7 good things | November
Of caffs, and art, and last minute additions, and Max
Where I capture 7 good things to remember this month.
1 The culture of ‘caffs’ in Britain is something I’ve discovered quite late, an omission which I’m happy to put right. What are caffs, not ‘cafés’? ‘Some are ornate, some are laminate-clad safe havens. But all offer affordable, hearty food — and a glimpse into the past.’ Coincidentally, a friend the other day suggested we prelude our visit to Tate Britain with breakfast at the legendary REGENCY CAFE. It has predictably long queues, patterned formica tables and an efficient system for ordering punctuated by the slight, pixie-haired host’s stupendously sonorous voice. So surprising that I still couldn’t quite believe even after our meal that that voice came from that lady. My order is egg, bacon, black pudding, grilled tomato, mushrooms, toast and coffee as despite a decade in London I’m still not a tea drinker. My neighbour had an enormous portion of liver which was on the dry side, everything else was perfect.
2 Most years I go see the Turner Prize exhibition rather as a ‘why not?’ than genuine appetite. But there is often at least an artist I’m happy to see again, or a happy discovery. This year provided both. I was drawn by the pleasure of seeing Claudette Johnson’s paintings again (she was one of my ‘good things’ last October!) and I discovered PIO ABAD, whose work I loved.
3 There was another remarkable exhibition this month, THE GREAT MUGHALS: Art Architecture and Opulence at the Victoria & Albert Museum. I went to see it with a visiting friend in the early dusk of a November Sunday. It was fascinating and so stunning. A few more images here.
4 OEDIPUS at Wyndham’s Theatre. I thought it was exceptionally good and also somehow didn’t work. I’d love to discuss with anyone who has seen it!
5 Max was born in November nine years ago. He is one of the (four) very best things.
6 I’ve squeezed something out to make room here last minute for the REUBEN PITA sandwich which I had for lunch today at The Good Egg. In.cre.di.ble.
7 And finally, THANKSGIVING ON SATURDAY. For years and years we stuck stubbornly to the myth that Thanksgiving can only be celebrated on its official day, Thursday, otherwise ‘isn’t it just another dinner’? But in London that day is a work and school day and, more crucially, the next day is a work and school day. Thanksgiving celebrated mid-week never ends up with dancing. So, we’ve wisened and will be feasting tomorrow, with turkey and cranberry sauce and all day prepping and chatting and drinking and dancing late into the evening. I’m already loving it.
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What a busy month. I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving and you that your son had the happiest of birthdays.