Crab is the featured shellfish this week in our second recipe by Elaine Hardie from the Fyfe Smokery, Dunfermline. When buying crab, you have the choice – live and whole, or cooked and prepared for you. British brown crab is affordable and delicious and this recipe shows exactly how easy it is to prepare this versatile shellfish. The meat is sweet and delicate, and lends itself to many different recipes. It
At over eight acres Gordon Castle’s walled garden in Fochabers, near Elgin, is one of the largest and oldest walled gardens in Scotland. Owners Angus Gordon Lennox and his wife Zara have commissioned award-winning garden designer, Arne Maynard to recapture the former beauty of the garden and create a major visitor attraction in the north east of Scotland. The plans, pictured above, certainly show an elegant and handsome garden for
Such lovely work here from Cork born jeweller Gemma O’Leary who, having honed her skills in Canada and Dublin as well as under the guidance of esteemed jeweller Mette O’Connor, has realised her dream and launched Inner Island. O’Leary combines simple shapes with precious metals to create timeless, understated pieces. The minimalist designs are handcrafted in Dublin using traditional silversmithing skills and natural materials. ‘I spent many years searching for something that inspired me.
Welcome to our new series of seafood and fish recipes on Avocado Sweet by Elaine Hardie from Fyfe Smokery, Dunfermline. Here Elaine tells us about Arctic Char – worth considering as an alternative to salmon or trout. Arctic Char The Arctic Char is a fish native to Britain, and is now farmed as a result of ongoing developments in aquaculture since the 1970s. Now that it is being farmed could
Mimi, aka Michelle Phillips, wanted to create a cafe and bakery where customers felt like they were being given a big hug. That may sound sugary but the pretty retro decor, designed by Eskimo, does indeed feel comforting and the huge old-fashioned shop counter of generously portioned strawberry cup cakes, rocky roads and millionaire shortbreads is a sight for sore eyes. If none of that works then Scott Clearie, son-in-law
Elaine Hardie was cooking oxcheeks when the gas engineer who was fixing her gas asked her if she’d like to manage the Fyfe Smokery with him. Peter Murphy realised that the oxcheeks were a clue to someone who was obsessed with cooking and food in general and could bring that passion to the independent fish retailer & smokery in Dunfermline, Fife. That was in 2013 after Murphy’s long career as
By Paul Rudge, Reuben’s Wine Store, Dunfermline Ever since Sir Francis Drake raided the Port of Cadiz in 1587 and looted more than 3000 barrels of sherry or `sack` as it was known in those days, the Brits have been mad for the famous Spanish tipple. Britain has long been the most important export market for Spain’s most noted fortified wine. During its heyday it enjoyed an unrivalled position as
Reuben’s Cafe & Winestore has been shortlisted in the Best Independent Eatery category for The Scottish Independent Retail Awards. David Austin and Paul Rudge will be representing the Dunfermline store at the awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow on Sunday 7 February. Owner of the Dunfermline store, David said: ‘We’ve worked hard to establish Reuben’s as a quality food and drink destination in Dunfermline. We opened 5 years ago
One of the finest artists ever to come out of Dunfermline, renowned illustrator Jonny Hannah has an impressive new book out. Greetings from Darktown tells of a mysterious coastal town, not found on any map, peopled by pin-up girls, jazz artists and tattooed sailors. Darktown is home to the Unquiet Grave junk emporium; the Mermaid Café where Woody Guthrie still plays each week; McVouty’s vintage clothes shop and a pier
If the fairy or star at the top of your Christmas tree is starting to look a little battle scarred maybe it’s time to invest in a beautiful Halinka creation. Originally based on characters from the ballet, the range has expanded to include Christmas and woodland themes as well as, my favoutite, skating couples from around the world. The figures are not cheap, staring at around £20 and rising to