Best extravagances, successful purchases
Moderators: karadekoolaid, THE MOD TEAM, Stokey Sue, Gillthepainter
30 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
- Gillthepainter
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:53 am
- Location: near some lakes
Best extravagances, successful purchases
Renee and I were talking just about expensive purchases, or over expensive purchase. That may or may not have been worth it.
One such purchase, I shared a large wild meat order with a foodie chum of mine.
We both had half a mutton order.
And it still holds in our memory as one of the best meats we've ever eaten.
Mutton.
Far better than the ubiquitous leg o' lamb. And worth every extravagant penny.
One such purchase, I shared a large wild meat order with a foodie chum of mine.
We both had half a mutton order.
And it still holds in our memory as one of the best meats we've ever eaten.
Mutton.
Far better than the ubiquitous leg o' lamb. And worth every extravagant penny.
- Alexandria
- Posts: 2416
- Joined: Sat Aug 19, 2017 6:19 pm
- Location: Barcelona
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
Worthy extragavances ..
Carabineros (Crevette Rouges) often called
Crevettes in English.
Their Latin Name is: Aristeidae Antennatus.
They are called Gamba Rosada in Catalan, however,
they are much much larger than a
small Dénia Red Gamba (prawn).
Another would have to be
real Osetra Caviar.
And last but not least,
Champagne and a bottle
of Vega Sicilia, from Ribera
Del Duero, Valladolid.
Carabineros (Crevette Rouges) often called
Crevettes in English.
Their Latin Name is: Aristeidae Antennatus.
They are called Gamba Rosada in Catalan, however,
they are much much larger than a
small Dénia Red Gamba (prawn).
Another would have to be
real Osetra Caviar.
And last but not least,
Champagne and a bottle
of Vega Sicilia, from Ribera
Del Duero, Valladolid.
Barcelona, soulful & spirited, filled with fine art, amazing architecture, profoundly steeped in culture & history, and it engages all your senses, and food fancies.
- Joanbunting
- Posts: 1879
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:30 pm
- Location: Provence
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
My extravagances are
Fresh black truffles
Fresh morrel mushrooms
Lobster and fresh crab (bought one yesterday)
I love Vega Sicilia but unfortunately I can no longer drink it so I'll go for
Chateau Grillet - Condrieu or a top white Burgundy.
Other than that my tastes are remarkably simple
Fresh black truffles
Fresh morrel mushrooms
Lobster and fresh crab (bought one yesterday)
I love Vega Sicilia but unfortunately I can no longer drink it so I'll go for
Chateau Grillet - Condrieu or a top white Burgundy.
Other than that my tastes are remarkably simple
Cooking for those you care about is the most profound expression of love - Anne-Sophie Pic
- Badger's Mate
- Posts: 1489
- Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2016 6:07 pm
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
The paralytic ovens were a tidy sum, but worth it.
I could probably buy meat much more cheaply if I didn't use local farms and our butcher. Similarly cheeses from local delis or The Cheese Teller. They are all worth it.
Seasonal asparagus & strawberries.
I do splash out on the occasional bottle of Amarone, and some nice malt whiskies, but there's a limit to what I would consider a sensible price.
I used to buy more expensive wine for Christmas than I'd typically spend the rest of the year. Sometimes this worked and sometimes it didn't.
I intend to get myself a lovely looking Japanese knife or two, but haven't got a round tuit.
I could probably buy meat much more cheaply if I didn't use local farms and our butcher. Similarly cheeses from local delis or The Cheese Teller. They are all worth it.
Seasonal asparagus & strawberries.
I do splash out on the occasional bottle of Amarone, and some nice malt whiskies, but there's a limit to what I would consider a sensible price.
I used to buy more expensive wine for Christmas than I'd typically spend the rest of the year. Sometimes this worked and sometimes it didn't.
I intend to get myself a lovely looking Japanese knife or two, but haven't got a round tuit.
- Stokey Sue
- Posts: 8629
- Joined: Fri Apr 27, 2012 2:02 pm
- Location: Stoke Newington, London
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
My Magimix was definitely an extravagance when I bought it, but it has replayed the investment
Likewise my four stainless steel roasting pans, bought about 30 years ago and I doubt I’ll ever buy another
On food, definitely cheese, sausages and charcuterie. Sometimes wine and spirits. Some fish - I do buy good frozen for everyday suppers, but good smoked fish and shellfish aren’t cheap in London. Or things like seasonal Cornish red mullet
Likewise my four stainless steel roasting pans, bought about 30 years ago and I doubt I’ll ever buy another
On food, definitely cheese, sausages and charcuterie. Sometimes wine and spirits. Some fish - I do buy good frozen for everyday suppers, but good smoked fish and shellfish aren’t cheap in London. Or things like seasonal Cornish red mullet
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
Was both an extravagance and a good deal, my Kenwood chef bought from a colleague when he splashed out on a Thermomix. He’d bought loads of extra bits for it too.
Food and drink wise, I buy good gin, bourbon whiskey and beer. Since beer is one of our hobbies, I’m happy to buy expensive stuff from certain breweries. We also like decent cheese and sourdough bread from a local bakery.
Food and drink wise, I buy good gin, bourbon whiskey and beer. Since beer is one of our hobbies, I’m happy to buy expensive stuff from certain breweries. We also like decent cheese and sourdough bread from a local bakery.
- Stokey Sue
- Posts: 8629
- Joined: Fri Apr 27, 2012 2:02 pm
- Location: Stoke Newington, London
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
I feel my coffee habit is / isn’t an extravagance
I will buy expensive beans and I have the equipment, espresso machine, grinder etc.
On the other hand, buying 5 less good coffees a week, I’d spend the cost of the equipment in approximately 3 or 4 months
I will buy expensive beans and I have the equipment, espresso machine, grinder etc.
On the other hand, buying 5 less good coffees a week, I’d spend the cost of the equipment in approximately 3 or 4 months
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
Ah yes, I’d forgotten about coffee. Add that to my list too! We tend to buy beans from a couple of local roasters and as I can only drink decaf, we end up with two bags on the go.
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
Mine must be the whole kitchen! When I modernised the house a few years ago, I went mad on the kitchen, particularly the appliances. I think BM and I have similar paralytic ovens - one of mine is also a microwave and they both have so many functions, they do everything except get the food out of the fridge! I also got an induction hob which, along with the paralytic capabilities of the ovens, make appliance cleaning a dream! I went silly with the granite working surface too.
On the food front, I sometimes treat myself to a lobster and I love good quality cheese and drinks wise, good quality Nuits St Georges, Croze Hermitage or St Emilion are favourites that I sometimes splash out on.
On the food front, I sometimes treat myself to a lobster and I love good quality cheese and drinks wise, good quality Nuits St Georges, Croze Hermitage or St Emilion are favourites that I sometimes splash out on.
- strictlysalsaclare
- Posts: 505
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:06 pm
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
I think my must successful purchases are as follows
1. My Kenwood food processor, with almost all the bells and whistles (the only attachment it doesn't have is a parmesan grater!). This was bought with some of the Argos vouchers we were given on our wedding day. All the attachments have been used at least once, and some get used an awful lot. One of the attachments looks a little bit like a spice mill, but is not robust enough for that. However, it's brilliant for blitzing bread into crumbs. I would be lost without it.
2. My Kenwood Prospero free-standing food mixer. I lusted over a high powered food mixer for years, but couldn't justify getting one unto not long after I started my current job. Now that I am working at a residential charitable school and college for young people with learning disabilities, there are regular bake sales, even if they are for other charities such as Macmillan Nurses. There is also about 12 people in our department, so I need to make a 4 egg cake mix for them!
Best extravagances are the following
Artisan breads, cheeses, sausages, flavoured vodkas (we have 3 in the drinks cabinet at present!). Last September I bought half a lamb from my workplace's farm. It was the best lamb we have ever tasted. They are now selling sausages and burgers, and am hoping to buy some on Monday and the farm will be open for a short while so the livestock can be fed. The eggs from there are also beautiful, especially the bantam ones (soo cute!)
Gillthepainter - I completely agree with you about mutton. It is so wonderful when cooked slowly, preferably in the slow cooker. We can get it quite easily as we have a few halal butchers in town; even our local Asda has a counter! Yes this is controversial but it doesn't worry us that much. We buy the chops or casserole bits and the gravy it makes is off the scale! The stew is also wonderful.
1. My Kenwood food processor, with almost all the bells and whistles (the only attachment it doesn't have is a parmesan grater!). This was bought with some of the Argos vouchers we were given on our wedding day. All the attachments have been used at least once, and some get used an awful lot. One of the attachments looks a little bit like a spice mill, but is not robust enough for that. However, it's brilliant for blitzing bread into crumbs. I would be lost without it.
2. My Kenwood Prospero free-standing food mixer. I lusted over a high powered food mixer for years, but couldn't justify getting one unto not long after I started my current job. Now that I am working at a residential charitable school and college for young people with learning disabilities, there are regular bake sales, even if they are for other charities such as Macmillan Nurses. There is also about 12 people in our department, so I need to make a 4 egg cake mix for them!
Best extravagances are the following
Artisan breads, cheeses, sausages, flavoured vodkas (we have 3 in the drinks cabinet at present!). Last September I bought half a lamb from my workplace's farm. It was the best lamb we have ever tasted. They are now selling sausages and burgers, and am hoping to buy some on Monday and the farm will be open for a short while so the livestock can be fed. The eggs from there are also beautiful, especially the bantam ones (soo cute!)
Gillthepainter - I completely agree with you about mutton. It is so wonderful when cooked slowly, preferably in the slow cooker. We can get it quite easily as we have a few halal butchers in town; even our local Asda has a counter! Yes this is controversial but it doesn't worry us that much. We buy the chops or casserole bits and the gravy it makes is off the scale! The stew is also wonderful.
- Gillthepainter
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:53 am
- Location: near some lakes
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
I've got new kitchen, and kitchen appliance envy in equal measure.
Forgot about coffee.
I'm buying knock-off coffee pods for me at a fraction of the price, but proprietary brand pods for Tony. Neither of which is cheap.
My other big extravagance is, I shop at Waitrose.
If Tony requires more apples and fruit, we shop together at Morrisons. But otherwise, on my own, Waitrose.
Forgot about coffee.
I'm buying knock-off coffee pods for me at a fraction of the price, but proprietary brand pods for Tony. Neither of which is cheap.
My other big extravagance is, I shop at Waitrose.
If Tony requires more apples and fruit, we shop together at Morrisons. But otherwise, on my own, Waitrose.
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
My biggest extravagance is that I spend far too much on food.
I like Waitrose to Gill but only call in there when I get the Park'nRide into Preston and that's not very often. Also it's about 7 miles away.
I like Waitrose to Gill but only call in there when I get the Park'nRide into Preston and that's not very often. Also it's about 7 miles away.
- Gillthepainter
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:53 am
- Location: near some lakes
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
It's always on my way for me, Renee, like a convenience store.
Either on my bike, or when I stroll down into town.
Other supermarkets are a car drive away.
Like you, I may spend a lot on food. But I don't waste it. Shopping every day almost, I have a sense of control over my food purchasing.
It isn't left to "go over" in the fridge.
Either on my bike, or when I stroll down into town.
Other supermarkets are a car drive away.
Like you, I may spend a lot on food. But I don't waste it. Shopping every day almost, I have a sense of control over my food purchasing.
It isn't left to "go over" in the fridge.
- Badger's Mate
- Posts: 1489
- Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2016 6:07 pm
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
I suppose the Instant Pot is an extravagance, but it replaced an old stove top pressure cooker and a slow cooker, gets used a lot and earns its keep. Similarly, our breadmaker. Mrs B wanted to get one years ago. My reaction was along the lines of "A hundred quid? We'd have to make a thousand loaves in that to make it worth getting!"
She took no notice of me of course. After more than fifteen years and two thousand loaves, it's still going strong and I would unhesitatingly replace it with the latest version should it pack up. I've got a loaf on at the moment. It takes up less room and makes less mess in our smallish kitchen than doing it by hand.
She took no notice of me of course. After more than fifteen years and two thousand loaves, it's still going strong and I would unhesitatingly replace it with the latest version should it pack up. I've got a loaf on at the moment. It takes up less room and makes less mess in our smallish kitchen than doing it by hand.
- Gillthepainter
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:53 am
- Location: near some lakes
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
She took no notice of me of course.
ha ha ha!
- Lusciouslush
- Posts: 1735
- Joined: Thu May 03, 2012 10:35 am
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
Without doubt in this house - a good stock of really good red wine which is pricey & sometimes looks like the national debt, but we enjoy it so why not.
And I don't blink about spending any amount on food - if we want it we have it, it's as simple as that - you can't take it with you.
And comfort, as in home comforts, especially heating etc. which can be eye-wateringly expensive, but again we don't stint.
And I don't blink about spending any amount on food - if we want it we have it, it's as simple as that - you can't take it with you.
And comfort, as in home comforts, especially heating etc. which can be eye-wateringly expensive, but again we don't stint.
- Gillthepainter
- Posts: 3719
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:53 am
- Location: near some lakes
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
The most expensive bottle of wine I've bought was a Margaux.
And without doubt, one of the best wines I've drunk at home. In fact, ever.
However, I'm very cheap when it comes to using my mobile phone.
I cannot stand the expense, which is a bit dumb, as they are phenomenally great things.
And without doubt, one of the best wines I've drunk at home. In fact, ever.
Exactly.You can't take it with you.
However, I'm very cheap when it comes to using my mobile phone.
I cannot stand the expense, which is a bit dumb, as they are phenomenally great things.
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
I'm afraid my biggest extravagance was a failure, my Pavoni expresso machine. Far too much faff to bother with. I think it cost £290 thirty years or so ago...
Still makes a posh kitchenalia ornament, though.
The expensive Dualit toaster gets used frequently however, only yesterday to toast some pitta to go with homemade hoomoose.
Still makes a posh kitchenalia ornament, though.
The expensive Dualit toaster gets used frequently however, only yesterday to toast some pitta to go with homemade hoomoose.
- Meganthemog
- Posts: 102
- Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2019 12:56 pm
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
Sakkarin wrote:I'm afraid my biggest extravagance was a failure, my Pavoni expresso machine. Far too much faff to bother with. I think it cost £290 thirty years or so ago...
Still makes a posh kitchenalia ornament, though.
The expensive Dualit toaster gets used frequently however, only yesterday to toast some pitta to go with homemade hoomoose.
I'm not sure that a Dualit toaster can be classed as expensive when they go on forever! My mum bought me mine in 2004 and it gets used every day and is still not just in perfect working order (I have my fingers crossed as I type this!) but still looks as good as the first day. Before this I had just ordinary toasters costing about £40 and they never lasted more than a few years - I think mum spent about £100 on my Dualit so it's doing pretty well
I understand that if they do go wrong you can buy the parts to fit yourself or in my case get OH to fit
Re: Best extravagances, successful purchases
To my mind, extravagances are things we buy but don't use. Anything used is worth the money, even if eye-wateringly expensive.
My extravagances (that is, items bought and left languishing in the cupboards) are some individual fluted metal flan dishes, a cake mould for one of those German 'round ring' cakes (never used), a Yo yogurt maker from Lakeland, and a spaghetti machine (used once). Must have spent £££s on that lot.
My extravagances (that is, items bought and left languishing in the cupboards) are some individual fluted metal flan dishes, a cake mould for one of those German 'round ring' cakes (never used), a Yo yogurt maker from Lakeland, and a spaghetti machine (used once). Must have spent £££s on that lot.
30 posts
• Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
Return to Food Chat & Chatterbox
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 263 guests