A Smokeshow Dinner

Another food that Scotland is known for is their smoked salmon.  I am a huge fan of seafood so I know that I will be taking advantage of this local delicacy.  A couple of nights ago, I went to Mitchell’s Deli in St Andrews, where I tried it for the first time.

I ordered the Surf Board to share with a friend, which was made up of hot and cold smoked salmon, peppered mackerel, smoked halibut, garlic mayo, and bread.  This board was phenomenal.  The cold smoked salmon was my favorite.  Put the garlic mayo on a slice of bread, topped with the salmon, and you will be in heaven!  The mackerel and halibut were also good, just not something I am used to eating.

Also, as a fun fact, yesterday I saw Mark Wahlberg! I was heading towards the West Sands Beach, which is near the 18th hole.  Suddenly a car slowly drove by, with Wahlberg in the passenger seat with the window down.  I let out a gasp and he saw my happy face.  He waved, knowing that I was a fan!  I will keep you updated on any more famous people sightings in St Andrews since the golf course attracts people from around the world.

 

Don’t Egg Me On: Breakfast Edition

Recently, I asked one of my best friends what my food “spirit animal” would be.  She said she could think of two different answers: cookies or eggs.  I usually eat eggs for a protein filled breakfast to power me throughout the day.  And I have the biggest sweet tooth ever.  If I make homemade cookies I can easily eat 10 in one sitting.  It’s a gift.

But this post is about the former food spirit animal, eggs.  Over the summer I have had three different amazing breakfasts that you should try!

Uncommon Grounds 

Uncommon Grounds is a cute, small restaurant located in Watertown, MA.  It has a diner feel, but the menu has more variety, and more fresh produce.  This was their Salmon Avocado Toast, and it was a daily special.  Toasted bread was topped with greens, avocado, tomatoes, smoked salmon, and a poached egg.  Talk about a beautiful plate!  I also ordered a side of fruit salad instead of the home fries.  While I love eggs, avocado, and smoked salmon separately, I think combining all three was a little overwhelming.  Each of those ingredients are rich, so next time I’ll order their plain Avocado Toast.

The Friendly Toast 

This is the Greek Scramble at The Friendly Toast with delicious cinnamon raisin bread, and a side of fresh fruit.  The scramble has tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, baby spinach and black pepper.  The bread was sliced thick and buttered.  Just look at the cinnamon swirl, it is huge!  And the fruit salad was a step up then your standard melon mix.  It had blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries too.  I also loved the Friendly Toast for its eclectic ambiance.  I went to the Back Bay location on a Tuesday night, and trivia was going on for diners to participate in.  The menu has funny names for the dishes and the decor is bright and funky.

The Wayfarer 

I think this is my favorite place to go for breakfast.

A. Because it is in Maine, more specifically Cape Porpoise, which is such a beautiful and hidden spot.

B. Because I grew up coming here as a child.  One of the waitresses Bert wore sunny side up egg earrings when I was younger, which I always got a kick out of… and she still does today!

C. Because the food and atmosphere makes you feel like you are eating at home.

This is the veggie omelet with tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, avocado, and goat cheese.  A side of fruit salad and cinnamon raisin toast with strawberry jam.

The Wayfarer is small enough that it feels cozy, like a real Maine breakfast place should.  But it was renovated a few years ago, so the interior is beautifully furnished.  As a friendly warning, it gets VERY busy.  So if you bring a large family, arrive early!

 

Cook

Cook in Newton, is a modern American restaurant with a really fun atmosphere.  It’s menu is classic fare dressed up, but it is casual enough so diners feel comfortable.  It serves dinner, lunch, and brunch on the weekends.  I’ve been to dinner a couple of times, and brunch after my half marathon this past fall.  My most recent visit was dinner on a Thursday night, and the place was hopping.  They take reservations so I suggest calling ahead, especially if you have a larger party.

I ordered the Fattoush Salad with added salmon, and it was delicious.  The salad consisted of spinach, cucumber, tomato, olives, feta, pita chips, and a sumac vinaigrette.  The olives and feta both added a briny element to contrast the cool cucumber and tomatoes, and the pita chips provided a necessary crunch.  The salmon was cooked perfectly at medium rare, and flaked apart when I cut into it.  As a side note, the truffle fries are a definite must.  Cook has a whole section of “Snacks” that are perfect to order and share with the table.

Lastly, for dessert I had the cheesecake bites.  Two frozen squares of cheesecake were enrobed in a chocolate shell with a chocolate chip cookie crust.  The cheesecake was very light, and did not have that strong of a flavor, which made it almost taste like ice cream.

Cook is a wonderful place to go to with friends.  Not only is the food delicious, but the menu is also expansive, so everyone will find something to order.  The environment is energetic and vibrant, and the staff are welcoming from the start.  Definitely give it a go.

 

Smoked Salmon Avocado Sandwich

The recent warm weather has reminded me of brighter days and I can’t believe February is wrapping up.  Although March can be a tricky month, it usually passes by quickly, and then we are finally finished with winter!  This sandwich is a light delicious meal, perfect for lunch and/or dinner.  The pink and green colors shout spring to me and brighten up the plate.  I realize smoke salmon is either loved or despised, so feel free to substitute with a different protein if you aren’t feeling it.

Smoked Salmon Avocado Sandwich (sorry for pretty relaxed proportions, you do you on this one!)

Toasted pumpernickel bread

Smoked Salmon

Capers

Spinach

Guacamole

Place the spinach on top of the toasted bread.  Then dollop on the guacamole.  Add the salmon and then sprinkle with capers.  I prefer this to be an open faced sandwich.  Enjoy the last week of February!