We all talk a good game about how to eat, what to eat, and the importance of preparing our own food from quality ingredients. The truth is that everyone faces the same dilemmas from time to time. Whether it's travel, working late, business lunches, social outings, or simply not being interested in cooking, there are many reasons that eating that home cooked meal may not always be possible.
I've decided to pose a series of questions to our members on a weekly basis on what gets them through these situations. You might be surprised at some of the answers and others might be exactly what you expected — either way, I'm hopeful that this will help you navigate your way through the myriad of awkward, inconvenient, or simply lazy situations you find yourself in.
Dr. Rupy Aujla from London, United Kingdom
CA: Do you put much thought into where you eat out? Or do you simply go anywhere and try to make do with what's on the menu?
RA: Yeh totally, I think about what I'm gonna order before i even get to the restaurant! I usually look up the menu before I get there to wet my appetite. I'm a total foodie and eating out is my favourite thing to do! However, I'm mindful of other people's choices, so I don't freak out if I can't choose the venue. I'm pretty easy going.
CA: Most memorable restaurant meal in London?
RA: The Palomar on Rupert Street is one of my all time faves! The food is simply exquisite and the bar seats are incredible. Watching the skilled chefs at work whilst enjoying the fruits of their labour is a real treat.
CA: Most memorable restaurant meal outside of London?
RA: There's plenty to choose from but perhaps Bennelong in Sydney was one of the best. I was invited to meet the head chef 'Rob Cockerill', take a tour of the kitchen and enjoy their signature 'Opera House' pavlova. Indulgent, but I had no regrets!
CA: For people with special diets, how do you suggest they talk with restaurant staff in order to get what they need?
RA: Just be honest and upfront. Be polite and hopefully they will reciprocate. Most restaurants these days are up to speed with allergies and are generally quite understanding. I recently experimented with going 100% plantbased and some restaurants have a completely separate menu for vegans! You just have to ask.
CA: Do you prepare an emergency meal when you travel? If so, what do you include?
RA: Not really. I usually throw together leaves, nuts and beans with spices, but i don't have an emergency meal as such.
CA: Your favorite quick meal to prepare at home?
RA: Probably my sweet potato frittata. It takes literally minutes and it's enough to feed 4 people! Full of herbs and spices, it's a delicious wholesome meal.
CA: In terms of food, what is your guilty pleasure?
RA: Chocolate, although I don't think it's that guilty as I have 85% cacao as a minimum in my chocolate!
Dr. Rupy Aujla is the NHS General Practitioner behind ‘The Doctor’s Kitchen‘. He creates delicious recipes and brings attention to the amazing clinical research behind the ingredients. In his role as clinical adviser to the Royal College of GP’s, he has big aspirations to bring the concept of ‘Culinary Medicine’ to the profession globally.
Read More Q&A's from the "What & Where They Eat" Series
