Be wary of Harrod's..$$$££££
Aug 4th, 2007, 05:18 AM
#181
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<i>"So, anyone had lunch at Harrods lately?"</i>
Why yes, Ira I did - in June. Two lunches, one in Punch Cafe which has been remodeled & is now noisy with no carpeting & also in the Georgian restaurant which was very expensive, very good but they had a non-alcoholic mint drink that was one of the best I ever had.
No complaints about the food or prices since I looked on the right side of the menu.
Why yes, Ira I did - in June. Two lunches, one in Punch Cafe which has been remodeled & is now noisy with no carpeting & also in the Georgian restaurant which was very expensive, very good but they had a non-alcoholic mint drink that was one of the best I ever had.
No complaints about the food or prices since I looked on the right side of the menu.
Aug 4th, 2007, 05:53 AM
#183
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Good Lord, this thread has gone so far off topic, it'll need a bloodhound to bring it back.
tinabina: A couple of times, we've had a pot of tea in The Fountain restaurant in Fortnum and Mason's. (We're tea drinkers, so we appreciated the quality of tea served there.) It was the cheapest of their three restaurants, but was still a place where you could drop £10 or £ 20 for a pot of tea for two and a piece of cake, etc. service/tip included. It would be easy to pay £ 40 for even a simple lunch there. My point being that Harrods isn't unique in charging fairly steep prices for even modest amounts of food.
*****
Audere et facere: re your comment about Britons being able to 'handle' copious amounts of beer: evidently at least some of your compatriots disagree:
http://tinyurl.com/363my3
"Based on 1992 figures, heavy drinking costs the British economy nearly £3 billion a year, including some £700 million in lost workplace productivity (UK Alcohol Forum, 1997)."
tinabina: A couple of times, we've had a pot of tea in The Fountain restaurant in Fortnum and Mason's. (We're tea drinkers, so we appreciated the quality of tea served there.) It was the cheapest of their three restaurants, but was still a place where you could drop £10 or £ 20 for a pot of tea for two and a piece of cake, etc. service/tip included. It would be easy to pay £ 40 for even a simple lunch there. My point being that Harrods isn't unique in charging fairly steep prices for even modest amounts of food.
*****
Audere et facere: re your comment about Britons being able to 'handle' copious amounts of beer: evidently at least some of your compatriots disagree:
http://tinyurl.com/363my3
"Based on 1992 figures, heavy drinking costs the British economy nearly £3 billion a year, including some £700 million in lost workplace productivity (UK Alcohol Forum, 1997)."
Aug 4th, 2007, 06:43 AM
#184
Re-paddy wagon. This from the word detective;
Dear Mr. Morris: Last Sunday afternoon, I heard a discussion on a radio talk show about the use of the term "paddy wagon". The host insisted that the term is a terrible slam against the Irish. He likened it to using "wop" against an Italian. A caller, who was Irish, disagreed, saying that the term "paddy" came about because of the nickname for the policemen who were nicknamed after St. Patrick and "wagon" just referred to the vehicle they used to pick up the people who were creating a disturbance. Can you shed any enlightenment? -- Jo Kozlowski, via the internet.
Certainly. I shed enlightenment the way my cat sheds fur -- in great orange clumps. I've never figured out, since we're on the subject (involuntarily, in your case), how cat fur ends up inside the microwave. Does he make popcorn the minute I leave the house? Is he whipping up dinner for all his pals while I'm gone? Is that where all the instant mashed potatoes went?
As far as your question goes, you have already heard the two likely answers, and no one knows which is the truth. The use of "paddy wagon" as a slang term for a police van dates back to the 1920's, and seems to have originated in either New York City or Philadelphia, cities which had both large Irish immigrant populations and largely Irish-American police forces during that period.
It is true that "Paddy," a familiar form of the common Irish name Padraic (or Patrick) was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a generic, and often uncomplimentary, term for an Irishman, both in the U.S. and England. But while "paddy" certainly was used as an insult in the past, and Irish immigrants were without doubt the victims of discrimination, I think that it takes a pretty thin skin to find a grave insult in the term "paddy wagon." Among other things, the fact that it remains unclear whether the "paddy" involved was the arresting officer or the miscreant being arrested rather clouds the logic of taking offense. That "paddy" is also used in non-pejorative contexts ("Saint Paddy's Day"
has also largely robbed the word of its sting, which is not the case with words such as "wop," which have always been, and always will be, grave insults.
Dear Mr. Morris: Last Sunday afternoon, I heard a discussion on a radio talk show about the use of the term "paddy wagon". The host insisted that the term is a terrible slam against the Irish. He likened it to using "wop" against an Italian. A caller, who was Irish, disagreed, saying that the term "paddy" came about because of the nickname for the policemen who were nicknamed after St. Patrick and "wagon" just referred to the vehicle they used to pick up the people who were creating a disturbance. Can you shed any enlightenment? -- Jo Kozlowski, via the internet.
Certainly. I shed enlightenment the way my cat sheds fur -- in great orange clumps. I've never figured out, since we're on the subject (involuntarily, in your case), how cat fur ends up inside the microwave. Does he make popcorn the minute I leave the house? Is he whipping up dinner for all his pals while I'm gone? Is that where all the instant mashed potatoes went?
As far as your question goes, you have already heard the two likely answers, and no one knows which is the truth. The use of "paddy wagon" as a slang term for a police van dates back to the 1920's, and seems to have originated in either New York City or Philadelphia, cities which had both large Irish immigrant populations and largely Irish-American police forces during that period.
It is true that "Paddy," a familiar form of the common Irish name Padraic (or Patrick) was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a generic, and often uncomplimentary, term for an Irishman, both in the U.S. and England. But while "paddy" certainly was used as an insult in the past, and Irish immigrants were without doubt the victims of discrimination, I think that it takes a pretty thin skin to find a grave insult in the term "paddy wagon." Among other things, the fact that it remains unclear whether the "paddy" involved was the arresting officer or the miscreant being arrested rather clouds the logic of taking offense. That "paddy" is also used in non-pejorative contexts ("Saint Paddy's Day"
has also largely robbed the word of its sting, which is not the case with words such as "wop," which have always been, and always will be, grave insults.
Aug 4th, 2007, 06:57 AM
#185
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No, not Yankee doodle came to town nursery rhyme - the song Jimmy Cagney sings in Cohan's 1942 musical biopic, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (and he won an Oscar). The story is of Little Johnny Jones, an US patriot ("yankee doodle" who attempts to win the English Derby and take the cup back home, and who is modelled on Cohan himself - a lively US patriot born on the fourth of July.
I'm a yankee doodle dandy
Yankee doodle do or die
A real live nephew of my Uncle Sam
Born on the 4th of July
I've got a yankee doodle sweetheart
She's my yankee doodle joy
Yankee doodle came to London just to ride the ponies
I am that yankee doodle boy
who attempts to win the English Derby and take the cup back home, and who is modelled on Cohan himself - a lively US patriot born on the fourth of July.I'm a yankee doodle dandy
Yankee doodle do or die
A real live nephew of my Uncle Sam
Born on the 4th of July
I've got a yankee doodle sweetheart
She's my yankee doodle joy
Yankee doodle came to London just to ride the ponies
I am that yankee doodle boy
Aug 4th, 2007, 07:18 AM
#186
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The real problem is that my fellow septics don't seem to very often be equipped with a sense of humor.
If you can't see what's funny about pejorative terms of nationalistic abuse, you're probably best off just staying home, eh?
If you can't see what's funny about pejorative terms of nationalistic abuse, you're probably best off just staying home, eh?
Aug 4th, 2007, 09:04 AM
#188
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Well this thread has certainly gone off into a ditch! I am sorry to have caused this debate. I am a light hearted person and did not mean the thread to go so far nor do I think my opinion is the only one. I do, however feel that persons not offended by the word have never been called "yank" in a derogatory way. People that live in the Western US would have no reason to be called a yank therefore have no understanding of what it's like to be called one by a southerner still holding a grudge from 300 years ago, and yes, it does still exist. The previous comment said to my spouse & I about "yanks only wanting to abolish slavery because of spite" was said to us by a tour guide in Savannah during a walking tour. We ignored it, she wasn't trying to be rude, but it was insulting none the less. I've learned that some people in the south have a different interpretation of the civil war than those in the north. Just because it doesn't happen to you doesn't mean it's not there. That type of thinking is alive and well in the US. You do not see that in the western states. Travel in some parts of the US and you will indeed find it, like those that wave confederate flags and think it is not offensive to others and it's their right as southern pride.
I would like to just say one thing, regarding the comments if you don't like the word you should just stay home. Isn't that a low blow? Should people don't like to be called the n word stay home too and not leave their homes? That is a cruel and ridiculous comment.
The entire reason for my post is that some people do find the word offensive. If, knowing that, you want to continue to use the word negatively be my guest!
If you read the original comment by audere_est_facere "In any case half the yanks that post on Fodors think the BBC is a left wing plot. You doubt me? Enter the Lounge at your own peril." If some of you don't find that comment offensive that's fine but I did and wanted to point out that in America the word "yank" history is not always used in complimentary terms.
Now, regarding Harrods and the prices, I regret that I will not be able to stop there when I am in London briefly in 3 weeks. I do like the food hall and expect the prices to be high. Regarding Harrod's teas, they are pricey but a nice touristy gift to bring home to friends.
I adore Britain and all those limeys!
No one should find offense with that that likes to call us Yanks
I am using those words lightly
Thanks to the British friends that have helped me with my travels in the past, a few of them are on this thread. Again, happy travels to all
I would like to just say one thing, regarding the comments if you don't like the word you should just stay home. Isn't that a low blow? Should people don't like to be called the n word stay home too and not leave their homes? That is a cruel and ridiculous comment.
The entire reason for my post is that some people do find the word offensive. If, knowing that, you want to continue to use the word negatively be my guest!
If you read the original comment by audere_est_facere "In any case half the yanks that post on Fodors think the BBC is a left wing plot. You doubt me? Enter the Lounge at your own peril." If some of you don't find that comment offensive that's fine but I did and wanted to point out that in America the word "yank" history is not always used in complimentary terms.
Now, regarding Harrods and the prices, I regret that I will not be able to stop there when I am in London briefly in 3 weeks. I do like the food hall and expect the prices to be high. Regarding Harrod's teas, they are pricey but a nice touristy gift to bring home to friends.
I adore Britain and all those limeys!
No one should find offense with that that likes to call us Yanks I am using those words lightlyThanks to the British friends that have helped me with my travels in the past, a few of them are on this thread. Again, happy travels to all
Aug 4th, 2007, 09:26 AM
#189
I'm a Brit who has lived in the southern US for over 30 years, and it's certainly true that some southerners use "yanks" or "yankees" as an intentionally derogative term - the town I live in is considered by some locals to be an acronym for "Containment Area for Relocated Yankees". And I was amazed by how differently my southern husband and I viewed the Civil War, and therefore the Union states. However, I also know that it is not usually a derogative term when used by Brits. So, rather than getting upset by the word itself, consider who is using it and why. If it's just an abbreviation for American, no reason to go ballistic.
Aug 4th, 2007, 02:08 PM
#190
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I always cringe at the word "Brit", maybe because the IRA used it, not sure.
The rottenest bits of these islands of ours
We've left in the hands of three unfriendly powers
Examine the Irishman, Welshman or Scot
You'll find he's a stinker as likely as not
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
The Scotsman is mean as we're all well aware
He's boney and blotchy and covered with hair
He eats salty porridge, he works all the day
And hasn't got bishops to show him the way
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
The Irishman now our contempt is beneath
He sleeps in his boots and he lies through his teeth
He blows up policemen or so I have heard
And blames it on Cromwell and William the Third
The English are moral the English are good
And clever and modest and misunderstood
The Welshman's dishonest, he cheats when he can
He's little and dark more like monkey than man
He works underground with a lamp on his hat
And sings far too loud, far too often and flat
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
And crossing the channel one cannot say much
For the French or the Spanish, the Danish or Dutch
The Germans are German, the Russians are red
And the Greeks and Italians eat garlic in bed
The English are noble, the English are nice
And worth any other at double the price
And all the world over each nation's the same
They've simply no notion of playing the game
They argue with umpires, they cheer when they've won
And they practice before hand which spoils all the fun
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
It's not that they're wicked or naturally bad
It's just that they're foreign that makes them so mad
The English are all that a nation should be
And the pride of the English are Chipper and me
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
The rottenest bits of these islands of ours
We've left in the hands of three unfriendly powers
Examine the Irishman, Welshman or Scot
You'll find he's a stinker as likely as not
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
The Scotsman is mean as we're all well aware
He's boney and blotchy and covered with hair
He eats salty porridge, he works all the day
And hasn't got bishops to show him the way
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
The Irishman now our contempt is beneath
He sleeps in his boots and he lies through his teeth
He blows up policemen or so I have heard
And blames it on Cromwell and William the Third
The English are moral the English are good
And clever and modest and misunderstood
The Welshman's dishonest, he cheats when he can
He's little and dark more like monkey than man
He works underground with a lamp on his hat
And sings far too loud, far too often and flat
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
And crossing the channel one cannot say much
For the French or the Spanish, the Danish or Dutch
The Germans are German, the Russians are red
And the Greeks and Italians eat garlic in bed
The English are noble, the English are nice
And worth any other at double the price
And all the world over each nation's the same
They've simply no notion of playing the game
They argue with umpires, they cheer when they've won
And they practice before hand which spoils all the fun
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
It's not that they're wicked or naturally bad
It's just that they're foreign that makes them so mad
The English are all that a nation should be
And the pride of the English are Chipper and me
The English the English the English are best
I wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest
Aug 4th, 2007, 03:27 PM
#191
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Waring, that is interresting regarding the word "Brit", now that's a word I use often and never had any idea folks may find it uncomplimentary. Likewise I never knew there was a little bit of rivalry there between the Welsh/English. Found that out by our Welsh tour guide. I guess it goes back to land rights issues? In any event I love both countries and Ireland too, couldn't pick a favorite if I had to choose one, okay it's England but probably because of the size
Aug 4th, 2007, 07:02 PM
#194
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Just read about NYtraveller's posts about $100 lunches in NYC. Those would be really, really nice places. You can certainly dine at nice places under $100 for lunch.
But you can certainly spend more than $100 on lunch, too. One time, I walked into Per Se for lunch - by mistake - and they said I could get a table (which is shocking) and that they only have one menu at the restaurant. Lunch menu was same as dinner menu. So, you will easily spend $150 without any wine.
God forbid if you go to Masa, not even sure if they're open for lunch, but you'll shell out $300 not including tip, tax and drinks.
So, it depends on what tinabina means by "nice." As far as I know, there are only 4 or 5 restaurants rated 4 stars by the NY Times.
YOu can certainly have nice food at an elegant place under $100 if you are careful about what you're getting.
Sparks is a nice restaurant but it's a steakhouse. Apples and oranges...
But you can certainly spend more than $100 on lunch, too. One time, I walked into Per Se for lunch - by mistake - and they said I could get a table (which is shocking) and that they only have one menu at the restaurant. Lunch menu was same as dinner menu. So, you will easily spend $150 without any wine.
God forbid if you go to Masa, not even sure if they're open for lunch, but you'll shell out $300 not including tip, tax and drinks.
So, it depends on what tinabina means by "nice." As far as I know, there are only 4 or 5 restaurants rated 4 stars by the NY Times.
YOu can certainly have nice food at an elegant place under $100 if you are careful about what you're getting.
Sparks is a nice restaurant but it's a steakhouse. Apples and oranges...
Aug 4th, 2007, 07:06 PM
#196
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Good grief, my family came over from England way back..way before the American Revolution. They have fought in every war that we have had including our current war. Yank is an insult? Who knew?
And yes jody, we Californian's do get a bad rap, lol. Hi Janisj!
And yes jody, we Californian's do get a bad rap, lol. Hi Janisj!
Aug 4th, 2007, 07:37 PM
#197
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I think thursdaysd's comment sums up best.
We are mostly all nice people here, time to let sleeping dogs lie I hope. I apologize again for this heated discussion though parts have been an interresting read.
We are mostly all nice people here, time to let sleeping dogs lie I hope. I apologize again for this heated discussion though parts have been an interresting read.
Aug 4th, 2007, 07:44 PM
#198
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PP,
You are not the one who should be sorry for anything. it is the RL person who owes everyone here an apology.
But, judging by the class he has shown so far - don't hold your collective breath.
You are not the one who should be sorry for anything. it is the RL person who owes everyone here an apology.
But, judging by the class he has shown so far - don't hold your collective breath.
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