April 15th 2024.
A journey to Cameron House's newest addition, La Vista, leaves Ellie Forbes feeling rejuvenated and inspired. The start of spring serves as a reminder of the beauty and excitement that comes with change. With this in mind, I made my way to Cameron House on a warm evening to experience their new Italian restaurant.
Previously known as The Boat House, the dining space has undergone a stunning transformation with a £2 million investment into a brand new Italian eatery. As I drove down the picturesque path towards the restaurant, I couldn't help but admire the breathtaking scenery. The last rays of the evening sun danced upon the loch, a serene seaplane floated on the water, and the entire area was illuminated with twinkling lights. It's hard to argue with the sheer beauty of this place.
As I entered La Vista, I was greeted by a bustling atmosphere. The bar to my right was filled with groups of people enjoying their Saturday night, while families on Easter break filled the buzzing restaurant to my left. The menu, curated by Italian chef Pasquale Calvanese and Pizzaiolo Ivano Erme, offered a wide selection of authentic regional dishes.
Feeling parched and hungry, my companion and I quickly ordered some rosemary and garlic focaccia to tide us over. It was clear from the start that this was going to be a delicious meal. Gone were the days of soggy bread in a greasy basket. Instead, we were served with light, airy focaccia that we happily devoured with a delectable cacio Pepe butter.
Our main courses were next, and they did not disappoint. We decided to share the carpaccio of beef with mushrooms, parmesan, and crispy shallots, as well as the braised short rib with polenta and red wine sauce. Both dishes far exceeded our expectations. The presentation was stunning, and the short rib was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The beef arrived under a cloche, delicately sliced paper-thin.
While the pasta selection was limited, there were plenty of pizza options to choose from. We tried the smoked BBQ grilled chicken pizza with peppers and caramelised red onion, which was average, and the chicken Milanese with spaghetti in a Napolitana sauce, which was thoroughly enjoyable.
Although the main courses may not have matched the spectacular starters, the desserts were a highlight. We indulged in two classic Italian sweets - the tartufo and tiramisu. The tiramisu was undoubtedly the best I've ever had outside of Italy, and the tartufo, with its vanilla gelato encased in a milk chocolate and hazelnut shell, was rich and irresistible. To top it off, both plates were adorned with a chocolate image of the iconic Cameron House logo, a lovely touch.
For those who appreciate a good cocktail, La Vista offers an aperitivo hour with a dedicated negroni menu featuring eight variations of the classic red drink, including coffee, ginger, and banana twists. They also have Venetian-style spritz and signature cocktails available. The wine list boasts a selection of Italian wines, including hidden gems from Puglia, Sardinia, and Sicily, available by the glass or bottle.
A visit to La Vista is the perfect way to escape the harsh winter and embrace the beauty of spring. As we slowly emerge from the cold, this new Italian delight is blossoming and flourishing, just like the season. For more information, visit www.cameronhouse.co.uk/dining-bars/restaurants/la-vista/ or check out more reviews here. Don't forget to subscribe to read the latest issue of Scottish Field.
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