News
New York style coffee house in Glasgow
The new deli-and-coffee house. Pico, sets the mark for catering to the on-the-go market and uses only 100% Fairtrade organic coffee beans and, wherever possible, product packaging which is fully biodegradable.” Pico customers can choose from an all-day breakfast menu; a number of house specials; and a selection of deli sandwiches. These distinctly NYC-flavoured delicacies can be washed down with a refreshing range of hot and cold beverages which, in addition to all the standard tea and coffee you might expect, include caramel fudge latte, hazelnut latte & mint chocolate mocha as well as ice-blended fruit coolers and vanilla and chocolate frappe shakes.
Gold for the Amber Restaurant
Amber Restaurant, the renowned Scottish restaurant within The Scotch Whisky Experience visitor attraction, has received the Toptable Gold Award. Created by the father-and-daughter team, David and Wendy Neave, the unique range of carefully sourced Scottish food is complemented by the unique venue, with its stone walls and original 19th-century half moon windows. With its atmosphere, warm service and a menu of dishes created with fresh local produce, it is an exceptional example of Scottish cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
2008 Scottish Food Fortnight
The Food Fortnight, 6th – 21st September, is planning a host of events and activities including Scottish themed menus, Seafood Extravaganza, Smoothest Smoothie competition and with the Scottish Food Fest as the grand finale. The Food Fest, based in Alva’s Cochrane Park, will include chefs from premier Scottish restaurants sharing the secrets of some of their signature dishes, all using Scottish ingredients, of course! For more information visit www.scottishfoodfortnight.co.uk
Scottish Restaurant of the Year
The winner of the first-ever Scottish Restaurant Awards was the Grill at Dakota (Forth Road Bridge). Restaurants were nominated for the award from customers and suppliers. A team of experts evaluated all nominations against a set of criteria that included customer service, imagination in menu creation, use of local produce, value for money and ambience.
Arbroath Sea Fest
The annual Arbroath Sea Fest, which takes place on 16th and 17th of August, offers a range of entertainment for all the family. It includes stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to handmade crafts, jewellery and confectionery; displays and demonstrations and the star of the show – the Arbroath Smokie.
Seafood Fortnight
Seafood Fortnight has landed an excellent catch of celebrity chefs to help support this year’s celebration of the UK seafood industry. Phil Vickery, Nick Nairn, Brian Turner, Mitch Tonks, Jo Pratt and Raymond Blanc have all already signed up to get involved in Seafood Fortnight, which will run from 5 - 21 September.
The celebrity chefs will be contributing new and delicious seafood recipes to help increase awareness of how easy it can be for everyone to eat their recommended ‘2 a week’.
Successful Bazaar Pilots
Pilots of the national Breakfast and Game Bazaars were run in late March in Loch Lomond and Boat of Garten. They involved professional demonstraters showing how fresh, seasonal food can be used to prepare delicious, cost effective dishes for visitors. The demonstrators offered hints and tips throughout their demonstrations on how to keep costs down, keep the customers happy and attract new business and throughout the event attendees were invited to taste what was cooked. The bazaars were well attended and over 95% of attendees were inspired to introduce some changes to their menus