Not That Satisfying 5pax Dinner @ Imperial Treasure Nanbei on 26Aug2017

half roast duck

went imperial treasure nanbei level 5 taka for 5pax family dinner on 26.8.2017.^

last time i came here was 2 years back on 23.8.2015! we had a wonderful dimsum lunch. ^^

today however was dinner. booked last min at 6pm still got table arrived restaurant 6.45pm there are walk-ins no booking. looks like busines 👇a lot, unlike before where even when we came puncture with reservations, had to wait a while…

we ordered roast duck, chargtilled pork neck, fried rice, soup & 2 dimsum…not much dimsum available so nothing much to order not so satisfying!

roast duck was good, nothing special, the meat not moist & tender enough…

radish pastry 

the radish pastry still good.

puffy pastry, and tasty radish inside!

charcoal grilled pork neck 炭烧猪颈肉 

the charcoal grilled pork neck 炭烧猪颈肉 was very good, unfailingly! ^^

charcoal grilled pork neck 炭烧猪颈肉 

very tasty. especially with the fatty bits.

but recently i had the best char siew Meng Meng Roast Duck restaurant 阿明帝皇鸭 at sutera, and really that was even better than this!

salted egg prawns 

the salted egg prawns were the usual, competent….

forgot to take photos of the soup & the fried rice. both very good.

soup good though i had better ones here previously.

the dry scallops egg white fried rice always good here, especially with the XO chili. this evening too! ^^

over dinner S$180+. not say expensive, but we also did not order much.

but over the dining experience not so satisfying.

c.h.e.f andy

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imperial treasure nanbei

contact:
opening hours:

Hiap Joo Coconut Buns – 1 Day JB Makan Trip with OPS Buddies on 28Aug2017

queue at hiap joo bakery & biscuit factory 

went with my OPS buddies to JB on 28.8.2017.^^

we were at the causeway at 10.15am, took one full hour to cross over, not sure i want to come again by car.

hiap joo bakery & biscuit factory 

my OPS friends decided to stop by & pick up some coconut buns at hiap joo bakery & biscuit factory.

i bought the delicious banana cake the last time i was here with my RI bros. ^^

there was the usual queue for the banana cake.

queue at hiap joo bakery & biscuit factory

queue at hiap joo bakery & biscuit factory

 

FM queued for coconut buns.

it was a short queue for coconut buns, longer queue for banana cake.

coconut buns like disappearing food in singapore, never tried it for decades!

it was nostalgic, but not really something i like too much, and not some calories i want to add. lol! ^^

c.h.e.f andy

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Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory

Address:

13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours:

Mon to Sat – 7.30am to 5.30pm

Wonderful RM$16 Cold Brew @ JWC Homies Aeon Mall Tebrau City on 28Aug2017

RM$16 cold brew 

had excellent cold brew at JWC(Just Want Coffee) outlet on 28.8.2017.

it was like 4pm. we had some time to while away.

so after the mediocre chendol at penang raod famous teochew chendol,

we went to level1 to chill & enjoy a cuppa at JWC Homies.

JWC Homies

i had the cold brew – most ex drink at RM$16.

my RI friend CJ ordered that at the bear & the fish (JWC) recently during our sutera trip. 

it is like chilled flat white, very nice coffee aroma! ^^

c.h.e.f andy

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Just Want Coffee, Homies

Address:

G115, AEON Tebrau City Shopping Centre,
1, Jalan Desa Tebrau,
Taman Desa Tebrau,
81100 Johor Bahru,
Johor,

Poor Kueh & Cucur Udang @ Nonya Leaf Aeon Mall JB on 28Aug2017

ondeh ondeh, cucur udang, lapis pandan kueh 

while we were waiting for our cendol etc orders at penang road famous teochew chendol,

WT walked over to buy some nonya kuehs from nonya leaf opposite on 28.8.2019. ^^

the ondeh ondeh was poor, inside dry & not enough gula melaka & krisik (dessicated coconut)!

the lapis likewise very so-so, medicore…we all agreed FM made much better lapis kueh!

nonya leaf

nonya leaf 

the centre seating for nonya leave just as crowded! 🙂

really difference in taste-buds la…

cucur udang (prawn fritters)

cucur udang (prawn fritters)

the cucur udang (prawn fritters)slightly better.

NO comparison with the wadeh udang WM treated us to at seletar country club. 

c.h.e.f andy

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Nyonya Leaf
Address:
1 Jalan Desa Tebrau Taman Desa Tebrau Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tebrau, Johor, Malaysia
Contact:
+60 7-352 2220

 

Not Great Cendol @ Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol Aeon Mall Tebrau City on 28Aug2017

not good cendol 

after very good makan at restoran ya wang 鸭皇 at jln segget,

we stopped by & bought some stuff at giant supermakrket. it started raining, so we drove to aeon mall tebrau city. parking here is just RM$1 whole day.

penang famous teochew cendol 

CH led us to penang famous teochew cendol place for some cendol. CH was here last week. 🙂

penang famous teochew cendol 

good crowd. very popular!

penang famous teochew cendol 

i wonder why??? diferent tast efor cendol, must be! 🙂

not good cendol 

cendol was not great, quite mediocre, like any hawker centre stall in singapore.

gula melaka not flavourful/aromatic just sugary, coconut milk not thick enough…

nice chee cheong fun 

we ordered rojak & chee cheong fun..

& weng tong walked over to nonya leaf the buy some ondeh ondeh, cucur udang (prawn fritters) & lapis pandang kueh to share.

nice chee cheong fun  

chee cheong fun was good, nice texture & sauce was good, flavourful.

in fact, the only thing nice here at this “famous” cendol! 🙂

 

rojak not good too!

rojak not good too!

sauce too thick, overpowering.

c.h.e.f andy

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Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Address:
1, Jalan Desa Tebrau | Lot S30, AEON Mall Tebrau CityJohor Bahru 81100, Malaysia
Contact:
+60 4-262 6002

Very Good 三楼米粉 @ Restaurant Ah Kaw Pelangi on 28Aug2017

三楼米粉

after cendol, coffee & some more buying groceries at aeon mall, tebrau city,

we set off for ah kow 三楼米粉 at pelangi, reaching there about 6.20pm.

the 三楼米粉 was really good!

and a very inexpensive dinner plus drinks plus 4xpackets takeaway 三楼米粉 medium=just RM182 for 6pax..

we walked around a bit & left for the causeway at 7.40pm…a breeze no jam.

restoran ah kaw 三楼米粉 pelangi 

it’s a coffeeshop eating house at pelangi.

restoran ah kaw 三楼米粉 pelangi 

not too crowded yet!

picture menu board 

we ordered several of the signature dishes on the picture menu board – like the 三楼米粉, french pig trotters, fried tofu etc.

picture menu 

easy to see details on the menu, menu board just to see which signature dishes to order.

三楼米粉 

ordered one large 三楼米粉.

it was good, tasty, slightly crisp, and still moist & well infused with stock inside. excellent dish!

it was a good choice too. better just order one first then add later, so bee hoon would be hot & fresh. we added a medium serving afterwards. everything finished! 🙂

french trotters 

the french trotters was deep-fried, and nicely seasoned, quite flavourful.

french trotters 

back in singapore, a friend later commented standard had dropped. maybe it was even better previously but this was quite good.

i would generally still prefer braised trotters, which are plentiful anywhere. but this a good change & something nice that was worth trying, and repeating also.

fried tofu 

the fried tofu was good too, flavourful, crispy outside, soft inside, most imprtantly good taste. 🙂

干香鱼头 

the 干香鱼头 though was below par, not good standard.

to be fair in was about the standard of JB ah meng in singapore.

thing is, they gave tiny, bony fish head, no meat…taste ok quite flavourful but no dining experience to talk about.

salted egg bittergourd 

salted egg bitter gourd was very good. very well done. nice taste.

not sure comparable to zai shun or not, but it was good anyway. 🙂

baby romaine lettuce

not quite romaine lettuce. this the cheaper baby lettuce?

anyway, good enough vegetable dish la…

bill 

RM$182 nett! 🙂

三楼米粉  medium tapao 4xpackets RM$11.70 each. 🙂

street hawkers

street hawkers 

we walked around the place a bit to while the time.

wanted to reach causeway nearer to 8pm to avoid the queue.

nice tree 

this the road with roadside parking.

the street hawkers behind the camera, and ah kawabout right angle to the nice tree to the left.

c.h.e.f andy

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Contact:
Opening Hours:

Very Good 6pax Lunch at Restoran Ya Wang 鸭皇 28 Jln Segget JB on 28Aug2017

白斩鸡

went JB with my OPS buddies. KS drove toyota picnic, comfortably 6pax.

restoran ya wang 鸭皇

we parked near restoran ya wang 鸭皇, 28 jln segget on 28.8.2017.

the last time i came with my RI friends, we did not drive but walked from city square, had early lunch at kam long fish head, and passed by restoran ya wang. did not eat here as already eaten at kam long.

restoran ya wang 鸭皇

ya wang was crowded at 11.40am.

menu

menu

the menu prices all looked ok, except that the bill we had some items didn’t seem to follow these listed prices???

menu board

do some eye exercise. see anything you like?

michael jackson

i had michael jackson. haha! heard of it a lot, first time i actually tried it.

michael jackson

i like this one here, the tau huay not sweet, and the cheng chow texture made it nice.

roast duck, char siew & siew yoke

we ordered 1/2 roast duck, want to eat other dishes, and thinking of the many meals we going to have later on?? haha! ^^

1/2 roast duck

we ordered the 十全鸭. that is supposed to be they signature.

we had this twice at ya wang at sentosa, both occasions good.

recently my RI friends went to sentosa, said ya wang shop bought over by ah yik imperial, still serving same roast duck, but not good, didn’t taste the same.

1/2 roast duck

this roast duck here felt the same way.

still good, too much sauce, skin not crispy, and tasted a bit odd or off!

this duck ok but no better than any roast duck in singapore, so no point to come specially to eat it…

char siew siew yoke

char siew was excellent, roast pork very good except the end bits harder…

but then the char siew & siew yoke at Meng Meng Roast Duck restaurant 阿明帝皇鸭  at sutera mall i had recently with RI friends still better than this, especially the char siew was truly awesome!

白斩鸡

the 1/2 白斩鸡 was an after-thought, accidental addition.

surprisingly the chicken was very good. all of us thought the chicken was better than the duck!

somehow i had impression that 白斩鸡  in malaysia quite lousy (like i thought in hong kong as well) c/w singapore. but this chicken is sweet (kampong chicken/ a big one), whereas singapore 白斩鸡 is smooth but generally tasteless by comparison.

tilapia in nonya sauce

many tables were ordering this tilapia in nonya sauce.

so we ordered too. they served us a wrong fish, a seabass done the same style.  seabass more expensive than tilapia but we all thought tilapia tasted better for this preparation so they corrected it & served us the tilapia.

tilapia in nonya sauce

tilapia was very nice. fish was very fresh, tender, smooth & bouncy & the tangy sauce was quite perfect to kill the “mud” taste.

we all liked this dish & the chicken best.

stir-fried potato leaves with fermented bean curd

the stir-fried potato leaves with fermented bean curd was done very well. very nice dish! 🙂

bill

the bill RM$162.60 for 6pax lunch cheap by singapore standard of course.

they charged RM$28 for the chicken, but the menu showed RM$8 for upper quarter & RM$10 for lower quarter. not a good practice! 🙂

restoran ya wang 鸭皇

anyway we were satisfied we had an enjoyable lunch at a price much lower than singapore.

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Restoran Ya Wang 鸭皇

Address:

2, Jalan Sutera 4, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Contact:

EasyJet Inverness to London Luton on 15Jun2017 (Day 7 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

the willows b&b

after a continental breakfast at the willows b&b by hosts sheila & her hubby, we started out on a 45mins drive to inverness airport on 15.6.2017.

we returned the VW rental car to avis parking lot & checked in easyjet for London Luton. ^^

this marks the last & final entry of our very memorable holiday to fort williams & isles of skye, largely the effort & arrangements made by wife.

returning car at inverness airport

filled up petrol to full tank

fuel gauge showing full tank

we did the usual, filling up petrol, checking the fuel gauge, and returning the car to avis parking lots at inverness airport.

our VW rental car keys

returning car at avis counter, inverness airport

i have never had any problems myself with rental car companies in terms of unusual charges etc though my wife had & some friends had too.

anyhow these days it is so convenient to record everything, so i made sure i took all the necessary photo records.

Inverness airport

so it’s end of our fort williams/isle of skye holiday,

and “home sweet home” back to our london apartment.

youngest daughter is joining us in london the next day, & on the following day 17.6.2017, 4 of us – wife, me, son & daughter are flying to iceland for a 10-day holiday..

c.h.e.f andy

Great Cocktails, Great Mussels, Poor Food at White House Inverness on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

excellent martini cocktail

after the brief walk along both banks of river ness,

we were looking for a place for simple dinner..not looking for a heavy dinner,

& since we already had excellent lunch at kinloch today…

This place famous for cocktails

walk past white house restaurant, was reading google reviews on the fly…apparently this place is especially good for cocktails….

so we settle in at the white house on 14.6.2017. ^^

excellent whisky cocktail

wife ordered a whisky cocktail. quite excellent, even for non drinker like me tasting it…

later wife ordered a second martini cocktail (top photo). it was very good too!

the best succulent west coast mussels, even better than uig = £6.50

we ordered the west coast mussels.

surprise surprise, it was the best succulent mussels we had this trip (even better than the very good ones at uig restaurant)…the white wine sauce not creamy but very tasty.

the best succulent west coast mussles, even better than uig = £6.50

this dish was really a very good order for just £6.50!.

the poorest & tiny scallop i had this trip = £8.95

unfortunately, everything went downhill after that!

this was the poorest & tiniest scallop i had this trip..about the standard of scallops at The Oyster Shed (which was not good!)

Seafood platter for 2=£15.25 really NOT good

the seafood platter was really a bad pub food.

Seafood platter for 2=£15.25 really NOT good

calamari was dry & tough.

the 3 disappearing “king” prawns were just pathetic! the preparation of it was even more pathetic..

Seafood platter for 2=£15.25 really NOT good

kippers was like some cheap stuff pulled off a supermarket rack, nothing like the consistent good ones at all the b&b. NOT good at all!

Seafood platter for 2=£15.25 really NOT good

minced salmon was at least quite tasty. but not something we could take more than a mouthful..

white house restaurant

white house restaurant

so dinner came up to £44. can consider that as just paying for the mussels & 2 cocktails.

basically the other orders we need not have bothered.

won’t take any food here except for the mussels!

inverness sunset 

after dinner at the white house, we returned to our car & drove back to our b&b the willows at kirkhill, retracing the same lakeside drive along beauty firth.

inverness sunset 

we caught the sunset, and the setting sun was just inching down the horizon.

the photos looked spectacular but actually the golden rays were just because my iphone 6 camera had a crack…no mystery!

inverness sunset

inverness sunset

a really magical moment in magical scotland!

c.h.e.f andy

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Opening Hours:

 

Nice Walk Along Rive Ness, Inverness City Centre on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

river ness riverside stroll

after checking in at the willows b&b, we drove another 20mins to inverness town centre on 14.6.2017.

the willows b&b to white house @ invernes city centre

we traveled along A862 & for a large part along the shores of beauty firth.

when we drove back after dinner, we took beautiful shots of the sunset.

river ness riverside stroll

we parked at the open carpark in front of home bargains open the old town rose street multi-storey carpark.

and walked to bank street on the riverside of river ness.

directly across the opposite banks of river ness is the st mary’s roman catholic church.

river ness riverside stroll

we strolled downstream in the direction where river ness flos into beauty firth, towards greig street pedestrian suspension bridge.

river ness riverside stroll

the old high church inverness stood out along bank street.

cast iron greig street bridge

cast iron greig street bridge

a really beautiful greig street pedestrian suspension bridge!

cast iron greig street bridge

cast iron greig street bridge

looking back from the greig street pedestrian bridge.

river ness riverside stroll

looking downstream from greig street pedestrian bridge..

river ness riverside stroll

& the inverness castle upstream.

in the direction of ness islandss, a beautiful natural park, which we did not have time to go.

river ness riverside stroll

the golden hue in the sky over river ness.

inverness city centre

we crossed back to bank street side via ness bridge.

it’s time for dinner. we did not need a heavy dinner just something to eat.

we passed by the white house & decided to have dinner there.

c.h.e.f andy

Nessie & Urquhart Castle Loch Ness on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

urquhart castle loch ness

after a wonderful lunch at one michelin star kinloch & restful stroll along the grounds & beach,

we were ready for the 2hr drive to inverness.

on the way, we plan to stop & visit the urquhart castle by the side of loch ness near to inverness, and walked the grounds…

& try to catch a view of nessie, as the loch ness monster is affectionately called, likely misplaced affection i think…

urquhart castle loch ness

Urquhart Castle sits beside Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland. The castle is on the A82 road, 21 kilometres south-west of Inverness.

urquhart castle loch ness

tickets are £9 for adults & opening time is till 6pm. 

the staff said they progressively closed sections of the castle…

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle had a commanding view of a long stretch of loch ness.

it’s history goes back a thousand years. the preserved ruins are from the 13th century to 16th century period.

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

the space, the sky, the history…& the folklore….

urquhart castle loch ness

nice sprawling grounds, with view of the expanse of waters of loch ness, a beautiful setting, and great demand for filming, wedding, receptions ect.

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle ruins

castle wall…

urquhart castle ruins

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

lakeside foliage…

urquhart castle ruins

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

looking back towards the hidden carpark area.

urquhart castle ruins

urquhart castle ruins

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

to the other end bound by the castle wall…just ruins..

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

urquhart castle loch ness

encircle quite a large compound..

urquhart castle loch ness

it was about closing time.

we drove the another 30+mins to arrive at our b&b for the evening, the willows.

c.h.e.f andy

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Urquhart Castle

Contact:

Excellent £45 3-course Lunch at One Michelin Star Kinloch on 14Jun2017(Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

first amuse bouche

sligachan was a enchanting stop & short walk…

3-course £40 4-course £45 set lunch menu

we had prebooked for lunch at one michelin star kinloch on 14.6.2017. ^^

very good lunch…we had 3-course £40 lunch then added 1 dessert for 4-course £45 lunch,

first amuse bouche

first amuse bouche

& there were 2 amuse bouche 👍👍

there is some thai influence here…we had croquette & some like prawn cake or fritters, maybe with seaweed, cannot remember, with tahi sweet chili sauce dip. it was good.

2nd amuse bouche

& the 2nd amuse bouche=this was awesome..a pea mousse, prosciutto, caramelised onions=the best la! 🙂

kinloch drawing room

we were led first the nice drawing room with good natural light & views, to wait for the table to be set.

we had our first amuse bouche here.

kinloch drawing room

we looked at the menu, selected the order, then we were led to our table at the dining hall.

butternut squash soup very creamy buttery unfortunately too sweet!

butternut squash soup very creamy buttery unfortunately too sweet!

butternut squash soup very creamy buttery & unfortunately too sweet!

pigeon ok, good standard NOT special

pigeon ok, good standard NOT special

pigeon was ok, quite good standard just not special…

scallops excellent=duisdale standard not as good as three chimney

scallops were excellent here=duisdale standard not as good as three chimneys.

nicely seared, tender, plump, sweet scallops and wonderful sauce…

Tenderloin as good as can be..great sides

plating was faultless. tenderloin as good as can be..really great sides too…not the best beef but certainly more than competent…

hake was excellent mussels by the way

hake was excellent mussels by the way

restaurant apologised for not having cod as written in the menu. they replaced by hake.

and the hake was excellent, firm, sweet, tasty… mussels were just by the way…

parfait competent really not my kind of dessert…

we added one dessert just to try.

the parfait was competent but really it’s just not my kind of dessert…& both of us not so dessert persons to start with…

taste-wise total experience-wise, this far far below the standards of japanese parfait.

for the price of £40, this 3-course lunch was really very good standard, and if i am back in isle of skye i will definitely come again for lunch…quite superb!

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

kinloch grounds..a serene wilderness …

after the excellent lunch at kinloch, we walked around the grounds..a serene wilderness …nice!

c.h.e.f andy

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Contact:

Enchanted Waters, Sligachan Bridge & Cullins Landscape on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

sligachan hotel

leaving for inverness today on 14.6.2017. ^^

wife chose to go inverness as we then did not have to make a 6-hr drive back to glasgow. we had booked an easyjet flight from inverness to london luton the next day.

inverness is a 3hr drive. so we need not rush…we had a nice lunch booked already at one michelin star kinloch at the sleat peninsula.

 

sligachan bridge

we were early, with time (about 1.5hrs) to spare. 🙂

sligachan bridge

we stopped at sligachan to take in the beautiful sligachan bridge & landscape of the cullins.

sligachan bridge

sligachan bridge

Sligachan is located at the junction of the roads from portree, dunvegan & bradford. the hotel (top photo) was built around 1830. many early climbers chose this as a spot to start ascents of the cuillin.

we were here 3days ago when we were going to fairy pools on 11.6.2017.

we stopped but it was pouring, so we left and did not walk around…

sligachan bridge

there were groups of students doing their field study trips. 🙂

the enchanting waters of sligachan

& below flows the enchanted waters of sligachan, with all its magical powers.

the enchanting waters of sligachan

to confer eternal beauty for the ladies.

you need to kneel down, bend over let your face immerse into the flowing river, and then let it air dry, cannot cup the water & cannot wipe dry!

freezing cold it must be, so good luck to you all! 🙂

the enchanting waters of sligachan

the cuillin

the cuillin mountain range in the background.

wife thought she could see fairy pools glistening in the distance…

the cullins

lots of flora & fauna of course! 🙂

the cullins

the cullins

the cullins

the cullins

there is a swing gate & trek on the southern side of the river.

but it was starting to rain again, and our car was parked at the hotel grounds for short while.

the cuillin backdrop from sligachan

the cuillin backdrop from sligachan

the cuillin backdrop from sligachan

the cuillin backdrop from sligachan

trail at sligachan

trail at sligachan 

we returned to the car, but it was still too early for lunch maybe another 45mins. so we drove over and parked at the carpark south side of sligachan bridge. we dressed up in rain gears & went to take a short walk along the trail.

trail at sligachan

trail at sligachan

enchanted waters of sligachan 

we couldn’t go far also, so we turned back after a short walk, and headed to kinloch, much looking forward to our lunch.

c.h.e.f andy

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Sligachan,

Isle of Skye IV47 8SW, UK

 

Another Hearty Breakfast @ Pienmore House on 14Jun2017 (Day 6 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & buttered bread 

woke up looking forward to a nice breakfast this morning on 14.6.2017.

of course if you take the same old stuff for full cooked breakfast everyday, you get tired of it. so we skipped kippers the other day.

for this morning’s breakfast, we had the usual “help yourself” cereals, cold cuts, juice, toast etc. & coffee was served at the table also as usual. 🙂

smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & buttered bread 

for the main selection, we had a choice of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & buttered bread.

nothing much to talk about, just the salmon was lightly smoked & good.

smoked kippers

smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & buttered bread 

it was kippers again for the other choice.

wife finished one piece with my help. it was good too, but i did not want to take a second piece.

pleasant dining room, pleasant host & servers & a nice breakfast – what we needed to start our journey to inverness (later in the afternoon).

c.h.e.f andy

Great Stay & Location @ Pienmore House B&B on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

peinmore house 

stayed at peinmore house b&b this evening on 13.6.2017. ^^

peinmore house – view from car park

peinmore house car park

an excellent b&b! just £140/night, nice room, great lounge, free parking, great breakfast, and very importantly good wifi…

peinmore is 4km & 6mins drive from portree town centre, quite a perfect location really.

after returning from the spectacular scenery at neist point,

we decided to go light for dinner this evening..in fact we were light on lunch as well…so that’s why having a huge satisfying breakfast like we had at uig lodge this morning is so important https://chefquak.com/2017/09/03/great-stay-good-breakfast-uig-lodge-on-13jun2017-day-5-fort-williamsisle-of-skye-trip-9-14jun2017/(& when travelling in UK every breakfast is huge & almost w/o fail satisfying!)

went to buy takeaway fish & chips from the same portree stall we had 2 days back on 11.6.2017. it was just so good! ^^

so we had one £6.50 fish & chips to share, added a fried fish (the guy only charged me £3.50 for the extra fish) & a king rib (£4) =our dinner today no lunch…

btw, the king rib was a “fake” rib, some processed thingy like crab cake is, so not worth taking!…

peinmore house room

peinmore house room & toilet

and peinmore has decent sized room nicely appointed, nice ensuite toilet.

& location is convenient base to explore the northern signts like old man of storr, kilt rock & mealt falls, brothers point, quiraing. and also to go west to neist point etc..and of course south…quite an ideal base.

there is no need to pay £328 for skeabost & the like for duisdale, and the wifi at both these places basically don’t work!

>we had another packet of instant noodles, so i took one for myself. wife had enough of that. 🙂

peinmore house common lounge

peinmore house common lounge

view from peinmore house common lounge bay window

peinmore had a good size common lounge, very nicely appointed. we sat there & drank coffee & chilled.

i would stay at peinmore any time. it basically offers everything a traveller need in terms of good location, convenience, free parking, nice room & toilets, great breakfast & good wifi.

c.h.e.f andy

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Peinmore House B&B

Contact:

 

 

Breathtaking Neist Point on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

breathtaking neist point

old man of storr to dunvegan castle to neist point

drove to neist point after dunvegan castle gardens on 13.6.2017…

really wonderful walk enjoying the beautiful breathtaking scenery….

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

the carpark for neist point is located at very end of the single track road about 30mins from Dunvegan Castle..

tiny carpark was full & we parked like many cars by the roadside.

breathtaking neist point

the path leads all the way to the lighthouse.

it’s an easy stroll. we took about 1 hr overall including stopping for pictures..

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

Neist Point (Scottish Gaelic: Rubha na h-Eist) is at the most westerly point of Skye. Neist Point Lighthouse has been located there since 1909. 

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

outside the dirt track, the fields were like carpet-bombed with sheep droppings…lol! 🙂

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

neist point lighthouse

The lighthouse is 43 meters above sea level and can be seen up to 16 nautical miles offshore. 

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

neist point has awesome views on both sides of the protruding rock shelves.

breathtaking neist point

we walked over to the east side of the rock shelves.

this the view of the coastline behind us looking back..

breathtaking neist point

& this is looking forward at the east side of the protruding shelves.

 

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

breathtaking neist point

we walked further back & took some selfies & wefies with the breathtaking scenery in the background.

a beautiful place…so many beautiful places…very happy that we drove the distance here, even if it’s more than an hours drive from portree. 🙂

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Neist Point Lighthouse

Contact:

 

 

Visiting Dunvegan Castle Gardens on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

dunvegan castle gardens

today we are moving to a b&b peinmore at portree..we have done most of what we wanted to see on the east coast.

old man of storr to dunvegan castle to neist point

so after the exhilarating climb at old man of storr,

we decided to drive to neist point…that takes about 1hr 15mins…so we thought to drop by dunvegan castle to vist the gardens also on 13.6.2017..

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle

entrance to the gardens was £11each for gardens only (£13 for castle & gardens)..

nothing much to see for me non-botantist just consider as donating to the upkeep of the place 🙏😎 

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

the gardens have various setting – like water gardens, wooded gardens, round gardens, walled gardens etc.

with a variety of water features, plants, flowers & trees…

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden

dunvegan castle garden 

it was a pleasant stroll..

not quite the scenery that we would look out for in isle of skye but since it was on the way to neist point, it was a good break stop as well. 🙂

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++

Duvegan Castle & Gardens

Contact:
Opening Hours:

 

 

Exhilarating Climb Old Man of Storr on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

old man of storr hike

After a hearty breakfast at uig lodge,

we drove to old man of stor parked roadside about 1030am on 13.6.2017. ^^

It was a wonderful 2.5hrs hike, albeit 60% time in the rain & old man of storr constantly in mist & fog…

On a sunny day this would be quite an easy ascend…

We left uig in sunshine hoping to catch the sun at old man of storr soon drove through heavy rain & then stopped at old man of storr & started the hike with slight drizzle.. such is the weather…

cars parking roadside – old man of storr

cars parking roadside – old man of storr

cars parking roadside – old man of storr

we parked our car by the roadsdie like others, not far from the access swing gate.

people came before us. people came after us. despite the constant drizzle almost.

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

a dirt track up.

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

open plains…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

nice walk…very slight drizzle at the start…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

view of the sea looking back…

old man of storr hike

a second swing gate.

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

very overcast sky…

old man of storr hike

further up we go…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

& quite misty too…..

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

starting to see old man of storr…mysterious & inviting…want to see more…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

such a thrilling landscape…like middle earth my friends said…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

the walking is easier than quiraing…

between the 2, quiraing scenery is better…

old man of storr hike

quiraing was a shorter hike because we started from the carpark higher up.

here we started at road level.

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

the final stretches to the top..

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

it gets steeper, and more climbing…

old man of storr hike

view of where we came…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

steeper still…

old man of storr hike

it’s there, in clear weather or sheathed in mystery…

old man of storr hike

old man of storr hike

it got a bit steep the last parts.

and large gravel patches.

wife didn’t feel comfortable to go up, so we didn’t…

overall it was an excellent walk & climb despite the moderately heavy rain. my S$2 daiso raincoat was not enough protection but still a great help otherwise my rain resistant parka would have soaked through…

an exhilarating climb!

i can do this again. ^^

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Old Man of Storr

Location:

Portree IV51 9HX UK 4.6

Great Stay, Good Breakfast @ UIG Lodge on 13Jun2017 (Day 5 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

cereals – breakfast at uig lodge 

had another hearty breakfast at uig lodge on 13.7.2017. ^^

this £120 b&b fraction of the cost of duisdale & skeabost (like 1/3), is better located near quiraing, kilt rock & mealt falls, brothers point, lealt falls, old man of storr & HAS strong wifi..whereas other 2 (duisdale & skeabost) basically did not!!!

yesterday, we came to take refuge  when it was pouring at quiraing, and i needed to dry my jeans, boots & socks. luckily we could get the room early just waited 45mins…

used hairdryer to blow dry jeans & shoes. changed to new socks & then we were in business going out again – & we had my best hike at quiraing.

while waiting for the room, we had wonderful mussels in 2 flavours – golden ale & wine sauce, & very good onion rings.

breakfast at uig lodge 

this morning, we had the usual cereals, coffee, juice & fruits.

breakfast at uig lodge

full scottish breakfast 

we were tired of kippers & decided to both ordered full scottish breakfast.

& really all the b&b/hotels, from £120 at uig lodge (and as i said far better location for our hikes), to the >£300 for duisdal house hotel & skeabost, the full scottish breakfast were just about same.

equally good, and equally satisfying…feeling good for a good hike.

c.h.e.f andy

++++++++++++++++++++++++

UIG Lodge

Address:

Contact:

Best 8-course Degustation @ The Three Chimneys on 12Jun2017(Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

#1 wild rabbit, raw & cooked langoustine

had the best degustation dinner for a while at three chimneys.

this my 31st anniversary celebration with wife on 12.6.2017. ^^

skye land & sea 8-course degustation menu

well, the skye land & sea menu looked amazing (& such an imaginative name!). lol!^^

three chimneys was one of only 2 one michelin star restaurants in isle of skye in 2014.

however, they lost the star in 2017 when chef director michael smith left followed by an exodus of staff.

now helmed by 31-yr young new chef scott davis & his new team, they are trying hard to win back the michelin star. 

i think they got a “michelin plate” in 2017. this a new category introduced in 2016. not yet a michelin star.

#1 wild rabbit, raw & cooked langoustine

the raw langoustine was delightful, very sweet.

the rabbit was flavourful. the cooked langoustine too.

#2 dunvegan crab

the dunvegan crab was very sweet. lovely! great stuff…

#2 dunvegan crab

but i must say our impression was that the “tian of crab” dish at lime tree fort williams was even more tasty.

#3 roasted sconser scallops

the roasted scallop was very good.

#3 roasted sconser scallops

though we had many great scallop preparations in many restaurants, most recently at the restaurant at duisdale. couldn’t really say this was better…

#4 seaweed & miso cured halibut, crispy loch harport oyster

wow…this dish beautifully crafted & plated!

#4 seaweed & miso cured halibut, crispy loch harport oyster

nice oyster fritter…sweet fish, curing was light…not sure about the miso flavours, a bit on salty side..

#4 seaweed & miso cured halibut

nice sides of peas, seaweed.

#5 braised soy lamb ravioli

the  braised soy lamb ravioli, with the condiments & sides, very good too..

#5 braised soy lamb ravioli

a great pasta dish, before the meats.

#5 pigeon (replaced lamb ravioli for wife)

wife doesn’t take lamb, so restaurant replaced by pigeon, one of their menu dishes.

#5 pigeon (replaced lamb ravioli for wife)

an excellent preparation, texture, taste, plating, quite perfect.

#6 orbost farm rose beef

the second main was a beef.

#6 orbost farm rose beef

very good though, with the sides of good onion ring and pressed potatoes.

#7 pressed apple

#7 pressed apple

wife & i not very dessert people.

the pressed apple was really quite good, the the different textures…

#8 rhubarb & hibiscus

#8 rhubarb & hibiscus

the rhubarb was less exciting for us…

the dinner degustation was £90. every dish was excellent, we enjoyed every bit of the dinner.

they have not yet regained their one michelin star. by definition, it is “worth a stop” for one start & “worth a detour” for 2 stars.

50mins from UIG Lodge to Three Chomneys for 2pax dinner

so going by michelin’s definition, this dinner was 2 michelin star for me la…we drove like 50mins just for this dinner! that’s quite a “detour” right?

c.h.e.f andy

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