Room with a View

As luck would have it, one of my favourite restaurants posted on social media they had a few cancellations for this evenings dinner. So, we did. And, whilst this was the second visit here, it was as truly enthralling and fabulous as our first. I'll let the photos do the talking. An utterly sumptuous meal, beautifully executed and presented with flair. Fabulous evening.

A medley of seafood, wrapped in sushi nori with a chilli and oil drizzle. 

A wee Amuse-bouche joined the warm home made bread plate. Oh my.

Seared scallops, smoked Rannock duck breast and a beetroot and balsalto puree.

Starters didn't disappoint. I struggle to see past a pan seared scallop from round these parts. Combine it with duck and beetroot too. Wholly, utterly amazing.

Seared scallops, smoked Rannock duck breast and a beetroot & balsalto puree and micro greens

A cheeky wee palate cleanser arrived, too quickly scoffed to get the full picture, but you get the idea. It was very delicious.

Orange and Prosecco Jelly - Palate cleanser

So one of us went for the seared Tuna, one went for the Monkfish. The hardest decisions in this seafood restaurant, is choosing which fish to go for, they're all utterly amazing.

Seared Tuna steak, with Puddledub Aberdeen Angus mini fillet steak. With a rich tomato and garlic sauce. Wedges, mash, baby carrots and broccoli.

In fact so difficult was it, we agreed to share plates half way through. Which wasn't a bad plan either. Although I can confess to eating the mash potato from both plates. Whilst a fish lover, I struggle to see past good vegetables, and these were amazing.

Monkfish tail, with a garlic prawn stuffing, on a red Thai curry sauce.

Sushi nori kept the fish beautifully moist, I'll certainly try this one at home!

Monkfish tail, with a garlic prawn stuffing, on a red Thai curry sauce. Wedges, mash, baby carrots and broccoli.

And whilst we are not 'pudding people' we have had a pudding sharing plate here before and were blown away by their famous baked chocolate torte. A rich combination of aubergine, honey and almonds makes for a tormentingly moist extravaganza. So we had one each.

Rich baked chocolate torte, Chantilly cream, beetroot & chocolate coulis, chocolate swirly stick.

Room with a View famous gluten free baked chocolate torte. Made with honey, aubergine and almonds. Truly amazing.

Whilst boasting an ample wine list. This place also boasts a good selection of alcohol free wines and beers. Given its location, that's really fabulous thinking.

Our second visit to Room With A View, you can visit their website here.   Our second trip was every bit as magical as the first. It's a truly hidden gem, in a stunning location with views across to Edinburgh over the Firth of Forth. Some great views from their own gallery here.

Our dinner was under £90, with two drinks each, all three chosen courses and chef's extra wee fancies too. So its great value too.

For quality, and sheer fabulousness I'd say its up there with any Michelin starred restaurant in the area. We've done 3 out of the 4 on our doorstep, all utterly amazing, but so is this, and very good value. I'd say its holds it head up proudly with them all and, as it looks over the Forth to the The Kitchin  too, its a real contender.

You can see a sample menu here. And, if like us you spotted a last minute cancellation on facebook you can follow them here.

The Captains Galley - Scrabster, Thurso

So whilst we currently live in Orkney surrounded with great grub and fantastic seafood, we've often sat at the ferry terminal looking longingly at the sign by the terminal which shouts 'fresh seafood', 'The Captain's Galley', which opens for dinner just shortly after we normally set sail home to Orkney. A seafood restaurant set in a restored ice house, with a fantastic reputation, we've long wanted to go. So as this winters wee 'break' we decided to pop over for an evening, to sample their fabulous menu and it did not disappoint.

A warm and friendly welcome greeted us as we were shown to a comfy cosy room with squashy sofa's and plenty of ambient music. Drinks and nibbles provided swiftly and a warm friendly smile with the menus. 'Take your time, there's no rush' we were told and indeed there wasn't. What a perfect way to wind down on a Friday night but take in the ambience of a bonnie wee restaurant on the edge of a cheerful busy port. These guys have a reputation for being warm and friendly and they certainly were, we even managed to get a bit of chat about the garden, which as all of you know, is my other great passion. Mary and her staff are attentive, whilst giving you peace to enjoy your evening, that's a real skill, hats off to you all, it was the perfect balance.

And so to the grub, the menus (on a Friday night there are two, the full menu or a 'fish and chip' menu') - both looked stunning but opting for the full menu didn't disappoint. Have a peek at the sample menu here always full of incredibly fresh local produce.

To start, I chose the Langoustine bisque with a skewered prawn kimchi, himself Oysters cooked with pork belly and seaweed. For mains, I devoured pan seared Hake with mussels in vermouth, himself, blackened Saithe with corn succotash, colcannan and guacamole.

I do love it when you see fish you've never tried, like Saithe, or fish you love like Hake on a menu, its always good to try something new in a place where you know it will be cooked to perfection. And perfect it all was, which given my own pickiness when it comes to eating out, was never in doubt - but when you try a new place you certainly want it to live up to is reputation, and they certainly did!

A wee 'Amuse bouche' of Jerusalem artichoke soup sprinkled with artichoke wafer thin crisps, was perfection and a grand start to what was to be a fantastic meal. Take a tour through some of their special dishes here, although to be honest, its all pretty special. The portions are so generous we didn't indulge in a sweet or the local cheese board all of which looked stunning as they were given to other diners. Whilst we didn't expect it, our bill was reduced to reflect our choice to skip dessert, a nice thoughtful touch as we'd certainly signed up for the whole experience.

So if you find yourself in the far north east of Scotland, possibly enroute to Orkney, take some time either end to sample the hospitality and great grub cooked at this wee gem. You certainly won't regret it. And so lovely to see folks practise what they preach - they're a strong green ethos and certainly stick firmly to their own principles.......didnae see much of Jim, I guess he was too busy cooking, great chap! We certainly appreciated his efforts. And don't just believe me - gets a great write up on Fish2Fork too!

And, once you get to Orkney, whilst there's a plethera of fabulous places if somewhere like 'The Captains Galley' inspires, you'll surely love 'The Creel' in St Margarets Hope, Orkney. These restaurants may just be long lost siblings, sharing many great traits, fabulous service and stunning local produce cooked to perfection.

As we sat at the ferry port the next night to return to Orkney, we also saw that Jim has a wee 'takeaway' on the far right of their restaurant. We peeked up to see that as well as a lot of great looking fish and chips he had a board crammed with specials. Maybe next time we can try that out too! Opening hours listed below.

So, that place you've always wanted to visit - why not give it a go? That's what we did and we were certainly well impressed. As we were finishing our meal a couple of fisherman sat at the table next to us and ordered their tea - cannae be bad if the boat chaps use it too eh? Sorry no photos of the grub - himself and I were oot for a wee romantik evening, so phones were banned. Much nicer to just enjoy things too rather than keep snapping at them!

Back to the frugal eating for us for a while, another adventure around the corner soon, no doubt!

Until next time - happy scoffing!

The Captain's Galley, located here

Phone - 01847 894 999

Email contact page here

Jim and Mary Cowie

The Captain's Galley

The Harbour

Scrabster

Thurso

KW14 7UJ

01847 894999

Winter timetable serving Thursday Friday Saturday 7pm till late. Monday Tuesday Wednesday available for private parties minimum of 6 people. New Quality Takeaway Open Tuesday thru Saturday 4pm till 6.30pm

The Peedie Chippie, Orkney

Image by Elliot Erwitt (link)

So, its National Chip Week - as a huge fan of potatoes, I'm happy about that. So in the spirit of this national event I took myself off yesterday night for a poke of chips, you know, just to join in. 

Nae far fae me hoose, about a 1/2 a minute walk in fact, The Peedie Chippie turns up every Friday from 4pm-8pm its peedie van loaded with goodies. It's just fabulous. Perfect, fish, awesome chips and a view out to Finstown Bay with its seals, wee boats and bonnie skies that just accentuates the experience ever more. If you're ever thinking of what to eat on Friday night in Okney, why not pop to Finstown and give it a shot. Its around the island on other days I'll scurry off and find out where and when and publish below. I see Sian's told us its in Stromness on a Saturday night.....

. And, no we don't all go out for chips in our kilts - this is a photo from the Telegraph depicting the local pipe band in all their splendour out grabbing a poke of chips after their practise in the community car park. Yes, you'll often see them there - oddly that doesn't seem strange at all, they need to practice don't they. I'd not like them to do it in my front room, no offence, but bag pipes and drums are LOUD and all that marching is bound to create some dust bunnies isn't it.

What's your local favourite chippy - why not nominate it here and what do you have on yours - I'm a salt only gal. Until next time - look out for your local chippy! Happy Scoffing.

The Merkister Hotel, Orkney

The Merkister Hotel, Orkney - Image reproduced from their own website.

So, on that day of all hearts (Feb 14th), we ventured out for a meal to The Merkister on the side of a bonnie Orkney loch. A bonnie wee spot with a grand bar and plenty comfy seating galore. We've eaten in the bar before and it was grand, so this time we tried the restaurant, which is really bonnie. They're in the Michelin Guide too. The setting was gorgeous, the food divine and the choices of seasonal local food quite outstanding.

A starter of Orkney Cheese in crumb with a seasonal fruit jelly. Image from their own website.

All in all a reasonably priced meal which was beautifully cooked and presented. No photo's from us as we respected the sign on the door saying please switch off laptops and phones when dining. Fair enough, I'd say.

Was it lovely, yes. Would we go back, probably. The food was great, the service fantastic and the atmosphere and ambiance just lovely. Well worth a trip. The menu changes daily so its always fresh and up to date. Pretty reasonable for good beautiful local food too I'd say. All sourced from the local butcher, fisherman and growers when they can source it. Orkney Aberdeen Angus steaks too as well as a plethora of beautiful fish and seafood.

A couple things I'd think they could perhaps improve to turn it from fantastic to amazing - sliced loaf bread offerings at the start of dinner, aren't really my thing that's for sandwiches at home, some nice bread or rolls would have helped continue the special ambience! And, sadly in my book, they committed regular but,  heinous crime of soggy side veggies. Beautifully presented, great choice, but soggy beyond belief and barely touched by our chops. Had I been a baby teething or weaning perhaps I'd be happier, but I'm not. A few wee tweaks could see that good though eh? 

They look like they do cracking lunches, free wifi and excellent coffee so maybe another trip would be a good idea. Its in the bonniest location which of course is best viewed when its not dark outside!

Until next time - have you tried somewhere new and local to you? Go exploring! Happy Scoffing!

Merkister Hotel, Harray Loch, Harray, Orkney, KW17 2LF

Tel: 01856 771366
Fax: 01856 771515

Or email contact here

Getting there. Halfway between Kirkwall and Stromness on the A965, take the A986 approx. five miles along the road. The Hotel is signposted left at Russland road and is situated at the loch side.

The Tapas Bar, Broughty Ferry, Dundee

Photograph courtesy of Trip Advisor

There is a peedie door into a peedie eatery called The Tapas Bar, in The Ferry (thats Broughty Ferry, Dundee to those not from the area) which just doesn't let you know the delights that are to come. Truly delightful. I've had tapas before but not like this. The food was breathtaking, the service just perfect and the value surreal (£10-15/head). They do a set lunch menu which allows you to taste a full range of the flavours they proudly serve.

Photograph courtesy of Trip Advisor

It also means when you've popped in with a couple of pals you've not seen in ages - you don't have to fret about what to order - it just arrives as if by magic. Its a peedie place with limited tables so booking is essential. And its worth the efforts.

 

And we scoffed olives and corn nuts. Followed by goats cheese, asparagus wrapped in beatuiful cured ham,  and many other wee nibbles. The mains were a mix of skewered blackpudding, chicken and veggies, gorgeous croquettes, beautiful king prawns in garlic and chilli, potatoes with spices, skewered tiger prawns, and the most amazing crusted and seasoned pan fried Hake I've probably ever had!

 

The service fantastic mix of friendly chat and attentive explanation of the beautifully cooked foods we were served to make the visit both informative, friendly but also quite an intimate affair. Really worth a trip.

 

So if you find yourself soon to be in 'The Ferry' - book yourself a space. Its truly worth it. And, don't just take my word for it - lots of gorgeous reviews here at Trip Advisor.

 

And no pictures from me of the food - I'm sorry - I was far too busy gossiping and scoffing! One of the reasons we try often to eat so frugally at home to indulge in places like this when we can!

 

Until next time - find somewhere new your friends think is really worth booking and try something new - happy scoffing.

 

Contact details - 01382 776941

The Tapas Bar, 27 Gray Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2BH

 

 

Perfect pavlova

I don't like cake. There you go I said it out loud and proud. However, I do love pavlova, which is most definitely NOT cake. Yum. Cream fruit and chewy gooey meringue, bliss.

Whilst this delight was sampled when 'oot and aboot' I do make a rather fine one myself courtesy of Mary Berry's fine recipe book. We've made it so much the book falls open at the pavlova page (pg 38, Mary Berry 'Desserts and Confections'.) Very efficient.

Or if you have an Aunty Claire who's a real chef, phone her in your normal panic to check the method [again], she doesn't mind.

The basic recipe is 1 part egg white to 2 parts (oz) caster sugar. So for a decent pavlova I tend to go for 6 egg whites, 12 oz Caster sugar. White egg whites into submission, gently add sugar tablespoon at a time says Mary. I'm lazy I lob it all in at once, seems to work. [Magic ingredient alert.....always add 1-2 tspn vinegar to same of cornflour and mix through, plonk into whipped egg whites and sugar. Makes for a crumbly and yet chewy meringue.*] bake at 150c for an hour or pale cream in colour.  I usually let it cool in the oven with the door slightly open, as I'm slightly crazy like that.

Slaither with about a pint of whipped cream and decorate with fruit of choice.

Do not share, seriously, that's not optional, if they want a meringue let the rest of them make one themselves. Its not hard. Or if you have to share eat the edges yourself.

Until next time, happy scoffing.

*Ps any vinegar will do (white or malt or wine or cider) but don't use it from either pickled onions (ergh somehow it keeps that oniony taste, don't be lazy go and get some fresh vinegar) and NEVER use vinegars from pickled beetroot. Pink meringues that taste of beetroot, are not cool.

When the haggis landed on the wrong page.

As it still feels like the depths of winter here in the frozen north, comfort food beckons. Now you can't get more comfort food than haggis and tatties (mashed

Potatoes).  Doesn't this look bonnie? This version of an old classic was beautifully presented with a whisky sauce. Given the presentation you can see it was cooked by someone else at the lovely Kirkwall Hotel. So its in the 'eating out' category of life. I'm not known for my culinary artwork. I'm more the eating before its ready type.

So if you fancy quenelles of tattie and haggis delightfully adorned with micro salad shoots,on a plate, try The Kirkwall Hotel. Their menu never fails to deliver, even when serving up this classic.

And for main, monkfish, roast pepper sweet and sour glaze with a chorizo, spinach and tattie mash. Now, I'd like to tell you this was amazing, but I could only drool at my partner in crimes plate. Too quickly devoured to get a photo of this modern take on humble monkfish, it was THAT good.

Compliments to the chef!

Until next time, whether its old comforts or modern twists, happy scoffing.

And be careful with smart phones, they only make you look daft!

Kirkwall Hotel Ltd, Registered Office: Harbour Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1LE.Registered in Scotland Co no 452534. Telephone: +44 1856 872 232      Fax: +44 1856 872 812      Email: enquiries@kirkwallhotel.com

The finest of Orkney dining - The Creel

 Orkney Tusk, Scallops and Braised Celeriac - photo from The Creel

The thing about those who like to nosh, is that sometimes it can be ordinary good grub, but sometimes it can be quite fine dining and even a bit posh. The Creel down on one of the south isles of Orkney is an extraordinary experience. Friendly atmosphere, the food has always been immense when we've eaten there. (I'm happily almost at double figures) They offer a small menu of fresh local produce, always a fish and a meat choice, always gloriously gorgeously cooked and presented. I hear they also do amazing puddings, not being a pudding fan, I can wholeheartedly say that even I think they LOOK amazing. And, the cheese board is fantastic.

Highly recommended, in several places including the Michelin Guide, if you're going to eat anywhere in Orkney, eat here. The views across the bay are just breathtaking, a quiet wee place which is just amazing.

Oh and they make their own bread in the aga.

Fresh bread - photo The Creel

For a bread head like me, forget pudding I've got my eye on a lovely warm freshly baked sour dough. And, yes we did have two generous baskets full.

Oh Ok, I'll show you a pudding then too, Scapa Special (Beer) Ice-Cream was epic.

Chocolate Tart, Scapa Special Ice-cream with Beer Nuts. Photo - The Creel

You'll find thier Facebook here and their website here.

And a cunningly fab map here. Just in case you're in the area, or plan to come.

A three course dinner is £40, and an utter bargain. They have a really lovely wine selection which doesn't break the bank either.

Until next time, fill your boots! Happy Scoffing!

Alan and Joyce Craigie

   Creel Restaurant and Rooms

   Front Road

   St Margaret's Hope

   Orkney KW17 2SL

   Email: creelorkney@btinternet.com

   Tel: (01856) 831311 (UK)

   Tel: +44 1856 831311 (International)