Dining at Skye’s “World famous” restaurant is something I avoided for a long time. The place is laden with domestic and international recognition and awards. It has had countless superlative critiques in the Sunday supplements. It is the subject of its owner’s own glossy book. It is the proud holder of 5 Gold Stars from VisitScotland, a coveted Gold EatScotland Award and a 5 Star AA rating. And, for those without private helicopters, it has a car park peppered with Porsches, Astons and Range Rovers. All in all, the well developed cynic in me scented hype and artificiality.
I was wrong.
The Three Chimneys is at least as good as it is made out to be. I simply cannot fault the place. The location, ambience and service are all wonderful. The food is so good it’s beyond my writing ability to do it justice. All the stuff you read about ‘fresh’, ‘local’, ‘seasonal’ ingredients will come to glorious life in front of you. The presentation alone is a joy – beautiful but without pretence. It's no surprise that the Three Chimneys has held 3 AA red rosettes every year for the past decade. This really is world class dining. And it really is right here on Skye.
The Three Chimneys has its own excellent and refreshingly up-to-date website where you will find all the details you need to make your reservation and to find you way there.
You wouldn’t expect this sort of experience to come cheap – and it doesn’t. But just how important is your children’s inheritance anyway? Go on, do whatever it takes. It will be worth it. Since our first visit as sceptics, we have returned as believers, as often as is seemly and affordable. I've yet to be disappointed by even one, single, tiny aspect of the experience. Prepare to be left with a big grin on your face for the following day or so...
Just take a look at this sample menu for the special seven course dinner. Irresistible!
SEVEN COURSES OF SKYE
Prawns
Loch Dunvegan Langoustines with Tattie Scones & Glendale Organic Mesclun
Crab
Colbost Crab Risotto with Shellfish Essence & Truckle Wafer
Smoked Fish
A Selection of Broadford Cold & Hot-Smoked Fish with Brunigill Farm Quail Egg
Scallops
Sconser King Scallop with Hazelnut Crust,
Split Pea & Ham Hough Purry, Claret Jus & Pickled Winkles
Oysters
Three Loch Harport Oysters with Cucumber & Mint Jelly & Homemade Crème Fraîche
Loch Etive Trout Caviar
Beef
Roast fillet & Shredded Shin of Lochalsh Beef
with Pearl Barley & Totaig Vegetable Broth, Horseradish
Cheese
Highland Cheeses with Our Oatcakes
Soufflé
Three Chimneys Hot Marmalade Pudding Soufflé with Drambuie Syrup & Mealie Ice Cream
