Farm to Table Feast at the Scottish Arms

I don't really want to write restaurant reviews. I don't feel like it's really my territory. I know what I do and don't like and don't feel it's ever my place to tell anyone else what's good. Though, I feel that when I do come across anything, I mean anything, that refreshes my outlook on life and gives me peace of mind that everything will be alright in the the world....well just call me the messenger. :)

I won't go on and on how the crash of this economy in recent light has impacted all the luxurious goods and services we once enjoyed. This especially goes for the food industry. Rising food costs have spiked up menu prices at our once loved noshing hangouts, while compromising quality of the ingredients. But the Scottish Arms, located in the Central West End,  is like a tall glass of water. Refreshing and nourishing, a place I love to go back to again and again.

In addition to their classic pub fare, which features their famous fish n' chips, a entire haddock fillet fried in ale batter and served with a side of lemon caper sauce, or their Cock a leekie pie, a cream based dream made with tender shredded chicken, leeks, and a hint of white wine topped with a delicate puff pastry lid, the Scottish Arms is reviving old school  technique with innovative flavors to create a menu that is familiar yet au corant. Some of my absolute favorite dishes come from their farm fresh menu, something they started in response to the farm to table trend that is reaching dining joints across the country. 

Their mission is to to purchase farm raised local hogs, lamb and beef from locally sustained farms. They sometimes hold showcases that show young chefs and food enthusiasts interesting cuts of meat and help develop their butchering skills. The fresh provisions are then served lovingly to patrons, introducing them to the beautiful passage of "farm to table."Their farm fresh menu is available every Thursday starting at six and can feature items such as three way Pork Medallions  that are  Juniper Marinated, Bacon Wrapped & Grilled with Blackberry Compote, or Walnut Crusted & Pan Roasted with Gala Apple Chutney, and maybe one that is seared with Hon Shimenji Mushroom Ragout.

The South Sarah street eatery also has an affordable and equally choice lunch menu, and started hosting live music on their spacious patio in the evenings.



I always recommend starting and ending with a dram of their extensive selection of scotches, being named by Whisky Magazine as one of the Great Whisky Bars of the world in 2006. A favorite of mine comes from The Balvenie distillery from Speyside Scotland, a single malt whisky that prides itself in creating a range of tasting notes that are filled with rich complexity in the beginning and ends in a warm sultry finish.
Expect to be gently let down if you desire to mix your whisky with  a soda, or worse yet, poured over ice. You won't miss the mixers or diluters though, but it is served with a bit of room temperature water to heighten the aromas.

Great food, delightful libations, and cozy atmosphere all accommodate my needs for a place to relax and dine with friends. The fact that the employees don the ever fashionable kilts is just a bonus. ;)