Freshest of Fish is a Family Affair For Local Pesto Owner
Published On Saturday 14 Oct 2017 by Sticky Beak
See Recent News Articles
My “Cod” look at that!
The restaurateur behind Pesto at The Peacock, in Oakerthorpe, really does go the extra mile to deliver something special for his customers.
For the last few years, Pesto has been buying its cod at the market in Fraserburgh, in north east Scotland, and trucking it down to England overnight.
Neil Gatt comes from a 400+ year line of Scottish fishermen who risk their lives each day doing one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.
“My cousin, Paul, goes to the market for me and selects the best freshest cod he can find, then ships it overnight and it is in our business the next day,” said Gatt.
“We really are determined to serve our customers the best possible fish on their table. Most restaurants have no idea where their fish has come from, but I can tell you which boat caught it, where it was caught and what the skipper's name is.”
“We have traced my family in the tiny fishing hamlet of Pennan, back to 1635 so far, but unfortunately the records before that were destroyed by fire. But we know that there were fishing communities there long before that.”
Pennan is nestled beneath sandstone cliffs in the North-East corner of Aberdeenshire and was once a village occupied by just three families, Gatt, West and Watt. Sadly, there are no Gatt’s living in the village anymore, with most of the fisherman’s cottages being used as holiday homes today. But the fishing still goes on, and Neil Gatt has three cousins who still go out in whatever weather nature throws at them to secure a living and to bring fresh fish to the market in Fraserburgh.
The Merluzzo Fritto dish on Pesto’s main menu features selected loin pieces from the Fraserburgh-landed cod deep-fried in Pesto’s own Birra Moretti batter and serve with a tangy mayonnaise.
Pictures:
Neil Gatt with an example of his Fraserburgh cod
Neil Gatt’s Great Great Grandfather, Peter Gatt tending his nets
| Derby restaurant claims more people opting for curry on Christmas day than Turkey Diners at a Derby restaurant are ditching Turkey in favour of gourmet curries and spice this Christmas. For the very first time in its four-year history, Nicco Restaurant & Bar Read The Article | |
| The Peak District's Best Last-Minute Festive Dining at The Red Lion Restaurant, Peak Edge Hotel With Christmas fast approaching, diners looking for last-minute seasonal celebrations in the Peak District will find one of the region's most Read The Article | |
| Derby's Cathedral Quarter Hotel welcomes award-winning chef to growing team He was just five years old when he started cooking with his mother and creating the tastiest food in their family kitchen. Now, chef Buddhika Dayananda Read The Article | |
| Cubana turns 25 with a true night to remember Leopold Square was left with a hangover to savour as Cubana marked its 25th anniversary. Hundreds of people that have all played their own unique role in the success story were Read The Article | |
| Derby restaurant offers the chance to win a year's worth of free food in three clicks An award-winning Derby restaurant is celebrating the launch of its new menu with what could be the biggest ever restaurant giveaway Read The Article | |
| A Taste of England At The Cavendish Hotel - Celebratory Dining Event On January 22nd The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow invites you to an exclusive dining event on the evening of Thursday, 22nd January, celebrating the best Read The Article | |
| Palm’s VIP launch brings a taste of the tropics to Kelham Island Sheffield’s first Caribbean Garden Bar opened to a full house last week with a packed VIP launch that drew a roll-call of sporting, media and business names. Read The Article | |
| Complimentary alcohol-free pints for designated drivers at Casa and Peak Edge This Christmas Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel have partnered with award-winning alcohol-free brewer Athletic Brewing to reward guests who choose Read The Article | |
| New scone of the month set to bring seasonal flavour to Derbyshire A Derbyshire bakery with over 100 years of family heritage is kicking off a new monthly tradition with the launch of its Maple & Walnut Scone. Stacey’s Bakery, which has Read The Article | |
| The Maynard Becomes The Only Peak District Hotel And Restaurant With Coeliac UK Accreditation Believed to be the Peak District's only hotel and restaurant with this status, the Hope Valley venue doubles down on inclusive Read The Article | |