Pumpkin & Ginger Soup

This was a reasonable start to what I hope is a full autumn of many soup times! The recipe is from issue one of Jamie Oliver's magazine, I'm not sure what it is called exactly? Probably JAMIE or something just as creative. I put less chilli powder than it said and it was still pretty spicy, maybe our chilli is super hot?? The fresh herbs and lime juice were a nice thing to balance that out though. Buttered bread is also an important addition.
Saute 1kg chopped pumpkin, 2 chopped shallots & 75g grated ginger in olive oil in a large pan til soft. Add 1 litre vegetable stock, 125ml coconut milk, ½ tbsp chilli powder. Season, bring to boil and then simmer for 40 minutes. Blend, and serve with fresh herbs such as chives and mint (I added basil and coriander also), lime juice and an extra splash of coconut milk.

Retro Betty's

Dear Retro Betty's,

I've tried. I keep going back to you out of a lingering nostalgia, a fading love for the Bistro burger and a vague sense of pity. No more.

Tonight I had a sloppy burger, with a dry patty about 3mm thick, way too much sauce and a bunch of sandy cos lettuce. On the side we had some soggy, waaaay oversalted chips.

How did you manage to have more dirty tables than tables with diners?

Why would you think that printing some hideous, laminated 'blog' would be an adequate response to Jus Burgers?

Why did you get rid of the booths?

Why are the walls purple, save for a yellow patch with random phrases on it?

Why have those blockmounts been perched on top on the seats for the last four or five years? Is it that hard to hang them on the wall?

Why have you not reprinted (let alone updated) your menus in four or five years?

I want you to be good!

Sincerely,

Matt C.