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taxevasiontactics · 11 months

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The Godmother's Godchild [2] - This Town Ain't Big Enough for Anyone, Really

Synopsis: The problem with a small town is that you don't really have a lot of options in places to go. You keep rubbing shoulders with Peppino, much to his continued frustration, and end up overextending just the tiniest bit. Damn kids. Damn helpful instinct.

Warning: Description of a Minor Wound

Your prediction ends up coming true the very next morning.

To avoid a repeat of the night before, you go grocery shopping. As you’re driving down the tight, one-lane-in-either-direction road, you note a few things. The town was built before cars were a staple of life. It’s smack in the middle of farmland; even if it’s no corn hell, the miles of emptiness and cow fields take up the majority of your trip’s vistas. There are no big warehouse superstores, no fast-food chains, and no corporate names in sight. The grocer in town (the only one) is a mom-and-pop gig, as is every other storefront in sight. It’s charming in its own way, but you feel like you’ve wandered onto a retro show when you stop inside. Linoleum floors, buzzing lights, an old cash register that goes “ding” as the middle-aged clerk pulls on its lever. Even the people shopping around you know each other. You can feel the looks as you pass. They’re probably gossiping about the newcomer, as nonthreatening as you try to make yourself with nods and smiles.

That’s what makes Peppino stick out like a sore thumb when he appears around an aisle’s corner. You try to say hello, but the moment you turn he bolts out of sight as quickly as he came. He’s surprisingly fast too, going from near standstill to a sprint in the blink of an eye. The same thing happens as you’re perusing produce, then while checking canned fruits. Even the baking aisle is not free of a near encounter with the man. Your entire shopping trip is plagued by near-misses, disappearing the moment you even try to approach.

You finally get a chance to talk when you push your cart behind his at the only checkout lane. Looks like the man’s ditched the tank-top-t-shirt getup for now, swapping it out for zip hoodie and t-shirt instead. He pointedly does not look your way. He has a lot of food in his cart: flour, vegetables, cured meats, and a few herbs. And tomatoes. Lots, and lots, and lots of tomatoes.

“Stocking up for the day?” You ask the open air. Peppino tenses like he was hoping you would ignore him too.

“Yes. Every day, as fresh as it gets…”

You nod. “Where I used to live, every pizza place bragged about using only San Marzano tomatoes. Authentic Italian style, or something.”

He seems to take great amusement at that, scoffing and muttering a string of his own authentic Italian. This apparent blasphemy is enough to knock him out of whatever timorous behavior he’d subconsciously assigned to you.

“They wouldn’t know real Italian food if it came and smacked them in the face. Why would you need canned tomatoes when fresh ones you can make just as good, for less?” He picks up one of the red fruits for emphasis, waggling it in front of you. “You don’t need fancy things, no, you just need to know how to make it right.”

The clerk clears her throat, holding back a smile. “Mr. Spaghetti?”

“Oh, scuzi, sorry…”

He rummages around in his pockets, pulling out a coupon book. They exchange papers and knock down prices for nearly every item in his cart. You get the feeling that this is a practiced dance between them – either because the clerk is used to penny pinchers, or because Peppino makes a habit of being one everywhere he goes.

He waits while she gets through your cart, raising an eyebrow at its contents. You catch it, raising your own eyebrow. It’s nothing out of the ordinary, you think. Quick fridge fill-ups, low-effort meals, and snacks.

“What?” Genuinely, you don’t know what he could criticize here.

“Don’t you think you should…” He waves his hands in the air, searching for the words. “Get some things better for you? No one can survive on cereal and- and chips, and whatever other little filler foods those are, no?”

“Questioning my ability to run after a cat on a handful of cereal, are you?” You tease.

Peppino makes a sour face, and you snicker. You decide against playing Misery Olympics and telling him about how you usually eat at work. Based on your past two encounters, he might find something else to yell at with your diet of coffee and granola bars. This is cheating, for you. The clerk finishes, you pay, and you wheel out with your pantry goods. Peppino follows along, bags in hand.

“You seem to care an awful lot all of the sudden, considering I nearly made you crash and poked fun at your name,” you wryly reason.

“You are doing the exact same thing!” He runs ahead of you, somehow pointing at you in accusation despite the three heavy bags in his offending hand. “I’m just trying to be polite before you decide to turn me into a toad, or whatever it is you people do!”

You sigh, opening up your truck’s door and loading up your groceries. Exasperation runs through you in a moment, despite how outdatedly funny his worry is. A toad? So that’s what last night was about.

“Correction,” you start, “that would be the school of transmutation, an entirely different career path that I didn’t study. I’m from a school that primarily focuses on helping things reach a state they naturally can faster, and with less error.”

You close the door, leaning back against it with your arms folded. The more you’ve ranted, it seems, the more Peppino has shrunk in on himself. A little part of you is satisfied to see his accusations addressed and overturned.

“Even if I did know how to make polymorphic potions,” -He cringes. You continue- “you would have to absorb it somehow for it to have any effect. I promise, cross my heart, that I won’t try to turn you into a toad, an inanimate object, or anything else you might be afraid of.”

The frown on his face grows even more as he continues to grumble, “And why would I have any reason to trust you?”

“You don’t.”

You hop into your truck, catching Peppino’s frown get momentarily wiped off in bewilderment. Pleasant assumption? Unpleasant conclusion? You don’t know, and the ice cream in your groceries is going to melt if you stick around for much longer.

“You either trust me or you don’t. For the record, though?” You give him one big, cheesy grin as you start the engine. “The pizza was really good, and I can’t get any more if I turn you into something weird. Goodbye, Mr. Spaghetti!”

Peppino’s face turns bright red, one finger lifted to inevitably retort, deny, or chew you out. You peel out before you hear whatever else he has to say, riding the high of getting the last word in all the way back.

---

You’ve hit a wall in terms of preparing the property for sale.

Clue 1: the cottage was not cleaning itself.

There are many good things about magic cottages. They’re usually enchanted to take care of themselves, Aunt Marian’s was no different to your expert senses. You were still hit with a lungful of dusty air when you first walked in, yet thought nothing of the thin layer that covered many surfaces.

Clue 2: the cottage did not repair itself.

A few days after the grocer encounter, you tripped over a floorboard. It wasn’t like that before, you don’t remember breaking it in any way while organizing, but you knew for certain that the culprit behind your thrown plate of toast (which you were looking forward to, by the way) was the curiously crooked board. You blamed it on a shifting foundation and ignore it, trusting it to go back in place eventually.

This morning, a mere two days after the tripping incident, you went to get a glass of milk. Where you expected chilly cold fridge air, you found a slightly-cooler-than-room-temp puff of air from within the dark, metal cabinet. Luckily, nothing had spoiled yet, but you aborted your search for milk in favor of not tempting fate by quickly slamming the door shut again.

Clue 3: the cottage no longer provides power to anything inside.

You can only assume that Aunt Marian tied herself to the house. When she passed, the enchantments slowly faded away from lowest to highest priority until it ultimately failed you and your milk. You can’t make a change to the spellwork yourself, nor are you going to assume the future owners will have any idea how to fix it either. With this in mind, you go to the library with sleeves rolled up both metaphorically and physically. You’re stubborn enough to try keeping the cottage as it is, intent on not shelling out goo gobs of money on modern conveniences. You’re set on making your own solution to the problem.

You want to substitute natural magic with alchemy. A constructed power well, with properties you pick. Of course, this means you have to turn to the dreaded art of transmutation to make this work.

Arming yourself with a mind-numbingly dry book from the bottom of an overstuffed shelf and a bottomless bag rescued from the same pile, you walk through the nearby woods in hopes of finding the proper ingredients for your idea. Though the smell of greenery and life around you are refreshing, the mugginess and uneven ground are not. You thank Aunt Marian mentally for her foraging lessons during the hot, humid days of your youth. Then you yell at her for leaving the cottage a fixer upper.

Your mind wanders as you walk and search. Maybe this is some higher power’s way of punishing you for being a flippant idiot with Peppino. You don’t know transmutation, you said. You don’t know how to change the properties of anything, let alone turn a person into a toad! Fine, the higher powers huff to your inverse Arachne self, if you don’t know transmutation you’ll be made to learn it.

Still, you wonder and wander, what’s Peppino’s problem? Sure, you did laugh at his unfortunate name, you inconvenienced him majorly on the road, but you haven’t directly done anything that would be interpreted as hostility. He seems to immensely distrust you on principle. Aunt Marian, as far as you know, wasn’t much of a Beauty-and-the-Beast godmother, doling out curses on the deserving to teach them a lesson. Maybe he’s a staunch mundanist. Maybe he just doesn’t like new people in general. Ha ha, you think, if your godmother was the just-punishment type, he probably would have been a toad a lot sooner had they met.

Your train of thought is upended by a sudden wailing echoing through the trees. You hurriedly stuff your most recently plucked mushroom into the bag, making your way towards the sound.

“Oh my god oh my god oh my god-“

“Okokok calm down it’s ok-“

“MY LEG HURTS MY LEG HU-U-U-RTS!”

“I told you not to let her go up there!”

“I told her not to go up there!”

“Then why did she?!”

“I don’t know!”

You find a pair of kids underneath a tall tree, arguing over a little girl. She’s clutching a bloodied leg, sobbing as the red drips through her fingers. You can’t see the damage clearly from between her dirtied hands as you walk up, shouting to get their attention. The children stop their bickering when they realize an adult has come out of the literal woodwork. Reactions flipflop from confused relief to bracing for trouble.

“I know I’m a stranger, but I can help.” You introduce yourself right away, adding on for good measure, “I’m a doctor. Can I take a look at her?”

Your credentials do the trick, and the kids immediately blab to you about what happened as you set to work. Marnie (the little girl, you presume) went into the tree to grab a new branch because they lost their old dousing rod in a river when Thomas tossed it right in (the older girl, Aggie, points at the boy of the pair) to try and see how far it would go to save them time on finding a new well.

“I didn’t mean to lose it!” He shouts back. “I thought it would work!”

You don’t have the heart to tell them that dousing rods don’t work anyways. As they continue to tell their tale of how and why Marnie was in the tree, your triage reveals that she’s scraped herself up pretty badly. Your extra bottle of water from within the bottomless bag washes away enough blood and debris to see that there is a large abrasion covering the majority of her left shin, irregular around the edges and still bleeding. You assume that this came from the actual impact on the ground. Her arms are bruised and present similar, if more minor, scrapes in small patches. You gently convince her to let you feel her limbs, finding nothing shifting where it should not.

“Good news,” you tell her, “I don’t feel that anything is broken.”

The big sister breathes a huge sigh of relief. She hits Thomas on the arm with an even fiercer scowl than before. “You are sooooo lucky! SO lucky my sister is ok!”

“Ow-! Ow! Hey! I’m sorry! I said I was sorry! Aggie stop!”

Digging in your bag, you once again thank Aunt Marian for lessons on being prepared. You treat Marnie with a field salve mushed together with items you’ve already collected after cleaning her hurts again, then bandage her up. Aggie looks guilty. Her cheeks puff outward like a frog’s and her hands grind into each other.

“Daddy said that no work goes unpaid, but we don’t have any money. Doctor, um…” (You get the feeling she’s already forgotten your name, you let that slide too.) “Is there anything we can do to pay you without money?”

Your heart hurts to see a kid try and take on responsibility. You quickly wave off the offer, “It’s fine, I was just helping out.”

“Daddy said we can’t!”

Honest to goodness, you hate trying to reason with kids. They’re not like adults, they can go on being just as stubborn as you. You’ll make no headway in convincing Aggie that, truly, you are ok with not being paid this time. Small town values are something else. The kids have had a rotten enough afternoon and you, the adult, feel like going out of your way. It also presents a unique opportunity to knock two birds with one stone.

“Alright, alright,” you mutter, pulling out your phone. “You can do one thing to help me out. I was going to have lunch all by myself, this afternoon, but…”

The kids pipe up quicker than you can finish. “We’ll help!”

“Oh, good! That’s a relief. You’re going to be doing me a big favor by coming along.”

You search up the address for Peppino’s Pizza.

---

A metal bell rings overhead when you walk through the façade’s door, alerting your favorite Italian to customers at the door. If you didn’t know the owner is as authentic as they come, you’d laugh at the incredibly stereotypical black and white tile in combination with red, white, and green décor. You watch him emerge from the kitchen with a great big cloud of flour as you usher the kids inside. You might even call him eager to greet his patrons from how fast he gathers up a notebook and pen.

“Salve! Welcome to Peppino’s Pizza, how can I help-“

It dissolves the moment he realizes it’s you standing in his empty restaurant. The click of his pen is a little too aggressive to be anything else but annoyance at your presence. Still, he can’t immediately start getting sour with the three kids here. Good, your secret weapon is working.

“Heyyy Peppino.” You come up to the counter, stretching your greeting with all the casualness you can muster. Your gaggle of kids follow suit, heads peeking over the counter. “How’re you doing?”

“Just fine.” He scans over the tiny crew, pausing on Marnie. “What happened to the little one?”

“Tree.” You shrug.

“It was a really big one,” she supplies.

His concern runs out and he taps his notepad impatiently. “So, are you going to order something, or are we going to stand here all day?”

You turn to the kids, gesturing to the faded plastic menu over Peppino’s head.

“Pepperoni!” Thomas shouts first.

“Peppers and sausage!” Aggie exclaims next. “I just want cheese…” Marnie mumbles.

The chef raises a brow after he finishes writing their orders down, leaning over the counter. “All on the same pie? Or are you going to make Peppino cook three separate pies? Eh?”

He has an exceptionally large amount of geniality for them when compared to his stiff behavior with you. You’re almost surprised – you didn’t expect it to work this much.

They look back at you. You shrug. “One small for each won’t hurt.”

“And what about you?” He turns away from the notebook to focus on you. You notice it’s less than a glower, so that’s a start. “Do you want something too?”

“Same as last time. Can’t beat a new favorite.”

He writes that down too, punches the total into a machine that you think is from the 90s, and charges you out. Four pizzas and drinks; not exactly chump change when ordering for everyone, but it’s a good deal cheaper than what you’d get back home. While Peppino heads in the back to get your orders together, you pull out the heavy book from your bag once again and settle with the trio of children in a faux leather booth. Their chatter becomes background noise as you read on, unentertaining paragraphs beginning to make more sense.

By the time you’ve finished getting a beginner’s grasp on the concepts and mechanics needed for your ideas, Peppino’s coming out with two pizzas on either arm. You’re a little impressed by how he can balance all of them at once without burning himself. So are the kids, apparently, because they’re shouting and clapping as he slides them towards each recipient over the table.

“Yours, pepperoni, pepper and sausage, and” -he takes a moment to flourish an extra spin for Marnie’s pan, who is the most impressed of you all- “cheese. Buon appetito.”

Thomas immediately digs in without a care for burning his tongue. Marnie’s hands are more careful thanks to Aggie’s help. The older sister only gets one bite for every two of Marnie’s, but she manages to take huge bites that even the difference anyways. All three of them parrot their thanks to the chef in charge between the feral bites that come with kids really enjoying their food. Peppino lingers for a second longer than he should. You follow his line of sight directly to the book in your lap.

“If you’re trying to understand what any of this is saying,” you wryly comment, “trust me, so am I.”

His gaze jerks upwards, concentration turning to yet another frown. “What is this?”

“What’s in the book?”

“Yes, the book.”

“Oh. Yes, the book, the book I am currently reading.” You hold it up and make a show of flipping the cover around for him with a smug half smile. “The book that contains information about transmutation. This book.”

You can see it. The conversation from a few days ago is turning over in his head. The kids stop eating for a moment to watch the adults talk. You feel yourself get a mirthful joker’s kick out of watching the mental journey turn wary curiosity into mounting paranoia.

“For… what?” He asks, composure holding back whatever horrors his mind is undoubtedly conjuring.

You can’t help yourself. You set the book back down in your lap matter-of-factly, opening it up to the page of polymorph potions. “To turn you into a toad, of course.”

Peppino gets out of reach in a surprisingly coordinated backstep shuffle, punctuated by a barely restrained noise that you really can’t categorize as anything but a “yelp”. The poor man’s hat slips from his head when his back cracks against his own counter in hasty retreat. The kids laugh at his expense – as do you, though less loudly and 100% less jeering.

“You said that you could not be trusted, but I did not think that you would do this right in my face!” “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” You hurry up your burst of laughter, getting up and setting the book down. He doesn’t accept any of your help, even when he winces. “Sorry! I’m joking! I swear! I’m joking!”

“Merda!” Oh, now that was a curse word you recognized. So did the kids if the resulting chorus of gasps is anything to go by. “I don’t want any more of your jokes, they are the worst jokes!”

Peppino grunts and hunches over for longer than he should. You feel the fun drain out of your stomach. You got him hurt with your fun and games, overreaction to sarcasm or not. He sits with a heaviness that betrays the pain he’s in.

“That was my fault. I’m sorry.” You catch sight of your bag. You can apologize for it in action, here and now. “Look, cross my heart, no more jokes.”

“Ech, easy to say!”

Your mouth presses into a line before you continue, “I want to make it up to you, but you’ll have to trust that what I make is, indeed, something that will help you.”

His head snaps up to meet you eye to eye. You know that he really has no reason to trust you after three mean jokes in a row, nor any reason to stay nice. The slew of heated words gets chewed behind his drawn-thin mouth, mustache working side to side. It never comes – he waves his hand dismissively.

“Do whatever you want,” he grumbles, “it can’t be worse than what I already have.”

You take the chance before he changes his mind and go back to the booth for your bag, motioning for the kids to keep eating. Your pizza will probably get to a gooey lukewarm by the time you’re done, but that’s the price you pay. Ducking into the kitchen (you can see Peppino almost protest before you get in), you quickly get a small pot, fill it with water, and set to work. Plants, fungi, minerals. Ground, sieved, boiled. It’s easier than the mash you made for Marnie’s hurts from years of experience; still, it never turns out exactly the maroon Aunt Marian tried to push you towards. You pull the pot from the heat, strain it into a coffee mug, and bring it back to Peppino.

He eyes you skeptically. You motion to the white porcelain wordlessly. He sighs, takes its handle, and samples with a small, hesitant sip.

“This is tea,” he deadpans.

“That’s alchemy,” you retort. “If it’s bitter, honey always helps.”

“I don’t even feel better, what is this? You studied to make tea?”

Sarcasm, you realize, does not feel as good when you’re the one being sassed. You feel your own annoyance growing in turn. “I studied to learn what was safe to put into that ‘tea’, in what dosage, and in what combinations. Specifically, so that it will not kill anyone.”

“Oh, I see, yes that is something that is worth a whole school.” Peppino’s back straightens as he goes on rolling you over the coals, draining the mug halfway in a single pull. “Magic tea. I could have gone to school to learn how to cook when I already knew how from learning at home.”

You both realize a moment later what happened. Peppino scowls and slouches again. You regain the upper hand in smugness, leaning over the counter with an elbow for support.

“Magic tea?” You cheerily repeat. “Ok! You made your point.” He gets up, shooing you from out behind the counter. “No customers back here anymore!”

You laugh as you go back to your lukewarm pizza and giggling children.

---

You take Thomas, Aggie, and Marnie back to their homes in the truck after you all retrace your steps through the woods. Incidentally, they happen to live on neighboring farms. Aggie and Marnie’s parents thank you profusely when you drop the girls off. You’re thankful the salve has done its job by the time they go back, neither of them has to explain what never left a mark. Thomas’ mother, on the other hand, gives her boy hell for staying out so late and not telling her, then makes him apologize for making you take him home.

You feel fulfilled after today’s work. Tired from all the hiking but fulfilled. You helped some people, you got some headway in repairing your repute with Peppino, and you got a good meal out of it. There’s even half a pizza for you to heat up later. You're not sure why you keep trying with him, anyways. You don't think on it very long either - chalk it up to liking the food.

“Miao.”

You’ve heard the same pitiful, damnable noise before on your first day here. When you open the front door, lo and behold, the same tabby is sitting on the porch.

“Miao,” it squeaks again.

“I’m not falling for that.”

“Miao.”

“I already told you once, I’m not helping you again. You’ll just tear my trash bags open.”

“Miao.” It looks up at you with sad, wide eyes. You sigh.

“Ok, you make a convincing argument. But this is temporary, got it?”

“Miao.”

Somehow understanding the agreement, the cat weaves through your legs and into the cottage. You follow after it to sacrifice one of your tuna cans for its dinner. Ha ha, you think to yourself for the twelfth time today. Maybe you want to make friends with Peppino because you're a sucker for helping stray animals.

-------------------------------------------------------

is peppino more of a kicked puppy or a wet kitten? vote now, call 555-NOISETV. that's 555-664-7388, NOISETV (totally legitimate number). i'm not entirely happy with this one, but at least you're getting good pizza out of it. enjoy.

#peppino spaghetti x reader #peppino x reader #pizza tower x reader #the godmother's godchild #tax writeoff (fic)#watch i'm going to find a billion more mistakes reading this again later lmaoooooo #i'll add navigation links later i'm lazy

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vn-10-online-store · 5 months

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The Magic of Christmas Hoodies"

Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than by donning a Christmas hoodie that not only keeps you cozy but also spreads festive joy wherever you go. This year, say goodbye to the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with our collection of unique Christmas hoodies that blend comfort, style, and holiday spirit.Picture yourself in our "Enchanted Evergreen" hoodie, a cozy forest-green masterpiece adorned with subtle twinkling lights, mimicking the enchantment of a winter woodland. The soft, fleece-lined interior provides warmth on chilly nights, making it the perfect choice for sipping cocoa by the fire or strolling through a snowy landscape.For those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia, our "Vintage Vibes" Christmas hoodie takes you on a trip down memory lane. Featuring retro-inspired holiday graphics and a classic fit, this hoodie effortlessly combines the charm of yesteryear with the comfort of modern fabric. It's a timeless choice for creating lasting memories with loved ones.If you're feeling a bit cheeky this season, our "Sleigh All Day" hoodie is the epitome of holiday humor. The clever design showcases Santa's sleigh in a playful, unexpected way, making it a conversation starter at any festive gathering. The breathable cotton blend ensures you stay comfortable while spreading laughter and joy.But the magic doesn't stop there. Our "Twinkle & Tinsel" hoodie takes holiday fashion to the next level with embedded LED lights that softly twinkle with every step. The dazzling display of lights adds a touch of glamour to your festivities, ensuring you stand out at every Christmas party and capture the attention of all who cross your path.Beyond the aesthetics, our Christmas hoodies are crafted with quality and sustainability in mind. We source materials that prioritize both comfort and environmental consciousness, so you can feel good about embracing the holiday spirit in style. From organic cotton blends to recycled fabrics, our commitment to sustainability is woven into every festive thread.This Christmas, express yourself with more than just words—let your hoodie tell your festive tale. Whether you're a traditionalist, a humorist, or a trendsetter, our unique Christmas hoodies offer something for everyone. Unwrap the joy of the season, and wear it proudly with our exclusive collection that blends warmth, style, and the magic of Christmas. After all, 'tis the season to be merry and look fabulous doing it!

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#christmas gift #hoodies for women #hoodies fashion #outerwear #merry christmas #christmas countdown #christmas time

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alasarys · 1 year

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I'm only five very many days late to this, but I was tagged by the fab @firemanseb to put my liked songs on shuffle, and post the first ten that come up. Let's go ...

Computer Graphics - Disasteradio (I don't even know what genre this is - retro 80's synth dance maybe?)

Many a Time - Pete Shelley (I bloody love The Buzzcocks, and while Pete Shelley alone isn't quite as good, his voice is still ... ! Plus, his lyrics: "I'm quite concerned though that this is all happening to me")

Paradise - Great Good Fine Ok, Before You Exit (Chipper and upbeat and a tiny bit twee, but hey)

Shallow Water - Cha Wa (Mardi Gras Indian funk from NOLA. What I wouldn't give for a beignet right now)

Lady Grinning Soul - David Bowie (Bowie. Bowie! My heart. I don't have words)

Turn It Up - TV Noise (EDM banger)

Mis'ry and the Blues - Jack Teagarden (some classic jazz/blues)

Wait and See - Shihad (NZ hard rock. I think The General Electric is their finest album)

Rocky - ATEEZ (K-Pop the way I like it: big, bold, bouncy)

I Hate Guns (Live at Rippon 2004) - Minuit (NZ electronica that's just. so. good. Ruth's voice is gorgeous, and they've been the soundtrack to a good chunk of my life)

I'm gonna leave this as an open tag to anyone who'd like to do it, because this trip down memory lane was so lovely, and I heartily recommend it!

#this has been a glorious way to start the day #thanks for the tag friend!#sorry i'm so late to it #tag game #music

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wtfkdramaislife · 1 year

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20th Century Girl

— 2022

Cast:

Kim Yoo-jung as Na Bo-ra

Byeon Woo-seok as Poong Woon-ho

Roh Yoon-seo as Kim Yeon-du

Park Jung-woo as Baek Hyun-jin

Han Hyo-joo as adult Na Bo-ra

—

Another trip-down-memory-lane kind of movie. I actually love this kind of storyline, especially after Reply 1988 coz it gives such a warm feeling inside. It's like a rest, a pause, a break from the real world where everything’s so complicated.

The story started with 2 best friends, Bo-ra and Yeon-du, and since Yeon-do has heart disease, Bo-ra has been so protective of her. When she needs to leave the country, she asked Bo-ra to look for the guy she met at her mom’s shop. So Bo-ra followed him around, taking notes of all the details about him and sends it to Yeon-du. Then that guy noticed it and thought it was her who likes him. But of course, she cleared that she does not.

Then, by following Hyun-jin around, she even auditioned for the Broadcasting Club and ended up getting the spot instead of Hyun-jin, and there he met his best friend, Woon-ho. So they spent more time together until they grew feelings for each other.

And so, for the first time, Bo-ra felt something in her heart and so is Woon-ho. Then she realized, Yeon-du was right.

Things are going well with them and Yeon-du came back from her surgery. And if you watched the movie, you’ll know how important part of the movie these next photos are.

These photos surely took the movie to a turn but wait there’s more!

Here’s the start of another AND A MAJOR turn of events in the movie. And I’m telling youuuuuuuu!!! It’s gonna be big!

But all I can say is that I love this movie. The way the story of friendship and love, especially first love, was told, it is something that we surely have experienced. The kind of love that will change you and your perspective, that will inspire you. It will always have a special place in our hearts.

Plus, the cinematography is over the top. I mean, that nostalgic, retro vibe and softness are just perfect. And hey, it’s Kim Yoo-jung. She’s one of my favorites so yeah, to me it’s perfect. 💖

—

Story: 🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬

Enjoyment: 🤩🤩🤩🤩

Will watch again? Hmm, maybe not. This is something I need to move on from hahaha

—

(all photos from pinterest)

#20th century girl #kim yoo jung #byeon woo seok #roh yoon seo #korean movie #korean films #kdramaislife

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jesssssah · 2 years

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Just Like Love 3/5 (Werewolves of London)

Gif source

Fandom: Queer as Folk (US TV 2022)

Ship: Mingus/Brodie

Rating: M

Warnings: Angst. Canon HIV-Positive Character. Sexual Content.

Summary: For the MF Halloween Bingo. A year on from the teardown party, Mingus and Brodie encounter each other again. As they reacquaint during a kayaking tour, and then a Halloween-themed party at Babylon, they realise the only things that have changed much in a year are the ones they think they have control of. Everything else has stayed the same; Mingus is still besotted and Brodie still feels like a fuckup.

Update is below the cut.

Or you can start from Chapter 1 on AO3 here.

_________

Judy merges left, onto the I-10, and into traffic that’s moving comfortably on what feels to Mingus like a perfect Saturday morning in late August. From the front passenger side, as her sky blue Pontiac takes them both north towards the Twin Span bridge — where beyond is the boat launch site at Pearl River — Mingus smiles to themself as they look out the window and imagine, projected out into that bright, dream-filled void of possible things, what unforgettable thing Brodie’s wearing today. They really hope it’s something sleeveless.

They look down at their own choice of outfit and fiddle with a hem on their loose-fit swim trunks. On top is an oversized, V-neck hockey sweatshirt and on their feet are an old pair of black, pull-on Adidas Actives. In their backpack is a change of clothes except for shoes — way cuter stuff than their activewear — and they secretly hope they will need it so that in front of Brodie they can glow up in especially the red checkered shirt and cream vest combination they only just got at the Buffalo Exchange last weekend.

The song playing on the Pontiac’s stereo — one of many retro-fits by one of Judy’s many ex-boyfriends, Mingus forgets exactly which one — comes to an end and they lean back in their seat and find the bop as the first piano bars of Warren Zevon’s 1977 recording of ‘Werewolves of London’ start a lazy trip through the speakers. It’s a nice beat to roll out over a sparkling body of water to as the car’s dated motor swaps from a laboured whine to a big cat purr when the road flattens out, now Judy is guiding their ways across the bridge that spans it.

“You know,” Mingus thinks aloud, reaching for their phone, which is connected to the car’s auxiliary charger, another hack by another of Judy’s exes, “this could actually be a good song for drag if something else was added. But I dunno what yet.” They start a search in their iTunes library, scrolling through ‘Art Angels’ by Grimes, still a go-to album for mashing tunes with. Although at a quick glance, they’re not sure it fits as well as something else might with this, so they close the app and start a Google search instead. “Or maybe if somebody has covered it, or something…”

“Oh?” From the corner of their eye they see Judy give them a quick glance, kind of askance, and in between checking for traffic as she changes lanes. “Well, honey…that would be great!”

“I’m not saying I’m thinking of doing it, Mom.”

“Oh, I know. I learned my lesson. I don’t rush you back into your drag anymore.”

“You never really did. It was fine.”

“Well…”

“It was fine,” Mingus assures her, chuckling. “Really.”

“Oka-ay…”

The song lyrics bubble up again to take the place of a conversation they might otherwise develop as Mingus takes the opportunity to give up the online search which they only really began half-heartedly anyway, and instead they slip back into something they’re a lot more full-body invested in, which is to find the confirmation from Brodie again that he is still coming kayaking today.

They slide down in their seat, bare hairy knees cramming up against the glovebox, and pull their phone screen closer to their face, green eyes taking in every pixel of the ‘eyes’ emoji he posted below the message Mingus sent him a week ago to check. Which he finally replied to late last night because until then Mingus hadn’t actually heard a thing from Brodie since back in July.

Their lips part and their pupils blow out, and their toes inside their sneakers start a helpless curl at just the sight of his name on the screen. Distant memories of him in states of undress flash through Mingus’ head again, and the more recent reminder of how warm his arms are, namely how warm his shoulder was when Mingus closed the little gap between them as they’d sat outside the puppet theatre together on that waning afternoon, when Mingus had asked Brodie out.

Even though, outwardly, Mingus had downplayed that angle, the date angle. Brodie’s never been their boyfriend as such. But they hope, only outwardly, that Brodie had downplayed that too. And that inwardly he had remembered it, as clearly as Mingus had then: that one time when Bussey had mistaken him for their boyfriend as such.

After all, Brodie hadn’t reopened that little gap between their bodies that day, back in July. He’d sat there too, with his shoulder pressed back to Mingus’ on the curb for some perfect quantity of minutes after that, just talking to them again. Brodie with his big hand squeezed around theirs for some of it and stroking their fingertips for the rest. Surely remembering, just like they were, all the other things of Mingus’ that Brodie has ever squeezed and stroked. And that part about a boyfriend again.

Mingus sighs.

“Is, um… Is everything okay?” Judy asks them.

“Mm-hm.”

“He better not be standing you up.”

“He’s not, Mom.”

“But would you actually tell me if he was?”

“Hm…maybe?”

“Mingus…”

“Of course I would tell you if he stood me up. You’re my ride back, I’m not exactly gonna walk for forty-five miles.”

“Or hitch, okay?”

“Or hitch.”

“Do you promise?”

“I promise.”

“Alright… Well, thank you for making that promise, baby.”

“He’s definitely coming, I checked.” Mingus holds the phone up for Judy, showing her the message, and smiling. “See? He confirmed.”

“Well… Wait, what is that? An ‘eyes’ emoji? Mingus… That is not confirmation!”

“Mom, it’s Brodie. It doesn’t get much more confirmed than that. Trust me, it’s fine.”

“Listen, honey? Now, I know you know this already but I just want you to know it again… I never mean to interfere when it comes to you and cute boys, and I’m really glad you wanna use your present but baby, I do just worry that sometimes, when—”

“Mom, I know.” Mingus closes their message app and sets the phone down, screen down, on their thigh. “I appreciate this again, I really do. But you haven’t talked to Brodie lately. He’s different now. He got a year older too.”

If they thought she looked askance at them before, Judy definitely looks askance at them now. And Mingus laughs out loud, half in exasperation and most of the other half in excitement, but the tiny little bit left over is like a little mask for the tiny little part left inside themself that actually doesn’t feel like laughing at all. That actually fears she might be right. Again.

But half an hour later, when the Pontiac pulls up in the car park, there Brodie is. He looks hot as fuck, and his top is sleeveless. And Mingus can’t get out of the car soon enough, their big feet getting caught up in the straps of their backpack on the way. They gather their long legs quickly, and untangle, hoping Brodie didn’t notice a thing. Except, as Mingus straightens up to reach their full height proudly, the same height as Brodie when Mingus wears flats, for how fetching they know they look in sports sunglasses.

“Remember—” Judy starts, reminding Mingus she’s still there.

“Mom!” they hiss, bending back down and dipping their shades to glare at her through the open window. “I’ll be careful, okay? I promise that too. I’ll be with Brodie, I’ll be fine… But I gotta go, he’s already here! Why is he early too? I thought—”

“Mingus, breathe, for gosh sakes… I was gonna say have fun… And also, honey, don’t call me if you tip out and fall in and get taken off by a gator or something, okay? Because I’ll actually be in Lacombe until at least one o’clock and I won’t be able to do much about it until then.”

Mingus stares at her open-mouthed.

“I’m kidding!” Judy says, laughing. “We’re actually hooking up in Mandeville… Two person private day spa… Best part?” She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively. “He’s paying.”

Mingus groans, unfolding again. “Mom, remember those things we used to call boundaries? Can we get those back? Because I really miss them.”

“Old people have sex too, you know. It’s not a big deal. I have sex, Mingus. It’s how you were conceived.”

“Mom… Leave. Please?”

“Remember I love you!”

“Love you too.”

They close the door without regret at that point but blow multitudinous kisses through the air at the back of the sight of her head through the rear windscreen, when Judy finally turns the car around and goes, waving wildly at them through the open, driver side window, and leaving a trail of dust in her wake. Through which, when it clears, the alluring figure of Brodie re-emerges.

“Hey,” he says, and Mingus’ knees go weak when his brown eyes sweep their body up and down, and the little gap between his front teeth is revealed by the extent of the full smile it brings to his face.

“Hi,” Mingus says back, flashing their wrist when their oversized sleeve slips down their forearm as they give him a little wave, and their cutest smile back. “Ready to get eaten by gators?”

Brodie snorts. “Oh my god… I swear to god, I’m gonna have a heart attack if we actually see any gators.”

“Well, we will. It’s a swamp. They’re, like, the drawcard. If we don’t see gators, I’m asking for my money back.”

Brodie laughs. “You didn’t even pay for this!”

“Hey!” Mingus chuckles back. “Are you implying I’m cheap?”

“Would I really do something like that?”

“Yes.”

Brodie bumps his muscled shoulder straight across into Mingus’ more lithe one playfully as they start to walk side by side, and Mingus’ stomach does a little somersault at how even a playful touch like that by Brodie is strong, like he’s indelible. And like he shares a little bit of that with Mingus with each touch, each time, and never by accident. Like he wants Mingus to have it. Like his strength is a gift he could never grow tired of giving to them. And Mingus could never grow tired of letting him do that.

“So, how have you been?” Brodie asks. “Alright?”

“Yeah, fine.”

When they reach the check-in shed, they collect their paddles, life vests, and a dry box for storing their dry clothes and phones in. Then they walk, led by their guide and accompanied by about a dozen others, down a worn path to the launching place on the edge of the river. As Mingus holds the paddles, the dry box on the ground by their feet, Brodie removes his tank top and pulls a stick of insect repellent from a pocket inside his cargo shorts. He starts to slather it over his arms and legs, and Mingus only tears his eyes away once he stops, straightens up and hands the stick of repellant over to them.

“Could you do my back?” he asks. “I can’t reach and I always get bitten.”

“Ah, sure,” Mingus says, laying the paddles and their life vest down on the ground, and taking up the repellant as Brodie turns around.

They roll it over the width of his back and down the length of his spine, smoothing it out with their hands over his thick traps, underneath the blades of his shoulders, and across his tight hips. Only stopping at the waistband of his shorts. His muscles feel perfect when Mingus presses into them and his skin feels soft and hot to the touch when Brodie leans back into theirs, countering the pressure of Mingus’ hands against him.

“Do you want some too?” Brodie asks, once they finish and pass the repellant back to him. “Or are you already covered?”

Brodie stuffs his tank top into the dry box, then starts to put his life vest on.

“Um,” Mingus answers, watching his ripped chest and upper abs disappear behind the padded panels and buckles, and the sight catches them unprepared for just long enough to be brutally honest. “Well, I have my sweatshirt…”

“Legs though?” he asks while he bends to pick up Mingus’ life vest, and pass it to them.

They blink from behind their shades, brain suddenly jerking back into gear. “Oh, yeah…”

Brodie grins, crouches down, and then he starts swiping a series of quick, assured stripes of bright white repellent down Mingus’ long legs, while Mingus fits their vest around themself. Halfway through buckling up, Brodie taps their hip to indicate they need to turn around, so he can do the backs of their legs too, and while Brodie rubs the creamy balm into their calves and shins, Mingus smears it across their own thighs. Once the cream is all rubbed in, Brodie wipes his hands off across the back of his own neck, and Mingus does the same to theirs before they reach across to gently glide the tips of their fingers up and down one side of Brodie’s neck, just beneath his ear.

“Oh, did I miss a spot?” he asks.

“Um…yeah?” Mingus answers.

Still grinning, Brodie clicks his tongue and shakes his head. “Get in,” he says through a muffled groan, thrusting the stick of repellant at the kayak they’ll be sharing.

“You first.”

“Okay.” He bends down to throw the repellant into the dry box with everything else, then lifts it up and stows it down the nose of the kayak. He puts one foot in the back but before he plants his second, he reaches out for Mingus. “Here, take my hand. Let me help you?”

Mingus glances a few kayaks down the dock to where their guide is helping another pair of people board.

“I’ve got you.” His voice is deep and sure. “I promise.”

They reach out for Brodie, take his hand, and take a cautious step into the front of the kayak. When they wobble as they leave solid ground completely, taking their other foot off too, they feel his other hand firm against their hip, and hold them there until Mingus finds their balance on both feet inside the boat, as well as the awareness that this isn’t really all that different from skateboarding now. Even surfing, which they tried a couple of times one summer when they were ten. Judy was seeing a guy who lived at Holly Beach.

But more than knowing they might know how to do this already is knowing that Brodie is there, just in case they don’t. Like they thought as they farewelled Judy, when Brodie is there, things may not go perfect but they end up okay. When Brodie is there, they are always alright. After all, he saved their life. Theirs. In a club full of people it was Mingus he held inside his arms, protected when shots rang out.

They shimmy their feet, rocking the kayak from side to side as they find their swamp legs and their confidence again. Brodie cusses from behind them, loud enough to draw the attention of their guide, who is still several yards up the bank. Mingus laughs and Brodie cusses some more before he pulls Mingus down by the hem of their sweatshirt, and their ass finds the front seat of the kayak.

“Do. Not. Tip. Us.” Brodie’s voice is as serious as Mingus thinks he’s ever heard it.

“I will protect you from the gators if we tip,” they swear in answer, leaning back in the flexible seat until they can rest their head against the front of Brodie’s life vest, and look up at him.

Mingus watches his face while they feel him, through the thick layers of their own life vest, place one spreadeagled hand across the centre of their chest as he steadies himself against them there, and leans over one side of the kayak. And when he leans back, he has the paddles in his hand. He lays them along the deck of the boat.

“With what exactly?” Brodie asks, pushing off from the bank with his arm when the guide calls out to let the whole group know it’s time to launch.

Cypress trees, silhouetted against the sky, move behind his head, and Mingus hears the sound of water lapping gently on the outside of the kayak as they glide out from the bank and onto the river proper.

“Oh, you know, my charms,” Mingus answers, smiling up at Brodie who’s paddling solo, the second paddle stowed down the inside of the kayak beside Mingus by now. “No going to thy deathbeds here.”

“Deathbeds?”

“Yeah, you know, Ophelia? It’s Hamlet…” They contemplate telling Brodie how they know about Ophelia but they stop short of mentioning Ruthie. It was Miss O’Neill who’d taught them Shakespeare in high school. Or tried. “I mean, all I ever really read was the CliffsNotes.”

“All I know,” Brodie says, “is that you seem to have it in your head that somehow you leaning back like this and not paddling at all will somehow miraculously save us from elements that you would happily tip us out into. Because you somehow miraculously think reptiles are not immune to your charms.”

“Oh… So you are acknowledging that I have charms?”

Brodie frowns theatrically. “How am I letting you lay in my lap and talk to me like this? And also managing to call me a reptile…”

“Charms, Brodie! My! Charms!”

Brodie laughs so hard he drops his paddle. “Shit…”

Mingus closes their eyes in pleasure at the thoughts that are swimming through their head now, content to listen to Brodie deal with the paddle situation on his own.

“So,” they say, feeling happy and unashamedly flirting with him now, “you are telling me, in your round-a-bout way, that you do think I’m charming. Aren't you.”

Drops of water fall like rain across Mingus' bare legs as Brodie swings the recovered paddle over the boat, and they hear it clatter against the inside of the kayak as Brodie stows it there, with the other one, for the moments it takes him to place his hand palm-down on Mingus' forehead, which feels cool from being in the river water, still slightly wet. But Mingus doesn't mind.

Brodie sweeps their curls back from there, and then he does it again. “Would you like me to tell you that more clearly?” he asks. “If I do that, will it mean you'll sit up and paddle?”

Mingus stomach does another little somersault. “Yes.”

Suddenly his warm cheek is pressed against Mingus’ cheek. And they can smell his moisturiser, and the cologne he wears, mixed in with the insect repellent when his lips are against their ear.

“You’re charming, Mingus,” Brodie whispers. “And you're charming too, Chickie-Ophelia.”

_________

Thanks for reading. Archived here on AO3.

#Mingus/Brodie #Modie #queer as folk 2022 #queer as folk 2022 fan fic #mf halloween bingo

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flyinghawk02 · 3 days

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Best men’s sneakers in India, provided to you by Flying Hawk Company

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sonicfranchising · 2 months

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Cruising Down Memory Lane: The Drive-In Franchise Experience

Hey there, fellow nostalgia enthusiasts! Today, let's take a virtual trip back in time and dive into the wonderful world of drive-in franchises. 🍔🎥

Imagine this: it's a warm summer evening, the sun is setting, and you're cruising down the highway with your friends or family. Suddenly, you spot those iconic neon lights glowing in the distance—the unmistakable sign of a drive-in franchise. Excitement builds as you pull into the parking lot, finding the perfect spot to park and settle in for a memorable evening.

One of the things that make drive-in franchises so special is the unique blend of retro charm and modern convenience. You can enjoy all your favorite comfort foods, from juicy burgers to crispy fries, all without ever leaving the comfort of your car. And let's not forget about the entertainment—the big screen awaits, ready to transport you to another world with the latest blockbuster or timeless classic.

But it's not just about the food and movies; it's about the experience. There's something magical about sitting under the stars, surrounded by friends and family, sharing laughs and making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it's a romantic date night or a fun outing with the kids, drive-in franchises offer a nostalgic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

And let's not overlook the resurgence of drive-in franchises in recent years. In a world where everything seems to be constantly changing, there's comfort in knowing that some things never go out of style. So the next time you're craving a taste of the past, why not take a trip to your nearest drive-in franchise? Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Until next time, keep cruising down memory lane and savoring life's simple pleasures. 🚗✨

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cashygoseolinks · 3 months

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Unleash Cash from Your Old Gaming Consoles: A Guide to Turning Vintage Games into Money Machines

Looking to unleash cash from your old gaming consoles? Dive into this comprehensive guide to discover how to turn your vintage consoles into money-making machines.

Introduction

Do you have old gaming consoles gathering dust in your attic or basement? It's time to dust them off and turn them into cash-generating assets! In this guide, we'll explore creative ways to unleash cash from your old gaming consoles. From retro gaming enthusiasts to collectors, there's a thriving market waiting to reward you for your vintage treasures.

The Nostalgia Market: Tapping into Retro Gaming Enthusiasm

Rediscover the joy of retro gaming as you uncover the potential value of your old consoles. Dive into the nostalgia market and unlock the financial rewards of vintage gaming.

Exploring the Resurgence of Retro Gaming

Experience the resurgence of retro gaming and its impact on the value of vintage consoles. Discover why nostalgic gamers are willing to pay top dollar for a trip down memory lane.

Understanding the Value of Classic Consoles

Delve into the world of classic consoles and learn how to identify the most valuable gems in your collection. From iconic Nintendo systems to rare Sega consoles, every vintage device has the potential to fetch a handsome sum.

Selling Strategies: Maximizing Profit from Your Old Consoles

Ready to cash in on your old gaming consoles? Explore effective selling strategies to maximize your profits and ensure a smooth transaction process.

Online Marketplaces: Reaching a Global Audience

Harness the power of online marketplaces to reach a global audience of potential buyers. From eBay to specialized gaming forums, explore the best platforms to showcase your vintage consoles.

Leveraging Social Media: Building Hype and Demand

Tap into the viral potential of social media to build hype and demand for your old gaming consoles. Engage with retro gaming communities, share captivating photos, and watch as interest in your collection skyrockets.

DIY Restoration: Adding Value to Your Vintage Consoles

Transform your old gaming consoles from neglected relics to sought-after collectibles through DIY restoration projects. Discover simple techniques to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your vintage devices.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Preserving Retro Charm

Learn expert tips for cleaning and maintaining your old gaming consoles to preserve their retro charm. From removing dust and grime to addressing common technical issues, a little TLC can go a long way in boosting their value.

Cosmetic Upgrades: Customizing Your Consoles

Get creative with cosmetic upgrades to customize your consoles and make them stand out in the market. From custom paint jobs to decorative decals, unleash your artistic flair and attract discerning buyers.

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Where can I sell my old gaming consoles? A: You can sell your old gaming consoles on various online platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, or specialized gaming forums. Additionally, consider local gaming stores or retro gaming conventions as potential selling venues.

Q: How can I determine the value of my old gaming consoles? A: The value of old gaming consoles depends on various factors, including their rarity, condition, and demand among collectors. Research recent sales of similar consoles online to get an idea of their market value.

Q: Are there any legal considerations when selling old gaming consoles? A: It's essential to ensure that any games or accessories included with your old gaming consoles comply with copyright laws. Avoid selling pirated or unauthorized copies of games to prevent legal issues.

Q: Can I increase the value of my old gaming consoles through restoration? A: Yes, DIY restoration projects can significantly increase the value of old gaming consoles. Simple tasks like cleaning, cosmetic upgrades, and minor repairs can enhance their appeal to potential buyers.

Q: What types of gaming consoles are in high demand among collectors? A: Classic gaming consoles from the 80s and 90s, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Genesis, and Sony PlayStation, are highly sought after by collectors due to their nostalgic appeal.

Q: How can I ensure a successful sale of my old gaming consoles? A: To ensure a successful sale, accurately describe the condition of your consoles, provide clear photos, and offer competitive pricing. Additionally, package your consoles securely for shipping to prevent damage during transit.

Conclusion

Unleashing cash from your old gaming consoles is not only financially rewarding but also a nostalgic journey through gaming history. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can transform your vintage consoles into lucrative assets while preserving their timeless appeal for future generations.

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kingjamesroystonpub · 3 months

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Rediscovering Retro-Inspired Food And Drink

While new ideas and inventiveness are constantly taking centre stage in the dynamic world of food, a charming and comforting trend is making a triumphant return: dishes that bring back fond memories. Restaurants and bars are taking a trip down memory lane by serving nostalgic recipes and drinks that bring back fond memories of simpler times. Here we investigate the revival of throwback tastes and the skillful cooking that gives rise to these dishes.

Best Pub in Royston

A Sweet Taste Celebration -

Reminiscence and Its Appeal -

Unlike other emotions, nostalgia may bring individuals together regardless of distance or time. It draws on our common history, bringing up feelings of safety and familiarity that go beyond the here and now. Restaurants and bars are deftly capitalising on this emotional link by telling stories of the past through their dishes.

Retro Recipes: A Culinary Time Capsule -

Traditional pub fare that was formerly enjoyed at neighbourhood dining and family gatherings is being given a modern twist at many modern eateries. From grandma's meatloaf to the famous tuna casserole, chefs are giving these classic dishes a contemporary twist while keeping the flavours and textures that made them famous.

A Chronology of Eras via Cocktails -

On this gastronomic adventure through the ages, mixologists are not to be forgotten. The stage is set verbally and practically high with cocktails that draw inspiration from the past. With every drink, you're transported to a different era, whether it's the glitzy 1920s or the colourful 1980s, thanks to the cocktails. A drink in a pub is more than simply a drink; it's an experience, a taste of yesteryear.

The Hidden Craftsmanship -

Creative Cuisine Meets Vintage Charm -

What makes these foods that are reminiscent of bygone eras so special is the painstaking workmanship that goes into making them again. With each choice of ingredient, seasoning, and plating, chefs make stories rather than just following recipes. Finding the sweet spot between paying homage to tradition and adding a modern spin that pleases modern tastes is the real problem.

Traditional Kitchen to Modern Plate -

Picture the comforting scent of warm cookies baking in the oven or the crackle of a well-seasoned cast-iron pan. In the kitchen, these sensory experiences are painstakingly replicated. In this ode to time-honored culinary traditions, beloved comfort dishes like macaroni and cheese and chicken pot pie are taken to a whole new level.

Time Travel through Mixology -

Mixology is about more than simply making a drink; it's an art form in and of itself. The modern barman is recreating long-forgotten cocktail recipes, trying out new spirits and paying tribute to the classic cocktails of yesteryear. Every cocktail is an exquisitely crafted symphony of tastes, fusing the modern with the classic in a celebratory medley of expert mixing.

Patron View -

Reflecting on the Past -

Diners take a trip down memory lane when they indulge in menu items and cocktails with a vintage twist. Diners are able to reminisce and exchange anecdotes as the comforting scents, flavours, and textures bring back a flood of memories. When grandparents gather with their grandchildren to reminisce about their favourite meals, the establishment serves as a link between the generations.

The Nostalgia Buzz on Social Media —

Not only is there a return to classic menu items, but the whole dining experience is nostalgic as well. An enormous part of the nostalgic buzz's amplification is due to social media. Customers are quick to document their experiences with nostalgic treats, fostering an online group that honours the enduring popularity of these foods and beverages.

Designing the Future with a Bow to History -

Reminiscence and Its Everlasting Appeal -

Even though we live in a world where everything is happening at a breakneck speed, the menu's nostalgic offerings demonstrate our basic human need for companionship and stability. Restaurants and bars are more than just places to eat; they are also record keepers, creating a culinary legacy that will last for years to come.

Exploring the World of Food -

One thing is certain as we explore the future of food: nostalgia will not go anywhere. Cocktails and dishes with a nostalgic twist combine modern ingredients with time-honored techniques to pay homage to the tastes that have always meant the most to us. The gourmet time machines at pubs and restaurants allow customers to enjoy dishes from the past while also trying new dishes from the present and future.

Conclusion:

The return of classic tastes to restaurant and bar menus is evidence of the everlasting ability of food to make people feel something and bond over shared experiences. Because every meal is a taste of history, it's no wonder that you're drawn to the foods that tell tales of the past when you browse the menu of your favourite restaurant.

#restaurant and bar menus #classic menu items #Restaurants and bars #King James Royston Pub

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jaydeemedia · 4 months

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[ad_1] Enjoy the Victorian splendour and Bohemian allure of Britain’s most progressive seaside resort with our guide to visiting Brighton on a day trip. LAST UPDATE: 30 Dec 2023 Anywhere We Roam is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support - Paul & Mark. Since King George IV built his party pad, Brighton Pavilion, for regular royal romps by the seaside, Brighton has been the go-to-destination for a weekend of revelry. Closer to modern times, Brighton prides itself on being the poster child for inclusivity and counterculture. It has the highest density of vegan restaurants in the country, a thriving LGBT scene, edgy street art and quirky shops in run-down Victorian buildings. Our day trip to Brighton covers the most important attractions in the right order so you can see the best of Britain’s diverse seaside resort. The map at the end of this guide provides a walking route to take with you on your Brighton day tour. BRIGHTON DAY TRIP / MORNING COFFEE Brighton has excellent coffee, fuelled by a competitive independent café scene. Start your day out in Brighton with Coffee@33 near the train station. NORTH LAINE After coffee stroll around North Laine, (not to be confused with The Lanes, see below) a collection of quirky independent shops spread along a couple of narrow streets. The main section is based around Sydney Street, Kensington Gardens, Gardner Street and Bond Street. It’s our favourite part of Brighton with a laid-back, alternative vibe. You’ll find everything from vintage clothes to musical instruments. Stores packed with curiosities overflow onto the streets. There are cool record shops, bookstores, cafes, and plenty of great finds to be discovered. NORTH LAINE, BRIGHTON Keep an eye out for the street art and rooftop installations giving North Laine area its distinctive personality. Here are some of the shops to check out: Snooper’s Paradise – This famous vintage shop on Kensington Gardens sells bric-a-brac, clothing, vinyl, antiques, toys and much more. Photomatic – Get a retro-styled snap at the Photomatic booth to remember your Brighton day trip. Dave’s Comics – Check out the excellent selection of graphic novels, comics, posters, children’s books, and Manga at Dave’s Comics. DAVE’S COMICS PHOTOMATIC SNOOPER’S PARADISE ROYAL PAVILION After exploring North Laine, continue down to the Royal Pavilion. The Royal Pavilion is a Grade I listed former royal residence. It was built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV while he was the Prince of Wales. His extravagance and passion for the good things in life resulted in the richly decorated whimsical palace you see today. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Brighton and it’s well worth visiting on a day trip. Tickets // Book Royal Pavilion skip-the-line tickets. BRIGHTON PAVILION PAVILION GARDENS Don’t miss the beautiful garden that surrounds the Pavilion. The organic garden maintained by a team of volunteers is a lovely free green space in the centre of Brighton. BRIGHTON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY (OPTIONAL) The Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is just across the gardens from the Pavilion. The Fine Art collection contains some old masters and modern artists. The Ancient Egypt section is one of the largest in the country. There’s also a fashion collection, images of Brighton through the years and a section on design and technical innovation. // Pavilion or Musum For a day trip, we’d recommend doing either the Pavilion or the Museum, but you probably wouldn’t have time to do both. BRIGHTON PAVILION BRIGHTON MUSEUM PAVILION GARDENS THE LANES Next head downhill and into The Lanes. It was once the hub of the old fishing port of Brighton. Today it’s an area of tight lanes with restaurants, tea rooms, and some traditional pubs. It’s an often-recommended Brighton attraction. However, in our opinion, it’s only worth a quick stroll.

It’s mostly dominated by jewellery stores, but there are a few interesting spots including the Lanes Armoury and Paxon & Glew Art Gallery. THE LANES, BRIGHTON BRIGHTON DAY TRIP / LUNCH By now you’re probably ready for lunch. You could either grab something in the Lanes or walk down to the Fishing Quarter on the seafront and try some fresh seafood. Here are some suggestions: Lost in the Lanes – A contemporary restaurant in the Lanes with an excellent brunch and lunch menu. Brighton Shellfish & Oyster Bar – A Brighton institution on the seafront selling an excellent range of shellfish including Oysters from Jersey. The Brighton Smokehouse – Try a sandwich with traditionally smoked fish at this hole-in-the-wall café. LOST IN THE LANES BRIGHTON DAY TRIP / AFTERNOON FISHING QUARTER The Fishing Quarter is home to Brighton’s fishing heritage. Take a quick look around the free Brighton Fishing Museum then visit the other old vaults occupied by local artists, photographers, and independent traders. BRIGHTON BEACH Head along the seafront, towards the i360 to explore the beach. If the weather’s good you might have time for a quick swim. Alternatively, there are plenty of water sports available. You’ll also find plenty of bars and pubs spilling onto the beach. BRIGHTON FISHING QUARTER BRIGHTON BEACH BRIGHTON i360 Stroll past the iconic Brighton Grand Hotel on your way to the Brighton i360. Experience 360-degree views of the city and the seafront from the 162-metre-high rotating observation deck. Tickets // Book Brighton i360 skip-the-line tickets. WEST PIER RUIN Just opposite the Brighton i360, is the West Pier Ruin. It originally opened in 1866 and it was the first Grade I listed pier in England. Closed since 1975, the pier fell into gradual ruin until fires in 2003 destroyed much of what was left. It remains a slightly eery photo spot in Brighton. I360 WEST PIER RUIN UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE Continue along the foreshore to stop at the Upside Down House. Combining street art with an entertainment space, experience the illusion of zero-gravity inside the mind-bending house. Purchase a combined entry ticket for the Brighton i360 and the Upside Down House, saving 20%. BRIGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY Just behind the Upside Down House in the King’s Road Arches, we recommend popping into Brighton Photography. They have stunning images of the city and South Downs area by local photographers. UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE BRIGHTON BEACH BANDSTAND Continue along the seafront to the Brighton Bandstand. The ornate structure opened in 1884 and it was restored to its original condition in 2009. It’s considered to be one of the finest examples of a Victorian bandstand still surviving in England today. BRIGHTON PALACE PIER Retrace your steps and head back to the Brighton Palace Pier. The iconic Brighton attraction opened in 1899 and has provided fairground entertainment ever since. There are rides, arcade games, side shows and various play areas. The Helter Skelter is one of Brighton’s most recognisable attractions. BRIGHTON PALACE PIER BRIGHTON BANDSTAND BRIGHTON DAY TRIP / EVENING SUNSET DRINKS After getting your kicks on the Palace Pier, grab sunset drinks. Palm Court Restaurant occupies a prime spot on the pier with unbeatable sea views. From November to January, large numbers of starlings congregate at dawn and dusk around Brighton’s pier. When they take to the skies it is a fantastic wildlife spectacle known as a ‘Starling murmuration’. BRIGHTON BEACH NIGHTTIME ENTERTAINMENT Brighton has a long reputation as an inclusive destination. At just 50 miles from London, it’s easy to take advantage of the nightlife on a day trip. The area of Kemptown is the gay capital of Brighton and it’s the perfect spot for a pub crawl. Black Dove, Plotting Parlour and Proud Cabaret are all worth checking out. The Brighton Dome is the top live music destination in town. It’s a unique venue that features everything from classical music to dance and comedy.

At the end of the night, walk back to Brighton train station and take the train back to London. BRIGHTON DOME MAP | BRIGHTON DAY TRIP Starting at the train station, this map provides a route through North Laine towards the seafront then back to the Palace Pier to capture all the attractions on this day trip. >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps. OTHER THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND BRIGHTON Here are a few more things to do in Brighton if you have some more time, or perhaps for a 2nd day trip. SEA LANES The Sea Lanes opened in June 2023 and transformed a previously neglected area of the Brighton seaside. While you may not have time to visit on your Brighton day trip, it’s a fantastic swimming venue with several bars and cafes overlooking the water. BEACH BOX SPA The Beach Box Spa is an all-year sauna set on the pebbles of Brighton. There are 3 different saunas: two 6-seaters and one 12-seater. The wood-fired, converted horse trailers also have panoramic views of the sea. Several treatments are available, and they host regular events with a healthy and mystic focus. BEACH BOX SPA SEA LANES SEA LIFE & ZIPWIRE Sea Life Brighton holds the distinction of being the oldest operating aquarium in the world. It opened in 1872 and continues to be one of Brighton’s star attractions. There are around 5,500 creatures in the Victorian aquarium. Just across the road Zip Wire Brighton is the longest zip line on the South Coast. BRIGHTON TOY MUSEUM The Brighton Toy Museum is located underneath the Victorian arches of the railway station so it’s a good thing to visit on your way in or out of town. It’s home to an extensive collection of toys from the golden age of toy manufacturing including rare vintage model train sets. BRIGHTON MARINA Brighton Marina is a harbour with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Most of the restaurants are chain outlets you could find anywhere and it’s around 40 minutes’ walk from the Palace Pier, so we suggest you give it a miss on your day trip. TOY MUSEUM ZIP WIRE BRIGHTON MARINA HOW TO GET TO BRIGHTON Brighton is a seaside resort, 47 miles (76 kilometres) south of London. The fastest route to Brighton from London is by train from either London Victoria or London Bridge. Direct trains depart regularly and take just under 1 hour. Check cheap train tickets on thetrainline.com DAY TRIPS FROM BRIGHTON If you decide to stay on a little longer in the South Downs area, here are some great day trips from Brighton we highly recommend. The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk is one of the finest in the country and just a 20-minute bus ride from Brighton. Lewes is a traditional market town and a great day out from Brighton. The high street has a mix of nostalgic and contemporary shops, and Lewes Castle dates back to 1066. It’s around 20 minutes by train. Devil’s Dyke is a 100-metre V-shaped valley, 6 miles from Brighton. It’s a great place to enjoy the wonderful outdoors of the South Downs. IS ONE DAY ENOUGH IN BRIGHTON? Given the proximity to London, one day in Brighton allows you to see the main attractions including North Laine, the Pavilion, and the Palace Pier. You’ll also be able to enjoy Brighton’s great food scene and stay a little later into the day to enjoy sunset. Turning your Brighton day trip into a weekend break is a great option in summer when you can laze on the beach and take advantage of the newly opened Sea Lanes. WHERE TO STAY IN BRIGHTON If you decide to stay over and enjoy a longer, lazier day in Brighton, here are some hotel recommendations. OUR PICK CHIC PUB THE GINGER PIG Blending tradition with contemporary style, The Ginger Pig is a luxurious stay in a modern pub with excellent food and cocktails. BOOKING.COM | HOTELS.COM

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