Author: bigdunc09

When last we met, things seemed quite positive: of course, I hinted at the possible spread of a contagion, but I was full of praise for shows and restaurants now closed indefinitely because – due to said illness – the world changed forever in a very short space of time.

I admit I’ve been very worried about people and things, but trying to stay as normal as possible whilst thinking a lot about a film by Lars Von Trier which I watched a few years ago: a surreal creation, entitled Melancholia, about the world ending and everyone preparing for it in different ways as the titular planet headed for earth, looming ever larger with nothing anyone could do about it.

The omnipresent news of Covid-19 spreading and subsequent measures being taken, evoked memories of that movie, and it very quickly felt like the end of the world as we knew it. Initially, I felt far from fine, but have grown to accentuate the positives in possibly the most negative era of our lifetimes, and so devote this month’s blog to the good things about the way we have been living a little differently: still working, but thinking more carefully about everything given the restrictions imposed.

Activities

The day before things changed dramatically was Mothering Sunday, and taking Boris’s advice, we went for an afternoon walk in the Springtime sun. I think we saw Don Carlo on his daily stroll around Blundellsands; just my luck that, on the first proper day of covering up, the need for social distancing left me wondering further whether it really was him because I didn’t shout over for a selfie so as to avoid unnecessary worry. This exercise became a welcome highpoint of days spent indoors (not exactly writing frightening verse) but teaching from – and at – home.

Shopping for essentials, too, became a surreal experience as I queued up outside businesses awaiting being invited inside, only to see sad, desolate shelves which had been ransacked by the more fortunate few. Still, home baking wins for many – and, as some of our favourite restaurants closed indefinitely, it was admirable to see so many try to keep calm and carry on with home delivery services – I’ve been making bread and more memorable meals than would normally be possible. 

Comfort food is what we need right now so it’s just and fitting that Jamie Oliver should be presenting his recipes daily, given that he has been involved in several other social projects linked to eating over the years. Many clamoured for the promotion of other chefs to this important role, without realising the privileged background and grammar school education one in particular had had. Anyway, I’ve made Jamie’s Veg Chilli  – which went down well – and we’re going to do the pizzas next. Even been cleaning up more, with the help of an amazing revelation: Pink Stuff, which works wonders when the shops had little else on offer.

(Wow, how this blog has changed from an introspective MA Fine Art project to recommending cleaning products, ten years down the line!)

Then, when time allows, DIY… with an impending Ikea delivery due next week, any spare time has been spent painting and tidying up the garden so easily neglected in the tumult of term time. It’s been quite calming to paint walls and ceilings whilst listening to myriad…

Podcasts

The best ones I’ve listened to recently were the Adi Dassler, Elvis and George Best episodes of Evil Genius, in which the panel discussed the good and bad sides of said icons; the always brilliant Two Shot Podcast which I have started to contribute to – the Karl Pilkington episode was particularly hilarious, especially when he discusses the seminal quiz show ‘Bullseye’. Go listen. Then, there’s the surreal Everything is Alive which is like nothing I’ve ever heard; however, it does evoke memories of past projects such as the one for which I won a prestigious Orange Futures award back in 2002.

Here I am, as I was back then:

It’s basically interviews with objects brought to life: for example, a married couple made up of a Sharpie pen and its lid, or a real highlight, the magic 8 ball who only answers questions with real 8 ball responses. Then, of course, there are those on football-when-there-is-no-football (Guardian football, Nessun Dorma and the excellent Kevin Quickly which covers 90s football, my era) bringing back nice memories, as did my choices this month of…

Music

Working from the comfort of home allowed morning listening of my back catalogue of CDs, many of which had been neglected for years. I’ve been particularly enjoying Gomez and Bill Ryder Jones, as well as new releases by Blossoms, Tame Impala and (of course) Morrissey.

The real discovery of self isolation, though, is a new love of classical music, especially Scala FM – the laid back birdsong and calming movies / musicals scores have been the perfect soundtrack to troubled times. It’s also a nice accompaniment to… 

Reading

Before things changed, I taught a class about Ray Bradbury, because his short story ‘There Will Come Soft Rains’ felt very relevant to current events. In it, a series of machines and objects continue to carry out their daily chores and routines in an imagined future – 2026 – without any of the humans they thought they were serving. I taught about the story not to scaremonger, just to show that a story doesn’t always need people in it, but it really got me thinking. As I said, health worries and money concerns are prevalent for all of us, meaning sleepless nights and anxieties. At home, the first time my little girl excitedly made contact with the friends she misses so much (the screams of glee are heard several times daily since) brought tears to my eyes: none of them fully understanding the enormity of this absence.

As an escape, I’ve tried to avoid the news where possible. I have instead read about Ancelotti’s leadership; updated my self on world events (especially Italy – the troubles in Palermo, where we should have been going next month for my belated birthday treat, and this incredible account of how life is on the mainland there) but also created a distraction for the whole family of a daily puzzles hour. This has often involved a quiz: so many have been shared by friends and families and that togetherness has made a real difference. And, thankfully, it stopped us from turning on the…

TV

Many things we have watched have actually helped: Joe Wicks and old Everton matches on YouTube; the dawn of Disney+ (although High School Musicals 1-3 can do one now) where The Mandalorian was excellent, Mickey Mouse memory-making, Honey I Shrunk The Kids reminding us of happier times; on Netflix, the brilliant Ozark (and weirdly watchable Tiger King) then on Catch Up: War of the Worlds (which made the city look amazing) and then Breeders, which is basically my life story, and The Trip to Greece: more of the same perfection.

Plus, there was time for a film one night: Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, an emotive and beautiful tale… also, the Tyson Fury documentaries I caught up with. He may divide opinion (especially withhis own opinions) but I have a soft spot for him, having grown up in the same town where he now lives, and I really admired how he opened up about his own demons before trying to help others in a similar boat. One of the best sports stories of all, Rocky, seems to be being replayed out before our very eyes.

Also, despite not playing, Everton have also helped me maintain a decent level of mental health, thanks to…

Social Media

FaceTiming family members, even fleetingly, has become essential. House Party, despite concerns. Even TV programmes have used presenters’ homes and technology to keep calm and carry on. However, in a fortnight when I dread to think how many WhatsApp messages I’ve received from bored friends and colleagues (ranging from heartfelt enquiries and shopping recommendations, to inappropriate jokes about a serious subject and quizzes I wish I had the time to do) it was refreshing to actually see something good on social media and the Thursday evening Clap for Carers project we love taking part in to show our admiration and respect in a small but symbolic way.

In terms of football, lots of individuals have made a difference but as a Blue it was great to hear the positive impact the club and its employees have had on many vulnerable groups and individuals: teaching languages, sharing nutritional advice… Again, I filled up seeing the phone calls players and coaching staff were making (as well as Bill Kenwright) and, as if the surreality couldn’t bite any more, my own two were transfixed by Lucas Digne’s soothing bedtime story the club put out.

And Finally…

Eight years ago tonight, I was finalising my wedding speech. It was inspired and underpinned by the lyrics of a little known Courteeners song, ‘The Last of the Ladies’ and it had the refrain tattooed over my heart as a reminder of that important life event.

That I had the luck a few year later to – somewhat embarrassingly – proudly show the writer / singer of said song, said tattoo, was more than serendipitous given we were celebrating an anniversary that very day, but symbolises some of the magic moments we have spent every 5th April in memory of that day. 

I’m talking a carousel themed restaurant whilst enceinte in Nice; L’Enclume in the lakes; discussing music choices with Adam Reid at The French, Manchester; getting shown around the kitchens at Northcote; last year, Pep’s Catalan on King St with David Silva, that sort of thing… all of this brings us to this weekend and our ‘bronze’ wedding anniversary. The world is a different place to what it was on the seventh; even a few weeks back, when I excitedly booked Six by Nico by way of celebration and instead will now be celebrating indoors with a takeaway, if we are lucky.

Spending such a period of time with the family is a blessing, and I suppose links nicely back to the vows we took on that Thursday back in 2012 about sickness and health and all that… though I never expected anything like this to prove it.

Stay safe; look after each other.

When last we met, I was discussing all things Italian.

Since then, the country has been in the news for a fast spread of Covid-19 and the subsequent panic across the rest of Europe. That this pandemic was predicted in a horror novel several years ago, could be a storyline from a Twilight Zone episode – or hints at time travel – and, as if by magic, there is much more on all of this later.

However, we start with pizza.

Half term was made up of halcyon days and moments. A trip to Il Capitano’s, our local pizzeria, was one of the real highlights: given that I celebrated my fortieth there, it’s a special place anyway what with the warm welcome you get and the excellent ingredients used, but this visit was even better than the first, thanks to the specials we ordered. A Tuscan sausage and broccoli white pizza; a frutti di mare (including clams) without cheese and, best of all, the Carbonara pizza which was like nothing I’ve tasted on a base before.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say this place’s pizza is the best I’ve had in the eight years of domestic bliss since our honeymoon in Naples (where I even went to the birthplace of the dish) and, possibly, in this country. Given my affection for the Neapolitan riviera – and my experiences tasting pizza in a variety of establishments over the years – that’s high praise indeed, so I’d recommend you go there ASAP.

A very different – but just as impressive – meal experience awaited us a few days later. We’d been looking forward to visiting Kala Bistro in Manchester since before it had opened, and – having already been to Pinion a couple of times and Wreckfish, too – knew it was going to be special. I spoke last time of my admiration for Gary Usher and discussed his management style (as well as Nike trainers) with our brilliant waiter. We opted for the fixed price lunch as we were on our way to somewhere special, and ended up swapping meals half way through so that the other could enjoy the myriad flavours and textures the excellent starters and main courses provided.

I started with a Gin Mare and some delightfully marinated olives, then the gorgeously pink pate whilst WW went for the smoked haddock fishcake with a pretty green parsley mayonnaise and a celeriac remoulade. Really fresh flavours, matching the bottle of Provence Rose we’d picked perfectly. Then, a beautiful bream with some amazing cucumber & spring onion salad before swapping for the unctuous pork knuckle with fennel orzo, macadamia, salsa verde and a treacley sauce, accompanied by some tenderstem broccoli with anchovy mayo. Finally, what the missus described as the ‘best Crunchie ever’ chocolate and honeycomb semifreddo, whilst I devoured a tawny port with some lovely Lincolnshire Poacher.

Quite simply, delicious and cool in equal measure.

Then it was on to the Opera House and something we’d been looking forward to for years since the potential Back To The Future Musical was mooted. We got the tickets the day they were announced last year, meaning we were there two days after the world premiere. This also meant there were several uber-fans present in the audience, whose outfits made the event all the more memorable. I saw a few Docs – coincidentally, whom I was dressed as by a group of excitable women during my 80s themed surprise thirtieth birthday party –  and a few more Marties, including one guy who went the whole hog and had not only the cap and auto-fit jacket from BTTF2 but also the Nike trainers I’ve longed dreamed about and it was the first time I saw them in real life. I was in awe but didn’t take a picture as he was there with his little daughter (about the same age as B) and I was really impressed that he had introduced her to the trilogy at such a young age.

Even the couple in front of us in the theatre had brought their young son, replete with Marty McFly ‘life preserve’ and double denim and, do you know what?

He was called Elijah.

The performance itself was incredible and probably the best on-stage production we’ve ever seen. That the creative team behind this had done one of my favourite films such justice made me cry real tears at one point in the afternoon. Yes, the power of love right there: tears of joy, of wonder, recalling one of my earliest trips to the cinema and a lasting image throughout the years since then, included at seminal moments and still enjoyed and the gift that keeps on giving. For example, I heard recently that Biff Tannen – the misogynist bully – is based on Donald Trump! 

And, only tonight, a contestant on Mastermind had the Trilogy as her specialist subject (I had chosen it as one of mine when I applied a couple of years ago: tonight I would have got 9, and she got 10, although I’d have beaten her overall) but, back to the show, the cast were amazing at recreating the iconic characters from the original film and the writers were very clever in their adaptations. The sound and the effects were incredible, too, and as for the DeLorean: you’ll have to see it to understand why I was so taken with the show. 

Even seeing the original actors now, can be emotive:

Afterwards, we enjoyed a few drinks in Spinningfields at the Oast House with old friends for a lovely catch up and subsequently missed the train home, meaning a couple more at the Atlas Bar, which was nice.

The following week, things went back to normal and I eagerly anticipated the return of The Twilight Zone. It was somewhat serendipitous that the first episode might have been based on a podcast episode, after I’d written last month about how certain Podcasts had changed my life, and – as if by magic – I time-travelled back to my MA studies ten years ago when a fortune cookie also changed my life and I learned there had previously been a Twilight Zone episode about a similar situation.

This time around , the first episode was a very clever conceit wherein a guy listens to a podcast on a flight about the flight he is actually on; art imitating life, and podcasts resonating with a listener’s current situation… you couldn’t have made it up. I thought I was in the Twilight Zone myself, a feeling confirmed the following morning when I heard a bizarre story on the radio about someone buying an engagement card which was already written in. This led to an investigation over about a week, with the aim of hunting down the couples in question and then solving the mystery.

In the end, it was pretty straightforward, but it all reminded me of projects from the past – messages, notes, found communication forming fabricated narratives – which I (somewhat serendipitously) stumbled upon when preparing to decorate the back room and the discovery took me back in time.

Not quite thirty years, but still a time when things seemed easier. After this week, it would be understandable to go even further back in time to when people were quarantined, houses sectioned off, animals made scapegoats and people wore elaborate contraptions as panic as well as a disease spread like wildfire. Sadly, exciting events planned for the next few weeks have been postponed (a reunion with Andre Gomes, ‘Brewster’s Millions’ the musical) but this obviously means very little when people are dying.

Talking of football and spending money a nice little coincidence also occurred this week as my mum took my lad to Bootle Strand as he loves the myriad vehicles there. It was her first visit, so we discussed the place in detail. Very little surprises me in this world, but I was startled to see Carlo was also there only two days later. Things like all this make you question what exactly is going on and what will happen next…

January and February are often the hardest months: post Christmas, then back to work blues; dark nights and mornings; coughs and colds; no money… failing to stick to optimistic resolutions. 

Thoughts of change.

This year was much the same, but a surprising development in battling through was my discovery of several entertaining and informative podcasts, which have become my new obsession. Some are quite difficult to listen to in the house (particularly the hilarious ‘Gossipmongers’) but others, I find, quite calming and almost therapeutic (Jay Rayner’s ‘Kitchen Confidential’ which is also extremely useful) but it’s the interviews which I found most insightful, especially the hospitality-themed ‘Humans of Hospitality‘ with the co founder of Hawksmoor, Will Beckett; having visited last year, it was fascinating to hear about his struggles and inspirations. Anyone considering a career in the hospitality, should devote an hour to this.

Undoubtedly the best ‘listen’ of recent weeks was the discovery of the Two Shot podcast by Craig Parkinson in which he sits and talks about the work and careers of myriad artists, actors, cultural influences and just interesting people. He himself has been something of a silent figure in my own life over the years, silently stealing scenes in some of the best things I’ve watched in recent times: first, as my old mate Tony Wilson (fact) in ‘Control’ then a Purple Heart-peddling dancer in Northern Soul film ‘Soul Boy’; Everyman drinker in under-rated series ‘Great Night Out’ (we loved it… apparently not many other people did) then more recently, as The cereal-offering dad in Bandersnatch (the interactive Black Mirror) then, even more recently, the excellent ‘Sick of It’ and a brooding bad guy in the brilliant ‘Temple’. You’ll know his voice from a plethora of adverts, too… and then, to top it off, he’s only from bloody Blackpool and even attended the college where I spent my informative year around the same time!

Anyway, the two stand out episodes of ……. featured candid chats with Bill Ryder Jones and Gary Usher, both of whom have also featured in high moments of the past year. I’ve written before about meeting Bill at a gig last year and it was fascinating to hear the way he spoke so eloquently about his life and influences.

Meanwhile, you all know about my admiration for Usher’s restaurants and his morals, but he opened up to Parkinson – who had actually been brave enough to cook for the chef – in a very different way to the TV documentary which aired last year. It was refreshing, brutally honest – shocking in parts – and whetted our appetite for a trip to Kala in Manchester next weekend before the hugely exciting ‘Back to the Future – The Musical.’ I’ll tell you all about that next time… whilst you’re waiting with baited breath, have a go at the podcasts!

I’ve not just been listening to my phone whilst cooking. Excellent new albums by Blossoms – whose songs ‘The Keeper’ and ‘Your Girlfriend’ (arguably the greatest music video ever) just get better and better – and Tame Impala – unique and cool. Just watch the video for ‘Lost in Yesterday’. They took me back to nights discovering new bands at uni twenty years ago and feeling hip, rather than forty something with a sore hip. Then comes the old favourites, Courteeners, with their own new sound (partly inspired by the former pair) and the hauntingly beautiful ‘Hanging off your Cloud’ (part of a trilogy with a linked narrative by the fantastic writer Emma Jane Unsworth) which we were fortunate enough to hear live at an incredible hour long, tea time intimate gig in the historic Albert Hall last weekend. 

Like a cross between a town hall and a church, it was an intense and incredibly special concert like none we’d really been to before. The love in that room, for the four lads and girl on stage but also for each other – and across a such a wide range of ages of devoted fans – is something which as Liam himself said at the end, nobody else has it. It feels like a family singsong but with strangers, and is always a cathartic experience.

God bless the band, indeed.

Before the gig, we were footloose and child free… so made the the most of it. I’ve written several times before of our love for Manchester. Not just the music and famous faces, but its hidden places and its history. One recently opened venue mixed the two quite beautifully, with a little help from Tom Kerridge, Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, and I’d been itching to see the interior, so surprised the Mrs with a stop off for a drink at the ornate bar in what was once the city’s stock exchange.

This was the first time I’d set foot in any of Kerridge’s sites, but I’ve been inspired by his recipes (and lifestyle choices) for years – especially his Chicken Kiev – and the menu looked mightily impressive, as was the decor and the open kitchen with its chicken rotisserie ovens, but I was a little taken aback – and disappointed – by the myriad flat screens showing football and cricket sky sports whilst the clientele ticked into their Sunday lunches, as well as the bizarre knuckledusters that doubled as handles on the dumb waiters. It reminded us of a gangster themed bar we’d frequented the previous night, and both created a slight discomfit at a time when the nation is in the grip of a gang crime epidemic. That the drinks there came to nearly thirty quid didn’t matter, because it was a memorable experience in such special surroundings. We will be back…

So much of the city doesn’t look anything like the back of a fridge, quite the opposite in fact, but many choose not to see that side due to outdated rivalries and ignorant tribalism. Thankfully, TV and film reminds cognoscenti viewers of the many cool and interesting venues across Cottonopolis, especially. I’m thinking of ‘Age Before Beauty’ from a couple of years ago, and the likes of Cold Feet and The Stranger, both of which we loved and – whilst perhaps emblematic of turning forty – I’m not embarrassed to say we’d look forward to the returns of. Similarly, Stranger Things whose new trailer dropped and the teenage us got excited about… other notable viewing included Downsizing, The Assassination of Malcolm X, Avenue 5 and (finally) the conclusion of the riveting Temple.

It wasn’t all plain sailing through the start of the year, however. Prolonged Illness. The very real threat of spreading diseases. Painfully ongoing shyness and other parental concerns… but then, lest we forget some very good news. Friends getting the all clear. Mary Seacole’s first leading role. Comebacks, and spotting sparrowhawks. 

Even found time to visit an exhibition: the very clever Dorothy / Bands FC show in the Cunard Building which re-imagined bands and songs quite magnificently.

Meanwhile, a trip to the wine dark sea is on the horizon.

To prepare, I’ve reimmersed myself in all things Italian, even learning the language once more. Bought one of the most beautiful football kits ever designed. Had an incredible meal (a wonderful T-bone, and a first taste of licorizia) at Cantinetta in the village and subsequent discussion about calcio. I even discovered that Carlo is living down the road from us! I really like the Cut of his jib, Ancelotti, and bought his book. Another hero? It might be time.