It’s time to make a meal of family dining again

Chef Jamie Scott says the old ways are the best when it comes to mealtimes

Originally from Arbroath, Jamie Scott – head chef at Rocca Italian restaurant in St Andrews and winner of MasterChef: the Professionals – was inspired by his mum, a renowned local chef, and gran.

After spending six years learning his craft, Jamie moved to St Andrews to join the team at Rocca restaurant.

He loves to cook for his wife and family and then enjoy the fruits of his labours together.

“I think eating together builds important bonds – there’s nothing quite like chatting over a meal and enjoying each other’s company to bring you closer together as a family,” he says.

“When I was younger, we always gathered for dinner as a family and would take a couple of hours over it.”

So why are we spending less time eating as a family these days?

“I think technology and portable entertainment devices make us rush to get away from the table, instead of enjoying each other’s company over a good meal,” he muses.

“Barbecue meals make a great easy family meal – fun, yet healthy. And curries and focaccia pizzas are tasty and easy to make.

“When I was a kid, I remember being mesmerised by how my gran could cook great meals with so little time and in so little space.

“Cooking fun dishes with vibrant textures can also get children involved in the cooking process – kids love my macaroni cheese with peas, broad beans and cheese sauce.

“Giving them fun ‘chores’ like kneading dough, sieving flour and passing eggs can engage them in the kitchen as well,” advises Jamie.

“Families are welcome at Rocca. We have a real camaraderie in the kitchen and enjoy putting a smile on people’s faces with great food.”

Winning Masterchef: The Professionals has meant a lot to Jamie.

“It’s opened so many doors to me,” he smiles.

“One of my key responsibilities is being an ambassador for Quality Meat Scotland – giving advice on all things related to Scottish beef.

“Preparing and serving quality food in quality surroundings means everything to me.”

Eating together builds bonds

Jamie Scott believes that enjoying good food in good company is an important part of each day.