David Littlewood | The Milton restaurant & conservatory

David Littlewood, chef at The Milton restaurant & conservatory answers our questions and shows off his skills in the kitchen...

1. Who past or present would you like to cook a meal for and why
Elvis, the man's a legend.

2. Have you ever been really nervous about cooking for anyone
It always makes me nervous to cook for chefs, especially those whom I've worked under in the past.

3. Where or from whom did you get your desire to become a chef
I suppose it stems from my own personal love of food.

4. Quick and easy meal after service
You can't beat a good old steak sandwich!

5. Where is your favourite restaurant in Scotland and why
I'm not sure that I could choose one overall as there are so many excellent restaurants in Scotland. Although Fairlies at Gleneagles never fails to impress.

6. What would you say is your signature dish
I don't really have a 'signature dish' to speak of, I like to try new ideas, and allow previous dishes, from previous menus, to evolve into something new.

7. Which celebrity chef would you most like to cook for you
Heston Blumenthal from The Fat Duck, or Ferran Adria from El Bulli (in Spain), what these guys do with food amazes me.

8. What gadget could you not live without in your kitchen
The Robot Coupe, an essential for every kitchen.

9. What is your favourite Scottish ingredient
Too many to choose from, but if forced, I would have to say Aberdeen Angus Beef.

10. Who is your favourite Scottish supplier
Scotch premier meats, based at Inverurie, the best quality meat.

Give three words that sum you up as a chef
Passionate, ambitious and open-minded.

The Milton Restaurant & Conservatory
Crathes,
Banchory,
Kincardineshire,
AB31 5QH
http://www.themilton.co.uk
jan-themilton.co.uk  

Of all the restaurants in Aberdeen - The Milton is surely one of Scotland's best kept secrets.

Situated at the gateway to Royal Deeside and the start of the Castle and Whisky Trails (Crathes Castle opposite), The Milton Restaurant and Conservatory offers exquisite food in picturesque surroundings with the highest standards of service.

With a reputation as one of the most accomplished restaurants in the North East of Scotland The Milton's kitchen team of award winners is renowned not only for the taste, texture and depth of flavour they impart to their cooking, but also for the stunning presentation of the dishes.

Open daily throughout the year, excluding Christmas Day and New Year's Day, the innovative Brasserie and Dinner menus served in the Restaurant and Conservatory offer contemporary European cuisine.

The Milton's policy of supporting local businesses and suppliers means that they have access to the finest seasonal ingredients from Grampian's abundant markets and ports.

Just fifteen minutes from Aberdeen, The Milton offers a quintessential dining experience, be it a romantic meal for two, a wedding reception or a corporate function requiring private dining facilities. The Milton can also provide outside catering, private marquees for up to 300, bespoke menus, themed nights, live jazz, fun casinos and, almost uniquely, a private helipad.