Neil Gits Skewered

More summertime culinary tales this week for you ! While the temperature seems to have cooled off just nicely this weekend as I write this (and there is no sign of BBQ activity nearby so far !) the severe heat has thrown up a number of issues to be dealt with, but not all with a negative outcome. I am a confirmed Spring ‘n’ Autumn guy – anything over 20 degrees is a little uncomfortable for me, so you can imagine how I struggled with the 30 plus temperatures lately !

Anyone close to me will have recently heard me moan “It is too hot for this” or “It is too hot for that” and one of those things is cooking, which is a bit awkward because we all have to eat whatever the weather ! A13 Annie agreed with me when I visited her last week and as she has a particularly good Harvester close to her home (and a weakness for their Lemon BLizzard Sundaes!) so the oven remained off and we popped round for a spontaneous cheeky treat on a week night.

Ann recommended the chicken skewers which I’d not thought of trying before as I don’t get to eat at “The Home Of The Unlimited Salad Bar” too often and usually stick with one of two or three old favourites. The bold step out of my comfort zone was a good one – they were delicious ! In this age of price rises and smaller portions, I have to say they came with quite generous amounts of chicken, although being even more adventurous and opting to pass on my regular chips for the world’s smallest ever portion of golden rice was a minor disappointment … and how I ended up with Apple Tango instead of Cherry Pepsi from the refillable drinks machine remains a mystery, but that’s me and technology for you !

With super aircon, friendly helpful staff and Ann’s loyalty card getting a nice discount off the bill, it was a really good experience, credit where its due when there is so much to complain about in life in 2026. I am now hoping the heatwave returns soon, ideally when I am in Chafford Hundred before the end of the summer ! As well as food tasting good, our favourite music always seems to sound even better at this time of year – take a look at the latest playlist and enjoy it while the sun shines via “Listen Again” …

The Tunes – Monday 13th July 2026

Detroit Spinners – It’s A Shame
Keni Burke – Rising To The Top
Michael B Sutton – Enough Is Enough
Evelyn Champagne King – Your Personal Touch
Will Downing – Security
Chi-Lites – Stoned Out Of My Mind
Rachelle Ferrell – Til You Come Back To Me
Luther – This Close To You
George Benson – Never Too Far To Fall
Jaki Graham – Set Me Free
Frank Hooker & Positive People -This Feelin’
Down To The Bone ft Natasha Watts – Feel So Good
Doobie Brothers – Listen To The Music
Temptations – Ball Of Confusion
Modulations – It’s Rough Out Here
KC & The Sunshine Band – Queen Of Clubs
Shaila Prospere – That Thing
Dayton – Patiently (LT-51126 )
Otis Redding – That’s How Strong My Love Is
Keith Sweat – Something Just Ain’t Right
The Dells – Your Song
O’Jays – Darling Darling Baby
Joey Negro ft Diane Charlemagne – Prove That You’re Feeling Me

Feel free to get in touch with your soulful request or just for a mention on the show – put a post on “The Old Gits Soul Show” page on Facebook, text (01268)833978 or message me via e-mail : [email protected].

The Old Gits Soul Show is broadcast LIVE from 7pm–9pm every Monday, repeated on Saturday evening from 5pm–7pm, on Gateway 97.8FM in Basildon & East Thurrock, across South Essex on DAB and available nationally via the Radio Player on your TV as well as online via www.gateway978.com You can listen on your smart speaker or your phone too … plus you can hear it again anytime you like via the “Listen Again” button on the Gateway website – just search “Cool Soul” !