...weekend meanderings

.....Christmas planning and shenanigans aplenty!

Friday - me 'n' Christine blitzed the Christmas shopping via TK Maxx and Dalton Park. "Don't overthink it!" I ate out for every meal! We started at Mcd's for breakfast and followed this with Smashed and Topped at Spud-u-Like. I know - unlikely - but awesome. I have to be honest the service is not the most rapid - they need to get their behind the counter system going but once you get your food... simply great.... and it is relatively simple - but just what you need for sustenance on a cold day of Christmas shopping.

My final meal out was with my work colleagues at Carluccio's in Newcastle - just opposite the Theatre Royal. This is the second year we've had our Christmas meal here and there is good reason for that. The food is gorgeous and the service is second to none. The waiters are attentive but not invasive which is what you are always after - it' a skill - and the atmosphere and decor is wonderful.I started with Blue Swimming Crab Macaroni - highly recommended - and not too filling as a pasta starter can sometimes be. I followed this up with a prosciutto, walnut and gorgonzola salad which was awesome. I concluded with the cheese board which was divine. Certainly a go to restaurant.... and to be honest given the amount of alcohol that passed over the table not a bad price. We chipped in £50 each which I felt represented good value for me given the high standards. Top job Carluccio's!

Sunday saw us entertain mam and dad with Shepherd's Pie - our Sunday tradition (!) and then me entertain the gathered throng at the Head of Steam in Tynemouth. I played a blinder even if I say so myself. The finger picking was good - the voice in good shape - and I even nailed a few Christmas Tunes for good measure! Highlights for me were the laid back version I play of 'Town Called Malice' and a run out of a new one I'm trying 'Marlene on the Wall'. The classic Mordue covers were in there as well - 'Tainted Love', 'Dancin' in the Dark', 'Ever Changing Moods', ....oh the list goes on!

Reading: A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
Listening to: Christmas Songs on whatever vinyl we have
Watching: My Mother and Other Strangers (well just finished it... so what next!)