MasterChef Winner Unveils New Mediterranean Offer at The Bridge at Rusacks St Andrews

The Bridge restaurant at Rusacks St Andrew’s will launch its new Mediterranean menu created by chef Francesco Boto and overseen by Executive Chef and MasterChef winner, Derek Johnstone.

Article Source: The Bridge restaurant at Rusacks St Andrews
Last Updated: 24 February 2023 14:20

This March, The Bridge restaurant at Rusacks St Andrew’s will launch its new Mediterranean menu created by chef Francesco Boto and overseen by Executive Chef and Masterchef: The Professionals winner, Derek Johnstone.

Drawing culinary inspiration from the coast and hillsides of France and Italy, to the villages and mountains of Spain, Greece, the Adriatic and the Levant, the new all-day dining offer celebrates the abundant flavours of Mediterranean cookery.

The Bridge’s wood fired oven gently bakes sourdough pizzas and home-made focaccia, while locally sourced Scottish lamb, beef, fish and Italian sausage cook on the charcoal grill. Hand rolled pastas are combined with fish, seafood, almonds, pine nuts, raisins, spices, and citrus to create stunning dishes, perfect for sharing. Mediterranean cheeses complement dishes or can be enjoyed on their own; the menu also features soft fruits, cakes, pastries and desserts to finish. It changes regularly with local, seasonal, and speciality produce at its heart.

The talented bar team has created a Mediterranean inspired wine and cocktail menu that features a House Negroni with Eden Mill red wine cask aged gin, The Rusacks Spritz with Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger Liqueur and a Fino and Tonic with Lustu Fino de Jerez Sherry, citrus and rose tonic

Derek Johnstone, Executive Chef, Rusacks St Andrew said:
‘I can’t wait for everyone to try this new menu at The Bridge. I am passionate about the simplicity of ingredients on our menu; allowing our produce to speak for itself. I’ve been working alongside Francesco for two years now and his respect for the heritage of Italian cookery is admirable.

In my twenties I spent time at Restaurant D’O in Milan. Here we used the finest local ingredients from neighbouring harbours and farms, simply prepared to offer a seasonal menu to be enjoyed by the whole family round the table.’

Derek Johnstone was the inaugural winner of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2008 at just 24 years old and has been at the helm of Rusacks St Andrews since it opened in 2022. Joining him in a team of forty chefs, Francesco has supported since 18 and One Under Bar launched, with The Bridge now operating as a welcoming all day Mediterranean restaurant for hotel guests and visitors alike.

Francesco Boto, Head Chef, Rusacks St Andrews said:
‘Being from Italy, I am most familiar with Mediterranean ingredients and moving away from home has also allowed me to cook alongside many chefs from other Mediterranean countries.

My passion for cooking developed in culinary school in Italy (Istituto
Alberghiero Assisi) where we toured regional Italy meeting the best producers and fellow chefs. Similarly, here at Rusacks St Andrews, we forge strong relationships with our supplier partners to understand how to get the best out of the wonderful ingredients all around us.’

With stunning views over the Old Course Golf Links and over West Sands Beach, the 70 cover family friendly restaurant, features brightly patterned fabrics with red and blue tones inspired by warmer climes, creating a warm homely feel. The venues design lends itself to large parties and celebrations, with an expert team on hand to accommodate all requests.

To celebrate the new offering, diners visiting from the 2nd – 5th of March can enjoy selected pizzas or pasta for £5.

The Bridge will be open daily for hotel residents and visitors:
Breakfast: Daily 7 – 10:30 am
Lunch: Daily 12 – 3pm
Dinner: Daily 5:30pm – 9pm

To find out more about The Bridge visit www.thebridgerusacks.co.uk/
Follow @thebridgerusacks on Instagram and @thebridgerusacks on Facebook.

The Bridge, 18 and One Under Bar at Rusacks St Andrews have been developed and operated by White Rabbit Projects, whose hospitality portfolio includes Lina Stores, Kricket and Island Poké.

For more information about Marine & Lawn hotels, please visit https://marineandlawn.com/

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MasterChef Winner Unveils New Mediterranean Offer at The Bridge at Rusacks St Andrews

The Bridge restaurant at Rusacks St Andrew’s will launch its new Mediterranean menu created by chef Francesco Boto and overseen by Executive Chef and MasterChef winner, Derek Johnstone.

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