Review: "Brew and Brownie" (York)

Today's weather was miserable to say the least, so it was lucky that I had the prospect of my breakfast in York to put a little spring into my step when I woke up this morning. A friend suggested brunch at "Brew and Brownie" in York I was quick to reply "HECK YEAH". Days when you have a special hearty breakfast seem brighter and more fun somehow, and so today was a good day.

I chose a bircher muesli. The oats were soaked overnight in apple juice and then mixed with a crunch granola, greek yoghurt, dried fruits and nuts, and a berry jam. A little bottle of apple juice was served on the side to loosen it up a little because overnight oats can be stodgy. The texture was just right and the apple juice had just the right amount of sweetness without the cloyingly sweet taste of sugary juices. The atmosphere was relaxed and with a modern rustic feel that is so popular nowadays. I've been before and tried the Yorkshire sharing platter with a friend and I've been raving about B&B ever since.  After about eating half we were utterly defeated, meaning that I was left with a leaky paper bag with our leftover pork pie for around for 3 hours. Until the smell started to earn me odd looks from shoppers and I had to throw it away. It was so sad.

The platter was just too huge for two people, there was salad, slices of ham, beef, freshly baked bread, a selection of cheese, condiments and the pie which proved the biggest challenge out of all of them. I think we would have been better of ordering the small platter (I use the word "small" very loosely here, judging from when I saw it being served to the neighbouring couple) My friend and I both have pretty sizeable appetites and yet we were waddling out the cafe once we were through. This dish was a beautiful thing, but was also a food quest that is not for the faint-hearted.

I know it's a bit strange going out for breakfast when I have perfectly crunchy granola in the comforts of my own kitchen, but then again you could say the same for going for coffee or buying sandwiches. There is something really intimate and fun about sharing your breakfast with friends and having strange breakfast-ey chats. It might even convert some 8am zombies into morning people. And if the morning conversation doesn't convert you, than maybe the sky high pancake stacks will...

What to expect from 2014.

Whoah there 2014. I'm still reeling from the punch in the face that 2013 gave me. The first few days of January is always a whirlwind of nostalgic facebook statuses about the past year and long rambling blog posts (much like this one will probably be actually, sorry about that.)  I can't say that I am not happy to leave behind 2013, but I'm not letting it pass without taking a few things with me.

Every year brings something new, and 2013 taught me to make plans. This year I'm excited about what is going to happen, and I guess that means that I'm no longer "living in the moment" but whatever. I'm pretty sure that living in the moment is vastly over -rated. There is a beauty in having a goal in the near or distant future, one that works to everyone's happiness and then just going for it. Not "at all costs" because this attitude can be selfish and even destructive to those around you, it should be flexible according to your situation.

This is where planning comes in. Even though I'm ridiculously disorganized and scatterbrained, I actually love to plan. Working towards a goal gives immense satisfaction when it's fulfilled. But it also pays to throw a little reality in there somewhere too. When I traveled to France I only asked for simple things: for the food to be good, to learn French and to make friends.
I approached every day willing it to surprise me as it so often did. The difficult times didn't shatter any perfect world because I didn't idealistic dreams of France. The result was that my France was perfect and I loved every quirk and potentially disastrous minute I stayed there.
So now I'm steering clear of resolutions for my 2014. Resolutions are a strange invention that mean you only think day to day of how to keep them, and of course predictably (if you're me) one day you forget. And then what do you do for the rest of the year? So instead I'm going to make plans. Because plans are fun and nonthreatening. If I think of a better way to spend my energy, or if the plan simply isn't meant to be, then that's ok. No harm done, and even better, I still have something to look forward to!
My favorite plan is to show my friends that I think of them all often and appreciate them no matter where in the world they are. I could send letters, pick up the phone when I have a few minute spare, pack parcels for birthdays or Christmas..the possibilities are endless and there is no time limit to be guilty about. I also plan to travel, and there are infinite ways to achieve this and endless ways to do it. I could go on and list them all, but instead I'm going to write a quick postcard...So there it is, my rambling blogpost is done and I can safely say that I'm now ready for whatever 2014 has to offer. I wish everyone a happy new year.