Perfect romantic setting – on any day of the year

Feb 27 2009 by Lady Who Lunches

Perfect romantic setting – on any day of the year

BREAKFAST in bed, check! Sentimental card, check! Red roses, check! Does life get any better than this? Actually yes. My Valentine then whisked me off to a mystery destination for lunch. Not such a mystery, but an old favourite, the Grouse and Claret on the outskirts of Kinross.

The setting is perfect for a romantic tryst on any day of the year. Comfortably ensconced on roomy sofas, couples perused menus over drinks and nibbles before progressing to the dining room which has charming views of fishing lochans. On the day, the lochans were picturesquely frozen and, as if on cue, three resident swans took flight; a magnificent sight.

Valentine and I usually prefer a starter to a pud, but on this occasion gambled that something from “the selection of puddings” would appeal. He started with a Daube of Beef served with unctuous mashed potatoes, carrots and broccoli, while I opted for the Thai King Prawn Salad. Isn’t it lovely when both diners are convinced they have made the right choice? The dedicated carnivore pronounced the shin of beef perfectly cooked and the portion was certainly generous. My giant prawns were juicy and flavoursome and the salad a veritable symphony of colour and flavour. My only problem was dealing with the cellophane noodles which developed an affinity for my chin.

For Valentine, the next choice was Strawberry Pavlova, gooey, rich and tasty, while I opted for Poached Pear with Pear Sorbet. The pear was a glorious golden shade and beautifully presented in a black bowl. Stunning.

Service is impeccable and personal, there is a choice of wines by the glass and, for those who order coffee, it is back to those comfy sofas.

The bill (£40 exactly) was well worth it.

Décor: Country fresh.

Food: Eclectic menu, beautifully cooked and presented.

Service: Attentive and pleasant.

Price: £40 for two soft drinks, two glasses of wine and main courses and puds.