On Thursday last week I was in Canary Wharf on the 30th floor of a prestigious bank enjoying the absolutely amazing view. The rain had just stopped and I could see the skyline miles ahead and the gentle flow of the River Thames.
After our meeting, we headed off to a smart dinner at a riverside restaurant nearby. We were served by attentive and immaculately dressed waiting staff. Our meal was cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. It was a reunion of old colleagues and friends and all of us had a thoroughly jolly time.
In contrast, the following Saturday was my turn to cook for the local Soup Kitchen. It was a wonderfully hot and sunny day. We were very fortunate to have a group of young volunteers who had given up their afternoon in the sun to help out at our Soup Kitchen. These students from the local university were absolute stars – pitching in and mucking in through all the tasks without any complaints.
Naturally the presentation of our dishes was nowhere like the restaurant on Thursday. However, this meal has been prepared and served with lots of love and care. The table manners of our diners may be lacking but their appreciation of the food, by having third or fourth helpings, have gladdened my heart.
You know you have cooked a good meal when you hear one of the diners on the phone.
“Oi, mate. Hurry up over ‘ere quick before the bloody food’s run out! F@@king good it is today.”
And I am pleased to say no one went home hungry on Saturday.
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