Food in Scotland?
Jul 14th, 2013, 04:03 PM
#21
"That's a big area..."
Thanks for that Gardyloo. The walking element hasn't seemed to have been taken into consideration in the discussion and until we know the route it's impossible to answer. If it's restaurants for dinners the OP is asking about. I still can't tell.
Thanks for that Gardyloo. The walking element hasn't seemed to have been taken into consideration in the discussion and until we know the route it's impossible to answer. If it's restaurants for dinners the OP is asking about. I still can't tell.
Jul 14th, 2013, 05:04 PM
#22
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Sorry for the silence. I have been busy visiting one-year-old grandchildren. No time for Fodors! But I appreciate the interest and now can name the villages.
The walk we are considering is the Rob Roy Way ( after being dissuaded from the West Highland Way by input from some of the contributors here, since we will be walking in May and could face sleet/snow/ heavy rain on exposed sections of that walk). The walk starts in Drymen and ends at Pittlochry, with overnight stops in Aberfoyle, Strathyre, Killin, and Aberfeldy on the way.
The walk we are considering is the Rob Roy Way ( after being dissuaded from the West Highland Way by input from some of the contributors here, since we will be walking in May and could face sleet/snow/ heavy rain on exposed sections of that walk). The walk starts in Drymen and ends at Pittlochry, with overnight stops in Aberfoyle, Strathyre, Killin, and Aberfeldy on the way.
Jul 15th, 2013, 02:33 AM
#23
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RM67,
Well, for me, when I travel, the fun of tasting a local goodie means tasting in its natural form or in the local recipe. If I traveled all the way to Scotland, I wouldn't want to miss the chance to taste a Scottish oyster, since I love oysters, but I'd bypass a fancy preparation that put them in pannacotta and go for the straight oyster. The Pean Inn lunch looks like something I could eat in New York or San Francisco, where there are plenty of talented chefs.
So, when in Scotland, I go for the traditional food. I go for double cream over creme fraiche, and cranachan over chocolate delice, I drink beer over wine. When I am in France, things go the other way. Some very traditional local goodies I may end up skipping in Scotland -- I simply never eat oatmeal, even though I loved oat cakes, nor do I enjoy eating venison period. But if I am making all the effort to go to Scotland, I want to eat the Scottish cuisine that I can't find elsewhere. I found it very enjoyable to eat, simple as it was, and didn't feel I was missing anything.
Hope that's clearer. But it is really about what enzian wants to eat (and I don't find his or her palate hard to imagine). I just wanted enzian to know that in addition to the kind of wonderful destination restaurants you can find all over the world serving very special food for special meals, the every day recipes of Scotland made with local ingredients are full of good flavor.
Well, for me, when I travel, the fun of tasting a local goodie means tasting in its natural form or in the local recipe. If I traveled all the way to Scotland, I wouldn't want to miss the chance to taste a Scottish oyster, since I love oysters, but I'd bypass a fancy preparation that put them in pannacotta and go for the straight oyster. The Pean Inn lunch looks like something I could eat in New York or San Francisco, where there are plenty of talented chefs.
So, when in Scotland, I go for the traditional food. I go for double cream over creme fraiche, and cranachan over chocolate delice, I drink beer over wine. When I am in France, things go the other way. Some very traditional local goodies I may end up skipping in Scotland -- I simply never eat oatmeal, even though I loved oat cakes, nor do I enjoy eating venison period. But if I am making all the effort to go to Scotland, I want to eat the Scottish cuisine that I can't find elsewhere. I found it very enjoyable to eat, simple as it was, and didn't feel I was missing anything.
Hope that's clearer. But it is really about what enzian wants to eat (and I don't find his or her palate hard to imagine). I just wanted enzian to know that in addition to the kind of wonderful destination restaurants you can find all over the world serving very special food for special meals, the every day recipes of Scotland made with local ingredients are full of good flavor.
Jul 15th, 2013, 08:48 AM
#24
jeeze louise! Why so angry? Eating at the Peat Inn doesn't preclude eating at all the terrific local specialties at hundreds of other places. My goodness - I eat probably 45 meals in Scotland over the typical trip - and one or two might be at places like the Peat Inn or The Kitchin or The Three Chimneys . . .
Jul 16th, 2013, 08:38 AM
#25
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In addition to the villages I mentioned above, we would like to spend time in the Trossachs and maybe visit Oban. We'll have 4-5 days in Scotland in addition to the ones allotted to the walk, including 1 or 2 nights in Edinburgh. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Jul 16th, 2013, 08:53 AM
#26
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If this is turning into a Fodors Scotland food blog then
http://www.ninthwaverestaurant.co.uk/sample-menu-2/
Mr catches, Mrs Cook it. What else would you want?
http://www.pierhousehotel.co.uk/
Eat while watching otters, seals and porpoise eat.
http://www.ninthwaverestaurant.co.uk/sample-menu-2/
Mr catches, Mrs Cook it. What else would you want?
http://www.pierhousehotel.co.uk/
Eat while watching otters, seals and porpoise eat.
Jul 16th, 2013, 11:23 AM
#28
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<<The kids described the food as ranging from indifferent to nearly in edible--- lumpy porridge at breakfast ( once with a bit of whisky poured over--- what was that about?), overlooked and fatty meat, vegetables cooked to death and discolored, too many chips as side dishes, and a dearth of salads. . .>>
Sounds like they ate at too many pubs and not enough decent or even good restaurants. We didn't have that problem and didn't have such rubbish breakfasts either.
You know, if you discussed your price range for a dinner, you'd get specific suggestions.
Sounds like they ate at too many pubs and not enough decent or even good restaurants. We didn't have that problem and didn't have such rubbish breakfasts either.
You know, if you discussed your price range for a dinner, you'd get specific suggestions.
Jul 16th, 2013, 12:40 PM
#30
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Oban? Then don't miss the Waterfront Fishouse restaurant. It's right on the quayside next to the station and the Calmac ferry terminal and used to house the local Seaman's Mission. We had a memorable dinner there some years ago, with the fish arriving on the boats and heading right up the back stairs into the kitchen!
>>lumpy porridge at breakfast ( once with a bit of whisky poured over--- what was that about?), <<
Meant to comment on that earlier. That's a new one on me - never heard of porridge with whisky. Scottish breakfasts (if done properly) are real feasts that will set you up for a busy day. Similar to a Full English, but with local delicacies such as black (and white) pudding, haggis, square sausage and scones. Some places also do terrific kippers and haddock.
>>lumpy porridge at breakfast ( once with a bit of whisky poured over--- what was that about?), <<
Meant to comment on that earlier. That's a new one on me - never heard of porridge with whisky. Scottish breakfasts (if done properly) are real feasts that will set you up for a busy day. Similar to a Full English, but with local delicacies such as black (and white) pudding, haggis, square sausage and scones. Some places also do terrific kippers and haddock.
Jul 16th, 2013, 03:55 PM
#34
>>Can you access te BBC iplayer.<<
Ooh - that seems to be a new portal. THANK YOU! Just accessed it and what's on? The Shipping Forecast! I <B><red>LOVE</B></red> the Shipping Forecast.
Scilly automatic, Milford Haven, etc . . .
Ooh - that seems to be a new portal. THANK YOU! Just accessed it and what's on? The Shipping Forecast! I <B><red>LOVE</B></red> the Shipping Forecast.
Scilly automatic, Milford Haven, etc . . .
Jul 16th, 2013, 10:21 PM
#35
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>>Oatmeal with whisky is the origin of Atholl Brose, a drink made with oatmeal water, whisky, honey and maybe cream.<<
Yes I know, but it isn't porridge and you wouldn't have it for breakfast.
I am also watching the Hebrides: Islands on the Edge series that started last week. I came across it by accident in my hotel in France, where BBC2 was on satellite (yes really). I thought BBC iPlayer was blocked to non-UK computers. If not, Janis and others, you're in for a treat...!
Yes I know, but it isn't porridge and you wouldn't have it for breakfast.
I am also watching the Hebrides: Islands on the Edge series that started last week. I came across it by accident in my hotel in France, where BBC2 was on satellite (yes really). I thought BBC iPlayer was blocked to non-UK computers. If not, Janis and others, you're in for a treat...!
Jul 17th, 2013, 04:18 AM
#37
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you can get lumpy porridge at my staff canteen every morning.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop..._Scotland.html
this is an old Trip Advisot thread but with lots of good info.
I must admit 20 years ago some of the food from hotels and oubs in Scotland was prety dire but it has improved greatly and very seldom am I dissapointed with food from pubs these days.There are still a few around that still serve crap but they are few and far between.
I have been inplaces where the veg has been so overcooked it is inedible, but thats been rare.Lots of nice fresh veg in most places.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop..._Scotland.html
this is an old Trip Advisot thread but with lots of good info.
I must admit 20 years ago some of the food from hotels and oubs in Scotland was prety dire but it has improved greatly and very seldom am I dissapointed with food from pubs these days.There are still a few around that still serve crap but they are few and far between.
I have been inplaces where the veg has been so overcooked it is inedible, but thats been rare.Lots of nice fresh veg in most places.
Jul 17th, 2013, 06:27 AM
#38
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OK, this is sounding better. We are comfortable spending around €100 for two in Italy and Spain, so that would be £85. Will that get us a nice dinner with wine at most places? We can plan for one splurge if the right place comes along ( seafood ).
On the porridge with whiskey, my son couldn't tell if it was a jokeor a test of his manhood.
On the porridge with whiskey, my son couldn't tell if it was a jokeor a test of his manhood.
Jul 17th, 2013, 06:36 AM
#39
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yeah £85 should get you a decent dinner with wine ,and £50 will get you a decent 2 course meal in a pub with a couple of drinks each.
I have sometimes had a little whisky with my porridge on a special occassion, my grandfather used to always call this a poachers breakfast,no idea why.
I have sometimes had a little whisky with my porridge on a special occassion, my grandfather used to always call this a poachers breakfast,no idea why.
Jul 17th, 2013, 06:52 AM
#40
>>I thought BBC iPlayer was blocked to non-UK computers.<<
Me too. That's why I think it must be a new version since it worked for me.
£85 will be generous in most rural areas. Most nights you won't spend that much so it will average out less even with the occasional splurge.
Me too. That's why I think it must be a new version since it worked for me.
£85 will be generous in most rural areas. Most nights you won't spend that much so it will average out less even with the occasional splurge.
