THE FAMOUS RUSSIAN TAVERN on The Isle of Bute
Babushka Natalia uniquely researched the menus and recipes from the archives of The Tsar held in St. Petersburg, and the dishes now offered are faithful reproductions of meals served at the Russian Court. There is little in common with supposedly "Russian Restaurants" in Britain with their peasant stews, kebabs and the like. To achieve this High Cuisine a great deal of effort is involved in sourcing the top quality ingredients, utilising the local fishermen, smokehouse and picking wild salads, fungi, herbs, berries and seaweeds from the wild. Beef is "Orkney Gold," Highland Cattle killed on the farm when fully mature and grazed on natural pastures. Bread, pastries and ice-cream are made on the premises. Potatoes and onions are grown for flavour on seaweed and horse manure.
To complement the food there is a range of wines from the vinyards of The Tsar, Russian vodkas and bottled beers. Casks of Real Ale are on the bar and beer poured direct into your glass.
So what of the ambiance? Well befitting a Russian Tavern there are no formalities or pretentions, no table-cloths or silly waitresses, no service charge or stuffiness. The superb food and drink are taken for granted as in a rural French cafe, and the wide range of visitors relax and converse, play chess or read, admire the view and feel at home. There is a piano and open fire, timber floor and tables, fresh wild flowers and candle-light.
There are four inexpensive guestrooms and the modest fee of 64 pounds for a double includes two substantial but healthy Russian breakfasts.
For reviews and articles please visit
http://delicious.com/RogerMortimer
For menus and photos:
http://www.butehotel.com
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