An Edible Voyage

November 2020 Doughnuts seem to have suddenly become a thing.  I'm sure a few years ago they were restricted to the sugar sprinkled rings or jam oozing balls from supermarket bakery counters or fairs.  Now places are vying for the best - the more outrageous the flavour combination, or elaborate the decoration, the better it seems. Perk in Inverness is fully on board with this latest trends.  6 flavours each month, usually with a vegan offering, ranging from simple but perfectly executed cinnamon dusted rings, pillowy and warm from the fryer, to decadent Kinder inspired hazelnut ganache inside a doughnut that's topped with white chocolate, hazelnut crumble and a stick of Bueno.  There's usually at least one fruity offering, as well as something to satisfy even the most adventurous, like the Breakfast of Champions maple and bacon doughnut.   Coffee is from the Dear Green coffee roasters in Glasgow, and there is also a menu of crispy toasties with a variety of...

June 2020 Bakey and chocolaterie, can you get a better combination?!  Nestled in amongst the historical buildings of the picturesque, coastal village of Orford in Suffolk is Pump Street Bakery.  The counter bursts with both sourdough and yeasted bread, baguettes, baked goods and pastries, as well as their own made chocolate.   I arrived at opening time to find there was already a long queue and I quickly found out why.  Having devoured the Bear Claw - flaky, perfectly laminated pastry filled with gooey, nutty almond paste, and a great flat white, I queued up for round 2! The highlight was the pillowy doughnut filled with sweet but refreshing rhubarb jam.  It really was like eating the most delicious cloud. The chocolate selection is as equally exciting, with beans sourced from all over the world.  My all time favourite bar is the 72% Solomon Islands which really tastes of baked banana.  I'm also very excited to try th...

June 2020 On Iffley Road there sits an unassuming cafe; one that I had never noticed.  I searched it out after a friend mentioned the delicious food, excellent coffee, and lovely light, airy setting with a garden out the back.  It's now my favourite breakfast in Oxford.  A short menu means that every dish is executed to an exceptional standard.  I love the concept of Eton mess pancakes with crunchy meringue shards and mint syrup, and sourdough French toast with elderflower custard and roasted gooseberries sounds heavenly.   My favourite dish so far is the Full Silvie.  Not usually a huge fan of the Full English, I was a little sceptical, but it turned out to be one of my all time best breakfasts.  Sausage meat wrapped in bacon, and cheddar and greens toasted loaf both looked heavy going but were actually deliciously light, and the fennel seed roasted tomatoes and mushrooms added a whole new flavour dimension.  I believe it's the sign ...