McDiarmid Park: It’s a meal fit for a saint - with no macaroon bars

Jul 25 2008 by Lady who Lunches

OTHER Half tells me there was a time when football catering conjured up images of greasy pies and scalding hot Bovril, with that traditional Scots delicacy, a macaroon bar, to round off the feast.

He even wagered the football was the last time he spotted that endangered species, a Wagon Wheel biscuit.

Not that he knows much about the game. He proudly declares himself an “egg chaser,” meaning his first love is the rugby. He cherishes his forays to Murrayfield with the Barbour brigade and on one memorable occasion blew the household budget for the best part of a decade cheering on Gavin Hastings and company in Paris.

After spotting the detailed credit card bill, I seem to recall querying if the Scotland team had been performing at the Moulin Rouge!

Now I’m the first to admit McDiarmid Park doesn’t hog my Saturday afternoons. My only previous venture to the Crieff Road stadium was with a few of the girls for Sir Elton’s memorable appearance a few weeks ago.

And for lunch with the nephew this week, I decided to dispense with the gaudy pink cowboy hat.

Other Half tells me St Johnstone are trying to reach something called the SPL. But I sensed growing exasperation when I asked if that meant Cristiano Ronaldo would be putting in an appearance some time soon in Perth.

Luckily the reception I got from the team at McDiarmid was altogether warmer, from the cheery young girl on reception to the restaurant staff who looked after us during a long and leisurely lunch. Parking right at the door is also a winner.

I’m told the match-day hospitality is among the best in the land. And I can believe it if the kitchen line-up is on this sort of form for St Johnstone home games.

Nephew kicked-off with the Chicken Liver and Wild Mushroom Pate, served with Chutney and Oatcakes, as if he hadn’t seen food since school broke up for summer. My rather more delicate Thai Battered Tom Yum Prawns with sweet chilli sauce ensured the perfect start.

Nephew, a proud St Johnstone fan who left with a souvenir or two, was equally swift when it came to devouring the plateful of traditional Grilled Beef Sausages served on a bed of mash with a thyme, red wine and onion gravy, and side dish of vegetables. It was only after the plate was clear that suddenly the football memorabilia caught his eye.

As I tried to focus on my Baked Fillet of Salmon on mash with a creamy tomato and basil sauce, excitement levels escalated as he spotted framed pennants recalling football games against teams even I’ve heard of, including Real Madrid and Monaco. Now those would make nice trips for the girls!

He was cheerfully star-gazing and telling me Derek McInnes - the manager apparently - and several of the Saints players were returning from training.

Not sure where they eat but the Caramelised Orange Cheesecake or dreamy Triple Chocolate Mousse garnished with a raspberry coulis wouldn’t be on the diet of champions, I suspect.

But pudding was a winner with us!

Venue: McDiarmid Park, Crieff Road, Perth

Food: Changing daily menu featuring vegetarian options

Decor: Subtle football theme and smart linen tableclothes

Service: Let’s hope the football team are as slick this season

Price: Two course £8.95, three course £11.25