The Haves & Have-Nots

THE UK’s got on and off strikes all over the place, a government at war with itself, inflation through the roof, the NHS in meltdown, war in Europe, a vegetable shortage and nothing works any more. And don’t get me started on flippin’ potholes. Or those intense bearded chaps doing nine­course tasting menus from reconditioned barns, celebrating ‘nature’s bounty’.

And then we read that a restaurant in Mayfair is selling the most expensive tins of seafood money can buy: £31 for a can of tuna or cockles for £56. Not to mention the Michelin­starred Welsh restaurant, Ynyshir, with its £350 tasting menu lasting five hours. With reservations reportedly snapped up immediately, most diners stay the night in the restaurant’s attached rooms (from a further £145 a head).

My flabber’s never been so gasted!

Well, that’s all very well for the likes of Tristan and Jocasta Gallivant­Jodhpur, Jemima Moneybags­Cashpot and Sophia Excess­Capital, but what about the rest of us?

I know the difference between the haves and have­nots is a minor problem compared to world peace, reality TV and why the slow­ est van’s always in front of you, but that’s seemingly how things are now in the worldsic Ford Transit gloria mundi...

Admittedly, the future of high­end Michelin restaurants during a cost­of­living crisis is uncertain. These restaurants are known for offering an unparalleled culinary experience, using the finest ingredients, employing highly skilled chefs and staff, and providing a level of service that is unmatched in the hospitality industry.

But with rising costs and economic uncertainty, there are many who think twice before shelling out large sums of money on a single meal. In addition, the economic uncertainty brought on by the pandemic further exacerbated this issue, with many losing their jobs or experiencing a reduction in income.

There are some who warn that high­end Michelin restaurants must adapt in order to survive. This could involve reducing prices, offering more affordable options or finding ways to streamline operations to reduce costs.

One potential solution is to offer a more casual dining experience. Many of these restaurants have strict dress codes and reservation policies that can be intimidating for some diners. By offering a more relaxed atmosphere, they might be able to attract a wider clientele.

Another option is to focus on takeout and delivery options. A number of restaurants pivoted to this model during the pandemic and did a brisk trade. By offering high­quality meals that can be enjoyed at home, they could reach a larger customer base and generate more revenue.

However, there are some who believe that such restaurants should not compromise one iota on quality or price, but instead focus on providing an even more exceptional dining experience in order to justify their sky­high prices. This could involve offering more innovative and unique dishes, sourcing even higher­quality ingredients, or providing an even higher level of service and attention to detail.

So, it’s hard to see how Tristan and Jocasta Gallivant­Jodhpur, Jemima Moneybags­Cashpot, Sophia Excess­Capital and their mates need worry. There’ll always be the Haves and Have­Nots in the world.

PS. I am available to solve any of the world’s remaining problems, for a small fee. (#piousface).

Nora Johnson’s 11 critically acclaimed psychological crime thrillers (www.nora­john son.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Shoulder bag theft LETTERS

AS a resident of Spain for 35 years, 30 years as a CID officer in London and over 20 years working as a volunteer with the police in Fuengirola, assisting victims of crime, I know the crime rate is far lower here than in the UK, and intentional violent crime against members of the public extremely low.

The letter I believe gives a false impression. She does not say she was deliberately physically attacked. From my experience, it appears the 80­year­old lady was the victim of a bag snatch.

However she had a good quality shoulder bag, the strap of which did not break when it was snatched. The lady was pulled over with the force involved, banged her head and suffered a broken shoulder. The injuries she suffered were clearly not intended, albeit sadly serious.

John Carrington (80 years old)

No example

WE have just spent a week on Mallorca and picked up the last two copies of Euro Weekly Informative for the most part but horrified at the racialist tone of the Leapy Lee columns.

Our ‘non­white’ friends were clearly upset at the tone and implications of his writing. Our friends, like their parents, were born in the UK. How can it be they are not ‘an example of what the majority of UK districts represent’. Do we all have to look ‘white’ to represent our country?

The disclaimer you print under his column feels disingenuous. Freedom of speech yes, but publishing overtly discriminatory views should have no place here.

Joseph Williamson Sunderland

Driving rules

BILLY, Fuengirola, in a letter recently complained 70­year­olds renewing their Driving Licences will now be required to undergo a medical test every two years.

It appears Billy does not know that from one’s very first application for a DL in Spain, every renewal and exchange of a licence, one has always been required to pass a psychophysical examination at a Driver Recognition Centre.

For those 70 and over the test is free. So no big deal to ensure we are safe to drive

Elaine Gonzales (83 ­ year ­ old driver)

Hi team La Scala

ON behalf of our table of ladies I would like to thank and congratulate all the team at La Scala for putting on such an excellent day yesterday.

As usual the service we had from all your waiting staff was superb and the kitchen staff outdid themselves producing wonderful plates for so many diners.

We loved the decor and table gifts we received from Michel at Euro Weekly, and if you could please pass on our appreciation of such thoughtful words and flowers that would be great.

We enjoyed our little VIP booth and being able to see all what was happening around the room as well as having ringside seats for Johnny and the sax lady. It was particularly good to see all the beautiful clothes the models from Mapuchi Moda were wearing. A big thank you to Sara and her girls for adding hugely to the afternoon’s entertainment.

Finally to think enjoying ourselves so much could raise such a huge amount for Dementia Support was absolutely lovely to hear.

Thank you and Kind Regards

Jane Richardson

Hi Leapy,

I READ your recent column with a wry smile. I am a 6ft former prop forward and no softie having been married to my lovely wife for 30 years. We still kiss numerous times a day and hold hands at all times while out and about.

She recognises what you said about the present range of over aggressive females. What really winds her up is the current TV advert fashion of the need for young females to have explained to them the intricacies of their periods and products for dealing with them and secondly the impression given that the menopause, like periods, never used to happen when she was young. How on earth did females manage back in their younger days?

What is the matter with young people today ?

Best wishes and keep going,

Paul Gidney

Dear Editor,

I was appalled to read the letter from Unhappy, Torrevieja regarding the violence she was subjected to when her bag was stolen. Hopefully she is recovering physically, though it will have a lasting effect on her.

My husband had his bag stolen just over a month ago. It was a distraction theft and fortunately he was not injured but was shocked to be a victim after being so careful.

It would be interesting to know if anyone who has experienced this kind of theft has ever had any documents or personal possessions recovered.

Several friends and family members would also greatly appreciate the return of the Codeword in your newspaper!

Yours sincerely,