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Jigjag,

I didn't mind the 'fashionista' clue, didn't like the SA one. Do you think the 'fashionista' works as well as 'barista' and others, I've always thought of it being a feminine appellation - but maybe I've missed it being used for men too.

Grunger

I'd frequent your greasy spoon place any day - I'm sure it's a far less stressful experience, getting a coffee, there. I'd definitely prefer a pie to some artisan sourdough with smashed avocado and heritage tomato.

Et al

I am as enthusiastic about golf as I am about cricket, so have merely speedread those posts.

Malone

Yes, I too have always considered "fashionista" to be female. I think Grunger is one, from her earlier comments. "Barista" was new to me until you mentioned it recently. I thought it was the modern "Barmaid" so I suppose I thought it female also.

I have no idea what any of the items mentioned in your note to Grunger are. I am sure they are "healthy" though.

I like your "speedread" especially as it rhymes in the present tense. Is it better than "speeddating?"

Jigjag

Speedreading is indeed better than 'speeddating' - there's no chance of rejection for a start.

My lunch yesterday may appeal to you, certainly more than the smashed avocado. I tried a new café, La Bouilloire En Cuivre. I had a really nice meal. I opted for the special of the day, Haricots cuits au four sur moulin du roi, accompanied by an unlimited amount of the du constructeur. It was terrific value, £3.50 in total. That's probably what I'd have paid in one of the chains for a skinny decaff latte with soya milk.

Malone

It sounds like a wonderful lunch. I don't understand any of the French, so I will have to look them up.

You beat me on quality but I won on price. At the market cafe I had Poached Egg on Toast (one egg, one slice of toast) - 90p, and a cup of tea - 80p. Of course, I had the healthy option - no butter on the toast.

Jigjag, as a regular at the market, do you get 'mates' rates'? Your breakfast does indeed sound a bargain. My 'wonderful' lunch was more mundane than it may appear - baked beans on Kingsmill bread (I forgot to add 'toasted' when I was on Googletranslate, sorry!).

That's very clever Malone.

A superb lunch at the Copper Kettle or Kopper Kettle, I think you say. What's "du constructeur"? - I cant find an appropriate translation.

I hope you got 2 slices of toast.

I pay the full amount, I am not sure if the traders get a discount. One of the reasons I go is to listen to the banter between owner and waitress. It sometimes gets a bit heated but always ends well. I am going again on Saturday and will let you know if anything interesting happens.

Jigjag, thanks. I'm not skilled enough (on my keyboard) so couldn't put the accent in 'the du constructeur' - that's just 'builder's tea' - the stronger the better for me.

I did get two slices of toast, buttered toast, with my beans. There was also a wide-ranging set of condiments, though I've never known anyone put mayo or tartare sauce on beans on toast. I think the café just puts one of everything on their little tray.

There was a surprising lack of banter in the Copper Kettle, but that was perhaps because all the employees were speaking French. There must have been a dramatic incident at some point - the word 'Merde' cropped up many times. I do hope no-one was actually murdered.

Have a nice time - and a nice meal - on Saturday.

You've reminded me, malone. I used to drive a Toyota MR2 - and really enjoyed it. The model was known as an "MR2" in all countries except Francophone ones, where it was just an "MR" for some reason!

Malone

I am getting rather concerned for your welfare. You had to put up with bad language and a possible murder in the Copper Kettle. This follows the incident in the coffee-shop last week where there was a shot.

Please look after yourself as we need your valuable contributions to the Forum.

ChrisE, thanks - I liked the tact involved in not using 'MR2' in France. Your post reminded me of the sweets I used to see in Ikea - they were called Scum or Skum, and sounded disgusting!

Jigjag,

Thanks very much for your care and concern. I feel quite safe when I'm out and about, trusting that my dazzling wit and sparkling repartee will see off any threats.