An Edible Voyage

November 2020 I'm a real fan of oysters - that refreshing saltiness that's like no other, like gulping down a breath of sea air.  When I lived in Melbourne, one of my guilty pleasures was go to the South Melbourne Market and choose myself a couple of $1 oysters to eat then and there, standing at the market stall.  So when I saw a sign for The Oyster Shed in Carbost, I had to check it out.   Paul opened The Oyster Shed in 2012, selling the oysters which he farms in Loch Harport to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy fresh Hebredian seafood.  As well as oysters, there's a wide variety of both hot and cold seafood and fish to enjoy there, perched around the occasional tables.  Grab a plate and stand outside, looking over the loch with the breeze in your hair as you savour the freshest local produce. There's also a deli style shop with an enticing display of bisques, pates, smoked and fresh fish, and some basics such as Arborio rice so you can rustle up a de...

July 2020 For a fish lover, Pinney's in Orford is a little slice of heaven.  Here they have smokehouses, smoking fish that is sustainable caught, and landed at Butley Creek, a stones throw from the shop.  Stock up on a whole range of smoked fish, pates and accompaniments, there's a fresh fish counter too.  I highly recommend the smoked mackerel.  Ready to eat, it has a distinctive smoky flavour, a rich texture, and a subtle sweetness, making a delicious on the go snack, gourmet picnic or al fresco feast served with colourful salads. Find Pinney's down by Butley Creek in Orford.  They also sell oysters.

June 2020 I have lived in and around Oxford for several years, and, on many occasions, friends have mentioned the Aldens fish market to me but I seem to always forget when I'm in the area.  Having coincidentally walked passed it last week, I vowed to make a weekend trip.  There is certainly no shortage of fish, the majority of which is from the British south coast.  Alongside plaice, sole, tuna and oysters, were some sea trout steaks which I don't believe I've ever tried before.  I cooked this huge, meaty steak stuffed with coriander butter and finished with lemon juice and parsley.  Find Aldens on Osney Mead, oxford.  They also sell locally brewed beer, wine, vegetables, seaweed, smoked fish and store cupboard ingredients, as well as fish and chips cooked to order.