"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Thursday 31 August 2017

Sin perder La esencia de lo Tradicional (Relatos Gastronómicos): La boliviana que no puede vivir sin llajua en Inglaterra.


Empiezo a escribir algo diferente, algo que llamo un marco de relatos gastronómicos, vivo en Hertfordshire- Inglaterra, un tanto fuera de la capital, Londres-donde existe comida de todo el mundo.
Sin ir muy lejos, la comida Latinoamericana, está teniendo un fuerte impacto, y popularidad tanto con las personas que viven en Londres, pero también con los que vivimos en las afueras.

Y de éste modo ha sido una inspiración escribir acerca de experiencias, encuentros, descubrimientos, tanto de gastronomía en general, pero también, claro está de la gastronomía de mi país, Bolivia.

Sin perder La esencia de lo Tradicional

En cuanto a gastronómia para mí, pienso que lo más importante es no perder esa esencia de lo tradicional, eso que hace a un plato único, que lo diferencia de los demás, que le da característica, autenticidad, historia, aparte del sabor especial, que mediante un bocado nos pueda transportar hacia ese país, un recuerdo, un momento de viaje, de haber compartido con amigos, con la familia, etc. Porque la gastronomía une, y es parte de un pasado, un presente y un futuro.

La Llajua 

En las palabras de la Chef Kamilla Seidler: " La llajua es una salsa tradicional boliviana que forma parte de la cultura gastronómica de éste hermoso país (Bolivia) y se utiliza como sabroso acompañamiento de diversos platos tanto en la región altiplánica como en los valles"


La boliviana que no puede vivir sin llajua en Inglaterra. 

Bolivia es un país con una gastronomía muy diversa, yo nací en La Paz, desde pequeña veía como mi mamá prepara la llajua en su batan a diario, en casa no faltaba. Y en la ciudad, en cada restaurante, puesto de comida, para acompañar el almuerzo, plato fuerte, en ningún lugar donde vendían comida, faltaba la llajua, ése sabor picante que le dá un toque especial a las comidas. Y aún, hoy en día es igual. 
Restaurantes Bolivianos en Londres

En Londres, donde hay un par de restaurantes bolivianos, tampoco es la excepción, de igual manera a tu mesa te traen la llajuita, aunque no tengan quizás, todos los ingredientes, (ya que no se consiguen en Londres), es algo tradicional, que no se ha perdido, aún así estando fuera del país, sigue presente, y pienso que seguirá en un futuro.


Cada boliviano/a tiene su forma de preparar llajua, yo aprendí de mi mamá (y la mayoría de las recetas de gastronomía boliviana que uno aprende es mediante las generaciones familiares)
Aprendí a preparar la llajua con cuatro ingredientes: tomate, locoto, huacatay/a y quirquiña.

Y hace un par de años atrás empezamos a experimentar en Inglaterra, a plantar éstos ingredientes que le dan ese sabor especial a la llajua, como se preparaba en La Paz.
Locoto, sólo resultó un año, pero no imaginábamos que, a pesar del tiempo inglés, que es todo loco, tan impredecible cada temporada y cada año, huacatay/a y quirquiña nos llegaron a sorprender y nos dió buenos resultados, año tras año.

Quirquiña
Huacatay/a que es una hierba que también se utiliza mucho en la gastronomía peruana, le dá un toque especial a la llajua, conjunto con la quirquiña, una hierba boliviana, son la combinación perfecta.

Quizás ésos experimentos de sembrar, ésas hierbas que se caracterizan por un sabor único, que no se consiguen en Londres, han sido una forma de resaltar lo importante que es la llajua para los bolivianos, y para los que vivimos fuera. Conseguir huacatay/a o quirquiña en Londres es difícil, he llegado a conocer a algunos bolivianos que de igual manera siembran, pero sólo para consumo propio. 

Huacatay
También es importante resaltar el movimiento gastronómico que está teniendo Bolivia, con diferentes, hoteles, restaurantes, que recibieron premios internacionales, ponen a La Paz y a Bolivia en el mundo gastronómico con una variedad de ingredientes únicos, como un destino turístico, con un ejemplo de gastronomía sostenible, tradicional y a la misma vez innovadora, que fomentan a los ciudadanos bolivianos y emprendedores a explorar, investigar, y más que todo a apreciar y valorar lo que tenemos.

El Sueño/Propósito 

En un futuro espero que la gastronomía de Bolivia, pueda llegar a                                                          ser más conocida y más popular, fuera del país.
Llajua
Y que mediante la gastronomía podamos trabajar por un mejor futuro económico y social que beneficie a Bolivia.

Empecé con el título de éste blog como : "La boliviana que no puede vivir sin llajua"
Pero termino en conclusión.. de que no soy sólo yo..sino somos los bolivianos que no podemos vivir sin llajua.. que no podemos vivir, aún estando fuera del país, sin nuestras tradiciones y cultura que nos hacen únicos.

Bolivia es un país para querer.




Escrito por Lindsey Funes Obleas, 
lindsey.funes.obleas@gmail.com

Agradecimientos especiales a:
Kamilla Seidler, por la colaboración de la descripción de la llajua                                                      

Monday 3 July 2017

LONDON | FREE: Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream | 6th July


One of the best things about summer is ice cream. The only thing better? FREE ice cream, of course..
To celebrate the launch of the new Ben & Jerry’s Summer in Soho ice cream shop, you can get a complimentary scoop of their favourite ice-cream flavour, including Cookie Dough and Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
There will also be never-before-seen flavours: Sweetest Peace (raspberry cheesecake ice cream with chocolatey peace signs and ampersand chunks) and Double Caramel Brownie (caramel ice cream with chocolate brownies and a salted caramel swirl).
They’re expecting to give away over 2,000 scoops!! Yum !!
Thurs 6th July, 12pm – 8pm
74 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 0TE 
Ben & Jerry’s Summer in Soho shop is open until 31st October 2017.

Monday 19 June 2017

FREE: American Breakfast at Polo Bar this 4th of July



This one is for us, london food lovers!

Liverpool Street’s Polo Bar is getting into the American spirit by giving away FREE breakfasts this 4th July. ..yes ...free breakfast!

Available for 24 hours only, you could get yourself a free stack of fluffy pancakes topped with cheesecake cream, strawberries, digestive crumbles and fruit coulis or a big breakfast; a pancake topped with streaky bacon and maple syrup, with slow roast tomatoes, mushrooms, two eggs, hash browns, sausages and cajun sweet potato fries on the side.

Now that’s the way to celebrate Independence Day...ohh yeah !

Tues 4th July 2017
176 Bishopsgate, London,
EC2M 4NQ
http://polo24hourbar.co.uk/


Wednesday 7 June 2017

FREE: Visit the UK's First Sweet Art Gallery in London

 

Sweet lovers are in for a treat as Maynards Bassetts opens up the doors to the UK's first Sweet Art Gallery in Central London.

Open for only two days, the unique pop-up offers art and candy lovers a chance to immerse themselves and enjoy their favourite sweets from Maynards Bassetts all under one roof.

Art will include ‘Mona goes Pop’, which sees the Mona Lisa reimagined in Liquorice Allsorts and a jelly baby installation.

Visitors will not only be able to relish in the sweet creations, but also channel the artist within as they get the chance to create their own works of art in the Soho pop-up. As if this wasn’t enough, guests will be able to sample and take-away some of their favourite sweet treats from the ultimate floor to ceiling pick ‘n’ mix stand. From Wine Gums to Jelly Babies with Liquorice All Sorts in between there will be plenty of Maynards Bassetts ready for the picking. 

Ticket includes; access to the gallery, soft drink refreshment, take-away Pick n Mix bag and the chance to create your own Maynards Bassetts Sweet Art. 

All of this for FREE!!
Get your tickets quick !!
 
 Friday 16th - Saturday 17th of June.
Over 18's only.

Location:

70 Berwick Street
London
W1F 8TA


Thursday 1 June 2017

Pay for the Tube with a bottle of Lucozade!


Free Lucozade bottles with a contactless chip at the base will be handed out at Oxford Circus station and can be used to pay for a single journey on London’s underground network. 
Passengers simply tap the bottle at the gates as they were using a normal card.

The promotion is part of a wider marketing campaign for the energy drink on the tube, which involves billboard advertising and other elements.

Until Fri 2nd June 2017
Oxford Circus, Oxford St, London W1B 3AG

Sunday 28 May 2017

FREE : Pizza from MOD at Leicester Square


Free pizzas and salads for the whole day at MOD Pizza in Leicester Square this Wednesday 31st. of May !!

You may wonder why ?.. well MOD Pizza is celebrating turning one year old ! and they are giving away their 11-inch pizza , made just the way you want it ! you just have to turn up!! easy peasy ;)

Wednesday 31st. May
11am - 9pm
 17-18 Irving Street
London
WC2H 7AT
https://modpizza.co.uk/

Thursday 4 May 2017

Free London Events: Walk Through Water and Stay Perfectly Dry


Does the rain room ring a bell? If you missed it, visitors to London’s Southbank will once again have the chance to experience how it feels to walk through water without getting wet, in a unique 3D installation coming to the Capital this weekend.

The installation will look like a giant dishwasher, created by Bosch to launch its new PerfectDry dishwasher, and will use 2,000 litres of recycled water falling at a rate of 44 litres per minute to create an indoor torrent of liquid, similar to the conditions inside a dishwasher when it is in use.

State-of-the art motion sensors will respond to the presence and movement of visitors and automatically stop the flow of water as they step under it, so they always stay perfectly dry.

The giant dishwasher installation will be open for three days from 5th – 7th May 2017. 
Admission is FREE with no booking required and spot prizes will be given out to random lucky visitors.

When: Friday 5th May – Sunday 7th May 2017
Open: Fri: 8:00am-6:00pm, Sat-Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

Location:

Observation Point
Southbank
London
SE1 9LT

Thursday 27 April 2017

May Deals in London: Rock & Sole Plaice: 10p chips


It's that time of the year when we hear about festivals, offers, different events in the capital, and to start off with some offers, will share with you , what I just found out !

Rock & Sole Place, London's oldest surviving chippy are giving away portions of chips for 10p! -(yes 10 pence) The same price they were 35 years ago.

This offer will be available from 11.30am until 10.30pm on the 17th and 18th of May.

Wednesday 17th - Thursday 18th  May 2017
from 11:30 am - 10:30 pm

47 Endell Street
London
WC2H 9AJ
http://www.rockandsoleplaice.com/

Bon Appetite

Love Lindsey x

Monday 24 April 2017

Review: Saturday 22nd of April : The stitching, Sewing and Hobbycrafts Show

Fabrics inspired by andean textiles by :Fabrics Galore London
I absolutely loved the Stitching, Sewing and Hobycrafts show last saturday! 
It was the first time I attended and I was overwhelmed by the exhibitors, who where giving demonstrations, guiding people, there was so much to do, to see, and to buy! 

I've always had, since a little girl, an urging curiosity to learn what my mum was making, whether she was knitting or sewing. She used to make clothes for me when I was a child, and I was fascinated! Hence hooked in the idea of making something and make it unique.

On saturday all those memories came back as I was walking along the show, it was amazing to  see the different ideas, all the things people made, the creativity was unbelievable.

One of my favourite findings has to be the fabrics inspired by andean textiles (shown above), by Fabrics Galore, they had an amazing selection of fabrics.

Also loved the trimmings, specially the pom poms, wich I reckon will be on trend this summer, Folk Fashion, always comes back. 
Well I am from Bolivia and I'm always drawn towards something folk, to be honest, but every summer in London the trend for folk fashion is growing.

And the show it's a great opportunity to buy those trimmings or materials, and to discover something new as well!


I also enjoyed the Arty Crafty, block printing techniques, and the workshops they were giving, something I shall try next !
Handcarved indian printing blocks - Arty Crafty
I missed out on their workshop, as there was so much to do, but I saw what everyone there was making and looked really cool.

Arty Crafty have a variety of handcarved printing blocks, which, I wish I could have them all !! so many to choose from.

I would totally recommend this show to everyone, it's such a great day out, you never know what you might discover, or what new skill you might want to learn. 

It's ideal for kids too! It was great to see little girls with their mums and grandmothers, showing that interest in learning how to sew, how to knit, etc.

It is, I think, important for kids to be creative, for them to let their imagination free.
Specially now , that everything seems to be run by technology.

Therefore events like this, I think, are vital to keep everyone creative, I had an amazing time, left inspired with many ideas. 

I would also like to specially thanks Fiona from Fizzi~Jayne makes, for the tickets to the show, I really appreciate it! you can check her blog too: :https://fizzijaynemakes.blogspot.co.uk/

Don't miss out on future events check out ICHF Events website, The UK's leading lifestyle, craft and cake shows. 
 
And I hope be at their next show
in London!



Love Lindsey x 

Hand knitted monkeys



Monday 17 April 2017

Events in London: Carnival Expo, the Largest UK indoor carnival, join the fun!!

Photo Credits (c) Paul Quezeda-Neiman/photographer
Carnival Expo, the largest UK indoor carnival, is destined to be one of the most anticipated cultural exhibition of 2017. The event will host a gathering of Carnival creators, artists, cultural enterprises and carnival enthusiasts exhibiting all facets of Carnival.

Following on from 2015 & 2016 successful years, 2017 will, no doubt be, another great year, the event of the year, not to be missed!!
This year will also see the participation of some Latin American countries, showcasing the colours, music, costumes, vibrancy and contagious smiles and happiness of Latin American carnivals, from Brazil to Bolivia.

Bolivian Heritage, will share with you some of the magic of Oruro's Carnival, one of UNESCO's
Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Bolivian Heritage Dancers with Boris Johnson and Darcey Bussell
Dancing with different costumes, on SUNDAY 14th of May, at 14:15 and 16.15 ( I hope to see you there! joining us).

There will be so much to do, learning about Carnivals, costumes, you can join in a free dance workshop, there will be seminars, you can visit the stands exhibiting too, sample some rum from around the world, enjoy the Latin or Caribbean cuisine, or both !!why not ;)

All of this and more, under one roof, simply unmissable! 

So get your tickets and see you there !

Carnival Expo
Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th of May 
The Kia Oval Kennington
London
SE11 5SS


Tickets £10 online. 
You can also purchase tickets at the door, prices may vary.

For more information and tickets please visit:
http://carnivalexpo.com/index.php

"Carnival Expo is now in it's third year! 2017 is destined to be one of the most anticipated cultural business trade shows in the UK.
Don't miss this fabulous showcase of Carnival!"

Tuesday 7 March 2017

Spirit of Prague 70p Beer... For all the beer lovers..Cheers!


"Beer lovers are being given the chance to enjoy both the traditional and modern side of Prague, without leaving the capital during this year’s London Beer Week. The brewers of Staropramen, the number one Czech beer in the UK, and Pravha, the new lighter tasting pilsner, are opening the Spirit of Prague pop-up beer hall at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, London from the 16th - 19th March.

The bar of two halves will transport guests from the traditional side of Prague to a modern and vibrant side of the city, reflecting the beers being served. Resident beer experts will give you the chance to “try before you buy” offering guided tastings of the balanced, classic Czech pilsner, Staropramen, to the lighter and more unexpected pilsner, Pravha.

Each day from 6pm visitors to the Spirit of Prague bar can access Prague price pints (70p) by saying the special code word ‘Pohoda’ when entering the bar. In Czech, Pohoda means ‘savour the moment’.

How: Mention the secret word, “Pohoda” at the door to receive a Prague price token that can be used to redeem a 70p pint of either Staropramen or Pravha. Only 100 Prague price pints will be available from 6pm per day."
 
When:
Thursday 16th and Friday 17th March | 17:30 – 22:00
Saturday 18th March | 13:30 – 22:00
Sunday 19th March | 13:30 – 20:00

Where: Spirit of Prague, Shop 8, Old Truman Brewery, London E1 6QR (off Brick Lane)

Admission is free and both ticket holders and non- ticket holders for London Beer Week will be offered Prague Prices.
London Beer Week ticket holders will be entitled to fast track entry to the bar.

More info :
https://drinkup.london/events/12719/spirit-of-prague/?utm_source=mailjet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dul-pickled-parties-21-02-2017

Sunday 5 March 2017

Friends of Bolivia : Carnival Fiesta 2017


The Carnival is well awaited by Bolivians.. everywhere.. and in London, a Carnival Fiesta is organised by Friends Of Bolivia.
 
Friends of Bolivia is a UK based Charity dedicated to improving the living conditions of impoverished people in Bolivia.
Every year they put time and effort to make this event happen and this year's fiesta was clearly another success. So firstly a massive thanks to them and all the people who attended and supported the event.

Carnival Fiesta, well.. the title says it all.. a party atmosphere, with food, live music, dance performances, making people happy ,bringing people together.. families and friends.
People queuing for the food

Food is always popular.. this year's menu included lechón (roast pork), falso conejo (braised stake in sauce), picante de pollo (spicy chicken), pukacapas (spicy cheese pastry) and more !!

And there is something about live music, you hear the panpines and you are drawn towards the talented musicians.. Sumaj Pacha ..who during the night played different sets..making people dance ..and yes we danced a lot!

We also got to enjoy the different dance performances of the night, llamerada, morenada, tobas, etc.. everyone was mesmerised by the different dance costumes.

People from Bolivia and from everywhere, enjoyed, danced, and had a nice Bolivian night.. with traditional food, music, dances... it really is a night not to be missed!!
But if you couldn't make it, you can write down in your calendar, make a reminder for their next event, Sunday 28th of May, celebrating Bolivian Mother's day.

You can find more information about their upcoming events, on their website.. you can also become a member, check out the work they do in Bolivia, find out how you can help; if you wish to do so.

I truly enjoyed the Carnival Fiesta, a nice event for families and friends, great to show some of the different folkloric dances, live music.. which for us (bolivians),makes us happy and for the English, Italians, Spaniards..etc.. that attended who also truly enjoyed themsleves, it's an opportunity to see and appreciate our culture and traditions..I was asked about the cueca ( a dance with a handkerchief ) she was mesmerised..she didn't see anything like that before.
 
Everyone left the Carnival Fiesta happy..


Everyone dancing and enjoying themselves 
Find more information about
Friends Of Bolivia :
http://friendsofbolivia.org.uk/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Bolivia-123368584663/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/friendsbolivia


And see you at their next event !






Sunday 26 February 2017

Recipe: Blueberry and Lemon Squares


This is got to be one of my favourite cakes, I absolutely love blueberries, and this recipe is so simple, and easy to follow, basically mixing all the ingredients together, add the blueberries and bake! ;)


Blueberries and Lemon Squares:.

15 mins to make, 35 mins to cook

Ingredients
  • 250g self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 225g golden caster sugar
  • 4 large free-range eggs
  • 225g butter, softene
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • Grated zest of 3 lemons, plus extra 
  • 250g blueberries
For the icing
  • 6-8 tbsp lemon juice
  • 200g icing sugar
Method
  1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/fan 150°C/gas 3½. Line a straight-sided 30cm x 25cm traybake tin with baking paper.
  2. Put the dry ingredients in a large bowl and make a well in the middle, then add the eggs, butter, milk and lemon zest. Beat with an electric hand mixer until smooth and combined, then stir in the berries.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, then bake on the middle oven shelf for 35 minutes or until risen and golden. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Mix the lemon juice into the icing sugar, a little at a time, until you have a smooth, spreadable icing. Drizzle over the sponge, then scatter with extra lemon zest and leave to set for 1 hour. Cut into 24 squares.

Recipe taken from Delicious magazine ;)

Sunday 19 February 2017

Bolivian Carnival Fiesta in London

Friends of Bolivia’s Carnival Fiesta 2017 
Join the fun...an evening of traditional music and dance,
delicious food and drink to celebrate carnival 2017 Bolivian style!

Saturday 4th March – from 18:00 to 23:00
Sacred Heart Church Hall,
Edge Hill, Wimbledon, London SW19 4LU
TICKETS:
 £9 online / £10 on the door
Members: £8
Concessions: £7 *
Children under 12: Free
* Concessions: OAPs & Students 12 to 18

Monday 23 January 2017

Discovering London: God's Own Junkyard...a world of neon, props & the unexpected.


Well...I've been planning to pay a visit to this place..and finally was able to do so this past weekend..



And it's mesmerising... the collection of neon lights.. it's amazing...  and ...it's Free !









It's appealing to anyone... really..who doesn't like neon lights? Right?! From fashion students.. photographers..editors..Art lovers.. you name it.. there is something for everyone..and of course there is cafe.. the rolling stones cafe!



I would totally recommend you to visit.. it's fun..it's different ..it's quirky and it's free.. 

This is the reason why I love London.. always something different to do.. to see.. and to enjoy..

God's Own Junk Yard is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
For more information check their website..
http://www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk/

Gods Own Junkyard
Unit 12 Ravenswood Industrial Estate
Shernhall Street
London
E17 9HQ


Photos © Miss Obleas 2017

Thursday 5 January 2017

#Exhibition :3-25 March 2017: Decolonising witchcraft: Portraits of traditional healers in Bolivia


"This exhibition portrays the women whose livelihoods involve the traditional rituals, artefacts and medicines that play a central role in culture and health in Bolivia. The indigenous wisdom involved in this work has been sidelined, either as ‘witchcraft’ under colonial powers or as merely ‘folklore’ by positivist, Western approaches to medicine. Nevertheless, in the western highlands of Bolivia the vast majority of people meaningfully engage in these rituals and practice them seriously and devoutly, and Bolivia’s first indigenous president, Evo Morales, has embarked on a decolonisation project which challenges the institutions and value systems which have marginalised indigenous knowledge.

These portraits are accompanied by quotes from the women themselves, discussing how they came to this profession and their role in the community.  These women are referred to exotically in tourist guidebooks as ‘witches’ but are known locally as chiflerasand amautas; the former prepares the materials for traditional healing rituals while the latter conducts the ceremony. The items used in these rituals include coca leaves, desiccated llama foetuses, the q’oa herb, alcohol and brightly coloured llama-wool and sugar figurines. These practitioners have long standing relationships with their clients and may be the first ports of call for those seeking assistance and guidance with their physical, emotional and/or spiritual well-being.

This is a collaboration between the photographer David X Green and the geographer Dr Kate Maclean, who has worked in Bolivia since 2006."

The exhibition will open with a panel discussion, Decolonising Witchcraft: Implications for Knowledge and Health and reception on 3rd March 2017. Find out more and book your free place here.


by Birkbeck University Of London .