VEGGIE DAYS OUT

TASTE OF LONDON (Location: Regent's Park, London) 18 - 20 June 2009

This year I decided to go to the food festival held in Regent's Park. The weather was great, the smell of food was in the air and the alcohol was flowing... what more could you ask for I hear you ask?! Well, something to eat would be a start! I knew that there would be limited options available for a vegetarian but I really didn't think I would go home starving. I made a concerted effort to be a team player, so decided not to complain - at least until we had got three quarters all the way around the stalls. So we started in the middle, so far nothing in sight except for some ice-cream. Whilst all my friends were stuffing their faces with sausages and chicken noodles, I ate chocolate ice-cream from one of the stalls (not complaining - it was nice). Next I grabbed a glass of Tropicana, eager to show my pals that there I was content with the food on offer. Then, I spotted the Thai food section. Finally, my luck was in... or was it. As we approached, I could see Mango Tree and Patara, surely there must be something for me to eat as Thai people are Buddhist no? A resounding NO! There was nothing for vegetarians, so back to the drawing board. I eyed up an aubergine and miso dish at one of the stalls. In my desperation, I ordered it and quickly threw it away. It was not appetising at all. Next I spotted the Waitrose stall - desperate times and all that. They had on offer an asparagus and poached egg salad, not exactly what I was looking for but I was starving by this point. So I ordered it.

Convinced that I must be missing something, I looked through the guide book. I spotted a 'vegetable noodle box' at the Asia de Cuba stand. Happy that I would now be ok, I took my time allowing my friends to go and pick up as many free samples they could find at the stalls, knowing that soon Asia de Cuba was approaching.

Once we finally approached Asia de Cuba, I rushed up to the stall and asked for the now infamous 'vegetable noodle box.' The person serving greeted me with a dish of what looked like a tiny portion of a lasagna without the cheese so literally just the pastry. The disappointment was obvious. In my desire to make the most of the situation and not to act defeatist I ordered it. Again, the dish was far from anything special. I noticed that the Theo Randall stand had a pasta dish - you can't go wrong with pasta. Or can you, as it turned out that they had run out! Instead I stuffed myself with the cupcakes from Beas of Bloomsbury, which by far beat any cupcakes I have ever eaten.

I would advise visiting, as it is a fun day out but my top tips are 1. scan the guide book for veg dishes first 2. bring a picnic!

VOLUPTE (7-9 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1EJ)
 

Volupte is a Burlesque show, part of the latest craze in part due to the most famous Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese. Having never had the pleasure of watching such a show, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect... was it a strip show or a dance act? The mind boogled!

The entrance fee during the week is at a highly respectable price of £10 and dinner and drinks are not included. As soon as you walk in, you feel transported to the 1930s with it's feathers and draping. The actual stage is small, with only a handful of tables, it is certainly intimate. I went on a blues night, so was treated to a live band playing 'the blues.'

The compere, Amber Topaz was fab. She was hilarious and did a great job of not only interacting with the audience but thoroughly warmed us up for the show. First up was a burlesque version of 50 Cent's Candy Shop. The dancer was adorned in sweet wrappers which she slowly removed whilst singing the song - you can't help but laugh. Next up was a magician. He was engaging too, each time plucking someone from the audience. His shows were spectacular including one trick where he swallowed a long balloon, mind you he was practically 7 foot tall.  

The act I was least fond of, which was a shame was the singer who appeared three times throughout the night. It wasn't that she was bad, just that she seemed a bit boring in comparison to rest of the performers. After each act, she would come on stage and sing a romantic sone; not in keeping with the mood of the rest of the acts which were all tongue-in-cheek.

There was a brief performance by an artist who had supposedly worked with Ms Burlesque herself - Dita Von Teese. Finally, the best act was saved until last. The performance by 'Jessica Rabbit' has to be seen to be believed as it was absolutely laugh out loud hilarious.

There is a different show each day of the week, which is then followed by music at the end so you can get up and dance. If tonight was anything to go by, I'm going back - in fact I'm running back!