Restaurant at The Ardeonaig Hotel

Every so often there comes into the orbit of this website a restaurant virtually in a class of its own. Of such an ilk is Ardeonaig, tucked away on the south shore of Loch Tay, but well within reach of those for whom true excellence in culinary matters represents the Holy Grail.

The chef/owner is Peter Gottgens, a fourth generation hotelier who grew up in South Africa. Amongst his achievements is the world's biggest known barbecue, for 35,000 people, and being Nelson Mandela's Chef of choice in the UK for many years, resulting in him being the lead chef for State banquets, etc.

Peter says, 'I've taken the things I love about my birthplace and married them to the very best of what my adopted home can offer'. Guests can choose to relax in the new and unique cellar dining room or dine in the restaurant or the more casual Study.

The cuisine, which won them a Michelin Bib Gourmand and an Inn of the Year award, is based on ingredients locally grown with the emphasis being on flavour driven food. The menu comes in 2, 3 or 4 course options, and there is a very popular six course gourmet menu. Within the comprehensive menu, examples are thickly sliced, lightly smoked Uig Lodge Salmon with zuma tomatoes and micro greens, or local pigeon breast, apple, pistachio and fine leaf salad.

Main course choices could include Ardtalnaig Estate hare fillets, caramelised onions, puy lentils and seasonal vegetables; deer loin with crisp potato cake and sautéed wild mushrooms, and pan-fried wild sea bass fillet, Roma tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and fresh mint. No menu at Ardeonaig would be complete without Scottish beef in one form or another, and amongst the variations you may spot a pan-fried fillet with wild mushrooms and a Madeira sauce.

Desserts, which are clearly a forte, follow the same pattern and include a nectarine tian with basil ice cream and bee pollen, or the house speciality, chocolate mielie meal pudding. The wine list represents a triumph for South African wine, and must be one of the best live showcases for the product in this country. The same could also be said of the array of malt whiskies, one of the finest collections for quality that I have ever seen.

Being snowed in at Ardeonaig must be one of life's most fulfilling experiences; however, don't take my word for it, find out far more about this wonderful spot on their exceedingly informative Website.