Master chocolatier: Hotel Chocolat
Edinburgh Foody meets Olivier Nicod, Chief Chocolatier and Co-Owner Angus Thirwell at the latest Hotel Chocolat shop in Edinburgh to try the range of chocolates
Electric pepper mill: a new gadget
It took me years and years to find a good pepper mill. I had ones in all shapes and sizes but none worked too well. Until I discovered one in of all places TKMaxx. I didn’t realise it was a “Rolls Royce” of pepper mills created by Peugeot at the…
Zamorin, Linlithgow: high up on the hill there’s a restaurant
I lived in Linlithgow for three years in the mid-noughties. Since then one of its main hotels and pubs has burnt down which is really sad. My favourite restaurant has closed and a new, really good cafe/deli has opened. The world never stands still, not even in historical and picturesque town like Linlithgow with…
What foodies really want for Christmas
Sometimes, when I am searching for that perfect Christmas present for someone, I get distracted. I see a foodie gadget, or cookbook , or whatever, and start thing I would really, really like one of those. Usually these are totally impractical. I’d need more space, a different lifestyle (Edinburgh really…
Growing up in an orchard
For as long as I can remember (until I went away to university), my father has cultivated the 600-tree strong orchard that sits on the edge of our land, next to the hayfield and the long dirt road. Pecans are native to the Southern part of North America and grow…
The Stockbridge Restaurant: stylish, cosy and friendly
I first visited The Stockbridge Restaurant five years ago, as part of a panel of Christmas party planners. It didn’t take us long to decide that this was indeed a great place for the company Christmas party. And it was. We had a wonderful evening with the best food I…
How to shop gluten free. Easy!
I’m sure I am not alone in having at least one person in the family who has dietary requirements of some sort. A sweeping statement, but I think it is pretty easy to cater for the vegetarian, but when you are faced with gluten intolerance it can be more tricky.…
Marinated squid – seafood joy
Squid is one of my favourite things from the sea. I love watching programs about them or seeing them swim about – squid are truly amazing creatures – and I love them on my plate. A few weeks ago I was at a party where one of the guests, a…
Burnt butter cupcake for bakes of random kindness
Vanessa Kimbell, author of Prepped, started a cooking meme: random bakes of kindness. You bake for someone else, ideally someone who isn’t expecting it. I really liked the idea and signed up quickly but it has taken me a while to come up with a good baking idea. I tried making…
Amore Dogs for Italian fun
Since this post was written, Amore Dogs has closed. I am often asked is what is my favourite restaurant. Impossible to say. Favourite in what way? Restaurants of course have to have great food, but the ambiance and service are very important. So is the occasion. Is it to celebrate…