We were
startled at how well we were doing after our flights to Scotland with virtually
no sleep… By the time we called it a night we’d been up for about 36 hours
straight.
After
checking in at our hotel and unpacking a bit, we decided to explore the area a
bit, which included finding our venue for a family ‘clan’ gathering scheduled
for the next day. The scenery along the
way was very easy on the eyes and generally very different than in either East Tennessee where
we live or in Missouri where Bonnie and Bill live.
Some
views were similar however… This is a common sight in East Tennessee at this
time of the year. The lighting was about
perfect for this photo.
We
located and explored the site of Laurie and Bonnie’s family gathering for the
next day. We’d passed our restaurant of
choice along the way and we returned just as they were getting ready to open
for dinner…
This
rural tavern dates from ca. 1534. Back
in those days, travelers had to stop here to pay tolls. Tolls weren’t eliminated in Great Britain
until 1872. The earliest part of the building (the toll house) is at the far
end of the structure.
For
anyone who has been born and raised in the USA, a structure built by European
immigrants that is still in use and which is 483 years old just doesn’t exist. The oldest European structure in the
continental United States is the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe New
Mexico. (1610) Of course, there are vibrant Native American Pueblos in the
western USA that date all the way back to ca. 700 AD.
The
interior of the Balgedie Toll Tavern is quite traditional with its low
ceilings, oak beams, stone walls, and open fire places. Art on the walls are provided by a local
painter. Some of the seating is on wooden
benches with arms designed for several people.
These benches are referred to as ‘settles’. Settles originated in Europe in the 10th
Century.
Here are
2 happy sisters…in Scotland together, looking forward to the family gathering
as well as many adventures across the countryside!
This was
the Chef’s Homemade Soup of the Day which was accompanied by a crusty roll.
(3.95 BP/$5.17) I don’t recall exactly, but I believe that it was Split Pea and
Leek…
As an
appetizer, Bill ordered the Home-made Chicken Liver Pate with red onion
marmalade and toast. (4.95 BP/$6.48) He really liked the pate and there was so
much of it that he had to ask for more toast to finish it…
There is
nothing like fresh salmon… I ordered the Scottish Smoked Salmon appetizer with
cucumber and dill garnish accompanied with a lemon yogurt dressing. (6.50 BP/$8.52)
Laurie and I agreed that this was scrumptious!
This was
another appetizer… It’s the Crisp Battered Haddock Bites with Tomato and
Coriander Relish and Micro Celery Shoots. (5.95 BP/$7.80) The bites were very
tasty…
Of
course, fish and chips is one of the most popular foods in the British Isles
and in Ireland. This was the Balgedie
Toll Tavern’s version…Fresh Filet of East Coast Haddock with chips (French
fries) and salad. (9.95 PB/$13.00) The fish was very nice but we agreed that we
like our ‘chips’ a little more crisp on the outside.
For his entrée,
Bill ordered the Venison Sausages served with Caramelized Onion Gravy, Mashed
Potatoes and Vegetables. ($9.95/$13.00) He gave it a thumbs up…
For my
dinner, I ordered the Balgedie Smokie, a Filet of Smoked Haddock poached in
cream and gratinated with Scottish Cheddar, served with Mashed Potatoes and Cream.
(11.95 BP/$15.65) It was very nice and that cream sauce worked very well with
my mashed potatoes too!
All in
all, our meal at Balgedie Toll Tavern was a positive beginning to our dining
experiences across Scotland. Service was
just average but the food and ambiance were very good indeed.
Balgedie
Toll Tavern is located on A911 in Wester Balgedie near Kinross Scotland. Postal Code KY13 9HE. Phone: (01592) 840 212. This establishment is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheToll.
Just
click on any of the photos to enlarge them…
Thanks
for stopping by to see what we had for dinner!
Take
Care, Big Daddy Dave
I'm so excited to read about your Scotland experience. It is wonderful that the two sisters can meet some of the Scottish Relatives... AWESOME......
ReplyDeleteI'd love the Liver Pate --since I am one of the few people who love liver.... (Local people here in Crossville say "livers" --which drives me crazy!!!! ha ha ) The Haddock also looked good... YUM.
Hugs,
Betsy
The dishes look very tasty, Dave! The presentations are attractive, too.
ReplyDeleteThe fish dishes all look very good. Fish and chips is a favorite dish for me. I've eaten many meals at Capt D's and LJS'
ReplyDelete... so happy for you, friend David as travelling opens one's heart ... Love, cat.
ReplyDelete