The Heathrow injection
Ilaria here. I’d heard the term thrown around a few times before leaving New Zealand, but it wasn’t until a month or so after arriving in London that I realized the real meaning! Having lived here for three months now, I’ve come to realize I’ve probably suffered a hefty double dose of the so-called “Heathrow injection”. (NB: said ‘injection’ is nothing to do with excessive clothing layers or what have you, but instead a fairly objective and unfortunate fat padding from overeating. Hmmph.) But seriously, what am I meant to do when I work for a craft brewery that also happens to make the best pizza ever? Hehe, of course I’m going to indulge! And I have. Daily!
I’ve been working in communications for the craft brewery Crate in Hackney Wick for a little over a month now. Hackney Wick is a small area in East London and ranks pretty high up there on the alternative/creative scale. The meandering canal Lea captures and reflects the colour and shapes of the graffiti that paints the Wick’s buildings (mostly converted warehouses) and footpaths. The place is a melting pot of creativity; you feel the music, the ideas, the buzz exploding around you. I must admit it’s a pretty inspiring place.
A twenty-five minute walk away from here is my new home in Lower Clapton. Think music, craft beer, and the unexpected. Our Victorian terrace flat is literally a 30-second walk from Chatsworth Road – heaps of cafés, bars, food stalls and everything in between are just outside our front door.
Before settling in the flat, we were couch surfing around London staying with friends and family. As much as this was exciting and thrilling, it also resulted in a lot of eating out which was decadently lovely, but expensive. Enter reality and a bit of routine, and now just about every evening (unless otherwise tempted by work’s pizzas!), I’m making dinner in our sweet little kitchen. And it’s truly such a pleasure.
Last night however, our pantry and fridge were looking a little empty with slim pickings on offer. But with an onion, can or two of tomatoes, some cumin and eggs, you’ve got a base for a tasty ‘Turkish Eggs’ inspired meal. Throw in a bit of spinach along with cinnamon and a few other bits and bobs, and you’ve got yourself a dinner. I’ve called this particular dish ‘A London Flatting Dinner’, as the ingredients are simple, the recipe is easy to sort out, and most of all it’s inexpensive and warming. Serve it with toast and a dollop of labna, and you’re home and hosed.
