Scotland's Gleneagles & Turnberry Resorts Offer Exclusive Chef's Tables & Private Instruction

Scotland's Gleneagles & Turnberry Resorts Offer Exclusive Chef's Tables & Private Instruction
The award-winning properties are granting food lovers a behind-the-scenes VIP pass to a private dining experience featuring exclusive menus designed with a handpicked selection of local and imported ingredients. Whether helping to prepare risotto with truffle oil in the kitchen of Deseo at Gleneagles, or delving into the cooking methods and locally sourced ingredients that comprise the decadent fare created by Turnberry's award-winning Head Chef Justin Galea, guests receive a rare view into the inner workings of culinary creation. Prices for groups of eight at Gleneagles is £560* ($917) while at Turnberry up to 10 guests can enjoy a front row seat for £120* ($196) per person.

The Gleneagles Hotel, which has spent three years on Conde Nast Traveller Magazine's prestigious “Gold List,” has gained an international reputation for sumptuous cuisine that combines the finest of local produce with products from specialist suppliers worldwide. The Chef's Table Experience at Deseo is an interactive dining experience featuring hands-on cooking instruction from a Gleneagles chef, private waiter and an exclusive menu with specialty items such as hand-dived sea scallops in shell and 28-day aged beef fillet. The four other restaurants on the property include the two-Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie, which serves Scottish cuisine with an unashamedly French twist, and The Strathearn, whose Scottish cuisine has earned two AA red rosettes. From now until Sept. 30, 2011, guests can stay seven nights for the price of five with the “Save on Seven Offer,” which includes the famous Gleneagles breakfast and use of The Club leisure facilities for rates from £1,575 ($2,579) per room; for bookings and more information, contact Email: resorts.sales@gleneagles.com.

Turnberry's Head Chef Justin Galea, whose impressive accolades include “Chef Medaille d'Or 2011” at the Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards, guides up to ten guests at the Chef's Table through his cooking methods as they privately dine in view of the kitchen area. A team of chefs creates a unique seven course tasting menu that is as visually impressive as it is delicious – such as “The Girvan Sailor,” featuring langoustines coated in crisp crumb butter, made with Scampi Fries – as Galea explains the inspiration and locally sourced ingredients. Other dining options at the resort include 1906, serving a modern take on Escoffier-inspired cuisine, and The Grand Tea Lounge, recent recipient of Top City + Country Hotel's “Award of Excellence 2010.” The “Luxury Holiday at Turnberry” offer, valid until Sept. 30, 2011, includes seven nights accommodation for the price of six, Scottish breakfast and VAT, all from £1,329* ($2,176) per person, double; contact turnberry.reservations@luxurycollection.com for reservations.

Information on Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts, partners and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk