The six weeks of the school summer holidays have flown past. In my wee corner of North East Scotland the schools went back last week. Can't quite believe that both foodie boy and foodie girl are now at secondary school. Where have my babies gone?! (Clearly I was a gymslip Mum!)
Despite no foreign holidays this summer (saving ourselves and the pennies for Orlando in October) we've managed to have lots of fun. Of course food always features prominently in any of my adventures so without further ado here's a quick roundup of what I've been up to since the start of July. To keep abreast of my Edible Scottish Adventures as they happen do make sure that you're following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (I'm particularly loving the new stories facility on Insta and I'm posting new content there daily so do take a look.)
Foodies 100 - Blog of the Month
To kick off the summer I was delighted to be chosen as the Foodies 100 blog of the month for July 2016. Have a read and you might find out something about me that you didn't know... July's Blog of the Month - Foodie Quine
BBC Radio Scotland Out for the Weekend
I had great fun cooking pizza in the car park of the BBC Radio Scotland Aberdeen Studios during the live broadcast of Out for the Weekend. Dobbies provided a Wood Fired Pizza Oven and I proved that pizza doesn't have to be savoury with my Nutella, Scottish Raspberries and Highland Brie creation.
Sainsbury's Magazine
The July issue of Sainsbury's Magazine included my foodie guide to a Scottish Staycation featuring Butteries, Raspberries, Arbroath Smokies, The Three Chimneys, The Bay Fish & Chips, The Potting Shed Cake Shop and Mhor 84. Read the full article and listen to my radio podcast at Scotland Staycation - What to Buy & Where to Eat.
The Cat in the Window Cafe, Aberdeen
I really didn't quite know what to expect with a visit to Aberdeen's The Cat in the Window Cafe but both my kids were super keen to go so I gave in and booked an hour long session of 'Kitty Cuddles'. Lovely setting, fab kitty-ccino and a good selection of cakes (including GF and vegan). As a total sceptic I was completely smitten by the amazing cats and their wonderful personalities. They are the absolute stars of the show and their welfare clearly comes first. A purrfect afternoon!
Daily Record Page Ate
I was fair chuffed to feature twice on Page Ate of the Saturday Daily Record Magazine. Firstly with three recipes all perfect for making with the kids over the summer holidays then again with three barbecue recipes.
St. Andrews, Fife
We enjoyed a lovely weekend in St Andrews staying at The Fairmont Hotel And Spa. We lunched at Forgan's followed by ice cream at Jannettas Gelateria and a wonderful dinner of Scottish Steak and Seafood at St Andrews Bar and Grill.
Wester Hardmuir Farm Shop, Nairn
Thanks must go to fellow blogger Mess in the 'Ness for the recommendation to visit Wester Hardmuir Fruit Farm. We managed a couple of trips whilst journeying on the A96 and enjoyed wonderful Very Berry Ice Cream and amazingly colourful PYO fruit and vegetables. Absolute highlight was the purchase of an elusive Spaghetti Squash. Although I'm now desperate to find a source closer to home.
Cromarty, The Black Isle
Spent a fantastic foodie day in Cromarty on The Black Isle. First stop was The Egg Box Shop overlooking the Cromarty Firth which takes the farm gate honesty box to the next level with egg vending machines. Milkshakes and Ice Cream at Couper's Creek, Cheese from from The Cheese House and Chanterelles and Pizza at the wonderful Sutor Creek Cafe.
No. 10 Foodies Club
It was a real pleasure to attend the inaugural No.10 Bar & Restaurant Foodies Club event. A wonderful selection of Cheese from I.J.Mellis, Wine from Corney & Barrow and Breads from The Bread Maker. I was even converted to liking Honey! (with the addition of truffle oil). Already looking forward to the next event. Email info@no10aberdeen.co.uk to be added to their mailing list.
CALA Homes Summer Event
A fantastic time was had at the CALA Homes summer event. Supping CALA Cosmopolitans in the stunning top floor apartment of their Parklands development in Aberdeen. Nibbles, sunshine, music, home fragrance, wonderful views and a Porter's Gin tasting. When can I move in?
Edinburgh
A quick overnight trip to Edinburgh saw us staying at the conveniently located Novotel Edinburgh Centre. Fab food at The Tap Music Lounge followed by Gin and Fizz at The Stand in the Square and late night crepes at The French Connection Creperie in the Grassmarket.
The Food Life Beach Pop-Up
To celebrate Foodie Boy's 14th Birthday we headed to the inaugural event from Angus based The Food Life. This new real food collective are all about showcasing their epic local & foraged produce through Street Food Pop-ups What an absolutely fantastic afternoon! The sun shone and the event was a victim of its own success in terms of queues and crowds. We waited a long time for food but it was worth the wait and we were well entertained by yoga, beach games, music and storytelling. Well done to all the organisers and traders who had planned for 1000 attendees and were faced with 5000! Can't wait for the next event and to sample more of the foodie delights of Angus
Camping at Aboyne
A fantastic weekend camping in Aboyne and attending the Highland Games with piper husband, drummer son and piper daughter playing in Newtonhill Pipeband. Read all about it at Coconut, Prawn & Spinach Camping Risotto #WeDoSummer
Aperol & Campari at Rye & Soda
I had the pleasure of attending an Italian Aperitivo training event and drinks reception at Rye & Soda hosted by Gruppo Campari. Great fun was had learning all about iconic brands Aperol and Campari. Somehow, along with Julia Bryce of Just Julia, I ended up on the judging panel of the Campari Cocktail Competition! Congratulations to the winner Paul from The Chester Hotel and runners up AJ from Jam Jar and Elias from Rye & Soda.
Blaeberry Bash
The final event of the summer holidays was the Mud Pies and Foodie Quine Blaeberry Bash. 80 folks joined us to squelch in mud, pick berries, toast marshmallows and make pancakes. Lots of outdoor fun was had and everyone went home with their very own mini jar of Woodland Berry Jam. To be first in the know about future events sign up for the newsletter on the Mud Pies Website. Autumn Bramble Ramble and Festive Food in the Wood will be here before I know it!
Disclosure: I was a guest at the No. 10 Foodies Club, CALA Homes Summer Event, and Gruppo Campari Aperitivo Training. Accor Hotels provided our dinner, bed and breakfast whilst in Edinburgh. All other summer adventures were at our own expense.