Fife has a bit of a love affair going on with food and in particular with the food produced on the doorstep. With movements such as Slow Food Fife – a reaction to the potential world domination of fast food – and the Fife Diet, where only food produced locally is consumed, the Kingdom likes its food and likes it fresh and local. Of course Fife does have an abundance of delicious treats to choose from be it seafood or strawberries, ice-cream or home made truffles.
Farm shops are on the increase as are the numbers of people attending them. There is an eagerness to buy food that has been locally produced whether that is from farm shops and delis or when dining out. The US term for eating local food is ‘locavore’ and not only does being a locavore mean you get to eat great food, you are also doing your bit for climate change through the reduction of food miles.
Fife is very lucky to have many fine bars, bistros, cafés and restaurants offering fresh local produce, but we all want choice and the great thing about these restaurants is that if the food isn’t locally sourced, it is nontheless of the highest quality ensuring diners continue to celebrate food.
FARM SHOPS
Pillars of Hercules in Falkland is an organic farm shop and café. Admittedly with a strange name, it has however a great following. Awarded UK Best Small Organic Store 2006, there is a great selection of all things healthy and organic and they also sell organic wine, beer and cider.
‘The Place to Be Seen’ café has a very relaxed atmosphere. Sit on the terrace and drink endless cappuccinos, enjoy the likes of spectacular soups, tasty toasties, scrumptious salads and brilliant brownies. Everything on the menu is organic, vegetarian and tastes delicious. There are also vegan and gluten free options available.
A monthly restaurant night has been established – ‘the restaurant at the end of the world’ where Chef Christopher Trotter will ply you with organic food in a congenial atmosphere with live jazz music. Next dates are 10 April and 15 May.
If you have a hankering for cheese, then head to Falside Farm near Anstruther where you will find the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company. ’Anster cheese is handmade on the farm – to a traditional recipe – by Jane Stewart, using unpasteurised milk from her husband Robert’s herd of home-bred Holstein Friesian cows.
This new cheese is fresh and dry, with an almost crumbly texture, which dissolves in the mouth to leave a full-flavoured finish. You can buy some – as well as other British cheeses - to take home or stay awhile in the on-site Butterpat coffee shop and enjoy it for lunch along with home baking and fresh coffee.
RESTAURANTS AND BISTROS
Seafood
In Cellardyke, you will find The Haven Bar & Restaurant offering fresh local seafood,including mussels, scallops and seabass as well as steaks, meat dishes, vegetarian and a childrens menu. With an excellent reputation for fine food and wine, it is a delight to enjoy a meal overlooking the picturesque Cellardyke harbour, with views out to the Isle of May and appreciate the local artwork adorning the walls. With a beautiful beer garden to the rear it is the perfect spot for a summer afternoon. As the Haven is on the coastal path route children, dogs and walkers are all welcome here.
In neighbouring Anstruther is The Waterfront. Also located opposite a picturesque harbour, this stylish restaurant boasts al fresco dining in summer. The menu is extensive and the seafood selection is particularly impressive with freshly delivered fish from local markets including scallops, salmon, seabass, mussels and good old fish and chips.
Along the coast in St Monans is the Mayview Hotel where the lounge bar has been converted to form a more relaxed area for diners. The hotel’s dining room provides a cosy area for meals where the menu is extensive. Seafood features heavily with everything from mussels to local Pittenweem prawns, from monkfish to halibut. Sunday’s high tea is also very popular and you’re advisable to book.
Room with a View is the highly recommended seafood restaurant within the Forth View hotel in Aberdour. With spectacular views of Edinburgh and the river Forth, you can try succulent scallops, wholesome halibut and fresh langoustines cooked to perfection.
Traditional
Also in Aberdour is The Woodside Hotel where consistently good food and imaginative menus have earned the restaurant a deserved reputation. Fine local produce is served using only the freshest ingredients and the menu changes daily albeit retaining either a traditionally Scottish or French slant.
The best quality Scottish produce is served in either the more formal restaurant area for special occasions or a lighter variation of the same fare in the The Clipper Bar which features antique stained glass and panelling from the famous Orient line vessel ‘Orontes’.
Restaurant 47 at the Pitbauchlie House Hotel in Dunfermline has built up a reputation for offering an extensive choice of French, Scottish and traditional cuisine at an affordable price. Fresh local produce is always used and you can dine a la carte or from a table d’hote menu.
For a less formal occasion, Harvey’s Bistro in the conservatory is very popular and also offers an extensive snack menu and coffee selection.
Indian
The Jahangir Tandoori Restaurant in St Andrews offers a good selection of Pakistani, Punjabi, Bangladeshi and North Indian Tandoori dishes. The spices are prepared fresh and daily for each dish giving each its own distinctive flavour and aroma.
Sumptuous surroundings add to the dining experience - the decor being modern Indian in style with blues and golds. There is even a stream running through the restaurant creating a relaxing setting.
There has been a change at Harvey McGuires in Ceres, with Grant MacNicol taking over the restaurant as the new Chef/Proprietor. Grant has won many culinary accolades including Scottish Young chef of the year 2007 and offers a bistro menu with fine dining elements. A prime example of this is the cranachan crème brûlée. Grant also plans to open a more formal restaurant offering a true taste of Scotland menu with seven courses in the near future.
CAFÉS
Coast Coffee in Anstruther is the perfect place to while away an hour or so sipping a gorgeous Illy coffee, enjoying the freshly made scones and cakes served with a smile and taking in the harbour views. When hunger hits, try the delicious homemade soup and paninis and relax in the pleasant atmosphere.
If chocolate is more your thing, then you have to head to Pittenweem and the Cocoa Tree Shop and Café where the hot chocolates are to die for. Homemade soups and paninis are also available as are delicious crepes and a truly decadent home baked chocolate cake. The shop stocks a huge range of top of the range chocolate as well as truffles made on the premises.
AND MORE…
An institution in both Cupar and St Andrews is Luvians Bottleshop. Dedicated to the best of everything, the range of wines and spirits is unparalleled and constantly changing. You’ll find the finest wines from around the globe as well as over 500 single malts. In Cupar you will also discover the award winning ice cream parlour, coffee shop and fabulous delicatessen.
In Crossgates, don’t miss Divito’s, who have been manufacturing ice cream for almost 100 years. All ice cream is made on the premises using modern equipment but still based on the original recipes.
Divito’s ice cream can now be found in many local convenience stores and some supermarkets – and of course in the original shop in Main Street, Crossgates, where a range of up to 15 flavours are available.
