Memories are wonderful things. Many people say that more than sight or sound, it is smell which offers more “realistic” memories, that is memories with an eerie sense of being taken back in time. I would say taste gives exactly the same effect.

Last night being at a loose end food wise and always willing to try a new local take away I picked up a Chinese menu which had recently come through the door. It had all the classic dishes one would expect, however it was the Pancake Roll in the starter section that caught my eye. On delivery I was not let down and in a wax paper bag was the plump and greasy delight, when I bit into it I was transported back my school days.

When I was young school lunches were less than inspiring and usually a choice of state sponsored “something and chips”, so to gain more flavourful sustenance we would sneak out to the local high street. One of the few things the pittance that was my lunch money could afford was the said Pancake Roll, and what a joy it was and a far superior alternative to the schools dry burger or soggy fish finger.

I am so pleased that time and the world has left this lunchtime hero well alone, as there is something about the exact mix of beansprouts, roast pork, chicken, those teeny tiny little shrimp and the crispy exterior oozing that oh so important grease that as I shut my eyes it wasn’t just a flavour that reminded me of those school days, this humble food stuff offered a far more emotive sense of “being there”.

There are few things I can think of that have a similar effect, Cola Cubes almost do it for me especially after I have eaten enough to take part of the roof of my mouth off. The only other one that kind off takes me back to school is French bread with butter, ham, lettuce and tomato which we were fed daily on a school trip to Lion-sur-Mer but I consider that brain washing by the French.

This latest local Chinese Takeaway for me is, in every sense of the word, old school. I am positive our passionate first encounter will blossom into a lasting relationship and I look forward to revisiting those happy high street lunchtimes again soon.

So what does it for you? Are there foods or flavours that send you back to another time (and please no booze that’s a given!), if so I would love to hear about it.

The Food Curator

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The Food Curator

The Food Curator (AKA Michael Robinson) is an aficionado of all things food and bon viveur based in London. A passion for cooking and dining has driven him to put fingers to keyboard to bring you his thoughts on the world of food. When not writing, eating or cooking he has a love of American muscle cars. Pop on over to my Facebook page and let's start a Facebook food revolution together: http://tinyurl.com/thefoodcurator

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