Birthday dinner at The Road Hole restaurant, The Old Course Hotel

This was the first time I'd arrived at a restaurant in a limo. In fact the first time I'd arrived anywhere by limo. No, I haven't won the lottery - it was a surprise birthday treat for my sister-in-law, L, and I who share the same birthday! Reluctant to leave our new favourite mode of transport, we put down our champagne glasses, attempted to make an elegant exit from the limo (difficult to do while wearing a short dress and holding a helium balloon) and stepped out and into the delights of The Old Course hotel (Dundee Limos, tel: 01382 580720, email: book@dundeelimos.co.uk).

We started with some pre-dinner cocktails in The Road Hole bar, after parking ourselves at the seats beside the fire - which the staff promptly lit for us. It was 6pm on Boxing Day and we had the place largely to ourselves at first, with a few more people arriving as the evening went on. It was classic and luxurious without being stuffy. The bar staff were knowledgeable and friendly and the place had that international feel of a five star hotel with plenty of Scottish touches like their whisky collection and antler lights. I tried out a Tom Collins for the first time - quite a refreshing gin-based cocktail but a little sour for me so I still prefer a classic gin and tonic. Bowls of tasty nuts and snacks were eagerly devoured, while we laughed at the video which S had taken of the limo ride and I had accidentally posted to Facebook.

We perused the dinner menu and then went through to our table in the Road Hole restaurant, which was just next door. During daylight it would probably have been the best table they have - right beside a large bay window overlooking the most famous golf course in the home of golf, the West Sands beach and sea beyond and the romantic rooftops and spires of the town of St Andrews to the right. As it was dark, everything was pitch black and only some twinkling lights in the distance hinted at the fantastic view we were missing.

Having eaten a hefty lunch of Christmas dinner leftovers earlier we opted to stick to just two courses for our dinner. A celebratory bottle of Marques de Riscal Gran Riserva Rioja 2001 was ordered and tasted fantastic.

S and I had Fillet of Gigha hallibut, curried leeks, kidney potatoes with warm tomato vinaigrette for our main. It was light and tasty with soft and fluffy, meaty fish complimented by gentle tomato and curry tastes.

Meanwhile R and L opted for the Tournedos of Black Isle beef sirloin, green beans, wild mushrooms, glazed onions and potato rosti, which they quickly scoffed with approving noises. Lovely, thinly-sliced pieces of steak, cooked perfectly pink. R said that if there was a single gripe it was that the rosti may have been a little too fatty.

Both main courses were an ideal size for a post-Christmas day meal - not too big but not too small either. So far we were very happy.

For dessert S and I again made the same choice - the Honeycomb parfait, poached pear, macadamia biscuit and pear sorbet. It was moist, fruity and refreshing with the biscuit providing a crisp sweetness.

However R and L picked the best plate of food of the day with their choice of the Chocolate mousse and pistachio creme brûlée with marzipan ice cream. The presentation was beautiful and judging by the blissed-out look on L's face the taste was pure dessert heaven! Having sneaked a rich, smooth, chocolatey taste of R's chocolate mousse cone I would completely agree!

We all agreed that the food was of a better standard than when we had eaten there last, some 14 months ago - on that occasion we had found the food a little disappointing, not quite living up to its luxurious surroundings. I had heard that there was a new chef and new menu and these changes seem to have made a positive difference.

We finished the evening off with some coffee, petit fours (pictured) and liquers including S's choice of possibly the largest glass of port ever seen!

It was still quite early but all the birthday champagne drinking earlier had taken its toll so we travelled back to our cottage. This time it was by less glamorous means, by taxi. Sadly I don't think I'll be going to The Road Hole by limo again but I will definitely be back for another special occasion I'm sure!
(Tel: 01334 474171)




Petit fours















Halibut



Sirloin





Honeycomb parfait



Chocolate mousse...