This year's Edinburgh Seafood Festival is returning to St James Quarter featuring some of the venue's top chefs and personalities cooking incredible seafood dishes.
The event is promising to be stuffed to the gills with some of the best Scottish produce and exclusive events from the St James Quarter’s big-name eateries including the likes of Bonnie & Wild, Maki & Ramen and Duck and Waffle, as well as top chefs Gary Maclean and Teddy Lee.
Guests looking to brush up on their culinary skills can enjoy a range of workshops and demonstrations, hosted by the experts on the Seafood Stage, located on Level 1, this weekend (Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2).
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Chef demonstrations and workshops
Scotland’s National Chef, Chef Gary Maclean will take centre stage on Saturday, from 11 am sharing his top tips for cooking fish at home and showcasing his skills in the live demonstration space.
Maki & Ramen's founder, Teddy Lee, will also share his culinary secrets and bring a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine to Edinburgh with sushi making masterclasses.
Also part of the Seafood Stage line-up, guests can enjoy a fun-filled cooking demo from Jimmy Lee of Bonnie & Wild favourite, Salt and Chilli Oriental.
Expert duo Chef Brian Grigor and Sommelier Glen Montgomery, the team behind restaurant eòrna, opening in Stockbridge this Spring, will also host an interactive workshop.
The ever-popular Oysterman will return to this year’s festival, joined by Miss Caviar, offering guests the chance to indulge in seafood delicacies while they explore the Festival.
For serious foodies and seafood lovers, Miele, on Level 2, will play host to two unique and unmissable events.
On Saturday, April 1, chef Gary Maclean will host an intimate cooking demonstration and book signing, with all guests enjoying fizz on arrival, the chance to learn from the expert up close, and take home a signed copy of his book, Gary Maclean’s Scottish Kitchen .
On Sunday, April 2, chef Paul Wedgwood will host an exclusive nine-course seafood dinner and tasting menu, in Miele’s state-of-the-art, stylish kitchen. Twelve guests will have the exciting opportunity to see Paul, who was just named Chef of the Year at the Scottish Excellence Awards, at work and enjoy his creative and exquisite dishes that will highlight the very best of Scottish produce.
The Seafood and Street Food Market
New to this year’s line-up, The Seafood and Street Food Market will make its debut on Register Square from Friday, March 31 – Sunday, April 2, giving foodies the chance to dive into a world of flavour and try some tasty street food. Whether you’re looking for a poke bowl, seafood pizza or fish and chips, there will be a vast selection on offer from vendors across Scotland including Spanish Moskito Bites, Mana Poke and Lemon Squeezy.
Those who are inspired to cook with fish at home can pick up fresh Scottish fish and seafood from the Quarter’s very own fishmonger. Guests can also experience a taste of the Outer Hebrides by visiting the Isle of Harris Gin pop-up shop to sample or buy the brand’s award-winning gin, made with locally harvested Sugar Kelp seaweed. There will be a pop-up Prosecco and Sangria bar too – the perfect accompaniment to the seafood delights on offer.
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Seafood specials and dishes
There are also opportunities to sample delicious dishes and throughout the Quarter. If you’re looking for a reel treat, then enjoy the luxury experience of Bonnie & Wild’s Champagne and Oyster Bar - open from 12pm on April 1 st only. From 4-6pm, Duck and Waffle will host a Shucking Awesome Oyster Happy Hour, with £1.50 oysters and perfectly paired drinks. Ka Pao is ready to make waves with its seafood specials menu, inspired by the team’s recent trip to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Guests can also enjoy a Greek take on the classic fish and chips at The Real Greek, and a limited-edition fish and chips bagel from the team at Bross Bagels.
Family fun
As if that wasn’t enough, there will be an educational RNLI pop-up, live entertainment from local talent on Level 4, a fin-tastic play area in LEGO and under-the-sea glitter face painting for the kids (and adults too!).
Speaking of the return of the exciting event, managing director of St James Quarter, Nick Peel, said: "It’s great to be bringing back Edinburgh Seafood Festival to St James Quarter. This year's festival is set to be bigger and better than ever and will offer an amazing range of seafood options from dining destinations around the Quarter and beyond.
“From a jam-packed schedule of events including live cooking demonstrations and workshops with some of the country’s top chefs, as well as the new addition of the Seafood Market in Register Square, there’s lots of exciting activities and entertainment planned to keep the whole family entertained."
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