Cornwall is famous for many things: there's the dramatic coastline, the mining heritage, the surf culture, Ross Poldark's torso...and food. While the county has long been synonymous with traditional fare such as saffron buns, cream teas and, of course, the legendary Cornish pasty, the county's reputation as a foodie capital is a relatively recent phenomenon. Undoubtedly, the emergence of gourmet restaurants and gastro beach bars - not mention the influence of celebrity chefs - have played an essential role in the Cornish food revolution. But the county's diverse and delicious selection of produce is the star of this particular show.
Cornwall is abundant with tantalising produce and must-have ingredients. Local waters are brimming with a wide variety of fish species and seafood, which appear on the plates of the top restaurants in the country. The county's lush landscape provides nourishment for rearing sumptuous meats; think beef, lamb, duck and venison. Then there's the cheese. The emergence of a series of award-scooping cheeses has made Cornwall a veritable capital of cheese. From Cornish Yarg and Cornish Blue to Tintagel Smoked and Gevrik Goats' Cheese, you don't need to look beyond the Tamar for a scrumptious cheesy fix.
The drinks industry is also thriving. Vineyards such as Camel Valley and Polgoon have put Cornwall on the map when it comes to producing fine wines and statement sparklers, which easily rival their Champagne counterparts. Tarquin's Gin and Elemental Cornish Gin have recently marked out Cornwall as a top producer of fine, handcrafted gins. And, of course, the county's long established reputation as a home to moreish ales continues to grow thanks to the likes of Sharp's Brewery, Skinners Brewery and more recently established producers such as St Ives Brewery. You can even sup on a Cornish cuppa thanks to Tregothnan, whose tea leaves are grown by the creek of the River Fal.
Hence, there's never been a better time to infuse a delicious Cornish flavour into your wedding. Think creatively about how you can serve up a feast brimming with Cornish fare. From local lamb lavished in a rich Camel Valley red wine sauce and salmon cured with Cornish Pastis to a melt-in-the-mouth souffle oozing with local cheese and Cornish clotted cream, these mouth-watering menu ideas from The Round Kitchen are Cornish heaven on a plate.
FOR CHEESE LOVERS
Mature Cornish cheddar, wild garlic and Camel Valley Bacchus fondue, served with homemade bread and homemade home cured pork belly, black pudding and leek sausage
Deep-fried crispy Cornish Blue with a smoked bacon, honey and rosemary drizzle
Tintagel Smoked, potato and thyme souffle, topped with Cornish clotted cream
Baked Cornish Camembert and cauliflower cheese
FOR FISH FANATICS
Lobster, crab and haddock seafood chowder, finished with a parsley and Cornish rapeseed oil aioli
Trio of fish and chips
Flash-fried sesame mackerel and sweet potato crisps
Classic beer-battered cod chunks and Cornish Sea Salt and lemon pepper fries
Breaded marinated plaice fillets and celeriac chips
FOR LOCAL LIBATIONS
Trio of Cornish lamb. Cottage style pie, topped with parsnip mash, confit shoulder bon bon and carpaccio of loin fillet, served with Cornish Elemental sloe gin caramelised red onion, pea puree and a rich Camel Valley red wine sauce
Homemade Tarquin's Cornish Pastis and beetroot cured salmon, served with Cornish Furniss oatcake biscuits, spring onion, fennel and cracked black pepper creme fraiche
Tregothnan tea-smoked Cornish duck breast with caramelised oranges, finished with a raspberry Polgoon Aval sauce
Slow-cooked Betty Stogs and Cornish beef hotpot style pie, served with homemade leek, potato and mature Cornish cheddar bread
The Round Kitchen
www.theroundkitchen.com
words Rebecca Matthews
photography Kevern Photography
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
