Yesterday we went the the first day of the Cowal Gathering in Dunoon and travelled there in the Waverley Paddle Steamer.
Walking up to the Gathering, we passed through the main high street (Argyll Street) and spotted the Swallow Café which was advertising home-made Italian ice cream. This was a welcome sight because they were not on my list and we were looking for a coffee shop and what better way to introduce ourselves to Dunoon fayre than with an ice cream and a coffee.
We ordered a small scoop of vanilla and a latte each and were served quite a large portion of ice cream. The ice cream was delicious: very sweet and creamy. It had a very similar taste to the ice cream we had tasted in Greenock just a couple of days before. A good coffee always goes well with an ice cream especially when the weather is not quite as warm or sunny as you would hope.
When I was growing up in the 1960s and 1970s cappuccinos and lattes were unheard of in the Italian cafés in the West of Scotland but most good establishments had an Italian coffee machine with the ability to brew fresh coffee and steam milk and would serve "frothy coffee" which I think most closely resembles a modern-day latte. So whenever the weather demands it, the combination of latte and ice cream is perfect providing a ying and yang experience: the hot and the cold, the bitter and the sweet. Together they are a marriage made in heaven.
The Swallow was quite busy and seemed to have quite a few local customers as well as tourists visiting the Gathering like us and it was lovely to see a traditional café which had been well maintained over the years. This was probably due to the American Naval Base near Dunoon between 1961 and 1992 provided a prosperity to the town which insulated it from several recessions and the downturn of daytripping which affected other seaside communities in the West of Scotland.
When we left the Swallow we went across the road to the Dunoon Burgh Hall where they were showing an exhibition on the American Presence. There was a film maker there recording memories and stories from members of the public about their recollections and I was able to tell of my holiday with the Campaigners when we had a trip onboard an American ship.
We then carried on up to the Gathering where we watched some of the Highland Dancing competition. All in all this was a mega day out and the Swallow provided some well-needed refreshments.
Friday, 30 August 2013
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
The Esplanade Café, Greenock
On Thursday we will be setting sail for the Cowal Gathering on the Waverley Paddle Steamer from Custom House Dock, Greenock and Martin wanted to check out the parking. We had looked on the internet and failed to get any response from the Waverley or Inverclyde Tourist Information so there was nothing else to be done but to head up to Greenock to have a look.
I didn't mind because there is an award-winning ice cream establishment there which we still had not tried.
The Esplanade Café does not have any sit in facilities and is not actually on the Esplanade but don't let this put you off because they have a lovely selection of food to go and the esplanade is just around the corner.
We had just eaten before we left so did not have any room for their delicious sounding paninis on other hot food or drinks. They also had a lovely selection of sweet treats.
Although the weather had been a bit dull, the sun came out just as we arrived and we were able to stroll around the corner with our tubs. I was a bit disappointed that the tubs were made of polystyrene which made it environmentally unfriendly but the ice cream itself was sweet and creamy. It was delicious, although I hate to admit that it was slightly too sweet for me. Now if you know me you will understand that this is not something that I would say very often as I have a VERY sweet tooth.
All in all, I loved the experience and the views from the Esplanade are spectacular. Its a pity as we seemed to be the only ones there to appreciate them.
I didn't mind because there is an award-winning ice cream establishment there which we still had not tried.
The Esplanade Café does not have any sit in facilities and is not actually on the Esplanade but don't let this put you off because they have a lovely selection of food to go and the esplanade is just around the corner.
We had just eaten before we left so did not have any room for their delicious sounding paninis on other hot food or drinks. They also had a lovely selection of sweet treats.
Although the weather had been a bit dull, the sun came out just as we arrived and we were able to stroll around the corner with our tubs. I was a bit disappointed that the tubs were made of polystyrene which made it environmentally unfriendly but the ice cream itself was sweet and creamy. It was delicious, although I hate to admit that it was slightly too sweet for me. Now if you know me you will understand that this is not something that I would say very often as I have a VERY sweet tooth.
All in all, I loved the experience and the views from the Esplanade are spectacular. Its a pity as we seemed to be the only ones there to appreciate them.
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
Nardini's, Largs Again
On Sunday my sister and her husband were going "doon the watter" on the Waverley which was our wedding gift to them. Their destination was Arran but their trip set off from the Glasgow Science Centre and amongst other ports of call was due to dock at Largs at lunchtime. In addition to this there was to be the Taste Ayrshire Food Festival at Largs. What better excuse is there for a trip down to the coast for an ice cream at Nardini's.
We got to Largs just in time to rush down the promenade to where the Waverley had docked to wave in the hope that my sister and brother-in-law would see us and after a few frantic text messages we got confirmation that we had been spotted. Unfortunately I could not confirm I had seen them!
Anyway once that had been done and we had wandered around the food festival and bought some tablet and clootie dumpling we had built up an appetite for Nardini's.
We were delighted to discover that they were doing a summertime special of smoked haddock and chips with salad and coleslaw. This was absolutely delicious. We had previously had smoked fish in batter when on holiday in Dublin and had never been lucky enough to find it available here. We can thoroughly recommend it.
For dessert we both decided on ice cream. I plumped for a scoop of double cream vanilla and a scoop of raspberry ripple whilst Martin plumped for vanilla and butter pecan. I can confirm that all three flavours were absolutely delicious.
And the weather? Well who cares about the weather when the Ayshire food is so delicious!
We got to Largs just in time to rush down the promenade to where the Waverley had docked to wave in the hope that my sister and brother-in-law would see us and after a few frantic text messages we got confirmation that we had been spotted. Unfortunately I could not confirm I had seen them!
Anyway once that had been done and we had wandered around the food festival and bought some tablet and clootie dumpling we had built up an appetite for Nardini's.
We were delighted to discover that they were doing a summertime special of smoked haddock and chips with salad and coleslaw. This was absolutely delicious. We had previously had smoked fish in batter when on holiday in Dublin and had never been lucky enough to find it available here. We can thoroughly recommend it.
For dessert we both decided on ice cream. I plumped for a scoop of double cream vanilla and a scoop of raspberry ripple whilst Martin plumped for vanilla and butter pecan. I can confirm that all three flavours were absolutely delicious.
And the weather? Well who cares about the weather when the Ayshire food is so delicious!
Monday, 5 August 2013
Varani's Forum Café
We have spent the last few weeks painting our huge hall, stairs and landing and thought we deserved a break.
We've wanted to visit Knockroon for a while. It is near Cumnock and New Cumnock where Martin's mother's family come from and we thought it was worthwhile to see what they are up to.
Knockroon is an estate of houses being built on the estate of Dumfries House which was rescued by the Prince of Wales. It is being built on similar principles to Poundsbury in Dorset but in the Ayrshire venacular style. We were made very welcome at the visitor centre and encouraged to have a look round. I loved the architecture and the idea behind it all. They are only in phase one, they have got planning permission for 700 houses so they have a long way to go and I guess we will be checking up on their progress over the years.
Anyway after that we drove on to New Cumnock for a quick look before turning right back towards Kilmarnock to visit Varani's Forum Café.
Varani's states that they always have at least 25 flavours available and they did not disappoint with flavours ranging from the classic Raspberry Ripple to Banana with lots of natural and unnatural flavours in between but we both plumped for a small tub of plain vanilla ice.
Unfortunately Varani's does takeaway only so we had to eat on the hoof but the ice cream was to die for so we did not mind too much and outside the shop were plenty of other people who looked like they had travelled some distance for the ice cream and were eating it as soon as they could.
The vanilla had a slight toffee colour and a rich but mild toffee flavour. Varani's state that their vanilla ice cream is 96.5% fat free so I am not sure how they have injected the creaminess but it was delicious and definitely reminded me of the ice cream I grew up with.
We will be back!
We've wanted to visit Knockroon for a while. It is near Cumnock and New Cumnock where Martin's mother's family come from and we thought it was worthwhile to see what they are up to.
Knockroon is an estate of houses being built on the estate of Dumfries House which was rescued by the Prince of Wales. It is being built on similar principles to Poundsbury in Dorset but in the Ayrshire venacular style. We were made very welcome at the visitor centre and encouraged to have a look round. I loved the architecture and the idea behind it all. They are only in phase one, they have got planning permission for 700 houses so they have a long way to go and I guess we will be checking up on their progress over the years.
Anyway after that we drove on to New Cumnock for a quick look before turning right back towards Kilmarnock to visit Varani's Forum Café.
Varani's states that they always have at least 25 flavours available and they did not disappoint with flavours ranging from the classic Raspberry Ripple to Banana with lots of natural and unnatural flavours in between but we both plumped for a small tub of plain vanilla ice.
Unfortunately Varani's does takeaway only so we had to eat on the hoof but the ice cream was to die for so we did not mind too much and outside the shop were plenty of other people who looked like they had travelled some distance for the ice cream and were eating it as soon as they could.
The vanilla had a slight toffee colour and a rich but mild toffee flavour. Varani's state that their vanilla ice cream is 96.5% fat free so I am not sure how they have injected the creaminess but it was delicious and definitely reminded me of the ice cream I grew up with.
We will be back!
Friday, 10 May 2013
Nardini's, Largs
It was a beautiful sunny almost summer's day in Cambuslang so we decided that because it was a special day we would head down to the west coast to enjoy seaside delights at Largs.
Unfortunately by the time we reached Lochwinnoch the weather had turned quite autumnal and by the time we got to Largs it had turned back to winter.
We had another reason for visiting. We wanted to see the graffiti on Kelburn Castle before it is removed. I have to warn you the entrance fee to see the castle is a bit inflated but the graffiti is spectacular and we were both glad that we had gone and hope that they put our money to good use by maintaining the place. The colourful murals certainly brighten up a dull day and I am sure have been a good earner for them to raise the funds to replace the cement render which is damaging the castle structure.
Anyway after Kelburn we arrived in Largs where the wind was blowing and the drizzly rain was threatening to dampen our spirits. We had a quick browse around the town before arriving at Nardini's.
I had the haddock and chips while Martin chose the soup and sandwich combo. My haddock was delicious and came with chips, coleslaw, tartar sauce and salad. I know this sounds like an odd combination especially up here where people appear to be allergic to anything remotely healthy but it was delicious!
Martin enjoyed his minestrone soup which had huge chunks of vegetables but was less impressed with his ham and cheese baguette not least because the grated cheese managed to get everywhere except his mouth and disconcertingly his sandwich did not come with a salad garnish.
Once we were through with the mains, it was time to choose our ice cream desserts. We did consider a Clyde Coast Extravaganza but with 12 scoops of ice cream (between two) we thought this rather excessive. After a lot of deliberation (the waitress tried to take our order on no fewer than three occasions before we made our minds up) we plumped for the old favourites: a Knickerbocker Glory for me and a Banana Split for Martin.
I tried both and they were delicious. My Knickerbocker glory contained the obligatory vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream with fresh (I repeat FRESH) fruit and all the trimmings and I polished off the lot! Martin struggled with his dessert but enjoyed it none the less.
Unfortunately by the time we reached Lochwinnoch the weather had turned quite autumnal and by the time we got to Largs it had turned back to winter.
We had another reason for visiting. We wanted to see the graffiti on Kelburn Castle before it is removed. I have to warn you the entrance fee to see the castle is a bit inflated but the graffiti is spectacular and we were both glad that we had gone and hope that they put our money to good use by maintaining the place. The colourful murals certainly brighten up a dull day and I am sure have been a good earner for them to raise the funds to replace the cement render which is damaging the castle structure.
Anyway after Kelburn we arrived in Largs where the wind was blowing and the drizzly rain was threatening to dampen our spirits. We had a quick browse around the town before arriving at Nardini's.
I had the haddock and chips while Martin chose the soup and sandwich combo. My haddock was delicious and came with chips, coleslaw, tartar sauce and salad. I know this sounds like an odd combination especially up here where people appear to be allergic to anything remotely healthy but it was delicious!
Martin enjoyed his minestrone soup which had huge chunks of vegetables but was less impressed with his ham and cheese baguette not least because the grated cheese managed to get everywhere except his mouth and disconcertingly his sandwich did not come with a salad garnish.
Once we were through with the mains, it was time to choose our ice cream desserts. We did consider a Clyde Coast Extravaganza but with 12 scoops of ice cream (between two) we thought this rather excessive. After a lot of deliberation (the waitress tried to take our order on no fewer than three occasions before we made our minds up) we plumped for the old favourites: a Knickerbocker Glory for me and a Banana Split for Martin.
I tried both and they were delicious. My Knickerbocker glory contained the obligatory vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream with fresh (I repeat FRESH) fruit and all the trimmings and I polished off the lot! Martin struggled with his dessert but enjoyed it none the less.
Scratch Wizgonies off the List
We are clearing some unwanted plants in our garden and needed to use a garden chipper to get rid of the evidence and to cut a long story short we had arranged to pick up an unwanted one from a friend of a friend in Erskine.
As this is on the way to Loch Lomond we thought we would combine it with a day out and an opportunity to try out the ice cream at Wizgonies in Balloch.
After soup and a sandwich at the Waterhouse Inn we walked next door to Wizgonies which rather unusually has teamed up with a hairdressers. But just as we got there we discovered to our horror that they have sourced their ice cream from Porelli's.
Don't get me wrong Porelli's ice cream is very good but we were expecting freshly made ice cream made on the premises. So another one bites the dust.
As this is on the way to Loch Lomond we thought we would combine it with a day out and an opportunity to try out the ice cream at Wizgonies in Balloch.
After soup and a sandwich at the Waterhouse Inn we walked next door to Wizgonies which rather unusually has teamed up with a hairdressers. But just as we got there we discovered to our horror that they have sourced their ice cream from Porelli's.
Don't get me wrong Porelli's ice cream is very good but we were expecting freshly made ice cream made on the premises. So another one bites the dust.
Friday, 19 April 2013
Renaldo's, Ayr
Yesterday we decided to go to Ayr because although it was a bit windy the sun was out! A day at the coast deserves an ice cream so we decided to go to Renaldo's.
Renaldo's makes all their ice cream on the premises and there was a huge selection of flavours.
One of the flavours available was Turkish Delight ice cream which is a flavour I love and remember from a childhood visit to Cyprus. So I had a small tub with two scoops, one of Old Fashioned Vanilla and one of Turkish Delight. Martin stuck to vanilla.
They were making ice cream when we were there and the owner told us his wife is a Chocolatierre and she makes the chocolates upstairs. They looked delicious but I did manage to abstain but only because I had managed to come out without any money and was relying on Martin's generosity!
The vanilla was okay but has quite an unusual colour and flavour. The Turkish Delight was sweet and exotic and just as I like it.
Renaldo's makes all their ice cream on the premises and there was a huge selection of flavours.
One of the flavours available was Turkish Delight ice cream which is a flavour I love and remember from a childhood visit to Cyprus. So I had a small tub with two scoops, one of Old Fashioned Vanilla and one of Turkish Delight. Martin stuck to vanilla.
They were making ice cream when we were there and the owner told us his wife is a Chocolatierre and she makes the chocolates upstairs. They looked delicious but I did manage to abstain but only because I had managed to come out without any money and was relying on Martin's generosity!
The vanilla was okay but has quite an unusual colour and flavour. The Turkish Delight was sweet and exotic and just as I like it.
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Nominate Your Favourite Scottish Ice Cream Parlour
The Daily Record and Waverley Bakery (Cone manufacturers) want to find Scotland's Best Loved Ice Cream Parlour.
I am still contemplating which Ice Cream Parlour to nominate (Colpi's, Nardini's, the University Café, Mancini's and so many more).
Nominate your own favourite here.
I am still contemplating which Ice Cream Parlour to nominate (Colpi's, Nardini's, the University Café, Mancini's and so many more).
Nominate your own favourite here.
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Cavani's, Saltcoats (West End Café)
We visited Cavani's on Friday on a rare visit to Saltcoats (where I lived between the 1968 and 1985).
I had promised Martin a trip to the coast and Saltcoats seemed like an idea.
We decided to go to Cavani's because the last time we went to the Melbourne.
Martin ordered a baked potato and I have the Mac and Cheese with Chips. My dinner was a huge portion of pasta and a huge plate of chips. Unfortunately though, despite looking delicious the cheese was tasteless and I had to add salt, (which I normally don't) pepper and finally (in desperation) some ketchup to boost the flavour.
There was a sign on the window saying that they made their own ice cream on the premises, so we decided to have a small vanilla ice each. I was really disappointed. I don't think they could have been using the original recipe and the colour seemed a bit yellowy and not the lovely creamy colour that I remember. And the biggest of insults was the wafer which was clearly STALE.
A stroll round the town showed us that the Café Melbourne has had its old name reinstated. We did not linger long enough to see if the menu had been reinstated as well. We also found that Moroni's in Countess Street had closed down and there was no trace of Gonella's Ice Cream shop in Dockhead Street.
This mecca for quality ice cream establishments and cafés has lost a lot of its attractions over the years. This is such a shame but I suppose an inevitable result of Salcoats losing its attraction as a seaside resort.
I had promised Martin a trip to the coast and Saltcoats seemed like an idea.
We decided to go to Cavani's because the last time we went to the Melbourne.
Martin ordered a baked potato and I have the Mac and Cheese with Chips. My dinner was a huge portion of pasta and a huge plate of chips. Unfortunately though, despite looking delicious the cheese was tasteless and I had to add salt, (which I normally don't) pepper and finally (in desperation) some ketchup to boost the flavour.
There was a sign on the window saying that they made their own ice cream on the premises, so we decided to have a small vanilla ice each. I was really disappointed. I don't think they could have been using the original recipe and the colour seemed a bit yellowy and not the lovely creamy colour that I remember. And the biggest of insults was the wafer which was clearly STALE.
A stroll round the town showed us that the Café Melbourne has had its old name reinstated. We did not linger long enough to see if the menu had been reinstated as well. We also found that Moroni's in Countess Street had closed down and there was no trace of Gonella's Ice Cream shop in Dockhead Street.
This mecca for quality ice cream establishments and cafés has lost a lot of its attractions over the years. This is such a shame but I suppose an inevitable result of Salcoats losing its attraction as a seaside resort.
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