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Saffron in Springfield

Introducing myself.....
On Sunday evening I went to the cinema to watch the Simpson's movie. It was great fun, especially Homer with his new friend Spiderpig! So, this is me in the Simpson's world!
www.simpsonmovie.com

Inverness: K's Tea Room and Hootananny Ceilidh Cafè Bar

Inverness is the Higlands capital, a little modern city, rich of museums, a Jacobite Castle, a river and shops, resturant and pubs.
We stayed at "The Alexander" , an elegant b&b along the river Ness. Mr. Nisbet welcomed us with kindness and suggested to choose every evening our menu for the breakfast. A very big breakfast: we could choose between full Scottish breakfast, salmon and scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, cups of redberry, blueberry, juices, coffee, tea and many more.
We could easily carry on with our tour until late afternoon without eating anything else!Returning to Inverness after a trip to Loch Ness, we were a bit sad because Nessie din't show up, so we went to the Victorian Arcade. This is a Victorian shop with jeweleries, gift shops, collector shops and a Tea room: K's. It's a little shop in 2 floors. All the tables have different tablecloths and pottery The waitresses wear black uniforms with white apron. You can eat fresh sadwiches, various scones stored in this pantry mouthwatering cakes, juices and, obviously, tea!I chose this perfect White Chocolate Cheesecake.
At night, after the dinner we went to the most famous pub of Inverness: The Hootananny.

Here you can drink great beers while listening to the top Scottish musicians. We attended the Sarah Macbeth show. She was amazing and we enjoyed very much the night.
HOOTANANNY INVERNESS
61 Church Street, Inverness. IV1 1ES
(the pictures of Hootannany are from www.hootananny.com)

Italian version here!

The Oak Tree Inn: Loch Lomond

I carry on with my travel in Scotland! Another stop was in Loch Lomond. It represents the largest surface area of fresh water Loch in the UK and has got the best surroundings.
We spent our day in the little village of Balmaha, on the right river of the loch.
In the morning we walked on Conic Hill across fairy trees and torrents. Suddenly we met a little deer, unfortunately I hadn' t enough time to take a picture!
Then we went to the pier to see the Loch.
It was so relaxing! Then it was time for lunch and we went straight to the "Oak Tree Inn". Obviously I chose to come to Balmaha for this restaurant. I read so many good reviews about it that I couldn't miss it!
The "Oak Tree Inn" stands in the shade of a 500 years old oak tree and Sarah and Lucy Fraser are the owners.
They serve fresh food with recipe of the Scottish tradition. We were quite curiuos about the Atlantic Char. It is both a freshwater and saltwater fish in the Salmonidae family, native to Arctic, sub-Arctic and alpine lakes and coastal waters. No other freshwater fish is found as far north. It is one of the rarest fish species in Britain, found only in deep, cold, glacial lakes, mostly in Scotland.The Atlantic char is closely related to both salmon and trout and has many characteristics of both.
So when we ordered our lunch we asked for Artic char and...look how it looks delicious!
It was very tasty without useless sauce but with fresh vegetables. Great choice!
And then was time for dessert, time for my favourite British cake, Banoffee Pie, perfectly made by the Fraser Ladies.
We ate in the Bar room, covred with the wood of and old elm and with a big fireplace in the centre.
I wish I could go there again, maybe in winter when outside it's snowing and you can relax in front of the fireplace! Maybe one day...
The Oak Tree Inn
Balmaha
Loch Lomond G63 0JQ
Tel: 01360 870357
Fax: 01360 870350
Italian Version here!

Glasgow and Charles Rennie Mackintosh

When in Glasgow, we decided to spend our lunch times visiting and eating in two of the most important buildings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
He was a designer and architect born in 1868 and died in 1928. He studied in Glasgow School of Art and, together with Margaret Mc Donald (his future wife), her sister Frances and James Herbert McNair, created the "Glasgow Style".
His ispiration cames from Art Nouveau and Japanese style together with the Scottish Tradition. It's quite easy to find his distinctive signs while walking down the streets of Glasgow.
During his life he worked also for Kate Cranston, the most generous patron.
He created interiors for her and two tea rooms, the Willow's, one in Sauchiehall Street and another in Buchanan Street. So, during our walk in central Glasgow, we stopped at "The Willow Tea Room" in Sauchiehall Street. If you happen to be there, I suggest you to try one of the delicious cakes made every day by the staff.
Inside every piece of furniture makes you feel like in 1910.
The Room de Luxe is the main attraction with its silver furniture and mirrors.
The following day we visited "The House of an Art Lover"
Mackintosh made this project in 1901 for a German competition. He submitted his work too late so he was disqualified from the competition. Maybe he could have won!
He hadn't the chance to see his project come true. The house has been completed in 1996 in Bellahouston Park.
All the distinctive signs of the Mackintosh's style have been represented in the house.



After the visit we spent lunch time in the restaturant at the first floor,a relaxing white room with a view of the garden.
We chose the "Soup of the day" and I decided for "Trout with Sauted Juniper and Kumquat Potatoes"
while Pepper chose "Roasted Topside of Lamb, Sardalaisse Potato with Green Lentils and Smoked Bacon".
Nice place, nice food!
Italian Version here!

The perfect Fish and Chips. “The Ashvale Fish Restaurant”.

When in Aberdeen, the first place we wento to was "Ashvale Fish Restaurant".
The time was perfect for a good lunch, maybe a bit late...3 p.m.
We knew this place for the mazing reviews I found in magazines and tour guides.
It seem that Mr. John M. Low opened this restaurant in 1985. His dream was to give Aberdeen, famous for his qaulity fish, the first traditional fish and chips restaurant.
He just wanted to buy daily fresh fish and cook it in a special batter recipe: good quality and right price.
He achieved his aim: the "Ashvale" has had a huge success since its opening and has been awarded for many years as the best fish and chips restaurant in Scotland.
I ordered the "Fisherman Feast" while P. chose "Haddock and chips"
Eating this fish was a great experience, the batter was very crunchy, not oliy nor smelly (typical when the ingredients are bad!). All perfect! We drunk Saint Andrew's beer. Unfortunately there wasn't any room left for my daily slice of cake! But it was worth it!

Ashavale Fish Restaurant
42- 48 Great Western Road
Aberdeen

Italian Version here!

Greetings from Scotland

As I told you one month ago, Pepper and I went to Scotland for our holiday!
It was so amazing: 1.500 km touring by car from Glasgow to Loch Lomond, Inverness, Loch Ness, Aberdeen, Saint Andrews and Edinburgh.
Here we are with some pictures of our holiday.
Enjoy it!
Inverness...
....Aberdeen....
...Urquhart Castle...
...Edinburgh....
....Nessie...
...Loch Lomond...
...Glasgow.

Italian Version here!!

Saffron and Pepper in English

I don't know why, but every year in September I think of my life and I feel ready to start new projects and make changes.
So, I decide to open this blog only in English.
Maybe it will be a good way to improve my skills in English!
Have a nice week!
Italian Version here!!!!