All posts by johnross

Fun, festivities and fine food

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Now, if that headline isn’t enough to make you read on then we don’t know what will. After all, what out of those three categories is not to like?

The good news is that for this month, visitors to the UK’s capital will be able to enjoy all three, at the same time and in abundance. Why? Because the London Restaurant Festival is taking place from 1 – 31st October.

The event, which promises to be a ‘citywide celebration of eating out’, has been created to raise the profile of eating establishments throughout the city that are involved in – and have been acknowledged for – keeping foodies happy.

From Michelin-starred mavericks through to local bistros, the festival wants October to be a passport to London’s finest cooking – and let’s face it, in a city that boasts 8.63 million people, there’s plenty of choice.

Now, while we’re huge advocates of what London Restaurant Festival is doing, there seems to be so much going on – from events, tastings and even film – that it’s hard to know where to start: a bit like a menu where you like the sound of every dish (to use a food analogy).

So, to make it simpler, we thought we’d help save you time by giving you access to the restaurants that are participating in – and offering deals as part of – this year’s festival. Not only that, but we’ve also shortlisted our favourites, too.

Oh, and if you do take advantage of the deals and visit any of our favourites, then don’t be surprised if you see – and taste – a familiar brand of smoked salmon.

John Ross Jr’s top 5 London Restaurant Festival contenders

 

  1. The Goring Hotel

 

The hotel’s fantastic restaurant, headed up by Shay Cooper, has just been awarded a Michelin Star. Needless to say its blend of British classics and modern dishes is good. Very good.

 

  1. Babylon at The Roof Gardens

 

Only 100 feet up from the hustle and bustle of Kensington High Street lies what has become one of London’s most impressive restaurants. And it’s not only the food that’s great but the views across London are quite something, too.

 

  1. Outlaw’s Restaurant at The Capital Hotel

 

Outlaw’s Restaurant (headed up by renowned chef Nathan Outlaw) at The Capital Hotel is Michelin Starred and once you’ve had a meal there, you’ll understand why. With a range of stunning dishes created using British-caught fish, this one is close to our hearts.

 

  1. Indigo, One Aldwych

 

Similar to Outlaw’s Restaurant, Indigo has carved a reputation for using seasonal ingredients sourced from the British Isles. A great restaurant in a great part of London.

 Indigo, One Aldwych

  1. Winter Garden at The Landmark

 

This restaurant’s award-winning afternoon teas aren’t the only things that stand out at this notable London eatery. From its prestigious location to its ambitious dishes, Winter Garden is one to put on your list for this month.

 

And for those of you who would like to explore your options, take advantage of the deals and book a table, then you can do it here.

Congratulations, Captain Iglo

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Homemade Fishburger on wooden background

Now, we wouldn’t mind betting that most of you won’t have a clue who Captain Iglo is.

In fact, we didn’t until this month when we a) found out that the 70s and 80s icon, Captain Birdseye, also goes by this name and b) it was the 60th birthday of the fish finger this month.

As a result, we thought we’d acknowledge its birthday and pay tribute to the dish that, over the years, has provided children up and down the UK with a source of enjoyment (and nutrition).

Despite the fact that the fish finger – and Mr Iglo – is associated with another reputable seafood company, some things are bigger than brands. And we think that fish fingers are one of those things (especially when you consider how 28,000 tonnes of fish fingers are sold each year).

But you didn’t think we were going to spend an entire blog congratulating Captain Birdseye and his associated brand on the success of the fish finger, did you?

In fact, we’re going to use the captain’s birthday as an ideal opportunity to provide you with our own fish finger recipe – with a salmon twist, of course. Yes, for those who appreciate the significance of the fish finger yet want to create and enjoy a more refined version, then our Scottish salmon fish finger sandwich is just for you.

Serves 2

Ingredients

  • 5 x tablespoons of plain flour
  • Half the mixture of a beaten egg
  • 50g dried breadcrumbs
  • 2 x skinless John Ross Jr fresh salmon fillets
  • 5 / 2 x tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 x fresh baguette (cut into two sections)
  • Enough iceberg lettuce for each sandwich

For those of you who want to keep it as authentic as possible then the ingredients for the tartar sauce are below. If not, simply use the bought variety.

  • 2 x tablespoons of mayonnaise
  • Half a tablespoon of chopped capers
  • 1 spring onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ pack of tarragon, leaves chopped
  • The juice of ¼ lemon

For the sauce, mix all the ingredients together and place in the fridge until ready to use.

For the sandwich, place the flour, egg and breadcrumbs on their own plates. Season the flour if required then use it to coat each of the salmon fillets. Dip each coated fillet in the egg and then roll in the breadcrumbs. Grill the fillets for 3-4 minutes each side before placing on the fresh bread, garnishing with the lettuce and topping off with tartar sauce.

Here’s to another 60 years of the fish finger.

Healthy packed lunches that pack a punch

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salmon&rocketwrapHealthy packed lunches that pack a punch

The loveable and inimitable Jamie Oliver is back and this time he’s waging war on sugar. And with good reason, too, following evidence that suggests how sugar – and not necessarily fat – is ‘the enemy’ and the true cause of obesity.

In support of his new TV programme, we thought we’d explore healthy packed lunch options in order to help you say ‘so long’ to sugar and ‘good day’ to good (and tasty) food.

If you’re responsible for making packed lunches, whether it’s for you at work or your children at school, then you’ll probably agree that it’s all too easy to pick the processed option such as crisps, biscuits and chocolate – if only for the fact that they’re pre-packed and easy to throw in to any lunch box.

Whilst these two options might not be as easy to prepare, we think they’re tastier. They’re certainly healthier than your standard cheese sarnie, too!

So, if you’re in need of a little inspiration when it comes to healthy packed lunches then this might just be for you.

Lunch option 1

Smoked salmon, lentil and rocket salad

Prior to the days of pre-cooked lentils and pulses, a lentil-based dish wouldn’t have been an easy option. Now, they’re available straight out the packet and ready to eat.
You can even make this the night before to save time in the morning.

  • 170g lentils of your choice (we’d suggest Puy)
  • 2 x limes (juice and zest)
  • 3x teaspoons of olive oil
  • Small bunch of chopped dill
  • 100g Traditional Smoked Salmon, cut into 3cm squares
  • Small bunch of rocket leaves

Mix the oil, juice, zest, dill and lentils in a bowl (or straight in your lunchbox if preferred). Lay on the smoked salmon and the rocket leaves. If you’re eating it immediately then stir together and enjoy. If you’re eating it the day after then place the lid on top and stir just before eating.

Lunch option 2

Healthy smoked salmon and avocado wraps

  • 1 x wholemeal wheat wrap
  • 100g John Ross Jr smoked salmon
  • 1 x avocado
  • 1 x tablespoon crème fraiche
  • Chopped dill (to taste)
  • 1 x tablespoon wholegrain mustard
  • 1 x small carrot (shredded)
  • 1 x handful of watercress
  • 1 x teaspoon lemon juice

Again, this is perfect to make the night before so that all you need to do in the morning is reach into the fridge and pack it.

Mix together the dill, crème fraiche, dill, avocado and lemon juice to a consistency similar to guacamole. Spread the mixture across the wrap, making sure the whole wrap is covered. Layer the smoked salmon on the wrap before topping with the grated carrot and watercress leaves. Roll, halve and eat (or wrap in foil for the day after).

Long live the Queen

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It’s official. Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, having celebrated over 23,200 days in her role as Queen.

The Queen, and indeed the monarchy, is very special for much of the UK’s population and with good reason, too. As she approaches 90 the Queen remains a constant and someone who so elegantly represents the UK on home turf and overseas.

And, as a Royal Warrant Holder, appointed Fish Merchant and Curer to Her Majesty, we feel that we should reflect on over six decades of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and publicly express how honoured and proud we are to hold this prestigious accolade.

And what better way to celebrate being the longest serving monarch than spending it in Scotland. Admittedly, true to form and as part of her remarkable commitment to the UK, the Queen celebrated the milestone by opening the Scottish Borders Railway.

Whilst we’re not quite six decades old, John Ross Jr has been preparing Scottish Smoked Salmon for over 10,000 days, which we feel is an accolade in itself. Using traditional smoking techniques that unbelievably pre-date Queen Elizabeth II’s reign (and in fact date back to Queen Victoria’s rule) we continue to produce what we believe is the ‘jewel in the crown’ when it comes to smoked salmon.

But enough about us, this week is about the Queen and everything that she represents. So, from everyone at John Ross Jr, we congratulate you, your Majesty, and wish you many more happy and successful years on the throne.

John Ross Jr at Contours of Elegance

Events,

The Palace of Holyroodhouse – The Queen’s official residence in Scotland – is set to welcome the fourth international Contours of Elegance event this year and John Ross Jr is delighted to be featuring on the menu.

The event, running from 4-6 September, will see 60 of the world’s rarest historic cars descend on Edinburgh all in the hope of receiving the title of ‘Best in Show.’

Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bentleys are just some of the iconic brands taking centre stage. They’ll be showcased alongside hundreds of fine motorcars, many of which will be making their first appearance in the UK.

Together with the stunning display of historic cars, visitors can enjoy a range of fine dining opportunities including afternoon tea and a gourmet picnic lunch featuring John Ross Jr products.

The Holyrood chefs have worked hard to develop a great menu including selected John Ross Jr products. Here’s what to expect:

Starter

John Ross Jr smoked chicken salad with smoked pancetta, baby gem lettuce and a parmesan and buttermilk dressing.

Main

Assiette of John Ross Jr smoked fish, including Hot Smoked Trout, Hot Smoked Salmon and the award winning Tea smoked salmon with Lapsang Souchong tea. This will be accompanied by a zesty new potato and chive salad and a charred broccoli and courgette salad, with peas, green beans and a green goddess dressing, all served with rye bread and salted butter.

Dessert

Mixed seasonal berries with lightly whipped cream and shortbread biscuit.

It is set to be an exceptional event attended by car enthusiasts from around the world, all set against the stunning royal backdrop of Holyrood.

For further information about Contours of Elegance, visit their official website.

Smoked salmon starters

Smoked salmon recipes,

Smoked salmon starters are a popular choice at this time of year, particularly with the wedding season underway. But there’s no need to reserve enjoying smoked salmon as a pre-lunch (or dinner) dish for a special occasion. Smoked salmon starters can be enjoyed at any time of year and are ideal for dinner parties, family dining or just as an occasional treat.

Here are a number of smoked salmon starters for you to try:

Smoked salmon with creme fraiche

Ingredients:

  • 100g John Ross Jr smoked salmon
  • 200g sour crème or crème fraiche
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. fresh chives (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp. fresh tarragon (finely chopped)
  • Ground black pepper
  • Fresh brown or multigrain bread cut into quarters

Method:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk the crème fraiche and lemon juice, then set aside and keep chilled.
  2. Place the smoked salmon, thinly sliced, on a platter and sprinkle over some ground black pepper.
  3. Add the chives and tarragon to the crème fraiche mixture and stir.
  4. Serve with the smoked salmon and fresh bread.

 

Smoked Salmon and Lettuce Boats

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cos or Romaine lettuce
  • 1 spring onion
  • 160g John Ross Jr Smoked Salmon
  • ½ an avocado
  • 2 tbsp. cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp. chopped dill
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon zest for garnish

Method:

  1. Pull off the lettuce leaves, wash and leave to dry.
  2. Slice up the spring onion and the avocado into small bite sized pieces and put to one side.
  3. Lay out the lettuce leaves so they form cup or boat like shapes on your chopping board.
  4. Place a small amount of oil in a frying pan, and on a medium heat cook the capers for about a minute until crisp and golden.
  5. In a separate bowl mix the smoked salmon, cream cheese, spring onion, lemon juice and dill.
  6. Divide this mixture among the lettuce leaves, sprinkle with capers and top with the lemon zest for decoration.
  7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Smoked Salmon Hors D’oeuvres

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. creme fraiche
  • 1 tsp. fresh chives (finely chopped)
  • 4 slices smoked salmon
  • Sprinkling of pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Simply mix the creme fraiche, chopped chives and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Divide the mixture into four. Spread each quarter over one slice of smoked salmon.
  3. Roll the smoked salmon tightly and secure with cocktail sticks.
  4. Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife and serve.

What to expect at Cowes Week

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Cowes Week kicks off on Saturday and runs through to the 15th August, where weekend sailors and Olympians will be competing in sailing competitions off the Isle of Wight.

Not only is Cowes Week the most well known sailing regatta in the world but it’s also the longest, with the inaugural event taking place in 1826 (making it 31 years older than our traditional brick kilns!).

As well as the racing there’s a vibrant social scene. You can expect parties, live music, acoustic sessions, entertainers, a wide selection of delicious food and drink and a unique festival atmosphere.

When it comes to dining out, Cowes offers an extensive range of places to visit including tapas bars and seafood restaurants, many offering panoramic views of the sea.

From daily fish specials including smoked salmon, Bembridge crab and lobster to modern European dining with a range of fish, lamb and steak dishes in Cowes old town, there’s a culinary option for everyone.

Many popup bars and restaurants also appear during Cowes Week where you’ll find everything from light snacks to three course meals.

It’s a chance to dine out, relax with friends and enjoy the sight of over a thousand boats all heading out to sea, all set against the stunning backdrop of Cowes.

*For our international readers, Cowes is a sailing port town on The Isle of Wight – a small and picturesque island off the south coast of England.

 

The Great British Bake Off

Food news

It’s that time again! The Great British Bake Off returns to our screens and 12 homebakers once again compete to be crowned the Great British Bake Off’s Best Amateur Baker.

They’ll no doubt be tested to the limits during the process as judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood put them through their paces testing everything from their ability to bake biscuits, pies and tarts to their skills at rolling pastry, creating 3-dimensional desserts and surviving under the pressure of the bake-off tent.

And the nation will look on with a renewed appreciation for home baking and home cooking that will inspire many of us to head into the kitchen and test out our own culinary skills.

If The Great British Bake Off inspires you to get creative in the kitchen, here are some savory recipes you can try, all with a little John Ross Jr. smoked salmon of course.

To test out your pastry rolling skills try this Leek and Smoked Salmon Tart by James Martin. The recipe requires ready-made pastry but you could take the challenge a little further and make your own.

If you’re looking to improve you pie-making skills, try this delicious Smoked Salmon, Dill and Potato Pie from Food.com. The whole recipe can be prepared and cooked in under an hour.

Great British Chefs has a great Whole Wheat and Quinoa Biscuit with Smoked Salmon recipe if you want to turn your hand to baking some savoury biscuits. For a dairy–free version, substitute the cows’ milk and butter in the biscuits for oat milk and coconut oil, and serve without sour cream.

Or simply take some John Ross Jr traditional smoked salmon, select ingredients from your food cupboard and set yourself the task of seeing what you can create with them!

Let us know what you create during Series 6 of The Great British Bake Off over on our Facebook page.

Smoked Salmon and Watercress Rolls

Smoked salmon recipes,

Simple to make and good enough to impress, smoked salmon and watercress rolls make a tasty and light lunchtime snack. Or serve them as party nibbles or canapés. They are perfect during the warmer months as, once prepared, they can be stored in the fridge and served chilled.

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Begin by lining a large Tupperware box with cling film.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese and lemon juice until smooth then stir in the dill.
  3. Lay the slices of smoked salmon on a clean, dry work surface and cut into strips measuring approximately 12cm x 3.5cm.
  4. Divide the creamy mixture between each strip of salmon making sure to leave a 2.5cm border at one end.
  5. Lay half the watercress over the mixture and roll up tightly.
  6. Repeat this until all the ingredients have been used up then store the rolls, seam-side down, in a cling filmed Tupperware box on the bottom shelf of your fridge.

To serve:

When you’re ready to eat, simply place the smoked salmon and watercress rolls a plate. Add the remaining watercress to dress if required. Enjoy!

Glorious Goodwood

Events,

It’s considered one of the sporting and social highlights of the season and known affectionately as ‘Glorious Goodwood’. Opening on July 28th, the Qatar Goodwood Festival offers a feast of top quality racing, great food and drink, live music and the opportunity to dress up in your finery.

With the world’s top equestrians taking part, race-goers have the opportunity to watch the best the international world of horseracing has to offer all set in the glorious surroundings of the Sussex Downs.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal – a celebration of tradition and glamour where high society and competitive horseracing come together for five action-packed days. Prize money totals an impressive £4.5 million!

Adding to the whole experience is the chance to enjoy a variety of fine dining options prepared by Goodwood’s top chefs. Enjoy a three-course meal in the comfort of a private box overlooking the race track or try one of the on-site restaurants.

The Sussex Bistro offers contemporary Italian dishes or you can choose from a selection of seasonal dishes in the Double Trigger Restaurant. For panoramic views from Chichester to the Isle of Wight try The Charlton Hunt Restaurant. Fish lovers will love The Horsewalk Restaurant in the Richmond Enclosure (members only).

If you’re taking a picnic, naturally we recommend smoked salmon sandwiches, a light smoked salmon salad with peas and courgettes, smoked salmon with lemon dressing or simply with soft cheese and dill on rye bread.

For tips on packing a posh picnic and more smoked salmon recipe ideas take a look around our blog.