Here's the thing: What I learned last night

Every Friday I post a “here’s the thing” blog. “Here’s the thing” is something my mum (and many other wise people) like to say when they’re about to make a good point. Hopefully these posts are also good points.

Last night was date night, and a pretty special one at that. Not because it was like a birthday or an anniversary or anything, but because we went somewhere really cool.

About a month ago, I started following Grub Club on Twitter. They’re a kind of marketplace for pop-up restaurants, and for people who just like having people round for tea. Shortly after I started following them, I spotted a tweet about a new Argentinian chef who was running a small number of 12 people, 1 table dinners. I’m already pretty excited because I love food in general, and small gatherings, but also because Ryan spent about a year and a half in South America and really loves Argentinian food and wine.

But guess where it was? The St Pancras clock tower.

Hello! I mean, that’s pretty cool. And I know that it’s Ryan’s favourite building in London. Book tickets. Cancel other plans. Gogogo!

So I kept it a secret right up until I had to take Ryan into the fancy apartment building, at which point, I’m definitely winning. And it gets better from there.

Whatever my expectations were, they were surpassed. The building was amazing. The view was brilliant. The host, the chef, such passionate people. The company, unpredictably good. And the food. I mean. Yes!

Peter, our host and the owner of a pretty exceptional apartment in the St Pancras clock tower, was a true gentleman, and clearly had a passion for architecture and for this amazing piece of history. He told us about how the bell tower had been built, but never had a bell in it. And we could see the staircase up to the clock where, once a week, someone had to climb to wind the clock. So welcoming, so charming.

Martin Milesi, our chef, was one of those people who loves food and can create it. Rarely do you get to spend an evening with someone like that. He had so much excitement to share his dishes and his stories with us, and I have renewed love for South American food. Also: it’s mostly corn-based so gluten-free is super easy.

So here’s the thing:

Apart from gushing after a truly awesome evening, I was reminded of a few things:

1. Small is beautiful. There were 13 of us dining, which made for great conversation (plus, I’m an introvert at heart, so I find small groups rewarding). We had a tasting menu of 6 courses, and each course was, truly, just a taste. You don’t have to have a lot of something to really enjoy it. See also: quality vs quantity.
2. Passion is infectious and inspiring. Not only Peter and Martin, but the other guests were also really excited to be somewhere so special and experience something unique. And Martin’s story of wanting to create this micro-restaurant, developing the idea for 6 years and finally getting it together when there were the right ingredients. I love that! This morning, I feel like there’s opportunity everywhere if we look for it, and do it on our terms.
3. It’s fun to celebrate for no real reason. I like an occasion. I like the big ones, but even more so, I like the random Thursday nights that turn out a bit special and extraordinary. Adding a little festivity and fun is really rewarding.

I really hope, this weekend, you get to experience some or all of these things for yourself. Maybe choose one that stands out as something you’re craving. Embrace something you’re passionate about, or spend time with someone who’s passionate about something – even if it’s different from your passions. It sticks with you.

Jx

PS Registration for my new ecourse opens on Monday! Watch this space…