Food & Drink
Manx Specialities
With a new wave of artisan producers on the island, the quality and choice of food and drink on the island has arguably never been greater.
Being an island nation our seafood features proudly, and rightly so. Manx kippers, smoked by Moores in Peel, slowly over oak chippings in the old traditional way, using no dyes and colouring are probably our most famous speciality, and as people the world over will testify they are delicious! Fresh Manx queenies (a variety of small scallop), lobster, crab and fish are locally caught too and can be enjoyed from the harbourside kiosks through to the islands top restaurants.
Also highly commended is our Manx ice cream, cheeses and confectionary.
A growing number of options are also available for vegetarian and vegan diets utilising some of our fantastic local produce.
The Isle of Man Government believe it is important that your holiday is enhanced by the best food and hospitality it is possible to enjoy. The Taste Isle of Man quality assurance provides helpful guidance to hungry discerning diners, helping to ensure an all round quality experience.
At Island Escapes, we're rightly proud of our homegrown produce and we'll be happy to help arrange some locally sourced produce to be waiting for you in your holiday home with us.
Enjoy a Cookery Demonstration/Experience with Chef Andrea from her gorgeous Fisherman’s Cottage kitchen in Port St.Mary.
Incorporating the very best seasonal Manx produce available. Enjoy what is demonstrated as well as an accompanying mouth watering delight. ‘I want to create an enjoyable and memorable Island experience. Ideal for a special occasion, spending valuable time with family & friends or visitors wanting a truly unique Manx experience.’
Dining In Experiences
Chris and Vanessa Callow have been offering private dining experiences to our guests for over a year now, so we caught up with them to get some insights into their operation.
‘The concept is very simple,’ Chris explains. ‘We do the basic preparation off-site then turn up at the property an hour before the meal, set the table, do the final preparation and serve each course. We also clear up as we go along and load the dishwasher, so by the time we leave there’s nothing left for the guests to do.’
So who has been booking the private dining packages? Normally the service has been offered to groups of six or more staying in properties which lend themselves to the operation. ‘Initially we saw mainly Island-based clientele but with the removal of travel restrictions most enquiries are now coming from off-Island visitors.’
And what have guests most enjoyed about the experience? ‘We try to be as flexible as possible; we work from three basic menus but recently we have introduced some more alternatives. Very often the reason for the holiday itself is the celebration of a birthday, wedding anniversary or other family occasion, and guests have appreciated the chance to discuss menus in advance to suit the whole party; this also helps avoid any last-minute difficulties.’
Where does the service work best? ‘From our point of view, we prefer the larger properties where the kitchen is integral with the dining area – it makes for a more relaxed occasion and gives us the chance to interact with the guests,’ Vanessa tells us. ‘A large part of the operation is based on our time running a ski-chalet in the French Alps, and a common theme with returning guests was this personal touch. We’ve already been very pleased to have former chalet-guests enjoying an Island Escapes private-dining experience! But we make a practice of inspecting each property before accepting a booking – we need to be sure we can offer the chosen menu to a high standard using the on-site facilities.’
What about the menus? ‘I’m always exploring new possibilities,’ says Chris. ‘I’m keen to showcase the wonderful produce the Island has to offer, and also enjoy sharing some of the cuisine from our time in France.’ Whatever the chosen menu, you can be sure of a freshly prepared meal and friendly efficient service to add a very special element your Island Escapes Holiday.
For more information or to make a booking contact Chris or Vanessa on ManxSkiMeals@gmail.com or telephone 07624 435528
Learn to eat again on a Foraging Tour of Port Erin
Due to its biodiverse landscape the Isle of Man has been given UNESCO biosphere status. This, therefore, is “foraging heaven” according to chefs that visit the Isle.