For many years, Dundee’s contribution to the culinary sphere could be summed up by two words: jam and pies.
That reputation is changing though. Off the top of my head, Aubergine (rated 4.7/5 by 5pm users), Alchemy and The Playwright are all going great guns and helping to polish the city’s gourmet glow.
Adding to the lustre is a new cookbook which is being launched next weekend as part of Dundee Literary Festival. The Parlour Café Cookbook, published by new Dundee publishing house Kitchen Press, has been written by Gillian Veal, owner of the eponymous café which opened on the city’s Westport in 2005. The cafe quickly became a firm fave with locals and garnered thumbs-up reviews from critics such as The Sunday Herald’s Joanna Blythman.
The cookbook focuses on ‘fresh, real and gutsy food’, according to Gillian who adds, ‘This book is about real food, aimed at everyday life, treats and special occasions. It’s aimed at people with real lives, including busy parents, students and those who are new to cooking.
‘We’ve deliberately steered clear of slick food photography and opted for hand-drawn illustrations to highlight that good food isn’t something to aspire to – it’s achievable, affordable, accessible … but always delicious.’
Parlour Café Cookbook is published by Kitchen Press, retailing at £15.99.
For more information, and to order your copy, please visit Kitchen Press; parlourcafecookbook, or pop into The Parlour Café, 58 Westport , Dundee , DD1 5ER. The book will also be available from local retailers, as well as through Amazon online.