Tea And Toast
It seems like such a simple meal, tea and toast, it’s meagre almost. So why on earth would I even consider it a meal? Recently I was asked if I could eat in any restaurant, anywhere in the world, what would I have?
I paused for a minute to gather myself. Wracked my brains to think of a restaurant that I’d eaten in over the past few years; was there an outstanding meal?
Outstanding? I’ve eaten some beautiful food, don’t get me wrong but something that sticks in my memory?
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath then stepped into my “mind palace“. I visualised myself sitting at a table, looked down at the plate and saw……
Tea and toast.
I’m a huge fan of tea and I’m very specific about how I like it too but on this occasion the tea was fairly mediocre. The toast was cold and dry and there was none of that sugary caramelisation that you get from bringing a slice of toast just to point of mild incineration. The butter was rock hard, so I put the foil-wrapped pat under my teacup to melt it a little and make it more spreadable.
The entire meal though was like beautiful nectar.
I ate every single morsel with one shaky hand.
In the crook of my other arm lay a brand new pink baby.
Thank you to Sinéad from Bumbles of Rice blog who just sent me her recent picture of the real tea & toast (below). Congratulations to her on her arrival of her bumble of pink!
The best meal I’ve ever eaten was tea and toast. What was yours?
PS
I’m feeling a bit under the weather and consequently not able to go to Taste of Dublin. I’m consoling myself this morning with a pot of hot, strong tea and a slice of buttered toast. What a gourmet meal!
Caitriona Redmond
I'm an Irish mother to 2 boys, born & bred in Dublin, Ireland. I like to cook simple & fresh food for the family, with the family on a budget.
19 Comments
The Fingal Foodie
I knew what you were talking about when I saw the title! I would tend to agree.
Wholesome Ireland
🙂 It really is a very unique & memorable meal.
topgold
Pouring an extra measure of Green Tea for you. Get well soon.
Wholesome Ireland
Thanks Bernie. Much appreciated.
Edible Ireland
I have the exact same memory – as I’m sure any woman who has had a baby in an Irish hospital does. I remember that before I went in for my first, someone even said to me that the tea and toast they give you after the baby is born is the best tea and toast you’ll ever have in your life, and they were so right.
Wholesome Ireland
Which demonstrates that the most memorable meals aren’t really about the food at all… 😉
Edible Ireland
So true!
Caroline
That too would have to be my best meal. The toast was just amazing!! And now all I want is Tea and Toast and I’m out of bread. 🙁
Wholesome Ireland
Ah I hope you get sorted this morning Caroline. It’s amazing how much this post has resonated with people!
Kate Takes 5
Oh yes – totally get it! I also remember going for a midnight swim after pub closing time with a gang of friends and then all of us falling back to mine shivering with the cold and making the best tea and toast in the world ever. Hard to beat it is! Get well soon lovely xx
Wholesome Ireland
Mmmm tea & toast after a cold swim is divine. Thanks hon. x
Culinary Travels
Oh yes, sometimes you really need tea & toast (with plenty of salty butter) – it’s perfect comfort food.
Wholesome Ireland
HAS to be salted butter G. Has to be!
Maud
This is the first thing I’ve ever read that makes me wish I’d had my babies in Ireland! (I had Burger King takeout for dinner after the first, and I don’t think I had anything until breakfast time after the second, as she was born late at night. I bet in Ireland they bring you tea whatever time it is.
Wholesome Ireland
Yes they do Maud!
Lisa Buckland
after my first I had tea and toast but was too ill and shaky to appreciate it (it made a return appearance not long after as well!). After my second they brought me a little lunch box with a tuna sandwich, yoghurt, carton of juice and a mandarin. I remember it perfectly and I remember telling my husband how AMAZING it was. It was the best thing I have ever eaten!
Wholesome Ireland
Ah Lisa it really is all about the experience rather than the food, isn’t it? I’m loving the lunchbox idea!
harryporter
WHAT A TASTY TEA…..!!!!!
Wholesome Ireland
It is fantastic, as much about the experience as the tea you drink.