To finish the conversation with Richard:
He suggested I try fish and chips and drink a Marsten Pedigree. I asked "Can I buy a beer on Sunday?"
He looked at me hard for the first time (he was driving) and said in a raised voice "Can I buy a beer on Sunday? Is that a real question?"
"In Georgia we can't buy beer or liquor on Sunday"
"Yeah we've heard about that, some religious thing right? Do you really think you can affect people's souls by not letting them get a beer on Sunday?"
I'd never given it that thought. Another example of something becoming so esconced in our being that it is not questioned.
"What should I eat for breakfast?"
"Oh, fried eggs, blood sausage, and tomatoes"
So, after checking in, washing up and getting a quick power nap I head out in search of Loyds. It was 80 degrees, so by the time I got there I was ready for a beer. I went through a rapid learning curve on British Pubs/restauraunts in that you sit yourself, decide what you want, then go back to the bar and order. The bartender was very helpful. I ordered beer-battered fish and chips.
"Course or fine chips?"
I assume that's steak fries vs shoestring fries
"Course"
"Green peas or mushy peas?"
"Um, what are mushy peas?"
"What are mushy peas?" (I've notice people hereabouts tend to repeat your question before answering) "Mushy peas are green peas that are mushed like potatoes, then they add cream, herbs, and...... um other shit they have in the kitchen."
"O.K. I'll try mushy peas. May I ask how you eat fish and chips here, I mean how do you dress it up?"
"How do you eat it? Malt vinegar on the fish, English mustard on the chips"
The Marsten Pedigree was a good beer, kinda like a Killian's Red (my favorite beer) but less so.
When the 'lass' brought my food out with the vinegar and mustard I dug in.
I just have to say, the person who told me you can't get good food in Birmnghm is crazy. I am so getting Rootietoot to make mushy peas when I get home.
7 comments:
Mmm...Nothing hits the spot like real fish and chips!
About this Georgia law, no alcohol on Sunday; does the restriction apply only to restaurants and bars, or also to retailers that sell alcohol? Just curious.
I think many decades ago, Ontario used to have such legislation, but it was phased out quite a while ago.
Jo- I think in some of the big cities you can get beer after noon, but most places it's no alcohol at all, not in restaurants or from grocery stores. It's so much a part of the culture here I think most people don't even think about it. If you think you'll want a drink on Sunday you just have to buy in on Saturday. We also have dry counties- where you can't buy alcohol at all, anywhere, ever.
It's not just Georgia- Alabama and Mississippi, N and S Carolina have similar restrictions.
~Rootietoot
Up north, meaning dakota territory, off sale liquor stores are locked up tight on Sundays. No alcohol in grocery stores either. None. Laws have loosened up a bit with bars/clubs being open for limited hours on Sundays - usually if they serve food, tho.
Strange, the "laws" that are in place to protect us from ourselves. Oops. Was that my libertarian slip showing? Sorry.
(I hope you are having fun SD - not all work on your trip?)
It's the " ma'am "that melts the women when spoken by a southern gentleman.
Are the pubs smoke free yet?
Weatherspoons Pubs are smoke free, but local establishments are not.
(Weatherspoon's is a chain, much like Applebee's or TGIF's)
Be careful if you manage to get RT to cook you mushy peas, the peas are not the normal ones that you get in tins or frozen. if you try to do it with those the result will be inedible. Sorry don't know what the right type are called.
Sb
Hi Rootie
This is what he wants when he gets home,some for me to Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaase
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushy_peas
Sb
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