Learn to Forage with Scottish Chef of the Year

by  Elissa Garay | Nov 29, 2011
Gourmet meal
Gourmet meal / triocean/iStock

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Foodies rejoice! Nothing says fresh like food you've foraged yourself from the wild – an unexpected education to be had via the chef-led enrichment program at the Connoisseurs Scotland group’s luxury Boath House property in Nairn (situated near Inverness, on Scotland’s northeast coast). The exclusive three-day foraging courses are led by Chef Charlie Lockley, designated Scottish Chef of the Year 2010 (and proponent of the UK’s slow-food movement), who heads the hotel’s Michelin-star eatery.

The three-day program includes outings to scour the Boath House’s 20 acres of grounds – marked by a mix of fruit, vegetable, and herb gardens, as well as pure wilderness. Chef Lockley also leads participants to local foraging areas, providing educational tips on selecting plants from nature and on sustainably harvesting them, as well as demonstrating the use of found ingredients into lip-smacking fare. Aside from foraging in the wild, Chef Lockley introduces guests to some of his favorite local food suppliers, including visits to an area pig farmer, garlic grower, and cheese maker. Evenings are rounded out by savory six-course dinners at the Michelin-starred on-site restaurant, known for its ties to the slow food movement, locally sourced organic foods, and seasonally driven menu (it's regular touted as one of the best restaurants in the whole of Scotland).

When not foraging for fresh ingredients, program participants can spend free time seeking out R & R in the in-house spa, setting out on a golfing or fishing trip, or exploring the castles, landscapes, and distilleries that the local region is known for. The three-day programs in 2012 run from May 8 through May 10, or June 5 through June 7. Rates start at $359 per person, per night (a three-night course enrollment is required), and are inclusive of accommodations, breakfast, tea on arrival, light lunches, and six-course dinners daily, as well as all course instruction. Visit www.boath-house.com to book.

For more trip-planning information, review our Scotland Travel Guide, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, hotels, cruises, and more travel deals.

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