We’re almost at the end of 2018 and I’ve been reflecting – it’s been a busy year for A Highland Blend, with lots of travel and foodie adventures that I’ve enjoyed, both at home and further afield. It was hard to whittle them down but here are 10 of my favourite experiences of the year!
review
A North Coast stay at the Melvich Hotel, Sutherland (review)
Last week we took ourselves off west at the kind invitation of the Melvich Hotel, for a little one night dinner, bed and breakfast stay! The drive from Wick is about 45 minutes, the perfect distance to feel like that you’re getting away from it all in the knowledge that home is not too far…
Bistro by the Sea, Portmahomack (Review)
Being the only westward facing village on Scotland’s east coast, it’s fitting that Portmahomack should have an eatery which has a stellar view of the Dornoch Firth and the mountains out west. I was invited by Bistro by the Sea to enjoy the views and food on offer!
Capilla, Scrabster – A NC500 taste of tapas
Word spreads quickly in these parts about new restaurant openings, especially ones that offer something a wee bit different to the usual pub grub offering. My local is the fabulous Whaligoe Steps Cafe but further up along the north coast of Caithness, housed in an old chapel (hence the name Capilla), is a new tapas…
NC500 East Coast: Afternoon tea at the Dornoch Castle Hotel (Review)
When we stayed in Inverness, if we wanted a destination that was in easy reach (less than an hour’s drive), had a combination of beautiful beach, cute cafes and a plethora of shops to potter around, we would always head up the east coast to Dornoch in Sutherland. However, we hadn’t been there for a…
Exploring the world with Spice Pioneer Subscription boxes (review)
A while back I was interested in meal/recipe subscription boxes sent in the mail, but was put off by the extra charges that businesses charged for delivery to the Highlands and Islands (I’m looking at you Hello Fresh and Gousto, and this was while we were living in the city of Inverness – hardly the…
Thai Dining, Inverness (Review)
Going to Thai Dining was a long awaited treat for us. We had heard several good reports about this new Thai family run restaurant, so much so that every time we passed it, I would always drop an atom-bomb sized “I’ve heard this place is lovely…” comment to Mr B. Six months (no joke!) later, we…
Bohns Rub Spice Mixes (Review)
Over the last few days we have been enjoying experimenting with spices and seasonings in our Highland kitchen, ably assisted by a range of dry rub spice mixes provided by Bohns.
Highlights of 2017 | Mess in the Ness – A year in review
It’s the end of another year – it’s hard to think now that I have been blogging for over 5 years – almost my whole married life and since moving to Scotland! So in true blogger form, I thought I’d remind myself of five highlights that 2017 has bought! Opportunities to take more photographs In…
Christmas Cheeseboard with Tesco Orchard
A key part of an festive Christmas celebration is a cheeseboard as it’s such a great way of feeding those unannounced guests. As a member of the Tesco Orchard community, I was invited to review some of their cheeses which are available. I could have opted for their ready made cheeseboard or platters, but we…
