Friday, January 13, 2006
The Peat Inn
I’ve often said that the bookish American child often grows up with an incredibly romantic view of Great Britain. This is certainly true in my case. Books like Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins and now the Harry Potter series (not to mention the Dark Materials Trilogy) enforce this idea that life in Britain is far more magical and complex than a childhood in America. If you at all feel like mainstream American culture doesn’t represent you particularly well, it’s very easy to feel that your life would be more fulfilled in the land of talking stuffed animals and magical, if somewhat stern, nannies.
One of my fantasies about Great Britain was eating a dinner that included so many forks and spoons that I would be confused. Many YA books include a scene in which a heroine, who is generally not noble born, sits down at a banquet with too much silverware and follows the lead of her hosts to determine which fork to use.
The truth, of course, is that silverware is confusing to everyone, and that what matters isn’t so much how much silverware is on the table, but how good the food and the conversation are. During the holidays, I was lucky enough to eat yet another meal at the delicious Peat Inn. I feel quite fortunate to have gone, as the wonderful chef is rumored to be retiring soon, and no one really does make a scallop quite like he does.
Lest anyone tell you that the Scots can’t cook, I’d definitely suggest going to the Peat Inn to try this lobster bisque. You’ll soon learn to think otherwise.
And what meal is not complete with out a spread of fine British and French cheeses?
I also loved the fact that we got to choose our desserts in the lounge area. It was snowing outside, but we were warm and toasty by the fire. Long live the Peat Inn.
One of my fantasies about Great Britain was eating a dinner that included so many forks and spoons that I would be confused. Many YA books include a scene in which a heroine, who is generally not noble born, sits down at a banquet with too much silverware and follows the lead of her hosts to determine which fork to use.
The truth, of course, is that silverware is confusing to everyone, and that what matters isn’t so much how much silverware is on the table, but how good the food and the conversation are. During the holidays, I was lucky enough to eat yet another meal at the delicious Peat Inn. I feel quite fortunate to have gone, as the wonderful chef is rumored to be retiring soon, and no one really does make a scallop quite like he does.
Lest anyone tell you that the Scots can’t cook, I’d definitely suggest going to the Peat Inn to try this lobster bisque. You’ll soon learn to think otherwise.
And what meal is not complete with out a spread of fine British and French cheeses?
I also loved the fact that we got to choose our desserts in the lounge area. It was snowing outside, but we were warm and toasty by the fire. Long live the Peat Inn.
