As a belated celebration of Ascot, Henley, Wimbledon and the whole English summer season, I hosted a Pimm’s party last night.
I had originally planned it for 4 July – but an American friend cut up rough about that … can’t think why.
I held my ground, insisting that 4 July was a perfect day for an all-things-English party, but was then struck down with food poisoning (karma, possibly).
I was surprised by how many people have never tried – and sometimes never even heard of – Pimm’s … even Brits. And one Aussie asked ‘so what is this Tim’s exactly?’ which I found rather endearing.
Strawberries in Malaysia come from the Cameron Highlands, the famous tea growing area where the climate is slightly cooler –
– but I have to say that they’re nowhere near as good as English strawberries – much crunchier and more acidic; there’s no fragrant lusciousness there at all.
However, despite the lack of luscious berries, a good time was had by all.
And with a very non-English twist, we went to our favourite local Chinese restaurant for dinner afterwards, where I discovered yet another ‘all time favourite dish’ – butter chicken –
plus a lot of the old favourites – marmite prawns, yam basket, salted egg squid, fried aubergine.
All in all, given the myriad opportunities for delicious feasting in Malaysia, I’ll forgive them for the slightly second-rate strawberries.