Edinburgh restaurateurs and Slow Food Edinburgh launch fat themed suppers

Slow Food Edinburgh has teamed up restauranteurs, Victor and Carina Contini, to launch a new series of fat-themed suppers across the capital this spring.

Article Source: Taste Communications
Last Updated: 13 February 2020 15:27

Slow Food Edinburgh has teamed up restauranteurs, Victor and Carina Contini, to launch a new series of fat-themed suppers across the capital this spring.

Starting at Contini George Street in Edinburgh on Tuesday 18th February, the series of ‘Big Table Slow Food suppers’ will explore the history around the fats used in cooking around the UK and the role of fat on our menus today.

Diners will get an insight into how olive oil was introduced to the British Isles during the Roman occupation and how it was used extensively until being replaced with butter after the Norman invasion in the 11th century. People will also learn more about how lard was used as a substitute for butter during World War Two, but has been a staple of our Italian regional cooking for centuries.

Industry experts will discuss the health benefits of valuable Omega 3 fish oil, the bad fats in our modern diet, along with fad fats, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, rapeseed oil and the devastating impact of certain palm oils.

From 6.30pm on Tuesday 18th February, Edinburgh foodies can look forward to an evening of food and wine with Carina Contini and special guest speaker Sofia Di Ciacca. Sofia is o will be talking all things olive oil and the benefits of using it when cooking. This ‘supper’ menu will include chargrilled seasonal Italian vegea Scots-Italian olive oil producer from I Ciacca in Picinisco, Lazio, whtables served with a Bramata polenta, salted anchovies and I Ciacca extra virgin olive oil, as well as olive oil pistachio and rose water cake with crème fraiche.

On 24th March from 6.30pm, Nick Sinclair from The Edinburgh Butter Co. will be the guest speaker at Cannonball Restaurant & Bar on Castlehill, where butter and cream will be the star ingredient. This ‘supper’ menu will include roasted parsnip velouté and crème brûlée.

From on 21st April from 6.30pm, Sorina Savascu from East Coast cured will be making sure that beautiful pig fat, lard, is anything but a greasy topic at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery. This ‘supper’ menu will include Aberdeen buttery baked with Biggar Blue walnuts and poached pear, East Coast Cured Pork belly with Kitchen Garden leaves and pickled beetroot and suet pudding with custard.

Carina Contini, owner of all three Contini restaurants in Edinburgh, said: "Now that Veganuary is over, we're really excited to be ditching the fad diets and putting 'good fat' back on the menu with this new series of fat-themed suppers at each of our city-centre venues.

"Fat is anything but a greasy topic. We want to encourage people to celebrate 'good fat' and make sure that it's showcased on our menus, including the best Scottish butter, cream and lard, as well as extra virgin olive oil from Italy."

As third generation Italian Scots, Victor and Carina Contini continue to champion independent family businesses in Scotland with their award-winning venues; Contini George Street, Cannonball Restaurant & Bar on Castlehill and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery.

The Edinburgh restaurateurs still buy from some of the producers their grandparents worked with, source produce direct from the markets in Italy and change their menus with the seasons. They also stay true to their Italian Scots roots and maintain tradition and authenticity as part of their food-centric philosophy to attract custom and tourism to Edinburgh.

Slow Food Edinburgh is the second largest Slow Food group in Britain. Its activities and events underline the Slow Food ethos of GOOD (quality, flavoursome and healthy food), CLEAN (production that does not harm the environment) and FAIR (accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for producers).

Continis is a supporter and member of the movement and its chefs are members of the Slow Food Cook's Alliance, an international project that connects and supports chefs following the Slow Food philosophy.

Eleonora Vanello, Co-chair of Slow Food Edinburgh, added: “Learning about the history and use of ‘fat’ in Scottish gastronomy is going to be a fascinating topic for our first residency of Slow Food Edinburgh Big Tables at Contini venues in Edinburgh. We can't wait to taste Carina Contini’s good, clean, fair creations.”

Tickets for the new fat-themed ‘Big Table Slow Food suppers’ at Contini venues across Edinburgh are now available from £20 per person for Slow Food Edinburgh Members and £22.50 per person for non-members, including two courses and a small glass of wine. To book and for more information, visit: www.contini.com/whats-on/slow-food-big-table-suppers-at-contini-venues

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

Theatre production brings Burns to life

The National Trust for Scotland and theatremaker James Clements are collaborating on the Burns Project, a new theatrical production inspired by the life and works of Robert Burns.

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.

JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!

Forever Edinburgh offers mums the chance to win fantastic Mothers Day treats

Forever Edinburgh is giving Edinburgh mums (and their children) the tools to create the perfect Mother's Day through fantastic rewards and a competition with unforgettable Mother's Day presents.

LEGO Edinburgh Store Hosts Free Creativity Workshops

The LEGO® Edinburgh store will be participating in an upcoming event series, offering free in-store workshops designed for young creators aged 6-12.

UK wide award celebrates exemplary accessibility at the National Galleries of Scotland

The National Galleries of Scotland celebrates being shortlisted for the Visitor Accessibility Award 2025 at the prestigious Museum + Heritage Awards.

Easter Adventures at Lost Shore Surf Resort

With Easter approaching, families across the UK and abroad seek memorable ways to spend the long weekend, and Lost Shore Surf Resort offers an exciting escape.

Cruden Supports Midlothian Community with Donation to Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust

Leading Scottish housebuilder, Cruden, has made a £2,000 donation to the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT) in support of community projects under its Newbyres site.

Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!

Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania

Explore the Rwandan mountains during a visit to Edinburgh Zoo

A brand-new virtual reality experience has launched at Edinburgh Zoo, giving visitors the chance to explore the mountains of Rwanda and observe a family of mountain gorillas.

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

Edinburgh STYLE returns to St James Quarter

Edinburgh STYLE returns to St James Quarter from Friday 28th - Sunday 30th March, bringing three days of fashion, beauty, and exclusive experiences to the heart of the capital.

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

500 plants up for grabs at Fort Kinnaird this weekend to celebrate Mothers Day

Fort Kinnaird is celebrating Mother’s Day by offering shoppers the chance to pick up a beautiful houseplant for free on Saturday (29th March).

The Scottish Gallery presents Victoria Crowe Decades

For Edinburgh Art Festival 2025, The Scottish Gallery presents Victoria Crowe Decades, celebrating the artist’s 80th year.

Get the inside scoop on the Edinburgh International Festival this weekend

On Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March, a large yellow ice cream van will be stationed outside the Usher Hall to give audiences a flavour of the 2025 Festival programme.

Timorous Beasties bring bold design to St James Quarter ahead of Edinburgh Style 2025

Internationally acclaimed design studio, Timorous Beasties is delighted to be part of Edinburgh STYLE taking place between 28-30th March in St James Quarter.

A Summer of Resistance at the National Galleries of Scotland

National Galleries of Scotland announces the unmissable summer 2025 exhibition Resistance, conceived by acclaimed artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen.

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

Giant Lanterns to make long awaited return to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo’s award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter for the first time in six years.

Galactic Carnival Edinburgh set to land at West Side Plaza this May!

Get ready, Edinburgh! A brand-new, out-of-this-world experience is arriving this spring as Galactic Carnival Edinburgh makes its debut at West Side Plaza, Wester Hailes, from 2nd May to 25th May!

Edinburgh restaurant adds massage therapy to Mothers Day menu

An Edinburgh restaurant is adding a pop-up massage experience to its Mother’s Day menu to help pamper the city’s mums on Sunday 30th March.

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh welcome new Artist in Residence

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the next Artist in Residence, Athens-born ‘Constantine.. the Artist’, who will take up residency from March to May 2025.

Tourism minister hails adventure and wellbeing tourism after visiting Lost Shore Surf Resort

Tourism minister, Richard Lochhead, has hailed the success of adventure and wellbeing tourism in Scotland after he visited Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination.

Dynamic Earth unveils new year round Annual Pass

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium is set to transform visitor access with the introduction of a new year-round Annual Pass.

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.