TV chef’s rowie verdict

Andy Morton gives Michel Roux Jr his first taste of the Aberdeen delicacy

HFORT WILLIAM IS NOW SET TO BECOME A FOOD DESTINATION MORE SO THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN

e had not eaten one before, so top London chef Michel Roux Jr was slightly taken aback by his first bite of a rowie, perhaps surprised by its high salt content. He soon recovered, however, and offered up some serving suggestions for the north-east staple.

“This would be a good vehicle for something else,” Michel says with a laugh in a video of the tasting you can view at our website.

The Le Gavroche chef eventually decided the buttery would best be deployed as “a really good sandwich”.

“A hot haggis sandwich,” he says, adding a suggestion to add some fried onions and maybe a bit of spicy chutney.

It is a baptism of buttery fire for Michel, who ate his JG Ross rowie straight out of the packet, and without butter or jam.

But the chef has some of the best tastebuds in the business so is used to analysing and assessing flavour combinations.

Which is why he is in such high demand.

Michel Roux Jr was in the northeast not just to eat a buttery but also to promote his latest dining concept, Seasgair at Inverlochy Castle near Fort William.

In collaboration with head chef Coalin Finn, Michel has created a five-course experiential tasting menu. The menu can be served across any of the three dining rooms at the luxury hotel.

A year in the making, the concept celebrates Fort William’s hospitality, beauty and history.

“It will become a food destination more so than it has ever been,” Michel said.

“It has always been known for its hospitality, beautiful location and history. But now I think it will be on the map for its food.”

Guests start their night off with a glass of champagne or a cocktail in the castle lobby. They will also be able to watch one of the chefs finish off a variety of canapes. This will be followed by five courses. Go to pressandjournal.co.uk/food-anddrink to watch a video of the celebrated chef trying out the buttery.

Michel with head chef Coalin Finn at Inverlochy Castle, where they have created a five-course experiential tasting menu.

DELICACY: Celebrated chef Michel Roux Jr gets his teeth into an Aberdeen rowie during his visit to Inverlochy Castle.