What a beautiful time of year to be outside, especially on a farm while the fluffy lambs are skipping and everything looks so green and alive. I've been hearing rumours about a farm shop being developed at North Grange Farm, close to David Lloyd and Dobbies in Monifieth, and at last it has opened its doors.
Reason number 481 that I love jotting down my experiences of eating out is that I have developed a restaurant radar.
On a bright and sunny day in April, a friend and I took a drive from Dundee, over the Tay Bridge, through St Andrews, and a mere five minutes after leaving the famous town, we arrived at our destination - The Grange Inn. It did not seem possible that, in this short distance, we could have gained so much altitude as the views from the car park alone are something to behold.
When people visit from out of the area, I am always keen to show off this incredible country in all its glory. We are clearly spoilt for choice when it comes to places to see but I often return to Pitlochry as its quaint high street is always a hit and there are a few great places to eat.
Some restaurants are lucky enough to be in the perfect location, blessed with scenery or a particular tourist attraction. However, that does not in any way guarantee them success.
My grandparents recently splashed out on a new living room carpet. The old one was a migraine-inducing blend of brown and orange and probably hadn't been changed since the seventies.
To be in the food industry means long, unsociable hours, not a lot of time off and having to deal with the pesky general public. It seems such a romantic ideal to run a pub or restaurant with one's partner as then time at work is also time together. Could I work with Mr Kerry as well as live with him? Absolutely not; but for some couples it is the perfect set up.
The concept of "street food" is becoming more and more trendy and earning its own place in culinary respectability. Its becoming a stamp of authenticity for a cuisine and conjures up thoughts of colourful market stalls in hot climates, serving barbecued meats and fresh juices to passers by. Can it really taste the same though, taken out of its setting and served inside a little terraced restaurant in St Andrews?
Mothers' Day for me conjures up thoughts of daffodils, bunnies and hyacinths - spring has usually sprung and the lambs are starting to appear.
The eating establishment at number 2 Whitehall Crescent has changed multiple times over the last few years - The Tasting Rooms, True Pizza then True Kitchen. So I waited a while before venturing into The Bird and Bear, just in case it was gone again before The Courier went to print.