tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45526733417310335932024-03-13T21:20:38.117-07:00Rose Cottage East NeukExploring a stunning area from a chill-out cottageSara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-58919674297792874822015-03-30T04:05:00.003-07:002015-03-30T04:10:56.892-07:00An East Neuk EasterMy family has always loved Easter - all cute bunnies and chicks, the start of better weather and lighter days, family meals and days out and more chocolate than is really good for you. When we were little my sisters and I even had our own special Easter roles - I was an Easter Chick, J was an Easter Bunny and C was an Easter Lamb. Easter is a festival of rebirth, new life, whether you're religious or not. It's also a great time to visit the East Neuk. Borrowing J's role for a moment and using my official Easter Bunny name of "Snuggly Socks" (what's yours? <a href="http://easterbunnyname.com/">http://easterbunnyname.com/</a>) I thought I'd bring you a sweet selection of what to do this Easter in the East Neuk to keep everyone in your family entertained:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anstruther duck race</td></tr>
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<b>1. Race a duck - </b>For great fun with the competitive thrill of a chance of winning a prize check out the annual <a href="http://www.anstrutherimprovements.org/events.php" target="_blank">Anstruther Duck Race</a> on Easter Saturday. The Dreel Burn in Anstruther is the venue and no they are not real ducks but cute rubber ones! Entry is £1 - sponsor your duck in a local shop or on the day, if there are any left. It's organised by the Anstruther Improvements Association (AIA) and the money goes towards improving the village. </div>
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<b>2. Picnic with the King - </b>As well as the Duck Race itself there is a whole music festival in Anstruther over the Easter weekend called "<a href="http://www.yellaedeuks.org/" target="_blank">Yellae Deuks</a>". Concerts are on at the Dreel Halls in Anstruther on the Friday and Saturday nights and during the day on Sunday when there will be an indoor picnic. Don't miss King Creosote himself playing at the Sunday event. Family friendly until 9pm. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kellie Castle and Gardens</td></tr>
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<b>3. Hunt eggs at a castle - </b>National Trust properties around the country are playing host to Cadbury's Egg Trails this Easter. Where better for the little ones to run about in search of eggs than <a href="https://www.eastereggtrail.com/Kellie-Castle-Garden.aspx" target="_blank">Kellie Castle</a>, near Anstruther, with its gorgeous gardens and estate. Easter egg trails open 12-4pm on Easter Friday, Saturday and Sunday. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny, Isle of May</td></tr>
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<b>4. Spot the bunnies - </b>April marks the beginning of the season for boat trips on the <a href="http://www.isleofmayferry.com/" target="_blank">May Princess</a> or <a href="http://www.isleofmayboattrips.co.uk/" target="_blank">RIB Osprey</a> to the Isle of May. You're sure to see lots of cute bunnies on the island (though they're a little shy) and lots of seabirds and seals too - I hear that the puffins are there already so it's a great time to visit! Book ahead if you want a seat on the daily boat trips as it's bound to be popular.</div>
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<b>5. See some art & crafts - </b><a href="http://www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk/about_news.php" target="_blank">Pittenweem Artists & Galleries weekend 2015</a> is taking place on 3-6 April in various venues around the village. It's organised by the same people as the village's famous annual arts festival, though the weekend is on a more compact scale with six exhibiting artists. </div>
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There's also a local art and crafts event called "<a href="http://www.ardrossfarm.co.uk/news/springintheloft2015.php" target="_blank">Spring in the Loft</a>" upstairs at the Ardross Farm Shop, near Elie on Easter Saturday (9am-5.30pm) and Sunday (9am-4pm).</div>
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<b>6.</b> <b>Find the Gruffalo - </b>I reckon a lot of little ones are going to be very excited about the new <a href="https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=884665548260009" target="_blank">Gruffalo Trail </a>which opens on Easter Sunday at St Andrews' Botanic Gardens. 11am-4pm. £5 adults, free for kids. </div>
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<b>7. Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate - </b>Get your Easter chocolate fix at <a href="http://www.pittenweemchocolate.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Cocoa Tree cafe and Pittenweem Chocolate Company shop</a>, Pittenweem, <a href="http://www.highlandchocolatier.com/" target="_blank">Iain Burnett The Highland Chocolatier</a>, South Street, St Andrews or <a href="http://fisheranddonaldson.com/" target="_blank">Fisher and Donaldson</a>, Church Street, St Andrews. Yum!</div>
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Leave a comment if you know about something fun that I've missed.</div>
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Happy Easter all!</div>
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<i>Copyright Snuggly Socks (normally known as Sara Scott) 2015</i></div>
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Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-6724445216273100372015-01-23T10:10:00.000-08:002015-01-23T10:10:05.268-08:00Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face...so begins Robert Burns' poem "<a href="http://www.robertburns.org/works/147.shtml" target="_blank">Address to a Haggis</a>", which is traditionally spoken aloud with gusto at Burns Night events the length and breadth of Scotland. For those of you who don't know, Burns Night is 25th January (the date which was the bard's birthday) which falls on a Sunday this year, sparking a whole weekend of distinctly Scottish celebrations. In fact most Scots are more likely to celebrate Burns Night than Scotland's more official annual event, St Andrew's Day. Haggis (traditionally eaten with "neeps and tatties" i.e. mashed turnip and mashed potato) and Scots whisky are the two key essentials to a Burns Supper. Formal events will add other traditional elements to that, such as having a bagpiper pipe in the entrance of the haggis, the "toast to the lassies" (by the men to the ladies) and their response to the laddies (both usually very humorous and cheeky, with the lassies getting the last laugh) plus lots of energetic ceilidh dancing. Read <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/robertburns/burns_night_running_order.shtml" target="_blank">more about the Burns Night traditions</a>. Less formal Burns Supper events will keep it simple. It's up to you how formal you want to be but it's really all about having a good time, usually fuelled by plenty of drinks!
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Happily there are lots of great things going on for Burns Night 2015 in and around St Andrews. BID St Andrews has compiled a <a href="https://m.facebook.com/BIDStAndrews/posts/367288416786874" target="_blank">very helpful list</a> of local Burns Night events and offers which I thought I'd share with you. I'm forever trying out new weird and wonderful ice cream flavours - some good, some not so much - so I'm particularly intrigued by the Haggis ice cream which is being served up at <a href="http://theadamson.com/" target="_blank">The Adamson</a> restaurant in St Andrews this Burns weekend. Will this uniquely Scottish beast work in ice-cream form? There's really only one way to find out! </div>
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Have a great Burns Night wherever you choose to spend it! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top: Whisky at Kingsbarns Distillery, the bard on a biscuit from Fisher & Donaldson (St Andrews bakers) and a suitably Scottish decanter and fabrics in Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Copyright Sara Scott 2015</span></i></div>
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Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-53805787746961485142014-12-20T09:27:00.000-08:002014-12-21T03:55:34.044-08:00Christmas shopping in the harbourAnstruther may not be a sprawling metropolis but in East Neuk terms it's the big place you go to do your shopping, often before enjoying those fish 'n' chips that the village is famous for. There are lots of independent shops that I like in Anstruther which are well established but just in time for Christmas there's a new kid in the harbour called "Harbour Interiors".<br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HarbourInteriors" target="_blank">Harbour Interiors</a> opened on Saturday 29 November 2014 in a flurry of mince pies and spiced hot drinks. It was Sandy and Lynn Davidson's dream and it has taken them a little over a year, living outside Crail, looking for just the right premises and just the right products to make that dream a reality. A huge amount of hard work has gone into creating the shop so opening day was understandably a real celebration for them:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy and Lynn Davidson</td></tr>
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Harbour Interiors prides itself on offering the pick of coastal, country and contemporary soft furnishings, home accessories and gifts, right in heart of the East Neuk. Lynn has been in the soft furnishings (curtains, blinds, cushions etc.) business for over 30 years and both she and Sandy are interiors nuts, as anyone who has seen their showhome-like house will testify.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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As a relative of Sandy and Lynn I may be a little biased but I think Harbour Interiors is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping, East Neuk style. So here are 8 Harbour Interiors goodies that <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm adding to my Christmas wish list (Santa I hope you are reading this!):</span><br>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. Reindeer cushion</span></b></h3>
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Isn't this reindeer cushion (£10.99) just the cutest, most Christmassy thing ever? (Santa you don't even need to bring me this one as I couldn't wait so I've already got myself one!)</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. Noel Christmas decoration</span></b></h3>
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This is a classy, quality Christmas decoration (£4.95). The kind you keep for years and which goes with everything. It has a cute bell too. (Plus Noel is my middle name so it's a must buy for me!)</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. Willow & Plum soap</span></b></h3>
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These natural soaps look and smell great and are made right here in Fife by the <a href="http://willowandplumsoapco.co.uk/" target="_blank">Willow & Plum Soap Co</a>. There are even dog soaps available. Seeing as I don't have a dog (and my cat really does not like baths!) I will stick to the human versions (£3.95) such as "Dark Pomegranate", "Juicy Apple" and "Eucalyptus and Sea Cucumber". </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-92hI9G-3lFpvomjnd2yxyVZr_GPZ-b3yRrH1YWRzs_GXz_YblqncWqHdx_TXsHzKMNGZ5qIwdYAkj_WHSryGteoaRkpV7c73K221kmJvlwafquQgsohIAdP0GvdBmjM6_UXYYdtCTGe/s640/blogger-image-1142414412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-92hI9G-3lFpvomjnd2yxyVZr_GPZ-b3yRrH1YWRzs_GXz_YblqncWqHdx_TXsHzKMNGZ5qIwdYAkj_WHSryGteoaRkpV7c73K221kmJvlwafquQgsohIAdP0GvdBmjM6_UXYYdtCTGe/s320/blogger-image-1142414412.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willow & Plum Soaps, Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. Kitchenware from Garden Trading</span></b></h3>
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Hard to pick from the range of Garden Trading kitchenware which Harbour Interiors offers but I reckon the cookie cutters would fit perfectly in my Christmas stocking. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Trading cookie cutters, Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. Stylish scarves</span></b></h3>
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Scarves are pretty essential at this time of year in Scotland and Harbour Interiors offers some lovely ones, at very reasonable prices too. Any of these beauties (£6.99) would suit me just fine! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarves, Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. Tealight holder</span></b></h3>
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Something you can never have too many of, especially at this dark and dismal time of year, is a tealight holder. Lots to choose from:<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi9AyYCh9B7oeceZ_qlYywMg5s5fahNAu3nmYAvy2WrwauJM8cFwD05uzQFwL1VaGfgIXb9x-q4DM8egutHmzMkhxlI72qbIT9et1veRVDEVGY6gIXghALkW9kMadFjm-cASRm-VHPv-e/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi9AyYCh9B7oeceZ_qlYywMg5s5fahNAu3nmYAvy2WrwauJM8cFwD05uzQFwL1VaGfgIXb9x-q4DM8egutHmzMkhxlI72qbIT9et1veRVDEVGY6gIXghALkW9kMadFjm-cASRm-VHPv-e/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" height="213" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tealights, Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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But this reusable brass one (£6.95) stuck out for me with its antique, unusual look: </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brass tealights, Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. Thomas Kent clock</span></b></h3>
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Harbour Interiors has a beautiful range of Thomas Kent mantle and wall clocks in different colours.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Kent clocks, Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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I may already have lots of clocks but I find there is always space for one more! My favourite is the mantle clock in cream with gold numbers. Classy and petite but with a cheeky wee touch of bling <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">(£21.95).</span><br>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. New curtains</span></b></h3>
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Curtains are not only essential but a great way of updating and prettifying a room. A good pair will last you for many years. When it comes to curtains and blinds Lynn really knows her stuff and has made lovely curtains and sourced great blinds for our house in the past. I hadn't appreciated quite how much of a difference a good, well-fitted pair of curtains could make to a room before Lynn showed me the error of my ill-fitting, cheap, ready-made curtain ways. Lynn can bring the fabrics to your home so you can see how they look in the actual room. If you are anything like me and have difficulty visualising what the end result will look like then this helps a lot!</div>
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Again there is lots of choice with fabrics from big names Harlequin, Moon and Prestigious Textiles (and more coming soon in the new year) but I thought this painterly fabric from the Prestigious Textiles "Printworks" book was particularly striking and unusual. Perfect for an arty studio! (Santa, did I mention what a good girl I've been?)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Printworks fabric, Prestigious Textiles, Harbour Interiors, Anstruther</td></tr>
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So there you go - 8 things I would love to find at the bottom of my tree this Christmas morning! Merry Christmas everyone!</div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Harbour Interiors, 3 Shore Street, Anstruther, East Neuk of Fife</span></i><br>
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.facebook.com/harbourinteriors</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Twitter: @InteriorsAnster</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tel: <a href="tel:01333%20278%20030" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">01333 278 030</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Currently open 7 days</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Copyright Sara Scott 2014</span></i></div>
Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-44052696534758203972014-11-18T16:27:00.001-08:002014-11-19T02:43:31.470-08:00Autumnal delightsAs the leaves change colour and the nights grow darker there are still lots of great things to do in the East Neuk, St Andrews and the surrounding area. Here are four of the best things I've been up to this autumn:<br />
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<b>1. Rory mania</b></div>
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Following world no. 1 golfer, Rory McIlroy around the Old Course, as he teamed up with his dad to compete at the <b>Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2014 </b>(<a href="http://www.alfreddunhilllinks.com/m/home/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://www.alfreddunhilllinks.com/m/home/</a>), <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">was a must this October. Rory and some of his fellow professional golfers, such as Victor Dubuisson, were fresh from the European team's Ryder Cup win at Gleneagles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">For more on what the Dunhill Links is all about and why it's such a great event see my Dunhill blog: </span><a href="http://rosecottageeastneuk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/celeb-golf-extravaganza-at-dunhill-links.html?m=1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://rosecottageeastneuk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/celeb-golf-extravaganza-at-dunhill-links.html?m=1</a></div>
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<b>2. Day trip to fabulous Falkland</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Just half an hour or so from St Andrews is the picture perfect village of Falkland. Most visitors go for the National Trust of Scotland's <b>Falkland Palace</b> (<a href="http://www.nts.org.uk/property/falkland-palace-and-garden/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://www.nts.org.uk/property/falkland-palace-and-garden/</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The palace is well worth a visit for a glimpse into Scotland in days of old, when the Stuart monarchs travelled around with all of their furniture and tapestries so that their quarters in the next castle or palace could be made to look exactly like the last one! It was also a favourite place of Mary Queen of Scots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The palace gardens are also lovely, though inevitably not as splendid in Autumn as they must be in Spring and Summer. </span></div>
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A unique feature at the bottom of the garden is the stone royal tennis court - which is not the same as tennis as we know it. </div>
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Falkland is not just about the palace though - its a very scenic and quaint place for a wander around, popping into enticing little gift shops, galleries and cafés as you go. Even the more industrial old mill is attractively vintage, though apparently soon to be knocked down. With more time you could also explore the very pretty surrounding countryside, which looked great for walking, cycling etc.</div>
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<b>3. Proof that Anstruther dining is finer than just fish 'n' chips: The Cellar</b></div>
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We'd been huge fans of <b>The Cellar restaurant </b>in Anstruther (<a href="http://www.thecellaranstruther.co.uk/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://www.thecellaranstruther.co.uk/</a>) <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and were disappointed when it closed in tragic circumstances. It's now open again and the new management, including Anstruther-born head chef Billy Boyter, have managed to put their own spin on it whilst keeping the charm. It's a highly atmospheric historic building, which you reach through a pretty courtyard area. You can then quaff an aperitif in one of the elegant seating areas before being shown to your table in the cosy, romantic restaurant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Once seated you can expect to be treated to a series of courses lovingly created with care, precision and creativity from the best seasonal local produce. </span></div>
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For its combination of accomplished fine dining, friendly staff and a very atmospheric and romantic setting I would highly recommend The Cellar for a special occasion meal out or if you are simply treating yourselves (we went to celebrate Mr ENB's birthday). Book ahead though, particularly at weekends as the restaurant is quite small. </div>
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<b>4.Cambolicious</b></div>
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Twice a year <b>Cambolicious </b>(<a href="http://www.cambolicious.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://www.cambolicious.com/</a>),<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> the East Neuk's popular craft beer festival, comes to the Cambo Estate near Kingsbarns (in May and November) and I am a festival regular. It's small in scale but big in charm and appeals to children and adults alike. This time around there was lots of fun to be had with the outdoor games, including table tennis in a posh tent with a chandelier and various retro games which involved throwing skills (I was hopelessly bad at all of these!). Foodie delights included juicy steak burgers with a mountain of trimmings, freshly pressed apple juice and deliciously naughty sweet and savoury crepes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But really people love Cambolicious for all the craft beers, ciders and gins, with their weird and wonderful names, from around Scotland. 22 types were on tap this time around. The Fresh Root Ginger cider from Borders-based Thistly Cross was a sell-out again and for good reason. It's still my favourite cider ever. Of the beers Biology Girl loved the Spiced Pumpkin Rye from the St Andrews Brewing Company and Legally Brunette enjoyed the Staple Pale from the Top Out Brewery.</span></div>
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Never shy of a bit of dressing up, I got into the festival spirit and enjoyed making my own natural headgear at the stand for this. Here's my less than perfect attempt (well it was made in the dark!):</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sadly I missed out on the face painting, which was not just for kids - various adults were sporting Halloween-type designs, whimsical leaves or wood nymph-esque designs. Throughout there was the highly enjoyable and sometimes impromptu music from some of Fife's most talented musicians that I've come to expect from Cambolicious. Unfortunately no King Creosote or Lidh sets this time round but Emporium ended the event on a high. As ever at Cambolicious I didn't want to leave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">World famous sports stars, fantastic sight-seeing, fine dining and craft beer festivals - what's not to love about the East Neuk and St Andrews in Autumn?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>Text and photos copyright Sara Scott 2014</i></span></div>
Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-33200105883254876572014-07-26T03:00:00.001-07:002014-07-27T03:26:33.243-07:00Happy Days in the East Neuk and St Andrews<div><br></div>Here's some news about an artist that I admire for her colourful and fun paintings which do indeed invoke heart-warming memories of happy days spent in the East Neuk of Fife and St Andrews and bring a smile to your face:<div><div><br></div><div>Scottish artist, Jennifer Thomson is launching a new book of her paintings called "Happy Days in the East Neuk and St Andrews" at her forthcoming exhibition in the East Neuk village of Elie, Fife. Jennifer is well known for the unmistakable style of her paintings, packed full of colourful people having fun and enjoying life, often in popular Scottish locations. The book brings together the best of her paintings from the last fifteen years of painting in the East Neuk of Fife. Included are paintings of Lower Largo, Earlsferry, Elie, St Monans, Kilconqhuar, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Crail and the neighbouring St Andrews.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh-knL3eUkaQN03_pPDJrQhyJubDHvlDAEGFIQBAcuWBajXVQ5BEmVKQ6JqIMxiVJ7woV8jDZgnNfFh1nkyoP3lAmpmheAMbnAWxR4gq1ku0CcmKXC6gD8JCc_XDB_yMakHNxG8IrI2XI/s640/blogger-image-270572525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh-knL3eUkaQN03_pPDJrQhyJubDHvlDAEGFIQBAcuWBajXVQ5BEmVKQ6JqIMxiVJ7woV8jDZgnNfFh1nkyoP3lAmpmheAMbnAWxR4gq1ku0CcmKXC6gD8JCc_XDB_yMakHNxG8IrI2XI/s640/blogger-image-270572525.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jennifer attended Edinburgh College of Art from 1987-1992 where she gained her honours then post-graduate degree along with several awards and prizes. She taught art for a few years at Madras College in St Andrews before giving up teaching to paint full time in 1998. Since then her paintings can be found in many art collections such as the Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh's City Arts Centre, The BBC and Paintings in Hospitals. Her work is spreading all over the world and she has been commissioned by organisations and individuals in the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViM7hA0wWSHOEKR1V1deVOyD0SdOMS6wgR2_cyen1xYQB1V5Fb3CuhILRs00PwLk9QHWQqpp_pUL5QbCFyjYASvAevCVDu3SaB0cKwh_Z44Ert05EKMWvvxf68zBgb1VxqXy3Wr5lAgRM/s640/blogger-image-1088855069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViM7hA0wWSHOEKR1V1deVOyD0SdOMS6wgR2_cyen1xYQB1V5Fb3CuhILRs00PwLk9QHWQqpp_pUL5QbCFyjYASvAevCVDu3SaB0cKwh_Z44Ert05EKMWvvxf68zBgb1VxqXy3Wr5lAgRM/s640/blogger-image-1088855069.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Alongside each painting in the book are Jennifer's notes about each scene. You discover what inspired the artist to paint each composition and begin to see what Jennifer was thinking when she painted each scene and share in her often humorous insights. In some of the paintings you might spot the artist's faithful painting companion Brodie, a mischievous wire haired fox terrier. For admirers of Jennifer's work and East Neuk fans alike, this book will warm your hearts and make you smile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bQ6ivNfYDsRf2b7pl6o5Wap0wp7b8JZS-qPNkI74WJWvO-fiY4j7vXtnB2oFBXCB8xtaPL_A_TsY-lnmvn0qoubLQeAuLzXR3TvJyCHjsik-EiZA9RVDzJWIOSgYMyzbNQx864E0roO5/s640/blogger-image--385973715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bQ6ivNfYDsRf2b7pl6o5Wap0wp7b8JZS-qPNkI74WJWvO-fiY4j7vXtnB2oFBXCB8xtaPL_A_TsY-lnmvn0qoubLQeAuLzXR3TvJyCHjsik-EiZA9RVDzJWIOSgYMyzbNQx864E0roO5/s640/blogger-image--385973715.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jennifer will be signing copies of "Happy Days in the East Neuk and St Andrews" at her exhibition of paintings of the East Neuk and travels round Europe at The Old Post Office Gallery, Links Place, Elie, Fife, KY8 1AX from 27 July to 10 August 2014 10am-5pm. The book can also be ordered from her website www.jenniferthomson.com. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74qNCZcoGdzYDNmt-QM2pKivdHkB6jgAsNBYVrg2TOKqguWJSMRI_hkVA5M2hlYywI6lZ5WpW_LM96yiL9ynHsHeHV_HTylf3K31Vvxy5QI6AOuDLu6JqSQRxcIvCmJfmMMh4agRcBjSK/s640/blogger-image-1589921489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74qNCZcoGdzYDNmt-QM2pKivdHkB6jgAsNBYVrg2TOKqguWJSMRI_hkVA5M2hlYywI6lZ5WpW_LM96yiL9ynHsHeHV_HTylf3K31Vvxy5QI6AOuDLu6JqSQRxcIvCmJfmMMh4agRcBjSK/s640/blogger-image-1589921489.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-57871944189857261212014-05-01T07:58:00.001-07:002014-05-01T08:05:39.180-07:00Life is sweet at the Biggest ever Crail Food Festival<b>NEWS from the Crail Food Festival about their 2014 event - spread the word!:</b><div><br></div><div>Life is sweet at this year's Crail Food Festival with an expanded programme including a House of Sugar, children's workshops and lots of opportunities to taste more local produce than ever before. This year's event is spread across an even wider range of venues, thanks to support from Event Scotland and Homecoming Scotland 2014.</div><div><br></div><div>Taking place on 14 and 15 June, highlights include special <b>Children's Workshops</b> with the opportunity to get hands-on with food: from jam making to moulding your own chocolates. A <b>Food Trail </b>will allow families to explore Crail's food delights while <b>The House of Sugar</b> will play host to a Crail inspired 3D cookie art installation created by local company Sucre Coeur. Visitors will be able to get involved and ice their own cookie to create an edible mosaic across the weekend. </div><div><br></div><div>Over 50 local foodie participants will take part in the two-day festival with a special <b>Tasting Theatre</b> and <b>Food Market </b>with free food sampling all day. <b>Meet the Producer workshops </b>will allow visitors to learn new skills and experience new tastes with activities ranging from whisky and chocolate matching, cheese and wine pairing, to a pie and a pint. Local food and drink on offer will include cheese, venison, smoked fish, gin, craft ales, and of course, the shellfish for which the East Neuk of Fife is famous.</div><div><br></div><div>A <b>Cookery Theatre </b>will feature demonstrations by a range of local cooks and chef patrons, from Michelin star fine dining themes to award-winning cookery writers such as Nicola Fletcher. This bespoke country kitchen is kindly sponsored by Ardross Farm Shop, recent winner of the Farm Shop of the Year award and supported by the professional catering team from Elmwood College.</div><div><br></div><div>The Crail Museum will use the festival as an opportunity to tell visitors about the historic local delicacy, <b>the Crail Capon</b>. With details taken from an 1812 poem, the Crail Capon (haddock smoked traditionally in a chimney) will relive its glory days over the course of the weekend.</div><div><br></div><div>Sunday 15 will include an extra dimension with <b>Sunday Lunch at the Harbour</b>. Using the iconic Crail Harbour as the backdrop, street food vendors and local producers will come together to host a massive picnic for visitors. Shellfish, smokies, ice cream, game and pizza cooked in a converted horsebox while you wait are just some of the goods on offer at the harbour. Local businesses will provide potted shrimp, home baking and more. </div><div><br></div><div>A local seafront guest house will share its stunning seashore location with evening visitors by becoming a <b>Pop-Up Tasting Bistro</b> with local food, music and drinks.</div><div><br></div><div>Graeme Anderson, the Event Manager said:</div><div><br></div><div><i>"I'm thrilled at this year's enriched festival programme. The 4th annual Crail Food Festival will certainly put our village on the map for anyone who's a fan of food. We've worked hard to ensure visitors of all ages get a real flavour of Fife. It's going to be great fun and a wonderful way to share Crail with a wider audience."</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>The full programme can be found at crailfoodfest.co.uk and here's the event flyer:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuuZL1gpmEirQaDScI5g-Em2bIuuj0NYyILjkIrzGqzxRaPgmVI5oc_fDAWzizAvT6R638ls1RUlarzZrsX6rlXyhWa-SndWflQMjW9A6c3HNlnl6BBQeO4j1kLQEDvd8pgY9iMsm3UWt/s640/blogger-image--1287919717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuuZL1gpmEirQaDScI5g-Em2bIuuj0NYyILjkIrzGqzxRaPgmVI5oc_fDAWzizAvT6R638ls1RUlarzZrsX6rlXyhWa-SndWflQMjW9A6c3HNlnl6BBQeO4j1kLQEDvd8pgY9iMsm3UWt/s640/blogger-image--1287919717.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuuZL1gpmEirQaDScI5g-Em2bIuuj0NYyILjkIrzGqzxRaPgmVI5oc_fDAWzizAvT6R638ls1RUlarzZrsX6rlXyhWa-SndWflQMjW9A6c3HNlnl6BBQeO4j1kLQEDvd8pgY9iMsm3UWt/s640/blogger-image--1287919717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegkQbMRPhB1BOzsFrpu-cBC7dCnQdc6loXkbKGIlEUu_VDqnEnjgv2lcgP4oYrCeyzwo3ahysguO77ma3094DdqLFZ8njKl4IPRlIPopJoS-uz1_z6CcXQMLU8IS_Vr5uadYr8a0Gv6wx/s640/blogger-image-87909053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegkQbMRPhB1BOzsFrpu-cBC7dCnQdc6loXkbKGIlEUu_VDqnEnjgv2lcgP4oYrCeyzwo3ahysguO77ma3094DdqLFZ8njKl4IPRlIPopJoS-uz1_z6CcXQMLU8IS_Vr5uadYr8a0Gv6wx/s640/blogger-image-87909053.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div>Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-27846661565887222352014-04-09T12:25:00.001-07:002014-05-18T04:29:26.102-07:00Just what the doctor ordered - dining at The Adamson, St Andrews"Just what the doctor ordered" is the wording on the front of The Adamson's promotional booklet so I recently went along to this St Andrews bar and restaurant to find out whether this wording was indeed good advice.<div><br>
</div><div><div>The doctor in question is Dr John Adamson (1809 - 1870), the famed St Andrean who lived in the building at No. 127 South Street now occupied by the restaurant. The restaurant's cocktail menu also contains "The Physician" in his honour, an amazing elixir of vodka, elderflower, mint, raspberries and lime. As well as being a medical doctor, Adamson was also a pioneer photographer, famously creating the first calotype portrait in Scotland 1841. The calotype was the first type of photograph to use a negative, allowing multiple "positives", i.e. print copies to be made. It seems to me that this was a very important step along the way to the easy photography that we all take for granted today. Dr Adamson also taught the calotype process to his brother Robert, who went on to create many famous photographs of that time with David Octavius Hill. As a nod to this there's a case with an old camera beside the bar area. As a physician, Dr Adamson worked hard to try and clean up the typhoid-ridden Fishergate area of St Andrews - hard to imagine in today's clean, upmarket St Andrews, where one of the main issues is choosing which restaurant to go for an evening! However, it's easy to admire Dr Adamson's pioneering work even today. </div><div><br></div><div>After Adamson's time the building became a post office and still retains a relic of this era. </div><div><br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZjUHIU2P5epV3ji_cVk8hLKGBP8WvfU6Jw5oe_LcNxEXb_Y4xzXi0HQAC_J9f12tRxIWa1W6h9VlwsmKnw2ifUbiJkdEdZyLiR2uvHlsXesK4Yxynlvo598tJGRcRDdJzarbqkAq3jp-/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZjUHIU2P5epV3ji_cVk8hLKGBP8WvfU6Jw5oe_LcNxEXb_Y4xzXi0HQAC_J9f12tRxIWa1W6h9VlwsmKnw2ifUbiJkdEdZyLiR2uvHlsXesK4Yxynlvo598tJGRcRDdJzarbqkAq3jp-/s320/IMG_0071.JPG"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Those little touches aside, I doubt the doctor would recognise the interior now, following the restaurant's opening in 2012. There's nothing olde worldy about it. It has a very well thought through modern look, all oversized lampshades, glittery stag's head, photo-collages, striking wallpaper, exposed brick walls, fairy lights, tree branches, high-sheen black surfaces and atmospheric candles. As modern as it is, however, the photo-collages in particular reflect that pioneering, experimental approach of Dr Adamson back in the nineteenth century. And using the Adamson name creates a nice link to the history of the building and town. Perhaps inspired by the spirit of the good doctor I got very snap happy during my visit to The Adamson.</div><div><br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT632sZbdZHosjnHD64G1xGkC1vfdbKpI6PTAqPqpvwXMDnP0ILRn4EiD2CKOrGl5GsNNq2nmUcGbRwMvqpZJWVZJB3aSP31tiR17XEpoemuKcOSAR3n6nWxLe038K5x5wenh8XQyRIEB0/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT632sZbdZHosjnHD64G1xGkC1vfdbKpI6PTAqPqpvwXMDnP0ILRn4EiD2CKOrGl5GsNNq2nmUcGbRwMvqpZJWVZJB3aSP31tiR17XEpoemuKcOSAR3n6nWxLe038K5x5wenh8XQyRIEB0/s320/IMG_0064.JPG"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Adamson is not the only famous person to make this restaurant what it is today. Its head chef, Scott Davies has firmly put this place on the map as a result of his appearance in 2013 on much-loved UK TV programme MasterChef the Professionals. It can be no coincidence that tables at The Adamson are much harder to come by since Scott's stint on the show. Much like "The Kitchin" in Edinburgh, The Adamson's open kitchen helps to continue the hype by allowing diners to try and spot the chef at work. "Is he working tonight?", whispers many an excited diner as they crane towards the kitchen. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Famous names and trendy decor aside, does The Adamson deserve its popularity? It was a Saturday night when Mr ENB and I visited, a night which tends to either make or break a restaurant, a night where you find out if a restaurant has substance as well as style. Key to substance is service and the service we received was not just good, it was faultless. The Adamson staff somehow make you feel genuinely special, which is surely what every customer wants.</div><div><br>
</div><div>After a warm welcome from the staff, we enjoyed a cheeky wee glass of Prosecco while waiting a few moments at the bar area for our table to be ready. Tummies were rumbling but we didn't have long to wait to get that remedied. Almost immediately after being ushered to our table an adorably perfect mini baked loaf of bread (£3.95), warm and steaming from the oven, appeared, much to our delight. It was accompanied by butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and an olive tapenade.</div><div><br>
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</div><div>Our friendly and highly professional waitress explained the new menu with genuine passion about the food. I was sorely tempted by the <i>tenderstem broccoli risotto </i>and the <i>wild garlic, potato and isle of mull cheddar gnocchi</i> (both available in starter or main courses sizes). In the end I opted for the <i>fresh Scottish mussels with white wine, cream, shallots and foccacia</i> (£6.95) to start and I was not disappointed. It's a classic dish but often goes wrong when the sauce is too watery - not so here: after I'd teased all of the mussels out of their shells I happily polished off the remainder of the smooth, creamy sauce using my bread. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Mr ENB started with the <i>hot smoked salmon with wasabi, burnt lemon puree, brown bread crumble and cucumber</i> (£8.50). He enthused about the fresh tastes of the dish and quality of the salmon. From my side of the table it was clearly a fantastic-looking plate:</div><div><br>
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</div><div>I decided to dive into the taste of Spring for my main with the <i>confit lamb shoulder with cauliflower cheese puree and lemon thyme sage </i>(£15.50) plus a side of <i>skinny fries with parmesan and truffle oil (£3.50)</i>. I'm guessing that the "skinny" refers to the size of the fries and not the eater as I'm not sure the doctor would have approved of these. Their naughtiness just made them all the more enjoyable though! Combined with the superb softness of the lamb, it was a lovely Spring dish.</div><div><br>
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</div><div>Mr ENB is a bit of steak-fiend so he went for the <i>ribeye</i> 220g (£25.95) with a <i>bearnaise sauce </i>which was quickly and appreciatively polished off, with the sole exception of the rocket (aka "rabbit food"). <br>
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</div><div>We washed our mains down with a pretty damn special 2004 bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape from Chateau Mont-Redan (Rhone, France) - for medicinal purposes naturally! </div><div><br>
</div><div>With time flying by it was already time for desserts, which are created with a Dr Adamson-worthy mixture of surgical precision and experimentation for lucky diners at The Adamson. I'm pretty sure <i>The Adamson sundae: coffee ice cream, mascarpone and amarettto biscuit</i> (£6.95) would make any under the weather patient feel a whole lot better - Mr ENB would agree albeit I was firmly told I had "no chance" of getting a bit.</div><div><br>
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</div><div>This was not a problem, however, as I was quickly engrossed with savouring my own dessert of <i>almond cream - salt baked pinneaple and thyme biscuit</i> (£7.50), marvelling in its separate but cleverly complimentary elements and beautiful whole. Our waitress had recommended it, saying that it was her favourite, even though she normally hated pineapple!</div><div><br>
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</div><div>Throughout the meal the atmosphere had been great - that busy, happy buzz of Saturday night dining in a place that knows exactly how to treat its customers. </div><div><br></div><div>Is it just what the doctor ordered? We left full, content and with smiling faces, with an overriding feeling of having had a very special time dining at The Adamson. It thoroughly deserves its status as THE go-to place for a classsy meal out in St Andrews - no mean feat in a town where diners are spoilt for choice. It's a modern place with a strong history and I very much hope it continues that with a great, pioneering future. We'll definitely be back for more culinary treatment from the master physician soon!</div><div><br>
</div><div>The Adamson, 127 South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9UH</div><div>www.theadamson.com </div><div>Tel - <a href="tel:01334%20479191" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1">01334 479191</a></div><div><br>
</div><div>Text and photos copyright of Sara Scott, 2014.</div><div><br>
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</div></div>Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-39492298237992778302014-04-04T08:13:00.000-07:002014-04-04T12:30:42.112-07:00Down on the farm - 10 reasons to visit Balgove Larder on your holidayWhen I'm on a self-catering holiday an important and very enjoyable part of the whole experience is trying out some local food and drink, whether I'mm abroad or just somewhere else in the UK. Fife, with its acres of farmland and proximity to the sea is fast becoming the Kingdom of quality local food producers. So for holidaymakers this equals foodie paradise!<br />
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Where could be more authentic for local food than a local farm shop? I suggest that if you want to sample the best of Fife and beyond then get yourself to the granddaddy of Fife farm shops: Balgove Larder, just outside St Andrews. <br />
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From the wonderful steak farm and great products to charming Highland coos PLUS news of the new Night Market event read my 10 reasons for visiting Balgove Larder - from the perspective of self-catering holidaymakers - for the Crail Food Festival 2014 <a href="http://crailfoodfest.co.uk/2014/04/04/down-on-the-farm-10-reasons-to-visit-balgove-larder-on-your-holiday/">here<br />
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Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-61074230201396504032014-02-15T03:39:00.001-08:002014-02-15T03:39:45.611-08:00Love is in the (Sea) AirSt Andrews is a pretty romantic place so where better to spend Valentine's Day with your loved one! Follow four easy steps and you can't go wrong. Find out more in this blog I penned for the Visit St Andrews website: <a href="http://www.visitstandrews.com/valentines-day-st-andrews/">http://www.visitstandrews.com/valentines-day-st-andrews/</a><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88mquqHfhnPnjRqZcRvH8Dln1fFtxgpdTydVe7g3oQ5vvKX5zYQqRMN3xSQyK3P5HUCVtFuS8wzdniGwnPW0p09S67UeQ7he4o9MCFaLXVmcZgd_sZJrQKUXwVL-b-VDTqHyEUTygsFES/s640/blogger-image--580796070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88mquqHfhnPnjRqZcRvH8Dln1fFtxgpdTydVe7g3oQ5vvKX5zYQqRMN3xSQyK3P5HUCVtFuS8wzdniGwnPW0p09S67UeQ7he4o9MCFaLXVmcZgd_sZJrQKUXwVL-b-VDTqHyEUTygsFES/s640/blogger-image--580796070.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-49716653178492287262014-01-21T03:57:00.000-08:002014-01-23T14:20:51.111-08:00Four easy steps to beating the January bluesHappy New Year! Apologies that I've been a little quiet on the blog recently but I thought I'd change all that in 2014, starting off with a wee blog about four easy steps to beating those pesky January blues, all with a connection to the East Neuk and St Andrews of course!<br>
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</div><div><b>Step 1 - Enjoy your lovely Christmas presents</b></div><div><br>
</div><div>I was lucky enough to get this painting for Christmas, which is now brightening up my house with its gorgeous colours:</div><div><br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-LpiV6THLRg0Rv2tmCPMu7t30XVDMSvQDFc50bEeN-bD_l8FVzYbN5eXSwVQ_zVwgYvBl44_PM2ZS6784MQw46KpQUEw7BFlFoOf_tw4l9RYAvEUJQj3q0b8l8DADauAbJ7VcLLDsxm5/s1600/2014_+1_19_20_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-LpiV6THLRg0Rv2tmCPMu7t30XVDMSvQDFc50bEeN-bD_l8FVzYbN5eXSwVQ_zVwgYvBl44_PM2ZS6784MQw46KpQUEw7BFlFoOf_tw4l9RYAvEUJQj3q0b8l8DADauAbJ7VcLLDsxm5/s1600/2014_+1_19_20_23.jpg" height="400" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats in Crail Harbour by Robin Forsyth; Close-up of the blue sea</td></tr>
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</div><div>The artist is <b>Robin Forsyth</b>, one of the Cellardyke-based artists who opened his home studio to visitors as part of East Neuk Open Studios (ENOS) in November. </div><div><br>
</div><div>It's a painting of two cute little fishing boats in Crail harbour, so I loved the subject matter. I was also really struck by the intensity of the blue water, in striking contrast to the pure white of the frame. It's cheering me up in the dark, damp horribleness of January by reminding me of a sunny Summer's day by the sea!</div><div><br>
</div><div>Hopefully you have some equally lovely presents you can enjoy this January. </div><div><br>
</div><div><b>Step 2 - Escapism</b></div><div><br>
</div><div>Speaking of presents, if Santa didn't bring you any reading material to get you through the dark Winter evenings, maybe it's time to get some new books for some blues-busting escapism.</div><div><br>
</div><div>Transport yourself to the life of a musician by reading the excellent <b>"Songs in the Key of Fife"</b>. This is DJ Vic Galloway's collection of the intertwining stories of the artists who created a musical revolution from the East Neuk including KT Tunstall, King Creosote, the Beta Band, James Yorkston and more. Listening to some of these locally-raised gems is also a great blues-buster - I particularly love <b>King Creosote's</b> "Diamond Mine" album. Another local up-and-coming artist who is not in the book but is also worth listening to is <b>Lidh</b>, who has the voice of an angel. Check them out on iTunes or, better still, see them live.</div><div><br>
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</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Kt92fOx7fprCAXQqgxTOmQy7ehyUuOq8VZahK8UXz75UxvBQIPUD1KI4TdqP1jkeRWxGXt65D_IUH4Iv3gnxLmGuijP6m6KGtFoXJnhpA1WF4PKnnCve9sKdMYKKZY8nQ79pdQDdxeSY/s640/blogger-image--841527006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Kt92fOx7fprCAXQqgxTOmQy7ehyUuOq8VZahK8UXz75UxvBQIPUD1KI4TdqP1jkeRWxGXt65D_IUH4Iv3gnxLmGuijP6m6KGtFoXJnhpA1WF4PKnnCve9sKdMYKKZY8nQ79pdQDdxeSY/s640/blogger-image--841527006.jpg"></a></div>(Picture: Vic Galloway at the launch event of the book at Cambo Estate last year; The book itself)</div><div><br>
</div><div>If you're more into to immersing yourself in a gritty crime novel then check out <b>TF Muir's</b> books about DCI Andy Gilchrist ("Eye for an Eye", "Tooth for a Tooth" etc.), who is the Inspector Rebus of St Andrews.</div><div><br>
</div><div>See my <a href="http://rosecottageeastneuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/more-reading.html" target="_blank">local books page</a> for more ideas.</div><div><br>
</div><div><b>Step 3 - Celebrate our bard</b></div><div><br>
</div><div>What could be more cheering than a celebration of the bard, Rabbie Burns, and all things Scottish? And where better to enjoy the fun evening that is Burns' Night (25 January 2014) than in St Andrews! You could sample some haggis or other delicious Scottish dishes at <b>The Dolls' House</b> or <b>The Vine Leaf </b>on South Street. The Vine Leaf are offering their haggis neeps and tatties as "a potato basket filled with haggis, thyme poached turnip and drambuie cream" plus an equally tasty dish with veggie haggis too. Or for something a bit more spicy the award-winning <b>Nahm-Jim's </b>on Market Street, which I've blogged about before, offers Scottish-Thai fusions extraordinaire such as "Thai Haggis Bombs" (haggis in crunch pastry with a spicy dip) or the "Nahm-Jim Thai Haggis" (haggis combined with chilli, basil and Thai omelette).</div><div><br>
</div><div>An after dinner drink at the new <b>St Andrews Brewing Company </b>pub on South Street would be an obvious next step - sample craft beer and cider (check out the Thistly Cross Ginger Cider) in cosy, chalet-like surrounds. A special Burns' Night tasting event is being held at 7.30 with tutoring (by Douglas Clement from the Kingsbarns Distillery - more on that below), tunes and tapas (£10 a ticket, available in advance at the bar).<br>
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Then burn off some of those calories you just consumed with some lively traditional ceilidh dancing in <b>Forgan's</b> on Market Street (Forgan's are also doing a Burn's Supper event if you wanted to eat there too).</div><div><br>
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxyREoFT38KAOP0aj9gXiO06BYSGLOh26diVi8TBrJNtZjpAog5NkMYp1Fw8nJdQMNQ6JZDvSIXM74btspfEIlnMK_tgqb-hwX1KWdl4mjlpGWiY6Kx2DFvmhu1hYpvGjsNm7ZTv4mqIT/s640/blogger-image--875579543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxyREoFT38KAOP0aj9gXiO06BYSGLOh26diVi8TBrJNtZjpAog5NkMYp1Fw8nJdQMNQ6JZDvSIXM74btspfEIlnMK_tgqb-hwX1KWdl4mjlpGWiY6Kx2DFvmhu1hYpvGjsNm7ZTv4mqIT/s640/blogger-image--875579543.jpg"></a></div><br>
</div><div>(Picture: Sample of craft beer at The St Andrews Brewing Company pub; Robert Burns biscuits from Fisher & Donaldson confectionary and bakery, St Andrews)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhViei1RRJNjuOrWsg8DvLMDL8alz4INXlyUx1Hie5Mu5adWi8k5w8FXCE-_9KosCW8q20RBpQDS_KNw_sEAViJwtux8sMjih-LZXslOUFxP_esZNqbwSnHXn7RZ2iZz7FTfiXkp4ZZrKQ/s640/blogger-image--592753267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhViei1RRJNjuOrWsg8DvLMDL8alz4INXlyUx1Hie5Mu5adWi8k5w8FXCE-_9KosCW8q20RBpQDS_KNw_sEAViJwtux8sMjih-LZXslOUFxP_esZNqbwSnHXn7RZ2iZz7FTfiXkp4ZZrKQ/s640/blogger-image--592753267.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>(Picture: Forgan's bar, including one of their inviting bothies in top right, ceilidh band in bottom right and unusual lighting in bottom left)
</div><div><br></div><div>If you know about other things happening in St Andrews on Burns' Night then let me know. Enjoy!</div><div><b><br>
</b></div><div><b>Step 4 - New year, new social calendar</b></div><div><br>
</div><div>January is a month of planning ahead so plan your 2014 social calendar and give yourself masses of events to look forward to! To help you do this, check out my handy East Neuk and St Andrews Events <a href="http://rosecottageeastneuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/events-in-east-neuk-and-st-andrews.html" target="_blank">Calendar</a>.</div><div><br>
</div><div>The brand newly opened <b>Dreel Halls </b>venue in Anstruther may be the location for some new events this year - I'll keep you posted. </div><div><br>
</div><div>Something to look forward to later this year is the opening of the <b>Kingsbarns Distillery</b>, which I'm really excited about. I sneaked a peak at the site last year and it is already looking very promising as they convert historical buildings on the edge of the Cambo Estate. They're hoping to open the doors on St Andrew's Day (November) and I can't wait!</div><div><br>
</div><div>I'm also looking forward to more blogging for this blog, the Visit St Andrews website and the Crail Food Festival. In the meantime I hope these blues-blasters lift your spirits!</div><div><br>
</div><div><i>More information:</i></div><div><a href="http://www.paintingsilove.com/artist/robinforsyth">www.paintingsilove.com/artist/robinforsyth</a> </div><div><a href="http://www.eastneukopenstudios.org/">www.eastneukopenstudios.org</a> </div><div><a href="http://www.dollshouse-restaurant.co.uk/">www.dollshouse-restaurant.co.uk</a> </div><div><a href="http://www.vineleafstandrews.co.uk/">www.vineleafstandrews.co.uk</a> </div><div><a href="http://www.nahm-jim.co.uk/">www.nahm-jim.co.uk</a> </div><div><a href="http://www.standrewsbrewingcompany.com/thebrewpub">www.standrewsbrewingcompany.com/thebrewpub</a> </div><div><a href="http://www.forganstandrews.co.uk/">www.forganstandrews.co.uk</a> </div><div><a href="http://kingsbarns.wordpress.com/">kingsbarns.wordpress.com</a> </div><div><br>
</div><div><i>Copyright Sara Scott 2014</i></div>Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-18738730989388304562013-09-26T12:46:00.001-07:002013-09-26T12:46:59.828-07:00The best airshow in town - Leuchars Airshow 2013I'm writing this with the soundtrack to "Top Gun" in my head (<i>"Highway to the danger zone..."). </i>It seems pretty appropriate for a fast-paced trip to see the amazing display of flying that was the <b>RAF Leuchars Airshow 2013</b>, Saturday 7 September 2013.<div><br></div><div>It was Saturday afternoon and my co-pilot ("R-man") and I ("Chicken") were in our usual mad rush - this time to see the Red Arrows do their legendary flying display at the Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Leuchars, near St Andrews as part of the annual Air Show. We were driving from Crail with our sunglasses on, roof down and wind whipping our hair ("<i>Revvin' up your engine, listen to her howlin' roar...").</i> In a somewhat maverick style we realised <i>en route </i>that parking at the airfield itself is only for pre-booked cars and the park and ride option wouldn't get us there in time. Local farmers are wise to this though and open their fields as car parks. So we were able to divert our course and alight in a field on the other side of the Eden Estuary from Leuchars. We joined some other cars who had paid to park and watch the displays from there (£10).</div><div><br></div><div>We came to a halt just as the RAF Red Arrows took to the skies in all their glory. Watching them in awe (I suspect I had my mouth open), we quickly ran down to a scenic beach, located immediately opposite the RAF Leuchars Airfield. </div><div><br></div><div>How I wished I could be a Red Arrows pilot! Swooping, spinning, diving, flying in perfect formations, leaving trails of coloured smoke in my wake. How amazing would that be?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-fWki_KPJaypFQZJ_cTc0R9fetCIu9-G22Eek3ZBcF6c_xvcGQv7kZoCaJLM7ANTJpSYEvJVNa-w9vneYiXBJFjt3DUC8HkgLPnQkyBxtJ44vGkw-sXjG_QqUbNqXSNfsrjqEqmSOq6J/s640/blogger-image-1969952855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-fWki_KPJaypFQZJ_cTc0R9fetCIu9-G22Eek3ZBcF6c_xvcGQv7kZoCaJLM7ANTJpSYEvJVNa-w9vneYiXBJFjt3DUC8HkgLPnQkyBxtJ44vGkw-sXjG_QqUbNqXSNfsrjqEqmSOq6J/s640/blogger-image-1969952855.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>In reality however I would almost certainly have become re-acquainted with my breakfast had I even been a passenger in one of those planes for a few seconds! What's more, the ear-shatteringly loud noise that the first flypast made, as three Arrows passed over my head, scared the absolute living daylights out of me! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHizwzOt0zCIV8IwF6oKX_JNHFfs2CmW5-hxu7vLgo4gFG6UUZkiXyOfujNDQdIi43F54zKhSGnWsXsKcBVyfIlSvay3UFGGvHiG5rRa0RlTV9nMXIwQjcrWH6G1uS89nBuUsVef67WAz/s640/blogger-image--332332427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHizwzOt0zCIV8IwF6oKX_JNHFfs2CmW5-hxu7vLgo4gFG6UUZkiXyOfujNDQdIi43F54zKhSGnWsXsKcBVyfIlSvay3UFGGvHiG5rRa0RlTV9nMXIwQjcrWH6G1uS89nBuUsVef67WAz/s640/blogger-image--332332427.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Thankfully the real pilots are made of more macho stuff and put on a crowd-pleasing, fearlessly perfect show of fancy flying, over the scenic expanse of the Eden Estuary. </div><div><br></div><div>It was stupendous. </div><div><br></div><div>Occasionally the sunlight hit them beautifully... </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94n8owGNesXdgBdG44pyAzfRxP28ttZGK117zyw34GcvxE34q358hh1rahwWRgvqOAjyiYO1Fz1Ihe6Eie2oJderBpaQ4qQZ7sF67uZFf2q6PiYvuzkXZiltlFSRNbzOSDHGPCUZ_2FD_/s640/blogger-image-71194791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94n8owGNesXdgBdG44pyAzfRxP28ttZGK117zyw34GcvxE34q358hh1rahwWRgvqOAjyiYO1Fz1Ihe6Eie2oJderBpaQ4qQZ7sF67uZFf2q6PiYvuzkXZiltlFSRNbzOSDHGPCUZ_2FD_/s640/blogger-image-71194791.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here is the wider scene...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHXWUUzLR5qetRfS9QyCVam4o6IQ14ORJRJKxQU6MfYEnnUk2kJTd_aUREIJBVOgQX7WA5aRsOCiueApeidmvYfO9ESQZDBrip-Pzde-Ci4eP0DYY1zzUpA_5TzgZHDrSF4MCbNrdx-IJ/s640/blogger-image--2121948930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHXWUUzLR5qetRfS9QyCVam4o6IQ14ORJRJKxQU6MfYEnnUk2kJTd_aUREIJBVOgQX7WA5aRsOCiueApeidmvYfO9ESQZDBrip-Pzde-Ci4eP0DYY1zzUpA_5TzgZHDrSF4MCbNrdx-IJ/s640/blogger-image--2121948930.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whenever the Arrows disappeared for a moment some birds would appear, seemingly trying to emulate their flying formations. "We were doing this first", the birds seemed to say. However the crowds were far more interested in their big, noisy metal cousins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What are the Red Arrows? They are the RAF Aerobatic Team, one of the best in the world and the public (and popular) face of the RAF. They are the Air Force's showcase, renowned throughout the world and assisting with diplomacy and RAF recruitment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sadly all good things must come to an end (<i>"She's lost that loving feeling..."</i>). What goes up must come down. After a good half hour of amazing flying (which felt like five minutes) the Red Arrows came in to land. We stayed to watch some more of the flying displays. The noise some of the planes made was incredibly loud, making the Arrows seem quiet in comparison. Another plane did the most amazing, death-defying dives and spins...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR-kDHd8BiYglGR0LjDauunlK2CSP3bohpxvjJ5-pSZHaljLrYHqy-HB6drpWsxBhMCPvYNT8fefOitN0Xluz_UuPs0EUsJSITJ_7GV00ALtMDN2Z8RyKJcdEj6EVrOl0aQ5dAlkuTWUS/s640/blogger-image--1497825082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFR-kDHd8BiYglGR0LjDauunlK2CSP3bohpxvjJ5-pSZHaljLrYHqy-HB6drpWsxBhMCPvYNT8fefOitN0Xluz_UuPs0EUsJSITJ_7GV00ALtMDN2Z8RyKJcdEj6EVrOl0aQ5dAlkuTWUS/s640/blogger-image--1497825082.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As good as they were however once you've seen the Reds the rest is never going to be quite as good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So we left to refuel our rumbling tums at nearby <b>Balgove Larder</b>, farm shop and tea room / steak barn extraordinaire (just outside St Andrews, on the road to Leuchars). I highly recommend it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI4aD-nS6K8EdryDKalNT3F_IU5Ls-Cz1rwaDOX3MZsCDM0VlKaT1Ft6B-szN3_Utyq_nc3KnVhawCHqOxtEsjArzzSKwVTBQ-zBe7kh_2QYj29TZ5M7ZK254H-EWkwYfp51rPWMuFw-B/s640/blogger-image-341740709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI4aD-nS6K8EdryDKalNT3F_IU5Ls-Cz1rwaDOX3MZsCDM0VlKaT1Ft6B-szN3_Utyq_nc3KnVhawCHqOxtEsjArzzSKwVTBQ-zBe7kh_2QYj29TZ5M7ZK254H-EWkwYfp51rPWMuFw-B/s640/blogger-image-341740709.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sadly it seems this was the last year of the RAF Leuchars Air Show (though didn't they say that last year?). If so this will be a very sad loss from the St Andrews area's events calendar and I'm glad I got the chance to see some of it this year. If you haven't seen the Red Arrows yet then you definitely should. Right, I'm off to buy a leather jacket and some aviators! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">www.airshow.co.uk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">www.raf.mod.uk/reds/ or Twitter: @rafredarrows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">www.balgove.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Text and images copyright Sara Scott 2013</i></div><br></div>Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-24170424596316665962013-07-19T10:51:00.002-07:002013-07-22T07:23:18.212-07:00A very arty little neuk - East Neuk Open Studios 2013After a visit to the Crail Food Festival on Saturday 15 June (see my blog post on this), we decided to check out the other event happening that weekend: <strong><a href="http://www.eastneukopenstudios.org/" target="_blank">East Neuk Open Studios</a></strong> (ENOS).<br>
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The event was happening throughout the East Neuk that weekend and the one before. We decided to head to the East Neuk village of <strong>Cellardyke</strong> (which adjoins Anstruther) to see some of the artists there who were opening their doors to let visitors see their artistic creations in the studios they were made in. </div>
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I can see why petite Cellardyke has so many artists. Its old, narrow streets surreptitiously wind their way into your heart with their quiet, old-fashioned wind and sea-swept charms. Every so often you get an access point to the shore with its beautiful natural rock features and spectacular views out to the shimmering Isle of May. The communal washing lines at the harbour seem to belong to another age yet are still very much in use today. The pretty, well-tended flowers at the harbour speak of a community that cares about its village. So for me a wander around some of the studios was as much about the real life of the place itself as the art. I have to say I seriously envy many of the artists their studios as well as their artistic talents!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charming Cellardyke - clockwise from top left: "Cosy Neuk" doorway, harbour x 2, rock formations at the shore</td></tr>
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We started off seeing <b>Renate Heath</b>'s landscapes and learning about her techniques (she mostly paints landscapes from her car!). We admired her uninterrupted Isle of May view and quirky garden and bought some of her beautiful postcards. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of the Isle of May: real life (left) and art by Renate Heath (right)</td></tr>
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Then we enjoyed <b>Ken Wilkinson</b>'s land and seascapes, in an outbuilding accessed directly from the beach! We left with some more cards, in my case of his Cellardyke paintings which I really liked.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cellardyke harbour with its washing lines: Real life (left) and art by Ken Wilkinson (right)</td></tr>
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After that it was <b><a href="http://www.katehajducka.com/" target="_blank">Kate Hajducka</a></b>'s beeswax creations and adorable garden with the blue gate onto the shore. Mum was very struck by her colourful, Impressionistic paintings of wild flowers. More cards were purchased - the subject of mine was her garden. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate Hajducka's adorable Cellardyke garden: Real life (left) and art by Kate (right)</td></tr>
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Last but definitely not least that day was <b><a href="http://www.katelaundon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kate Laundon</a></b>'s more modern prints, which I had been dying to see after she'd tweeted a photo of them earlier that week. I came away with this über cute, quite Japanese-style chaffinch print, which is now on my wall at home. Mum bought another of Kate's cute bird prints and some cards. I could easily have bought a lot more! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chaffinch print by Kate Laundon</td></tr>
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By this point the boys were weary from their earlier golf match at <em>Crail Golfing Society</em> and were worrying that this was turning into a shopping trip. They were angling to get back to Rose Cottage for some chill out time. So off we headed with our arty goodies. More Cellardyke artists to visit next time though, not least talented illustrator <b><a href="http://www.jillcalder.com/" target="_blank">Jill Calder</a></b>. Even by the East Neuk's high arty standards Cellardyke really is a very arty little village!</div>
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Mum and I found time the next day, Sunday 16 June, to visit one of the <strong>Crail </strong>artists who was taking part in East Neuk Open Studios. We visited the garden studio of <b><a href="http://www.elizabethshepherdetchings.co.uk/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Shepherd</a>, </b>who was displaying a series of etchings of East Neuk buildings which she'd been commissioned to do. I was very tempted to buy a print she'd done of Cellardyke harbour (bit of a theme here, isn't there!) but having only recently bought one of <b><a href="http://www.keithbrockie.co.uk/gallery.html" target="_blank">Keith Brockie</a></b>'s Isle of May originals my art budget is currently severely depleted! Having said that, one of the great things about ENOS is that is a very affordable way to buy art.</div>
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Unfortunately time didn't allow us to check out the other studios that were open in the other villages. Good news then that ENOS is happening again on the weekends of 23-24 November and 30 November-1 December 2013. I'll definitely be back to see more, hopefully with a bigger budget this time!</div>
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<em><span style="color: #b45f06;">Text and photos copyright Sara Scott 2013, excluding photos of art works</span></em></div>
Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-1894115185613694152013-07-17T11:01:00.003-07:002013-07-17T12:11:41.277-07:00Crail Food Festival 2013 part 2: foraging and lunching in the Crail
sunshineDay 2 of the Crail Food Festival (Sunday 16 July) was always going to be an entirely outdoors event so I was delighted to wake up to find that that the weather had dramatically improved overnight, transforming the East Neuk into a sunny, warm, Mediterranean-esque paradise.<br>
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As it was also Father's Day for a treat my dad and R spent the morning golfing at <b><a href="http://www.kingsbarns.com/" target="_blank">Kingsbarns Golf Club</a> </b>- my dad hadn't played before and he loved it. Meanwhile the girls, i.e. mum and I, hightailed it into Crail to join the <b>Crail Food Festival's Foraging Walk</b>. This was a free event which was being run by Mark from <b><a href="http://www.gallowaywildfoods.com/" target="_blank">Galloway Wild Foods</a> </b>in association with the <b><a href="http://www.fifediet.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fife Diet</a> </b>team. We joined the group heading out from the smoothie bike stall at Crail Harbour and ventured out along Crail beach in the now scorching sunshine to learn all about foraging from Mark and Chef Paul Wedgwood. Foraging is getting quite trendy in the UK these days, inspired in particular by Denmark's famous <i>Noma</i> restaurant. Closer to home Paul uses a lot of foraged ingredients in his Edinburgh restaurant, <b><a href="http://www.wedgwoodtherestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wedgwood</a></b>.<br>
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An hour quickly flew by as we went back to our hunter-gatherer roots to learn all about which plants are edible and which aren't, including plants which can kill you (avoid the deadly Hemlock, which looks a bit like a carrot plant and actually grows in our garden at rose cottage) and why dogs and foraging don't mix. Mark was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about foraging, entertaining us with stories and picking lots of things for us all to taste. It was different and fun. There was a slightly surreal moment about half way through when I found myself munching rather appreciatively on some Japanese knotweed, which was trying to take over the bank of wild plants (tastes like rhubarb if you were wondering!). If you want to try foraging for yourself you'll need <a href="http://www.gallowaywildfoods.com/?page_id=49" target="_blank"><strong>Mark's foraging tips</strong></a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foraging at the Crail Food Festival including Japanese knotweed (top left), Deadly hemlock (middle left) and Mark from Galloway Wild Foods</td></tr>
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The intrepid foragers were then treated to an open-air cookery demo back at the harbour by Paul Wedgwood, using foraged ingredients. From the little morsel I managed to get a taste of (the dish was assaulted by spoons in a matter of seconds once it was ready!), my taste buds quickly decided that foraging and flavour go hand in hand. Mark was also offering a tempting taste of his homemade Elderflower champagne.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crail Food Festival 2013 - Clockwise from top left - Chef Paul Wedgwood (answers on a postcard about why he has that expression!), Fife Diet's foraging board, Paul's foraged meal</td></tr>
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Mum and I then had time for a bit more art - <em>more on this soon in my East Neuk Open Studios blog post</em>. Then it was back to Crail harbour to meet the boys plus L and S for lunch. Wow! I have never seen the harbour so busy - the festival and sunshine had really brought the crowds to little old Crail. It was bustling, the atmosphere was great and the cooking smells were making us desperately hungry. Feed me now! After a bit of queuing between us we sampled: seriously good venison burgers from <b><a href="http://www.seriouslygoodvenison.co.uk/" target="_blank">Seriously Good Venison</a></b>, superb smoked mackerel and quiche from the award-winning <b><a href="http://www.la-petite-epicerie.co.uk/" target="_blank">La Petite Epicerie</a></b> deli in Anstruther, the ever-amazing <strong>Arbroath smokies</strong>, juicy, sweet strawberries and cream from <strong>Crail in Bloom</strong> and indulgent crepes and hot chocolate (yes we'd already had some the day before but we couldn't resist more!) from <b><a href="http://www.pittenweemchocolate.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Pittenweem Chocolate Company</a></b>. It was all delicious and brilliant to be able to eat alfresco. Nearby benches and the beach were brimming with people sitting to enjoy their lunch, the sunshine and sea views. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crail Food Festival 2013 - harbour and stalls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arbroath smokies - smokin'!</td></tr>
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Despite all that food there was still more we didn't have the space to sample e.g. the smoothies from the smoothie bike I mentioned earlier, the wood-fired pizzas or the stall for Pittenweem's <strong><a href="http://www.thelittleherbfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">Little Herb Farm</a></strong>, whose flavoured vinegars are already regular inhabitants of the rose cottage kitchen. We would have loved some dressed crab and lobster from the little <strong>Crail harbour shack</strong> but they'd been so popular that they'd completely sold out. Though as the shack is there all summer there's plenty of time to go back! <br>
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Meanwhile the cookery demos continued , a second foraging walk went out and there were oodles of other activities on the beach e.g. treasure hunts for kids. Inspired by our own foraging walk earlier, mum went back to the beach for a quick forage, mainly to impress the guests at her next dinner party with some unusual, wild ingredients! She bumped into the Californian residents that we met at the Festival the previous night, who were now presumably finding Crail a bit more like home given the significantly improved weather! </div>
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Then it was time to go home and relax after all that food. All in all a brilliant summery day out and a really enjoyable festival that lived up to my expectations! <br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crail Food Festival 2013 - sandcastle on the beach, view of the harbour stalls from the beach</td></tr>
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The <b><a href="http://www.la-petite-epicerie.co.uk/" target="_blank">Crail Food Festival blog</a> </b>is well worth a read to find out more about the wonderful local suppliers and distributors we have in the East Neuk and wider Fife locale, who are able to meet your foodie needs throughout the year. The 2014 festival is happening on 14 and 15 June and no doubt will be bigger and better than ever. My stomach is looking forward to it already! </div>
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<em><span style="color: orange;">Text and photos Copyright Sara Scott 2013</span></em></div>
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Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-48608233550853701702013-07-12T05:44:00.001-07:002013-07-12T05:44:46.986-07:00Crail Food Festival 2013 part 1: cookery demos, gingerbread streets and dancingI had been looking forward to the Crail Food Festival<b> (<a href="http://www.crailfoodfest.co.uk/">www.crailfoodfest.co.uk</a>) </b>for a long time. I'd never been before and had been helping in the preparationa and promotion by being part of the blogging team. When the weekend itself, 15-16 June, came closer I realised that in fact it co-incided with the East Neuk Open Studios (<a href="http://www.eastneukopenstudios.org)/">www.eastneukopenstudios.org)</a> event as well. Brilliant combination I thought - a weekend of great food, art and even music in fantastic settings!<br />
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Day 1, Saturday 15 June, was all about cookery demos, Cellardyke artists, gingerbread streets and dancing.</div>
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After the boys returned from the inevitable golf match (at Craighead Links, Crail Golfing Society), we headed to Crail Community Hall for our first taste of the Crail Food Festival. We weren't alone - the hall was packed full of enthusiastic foodies, going round all of the stalls to sample and buy tasty local produce. The good people from the excellent Grill House restaurant (<a href="http://www.grillhouse-restaurant.co.uk/">www.grillhouse-restaurant.co.uk</a>) in St Andrews were having absolutely no trouble at all getting takers for their hot food samples. I however was having trouble getting to them in time before they all disappeared! A cookery demo by Craig Millar was announced. Craig is chef and owner of Crail Millar @ 16 West End restaurant (<a href="http://www.16westend.com/">www.16westend.com</a>), a great place right on the shore in the lovely East Neuk village of St Monans. The hall slowly emptied as the Chef's Theatre filled. We all went in except for R, who had identified this as the ideal opportunity to get the lion's share of the food samples (a cunning and very successful plan!). However he missed out on an entertaining, amusing and informative demo from Craig, as well as a taste of the finished product. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Millar provides a cookery demo, Chef's Theatre, Crail Food Festival 2013</td></tr>
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Hebridean sea salt and Israeli couscous were two recommendations I resolved to try at home. Craig also revealed he tends to go local by using Scottish rapeseed oil rather than olive oil - I'm with him on that. Some of Craig's recipes can be found in the <i>Relish Scotland, Second Helping </i>book, along with recipes from other great chefs based in some of Scotland's finest restaurants. I bought a (signed) copy of the book on the day for the rose cottage cookbook collection and would thoroughly recommend it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relish Scotland - Second Helping - book of original recipes from Scotland's finest chefs and restaurants</td></tr>
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Back in the main hall we had the chance to purchase a great selection of foodie treats from the Fife's finest producers on the stalls all round the hall. I ended up buying raspberry jam from two of my favourite farmshops, who had stalls there: Balgove Larder (<a href="http://www.balgove.com/">www.balgove.com</a>), near St Andrews and Ardross Farm Shop (<a href="http://www.ardrossfarm.co.uk/">www.ardrossfarm.co.uk</a>), near Elie. You can never have enough raspberry jam in my book!</div>
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Balgove Larder, farm shop near St Andrews - one of the stall holders at the Crail Food Festival 2013</div>
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However the icing on the cake on that chilly afternoon was the warmly comforting hot chocolate from our local chocolatiers, The Pittenweem Chocolate Co (<a href="http://www.pittenweemchocolate.co.uk/">www.pittenweemchocolate.co.uk</a>). To die for!</div>
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Time was ticking so we departed for Cellardyke to see some of the East Neuk Open Studios (ENOS) - more to come on this in my ENOS blog soon. </div>
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That evening we were back in Crail for more Food Festival fun - this time dinner and dancing. In just a few hours the Community Hall (an old church) had been transformed into a dinner and music venue. The hall was noisy, buzzing with chatter at this sold-out event. We shared a table with a Scottish family. The parents lived in California and were finding Crail rather cold in comparison! (More on this in Part 2!) </div>
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A three course meal followed. Starter and main course from Hatters & Co (<a href="http://www.hatterscatering.com/">www.hatterscatering.com</a>), caterers at the Edwardian tearoom in Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, were quickly scoffed. However the highlight for me was definitely the dessert from Sucre Coeur (<a href="http://www.sucrecoeur.co.uk/">www.sucrecoeur.co.uk)</a>, creators of an entire gingerbread street which was displayed in the window of Crail Gallery. One of the band members (more on them in a minute) also serenaded us with a little ukulele number at our table while we ate. </div>
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Sweet treats. From top: East Neuk Street made from Gingerbread and Dessert, both by Sucre Coeur for Crail Food Festival 2013</div>
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Wine was provided by the St Andrews Wine Company (<a href="http://www.standrewswinecompany.com/">www.standrewswinecompany.com)</a>, who have a great wine shop in Bell Street, St Andrews. They select wines to have labelled as their "house white" and "house red". They were also manning the bar and doing a great trade in beer from the St Andrews Brewing Company (<a href="http://www.standrewsbrewingcompany.com/">www.standrewsbrewingcompany.com)</a>, who created <i>Crail Ale </i>for a previous year's Crail Food Festival. It was so popular that they kept making it and it recently won a craft beer competition and will be available in Sainsbury's supermarket so more of us can get to enjoy it! Unsurprisingly that night the Crail Ale had completely sold out but R and I enjoyed the IPA instead and it went down very well indeed. </div>
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Dinner over and bellies full, it was now time for the music to begin. If, like me, you loved the soundtrack of quirky George Clooney film "<i>O brother where art thou?" </i>you would have loved the first local Fife band who took to the stage: Black Cat Jook Band. They transported us from Crail to the Deep South with their madcap bluesy sounds, even making what seemed to be a box with a stick and a piece of string into a quivering, deep bass. It was utterly impossible not to tap your feet along. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">From left: Black Cat Jook Band, King Creosote's Band and Crail Ale</td></tr>
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Then it was time for a second local band with a bigger reputation: King Creosote (<a href="http://www.kingcreosote.com/">www.kingcreosote.com)</a>. With one of the band members hailing from Crail it was definitely a home crowd for them. They masterfully entertained us with a more mainstream sound, including a song about Crail which had the dance floor packed. The atmosphere was great.</div>
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When King Creosote's band finished their set on a climatic high the party was over. Off we went, weary but happy, to get some rest ready for Festival Day 2! My Part 2 blog is coming soon with all the details! .</div>
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Text and photos copyright Sara Scott 2013</div>
Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-78836546298933715492013-05-29T11:36:00.001-07:002013-05-30T03:11:38.154-07:00The Jewel of the Forth - a nature-lover's day trip to the Isle of MayYou can't really miss the Isle of May if you visit the East Neuk of Fife. It dominates the seascapes, enticing the eye and inspiring countless artists. It lights up the sea after dark with its twinkling lighthouse. It is always there, seeming to ask: "Aren't you curious about me?", "Don't you want to find out more about me?". There's something so timless and romantic about an island and visiting them is always a little adventure. All islands have a magical and romantic allure in my book but none more so than an uninhabited one - the Isle of May has no permanent inhabitants. Or at least no human ones. It's a <a href="http://www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/isle-of-may/" target="_blank">national nature reserve</a> with some serious credentials - it's home to up to a quarter of a million birds and the largest grey seal colony on the east coast of Britain (2,000 seal pups each Autumn). Volunteers work there for part of the year, studying and counting the wildlife. With daily sailings from Anstruther harbour from March to September it's also an accessible adventure for a day out. <br />
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My first trip to the May was summer 2011. I loved it but wanted to return in Spring to try and see the puffins, who were absent on that trip. I'd seen puffins on tiny Staffa on the West Coast of Scotland and wanted to see more of these adorably colourful and quirky seabirds. But as we firmed up on a sailing date I started to worry that the puffins would be keeping a low profile. No doubt sick of questions, including from me on Twitter, about whether there were puffins to be seen yet this season, the Isle of May blog published a blogpost called "<a href="http://isleofmaynnr.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/yes-we-do-have-puffins.html" target="_blank">Yes we do have puffins</a>"! This was heartening, however I was trying not to get my hopes up too much just in case it wasn't to be. </div>
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On the day of sailing the weather couldn't have been better. Defying a forecast of cloudy conditions the sun was unmistakably out and the strong wind that has been a feature of recent months was having a day off. So far so good. The boat, called the <a href="http://www.isleofmayferry.com/" target="_blank">May Princess</a>, made its merry way out of Anstruther harbour, full of optimistic nature-spotters, including a school trip plus teachers. The trip takes around 50 minutes to an hour each way, costing £24 adult / £20 student / £12 child (tickets from the ticket office on Anstruther pier). For a faster ride take the <a href="http://www.isleofmayferry.com/Charter-Boat-Isle-Of-May.asp" target="_blank">RIB Osprey</a> - 25 minutes each way, £25/£20/£12.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailing to the Isle of May, including RIB Osprey aka the fast boat (top left) and the larger May Princess</td></tr>
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As we neared the island we started to see ever increasing numbers of puffins in the water near the boat and flying in their awkward way over us. I got pretty snap-happy, thinking this could be the best we get. However it quickly became clear that the best was still to come as we spotted lots of puffins on the island. Our skipper declared it to be the best day for weather AND puffins so far this year! Delighted, we skipped off the boat in search of nature's finest...and almost stepped on a poor lady eider duck, sitting on her nest to protect her eggs, right beside the path, very camouflaged. The reasons behind the warden's message to "stick to the paths" became very clear. Mrs Duck and her nest were OK though and the more noticeable Mr Duck was nearby. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male and Female Eider Ducks, Isle of May, Firth of Forth, Scotland</td></tr>
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We reached the cliffs and our first group of puffins. Que about 50 million photos by me. After that we felt like we'd stepped into a nature programme due to the sheer volume of wildlife to be seen in quite a small area near the South Horn (where the island's biggest cliffs can be found). It was actually slightly surreal but really stunning. There were puffins left, right and centre plus all the other seabirds the May supports - diving gannets, distinctive cormorants, noisy gulls and kittiwakes, graceful Arctic terns, fulmars, razorbills and guillemots all nesting in different parts of the cliff face. Shy rabbits darted about in and out of burrows and the quietly determined eider ducks were all over the place. Looking down from the top of the cliff (where incidentally there are fabulous views of Bass Rock and Berwick Law on the other side of the water), grey seals and their pups swam playfully below in the glistening, translucent water. Sitting on a rock eating our packed lunches we soaked up some rays and had the chance just to listen to all the noises of nature. When we finally came out of this trance-like state we spoke to the warden, who had some environmental messages to relay, worrying that in 5-10 years time we'll have to travel to Norway to see puffins in the wild as their food sources dry up in this country due to global warming.</div>
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With just an hour left until our departure (you get almost 3 hours on the island) it was time for a quick dash round the rest of the island. Luckily, we'd had more time to explore this more fully on our last visit, taking in the various lighthouses and interesting human history of the island (including smugglers and monks). Scotland's oldest lighthouse is here (The Beacon, 1636). The views from the Main Light (built by Stephenson in 1816) towards Fife were sublime that day, visibility being so good that you could make out the row of colourful houses all the way along at Fife Ness, beside the Crail Golfing Society clubhouse (not that R is a golfer or anything!). I have a romantic notion about staying overnight in Low Light some day, listening to the waves... </div>
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Buildings of the Isle of May. From top left: Main Light, Low Light, South Horn, Beacon, Cute sign at the visitor toilets.</div>
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...But no time for that sort of day-dreaming - just time for a few more quick puffin pics then back to the boat to sail around the North side of the island, past curious, grey seals and dramatic rock formations before heading off towards the mainland again. We shared a cold beer from the May Princess shop while soaking up some more rays on deck as Anstruther edged nearer and nearer.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey seals basking and swimming, Isle of May, Firth of Forth, Scotland</td></tr>
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It was a truly amazing experience, a taste of natural paradise right here in Scotland that will stay with us for a long time. My advice? Switch off the TV and see nature in the flesh with a trip out to the Isle of May.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><em>Text and pictures copyright Sara Scott 2012 and 2013</em></span></div>
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<br />Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-9027307111113461982013-05-16T05:13:00.003-07:002013-05-16T05:13:48.104-07:0050 scarecrows equals eccentric fun in gentile Elie<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Elie and adjoining Earlsferry make up the most gentile and affluent village on Fife's East Neuk coast. They are blessed with a wonderful, sweeping beach, where cricket matches and watersports are a regular fixture. Many houses have their own private access directly onto the beach via little gates and staircases fixed to the sea wall. Those which don't have instead lavishly adapted their balconies, terraces and gardens to maximise that beautiful beach view. This is where Edinburgh Old Money has its spacious seaside holiday homes and everyone else wishes they did. The whole place exudes the confidence of knowing it's good-looking and expensive. <br /><br />But for one weekend a year things get a bit eccentric, a bit quirky with the annual Elie Scarecrow Festival. <br /><br /><span style="color: orange;"><strong>The 2013 event</strong></span><br />In 2013 this happened on 3-6 May over a Bank Holiday weekend. This was only the second time the festival has been held. I heard via #ScotlandHour (which is a monthly hour on Twitter where people share what to do and where to go in Scotland) that other places in Scotland also do Scarecrow Festivals but this was the first one I'd been to.<br /><br />Elie and Earlsferry Residents and business owners compete for the best scarecrow and this seems to encourage lots of creativity and effort. Visitors can purchase a scarecrow map from one of the shops and then tour round the villages to spot them all (around 50 this year), then identify their favourite. The villages are small enough to do this on foot, though if you're short on time / energy you could go for a drive-by approach. The carefully stuffed creations can be found in front gardens, in the street outside houses, shops and pubs, in parks and even hanging from windows and chimneys. This year they included Nixon, Bill Gates, the Statue of Liberty, Prince Charles, Old Tom Morris, a workman, a family on holiday, a pirate, a horse, a nurse and patient, a burglar, Paddington Bear (my favourite) and many more besides. They were very cleverly done with some wonderful details, like Bill Gates holding a paper iPad and iPod and the daddy of the holiday family lying on a lounger, reading "The Scarecrow Times". Many were funny, some cute and others slightly creepy, especially as the daylight faded and they started appearing menacingly out of the shadows.</span></div>
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<br />The winner this year was a scarecrow version of The Flintstones - as announced in the <a href="http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/wurzel-would-have-been-so-proud-of-scarecrow-delight-1-2924690" target="_blank">Fife Today</a> newspaper.<br /><br />I enjoyed walking around spotting them all - it added an extra bit of quirky fun, something a bit different to what was already a great place for a Sunday afternoon stroll. Did you enjoy the festival this year?<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: orange;">Post-event refreshments</span></strong><br />Mouth as dry and legs as limp as, well, a scarecrow after all that walking? There are plenty of options in Elie / Earlsferry for a drink and a bite to eat. We had a delicious dinner from the Specials menu at the lively <a href="http://www.ship-elie.com/?page_id=54" target="_blank">Golf Tavern</a> in Earlsferry. Then we went for a drink in its more famous sister pub, <a href="http://www.ship-elie.com/?page_id=56" target="_blank">The Ship Inn</a>, back in Elie right by the beach. Elie is also blessed with a Michelin-starred, but reportedly un-stuffy, restaurant called <a href="http://www.sangsters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sangster's</a>.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: orange;">What's on next?</span></strong><br />The next events to look out for in Elie's up-market calendar of local events are The Ship Inn's <a href="http://www.ship-elie.com/?page_id=57" target="_blank">cricket fixtures</a> (throughout the summer) and the Elie Fayre (13 July 2013, 1pm at the Harbour).</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: orange;"><strong>And finally...</strong></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">If you're desperate to recreate the Scarecrow Festival at home, how about this <a href="http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/scarecrow-kit" target="_blank">cute scarecrow kit</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Copyright © Sara Scott 2013</span></div>
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Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-717887854378733552013-05-03T04:46:00.000-07:002013-05-03T04:47:48.605-07:00Tulip-tastic - a riot of colour with thousands of bulbsThe Cambo Estate annual <a href="http://www.camboestate.com/2013/03/25/tulip-festival-2/" target="_blank"><strong>Tulip Festival</strong></a> starts today, which they describe as "a riot of colour with thousands of bulbs". It runs 3-13 May in 2013 from 10am to 5pm daily. Cambo Estate is near Kingsbarns in the East Neuk of Fife <em>(Tel - 01333 450054)</em>. <br />
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I'll be going along this year to see the amazing variety of tulips, carefully planted by droves of volunteers to light up Cambo's elegant walled garden with their vibrant colours. Think you've seen tulips before? These are not your average tulips - there are lots of unusual varieties, with jagged edges or stripes or very full heads. The last time I saw the walled garden it was very muted and wintry so I'm expecting this to be a much more uplifting experience, bringing hope of some Summer sunshine to come (fingers crossed!). <br />
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In the meantime I thought I'd share some of my photos of last year's Cambo Tulip Festival with you:<br />
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p.s. If you like this you might also be interested in the Cambo Rose Festival on 21 June to 7 July 2013.<br />
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<em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Copyright Sara Scott 2012 (photos) and 2013 (text).</span></em></div>
<br />Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-80879129336261612012013-04-05T09:40:00.001-07:002013-04-05T09:42:56.731-07:00Auld Alliance, alive and cooking in the East Neuk!My guest blog has now been published on the Crail Food Festival website! It's about La Petite Epicerie, a little French deli in Anstruther with an amazing mixture of local and continental products <em>extraordinaire</em>. You'll find it right here: <a href="http://crailfoodfest.co.uk/2013/04/05/auld-alliance-alive-and-cooking-in-the-east-neuk/" target="_blank">Crail Food Festival Blog</a>. <br />
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Don't forget that the festival is taking place 15-16 June 2013 - should be lots of fun for anyone who likes good food and drink! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmksdnjI75yIUpkMtQpQBoYrRb5Nu7DLRHh8ufyzMahHyymkBo6Iqmvtna6leUxKAp1Kww6YTV2qhpz3I3LYD-OA1k0zBSG0R2AWZcemn5gwm_6dGpr5UwTEcs2o79heCkFa2KrVPJaXc/s640/blogger-image--1068150084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmksdnjI75yIUpkMtQpQBoYrRb5Nu7DLRHh8ufyzMahHyymkBo6Iqmvtna6leUxKAp1Kww6YTV2qhpz3I3LYD-OA1k0zBSG0R2AWZcemn5gwm_6dGpr5UwTEcs2o79heCkFa2KrVPJaXc/s640/blogger-image--1068150084.jpg" /></a></div>Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-68324270479236228982013-04-02T14:24:00.001-07:002013-05-24T06:25:28.560-07:00Meercats, sharks and ice cream - a fun family day out in St Andrews,
whatever the weatherYou can read my first ever guest blog on the Visit St Andrews site (the official website for visitors to St Andrews, Scotland). It's about two family-friendly things to do whether it's rain or shine, snowy or fine: (1) the delights of the Aquarium (meerkats, sharks, Nemo and much more) and (2) St Andrews' famous ice cream emporium, B. Jannettas. You'll find it right here: <a href="http://www.visitstandrews.com/a-fun-family-day-out-in-st-andrews-whatever-the-weather/" target="_blank">Visit St Andrews Blog</a> <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvftGRS8n18deKm9xRctd5vOAhgAf1YWCk-AmrCzRuBWfpQ3OQJxw02dWHHPRFjfDIPOYDUNsivPPYOq2dKFsqbYei3Haiak4LKBQgBi96otvOyCCJuq5khK6ZJK89o96klap8ZNHs-tA/s640/blogger-image-1266873335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvftGRS8n18deKm9xRctd5vOAhgAf1YWCk-AmrCzRuBWfpQ3OQJxw02dWHHPRFjfDIPOYDUNsivPPYOq2dKFsqbYei3Haiak4LKBQgBi96otvOyCCJuq5khK6ZJK89o96klap8ZNHs-tA/s640/blogger-image-1266873335.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May 2013 update: The St Andrews Aquarium now has some news - it will be getting Humboldt Penguins on 23 May 2013. Lets hope the penguins like their new home in St Andrews and you enjoy seeing them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Copyright Sara Scott 2013</div>
Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-47772499713421771512013-03-27T03:20:00.001-07:002013-03-27T03:22:51.701-07:00Easter in the East Neuk <br />
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Are you lucky enough to be in or around the East Neuk of Fife this Easter holiday? If so, here's a selection of six local events to keep you and your family busy:</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">1. AN ENTIRE FESTIVAL DEVOTED TO CHOCOLATE - </span></strong>The Cocoa Tree cafe and shop in Pittenweem is running a <a href="http://www.pittenweemchocolate.co.uk/the-grand-festival-of-chocolat/" target="_blank">Grand Festival of Chocolate</a>, which is inspired by the best selling book Chocolat. This is my kind of festival! It includes a Grand Chocolate Treasure Hunt <em>(throughout the festival - to enter the prize draw the deadline is 6pm on Easter Sunday)</em>, a Full Moon "Chocolat" Film Party <em>(Wednesday 27 March 7pm)</em>, The Grand Chocolate Fayre and Weem Witch Tours <em>(Thursday 28 March)</em>, The Grand Good Friday Dinner <em>(Friday 29 March)</em>, Grand Finale of the Treasure Hunt and Raffle (<em>Sunday 31 March 6pm) </em>and finally Chocolate Workshops <em>(Monday 1 April 10-12 children and 1-4 adults)</em>. <em>(To reserve a space for any of these events contact </em><a href="mailto:sophie@thecocoatreeshop.com"><em>sophie@thecocoatreeshop.com</em></a><em>.)</em></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">2. FIND THE EASTER EGGS - </span></strong>Classic Easter weekend fun for the kids - join the <a href="http://www.nts.org.uk/Events/Kellie-Castle-Garden/Cadbury-Easter-Egg-Trail/" target="_blank">Easter Egg Trail</a> at National Trust Scotland's Kellie Castle <em>(Saturday 30 March and Sunday 31 March 12-4, £2 per child)</em>.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">3. PACK THE KIDS OFF FOR SOME FUN IN THE WOODS - </span></strong>Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns is running a one week <a href="http://www.camboestate.com/events-list/" target="_blank">Easter Woodland Club</a> for children aged 6-13 <em>(1-5 April or 8-12 April, 10am-4pm each day, £125 per week)</em>. The Club is all about having fun in the woods. It includes activities like building a den, cooking on the fire, making wooden things, playing games and watching wildlife <em>(to book contact Chris Childe 01337 830621, </em><a href="mailto:chris.childe_education@yahoo.co.uk"><em>chris.childe_education@yahoo.co.uk</em></a><em>)</em>. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">4. RACE A DUCK - </span></strong>On Easter Saturday <em>(30 March, 10.30am)</em> you can watch or even take part in the A.I.A. (Anstruther Improvements Association) <a href="http://www.anstrutherimprovements.org/events.php" target="_blank">annual duck race</a> at the Dreel Burn in Anstruther. Everyone floats rubber ducks down the stream and the owner of the lucky winning duck wins a prize. Ducks cost £1 and can be bought in advance or on the day. Should be lots of fun!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">5. SEE SOME ART - </span></strong>Pittenweem's famous arts festival doesn't kick off until August but Easter marks the annual <a href="http://www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk/about_news.php" target="_blank">Pittenweem Artists and Galleries weekend</a>, when many of this very arty village's residents open their studies to show new work. Venues are open Friday 29 - Sunday 31 March <em>(10am-5pm or 11am-4pm for the new ART@47 gallery space)</em>. Look out for the poster on the door.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arty Pittenweem</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">6. RENACT THE COLD WAR (?) - </span></strong>For a slightly unusual Easter experience, <a href="http://www.secretbunker.co.uk/detail.asp?storyid=53" target="_blank">Scotland's Secret Bunker</a> will be having a re-enactment over Easter <em>(Friday 29 - Sunday 31 March)</em> with real Army soldiers at the gate to greet you, vehicle displays around the grounds and patrolling underground in the bunker in their full attire, complete with weapons for authenticity. The Bunker was the secret underground hideaway where Scotland's elite would have gone in the event of a nuclear attack in the Cold War era. It was kept secret, hiding below a farmhouse for 40 years. Today it's a unique tourist attraction. </div>
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Whatever you're doing this Easter I hope you have a great time! If you know of any other great East Neuk Easter events please share them by leaving a comment. Right, I'm off to get stuck into some Easter eggs now... </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First signs of Spring at Rose Cottage!</td></tr>
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<em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Text and Photos Copyright Sara Scott 2013</span></em></div>
Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-46308322754094255092013-02-26T05:53:00.002-08:002013-02-26T11:32:00.895-08:005 great things to do in the East Neuk right nowDo you think that February/ March is not a good time to holiday in Scotland? Think again - there's lots to do at this time of year in the East Neuk of Fife. Here are 5 ideas:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdn8qNTEV98XUKHQLva-6CVohyMGED9pN6_dnv3RfZ0OBPPNmp4lA2xiBgcVy-_jI87NCMOCwOSS5fuAt_U-aANrLFnkrHzMzwMCKstrH1bQs677P7JnMrrWDxbAA1d5kwUrAh5AL2w0d/s640/blogger-image-789645570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdn8qNTEV98XUKHQLva-6CVohyMGED9pN6_dnv3RfZ0OBPPNmp4lA2xiBgcVy-_jI87NCMOCwOSS5fuAt_U-aANrLFnkrHzMzwMCKstrH1bQs677P7JnMrrWDxbAA1d5kwUrAh5AL2w0d/s320/blogger-image-789645570.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="color: magenta;"><strong>1. CATCH THE SNOWDROPS IN BLOOM</strong> -</span> you may have missed the Snowdrops by Starlight event but the famous snowdrops at the <strong><a href="http://www.camboestate.com/snowdrops/" target="_blank">Cambo Estate</a></strong> are still making an appearance by daylight and they are gorgeous! The sheer volume of them creates a lovely effect, especially alongside the Cambo burn. The unusual varieties near the house are also worth a look for their delicate perfection (there are over 350 varieties of snowdrops at Cambo). You can also buy snowdrops from the plant shop in the hope of recreating Cambo at home (I'm not known for my survival rate with plants so let's see how my efforts in the Rose Cottage garden go!).</div>
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Kids love to see the Cambo piglets as well and I must admit I did too - they have bags of energy, charging about, play fighting and eating. <em>(Cambo Estate, Near Kingsbarns; Open daily 10-5)</em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piglets at Cambo</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">2. BUY LOCAL -</span></strong> have yourself a cheese board with the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheddar and Anster Red cheeses from the <strong><a href="http://www.standrewscheese.co.uk/" target="_blank">St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company</a></strong>. The shop there also has quality Scottish produce such as the posh, award-winning <em>Summer Harvest </em>rapeseed oil, which I suppose is Scotland's answer to olive oil (from £4). We took some of this to dinner with friends and it got plaudits for being something different, with a nice smoothness and subtlety, for dipping bread into. There's also a tearoom at the cheese farm where you can enjoy homemade cheese scones, cheese toasties, cakes etc, while enjoying the views over the fields and out to the Isle of May. It's a nice child-friendly place for lunch or a daytime snack in the country, with the chance to learn about how the cheese is made. <em>(St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company, Falside Farm, Near Anstruther & Pittenweem; Tel: 01333-312580)</em></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">3. EAT LOCAL FOOD AT THE PITTENWEEM INN -</span></strong> R and I recently tried this family-run restaurant out for the first time and we were impressed. Chef Brian Murphy does great things with fresh, seasonal local produce, including a weekly market menu. Prices are reasonable, service is friendly, the dining room inviting (with local art on the walls) and the atmosphere nice and informal. My mouth still waters when I look at this picture of the appetising goats' cheese starter from the a la carte menu (OK all this talk of cheese is really making me hungry now!). If you haven't been yet, you definitely owe it to your taste buds to pay a visit ASAP. <em>(<a href="http://www.pittenweeminn.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank">Pittenweem Inn</a>, 42 Charles Street, Pittenweem; Tel: 01333 311326, Thu-Sun only)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDoe6VOQraw6RjvYgyBnq1VXG3lO6v7KKDipLCAr4oy5n7CY7iZFAM7RtZmzD0YAt1oJy0V4Ezbc1ZNV6cBSx2d-YLkygkC_SLis3fBDFM_N1sLpseFUbangrsowFK-2D02cZOrgnIrN-/s640/blogger-image-647291277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDoe6VOQraw6RjvYgyBnq1VXG3lO6v7KKDipLCAr4oy5n7CY7iZFAM7RtZmzD0YAt1oJy0V4Ezbc1ZNV6cBSx2d-YLkygkC_SLis3fBDFM_N1sLpseFUbangrsowFK-2D02cZOrgnIrN-/s320/blogger-image-647291277.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong><span style="color: magenta;">4. PUT A LITTLE BIRDHOUSE IN YOUR SOUL -</span></strong> Susie Lacombe at the <strong><a href="http://www.crailgallery.com/" target="_blank">Crail Gallery</a></strong> has made a new batch of birdhouses shaped like historic Crail houses for 2013 (£40 each). I was lucky enough to be in the Gallery when she was painting them (with Farrow and Ball paint no less) so I even got to have a say in the design process of mine! Susie told me that birds look for a mate round about Valentine's day so now is definitely the time to do your bit for birdlife and put a birdhouse in your garden. Speaking of birds, daily boat trips from Anstruther to the Isle of May kick off for 2013 on 29 March, so it will soon be puffin-spotting season. <em>(Crail Gallery, High Street, Crail; Tel: 01333 450316; Open 10-5 Mon-Sat & 12-5 Sun)</em></div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">5. ENJOY A UNIQUE EVENT -</span></strong> Go to Scotland's only regular poetry festival - <strong>StAnza</strong> in St Andrews (6-10 March). It's international in outlook and was founded 15 years ago. Then there's the <strong>Fife Science Festival</strong>, also in St Andrews, at venues including the Castle and University (15-25 March). You could also plan ahead by booking tickets for the ninth <strong>East Neuk Festival</strong> (3-7 July) now before the events sell out. The Scotsman newspaper said the festival <em>"promises more big names in intimate surroundings...so book ahead".</em> I'm looking forward to experiencing it for the first time this year. For more details on these and other events see the <a href="http://rosecottageeastneuk.blogspot.co.uk/#!/p/events-in-east-neuk-st-andrews.html" target="_blank">Events page</a> of this blog.</div>
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Like I said, lots to do so what are you waiting for?</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Text and photos copyright Sara Scott 2013. </span></div>
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Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-79077109450613971602013-02-12T04:25:00.001-08:002013-02-13T04:01:30.172-08:00Valentine's Day in the East Neuk & St AndrewsHere are my tips for how to spend a truly romantic Valentine's day with your loved one in the East Neuk of Fife and St Andrews. All you need to do is follow these four fail-safe steps:<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">STEP 1: GET SOME FRESH SEA AIR -</span></strong> Take a romantic stroll, walking hand in hand along the beautiful Kingsbarns beach. Perhaps you'll see the twinkle of the Bell Rock lighthouse way out to sea or even a dolphin or two. Or if you are a sporty couple you could up the pace and go for an invigorating jog, running side by side along St Andrews' iconic West Sands beach, humming the theme to "Chariots of Fire" as you go. Ahh that fresh Scottish air!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BzKwChkI6bMGKf09_M8Rgecn9s3S5KnNX24Bck-_Vp_XSZGWVXHPJgepLEi2aQtWTfUqQgV07BC4evjvo8oL65ECSHSCzxiLZB_UxF1USO8DdDURe__9fpnPWhbV-jQvl0zLezXd-cKn/s640/blogger-image--876266192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BzKwChkI6bMGKf09_M8Rgecn9s3S5KnNX24Bck-_Vp_XSZGWVXHPJgepLEi2aQtWTfUqQgV07BC4evjvo8oL65ECSHSCzxiLZB_UxF1USO8DdDURe__9fpnPWhbV-jQvl0zLezXd-cKn/s320/blogger-image--876266192.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>STEP 2: SWEETS FOR MY SWEET -</strong></span> Have coffee, homemade tablet and cake with two spoons alfresco at the <a href="http://www.crailharbourgallery.co.uk/gallery/tearoom.cfm" target="_blank">Crail Harbour Gallery</a>. As you hold hands, pause from gazing dreamily into each others' eyes for just long enough to look over to the Isle of May. It's a view which has inspired countless artists. Or if rain is threatening to extinguish those fires of passion (well we are in Scotland after all), take shelter in <a href="http://thecocoatreeshop.com/" target="_blank">The Cocoa Tree</a>, a French-style chocolate shop and cafe in the nearby village of Pittenweem. With chocolate being an aphrodisiac you can't really go wrong in here. <em>Magnifique!</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">STEP 3: REELLLLLLAAAX -</span></strong> Warm up and ease those tense muscles from your earlier exertions by basking together in the outdoor, rooftop pool of <a href="http://oldcoursehotel.kohler.com/spa/spa_index.html" target="_blank">The Old Course hotel spa</a> in St Andrews. Maybe throw a little back massage in for good measure. Then ease yourselves out of this bliss and get changed into something alluring, ready for pre-dinner cocktails overlooking golf courses and town at the hotel's elegant, classy <a href="http://oldcoursehotel.kohler.com/restaurants/rhb_index.html" target="_blank">Road Hole bar</a>. Bag yourselves the seats by the open fire. Mine's a Flirtini!</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>STEP 4: DINNER DATE -</strong></span> Hail a trusty taxi and whisk your loved one off for an intimate, candlelit dinner for two at <a href="http://www.thepeatinn.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Peat Inn</a>. Hopefully you've saved your pennies (and booked ahead) for an indulgent, magnificent dinner at this five star, fine dining restaurant in the country. It's dimly lit, suitably expensive and a sensuous feast for the taste buds. If you haven't done it yet, now's an ideal time to pop that question! <em>(Or if there's no room at the Inn / on your credit card check out Hazel of </em><a href="http://www.thegrumblingtummy.org/"><em>www.thegrumblingtummy.org</em></a><em> 's blog on the </em><a href="http://blog.standrews.co.uk/2013/02/where-to-eat-when-love-is-in-the-air/" target="_blank"><em>Visit St Andrews site</em></a><em> for more valentine's dining options.)</em></div><br />
However you choose to spend it, have a very happy Valentine's.<br />
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xxx <br />
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p.s. Do you have a favourite romantic place in the East Neuk and St Andrews that I haven't mentioned? If so, why not share it by leaving a comment. <br />
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Text and photos copyright Sara Scott 2013.Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-14812876593990054342013-01-30T11:31:00.001-08:002013-01-30T11:31:55.845-08:00Snowdrops by Starlight - don't miss it!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Nowhere in Scotland does snowdrops quite like the Cambo estate and their showcase event, "Snowdrops by Starlight" (5-9.15pm, Wednesday 13- Sunday 17 February 2013) is a stunner. <br /><br />You'll have seen from my <a href="http://rosecottageeastneuk.blogspot.co.uk/#!/2012/11/cambo-magic.html" target="_blank">Cambo Magic blog post</a> that I have a big soft spot for the Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns in the East Neuk of Fife. So an event which takes Cambo, the beautiful swathes of white snowdrops they so carefully cultivate each year then adds state-of-the-art lighting effects, plus music, arts and crafts was pretty much guaranteed to float my boat. Something about arriving in the darkness and walking through woods lit up pink, blue, green, red and white, wearing glow bands is unique, magical and slightly surreal; like walking through some sort of enchanted forest. I think you'd like it too.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enchanted forest, including Cambo Burn</td></tr>
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<br />Last year when we arrived (which was normally by shuttle bus, though in our case we just walked there) we were given a glow band in exchange for your tickets and simply make your own way round the route. This started in the stables where there was an art exhibition. The stables themselves are a lovely old building, still in their original stable form. They are going to be redeveloped as part of the <a href="http://modemoperandi.co.uk/camboinstitute/" target="_blank">Cambo Institute Restoration project</a>. This is great for the community and area but I can't help thinking it's a bit of a shame that the building will be changed. The last room in the stables, which has a striking mural of horses on the wall, was a workshop for making snowdrop lanterns. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowdrop lantern, workshop at the Stables</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Mural, workshop at the Stables</td></tr>
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From the stables we then joined the path which takes you to the woods, down to the Cambo burn and then back round to the house itself. On the way were literally thousands of snowdrops of many varieties, lit by thousands of fairy lights. This display on the ground was skilfully complemented by beautiful colour effects in the trees and various environmental scultures, including living willow sculptures by Jon Warnes and some interactive installations which were very popular with kids. </div>
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Some of the lights changed colour, making for a wonderful effect (if a few photography challenges). Even the Cambo burn was lit up. Music added to the atmosphere. </div>
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The house itself was strikingly illuminated with a giant snowdrop pattern and in the flower beds just beside the house were some of the more rare (and expensive) snowdrop varieties, lit by dramatic spotlights. </div>
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At the end of the trail there was a chance to buy some snowdrops to take home at the plant shop in the courtyard, a gift shop and cafe for winter warmer refreshments. We took some home and then planted them in the garden so they will grow again in future years (fingers crossed anyway!).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowdrops lit by spotlight, outside Cambo House</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cambo House</td></tr>
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<br />2013 is the event's fourth year. This year there will be a new interactive trail. Transport will also be easier as you can park at the Estate itself (which avoids the need to do a shuttle by bus from Kingsbarns Golf Club). Our advice is quite simple: make sure you don't miss it! </div>
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A nice way to continue the evening and warm the cockles is to book a table for dinner in the nearby pub <a href="http://thebarnsatkingsbarns.com/" target="_blank">The Barns at Kingsbarns</a>. They have a lovely crackling fire, comfy chairs and decent pub food such as macaroni cheese, steak, fish 'n' chips etc.</div>
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<em>Essentials:</em> Tickets for Snowdrops by Starlight cost £10 plus booking fee for adults, £8 concessions, £5 for children (under 16s) - under 5s go free. They must be bought in advance from The Cambo Estate - Tel 01333 459313 or 01333 450054 or email <a href="mailto:cambo@camboestate.com">cambo@camboestate.com</a>. For more details see the <a href="http://www.camboestate.com/2012/12/28/snowdrop-festival-2013/" target="_blank">Snowdrops by Starlight website</a>. (Tickets already purchased from The Byre are still valid). Make sure you wrap up warm. If you plan to take photos a tripod and patient companions are essential! <br /><br />Can't make the Starlight event? Cambo is also open during the day for "<a href="http://www.camboestate.com/events/" target="_blank">Snowdrop by Daylight</a>" viewing (10am-4.30pm, 2 February to 17 March, £5 adults, children free), buying snowdrops and meeting the pigs and piglets (who are an essential part of the workforce at Cambo: they eat the moss which would otherwise smother the snowdrops). <br /> </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Text and photos copyright Sara Scott 2012-2013.</span></div>
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Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-61261714362972701982013-01-01T05:37:00.001-08:002013-01-07T05:41:51.532-08:00Birthday dinner at The Road Hole restaurant, The Old Course HotelThis was the first time I'd arrived at a restaurant in a limo. In fact the first time I'd arrived anywhere by limo. No, I haven't won the lottery - it was a surprise birthday treat for my sister-in-law, L, and I who share the same birthday! Reluctant to leave our new favourite mode of transport, we put down our champagne glasses, attempted to make an elegant exit from the limo (difficult to do while wearing a short dress and holding a helium balloon) and stepped out and into the delights of The Old Course hotel (<a href="http://www.dundeelimos.com/" target="_blank">Dundee Limos</a>, tel: 01382 580720, email: <a href="mailto:book@dundeelimos.co.uk">book@dundeelimos.co.uk</a>).<br />
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We started with some pre-dinner cocktails in The Road Hole bar, after parking ourselves at the seats beside the fire - which the staff promptly lit for us. It was 6pm on Boxing Day and we had the place largely to ourselves at first, with a few more people arriving as the evening went on. It was classic and luxurious without being stuffy. The bar staff were knowledgeable and friendly and the place had that international feel of a five star hotel with plenty of Scottish touches like their whisky collection and antler lights. I tried out a Tom Collins for the first time - quite a refreshing gin-based cocktail but a little sour for me so I still prefer a classic gin and tonic. Bowls of tasty nuts and snacks were eagerly devoured, while we laughed at the video which S had taken of the limo ride and I had accidentally posted to Facebook.<br />
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We perused the dinner menu and then went through to our table in <a href="http://oldcoursehotel.kohler.com/restaurants/rhg_index.html" target="_blank">the Road Hole restaurant</a>, which was just next door. During daylight it would probably have been the best table they have - right beside a large bay window overlooking the most famous golf course in the home of golf, the West Sands beach and sea beyond and the romantic rooftops and spires of the town of St Andrews to the right. As it was dark, everything was pitch black and only some twinkling lights in the distance hinted at the fantastic view we were missing.<br />
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Having eaten a hefty lunch of Christmas dinner leftovers earlier we opted to stick to just two courses for our dinner. A celebratory bottle of <em>Marques de Riscal Gran Riserva Rioja 2001</em> was ordered and tasted fantastic.<br />
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S and I had <em>Fillet of Gigha hallibut, curried leeks, kidney potatoes with warm tomato vinaigrette</em> for our main. It was light and tasty with soft and fluffy, meaty fish complimented by gentle tomato and curry tastes. <br />
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Meanwhile R and L opted for the <em>Tournedos of Black Isle beef sirloin, green beans, wild mushrooms, glazed onions and potato rosti,</em> which they quickly scoffed with approving noises. Lovely, thinly-sliced pieces of steak, cooked perfectly pink. R said that if there was a single gripe it was that the rosti may have been a little too fatty.<br />
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Both main courses were an ideal size for a post-Christmas day meal - not too big but not too small either. So far we were very happy.<br />
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For dessert S and I again made the same choice - the <em>Honeycomb parfait, poached pear, macadamia biscuit and pear sorbet</em>. It was moist, fruity and refreshing with the biscuit providing a crisp sweetness.<br />
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However R and L picked the best plate of food of the day with their choice of the <em>Chocolate mousse and pistachio creme brûlée with marzipan ice cream</em>. The presentation was beautiful and judging by the blissed-out look on L's face the taste was pure dessert heaven! Having sneaked a rich, smooth, chocolatey taste of R's chocolate mousse cone I would completely agree!<br />
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We all agreed that the food was of a better standard than when we had eaten there last, some 14 months ago - on that occasion we had found the food a little disappointing, not quite living up to its luxurious surroundings. I had heard that there was a new chef and new menu and these changes seem to have made a positive difference. <br />
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We finished the evening off with some coffee, petit fours (pictured) and liquers including S's choice of possibly the largest glass of port ever seen!<br />
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It was still quite early but all the birthday champagne drinking earlier had taken its toll so we travelled back to our cottage. This time it was by less glamorous means, by taxi. Sadly I don't think I'll be going to The Road Hole by limo again but I will definitely be back for another special occasion I'm sure!<br />
(Tel: 01334 474171)<br />
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Sara Scott aka the East Neuk Blogger at Rose Cottage http://www.blogger.com/profile/02767057330783346905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4552673341731033593.post-60499141896345203562012-11-28T12:07:00.001-08:002012-11-28T13:06:29.524-08:00Cambo MagicTwo years ago I didn't know it existed but now I'm a big fan of the Cambo Estate, near Kingsbarns in the East Neuk of Fife. Ever since I first set foot there in 2010 it has utterly charmed me. What is it about this privately-owned estate which is open to the public that makes it so magical?<br />
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Maybe it's the herd of deer you sometimes see by the entry road. Or the beautiful and endlessly photogenic Victorian walled garden which is ingeniously designed using modern techniques to be a garden for all seasons. Maybe it's the arty, musical, colourfully lit, snowdrop-filled woodland at their annual Snowdrops by Starlight event (part of an ever-growing and varied annual events calendar)? Or the charming walk down to the Fife Coastal Path and Kingsbarns golf course. Or is it the cute piglets, cats etc which are "interviewed" for the Cambo Courier? Maybe it is how the Estate is helping and working with local artists? Or the remarkable number of quirky snowdrop and pig-themed gifts in the gift shop (who knew that so many of these even existed?!)? I think the magic comes from all of these things.<br />
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The Cambo website describes it as "an oasis of calm an tranquility" and "respite from a busy world". They are not wrong.<br />
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If you haven't been yet and don't know what I'm talking about, here are some of my photos which attempt to capture that infectious Cambo charm.<br />
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Open daily 10-5. Adults £5, children free. Annual season ticket £15 single, £25 double. Tel: 01333 450313. www.camboestate.com/gardens<br />
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