Here is the latest feature on wine from our wine columnist, Paul Rudge of Reubens Wine Store in Dunfermline, Fife. This week he writes about Lebanese wine. Lebanon is said to be the ancient home of the vine and it is quite certain that wine production has played an important role in the indigenous culture for centuries. Lebanon is a paradise for grape growing with its limestone soils, high altitude
Cristiano Guarnacci, the chef pictured above, has been creating Italian food for diners in west Fife for many years; first as the owner of Italian restaurant, Taurasi, and then, as a chef at Ciao Italia. His latest venture, Incontri, also in Dunfermline, opened on 23 March. The Bruce Street restaurant is a joint venture with Paul and Nicola Mitchell; Nicola manages front of house while Cristiano runs the open plan
Here’s the latest recipe from Elaine Hardie at the Fyfe Smokery in Dunfermline, Fife. She’s chosen local ingredients where possible such as Puddledub bacon and De Brus beer. Mussels Cooked in Ale and Bacon Scottish Mussels are plentiful, cheap and sustainable, as well as being easy to cook. Buy them fresh and eat the same day if possible, scrub them and remove any barnacles and beards first. Serves 2 as
Auchtermuchty Cake Company specialises in hand-made cakes, puddings and pastries made from gluten free flour blends which taste as great as traditional home-made baking. The company is launching an online shopping facility soon but meanwhile the team are regularly at Edinburgh, Stockbridge and St Andrews Farmers’ Markets, their Creole Fruitcake is available at Selfridges and you can order other products from the range from Yumbles and Freshfoodexpress.co.uk. To buy from Auchtermuchty Cake Company directly, send a
Three years ago photographer Caroline Trotter was driving past fish sheds in St Andrews and saw local fisherman Jim Buttercase (above) sitting amongst the nets. She persuaded him to have his portrait taken and that was how Caroline’s series of portraits of Fife fisherman began. While Caroline was taking the pictures, her husband, the chef Christopher Trotter chatted to the fisherman about their favourite fish dishes providing inspiration for his
Here is the latest recipe from Elaine Hardie at the Fyfe Smokery and fish shop in Bruce Street, Dunfermline. “This lovely salmon recipe has gone down really well with our customers, as it is colourful, healthy and easy to prepare. Everyone is looking to improve their health and well-being in January, and oily fish such as salmon, trout and char are excellent for the immune system and even emotional well being
Corbie and Cheip, the deli in Auchterarder, which opened on the 16th of September, has now opened as a wine bar and enotheque in the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday. Wine with charcuterie and cheese platters are available 5pm till 10pm. If you’re there during the day, you might spot Andrew Fairlie, the well-known chef from Gleneagles Hotel, who pops into the deli once or twice a week.
Now here’s a challenge. Is it possible to buy all your Christmas presents locally? Many people might try to buy local the rest of the year but probably assume it can’t be done at Christmas. In Fife, like many parts of the country, there are interesting shops, food and drink producers, artists, designers and makers that can help you with your Christmas list. Over the next couple of weeks Avocado
Eden Mill distillery and brewery has signed a Chinese distribution deal that means their Fife gins will be sold in bars and hotels throughout China. The company, which is based just outside St Andrews, already has some experience of the Chinese market after launching their craft beer business there two years ago. All five gins are part of the export drive; oak, hop, love, original and golf and Eden Mill
A festival of chocolate sounds like a good idea don’t you think? The people of Perth clearly think so, because their festival is being held this weekend, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of November. Chocolate stalls will be in King Edward Street and hosts include Marie Campbell, a contestant in this year’s Bake Off and Iain Burnett of The Highland Chocolatier who will be doing a truffle tasting.