An Edible Voyage

April 2021 For a town as small as Lerwick, I didn't expect to come across a place as exciting as Island Larder.  Working with sustainable producers who use the highest quality of ingredients, the deli showcases the best of Scottish food and drink, alongside which they make their own artisan fudge, chocolate and ice cream.  The ice cream is definitely one not to miss! Whatever the weather, even if it means having to have a hot drink afterwards to warm up, it's a must try.  Made in the building with 100% Shetland milk and cream, flavours change with the seasons and the maker's mood! I tried the incredible chilli chocolate which was so intensely dark and not at all sickly, with just a hint of chilli to balance the richness.   Even the hot chocolate goes the extra mile with the marshmallows torched to order. If it's something savoury you're after, choose from gourmet fish finger butties with the freshest local haddock in the crispest batter, daily changing soup, or ...

May 2020 Niall Keating.  The name may ring a bell...  The much celebrated winner of the Great British Menu 2020 and the Executive Chef of The Dining Room at the exclusive Cotswolds manor house, Whatley Manor.  This is the brain behind the Paradise Carriage, a converted trailer food truck which he used to deliver meals to key workers during the Covid lockdown around his home town or Stoke on Trent, before taking it to Whatley Manor to act as a drive through, gourmet style.   The menu changes weekly and fellow chefs make guest appearances to host pop up nights.  The food is comforting, using the simplest of ingredients but of the finest quality, think the humble kebab elevated to the highest of levels.   I sampled the anything but plain fish finger sandwich.  Melt in the mouth, juicey Cornish turbot in the crispest of batter with tangy gherkin and lemon mayonnaise and peppery watercress, bursting from a rich brioche roll.  Finge...