Loch Bay

Alright, so I’m always skeptical about Michelin stars. Ali had suggested we eat at Loch Bay, so we made a reservation months ago and the only time we could get was 8:45. I didn’t want to leave Mint Croft. I thought of cancelling and eating chocolate in bed…. Alas we went.

A lovely, gentlemanly Algierian taxi driver picked us up and drove us down to the village of Stein at the water’s edge. We darted about the bunnies, chatted about Scotland and arrived at a small, unassuming building with a lovely garden and a palm tree. A tiny spot revealed itself as we opened the door. We were warmly greeted, immediately seated and felt at ease. Lovely locally made gin cocktails enhanced our mood and loosened our tongues and we struck up conversations with the British couple nearby and the French family with two small children that ate the 3 course menu with relish and silence. Loved them.

We started with complimentary fried herring bits with the most perfect rouille I have ever tasted. It was a fantastic combination. We migrated to duck confit, saffron panisse, then onto Scottish beef and fresh hake, followed by hazelnut dacquoisse and the most unbelievable strawberry sorbet with champagne jelly.

One of my best meals ever, in this tiny village at the end of the world.Then a lovely drive back to our aerie just as the sun was setting at 11 PM.if you never hear from me again, you’ll know where to find me.