[Scotland on a Budget]

Ifyou are in Edinburgh ona Saturday,go to the farmers market on castle terrace - don't miss Trusty Crust organic bakery stall and the Konditormeister - a wonderful german bakery stall. Go to Plaisir du Chocolat on Canongate and share a slice of their wonderful chocolate gateau - a slice is too big for one person. Go to Demijohn on Victoria Street to try lots of different liqueurs, gins, vodkas from the UK and vinegars and olive oils.

As to restaurants - I agree with the Doric, but also try b'est on 16, Drummond St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH8 9TX, Tel: 0131 556 6040 - very good value 3-course meal for £14.95. Have lunch at the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street - soup and cheese scone for £3.95

[Bringing Stilton back to the States]

I'd suggest packing them in your suitcase - that way it will keep really cold in the hold!

By the way, there is a useful guide as to what you can bring back at

http://help.customs.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cf...3364936&p_sid=R

I've brought Stilton home to NY in the past from Harrod's in London. It was packed in a well chilled porcelain container and stayed cool for the entire trip home and we now have a lovely container to keep our blue cheeses in the fridge here. I imagine any apilco type porcelain container would work and you could even use a larger one with a freezer pack in and/or around it to keep it extra cool.

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[L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabenel, Arles]

There is just one sitting. Not sure how far in advance you have to book - there are only about 36 covers, so as long as possible?

[L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabenel, Arles]

This restaurant was definitely one of the highlights of our stay in France. By chance we were told about it by Benedcite who had done a “stage” with Jean Luc on the Friday, and by an even greater stroke of luck got a table on a Sunday night.

The formula is simple. Up to 20 dishes served "tapas style" for a set price of 50 euros with no choice. We lost count after about 16. The two waiting staff are passionate about the dishes which are presented with a flourish and a mouth-watering description. You can even peak into the kitchen by means of a TV monitor to see what is going on. Inside the restaurant is white, with touches of red and black in vases or plates with about 36 covers. Outside wooden benches

Jean Luc Rabanel visits his garden (3 hectares) each day to see what is fresh, this then inspires the menu. We thought at the beginning, how could we eat so many dishes and not get too full or overwhelmed. The pictures probably speak for themselves. I urge you to go visit, but book first!

L’atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel

7 rue de Carmes

13200 Arles

04 90 91 07 69

jlr@cuisinetc.com

Here are some of our pictures, please excuse lighting on some of them.

Tuna confit. Cooked long and slow to a pate consistency.

A selection of the freshest vegetables on toast with a light dressing. Including courgettes, radish, caulifloer, celeriac, pepper, rose petals

I am still dreaming about this one. Carrots with a very light batter studded with cumin seeds, just cooked inside. Either sweet and sour or soy dressing. Don't you just love the dishes they are served in too?

Gazpacho. Tomato with a kick, a smoky flavour with chile? Thick and creamy. Served with a tiny baguette tomato and parmesan flavoured.

Spring Salad. "Leaves" of beetroot curled round and round, with a filling of rocket and parmesan. Served with beetroot jelly and nasturtium flowers which we instructed to eat giving a peppery flavour.

Marinated tuna, served on asparagus beans (?) and toasted hazelnuts. Marinaded in xeres, soy and balsamic vinegar

A "ravioli" stuffed with spinach, in a rich onion broth, served with peas and borage flower.

Artichoke heart with the stalk retained so you could dip into the sauce "barigoule" served with courgette flower and jambon de serano.

Tuna tepanyaki, seared on one side, served with sauted potatoes and onions. Yes, more tuna, but each tasted so different!

Lamb: (No image) Grilled lamb, roasted shallot, garlic, aubergine, rich jus. Dare I say not as tasty as Scottish lamb!

Cheese course with salad - we missed this out.

Desserts - Oh my goodness!

A deconstructed tiramisu, biscuity on bottom, creamy on top

Another triumph, sweet potato in a sweet batter which you dipped into passionfruit foam.

Pure and simple, roasted apricot, lavender honey and almonds

Lemon fromage frais ice cream, licorice stick and brandy snap lid

Chocolate crips, mini chocolate cake with a sweet sauce - probably the least successful, rather too sweet.

Two very happy people are still dreaming of this evening

[Potatoes!]

We've been slowly eating our way through the range of potatoes that Carrolls produce, most of which are heritage potatoes. I must say my husband's chips made with British Queen potatoes cannot be beaten. That wonderful crispness on the outside, and just the right amount of flouriness outside mmmm

http://www.heritage-potatoes.co.uk/

[Konstam and Konstam at the Prince Albert]

BBC2 from 5th June at 6.30 pm, 5 programmes on how Oliver Rowe has set up Cafe Konstantin in London

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/tv_and_radio/urbanchef_index.shtml

[Konstam and Konstam at the Prince Albert]

It's mentioned in the current issue of Restaurant Magazine with much mention of the decor, in particular the 100km of chains that connect the light fittings with the windows! It also comments on the brave decision to have so many English wines on a short menu.

[Thoughts on Soul of a Chef: UK/US Differences]

I too enjoyed Soul of Chef. It made me think about how I cook.

Since it was written nearly 10 years ago, I would love to know what it is like at the CIA now - there were inklings it was changing.

[Wedding venues with good food]

Have you thought of Edinburgh? Have a look at the Royal College of Physicians.

http://www.rcpe.ac.uk/conferencing/weddings.pdf

They have a panel of external caterers including the Perfect Palate who create exquisite food. www.theperfectpalate.co.uk

I will declare my interest as I work with them both, but I assure you there is feedback from some very discerning people to prove the quality!

[Mail order Tea?]

Try the tea spot for bush tea!

http://www.theteaspot.co.uk/

[Scotland]

I would suggest Martin Wishart in Edinburgh, there are those that prefer his cooking over Andrew Fairlie (he has one Michelin star)

Two things,

DO have the tasting menu and don't eat for a long while in advance so you can include the cheese trolley (more than 20 cheeses to try) and

Have the violet liqueur champagne cocktail

The service is great, the staff lovely - enjoy http://www.martin-wishart.co.uk/entrance.html

You can then take a short walk and sample the Malts at the Scotch Whisky Society (I volunteer as the friendly member to sign you in!)

[Lyon]

FWIW, I went to cooking school in Lyon.

I'd love to know more about the cooking school ..

[Dark Chocolate in UK: James Chocolate?]

Check out Plaisir du Chocolat based in the Scottish Borders. The flavours are to die for each topped with a work of art! Each one has been inspired by a place that their creator Bertrand Espouy has visited.

http://www.plaisirduchocolat.com/products/couture

[Lyon]

We've not got as far as decided where to stay and I know it's off topic, but suggestions gratefully received. Love the idea of an appartment ..

Thanks so much for the comparison on the restaurants, just the sort of thing to get me going! Are the older posts still valid on recommendations would you say?

I'd prefer just a day/morning course I think!

Thanks again!

[Lyon]

I'm planning a trip to Lyon in June and have been reading the various threads on restaurants etc. and would love to get your thoughts. I'll have 4 to 5 days to explore.

I hope you don't mind a few questions!

I'd particularly like to see food being prepared such as bread or patisserie and maybe do some cooking for myself!

Are there any food tours of the city?

I've come across a cooking course with Jean-Yves Johany. Has anyone spent some time with him?

We've two one-starred Michelin restaurants in Edinburgh of which I love, Martin Wisharts (www.martin-wishart.co.uk), he uses the finest local ingredients with a light touch. Which Michelin starred restaurant should I choose to compare?

Many thanks!

[Edinburgh Recommendations]

Sorry realise my original message only had half the information in it! I'll try again.

Breakfast: Olive Branch - Just off city centre

http://www.list.co.uk/restaurants/edinburg...4,wolive+branch

Lunch: Urban Angel - Fairtrade, organic and really delicious food (esp. home made icecream)

http://www.list.co.uk/restaurants/edinburg...34,wurban+angel

Dinner: Martin Wishart - one of two Michelin starred restaurants in Edinburgh

http://www.martin-wishart.co.uk/entrance.html

Do have the tasting menu!

The Scotch Malt Whisky society has a great restaurant - you need to be a member to attend, but we could help I am sure http://www.smws.co.uk/venues/queen_st.php

Lots of great food stores to visit too. Let me know if you need more info.

Danielle Ellis

www.discoverthetaste.com

[Edinburgh Recommendations]

Winter in Edinburgh, where to go for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

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The link for the list is http://www.list.co.uk !

[Two Thousand and Six]

I'd like to eat my way round all the Michelin starred restaurants in Scotland (although this might see me taking out a mortgage to do so!)

BBC Radio 4 Food programme and Farming Today have two families who are going to only eat food in season this year - intriguing but is it feasible?

[Cookery class or similar in San Diego Area]

Thank you SO much! I will let you know how I get on - and hopefully my experiences will appear in the newsletter.

Wishing you a Happy Hogmanay (New Year)

[Cookery class or similar in San Diego Area]

I write a couple of foodie newsletters here in Scotland. I am visiting my Aunt in Escondido from 12 to 19 January. At this late notice, is there any chance of taking a cookery class or perhaps visiting a restaurant to meet the chef or visiting a farmers market, fish market ....I'll be dining out and exploring on my own, so any suggestions very welcome. I will have a car. Many thanks!

[Market Culture]

Thanks all. I agree with your points. I know that some of the market holders have been trying to get the organisers to consider evening openings etc.

My rant will be in the Edinburgh Evening News sometime this next week.

[Market Culture]

I've been asked to write a piece for a local newspaper on "market culture" - more people chosing to shop in markets rather than supermarkets.

Here in Scotland there appears to be little tradition of markets in recent times. Farmers' markets have taken off and indeed many small producers survive because of their success. Coming from England, I was used to local (mixed) markets and was suprised not to find their equivalent here.

I know I am asking the already converted, but do you think there is a move to market shopping in general or is it just well travelled people who love their food that are the buyers . My sense is that there is a shift, due to a combination of factors.

What do you think?

[Cheap eats/inexpensive restaurants]

My daughter is celebrating her birthday (24) in Paris for 4 days with her boyfried in November. She is on a tight budget. She's staying near Gare du Nord.

It's ages since I have been to Paris, and am not sure where to suggest she should go. Could you recommend places to eat? Would she better eating at lunchtime? She loves all sorts of food and eats practically anything.

Very many thanks

[London on Sunday]

Good food would be great - I've had some great meals with her in California, but not ultra expensive!

[London on Sunday]

I'm meeting a friend flying in from California, at the end of October. We have just one chance to eat out on a Sunday night. Any suggestions for something light and tasting within reasonable distance of Paddington?

Many thanks