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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. There is a seasonal restaurant menu and a very popular six course signature gourmet menu. Within the comprehensive carte, examples are St Monans? smoked haddock with buttered leeks, lightly fried quails egg and grain mustard sauce, or Glen Lyon Estate wood pigeon breast with bone marrow, pearl barley and vegetable casserole.

Main course choices could include trio of Glen Quaich reared pork with cured belly, braised cheek, fillet ?a la plancha? and parsley mash, and roast line caught Strathy turbot with locally grown rooster potatoes, Amalfi lemon and capers. No menu at Ardeonaig would be complete without Scottish beef in one form or another, and amongst the variations you may spot a fillet with potato crumpet, bone marrow, snails, garlic and parsley.

Desserts, which are clearly a forte, follow the same pattern and include a Windward Island banana soufflé with Amarula ice cream and caramel sauce, or the chocolate mielie meal pudding with Madagascan vanilla bean ice cream. 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.

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.