For this month's Food Chain, we'll be joined by Ian Rainbird, head chef at Huntly's The Bank Restaurant & Cafe – a neighbour of our The Square based Square Deal! Ian has chosen a dish that uses some of his favourite ingredients: Whisky Cured Hake with strawberries, cucumber and dill. It's a pairing you might not think to put together, but Ian has assured that it's a delicious fresh meal using top quality local ingredients.
A note from Ian –
This dish is based around some of my favourite ingredients. Being so close to the coast and able to obtain sustainable Hake instead of having to travel it many miles is a real bonus – the freshness and quality will allow us to cure the fish for less time then usual! Strawberries are one of the most versatile ingredients, usually found in sweet dishes but play equal homage in savoury dishes. Locality plays a huge part in the way I cook and at this Food Chain we'll be using nearby Barra Berries. Dill is my favourite herb – I love the freshness it brings to a dish and the ability to clean the palette whilst eating. We'll be combing dill with a koji soy sauce from Japan to make a simple vinaigrette to bring the whole dish together.
The dish and ingredients that I've chosen above is a true reflection of where my journey as a chef started and has taken me – growing up on the coast with day boat fish, learning curing & preservation techniques, to sourcing local produce at the best quality. Being able to do this whilst incorporating my enjoyment for whisky and working for a whisky company has really allowed me to showcase local, seasonal and delicious produce.
We'll be hosting this workshop in Square Deal (22 The Square, Huntly) with limited spaces available. A donation of £5 per person is suggested, payable on arrival in cash. Please email jess@deveron-projects.com to book your space!
About Food Chain
Which rich culinary backgrounds do we have resident in our own community? Come along to our monthly group cook-along to learn someone else's recipes of home. Together we'll learn about each other's cultural backgrounds as we cook. Food Chains take place in Square Deal, a fully accessible venue at 22 The Square, Huntly. If you have any access requirements, let us know!
Which rich culinary backgrounds do we have resident in our own community? Come along to our monthly group cook-along to learn someone else's recipes of home. Together we'll learn about each other's cultural backgrounds as we cook. Food Chains take place in Square Deal, a fully accessible venue at 22 The Square, Huntly. If you have any access requirements, let us know!
