Our Friday evening (as part of my 48 hours in Fife, see the first post here) was spent out in Newport on Tay, at the newly (well this year) opened Newport Hotel. We were in for a treat, as the Chef Patron is none other than 2014 Masterchef winner, Jamie Scott!
We arrived to a rather dismal sky, over Fife and Dundee just across the River Tay. but we were soon ushered inside for a drinks reception within the Tatha Gallery, a stunning place with a rather striking exhibition.
The ‘Ghostlands’ exhibition showcased the work of three artists who;
“share a preoccupation to draw and paint a world which reveal their distinct visual meanderings between observed and imagined places. Each is very much connected to the North East Scotland legacy of lyrical narratives with its stark unromantic imagery and each demonstrates a commitment to imaginative depiction through dexterous and searching drawing” (Source)
Drinks in hand, a choice of (Kingsbarns) whisky or a rather tasty Eden Mill Love Gin cocktail made with homemade raspberry sugar syrup (I’m not a whisky drinker so didn’t take advantage of the former) we sipped, chatted and generally enjoyed the environment, and the view out towards Dundee.
Before long it was time for us to move to a sheltered outdoor area where we gathered to watch chef Jamie Scott in action!
Jamie is a true champion of Fife’s larder of ingredients. His two foragers (one on the east coast, one on the west) make regular deliveries of herbs, fruits and flowers to be incorporated into the menu (in fact on Thursday’s post you will hear about our trip out to forage for ourselves!)
This rather impressive selection of preserves, chutneys, vinegars and pickles have been built up ready for the winter ahead.
The first dish made was a mackerel and tomato salad which would feature later for our meal, followed by a lamb and cucumber dish which will be on the autumn menu. Every ingredient was delicately added and by now, was certainly whetting our appetites for the meal to come!
Soon it was time for us to climb up to the 2nd floor private dining room, with an incredible panoramic view from the balcony out onto the river. Of course the obligaory group photos and selfies were shot, before it was time to sit down and enjoy our 5 course tasting menu dinner.
(Firstly a special mention for Crail Pottery – another local business whose dishes, plates and pots are beautiful)
Puddledub Pork Bau – super light bun with salty pork.
Buckwheat, Flowers and Curds – a real course for the senses being delicately adorned with flowers, as well as the contrasting textures of the buckwheat and creamy curds.
St Monans Crab Rarebit – a twist on the classic – a rich topping of crab on a finger of toast.
The autumnal salad – a selection of the seasons offerings including foraged mushrooms, rhubarb and apple. It was the surprise hit of the night, being the favourite course for many of us there!
Pittenweem Mackerel with Pittormie tomatoes, Oyster and Basil.
Treacle and Black ale bread with whipped butter and creme fraiche. SO Good!
Starr Farm beef – Smoked shoulder, short rib and onions
Newport Plums with popcorn, liquorice & white chocolate
Have I left you drooling yet with all those pictures? It was one of the best meals I have ever eaten and the whole experience was just one of those once-in-a-lifetime things that I’ll remember for years to come!
Come back on Thursday for my final Feast of Fife post.
Disclaimer: I was invited to take part in Feast of Fife tourism weekend. I paid £25 to attend the event and covered my own travel and accommodation expenses. All opinions are my own and are an honest reflection of what I enjoyed over the weekend.
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