & chips of a Friday.

[Image description: club sandwich]

 

 [Image description: huevos rotos]

On the second occasion, we started by ordering a caña apiece, @ €1.60, whilst we mulled over the menu. I plumbed for the club sandwich, which contained a substantial amount of chicken breast, lettuce, delicious & sweet beef-tomato, and a light dollop of mayonnaise. At €6 better than anything one might obtain at certain burger chains: a substantial and tasty, quality meal. My chum opted for huevos rotos, a plate of lightly cooked Spanish ham with fried eggs with a slash through the yolk, on a bed of shredded lettuce and French fries, @ €7, my chum wolfed down and said he would be more than happy to order again. We also shared a plate of home-made French fries at €3. They arrive golden and unsalted, so one can season to taste. Very little remained of this repast, as ever.

Recommended.

Rocpool, Inverness: a Review

My friends moved up from Manchester to Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland some five-and-a-half years ago. We have visited four times now and each time have paid at least one visit to Rocpool. Rocpool Restaurant, by the River Ness, on Ness Walk, was established in 2002 (and is not be confused with Rocpool Reserve Hotel and its restaurant on the Culduthel road).

One is always warmly welcomed, and I can personally confirm that the staff are child-friendly, having taken children along with us on two of our visits including the latest. Wheelchairs can be accommodated on the upper level, but one has to descend four steps to pay a visit to the w.c. I cannot state strongly enough that pre-booking is essential, for the restaurant quickly fills for both lunch and dinner sittings. We booked our luncheon a week in advance. When we arrived at 12.30 there was already a notice attached to the main entrance advising that the restaurant was booked out.

The rooms are immaculate, as are the glassware and cutlery. The furnishings & décor appear formal, with white tea-roses on each table. Noise levels, including background music, are fairly subdued - just perfect for nattering. The chairs/banquettes are comfortable enough for a couple of hours eating and socialising. Service throughout our meal was perfect: only there when needed, with no hovering; and, conversation was never interrupted. Our main waiter, Mark, (previously of The Dores Inn where I have also had the pleasure of dining) was completely professional and affable at the same time. A choice of waters was proffered once we had sat down prior to drinks orders being taken (we adults all plumbed for G&T's with rosemary sprig, ice, and orange wedge - see image below). And Mark ensured that none of my food contained garlic, so no allergic reaction. Much appreciated.

The lunch menu is a fixed £15.95 for starters & mains. The children did not have starters other than selecting some of the home-baked bread already on table, but tucked into their mains - but more on that later. We four adults all opted for a different dish (images below). All four plates were wiped clean. In other words - unless one is extremely finicky - one will find something to one's taste.

  "buffalo mozzarella salad with baby courgettes, broad
beans & spinach leaves dressed with fresh
lemon, mint & basil"

"parma ham & roasted butternut squash with manchego
cheese, toasted pine nuts & fresh
gremolata dressing"

 "cream of mushroom soup with truffle oil & parmesan"

"grilled king prawn with roasted red pepper cous cous,
chilli, ginger, coriander & citrus scented yoghurt"

For our mains, every adult and both children agreed upon the one dish, fish & chips. But, this being Rocpool, they were no ordinary f&c (image below). The firm flesh of the haddock fillets were enveloped in a light, crispy beer batter. The proper English-style chunky chips were crisp on the outside with a fluffy potato within. Petits pois had been crushed with fresh mint. Then to garnish was 'tartare sauce', but probably not as one knows it. The elements of the tartare sauce were each added separately to the plate: mayo, capers, gherkins and parsley. Just wonderful!

Our two friends decided they could fit in a dessert, my carer & I were stuffed. The male opted for plums with posset and the female for braised pears with iced-cream (images below).

Needless to say, nothing remained. I chose a double espresso and my assistant a cappuccino. Mine was the best cup of coffee I experienced in Inverness itself. The blend was smooth, mildly nutty and not too strong. Delicious.

We have never been disappointed or had any reason for complaint at Rocpool, so of course we shall return when next we are in Inverness. Highly recommended.

Café Jelinek, Vienna: a Review

On our penultimate day of our trip to Vienna, we started and ended our "shopping" day with coffee. We opted for the gemütlich* delights of Café Jelinek, on Otto-Bauer-Gasse, a short stroll from our lodgings. It is a traditional and typical example of a Viennese Café, Wiener Kaffeehaus. As far as I know no-one of world renown is or was a regular there; but whilst there we were sitting next to an M.I.T. professor and a couple of academics.

One enters a slightly shabby-chic establishment (as the two photographs above probably demonstrate) that is confident in its decaying décor and plush velvet.  The attitude is: take it or leave it, nonetheless we shall treat you just the same as anyone else - pleasantly, professionally and without sycophancy.

At the end of the bar cum counter is a glass-covered zone set aside for the Kuchen, the cakes and pastries. My companion opted for Linzer Torte and I for a slice of the Apfel und Mandeln Torte, apple and almond cake; respectively the left and right confections in the image below. Thankfully they did not come garnished with Schlagobers (Austrian German; Schlagsahne in German German), or whipped cream. The portions are generous, perhaps overly so, as we were rapidly filled having consumed a hearty breakfast earlier in the day.

And what about the coffee (der Kaffee), the most essential part of any visit, you may ask. Well it was so delicious during my first visit I took two cups and then we returned later in the afternoon for a top-up. All coffees are served with a small glass of cool water. Ever so civilised!

Finally, below, pictures of the writer (on the left) and my companion (on the right) demonstrating how much we enjoyed ourselves - the big smiles are a dead give-away… %)))

* Gemütlich does not translate directly into English. My computer's dictionary offers the bland "pleasant and cheerful", which certainly does not do the term justice. For a more in-depth explanation, see Wikipedia's article on Gemütlichkeit.

La Italiana, Estepona: a Review

Last year I thoroughly enjoyed an outing to Estepona (West of San Pedro de Alcántara, heading towards Gibraltar) and compared it to a less developed and less touristy Marbella. My companion and I discovered a clothing chain called Baileys - mainly due to their shop being one of the few open during siesta. Rico, my friend, discovered that the Spanish body-shape used by the store’s suppliers suits him better than that used by UK clothing retailers. And so we decided on another visit. Rico ended up with a couple of pairs of new jeans and some new tops. Even I was persuaded to purchase a lightweight over-top, which has come in rather useful here in Benalmádena, where the days are more often than not as warm as an English summer, but where, once the sun sets, the coolness of an English Autumn quickly saps the diurnal heat.

Naturally, after some serious shopping, we were in need of refreshment. We would have settled for tapas, but Rico espied a small square (more rhomboid really!) we had not discovered previously. We crossed the road and were pleasantly surprised to determine that it was solely filled with eateries, other than a classy (high-end) lighting emporium.

La Italiana’s outer façade (see image above) is nothing special: it appears as hundreds of other café-bars in Spain. What lured us inside was the enticing aroma of fresh coffee…

Inside (see image above), we were still prepared to go for savoury until we spotted the cake counter (see image below), filled with mouth-watering confections.

I opted for a meringue-topped, vanilla and light pastry concoction; Rico for the world-renowned Torta de Santiago [de Compostela], a dense yet unexpectedly light almond cake. Yet even the sweetness of the cakes did not detract from the smooth, delicately nutty, just the right side of bitter, Lavazza coffees.

The Italian waiter was on his own whilst the waitress was away on her lunch-break, but he coped admirably - with grace, amiability and politeness - with the large numbers of constantly changing covers. As ever in Spain (unlike in some Italian tourist spots), there was no rush for us to go. We took photos; we people-watched; we used the spotless conveniences; we had a second coffee. And so we were totally relaxed when it finally was time for us to take our exit.

Schloßcafé im Palmenhaus, Schloß Nymphenburg, Munich

Munich is a city I shall be returning to again and again, assuming I am blessed with a few more years. There is so much to do and see there, that even were I living there, I imagine it would take me years to see all its attractions. We sent the lads off to BMW-Welt and my friend and I headed off for Schloß Nymphenburg. We had determined that the tram could drop us off really close to the entrance, so popped on one of Munich's very accessible trams, Straßenbahn. Unfortunately, the wherever one goes ubiquitous road-works meant a change of trams. Nonetheless, we were dropped off at a bridge over one of the palace's waterways, the Schloßgartenkanal. We strolled towards the famous edifice and our jaws dropped. Instead of the building we had seen in an image all over Munich, we discovered an immense complex of linked palaces and mansions surrounding ample formal gardens and waterways. Both my chum and I struggle to walk due to disability and this huge spread daunted us. Still there were plenty of benches dotted hither and thither. Indeed, we had to sit for quite some time. We discussed viewing the palace; but given its immensity it was quite impossible. We decided to find a spot for a wee nibble.

[Image description: one corner of the spralling palace; the birds on the lawn are geese]

The Schloßcafé im Palmenhaus, the 'Palace Café in the Palm-House', was a delightful spot on a bright, warm day. Our quietly spoken, handsome waiter handed us menus after taking a drinks order. Our coffees came, and he made a note of our choices. Whilst awaiting our brunches, the terrace outside the eatery gradually filled up, mainly middle-aged Germans but even a gay British couple after their morning hit of Kaffee und Kuchen and a young in-love pair.

[Image description: laid tables under parasols]

I opted for the Schloßcafé's eponymous plate: ham; cheese; salami; smoked chicken breast; scrambled eggs; a fresh fruit kebab; butter; jam; and, a basket of freshly baked breads. This I washed down with a freshly squeezed orange juice.

[Image description: brunch set out at table]

The whole ambience of the place was hushed, peaceful and tranquil. Service was a tad slow, given when we arrived there were so few diners. However, the day and environment was glorious and we were in no hurry to move along. The quality of the food compared to price was very good. I also have to admit that the coffee served was one of the best I tasted in München. The table, as can be seen from the photograph above, was set perfectly with a vase of cut blooms.

Just delightful! %D

Estepona - at last!

In twelve years of visiting the Costa del Sol, despite several attempts, I had never actually managed to reach Estepona. On all previous tries the traffic at San Pedro de Alcántara has literally been at a stand-still, no matter the time of day or day of the week. However, the authorities have finally completed the long-needed and long-awaited by-pass, a tunnel through the town. The notorious delays are now nought but a nightmarish memory.

Come rain or shine I was determined that on this occasion I was going to reach my destination. Naturally, it rained and it rained. Still I was not dispirited. The drive from Benalmádena took less than an hour, with plenty to observe en route, so seemed much faster.

Parking is not the easiest in Estepona as we quickly determined. Thankfully my blue badge permitted us to slot into a disabled parking-bay. Although to obtain this central spot required two laps of the town centre.

Normally an advantage to me as a mobility-impaired chap, the wet marble - in its perilous slippery state - became a slight hazard to the heedless. Thankfully I had foreseen to sport shoes with good grippy soles.

My first priority once out on the streets is to track down a decent cup of coffee. To the caffeine-addict, the wafting aroma of freshly ground beans lured me into a den of iniquity, a café-bar up a side-street. Delicious and cheap - at least compared to the UK (although Swedes might be a tad disappointed as no-one makes coffee like the Swedish, not even the Viennese!).

After a strong café solo (black coffee) I was ready at last to commence shopping proceedings. Cardigans (or jackets or coats for that matter) with patches are de rigeur this winter season in Southern Spain for both sexes. I sourced a linden green cardy with  the en vogue patches and wooden toggles, much easier than buttons for my arthritic hands and fingers to cope with.

My companion purchased several items from Baileys, a Spanish chain. It transpires his body-shape suits Hispanic attire better than British, so he invariably stocks up on pants and shirts whilst visiting the Iberian Peninsula.

Our shopping complete and stowed in the boot of the car, we set off to explore more of the town centre. We were not disappointed: we were mesmerised by how individual streets are distinguished - by the use of a specific colour of flower-pot (macetas), some even with polka-dots! The following are a few snaps of some of the calles.

The more we roamed about, the more we felt convinced that Estepona is a smaller and prettier version of Marbella (not to be confused with Brutalist Puerto Banús!). The main square in Estepona is more peaceful, less commercialised and much more verdant than Marbella’s Plaza de los Naranjeros.

For the gay/bi/queer man and any woman with a pulse still attracted to the homoerotic, the menfolk of Estepona are the most handsome we have encountered on the Costa: taller; well proportioned; beautiful skin; charming; and, well dressed. Even the council workers in their overalls cut a dash. Either there is something in the water or there is a distinct local gene-pool. A great place to ogle, leer and just generally window-shop!

Finally we went in search of luncheon. We found a lovely spot on the esplanade to shelter from the large drops of rain. It looked out upon the Rock of Gibraltar. The chef doubled up as gardener and was busy planting cyclamens around his potted palms. I could not help but feel a pang of homesickness for my own garden back in England. On leaving, the chef-gardener gave us a hearty salutation. Bless him! Cooking and gardening: two of the greatest pastimes in this life; both able to give pleasure instantly and on a daily basis.

We dawdled back to the car, loathe to leave such a welcoming place. My friend and I are agreed we shall re-visit Estepona in April. I can hardly wait… %)

Dolce Vita, Benalmádena - Review

[Image description the view of Parque de la Paloma from the outside seating at Dolce Vita]

I have just written a fresh review for Tripadvisor of the café-bar Dolce Vita in Benalmádena under the title “New Hands, Just As Fab”. Here’s the text:

It has been a couple of years since last I was at Dolce Vita. It is now in the hands of the capable and affable Elena and Ángel, both of whom will give you a big smile with your beverage &/or food. They will also pass the time of day and have a laugh if you have the time to pause and soak in the Spanish tranquility. Coffees can be made to one's taste and sandwiches are made fresh to order. Try the English breakie (breakfast) with perfect fried eggs - soft yolks in which to dunk one's toast! There is wifi too, a boon to those of us far from home. And a bookcase stacked with tomes to browse. Oh, and some exceedingly clean loos for the fastidious.

The link will also lead one to my original review, “Eat, Drink, Befriend Well”, if one scrolls down.

If on one's travels, one finds oneself in Benalmádena, why not pop into Dolce Vita - you are certain of a warm welcome! %D

BlogSummit Agenda

Alarm has ensured I awoke in plnety of time to have the essential two coffees to wake me up, catch up on social media, shower and prepare to travel. I am so excited, as I learned so much from last year's BlogCamp, which I live-blogged (q.v.) during the event, and I am again hoping to do similarly.

I have been sent an agenda - but till I actually get to the venue and the session opens - who knows what might happen! Here it is, in case you have misplaced your own copy...

"The day will kick off around 10am with a welcome from our sponsors, Volvo Cars and Cow & Gate. The support of these brands is what allows us to keep BlogSummit free of charge for bloggers, and we encourage you to say hello to the brands attending on the day, if they're relevant to you! 

In the morning, we will be opening up with an inspiring session with Sarah McIntyre, who will talk about how she uses blogging to build a community, to keep creatively inspired and provide a platform for her very successful illustrated books. 

Next up, Ben Wakeling will be sharing his story of working with a charity to co-publish a book, as well as offering insights on dealing with online negativity and criticism. 

Ruth Arnold of Geek Mummy will be running a tech clinic, with tips for bloggers at all levels on blogging essentials that aren't as tricky as you might have thought! From backing up your blog to personalising your blog design, we'll have user-friendly tips to make you a fully fledged blogging ninja.  

After lunch, our sessions will kick off with a panel of expert food bloggers sharing tips on how to present food content that will get your readers' taste buds tingling. Our bloggers will be sharing tips on working with food brands, presenting recipes, getting great photos for your blog - and much more. 

Finally, we'll be looking at the ever-popular issue of working with brands, with tips from the Tots100 and Foodies100 team, followed by a brand panel featuring PR guests who will be chatting about opportunities to work with their brands and clients.  There will be plenty of time for Q&A and sharing of your own experiences in this session."

[Image description: TOTS100 logo]

Thanks to TOTS100 for inviting me! %D

By the by, the Twitter hashtag ( # ) for the event is #blogsummit.

See you all shortly - I'm the shy, disabled guy...