Freshchef

Freshchef opened up recently just round the corner from where I live and, right at the outset, their timing was impeccable given that I was going through a slight down spell and didn’t want to cook for myself.
The shop itself is somewhat inconspicuous on a street with more than one sandwich place. However, Dave Kennedy, the head chef, has extensive experience in fine dining which has included a stint in Dalhousie Castle. He now intends to transfer this expertise to providing wholesome, affordable food from the freshest of ingredients. So the little café is there to serve a much wider client base than the punters like myself who live, work and walk on or near Great Junction Street.
My first meal, a takeaway, was smoked sausage and red onion pasta — the sauce was a sublime combination of cream and a tomato based concoction of Dave’s own making — and although I would not have thought of using smoked sausage in that context, it tasted excellent.
This was a tough act to follow, in itself, but the goat’s cheese quiche with roasted mediterranean vegetables was truly exquisite. The pastry was as light and delicate as you could imagine, and the goat’s cheese itself was flavoursome but not overpowering. Perfectly complemented with the roast vegetables served on the side with leaves.
Last but definitely not least was the Roast Lamb Sandwich I had yesterday. It was a special on offer for the first time and Dave noted that I was only the second person to try it. Well, all I can say is that a whole bunch of people who walked through those doors on that day missed out. The lamb was about the most tender I’ve tasted, and I was glad that I asked for white bread instead of a baguette since I think I got the flavours much better that way. Dave served it with caramelised red onions and mustard. He even knocked the price down since I’d opted out of the baguette!
I nearly neglected to mention the prawn and cous cous salad which was so impressive I took a photo of it and placed it on my flickr site!
I’ve not yet had a chance to try out Dave’s outside catering which I understand is the main thrust of the business, but I can certainly vouch for the quality of his cooking.
Well worth a try.