This week messy-chef goes international and I find myself transported to deepest Scotland and the wee Highland town of Newtonmore. For anybody who hasn’t been to the area is it one of the best kept secrets around, an absolute haven for the outdoor type with walking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain-biking, kayaking, clay pigeon shooting, smoking, drinking and a wealth of other healthy stuff but let’s not worry too much about that, check out the visitaviemore for more.

During the stay we visited Blasta in Newtonmore. A small restaurant in the middle of the village that was quiet on a Friday night, but then again I think everything in Newtonmore is quiet on every night, its just that kind of place. Surroundings were nice with paintings from local artists on the walls. The five of us had a spacious table and were seated with drinks and menus in no time. Food choices were uncomplicated, four starters and five mains, with enough variety to leave you wondering what to have. Starters were well received, home-made mushroom soup with truffle oil or the melted brie being the popular choices. The rosemary bread was also fantastic. A medium Ribeye steak (£17.50) for my main course was perfect, pink and full of flavour. The fish was also well received. Again, nothing fancy or over the top, just good food cooked to perfection.

A round of deserts to finish with rich sticky toffee pudding (£4.75) shading the vote over the novelty of the Affogato (ice cream, espresso shot and a liqueur of choice – £5.25). Service was friendly and attentive without being in your face and the price of the meal for five with one round of drinks and two bottles of wine came to £160 (about €180) excluding tip which is superb value compared to what we are used to in Ireland.

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Blasta Restaurant, Newtonmore, Rating=4, Review, Scotland