This trip started by my family needing to head up north to Leeds due to my sisters graduation. My mom having always wanted to visit Scotland, and with my enjoyment of the occasional Scotch, we decided why not and made a trip of it. Here are the food places we enjoyed.
Scotland is, of course, not technically a city, however as my mom and I explored the country rather than 1 city, we're going to roll with the title to keep in theme with the blog.
Highland cow, Inverness, Greens
Leeds, England
We ate at Ishoo to celebrate my sister's graduation. This place has an open grill kitchen in the middle of the dining room, and this is definitely what I would focus on when ordering - the grilled food. I highly recommend the Yakitori and Pork Belly (some of the best I have ever had). Because the focus is on grilling, the sushi was subpar, especially the rice was overcooked and not mixed nor shaped properly, and I would not recommend ordering this from the menu. Sashimi of course, was fine, as is served without rice.
(Japanese) Whiskey's tried:
Nikka Barrel - 4
Hakushu Distiller - 4
Glasgow, Scotland
We had 3 hours here to explore, and besides visiting the cathedral we popped into a local pub and had some drinks.
Whiskey's tried:
Dalmore 12y - 5. This was a random find of my mom's in their extensive whiskey book, however became a favorite for the rest of our trip.
Balevenie, Caribbean cask 14y - 2.5. I wanted to try how the Caribbean cask changes the whiskey, and although I am glad I tried it, it doesn't have the deep flavor of the sherry/bourbon cask that I enjoy.
Images above from the tour which featured the Glen Old Distillery
Glen Ord Distillery Tour, Scotland
Near Inverness is this little gem of a distillery. Their Single Malt is all exported to the market in Asia, and unavailable to buy in the UK, so this is a great way to try it. The distillery is also small and quant compared to some others. They are one of the few distilleries to still malt their own Barley, as well as malting for other distilleries in the area.
Singleton of Glen Ord Tasting tour, Whiskey's tried:
Singleton of Glen Ord, 12y - 3
Singleton of Glen Ord, 15y - 5
Singleton of Glen Ord, 18y - 4
Overall they were all lovely Single Malts with hints of Spice and Christmas flavor, like vanilla, toffee (tasted more like caramel to me), and plum.
Inverness, Scotland
One of my favorite aspects of Inverness, besides exploring the city and beautiful landscapes around it, was our hotel with it's breakfast buffet. I'm not sure why, however breakfast buffets have always been a favorite of mine during every trip. And at the Pentahotel they did not disappoint. Prosecco, fresh salmon, incredible bacon, pancakes, hash browns and eggs were my picks for most mornings.
Inverness Castle, Glenmorangie tasting, Dinner at Greens
Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain, Scotland
We've all seen a bottle of Glenmorangie in the supermarket, so when we had the opportunity to visit we took it. It's very enlightening to be able to see both a large and small distillery. We took the signet tour. If you're going to go through all the trouble to go to Tain, I suggest pay the difference for this tour. It's a smaller group with a lovely tasting at the end, as well as the only tour where one can experience the chocolate malt. The whiskey store is also incredible and resembles a candy store. What is most exciting about the Glenmorangie distillery is their experimentation of whiskey. Every year they create a unique whiskey, by focusing on different barrels, which can be seen in the ageing room. They are currently even building a new laboratory distillery, however bear in mind whiskey takes at least a decade to age...
Whiskey tried:
Glenmorangie Original - 4.5
Glenmorangie Signet - 4 (really does taste like Italy)
Glenmorangie Allta - 4 (their unique whiskey for the year that we tried)
Tain, Scotland
Ask anyone in Tain, and they will recommend Greens. I'll be completely honest I didn't not expect such a lovely, well executed, detail oriented, fresh, incredible food in the middle of nowhere. This was a a diamond of a find. It is so popular we actually struggled to get a table, and I had to ponder if I was back in London, so definitely reserve in advance. My mom ordered the Cullen skink soup as an appetizer, and when she did I told her she was on her own. I don't like fish soup, and I wasn't going to try it either. I finished it. It was delicious. I can only describe it as a Scottish version of clam chowder.
Wine tried:
First Fleet, Chardonnay, 2018 - 4.5
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh wasn't in our original travel plans, however I am so glad we changed plans and included it. This city is breathtaking, a food and drink oasis with so much to explore, and I want to already go back. There are so many food and drink highlights I want to remember from this city alone, so I listed it below.
G&T's at The Bow Bar with pie, Edinburgh Castle, Whiskey flights at The Ensign Ewart
Royal Mile Whiskies
This is a whiskey shop, and although we were a bit shopped out by this point, I highly recommend stopping by. My mom then asked the lovely people a pub they recommended, and The Ensign Ewart was a suggestion of theirs.
The Ensign Ewart
If I had to imagine what a pub looks and feels like that focuses on Scottish liquors it would resemble The Ensign Ewart. Not only do they offer the usual pub delights, they also have an extensive Whiskey menu - including Whiskey flights. Whisky Flights are 4 or 5 Whiskeys in a selected 'set' and great to explore. My mom chose the classic flight, and I chose the Sherry Bombs. The staff are also very knowledgeable and can help with selecting your desired drink for the night.
Whiskey's tried:
Glenfarclas, 15y
Dalmore, 15y (This became a favorite through the Scotland journey)
Glen Goyne, 21y
GlenDronach Batch 7 57.9% (Not a fan of cask strength, so this was not my cup of tea)
Bow Bar, Edinburgh
The Bow Bar was recommended by all who I asked what to do in Edinburgh. By this point in the trip though, I was whiskey-ed out. I had too much, and needed a break from the liquid gold. But how could I walk by Bow Bar and not have a tipple? So I went for a drink I never order as I am not a fan of Gin - a Gin&Tonic. The lovely lady behind the bar though helped me find a Gin for me, and I am now a G&T fan. Once again though, and this is my tip for anyplace in Edinburgh, as the barman what they recommend and try it.
Gin tried:
Gin Bothy, Gunshot Gin - 5
Oink, Edinburgh
Now while I am drinking this G&T, on the edge of starting a newfound Gin obsession, looking out the window I notice the restaurant opposite with a line. This line lasted for an hour. So when the line died down (well let's be honest, my drink finished) I went to check it out. And if the incredible graphic design, and branding doesn't suck you into this place maybe the roasted pig in the window will. This suckling roasted pig is then put into a bun for you, with your choice of dressing and stuffing. Divine.
Tasting menu at Wedgewood
Wedgewood, Edinburgh
If you know me, you know I love a tasting menu. Why comb through a menu, guessing what your favorite dish will be, when a chef has curated a selection for you, and your only task is to eat and enjoy?
This was why favorite restaurant experience, perhaps even in my life. From the best service I have ever experienced, to the concept, to the food it was incredible. I don't think my words can give it justice, and all I can suggest is to go and enjoy. What I especially liked is how the place is very welcoming, and non pretentious - great for those not keen on traditional fine dining.
Tour of Scotland Tasting Menu:
Lobster Thermidor creme brûlée, pepper pulse, parmesan shortbread, caviar
Sound of Kilbrannan scallops, cauliflower karma, pineapple, peanut & pistachio dust
Potato gnocchi, house ricotta, wild mushroom, leek, hazelnut
Peterhead cod, aubergine caponata, braised fennel, crisp polenta, chorizo
Inverness-shire venison, black pudding, barley, celeriac, pickled apple
Pre dessert
Very sticky toffee pudding, Bunnahabhain butterscotch, vanilla ice cream
Coffee & shortbread
Wine tried:
Du Plevaux, Jean Prieur Pinotage, 2016 - 5
Smith & Gertrude, Edinburgh
The waitress at the Wedgewood suggested the wine and cheese bar Smith & Gertrude. So my mom and I went to that area, only to find it closed. It looked really nice though, and therefore I am noting it on here so I remember to go next time I visit - hopefully this time I check the opening times beforehand.
Hector's Pub, Edinburgh
Since Smith & Gertrude was closed, we walked around to the local pub. This was a classic British pub, with a great fish & chips. If you're ever in the area (and Smith & Gertrude is closed) check it out.
The Dome
The Dome, Edinburgh
The Dome is a bar inside and old bank. And it looks as magnificent as it sounds, as well as allowing you to believe you have stepped onto the Harry Potter set. However the location is and atmosphere is all you can enjoy. The bar staff are not well trained on their whiskey, and the Old fashioned was poorly made. Definitely go for the view, however order something that just needs to be poured out the bottle like Wine.
Whiskey/Alcohol tasting key:
Name of alcohol, year - rating from 5 (5 being excellent).
Comments