Author Archives: chefquak

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

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#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

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

The Three Chimneys and The House Over-by
 
Address:
Colbost House, B884, Dunvegan, Colbost, Isle of Skye IV55 8ZT, UK
Contact:
+44 1470 511258
Opening Hours
daily
  • 12:15–9:30PM

Best Hike I had @ Quiraing on 12Jun2017 (Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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quiraing from carpark

it was really no fun getting wet. & it’s like raining all the time.

wife’s adage – just assume it will rain, be properly attired with all the rain gears, and roll on…wife later made good her advise, and bought me proper rain gears..but that was later.

quiraing from carpark

so we arrived at quiraing carpark after the beautiful walk at brothers point,

waited in the car for the rain to get lighter, ventured out for a short 50m, and was forced back by the rain.

my rain resistant parka was not much resistant, and my jeans and boots were wet through.

so defeated, we retreated to uig lodge, and discovered they had wonderful tasting mussels pot. 

we checked into our uig lodge room. and i used the dryer to dry my jeans & our boots. suitably rested & with dry gears, i was ready for war again, taking advantage of a short spell of dry weather.

quiraing from carpark

so we were back at quiraing carpark. it’s more crowded, and groups of hikers had gone up maybe 1hr earlier & trooping back when we ascended.

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

this must be the most beautiful ladnscape i have seen, outside of craggy coastlines like cornwall, exmoor & wales.

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

and the best hike ever!

nikko’s senjogahara marshland hike was beautiful, but not like this!

and the thrilling bukhansan hike was tougher than this, and beautiful too, but this was mesmerising!

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

unlike (say) the recent 7hr hike up mount snowdon i did with my RI bros on 2may2017, which was just a walk & the wondrous view came at the summit.

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

here we were just walking alongside the mountain & looking over the rolling knolls & plains in all their glories…

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

there are nice cracks & crevices..

quiraing hike

but the greatest beauty is the valleys.

 

quiraing hike

all my friends commented on the whatsapped photos “it’s like lord of the rings, in middle earth!”..

so why did they go new zealand to film?

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

if not for the threatening rain, i could do this lesisurely for another few hours…

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

there’s the falls & mountain streams…

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

& the rock shelves..more middle earth..

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

the mist adding to the mystery & romance..

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

we got to the gap, wanting to go over & look over the other side.

but the rain finally came.

i had to hurriedly put on my S$2 daiso raincoat. at least i did not get wet as before.

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

quiraing hike

we turned back & walked hurriedly.

we took 1hr 40mins…

This my best hike..such wonderful scenery hiking in the mountain.

We took 1hr 45mins. more than 1 hr to get to the gap & very quick trekking back forced by the rain….could gave taken 2.5hrs but it started to rain as we descended so had to walk really fast..

this a place i would like to return to trek, hopefully in better weather…my most memorable hike!

c.h.e.f andy

 

 

Most Beautiful & Serene Walk @ Brothers Point on 12Jun2017 (Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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we parked here & crossed the road to walk brother’s point 

after a good breakfast at skeabost hotel,

we drove again on A855 coastal road & parked at Rubha nam Brathairean, also known as Brothers Point, on 12.6.2017. ^^

brothers point walk

trailhead – brothers point walk 

we crossed over to the trailhead.

brothers point walk 

& followed the trek past swing gates & private farm livestock grazing fields.

gracing fields – brothers point walk 

so beautiful!

brothers point walk 

it is every bit a hidden treasure as many bloggers noted!

gracing fields – brothers point walk 

a truly wonderful 1 hr stroll…

gracing fields – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk 

a 1hr return on a slow stroll…

craggy coast –
brothers point walk

gracing fields – brothers point walk 

we had the whole place to ourselves!

did not see a soul till we were walking back…

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk 

lush green grazing fields..

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk 

the rock formation, small boulders patches..

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk

beautiful knolls – brothers point walk

and craggy coast…

brothers point walk

grazing fields, sheep..backdrop of rocks..

craggy coast – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk 

stones & boulders dotted the craggy coastline…

looking back at the farm house – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk 

lost in the interplay of lush green farmed habitat & craggy wilderness…

craggy coast – brothers point walk

craggy coast – brothers point walk

nice rock formation – brothers point walk

small fall – brothers point walk 

a tiny fall along the path

craggy stone coast – brothers point walk

craggy stone coast – brothers point walk

brothers point walk

craggy stone coast – brothers point walk 

the serene beauty of it all!

we could just sit & picnic…

for the short interlude we were blessed with “good” weather. that means an overcast sky but no rain…

it’s time to get to quiraing & try our luck…but alas, not to be for time being….

c.h.e.f andy

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

Brothers Point (Rubha nam Brathairean)

Location:

Skye, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 2BX, UK

 

 

Best Mussels Pot @ UIG Lodge Restaurant on 12Jun2017 (Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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excellent mussels pot at uig lodge

after the really joyous walk at brothers point,

we drove to quiraing hoping to do the hike on 12.6.2017.

we parked at the carpark & waited as it poured outside, drinking coffee from our hot tumbler & taking shortcakes & snicker bars (for me).

when the rain was lighter, we attempted the hike.

fortunately we turned back soon enough, after like 50m, as it really poured & my jeans were wet through.

the heavy rain stopped our first attemp to hike quiraing

view from uig lodge restaurant – raining heavily

defeated, we decided to retreat to our next hotel, uig lodge, to seek refuge, on 12.6.2017.

bored, nothing to do, so we sat in the restaurant & ordered some food. 🙂

excellent mussels in golden ale at uig lodge

to our pleasant surprise the mussels were super good.

there were 2 sauces.

we ordered the mussels in golden ale & it was so good. we decided to order the other one, which was the regular white wine sauce.

excellent mussels pot at uig lodge

very tender, sweet, perfect texture NOT overdone! 🙂

the white wine sauce was great.

excellent mussels pot at uig lodge

excellent mussels pot at uig lodge

i guess we were cold & hungry & bored!

still, this was a really good mussels pot.

superb onion rings

wife ordered the onion rings, and they were really good too!

so nicely crisp, a very good batter. we liked it very much, a pleasant surprise!

vista from mountain road quiraing to uig lodge

vista from mountain road quiraing to uig lodge

vista from mountain road quiraing to uig lodge

leaving quiraing slight drenched, we drove the mountain road to uig lodge. took some photos at vista points on the way.

lamb

lamb in the headlights

at a vista, caught some lambs gracing, literally caught like a “lamb in the headlights”

c.h.e.f andy

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

Restaurant at the Uig Hotel

 Address:
Uig, Uig IV51 9YE, Scotland 

 Contact:

+44 1470 542205

Good Breakfast @ Skeabost Hotel Isles of Skye on 12Jun2017 (Day 4 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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breakfast at skeabost 

breakfast at skeabost was good too on 12.6.2017.^^

about same good breakfast as duisdale. 🙂

i guess full cooked breakfast always good anywhere in england, wales or scotland. lol! 🙂

breakfast at skeabost dining room 

a nice, spacious, bright dining room.

breakfast at skeabost 

there was buffet spread for cereals, cold cuts, cheese, juice, toast, cut fruits etc.

cold cuts & cheese 

prosciutto & salami were average. cheese ok too!

i guess if quantity is the reference, this would be better than duisdale since food about same & you can take more if you wish.

but nothing, & i mean nothing beats the breakfast at the gantocks fort williams by allan!^^

scottish breakfast 

the backgamon, farm sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs all about same as duisdalee.

kippers

kippers 

the kippers were nice too, nicely smoked & flavourful. we were getting tired of smoked fish though after 3 consecutive days!

c.h.e.f andy

 

Expensive Skeabost Hotel Isles of Skye on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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skeabost hotel room

after a satisfied sampling of fresh oysters & 1/2 lobster at the oyster shed, 

we drove on & checked in at skeabost hotel on 11.6.2017.

another really expensive hotel, like it’s sister hotel, duisdale house hotel, where we stayed last evening.

skeabost hotel room 

room was large, but not as large and not as nicely appointed as duisdale.

skeabost hotel room toilet 

toilet was 1/2 the size of duisdale room toilet & not of the same class.

the entire location, ambience of the building and room did not impress like duisdale.

in terms of tariff, this place was even more expensive. duisdal was £428, but that included 2x£55 5-course degustation dinner. this one was £328/night for for bed & breakfast.

and the wifi really sucks! as bad as duisdale. don’t think it can be badder. no wifi (basically) in the room nor at the drawing room or dining hall (basically) if you try to upload any photos!

nespresso coffee in the room 

redemming grace – they did have a nespresso machine, and i managed to get some extra capsules from the service desk…that they were very friendly about! we are both coffee king, me a lot more than wife.wife had a strange episode here, one of 2 times in her life…

she woke up in the middle of the night feeling uneasy, and needed me to go to the car to get something…

it was drizzling. we both went to the main door. i took an umbrella & got to our car. a car stopped by at the main door at this time & a caucasian guy came in to ask for directions, said he was lost trying to locate his friend’s place to ask for directions. it was 2.30am. we helped him rang the calling bell at the service desk. no one came, as quite expected. he realised that it was odd & he left the place shortly. we then went back to our level 2 room.

c.h.e.f andy

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

Skeabost Hotel

Address:
Skeabost Bridge, Isle of Skye IV51 9NP, UK
Contact:
+44 1470 532202

Delicious Fish and Chips at Portree on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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highland bull

after the exhilarating views of kilt rock & mealt falls, and lealt gorge, lealt falls, cliffs & craggy coastlines,

we drove back to the picturesque portree.

highland bull

on the way wife sighted the highland bull, a magnificient creature & evidently with a murderous temper.

portree

portree

we stopped along a roadside parking a short turn from the tiny picturesque portree town centre & took some pictures.

portree

portree

portree

the we drove down to the quay area.

portree

there was a fish & chip sign entering the quay road to the quay area.

fish and chips

fish and chips

we ordered one takeaway fish & chips to share. it was £6.50..

the fish & chips was delicious, quite excellent!

fish batter was very crisp, nicely browned, sweet & tasty, especially with salt & vinegar.

it was certainly nostalgic. fish & chips was like among the first food i had some 40yrs ago when i first arrived in england. 🙂

fish and chips @ portree

there was a queue forming up for the restaurant next to the fish & chips joint. the fish & chips place itself, no much queue, just couple of guys in front of us.

pink guest house portree

on the other side was the pink guesthouse.

instant noodles

strawberries

we stopped by the quay area to eat the fish & chips.

then we bought couple grocery items at the supermarket.

we bought some instant noodles, and strawberries. there was an american tourist guy. he was refused a wine purchase at the check-out because he had his daughter with him, and the staff asked to verify her age. they did not let him buy the wine.very strict, i guess necessary! 🙂

afterwards we returned to skeabost hotel room, shared a packet of instant noodles & took the strawberries.

c.h.e.f andy

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

Fish & Chips

Address:

1 Quay St, Portree IV51 9DE, UK
daily
  • 12–7:30PM

Amazing Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, and Lealt Falls on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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going to kilt rock & lealt falls

after a good break relishing great oysters & lobster at oyster shed, 

and it was still raining, we decided to just go to our next hotel, skeabost hotel, and checked in.

weather was unpredictable. we rested in the room for 1hr+. then we drove to kilt rocks & mealt falls.

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

old man of storr in the distance

it was a nice coastal drive.

the road runs along the coast on the right,

and the spectacular ridge of hills called trotternish ridge runs over 30km on the left.

we had a good if misty view of old man of storr from a distance. there was still a bit of drizzle.

nice rock formations

nice rock formations

there were nice rock formations nearer to kilt rock & mealt falls.

kilt rock & mealt falls

kilt rock & mealt falls was a spectacular sight, the mealt falls fed by the waters from loch mealt, plummets 55m down the cliffs of kilt rock into the atlantic ocean! 

kilt rock & mealt falls

we parked at kilt rock.

it was cold outside, and still a slight drizzle.

kilt rock & mealt falls

kilt rock & mealt falls

we walked a short distance & took some photos of the craggy coastline to the south.

kilt rock & mealt falls

kilt rock & mealt falls

kilt rock & mealt falls

& returned to our car after taking some more photos of kilt rock & mealt falls and the craggy coastline to the north.

lealt falls

we drove southwards on the return route & stopped at lealt falls.

lealt falls

we parked at the small carpark where lealt gorge is located.

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

we walked to the first viewpoint which looked over the gorge & lealt falls on its way down the gorge to the bottom 90m below.

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

we walked further down to another viewing platform that looked over the cliff and the sea.

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

lealt falls

it was cold & windy there was still a slight drizzle.

we could not wait out for better weather. the views were amazing, and it was invigorating walking the outdoors & looking over the gorge, cliffs and sea. the evening drive was well worth it. ^^

we made the return journey to portree, a tiny picturesque hamlet along the coast.

c.h.e.f andy

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

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Location:

52 A855, Portree IV51 9JE, UK

 

Lealt Falls

Location:

Skye, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 2BX, UK

Very Fresh Oysters and 1/2 Lobster @ The Oyster Shed Isles of Skye on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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freshly shucked oysters – 6 for £6

as we were driving by loch harport on the way to fairy pools @ glenbrittle on 11.6.2017,

we saw a sign pointing to the oyster shed…we thought “that’s our next stop”…

as it was, after leaving fairy pools, it started to rain, and quite heavily, so we might as well have a rest stop…

the sign led us past talisker distillery, and shortly the oyster shed.

we did not see many cars on the road, but evidently they all had the same idea, and the small carpark was literally full as we parked.

a short dash in the rain to the shed!

we ordered the freshly shucked oysters – 6 for £6. it was good – fresh, sweet, no  lingering metallic taste. we ordered a second serving.

half lobster = £8

we were also attracted to the chilled 1/2 lobster.

generally we are not so attracted the this preparation of chilled lobster, crab or seafood platter as they are usually quite tasteless.

half lobster = £8

this 1/2 lobster though was sweet, juicy, tasty.

grilled scallopsr = £6.50

it was still raining and very cold, so we decided to order the grilled scallops, 4 for £6.50. it came with the thai sweet chilli dip (like the lobster also), a lettuce & couple triangular toast.

scallops not great as we expected, still passable.

rested & quite satisfied, we got back to our car in the rain, and drove to our next hotel, skeabost hotel & checked in.

c.h.e.f andy

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

The Oyster Shed
Address:
Carbost Beag, Isle of Skye IV47 8SE, UK
Contact:
+44 7762 436913
Opening Hours:
daily
  • 11AM–5:30PM

 

Awesome Fairy Pools @ Glen Brittle on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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this is fair pools @ glen brittle! simply awesome! ^^

11jun2017 itinerary – fairy pools, glenbrittle beach, oyster shed, skeabost hotel

after a good breakfast at duisdale house hotel,

we drove 55mins to fairy pools on 11.6.2017. ^^

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

open country & awesome views greeted us. 🙂

carpark Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

we were early & found parking.

road & carpark @ Fairy pools glenbrittle

when we returned to the carpark, the latecomers parked alongside the road. 🙂

long & windy road to Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

weather was cold, maybe 12degC, felt colder!

long & windy road to Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

long & windy road to Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

long & windy road to Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

long & windy road to Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

a very pleasant walk i must say.

nice sky, great open country. would have been even better with the sun. can’t have everything. it was at least not raining, a short space/period of dry weather.

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

there was a little brook or stream to cross over. we stepped on the boulders. 🙂

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

fairy pools is sprawling, no really large falls, but pleasant place to just stroll along & even picnic, though we did not want to sit down & block the views & vantage points of others & photo shoots.

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

there is the taller fall & deeper pool at the start.

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

Fairy pools @ glenbrittle

& the natural arch further up.

on the way down we found a quiet spot, sat down on the boulders and drank some hot coffee from our useful hot flask tumbler, and took some snicker bar & shortcakes.

it was a really fun morning walk & we were blessed (not long) with dry weather. we saw a sign “oyster shed” earlier on our way to fair pools, so we went to look for and found it on our way back. ^^

glenbrittle beach 

we drove further down the road to glenbrittle black beach at loch brittle.

glenbrittle beach 

a short 10mins drive. we parked & a 1/2hr walk.

wife had a slight accident & cut her fingers opening the swing gates to keep out the livestock.

glenbrittle beach

glenbrittle beach 

it’s a dark sandy beach situated at the head of Loch Brittle and at the base of the Cuillin, Loch Brittle Beach is a truly Scottish destination.

glenbrittle beach 

the ground was littered with loads of sheep droppings.

a drizzle started, so we turned around & walked back to the car, and drove to the oyster shed for a rest stop & something to eat. 🙂

c.h.e.f andy

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

Fair Pools @ Glen Brittle

Location:

Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, UK
Contact:

Good Breakfast @ Duisdale House Hotel Isle of Skye on 11Jun2017 (Day 3 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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breakfast @ duisdale house hotel

we had a good breakfast the next morning on 11.6.2017. ^^

though not as good as breakfast at gantocks, a fraction of the price!

duisdale is a nice luxury boutique hotel of course. nice room, nice view etc.

the wifi totally sucks, but that seems to be the general case all hotels & B&B during our stay in isle of skye with the exception of UIG lodge.

for me i think the tariff for a night stay with dinner & breakfast is quite ridiculous at £428!

breakfast @ duisdale house hotel

anyhow, since we already booked & paid, might as well enjoyed it!

for breakfast, we both picked fresh fruit salad. & the toast & juice came. service was ok,

but be it food or service, they were just nothing like what we had at the gantocks (at <<< than 1/2 the  price)!

given a choice i would NOT stay here….

full scottish breakfast

the full scottish breakfast was wholly competent,

but then again, just looking at the photos of the breakfast at gantocks & here at duisdale (& even the plating & presentation), it is quite evident the gantocks is better la… 🙂

loch fyne kippers

the kippers was a large serving, and wife liked it.

it was not too salty, and nicely flavourful smoking. among the better kippers i had. very well done.

after breakfast we checked out. we had already decided on our itinerary – the first visit was to fairy pools at glenbrittle. 🙂

c.h.e.f andy

Very Good £55 5-course Dinner at Duisdale Restaurant Isles of Skye on 10Jun2017 (Day 2 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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starters – amuse bouche

our stay package at duisdale house hotel included a £55 5-course dinner at duisdale restaurant on 10.6.2017. ^^

duisdale restaurant 2 AA rosette, so ok place…5-course dinner price looked ok too depending on the quality of food…that turned out to be very good!

the b&b stay though was ridiculously expensive but the alternatives are equally expensive in this sleat peninsula location..there is no need to stay here though as a lot of cheap b&b in isles of skye eg broadford near the straits…

starters – amuse bouche

the amuse bouche of salmon bruschetta, a croquette & a beetroot foam was quite good.

bread & brioche

bread was nice, but nothing great…

#1 beetroot ensemble

the beetroot ensemble was fantastic, very exciting!

quite special, all differnt texture from crisp to a mousse & very tasty! all the different presentation of beetroot.

#1 beetroot ensemble

since jaan days i have never had such a great beetroot dish!

#2 pan seared scallops

scallop was excellent…very good standard…

#2 pan seared scallops

of course i have taken good pan seared scallops in many places, but this was still very good. & very large scallops too. a great side of asparagus…

#3 pigeon breast

pigeon breast was good too. tender, probably sous vide, and sweet.

#3 pigeon breast

again a very good standard!

#4 halibut was excellent

& i loved the halibut!

#4 halibut was excellent

halibut is among the top quality fish, and this was a good preparation.

fish texture was firm, nicely seared, sweet & tasty, and good vegetable sides.

#4 sous vide duck breast

the other choice of main was duck breast.

#4 sous vide duck breast

it was very well done.

seems odd to have pigeon as appetiser & duck breast as main. anyhow, duck was very tender & flavourful.

#4 sous vide duck breast

the fat did not feel oily & gave the meat a very smooth and flavourful taste.

#5 dessert

#5 dessert

dessert was less our thing.

can’t really recall now..this one looks like some fig, ice crea, and perhaps a mousee.

though presentation was great, the overall experience was a nice ok dessert. nothing special..

#6 dessert 

this one looks like some strawberry, terrine & ice cream.

#6 dessert

both dessert were competent.

for  £55, i would consider this 5-course dinner very good standard, and very enjoyable & worthwhile dinner.

terrace outside restaurant

the service was a little less so.

we came for the later session at 8pm, and though we have booked the table & time & obviously we had prepaid for the dinner at the time of booking, we were taken to an inner table in a small hall with poor ambience. fortunately some diners vacated & we were able to get a good table by the window looking out to the terrace. still bright at 8.15pm

c.h.e.f andy

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

duisdale restaurant

address:
A851, Isleornsay, Isle of Skye IV43 8QW, UK
contact:
+44 1471 833202

Duisdale House Hotel & Elgol on 10Jun2017 (Day 2 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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duisdale house hotel

after the iconic dornie (eilean donan) castle,

we drove some 35mins to duisdale house hotel at sleat pennsula.

duisdale house hotel

duisdale is a luxury boutique hotel. can see from the cars parked!

if anything the price is certainly luxury! lol!

of course it is a nice stone building built as a hunting lodge in 1865. 

& they do have a 2 AA Rosette restaurant at the duisdale.

lawn @ duisdale house hotel

there was a well-kept lawn.

view from duisdale house hotel room

& a nice view of loch hourn from our hotel room window. 🙂

duisdale hotel room

duisdale hotel room

a huge spacious bedroom.

duisdale room toilet

with an oversized toilet.

still the £428 tariff , even including 2x£55 dinner in the pacakage, was still really, really steep.

i will come to dinner here, don’t think i will stay here anytime soon…lol! 🙂

beach further down from duisdal house hotel

just down a short track from the hotel is the beach.

beach further down from duisdal house hotel

beach further down from duisdal house hotel

beach further down from duisdal house hotel

a nice serene place for a stroll.

the sun set at 9pm. we had a bit of time before the evening 8pm dinner, so we drove to elgol.

it was 6.30pm+ when we returned. it was still bright so we mights as well take a stroll. 🙂

elgol

as with some time to kill before dinner, we drove to elgol.

actually it was a bit of a long drive, taking about 1hr 40mins return.

elgol

elgol is a small fishing village. 

elgol

elgol

there is a coastal walk & caves, we didn’t have time so we just take in the views from the carpark on higher ground & relaxed.

elgol

elgol

elgol is also the place where you can take a boat to visit loch coruisk.

Loch Coruisk…an inland loch accessible by boat from Elgol, or on foot from Sligachan (approximately 7–8 miles distance). 

elgol

elgol

wife drove the journey back. the portion nearer elgol are single track roads passable by only 1 car, with passing lane at intervals.

elgol

elgol

after returning to duisdale, we took a walk down the short stretch of beach. then we washed & rest & looking forward to a nice dinner at the restaurant at the duisdale.

c.h.e.f andy

Iconic Dornie (Eilean Donan) Castle on 10Jun2017 (Day 2 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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steale falls to dornie castle to duisdal house hotel to elgol

after an invigorating 2-hr hike at steale falls at glen nevis, 

we drove back to fort williams thinking of having lunch at lime tree restaurant to relish the fine dinner place last evening but it was closed. 

we drove on to isles of skye stopping at Eilean Donan Castle (fondly called dornie) enroute. it was a close to 2hrs drive.

after dornie castle, we drove on to skye bridge & cross over to isles of skye, and it was a short 35mins to our duisdal house hotel in sleat, the southern peninsula where the ferry crosses from from mallaig to armadale.

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

the dornie castle is recognised as an iconic image of scotland. it is situated on an island at the confluence of 3 sea lochs, and one of the most visited attractions in scotland.

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

the mid 13th century castle stood guard over the lands of Kintail.

it was restored when Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911, and castle was re-opened in 1932.

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

dornie Eilean Donan) castle

The castle is a popular  location for films, TV, advertisements, fashion shoots and music videos.

after dornie, we drove on to isles of skye & checked into our hotel for the night, duisdale house hotel.

c.h.e.f andy

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

Eilean Donan Castle
Address:
Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, UK
Contact:
+44 1599 555202
Opening Hours:
 Daily:  10AM–5PM

 

Easy 2hr Hike at Steale Falls on 10Jun2017 (Day 2 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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road to steale falls

after a wonderful breakfast at the Gantocks, 

we checked out & followed allans’s directions (&google map) to the steale falls trailhead at glen nevis outside fort williams on 10.6.2017.^^

road to steale falls

it was wet & overcast. directions were easy to follow & the drive was scenic.

road to steale falls

we thought the drive was as nice as that we had at glen etive, only that there was no river alongside.

road to steale falls

aside from that, it was a really beautiful country drive though the weather was dismal…

road to steale falls

the trailhead took some looking, but we followed allan’s good directions & traveled to the end of the road.

steale falls carpark & trailhead

we parked at the steale falls carpark where the trailhead for the trail starts. 🙂

hiking at steale falls trailhead

the drizzle got heavier & i had to put on my daiso $2 raincoat as my parka is rain resistant only not rainproof.

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

it was a very nice walk, despite the rain. 🙂

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

there was change of terrain but it was an easy hike.

certainly no comparison with our adventurous & challenging bukhansan hike in seoul. ^^

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

a stream/fall to break up the monotony. 🙂

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

another tiny fall.

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

hiking at steale falls

and finally we emerged from the wooded path to wide open ground with steale fall in the distance.

we walked to the wire bridge where some younger folks were crossing. both of us did not want to cross over, so we looked over the steale falls from this side of the river.

steale falls

steale falls

steale falls

steale falls

a nice fall.

we were going to iceland (where far more majestic waterfalls of all variations/descriptions are a dime a dozen) with our children later in the month, but still this is a very pleasant sight & a delightful destination after an equally pleasant walk in the woods….

hiking back from steale falls

we walked back the path & through the woods that had earlier opened up to this spacious terrain.

hiking back from steale falls

and back to the carpark & the trailhead.

our next destination is the isles of skye.

c.h.e.f andy

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

Steale Falls, Fort Williams

Location:

Old Military Rd, Fort William PH33 6SY, UK

Great Stay, Wonderful Host, Superb Breakfast @ The Gantocks Fort Williams on 10Jun2017 (Day 2 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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dining room

we were at three sisters carpark contemplating if we should hike the lost valley.

weather was unpredictable & it looked like we just about having some sunshine, and we were uncertain of the weather the next day & whether we should just get on with the hike. but it was 3.30pm & the return hike would take us 3-4hrs.

so we picked the easy option & decided to drive on to the falls of glencoe down the road A82,

and then to glencoe lochan to take a leisurely lakeside stroll before moving on to fort williams where we booked a bed & breakfast at the Gantocks for the evening.

after glencoe lochan, we arrived at the Gantocks about 5.30pm. earlier in the day, sandra had messaged us if we could arrive earlier so they could leave for a dinner evening out with i think her sister. once we decided that we were not hiking the lost valley, we messaged that we would be early. sandra greeted us and informed that she decided to stay & greet us & not to go out for the evening in any case should we be late. 🙂

the room and ensuite toilet was good size & comfortable, and facing loch linhe. i think they only have 3 rooms including ours & they were all taken this evening.

we got some details of dining places & drove the short 2mins drive to lime tree restaurant & fort williams town centre,

and managed to dine at the lime tree restaurant, among the best dinner we had during this trip at fort williams & isles of skye.

dining room

next morning we had among the best breakfast i had in b&b in uk on 10.6.2017! ^^

dining room is nicely appointed & has many books.

breakfast at the Gantocks

2 other couples joined us later, a younger couple from germany & another older couple from liverpool if i remembered correctly…great folks & we had nice chat during breakfast..

freshly baked scones, bread & shortcakes

allan made excellent scones & bread, and i may say everything else! 🙂

freshly baked scones

scones were great with butter & homemade jam.

quality museli

& very good quality museli which i took.

oven grilled red grapefruit

wife took the oven grilled red grapefruit. it was truly excellent. warm, just slight sweet combining well with the naturally sour taste.

raspberry mousse palate cleanser

& we even had a palate cleanser – a raspberry mousse…this truly restaurant standard.

scottish full breakfast

& an excellent scottish full breakfast- good quality back bacon, good farm sausages, and musrroms & potatoes. great stuff.

i have had good breakfast in cornwall & exmoor b&b, average 0r above ones at conwy. this one is really good, and the additional touches of grapefruit, palate cleanser, & freshly baked scones & bread would make it the best!

=============================

we were kind of not high in case, and had wanted to pay for the b&b stay with credit card. allan said there was a charge of 5% or £7 added to the  £140 tariff. he said they were ok if we pay later using debit card when we were back in london! as we were travelling to iceland the next day upon arrival in london, we somehow forgot to do this & we did first thing immediately upon return to london 2 weeks later. good folks, allan & sandra, and great hosts.

c.h.e.f andy

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

The Gantocks

Address:
Achintore Road, Fort William PH33 6RN, UK
Contact:
+44 1397 702050

Buachaille Etive Mor, Three Sisters & Lost Valley on 9Jun2017 (Day 1 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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Buachaille Etive Mor

after a 1hr+ scenic drive of glen etive,

we drove further down A82 (in the direction of fort williams) to the Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint on 9.6.2017. ^^.

Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint

from Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint 

we sat on a bench facing the mountain & relaxed & took pictures. 🙂

Buachaille Etive Mor

there’s some hikinhg trail up the mountain.

from Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint

from Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint

road leading to Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint & lost valley

road leading to Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint & lost valley

we took a short stroll along the road.

bridge leading to Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint & lost valley

to the bridge across the stream.

from Buachaille Etive Mor viewpoint

Buachaille Etive Mor on the other side.

this the landmark we saw driving up A82 towards glen etive. now it was ahead of us.

the 3 sisters viewpoint

we drove a short distance down the road A82 to three sisters viewpoint.

the 3 sisters viewpoint

the 3 sisters viewpoint carpark is the start of the lost valley trail head.

the lost valley Coire Gabhail is supposedly a popular short walk (around 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) each way, ascent 230 metres (750 ft)),

for our standard of hiking, that would probably took us 3 to 4hrs…haha!

it was like 3.30pm. the weather had cleared after the early afternoon drizzle. we were uncertain of the weather the next day & whether we should just get on with the hike.

still we had all the excuses, so we decided to go for a lakeside stroll at glencoe lochan instead. haha! ^^

the 3 sisters viewpoint

The Three Sisters: Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh are three steeply-sided ridges that extend north into the Glen.

3 sisters & lost valley

3 sisters & lost valley

a popular spot indeed!

falls of glencoe

we drove further along A82 & came to the falls of glencoe.

falls of glencoe

another tiny falls, and good for a few pictures.

falls of glencoe

falls of glencoe

after the falls, we drove on to glencoe lochan for a leisurely 45mins round the lakeside stroll. quite fun too la!

c.h.e.f andy

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

Buachaille Etive Mor

Location:
Ballachulish PH49 4HY UK
Buachaille Etive Mòr, generally known to climbers simply as The Buachaille, is a mountain at the head of Glen Etive in the Highlands of Scotland.Wikipedia
  • Elevation:
    • 1,022 m
  • Location:
    • Glen Etive, Scotland
Three Sisters Car Park
Location: 

A82, Ballachulish PH49 4HX, UK

 

Supernice Chicken Biryani Using Ready Gravy on 27Aug2017

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chicken biryani 

i did a wonderful butter chicken using dancing chef paste on 24.8.2017. 

continuing with my experimenting of indian dishes. made chicken biryani on 27.8.2017. ^^

chicken biryani cooked in rice cooker 

& the chicken biryani was even better, so super tasty! 🙂

ready gravy chicken biryani masala 

i used a ready gravy chicken biryani masala packet, 300g gravy with all the spices & onions etc.

chicken biryani

chicken biryani 

  1. i deboned a chicken thigh quarter.
  2. cleaned, drained, and marinated with the ready gravy.
  3. then i washed & soaked one cup basmati rcie in 2 cups of chicken stock (or water is fine too. i happened to have stock).
  4. after 1/2 hr, i fried 1 chopped red onion in 1 tbsp lard. then i brwoend 2 chopped shallots & removed them for garnishing.
  5. i added the marinated chicken & fried for few minutes, then removed the 1/2 cooked chicken & placed it in the rice cooker.
  6. i boiled the soaked rice in a pot to 1/2 cook the rice, then drain & added to rice to the rice cooker. no liquid as the gravy already had lots of liquid.
  7. stirred & mix, added stalks of coriander & mint. & cooked the rice.
  8. garnished with browned shallots

chicken biryani cooked in rice cooker 

the chicken biryani was superb, the best!

very tasty, and the rice were individual grained & nicely done not overcooked, not mushy.

estimation is difficult here. so a lot of agaklogy if i were to cook 1.5cups or 2 cups rice for my friends next.

chicken biryani cooked in rice cooker

chicken biryani cooked in rice cooker

anyhow for this evening, the biryani was just super delicious, better than the butter chicken even. shiok!

c.h.e.f andy

Ingredients:

  • quarter chicken (330g)
  • ready gravy chicken biryani masala packet (300g)
  • 1 red onion (chopped)
  • 3 shallots (sliced)
  • 1 stalk coriander
  • 1 stalk mint
  • 1tbsp lard (in place of ghee. can use oil otherwise)
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water

Directions:

  1. i deboned a chicken thigh quarter.
  2. cleaned, drained, and marinated with the ready gravy.
  3. then i washed & soaked one cup basmati rcie in 2 cups of chicken stock (or water is fine too. i happened to have stock).
  4. after 1/2 hr, i fried 1 chopped red onion in 1 tbsp lard. then i brwoend 2 chopped shallots & removed them for garnishing.
  5. i added the marinated chicken & fried for few minutes, then removed the 1/2 cooked chicken & placed it in the rice cooker.
  6. i boiled the soaked rice in a pot to 1/2 cook the rice, then drain & added to rice to the rice cooker. no liquid as the gravy already had lots of liquid.
  7. stirred & mix, added stalks of coriander & mint. & cooked the rice.
  8. garnished with browned shallots

Scenic Glen Etive Drive on 9Jun2017 (Day 1 Fort Williams/Isle of Skye Trip 9-14Jun2017)

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reaching glen etive

after an ceann mor at inveruglas, still alongside loch lomond,

we drove to glen etive on the way to fort williams on 9.6.2017.

reaching glen etive

Buachaille Etive Mor

we drove past glencoe mountain, with the view of Buachaille Etive Mor down the road, guarding the entrance to glen etive like a sentinel.

(the above photo taken at a view-stop down the road looking directly at the magnificient Buachaille Etive Mor).

glen etive (start single track road)

arrived at the start of the glen etive single track road scenic drive.

this the much talked-about film locations for james bond skyfall & braveheart movies!

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

we followed the scenic drive along river etive, which flows into loch etive.

glen etive

glen etive

such a wonderful landscape!

rapids @ glen etive 

rapids @ glen etive

river etive has many streams & tributories, and rapids…apparently grade 4 rapids for kayakers & a range of pools & waterfalls.

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

scenic & serene indeed!

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

glen etive

we did not drive all the way to loch glen but most of it anyway, the drive took 1hr 10mins.

an invigorating drive, but weather was wet & not co-operative & drizzling.

we drove on to the vista view-stop & sat on a bench to stare at Buachaille Etive Mor.

c.h.e.f andy

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

Glen Etive

Address:

Ballachulish PH49 4JA UK

 

 

Great Butter Chicken (First Attempt) on 24Aug2017

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butter chicken 

had excellent indian food at chat masala recently with some RI friends on 10.7.2017.

thought of making some indian dishes myself for my friends.

a friend mentioned on whatsapp chat that she tried out with dancing chef butter chicken mix. so i decided to get a packet myself & tried out butter chicken this evening on 24.8.2017. ^^

butter chicken 

it was quite an excellent dish.

i don’t know butter chicken & the herbs enough yet to discern if how authentic it was & whether some herbs taste were missing. but as a dish, it was very good tasting. very unhealthy too, lots of ghee (i used lard) & butter.

dancing chef butter chicken mix 

i followed the dancing chef recipe at the back of the packet-

  1. clean drain chicken (i used 1./2 deboned chicken so about 500g+)
  2. then marinate chicken pieces for 30mins
  3. fry 1 whole chopped onion in ghee (i used lard) till soften
  4. add chicken & 2 tbsp butter (30g) & stirfry
  5. add 1/2cup  water, bring to boil, cover, simmer & reduce for 5mins. take out the other chicken pieces & cook the wings for another 5mins.
  6. add  back the chicken pieces & add 3tbsp yogurt, 2tbsp whipped cream & 1 tsp sugar.
  7. reduce and taste. add coriander & serve.

butter chicken 

chicken was tender & sweet, curry was tasty & creamy & silky smooth.

butter chicken 

simply heavenly!

butter chicken 

and very sinful i guess….haha!

butter chicken 

using the premix, making this dish was quite a breeze.

while a recipe using the individual herbs & spices was also not difficult, it requires much more effort to get the herbs & spices (some of which i will hardly use) for a dish i seldom cook.

so the premix made a lot of sense when with 10% the effort, the dish nevertheless tasted wonderful.

now i have to find out if i can make chicken biryani, rogan josh & kerala fish curry by using some premix, then i can put together an indian dinner for my friends…

c.h.e.f andy

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 chicken (deboned)
  • 1 packet dancing chef butter chicken spice premix
  • 1 large yellow onions (or 2 red onions)
  • 1 tbsp ghee (or I use lard)
  • 2tbsp butter
  • 3tbsp plain yogurt
  • 2tbsp whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup water

Directions:

  1. clean drain chicken (i used 1./2 deboned chicken so about 500g+)
  2. then marinate chicken pieces for 30mins
  3. fry 1 whole chopped onion in ghee (i used lard) till soften
  4. add chicken & 2 tbsp butter (30g) & stirfry
  5. add 1/2cup  water, bring to boil, cover, simmer & reduce for 5mins. take out the other chicken pieces & cook the wings for another 5mins.
  6. add  back the chicken pieces & add 3tbsp yogurt, 2tbsp whipped cream & 1 tsp sugar.
  7. reduce and taste. add coriander & serve.