Since opening its doors to guests in June 2013 Links House at Royal Dornoch has established itself as one of the UK’s best small luxury hotels. More than that, the hotel is fast becoming one of the country’s most exciting food destinations. With head chef, Darren Miranda, having recently spent time with Paul Kitching in the kitchen at Edinburgh’s Michelin-starred 21212 and set to embark on a similar professional placement with chef-patron, Grant Achatz, at Alinea in Chicago, diners can expect some exciting new dishes to be added to The Restaurant at Links House menu upon his return. The visits will form part of the head chef furthering his already considerable culinary education.

21212 is a five star restaurant with rooms and is one of Edinburgh’s best dining experiences. Chef Paul Kitching heads up the restaurant, which has received numerous awards including Best New Restaurant in the UK, a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes

Alinea in Chicago serves progressive American cuisine and is the brainchild of Grant Achatz. While working at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry, Achatz traveled to do a work placement at El Bulli in Catalonia and, taken by the innovative approach to cuisine, returned to open Alinea. Soon the restaurant with its 23-course ‘tour’ menu which took experimental and molecular gastronomy to its limits was ranked 7th in the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. It currently resides 15th on the list.

Miranda hopes to get as much out of his professional placements at 21212 and Alinea: “Paul Kitching and Grant Achatz are two of the culinary world’s best and most exciting chefs but also two people whom I admire,” says Miranda. “Paul has been at the forefront of the UK food scene for the last ten years at Juniper in Manchester and now at 21212 with both receiving Michelin stars, while Grant is one of the most exciting chefs on the planet just now having worked at The French Laundry, which was twice voted as the world’s best restaurant, before opening Alinea.

“If I can get as much out of my visit to Chicago as I did from spending time at 21212 in Edinburgh recently – which was totally inspiring – I will learn a lot and return to the kitchen at Links House full of new ideas of how to make the most of the fantastic wild and local ingredients I have at my disposal in the Highlands,” adds Miranda.

Approaching his first head chef assignment with gusto, exciting young chef Darren Miranda, who has worked with some of top names in the culinary world, most recently Charles Lockey at Michelin-starred Boath House in Nairn, has been winning rave reviews for his modern take on classic cuisine in The Restaurant at Links House, which overlooks the world-famous links at Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Miranda prepares a changing daily menu using only the very best in seasonal, locally sourced fish, shellfish, meat, wild game and fruit and vegetables. Dinner is accompanied by fine wine from an extensive cellar stocked with thoughtful varietals and vintages. After dinner, guests can enjoy a cigar from the hotel’s impressive Cuban cigar humidor and malt from the extensive malt whisky collection around the cigar hearth and private putting green.

A recent reviewer commented, “The fillet of pan-fried John Dory was perfectly cooked, served with beautifully tender scallops and a nicely judged asparagus risotto. All in all, in its understated way it was one of the best dishes of 2013,” awarding the Links House restaurant an impressive 9/10.

The Restaurant at Links House is open for dinner, Saturday High Tea and Sunday lunch to both guests and non-residents, though advanced booking is essential.

ENDS

For further information contact Yvonne Crook or Angharad High at View Marketing on 01463 470990 or e-mail Yvonne@viewmarketing.co.uk or Angharad@viewmarketing.co.uk

Editor’s notes:

* During the last three years, Links House, an historic property in the picturesque Highland village of Dornoch that was acquired by owners Todd and Liz Warnock in 2010, was subject to extensive restoration and renovation overseen by Maxwell & Company Architects & Designers and renowned interior designer Helen Lyon.

* Links House will also offer bespoke concierge service to access the numerous sporting activities in the Highlands including world-class salmon and trout fishing, upland shooting, stag stalking, hill walking, beach walking and horse riding.

* Links House can arrange private tours for guests keen to explore the Highlands' ancient castles, formal gardens, historic sites, and unique antique and specialty shops.

 * Guests can also immerse themselves in the history, imagery and wonder of the Highlands, enjoying a visit to legendary Loch Ness and even be fitted for a cap or jacket in Links House's very own proprietary tweed.