There’s a lot more to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park than amazing scenery as we found out at a pop up wild dining event curated by Tom Lewis of Monachlye Mhor Hotel.
Covering such a large area, 720sq miles, the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has a huge variety of hotels, pubs as well as producers within and just outside it’s borders. It’s always good to get a reminder that the park offers much more than the beautiful scenery and that these businesses are there and need our support as well.With this in mind, Tom Lewis and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, utilised the year of food and drink campaign to highlight what is on our doorstep.
An array of publications hosted competitions to give readers a chance to visit on 16th September and Mrs Foodie got the chance to have a visit the next night.
Its easy to forget that Balloch and the park are within such easy reach for a night out, train to Balloch and you are there! With no idea of the pop up location it was a bit of a mystery tour until coming across an old container at the end of a track.
A fire was burning and skin so soft was available for midge protection! A chilled glass of wine and some delicious canapes helped us all mingle.
After some words from Tom and Gordon, we entered the mobile restaurant. Twinkling candles, an amazing view as well as the smell of Glengoyne whisky filled the room.
The menu consisted of small plates using produce in or around the park, with some extras like Isle of Skye langoustine – well why not they are delicious!
Each course was astounding, fresh produce prepared with care and all within reach of the park and utilised by park businesses.
My favourite dish was Katy Rodger’s crowdie with the garden vegetable salad was the smoothest, creamiest crowdie in a long time. It had a feta like tang which went well with the whisky.
We also had the added bonus of each course being paired with a wee dram of Glengoyne whisky, each course meriting a different year.
Unfortunately time passed far too quickly and it was time to say goodbye to the view and head back to Glasgow.
Many thanks to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for inviting us along, as well as providing a great night for our competition winners. Tom Lewis and his staff treated the raw goods with care and made some delicious dishes which Mrs Foodie will have to re-create!
