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Scotch Lamb Tagine - Chefs ‘Signature Dish’ Leg of Scotch lamb, braised in a Moroccan style tagine sauce,served with pearl barley and pomegranate risotto. < >

Scotch Lamb Tagine - Chefs ‘Signature Dish’ Leg of Scotch lamb, braised in a Moroccan style tagine sauce,served with pearl barley and pomegranate risotto.

By Fraser Band

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Smoked Duck & Poached Pear Salad - With 'Loch Rannoch' smoked duck & red wine poached pears served on a bed of crisp leaves, dressed in a raspberry vinaigrette & toasted sesame seeds.

Smoked Duck & Poached Pear Salad - With 'Loch Rannoch' smoked duck & red wine poached pears served on a bed of crisp leaves, dressed in a raspberry vinaigrette & toasted sesame seeds.

By Fraser Band
‘Hot smoked’ Scottish salmon, peas, green beans, toasted pine nuts &
selected leaves tossed in warm pesto. Finished with boiled egg.

‘Hot smoked’ Scottish salmon, peas, green beans, toasted pine nuts & selected leaves tossed in warm pesto. Finished with boiled egg.

By Fraser Band
Double Baked Goats Cheese Tartlet with
Sun-blushed tomato & red onion quiche.

Double Baked Goats Cheese Tartlet with Sun-blushed tomato & red onion quiche.

By Fraser Band
Stornoway Black Pudding with courgette buttermilk tempura, finished with a light
coconut and curry cream.

Stornoway Black Pudding with courgette buttermilk tempura, finished with a light coconut and curry cream.

By Fraser Band
Hot green vegetable medley with smoked salmon, all topped with a Gloagburn Farm free range poached egg.

Hot green vegetable medley with smoked salmon, all topped with a Gloagburn Farm free range poached egg.

By Fraser Band
Fillet of Venison- Wild Scottish Venison with Rumbledthump patties, finished
with a rich sherry & redcurrant reduction.

Fillet of Venison- Wild Scottish Venison with Rumbledthump patties, finished with a rich sherry & redcurrant reduction.

By Fraser Band
Howies Bistro also have a fantastic range of specials.

Howies Bistro also have a fantastic range of specials.

By Fraser Band
Profiteroles with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

Profiteroles with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

By Fraser Band
Tayside Marmalade Cheesecake £5.25
A shortcake base with whisky poached orange segments

Tayside Marmalade Cheesecake £5.25 A shortcake base with whisky poached orange segments

By Fraser Band
Great selection of local cheeses with oatcakes and chutney.

Great selection of local cheeses with oatcakes and chutney.

By Fraser
Lovely frontage of the Howies Bistro.

Lovely frontage of the Howies Bistro.

By Fraser Band

Howies Bistro Makeover

We'd heard that Howies Bistro in St John's Place had recently enjoyed a bit of a makeover and had changed their menu from cafe style snacks to bistro style lunches and evening meals. Suitably intrigued, we couldn't wait to try it out (all in the name of work of course!) and so jumped at the offer of meeting Fraser Band for a bit of lunch and a catch up.  

The menu is fantastic and although we were always big fans of their baked potatos and paninis this one has a little extra WOW factor!  They have laid out their stall firmly under the banner of locally sourced produce and you will find a vast array of Scottish ingredients such as venison, duck, smoked salmon, haddock and much more.

The menu incorporates these glorious flavours into simple, wholesome dishes and as well as some traditional favourites you'll also find a great choice of new, fresh and exciting options such as a hot smoked salmon salad Nicoisse (which was amazing!). 

Owned by brothers, Richard and Graham Howie, the small chain originated in Dunkeld, where they enjoy a prime position on the main street.  Their Perth venue opened in 2014 and is situated within the bustling cafe quarter on St John's Place.  Run by manager Craig and Head Chef Mark, they have quickly become one of the Small City's favourite eateries.

Our lunch time visit brought a bustling restaurant full of people and as each delicious looking plate went by, our necks were craning to grab a wee peek.   The choice was fantastic, and the dishes were presented beautifully - needless to say the phones were out before anyone picked up a fork!

We loved the food, service and whole experience and will definitely be taking more Small City outings to Howies.  Bring on the better weather we say, so we can catch some rays whilst we dine!

Check them out on our Food & Drink Directory here >>>

GALLERY PHOTOGRAPHER: 
Fraser Band is a professional photographer who is a self-confessed lover of good food and beer.  I hear he tasted everything in this gallery!  Find out more about Fraser in our Big Personality section or on his own website here>>>