Edinburgh restaurateurs and Slow Food Edinburgh launch fat themed suppers
Slow Food Edinburgh has teamed up restauranteurs, Victor and Carina Contini, to launch a new series of fat-themed suppers across the capital this spring.
Article Source: Taste Communications
Last Updated: 13 February 2020 15:27
Slow Food Edinburgh has teamed up restauranteurs, Victor and Carina Contini, to launch a new series of fat-themed suppers across the capital this spring.
Starting at Contini George Street in Edinburgh on Tuesday 18th February, the series of ‘Big Table Slow Food suppers’ will explore the history around the fats used in cooking around the UK and the role of fat on our menus today.
Diners will get an insight into how olive oil was introduced to the British Isles during the Roman occupation and how it was used extensively until being replaced with butter after the Norman invasion in the 11th century. People will also learn more about how lard was used as a substitute for butter during World War Two, but has been a staple of our Italian regional cooking for centuries.
Industry experts will discuss the health benefits of valuable Omega 3 fish oil, the bad fats in our modern diet, along with fad fats, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, rapeseed oil and the devastating impact of certain palm oils.
From 6.30pm on Tuesday 18th February, Edinburgh foodies can look forward to an evening of food and wine with Carina Contini and special guest speaker Sofia Di Ciacca. Sofia is o will be talking all things olive oil and the benefits of using it when cooking. This ‘supper’ menu will include chargrilled seasonal Italian vegea Scots-Italian olive oil producer from I Ciacca in Picinisco, Lazio, whtables served with a Bramata polenta, salted anchovies and I Ciacca extra virgin olive oil, as well as olive oil pistachio and rose water cake with crème fraiche.
On 24th March from 6.30pm, Nick Sinclair from The Edinburgh Butter Co. will be the guest speaker at Cannonball Restaurant & Bar on Castlehill, where butter and cream will be the star ingredient. This ‘supper’ menu will include roasted parsnip velouté and crème brûlée.
From on 21st April from 6.30pm, Sorina Savascu from East Coast cured will be making sure that beautiful pig fat, lard, is anything but a greasy topic at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery. This ‘supper’ menu will include Aberdeen buttery baked with Biggar Blue walnuts and poached pear, East Coast Cured Pork belly with Kitchen Garden leaves and pickled beetroot and suet pudding with custard.
Carina Contini, owner of all three Contini restaurants in Edinburgh, said: "Now that Veganuary is over, we're really excited to be ditching the fad diets and putting 'good fat' back on the menu with this new series of fat-themed suppers at each of our city-centre venues.
"Fat is anything but a greasy topic. We want to encourage people to celebrate 'good fat' and make sure that it's showcased on our menus, including the best Scottish butter, cream and lard, as well as extra virgin olive oil from Italy."
As third generation Italian Scots, Victor and Carina Contini continue to champion independent family businesses in Scotland with their award-winning venues; Contini George Street, Cannonball Restaurant & Bar on Castlehill and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery.
The Edinburgh restaurateurs still buy from some of the producers their grandparents worked with, source produce direct from the markets in Italy and change their menus with the seasons. They also stay true to their Italian Scots roots and maintain tradition and authenticity as part of their food-centric philosophy to attract custom and tourism to Edinburgh.
Slow Food Edinburgh is the second largest Slow Food group in Britain. Its activities and events underline the Slow Food ethos of GOOD (quality, flavoursome and healthy food), CLEAN (production that does not harm the environment) and FAIR (accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for producers).
Continis is a supporter and member of the movement and its chefs are members of the Slow Food Cook's Alliance, an international project that connects and supports chefs following the Slow Food philosophy.
Eleonora Vanello, Co-chair of Slow Food Edinburgh, added: “Learning about the history and use of ‘fat’ in Scottish gastronomy is going to be a fascinating topic for our first residency of Slow Food Edinburgh Big Tables at Contini venues in Edinburgh. We can't wait to taste Carina Contini’s good, clean, fair creations.”
Tickets for the new fat-themed ‘Big Table Slow Food suppers’ at Contini venues across Edinburgh are now available from £20 per person for Slow Food Edinburgh Members and £22.50 per person for non-members, including two courses and a small glass of wine. To book and for more information, visit: www.contini.com/whats-on/slow-food-big-table-suppers-at-contini-venues
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh
With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!
READ MORE
Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities
Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.
READ MORE
Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced
Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!
READ MORE
Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.
READ MORE
Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence
Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence
READ MORE
George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner
The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.
READ MORE
Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.
READ MORE
10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary
Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone
Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.
READ MORE
Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK
Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper
READ MORE
Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers
Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.
READ MORE
Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December
Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.
READ MORE
Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft
Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.
READ MORE
Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day
Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.
READ MORE
WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4
Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens
Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts
An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Santas little helpers, assemble
Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.
READ MORE
The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.
READ MORE
Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows
Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.
READ MORE
Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost
Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.
READ MORE
Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.
READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground
Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey
Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links