CRAIG Wilson, the Kilted Chef, officially launched his ‘Love of Aberdeenshire’ film series as part of the Provenance Festival last night (Thursday 5th October 2023). Cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, joined Craig at a very special Kilted Chef Supper Club, celebrating Aberdeenshire’s larder, at Eat on the Green last night.
As regional food tourism ambassador for Scotland Food & Drink, Craig has played a key role in raising Scotland’s profile as a global food tourism destination, over the last two years. To share his passion for food and showcase the fantastic suppliers and companies in the food and drink sector in Aberdeenshire, Craig embarked on a tour of the area from Deeside to Peterhead and Stonehaven to Huntly. He visited over twenty establishments during his tour and spoke to the people behind the businesses, to find out more about the methods and practices used to create delicious produce from land and sea.
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The films were premiered as part of the Provenance Festival, which runs until Sunday 8thOctober, and a taster of what the series will include is available to watch and download on the Kilted Chef You Tube channel https://youtu.be/-7dFu-UTiKw and on facebook and instagram. As part of the launch, local podcaster Colin Fraser, AKA the Food Hoover hosted a Q&A with Craig about the film as part of his ‘Dishin’ It’ food and drink show.
Craig Wilson, chef and owner of Eat on the Green commented: “My Love of Aberdeenshire Food Tour has been a year in the making. It showcases a handpicked selection of local businesses, telling their story in their own environment, and giving a behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to create the outstanding produce found here in the north east.
“Our natural environment is perfect for creating some of the best beef, homegrown fruits and vegetables to fresh fish, whisky and yoghurt and my aim is to share my passion for food and encourage people to discover what’s on their doorstep. The film series will also give the audience an appreciation of the hard work, attention to detail and commitment these businesses put in to delivering great produce.
“Food tourism is an essential part of the local economy, and the ‘Love of Aberdeenshire’ series will offer visitors to the area an easy to follow ‘trail’ which they can follow and eat their way around, making food memories whilst they go. There is no better experience than eating fresh fish on a pebble beach or enjoying a handmade cheese and local chutney with a picnic in the glorious countryside. It is these moments which make visits to this area different and special. I am excited to share the films with our guests during the Provenance Festival, which is a real celebration of North East food and drink, so the perfect timing for our launch.
“We also held our first ever Kilted Chef Secret Kitchen Garden Market in our outdoor marquee, where visitors could browse and buy from a selection of businesses including Seidear, Zingy Tingy Beetroot, North Mains Farm Shop, Bannerman Butcher, Peterhead Fish Company, Ythan Bakery, Dip and Pure Decadence by Loch Aurora with their handmade fudge, mallow and tablet.”
Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland is the source of some of the finest food and drinks products in the world. This is due to both the availability of high quality, fresh ingredients as well as the passion and expertise of our producers.
“The food and drinks sector in Aberdeenshire is no exception. The variety and quality of produce here is truly remarkable – products that are enjoyed not only by myself but by millions across the globe.
“I’d like to thank Craig for his work as one of our regional food ambassadors for the North East. His enthusiasm to showcase the best that Aberdeenshire has to offer has never dimmed and has contributed massively to making Aberdeenshire a world renowned food destination.”
Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Craig is extremely enthusiastic about showcasing Aberdeenshire produce and has been a fantastic ambassador over the last couple of years. It is brilliant to see the Love of Aberdeenshire series launch, and I hope it will encourage more people to discover the fantastic food and drink available across the region.”
The Kilted Chef Supper Club was launched in June 2022 and puts the spotlight on a different food and drink producer, sharing their story and produce with guests during the evening. More than fifty Supper Clubs have been held and the menu features seasonal, Aberdeenshire produce for £45 per person, including canapes and freshly baked bread.
Eat on the Green is a fine-dining restaurant based in the village of Udny Green, Aberdeenshire. Open Thursday – Sunday, for further information or to book a table visitwww.eatonthegreen.co.uk. For further information about the Eat on the Green Dine at Home restaurant box visit www.kiltedchefdineathome.com.
