Hot Dog Surprise
Bardeau returns across Atlantic
Robert Bard
Tue 11 Sep 2012 07:52
Well Day 3 at sea begins with the floating Esso Station cum Morrisons passing 35 miles off the coast of Casablanca. The boat no longer rolls gracefully through the seas...she clunks and chinks. Every movement brings worry to the chefs as to whether the rather loud clink has put paid to the Chateau Lafite 1998 ....
Last night began the Great British Cook Off'. David versus C Dundee. Opening round was an on deck, silver cutlery meal offering created by David comprising King Prawn with a gourmet sauce, followed by Beef Bourgignon served on a bed of rice with red wine sauce, completed with a Creme Caramel of indeterminate quality down to the fact that cheeting was going on and they were really Morrisons' own label. The underlings then all took themselves to bed whilst Master and Commander strapped in for his night watch .... well it was dark anyway... 8pm to11pm. I was awoken promptly at 11 .... I said I was gazing at the stars, and Dundee proceeded to discuss the following days menu whilst we swapped watches. Hot Dogs? Jeeez, you cant be serious... he says....Serious? You don't know the meaning of the word. I will NOT be tormented with unfullfilled promises. You said it would be gourmeted hot dogs...and its those that I want .... Jeeez....No worries....I heard him muttering Jeez...pommie heathen...ingrate....
Peace was made this morning when I emerged from the Commander's Master suite formy 9 am ish watch. I greet the underlings all the same as I make my progress through the galley. I want them all to feel appreciated. I emerge on deck in 90 degrees and put the bimini up. I scan the cockpit table for space for the Commander's Pimms jug...and the day begins. The important ship's business is now discussed in detail. Who the hell is Ragu Josh? I ask Dundee. 'Jeez skip dont be silly. It s an Indian dish and I'm cooking it tonight.' I thought tonight was Chinese night I answer.Er this is a multi-fusioned ethnic specialty with hints of Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese,Japanese, and Picanese. Ok I agreed with reluctance but it better come with prawn crackers.
So today begins.. ah yes I forgot...boat things. We are chugging along at between 5 and 6 knots and first land is 355 miles away. I have requested that we go round it rather than end up on the grass.