Is Taste of Scotland still on the go and a review

I recently went onto the Taste of Scotland website and noted that many of the listed eateries seemed to be out of date. The blogs were all from 2014 and earlier and other than a twitter account, there doesn't seem to be anything up to date. I hope this doesn't mean that they have stopped travelling Scotland looking for the best foods and establishments. I was surprised when looking on their website that they have listings under Argyll which should be in the Highlands - Lochaber is part of the Highlands, not Argyll. If anyone knows anything re Taste of Scotland, please get in touch.

There seems to be a lacking here when it comes to maintaining lists like this. Its like we simply give up (I'm talking about the UK as a whole, not just Scotland). People journeying here want information. They want to know where the decent places to eat are.

I am so happy to announce that Lochgilphead, Argyll, once again has somewhere wonderful to eat. The Smiddy, which was for a long time an excellent bistro, which then lapsed quite a bit, has now been taken on by a wonderful chef by the name of John Fisher. I went there on Friday, 12th February, with my husband and had a sublime meal. The flavours he incorporates into his dishes are so wonderful I simply don't have the words to do them justice. I had Cullen Skink, which is a delicious Scottish haddock, potato and leek soup, followed by a simple scampi and chips - also excellent. Dessert (which I don't normally have but I'm 8 months pregnant so treated myself) was a chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream. Utterly divine!! This food is some of the best I've had in a long time, second only to the Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye.



On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scotland about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback: The Island of the Mist is book 2 The Stone in the Sword is book 1 The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats: The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Review of The Three Chimneys

On Monday I had the privilege of being taken to The Three Chimneys Restaurant at Colbost, on the Isle of Skye.

This is a 3 Rosette awarded restaurant and it is quite obvious why this has been awarded such a high standard.

The restaurant sits opposite a stunning view across Loch Dunvegan and is elegantly but simply dressed. The atmosphere is of warmth and professionalism, cosiness and efficiency, an impressive combination. The staff are welcoming and very well practiced.

As to the food, it is out of this world. I find it very hard to understand why this chef, Michael Smith, has not yet received a Michelin star.

An esteemed New York food critic named this restaurant in his top 5 places to eat in the world!

Mr Smith and his staff produce seasonal, sumptuous delicacies which are quite simply divine!

Currently, a 2 course lunch will cost £28.50 and a 3 course lunch will cost you £37.00.

Some people may find this excessive but as a treat, this is well worth the cost.

I had a wonderful ham and haddie terrine, with orange, nisturtium, beetroot and quails eggs. This was perhaps the best thing I have ever eaten! This was followed by tongue (which I had never eaten before) and shin of beef with mushrooms, celeriac and rosti. It was quite simply divine. Adding to this, complimentary bread was offered. I tried a taste of buttermilk bread and also a rosemary and sea salt roll. Utterly wonderful. I did not know bread could taste this vibrant!

I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant.