Susan Crosthwaite Interview
Having loved food and cooking since childhood, on return from living in the Middle and Far East where entertaining and teaching cooking were her forte, Susan Crosthwaite sought a career in food and hospitality. It was important to her with a young family to incorporate a lifestyle and cooking. Wolsey Lodges gave her that opportunity in 1990 with its pre-eminent home hospitality. A former 15th century shooting lodge, in a secluded valley, within the rich farmland of South Ayrshire, with views from the top of each hill of the Kintyre Peninsula, Ailsa Craig and Arran provide the perfect location. A bountiful kitchen garden provides fresh produce for the table along with the abundant local produce sourced through the Ayrshire Food Network, and Scotland itself. Susan has written a book about her local area and its food and is also Vice-Chairman of Wolsey Lodges Ltd.
What is your most memorable childhood 'food' memory?
Grandma's family tea parties and picnics with home-grown salads, home-made trifles and baking.
What's your favourite food or ingredient 'on your doorstep'?
Lobster, crab and prawns from Eric McIlwraith - a Ballantrae fisherman.
What is your favourite food secret?
Picking vegetables half an hour (approximately) before cooking them.
What food would you travel for (within the UK)?
Any local produce superbly served, in any of the wonderful locations throughout the UK, that is good value for money.
What is your favourite seasonal food?
Each season has something special (see my book). I love the first rhubarb, those first early potatoes, tomatoes straight from the vine and Brussel Sprouts in the Autumn. It is difficult to beat lobster and strawberries in July!
What is your favourite local food shop?
Dalduff Farmshop - my butcher who rears some of his own beef and lamb, makes his own sausages, black puddings, haggis etc. I introduced him to the Ayrshire Food Network and he is a member of 'Slow Food' and went to Terra Madre last October.
What is your favourite eating place?
Due to location it is difficult to beat home unless treating ourselves. GlenApp Castle is special locally. We love Braidwoods and we are going to Andrew Fairly at Gleneagles for my birthday.
What is your favourite UK pub?
Rogano Glasgow - a 1920s Glasgow pub still serving first class local produce and seafood.
What is your favourite dish or recipe?
Ballantrae Prawns wrapped in Marrbury Auld Smoked Salmon with horseradish mayonnaise with Cosses Salad Leaves.
Name an inspirational food or drink person? Why?
Claire MacDonald - we stayed at Kinloch Lodge 35 years ago and she inspired me with her recipes. She has gone a long way to promote Scottish Food.