If you've been following along on my blog for a while (and, if you have, thank you so much) you'll know that one of my favourite times of year to explore the Isle of Skye is during the winter months. For me, it is the perfect time of year to see some spotted on the island that I generally avoid on the island during "the season".
A few years ago, after getting a voucher from a wonderful friend, we enjoyed an incredible lunch at Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye. It was such a special treat-a way to enjoy the food and produce of the season and a chance to enjoy the beautiful and cosy spaces of Kinloch Lodge.
A few weeks ago, we had the oppurtunity to return to Kinloch Lodge to enjoy the Small Plates lunch menu. Throughout the day, Kinloch Lodge offers a tasting plates lunch menu to enjoy between the hours of 12pm and 2pm, with the recommended 3 or 4 plates to be eaten by each person. For us, it was an oppurtunity to enjoy lots of little tastes of this winter season, and see some of the exciting things that chef Jordan Webb is doing with food at Kinloch Lodge.
For our mains, we enjoyed:
Shetland hallibut, with leek mosaic, potato veloute and baby leaf spinach
Ayrshire pork cheek, with XO sauce, Kinloch Lodge grown cosnes and kimchi
Skye venison tartare, pickled turnip, roast garlic mayonaise and elderberry capers
Jerusalem artichoke ravioli, with lemon and pernod sauce, pine nuts and gremolata
Tomato arancini, with tapenade, parmesan and aged balsamic
For us, the real stand out dishes were the artichoke ravioli and the venison tartare. I've never really tried artichoke before, but I loved the earthy flavours, which paired well with the lemony and creamy sauce. I also loved the rich and fresh flavours of the venison tartare. It was just so delicious.
To be honest though, the highlight of the meal for me was one of our desserts. We decided to try two different desserts: a strawberry and pistachio mille feille, and a milk chocolate panna cotta with hazelnuts. I would never normally pick a panna cotta, but I can truly say this is the best panna cotta I've ever tried. It was delicate and chocolatey, without being too overpowering.
If you plan on visiting Kinloch Lodge, I'd make sure you stay for an extra hour or two to sit in their beautiful sitting areas. With views over Loch na Dal and the rolling hills of South Skye. We orded an after lunch pot of tea and sat down to enjoy our books for a wee while. It was such a relaxing and cosy way to enjoy our day off.
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