Happy Birthday

​HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM'S FOOD!

 

Sarah Mellersh	Bill Kerr	AP
Stephen Jardine		L Johnston, Edinburgh
Nigel Eastmond		Craig Millar
Vikki Wood	Willie McCurrach	Fred Berkmiller

It astonishes me to realise that a year has passed since the new Tom's Food! website first saw the light of day. And depressing to think that it was launched shortly after our last foreign trip. I asked a few notable readers for their thoughts and list the more printable ones below. Thanks to all my readers but a special thank you to those three on the top row. My late mum, the AP, stirred my interest in cooking and food in general. Her seminal work The Mammy's Cookbook subtitled The Mammy's Thesis, University of Life, inspired my own cookbook, A Bunch of Fives, which led directly to the Tom Cooks! column. Trust me, writing recipes isn't as easy as you might think.

In the middle is Bill Kerr, one of the finest chefs Scotland has ever produced. In my early cooking days Bill was incredibly generous with his time and with handy hints. Not only would he pass on recipes, but he took it on the chin when I complained that my versions of his recipes weren't as good as his. Finally, top left, is Mrs Walker, better known to this column as Sarah Mellersh. Sarah taught me loads in a brief two week course which transformed my cookery skills. I also have a great fat folder of her recipes which I use on a regular basis and, courtesy of Sarah, share with you from time to time.

So thanks to all of them, and to my guest writers. I'm sure no one will mind if I single out Miranda Heggie for the volume and quality of her contributions. Happy Birthday, Tom's Food! On to that difficult second year.

What They Said about Tom's Food!

Tom’s Food is a one-stop-shop for anyone who loves food and drink in Scotland. Tom really knows his stuff and delivers reviews that make you feel like you’ve been in the restaurant. His food and drink knowledge is exceptional but he’s also a very engaging and entertaining writer. If, like me, you think life is too short to waste a single meal, Tom’s Food is the place for you.

Stephen Jardine – Writer and Broadcaster

Before lockdown it was always something to look forward to reading the Tom Eats!  feature as it provided a very honest judgement on the restaurant scene when you visit. You provide us with recommendations of where to eat next, with concise scoring based on Cooking, Service, Flavour and Value for Money. Can’t wait to see you out and about again, Tom. You also keep reinventing and diversifying the website, the latest being Chef Watch.

Willie McCurrach OBE – Chef

An insightful blog from a talented amateur, who instinctively knows how to both cook and eat well.

Nigel  Eastmond AKA The Nosey Chef, Cook and Blogger

Tom Johnston. That man knows his stuff. Knows about food too! In today’s world of ignorant online food critics it's always refreshing to read Tom Eats! Knowledge and an understanding of what food should be about.

Campbell Mickel, Chef and Proprietor of Merienda, and Eddies Seafood Market

You can tell Tom enjoys researching the history of food & recipes. When reviewing he likes to see past the froth & the foam. Tom imparts his knowledge with some good humour and from the heart.

Vikki Wood – The Wee Restaurant, North Queensferry

Tom's website is fun and doesn't take itself too seriously.  I would recommend it to anyone wishing for some foody orientation or advice. Its content is straight from the heart and honest.

Fred Berkmiller, Chef Owner of L’escargot bleu, Edinburgh.

There are few things left during these Covid times worth looking forward to; fortunately against all odds Tom Food! still manages to inform and entertain with his knowledgeable reviews on local and international eateries (when lockdown allows) and also his take on cooking.

Craig Millar, Chef Owner Craig Millar@16 West End, St Monans

A vanity project.

L Johnston, Edinburgh

Tom WHO?

99.999% of the people of Scotland