Category: Family & Lifestyle

My Fish Van Man

My Fish Van Man

We are blessed with the most ridiculous variety of world-class foods right here in my nook of the woods.  In fact, in my county of Fife alone you can get not only local farm produce and grains, but also dairy products,wild game, beef, pork, chicken and of course spectacular fish & shellfish.  So in an effort to seek these goodies out (and make you all super envious in the process), I am going to task myself with tracking down and highlighting as many local farmers, producers & mongers as possible.

To that end, let me introduce you to my fish van man George Hay.

(OK I took these pictures a wee while ago, but he still works year round.)

Thursday are great days for me because that is when my mobile fish merchant comes to town.  He arrives at your door in his kitted out  van which is actually a super snazzy mobile shop that you can conveniently step into (and out of the weather) to peruse his lovely wares.

George’s day begins at about 4.30 am (eek) when he arrives at the St. Monan’s Fish Market which is where the local boats from the East Neuk of Fife unload their catches.  By about 7:00 am, after acquiring his ridiculous fresh fish he prepares it by filleting and possibly smoking.  Once the fish is all set he packs it all on ice and prepares the van for the day travel and ready to hit the road by about 8 – 8.30 am. He travels four days a week with one office day for paperwork and follows a set schedule all around Fife.

 His customers are the general public and well as several local restaurants and hotels.  He only sells the freshest fish and can guarantee that nothing is more than 24 hours off the boat. In fact his fish is so fresh he has a “sell or return” agreement with the purveyors at the fish market that he can bring back any unsold stock that can be resold by another fish monger.  Not only is all his stock local, it is also only available is season (i.e. never frozen).

For some extra convenience he stocks farm fresh produce, eggs and sometimes baked goods.  For those of you out there that still think that hours off the farm strawberries or eggs don’t taste different that what you get in the supermarket, well…your just going to have to try it for yourself and you’ll never go back.

 While it is not the easiest job in the world (the hours alone would kill me), George loves chatting to his customers all day long.  He is a one man shop on wheels and loves the freedom and flexibility that being a mobile fishmonger affords. Even in these tough economic times he is able to personally explain to his customers if there is a price increase and likewise can adjust for any bargains to be had.  He is so committed to his business that short of being drafted to play rugby (his other passion) in New Zealand, he will be bringing fresh fish to us lucky pups in Fife for years to come.

George’s schedule is : 

Tuesday: Kinghorn & Burntisland

Wednesday: St. Andrew’s

Thurday: Dunfermline, Rosyth, Kinghorn & Burntisland

Friday: St. Andrews

and he can be contacted on 01333 311 521.   Additionally, he is happy to provide any special orders that you might have.  I can highly recommend his products and his services, and maybe fish day will be your favourite day of the week soon.

Enjoy!

 

Dec 01, 2012 | 3 comments View Post
Farm Shop Survey – Hopetoun House

Farm Shop Survey – Hopetoun House

Prompted by the autumn newsletter from this next Farm Shop, I thought it was about time to introduce you to my secret mecca of Scottish gourmet treats.  And what, you may ask would that entail?  Well, come with me for a wee shopping trip to the newly opened Farm Shop of Hopetoun House.  Now, before we go any further, farm shops are by and large a venue for a single farm or a collective of farms to sell their goods directly to the customer.  The picture below is the modest and unassuming “shop” that is attached to the very rear end of the Hopetoun House lands which supply the vegetables, beef, lamb and game (grouse is in season – woo hoo) for said shop.

Hopetoun Farm Shop

 However, this is Hopetoun House, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes with over 6,500 acres at hand.  You can check it out a bit more at http://www.hopetoun.co.uk/ but it is really a post in and of itself (if not more than one), but for now let’s just say that it is massive and is quite a bit more than your average ”farm”  supplying its own farm shop.

Hopetoun House in all its glory

The shop itself was not the easiest place to find and I was less than bowled over by the simple appearance.  My heart sank even lower upon entering the shop as I was hoping for a Balducci-type abundance but was greeted with a sparse “jam as art” decor.   However, the fates were shining on this venture as I happily sampled and bagged a serious haul of Scottish yumminess….check it out!

Hopetoun Farm Shop Interior 2011

There is a great comment in the oh, so Scottish crime drama “Taggart” (“There’s bin a muhr-duhrrrr…”), that decries someone being “as Scottish as salami”.  Well…..

How greedy am I? I couldn't even wait for the picture before sneaking a taste!

here you have it – venison salami!  Super yum but mild in taste, so don’t overdo it with a strongly flavoured accompaniment.  Best stick to a mild chutney or smoked cheese and oatcakes but ooooooooo it is good!

This was another treat that couldn’t help but illicit an involuntary moan of pleasure – a blue cheese and pear pate – phwarrrr!  Instead of serving a big ole cheese board at the end of your meal just bring out this baby, some biscuits/crackers and seal the deal with candied or spiced nuts and fresh fruit, mmmmmmmm.

Really, who doesn't need a reliable source of quail's eggs?!

If you are feeling terribly posh and simply must have a grilled asparagus starter with poached quails eggs topped with shavings of parmesan and cracked black pepper (which is quite yummy), look no further for a reliable source for your fouffy ingredients!

Said to have originated in Forfar in 1850, these are now a staple in every Scottish bakers.

And if it is something heartier that is calling to you, get your hands on one of these.  For the uninitiated, a Bridie is usually a parcel of sturdy but flaky pastry to be eaten with the hands,  filled with intensely flavoured beef stew at nuclear hot temperatures.  A slightly acquired taste for the average North American (well, for breakfast anyway) but an a cold rainy Sunday morning, a Steak Bridie with a strong cup of  sweet tea is nirvana.

And lest you think that Elderflower exists only in a Monty Python punchline, feast on this creamy if slightly bizarre concoction of local ice cream.

There is also a great selection of Scottish cookbooks with this one catching my eye…Christmas prezzie anyone?

This farm shop does not have a dining space as there is one next door in the Hopetoun Garden Centre.  This is a garden centre not for the faint of heart and should only be entered if one has been properly inoculated for floral cloth and Hunter wellies.   Below is a shot of the tea room there…

Tea room of the Hopetoun Garden Centre at closing time.

Tea room of the Hopetoun Garden Centre at closing time.

which I couldn’t appreciate in full as it was closing time and I had grumpy children with me but I simply had to include a bit about the Tea Room as,

in order to get there you have to wander around a quite lengthy, twisting trail to survey the various sculptures of nymphs and lion’s head that your estate may need.  I love the lion on the right as he looks like he is mid sneeze, surely not the most noble moment to be cast in stone!

View from South Queensferry back to Fife

Well, being very happy with our discoveries and with the Gooseberry ice cream in danger of melting, we hightailed it home back across the Firth of Forth to the safety of the Kingdom of Fife (say that ten times).  Another spot for local deliciousness on the map for future visits!

 

Happy Friday…

 

 

Oct 28, 2011 | 2 comments View Post
Free Range Community Hub

Farm Shop Survey – Muddy Boots

For anyone out there still clinging to the false notion that you need to be in an urban hub to enjoy great food, culture or year round activity, I am so pleased to introduce you to the ever-expanding Muddy Boots Farm Shop.

Sign that you will see from the road - turn right immediately!

Although the Samson family has been farming right here in the wee village of Balmalcolm outside Cupar for at least five generations (that they can remember), Muddy Boots is a very recent development.  It began in the summer of 2003 with a bumper crop of raspberries that unfortunately coincided with their long-standing order from a major British supermarket being slashed by more than half – eeks.  The family quickly rallied and sold the excess bounty from a road side tent.

Bright, Fresh, Well-stocked & Welcoming Farm Shop

 The next year the tent was replaced by a poly tunnel and the year after that a small structure.  Each year brought more success and a bigger audience until in 2007  when the first part of the current structure began, to take shape to accommodate the needs of a top end Farm Shop.  Selling their own produce, berries and eggs, they also stock other local artisan and farm shop products.  The term “Farm Shop” is in the works to receive its own legal and commercial definition but for now it had gone from only selling your own goods from your own farm to a larger “direct from farm” network.

Free Range chickens with practical guidance on viewing

Generally,  when you see the term “free range eggs” on a carton there is a little bit of an internal assumption of “well, I’ll take your word for it”, but at Muddy Boots you get to experience just how free that range can be (with fences being a bit hypothetical at times).  Not only can you come and visit the various hens as they hang out with each other, some ducks and a goat or two, but you can see their workout zone.

"Goat Mountain" Chicken Run for Maximum Poultry Pleasure

  Granted there was a whole lot more snoozing and taking of dirt baths when I visited but it is nice to know it is there if they want a climb.

Air Pillow Madness

But fresh produce and eggs aside – here is why you really come to Muddy Boots – for the fun!  Rarely do you come across any business where you get the feeling that the proprietors have walked around in their customer’s shoes and thought,”what could we provide that would offer the most variety and fun for any category of customer that we might serve?”.  At Muddy Boots there is a decidedly un-corporate or formulaic feel that literally offers something for everyone (and seems to be growing all the time).

Bargain Prices for A Great Adventure

 They offer a variety of very affordable activities from a little kids play area, to the larger big kid zone.
Big Kid Play Area
 To a converted barn with a soft play area.
Indoor(ish) Soft Play
To a very creative and hugely enjoyable for the kids Duck Race course.
The Duck Races
 And when your dear ones are properly worn out (mission accomplished) then it is time for lunch, if you can make it past the ice cream window selling Cream  O’ Galloway goodness.  As we had dairy-intolerant toddler with us we sadly had to pass on this but for anyone else be sure to hit it on your way out!

Ready for Lunch

 Now your only problem is trying to decide where you feel like dining.

Outdoor Seating at Muddy Boots

 Depending on how hearty you feel there is a beautiful outdoor patio, or maybe

"For Seasons" Cafe at Muddy Boots

 you would rather to take in the atmosphere and the view of the interior of the Seasons Cafe.

Open Wood-Burning Central Fireplace surrounded by leather sofas and newspapers - Divine

But this is what really rings my bell, the wood burning fireplace to enhance the already fantastic ambiance and take the chill of a summer storm or provide a cosy hang our for a winter’s day.  I have had the privilege of attending an evening meeting here and was able to see  – all in one night thanks to our mercurial weather – a glorious sunset over the hills, a thunderstorm, and a fresh sparkling summer’s eve all fresh from the storm.  I assure you the fireplace was a welcome addition to the whole event.

"Paint your Own Pottery" area

Now, if your head is not yet spinning from the produce, outdoor activities or dining, you could while away the rest of your visit painting your own pottery to be fired on site.  This is available on a drop in basis or you can schedule a party – kids, grownups or fund-raisers with a per head fee.

Free Range Community Hub

These are only the things that are here on any old day you happen to pay a visit.  Muddy Boots has a burgeoning schedule of plays, seasonal activities, parties, events and performances on a pre-booking basis.  As I left it occurred to me that Muddy Boots is a leading example of how these venues are  becoming the hubs and hearts of these rural communities.  Where once maybe gatherings would be held in a church or a school, these larger  ”countryprenuer”  outlets can provide  jobs, entertainment and space to gather for locals and day visitors alike.
One last thing, it is located on the 914 en route to St. Andrews and only 3 miles from Falkirk Palace.  If you are travelling to or from these places this is a fab rest stop to stretch your legs and stock up for dinner!
PS Not an advert just a shout out from me-  thanks, J.
Jul 09, 2011 | 1 comment View Post
Pillars of Hercules Cafe

Farm Shop Survey – Pillars of Hercules

 Continuing my Farm Shop Survey I thought I would mosey along to the highly recommended Pillars of Hercules, set in Falkland, Cupar. 

Pillars of Hercules Cafe

 
The Pillars of Hercules started as an organic farm in 1983 by Bruce Bennett, and the site has grown to just over 6 hectares (about 12 football pitches/fields) to include a cafe, camping sites and of course lots of organic fruit, vegetables, free range chickens for eggs and turkeys for Christmas dinner. 
 

Farm Shop Sign for Pillars of Hercules

The cafe and farm shop very much embrace the whole organic “thang” and as someone who maybe spent a leetle too much time in knee-high moccasins and gauzy skirts in her youth, the distinct ”hippies welcome here” smell of dried legumes and patchouli hit me rather hard.  That said, this was obviously a location much embraced and frequented by locals, equally represented by those who were rather fuzzy of face and those who arrived in jaguars and Barbour coats. 

The menu in the cafe boasts the bumper crops of the farm with lots of soups, bread and home baking.  According to their website there is also a periodic evening  ”restaurant” event that includes  jazz music with a four course meal – yum.

Set amongst beautiful countryside with a selection of walks.
The farm has a strong community outreach program that welcomes visitors, organisations and schools to tour the farm and learn more about the mission and techniques employed in organic farming.  They also have a vegetable box delivery program if you wish to enjoy the produce on a weekly basis, and additionally supply to other area shops and restaurants.
 
Bothy for Hire
 
The area surrounding the farm is rich in historical and outdoor recreation sites.  You can even hire/rent this bothy (just a short jaunt from the cafe) for a week to sample some of the fantastic surrounding areas.    A nice day out and a just reward for climbing the Lomond Hills or touring Falkland Palace.  http://www.pillars.co.uk/index.htm.
Jun 24, 2011 | 1 comment View Post
Greeter #1

Farm Shop Survey – Loch Leven Larder

Many of my friends live quite some distance due to the fact that we all met in Edinburgh and then dispersed to our husband’s various home turfs after the kids arrived.   This means that to see each other, we often split the travel (as gas is currently an eye-watering $10/gallon) and agree to meet somewhere central, which is usually a Farm Shop.  They can offer great locations, the kids get to play and we get a decent cappuccino and a bit of gourmet shopping to boot.   These are places that Mums love during the week and Dads get dragged to (somewhat begrudgingly) on the weekends.
 

Farm Shops are different from Farmers Markets (think chilly, drizzly car park/ parking lot on a Saturday morning), as they are usually stand alone shops attached to a single or group of farms selling meat, eggs, produce and some high-end bits and bobs.   As such,  I have decided to conduct a completely non-objective  survey of the farm shops in my area and any other ones I may come across in my travels. 

To begin, I start with the Grand Dame of them all…..LOCH LEVEN LARDER.
Travel a few miles from down this road

 First take the M90 Motorway to the Kinross exit, head to Milnathort and follow this wee country road out of town otherwise known as the A911. 

Continue past Burleigh Castle (pronounced “burly”) on left…
You will continue past this castle on your left,  (they literally have these things just laying about here) and in just a mile or so you should see this most welcome sign.  Look close it can be hard to see.
Hooray! You have arrived!

 

Congratulations - great pleasure awaits.
 

Greeter #1

 
You are initially greeted by the requisite Heilan’ Coo (Highland Cow) for proper rural flair.
 

Greeter #2 "Sky the Horse"

 
And as an added bonus you are also welcome to come and pet (but don’t sneak up on) a lovely one-eyed Welsh Pony named Sky.  She slipped on the ice.
 

Unassuming but tidy exterior

 

The exterior provides little clue as to what is come.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get any interior shots (cut me some slack I am new at this) but if anyone has seen Meryl Streep’s cafe in “It’s Complicated” that should give you some idea.   It wasn’t my intention but a menu just happened to come home with me (I blame the kids).  It may not be the done thing but I just had to include a copy to show how simple but freaking fabulous just about everything is on the menu.  Feast your eyes…. 
 
The Embodiment of Fresh, Seasonal & Local.

 

My friend’s little girl ordered and egg roll (US translation just the egg of a bacon, egg muffin) and as she bit into it the most ridiculously deep orange yolk slowing oozed out from the buttered roll – truly glorious.  I had the Puddledub Bacon Roll (US translation – just smoked back bacon on a buttered roll not dissimilar to a good quality hamburger bun, sounds unimpressive but I assure you it is not)  that I originally intended to split with my son, but it was so good I am afraid to admit he was mightily short-changed.
 

Brunch with Eggs Benedict AND High Tea - Nirvana.

 

As the menu boasts two of my very favourite concepts in eating, brunch AND high tea, I need to make a fair few more trips (a few without kids) until I can declare myself satiated.  Another big bonus of the interior is that the entire rear of the building is plate glass – wisely weather proofed to provide enjoyment of the view.  So if the weather is not so nice, kick back and relax.
Stunning View Looking East

However, if the weather is nice in the least, get yourself out back because the views are breathtaking.  There are about five different seating areas and a kids play area, each providing a different angle to the views.  This one is looking east from the back of the building with crystalline sunshine.

Stunning View to the South Overlooking Loch Leven

This is my favourite view looking due south at Loch Leven (it should look familiar).  There is an  island in the middle of the loch  in which Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned from 1567-1568 and from where she was forced to abdicate.  In the summer there is a boat tour out to the ruins of the castle, but while pondering this over your eggs benny, you could also opt for the amazing network of walks, bike paths or local nature reserves.  All in all,  a cracking day out.

Jun 15, 2011 | 2 comments View Post
Scenes from My Daily Commute in Big Sky Country

The Weather

OK, I realise that you can not have a blog in any way related to Scotland without addressing the weather. 
Scenes from My Daily Commute in Big Sky Country

Here is the deal, in truth – it is not that bad.   Scots seem to take their less than stellar weather very personally and I think that it is both unnecessary and  unjustified.  The problem is not really the cold winters, which except for this past year, are neither as freezing or long as say New York,  Boston or anywhere above.  Folks here don’t seem to be aware that much of the worlds exists with even colder, stormier and slushier weather than their own (and we are on the same latitude as Moscow for heaven’s sake).

Except for this past winter, the cars don't need much shovelling out in winter.

And on the eastern side of the country, it is not actually that wet or rainy either.  Unless it is actually raining on your head (which can on occasion reach car wash intensity) it is usually just very dry and windy.  The relative humidity of the Northeastern US is always brought  home when in high summer you can hang a damp beach towel on a line/ fence overnight, and there is a very good chance it will not be fully dry for your next day’s dip in the ocean. 

Some these bad boys (whirligigs) can hold upwards or 3-4 LOADS of wash at a time.

Here in the Kingdom of Fife people hang their washing out on the line ALL YEAR ROUND in an impressive display of determination.  If you are lucky, you can get 2-3 full loads up on the line and dry in about 2 hours.  If you are not, you and the majority of folks at the bus stop roll their eyes heavenward to bemoan the weather – not for the weather itself, but rather they had, “just put a wash out”.

Average walk to the shops in Fife

The problem is this –  the grey.  The fact that there is often not huge difference between October’s, March’s or July’s weather can wear on you after a while.  But here is the total upside of Scotland’s weather; it is very easy on your wardrobe budget (particularly for growing kids) and you can have your relatively monochrome world EXPLODE into the most brilliant sun shining day (or hour) which can make you feel like this on a regular basis:

Sunshine through the clouds

Every year people optimistically buy new garden furniture, open-toed sandals and sundresses.  Those same things may see little to no action in the months deemed to be” summer”.   As a new transplant I would often scoff (to myself mind you) at the  pre-marinated chicken on skewers all frozen and BBQ ready. (please read the “cook from frozen” stamp on the front packaging)

Pre-marinaded chicken skewers?

I thought , “really - is it so hard to invite some friends over, pop to the shops and grill up a bit of chicken?”.  Now I understand.  In the 45 minutes it would take to form the thought and complete the action you could totally miss the window and pass into a different season.  So when it is sunny, still and warm you better be prepared to jump!

Really, the weather is not so bad if you have the right clothes are willing to be prepared for any eventuality.  It is just when Scots (and everybody else) compares the indigenous summertime weather to that of Spain, Greece, South Africa or of course Disneyland Florida that it doesn’t seem so great.

Jun 10, 2011 | 1 comment View Post
Rebel Without a Pause

My Blessings, My Wrinkles

A Brief Introduction to My Dreams Come True

Boudicca

 
My Ladybug is an amazing combination of Snow White looks and Wednesday Addams world perspective.  She chose to dress up as Boudicca http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudica for World Book Day at school. She also runs a booming Rock Shop from our home most days after school – even in near hurricane conditions. That should provide a good clue as to her interests.
 

Rebel Without a Pause

 
 
Then there is my Rebel Without a Pause.  I am very tired at night – and come to think of it most of the day as well.  Still, I am very happy he is here and I have it on good family authority that he will settle down, eventually.
And here is the man who has made it all possible.  Thank you for making it soooo worth it to change my name and run off to a foreign country.

 

On Our Way to Elope

 I will do my best to keep you updated on all of our adventures!

 

Jun 04, 2011 | 1 comment View Post