NOTHING beats a luxury meal on a Sunday.
The after effects of a few ales on a Saturday night, always prompts the need for a bit of escapism.
So the safe haven of the Buchan Braes Hotel and Grill Room was a welcome retreat.
Just five minutes from Peterhead, tucked away in the quiet village of Boddam, the luxury hotel with its cosy looking carpets and soft furnishings was ideal.
It didn’t take my pal Andy and I long to decide what culinary pleasures would float our boat as we sat deliberating the varied menu in the hotel’s stunning lounge area.
Escorted to our table by a member of the well-fashioned waiting staff to the open plan restaurant, we really got the sense that our enjoyment was important.
As the waitress kindly laid out the snow white napkins on our laps in preparation for our meals, we knew we were in for a treat.
I opted for the prawn Marie Rose (£4.00) for a start.
Served in a tall cocktail glass, the creamy concoction was well presented and softly stunned my taste buds.
My pal Andy opted for a sensational burger (£9.75) for his main course.
Served with what looked and tasted like home-made chips, the slab of minced beef sizzled after it was cooked on the restaurant’s grill.
I plumped for the roast chicken with chanterelle sauce (£9.50).
The dish was served with creamed mashed potatoes and roast potatoes, while the dark rich mushroom-flavoured sauce perfectly complemented the chicken.
With the lightly roasted skin covering the tender meat, I was blown away by the combination of flavours.
My sweet-toothed friend decided on his favourite sticky toffee pudding (£5.50) for dessert.
And, although I was satisfied with my two courses, I watched in envy as he slurped down the steaming sponge.
Bathed in a sweetly aromatic sauce the pudding would have been difficult for anyone to resist.
It’s amazing how a hearty meal in luxury surroundings can round off an eventful weekend and get the coming week off to a wonderful start.