An audience with…Mark Hix

OMGiddy-aunt! What a fabulous evening it was last night on Seatown Beach.

No blankets required, the sun shone, giving off warm breezy beachy vibes, while guests arrived and sank into the colourful deckchairs and sipped a glass of @bridevalley cremant as oysters were shucked on the barrel.

Mark needed no encouragement to swap his chef whites to a fish camp t-shirt as he took to the fish camp stage and began effortlessly demo-ing & chatting about each dish. Some great questions were asked and funny tales of Mark’s fishing trips were told. Even an impromptu yet enthusiastic speech from Mark’s friend Nigel, came to the front to impart some facts on sustainable fishing and the need to support local.

Lots of love & laughter as the seafood kept coming off the BBQ and fantastic wines flowing!

The menu
* Portland Pearl oysters with a watermelon hot sauce
* Handpicked Portland Crab bruschetta
* Hand-dived Scallops & Nduja in the half shell
* Squid tortillas with pico de gallo & salsa verde
* Mackerel fillet & roasted beetroot creme fraiche

All this, delivered by an amazing team who are made up of friends I’ve made through the twisty turns in life. They all lead such talented lives, but are graciously willing to come and help out on the fish camp in their ‘spare’ time. Boy oh boy, am I truly grateful ❤️

It was just awesome to see familiar faces and hear your words of encouragement 🙏 and to meet new ‘fish campers’ enjoying the relaxing ways of the fish camp – simple & accessible seafood made delicious!

It was an absolute pleasure having Mark at the fish camp, beachside! Embracing a very informal evening of chat, laughs & helpful tips!

Keep your peepers peeled on socials for the next ‘audience with…’ here on the beach at Seatown. Where we’ll be doing it all again, but this time with, Lesley Waters 🍅 🫑 😉

One last thing; The wine list…
Encouraged by my visit to Mark’s then pub, at the Fox last month when I met FIONA BECKETT I made it my mission to find the Alvarinho & Assyrtiko that Fiona had recommended for my seafood. But I got as far as the gals at @vineyards Sherborne who, just crack me up laughing every time I go there, yet they deliver such knowledge I could sit & listen to for hours! Owner, Hannah very thoughtfully selected these wines & I love them all and I want to share with you her tasting notes on the chance you may just pop in and give these a whirl with your next seafood night in…or indeed, bring to your next fish camp here on Seatown Beach!

(Open every Fri/Sat/Sun 12-5pm).

Assyrtiko from Bekaa Valley, Lebanon – 91% Assyrtiko, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Viognier. This is Lebanon’s first and only Assyrtiko, made by a small, family run winery in an ancient region where winemakers face extraordinary challenges daily. A unique grape, originally from Santorini, which has full aromas of white fruits with a lovely mineral edge. On the palate, It’s a fresh and vibrant style with a mouth-watering finish. A very coastal wine which is the perfect accompaniment to Sally’s menu.

Soli Pinot Noir from Thracian Valley, Bulgaria – 100% Pinot Noir and beautiful served slightly chilled on a hot day. Every swirl of this wine in the glass gives you another flavour profile. Soft tannins that are accompanied by strawberry and red cherry notes, this wine really does exceed your expectations in comparison with other countries.

Mont Rocher Viognier from South-West, France – 100% Viognier. What a wine to partner seafood, with so many soft flavours tantalising your tastebuds. Pear and white peaches from start to finish, ripe and fleshy nectarine on the nose – it remains rounded in style and has a moreish dry finish.

Domaine Seve Macon Solutre-Pouilly from Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay made in one of the best villages in the Mâconnais. A true classy wine which has a similar richness and texture to a Pouilly-Fuisse but without the ‘oakiness’. A true gem that over delivers and adds a little something extra to a special menu.

Cantina Elvio Tintero Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy – made using 100% Nebbiolo, ‘the king of grapes’ in Northern Italy, this wine jumps out the glass at you. Light in colour, but don’t let that deceive you as this wine really over delivers on flavour and brings a party to your palate. Strawberry and subtle earthy flavours follow onto a lovely grip of cocoa dusted tannins and a touch of spice. Just delicious.