Recently, we welcomed our first residents of 2010 at Monarchs House. It was a group lead by Boston-based Bryan Anderson, Tom Baxter and Bill Maffie. This triumvirate were deeply involved in the planning process and decided to visit St Andrews in April.

We talked to Bill about why the group chose the month of April, not considered high season for the area. He said,

A lot of our thinking revolved around weather and the ability to get on the courses we wanted to play. We figured that while school was still in session and it was early in the year, golf tourists would be at a minimum. It worked exactly as planned. We played the “Old”  and all of the other great courses on our list.

But what about the weather?

It was fantastic. We had a little bit of everything but mostly it was blue skies and warm. It was like we dialed it in.

Bryan Anderson was sold on Monarchs House and St Andrews. He remarked,

I want to make this an annual pilgrimage. I have talked to the guys and everyone agrees that this was the most enjoyable trip ever.

Bryan, we appreciate the kind words and would be delighted to welcome you any time. Most of our residents are repeat visitors, some staying with us bi-annually.

Visit Monarchs House, your home at the home of golf.

From L-R: Mike Charland, Dan Pimental, Bill Maffie, Monarchs House Chef Kevin Low, Curtis Mueller, JR McDonald, Bryan Anderson, Tom Baxter

Monarchs House's Chef Kevin Low

Kevin Low has been the chef at Monarchs House since we opened in 2001. And if well over a thousand visitors to Monarchs House are to be trusted, Kevin is St Andrews’ best chef.  Naturally, we wholeheartedly agree but it is his demeanor, in addition to his cooking, that makes Kevin such a pleasure to be around. He is as equally quick with a smile as he is with a whisk.

Over the years, Monarchs House has hosted many visitors during the holidays and that will be the case again this year. Thanksgiving is solely a US holiday but on many occasions, Kevin has prepared a beautiful Thanksgiving meal for our visitors. We asked Kevin to share  his menu for this Thanksgiving at Monarchs. What do you think?

Thanksgiving – Thursday, 26 November 2009, Monarchs House – St Andrews

Rocket Salad with Oranges, Pomegranate seeds and goats cheese

Orange and Mustard Basted Turkey
Served with Apple Cider-Mustard Gravy and Apple and Sage Stuffing,

Maple Butternut Squash Puree
Peas and Turnips with Scottish Back Bacon and Dill Butter
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Apricots and Cardamon

Sticky Toffee Pudding and Caramel Sauce