Orkney inspires Faroese food and drink specialists

A delegation of Faroese food and drink specialists are set to arrive in Orkney at the weekend on a fact-finding mission which will lead to a special Orcadian menu featuring North Ronaldsay mutton being on offer at one of the top restaurants in the Faroe Islands.

As well as mutton from the world famous seaweed eating sheep being served, it is also hoped that beer and whisky produced in Orkney will accompany the dishes as part of the special dining experience.

Travelling to Orkney for the event is Johan Joensen, head chef at the acclaimed Áarstova restaurant in Tórshavn, accompanied by John Mikkelsen, restaurant manager. Making a return visit to Orkney with them is Faroese gastronomical entrepreneur Johan Mortensen.

Stewart Anderson of local supplier Orkney’s Best has been assisting in co-ordinating the visit to Orkney, and is to supply the visitors with a consignment of North Ronaldsay mutton for their special Orcadian menu.

Arriving in Orkney on Friday, members of the Faroese party are to spend time on North Ronaldsay to see the sheep for themselves in their natural habitat, and meet the farmers who raise them. Visits to Scapa Distillery and the Orkney Brewery are also planned.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Mortensen said explained that he had been assisting the owner of Áarstova, Johannes Jensen, in the project, which will see a taste of Orkney being available to diners in Tórshavn.

Mr Mortensen explained: “The idea came from my many trips to Orkney and my gastronomical interests in Faroes. The Faroese are sheep lovers so I could see a match here. It is also most likely the North Ronaldsay sheep are the same breed which was here before.”

Also looking forward to visiting Orkney, Mr Mikkelsen said: “Áarstova was the first restaurant in the Faroes which was able to serve local lamb, through a co-operation with the first certified supplier of fresh lamb and mutton.”

He added: “Lamb is the main base of the Áarstova concept, and when our dear friend Jóhan Mortensen, who also is an integral part of our gastronomic team, mentioned the sheep, whisky and beer from Orkney, we saw some exiting possibilities.”

He went on to say: “We like to think that we always are on the forefront of the growing gastronomic interest on the islands, and this is a perfect opportunity for our young and eager staff to expand our knowledge, and of course for our guests to experience.”