Billingsgate Fish Market |
We rarely go out on New Year’s Eve. When the children were young we did what many parents of small children do – miss 12 o’clock altogether by nodding off in front the sofa, desperately trying to stay awake. Occasionally, especially when the children got older, we’d be invited to parties, or skiing (bliss!), or even have a party ourselves (in our old country house I was the Millennium party host – a memorable evening for many reasons….).
But we’ve never been keen on going out on New Year’s Eve, even when the children grew up and went their own ways. Instead of the difficulty with babysitters, there was the difficulty (and expense) of taxis to the middle of nowhere.
There was some serious haggling going on… |
Some stalls sold fish which was already prepared. |
But most sold the fish in boxes which looked like they were packed at sea…lovely! |
The lobsters. |
Then the Englishman found more coins in his pockets and we mustered another £15-00 for a box of uncooked king prawns, which we’d spotted earlier. At least here we were able to haggle and got the price reduced from £18. For two kilos of prawns that’s pretty good value.
The lobster in the pot. |
With some home-made mayonnaise I think we have not only got a delicious meal for New Year a deux but also a meal of excellent value. The proof of the lobster will be in the eating, I’m sure. So wish us luck with our nearly self-caught supper. Lets hope it tastes as good as ‘catching’ it was fun!
Happy New Year, Helena! Hope this year brings you joy, peace, health and fulfilment! Well done for braving the market so early – I've never done it! Lots of love, Polina