Friday 27 May 2011

Another Eating Out Review



I promised a review on another local restaurant which we haven't yet visited.  Unfortunately I don't think Dalmore House has its own website, which I find strange, but you can Google it easily.

Many of my guests have been visiting for years and have become good friends.  This year our four golfing friends decided to come earlier than usual because of the super weather and we always have a meal together the night before they depart.

This year it was the Dalmore House and I booked it for the six of us the other week.  Maybe I should have just given my name instead of saying Heathpark Lodge because I think they fell over themselves to impress. (We hadn't eaten there before and had received mixed reports from other guests).

All credit to the staff the service was excellent, but I did cringe when the waitress continued to call all of us 'dear'. The steak supper was excellent value for money but do note that the steak is rib-eye and that requires far more cooking than the more expensive cuts.  I ordered mine rare and it was impossible to eat but they kindly cooked it to medium.  I was impressed that they'd put my meal on a clean plate when they returned it cooked medium.

The environment wasn't relaxing for me.  It's a big room with little atmosphere.

But draft beer is available and the wine list wasn't bad.

Opinion:  I wouldn't rush back.  My steak supper was large but the only vegetable was a tomato.  The deep fried onion rings were out of a freezer bag and that disappointed.  Lovely chips accompanied it but there was no choice of a baked potato.

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Seasonal Produce - Asparagus



It doesn't last long the season of asparagus, but my guests have been delighted to be offered it for breakfast for the past couple of weeks.  Sorry I forgot to take a photograph but the above would serve two.

Grilled on the Foreman grill and then, if desired, pouring melted butter over them has had me desperately controlling my tastebuds when cooking breakfast.

I've bought other asparagus the past couple of weeks but the local Eassie asparagus has by far the best flavour.  Mr S disagrees as he thinks I'm biased.  Mind you, after a day on the golf course he's ready to eat most of what I cook!

Did I tell you Blairgowrie is a haven for golfers of all abilities?  It certainly is and I'm thankful, at times, when Mr S is out driving as best as he can.  It's not going too well this year as his putting is letting him down.  I offer a comforting shoulder and say it'll improve.  No, I'm not being facetious and he's comforted by a plate of Eassie asparagus.  When the season ends shortly I've no idea what to produce as he doesn't like strawberries.  Who doesn't like strawberries other than those unfortunately folk who have allergies?