Table or Booth?
Blantyre: Romance in the Manor
by Bess Hochstein
With Valentine’s Day prominent in the calendar, February is the month when thoughts turn to romance, as Romeos wrack their brains for that just-right restaurant to send their sweethearts into a swoon. Many Berkshire eateries will satisfy starry-eyed lovers of all tastes and budgets. But for a full-on romantic soiree, Blantyre is hard to top.
The Blantyre experience begins on the winding drive through the property to the Manor House. On a winter evening, twinkling lights and festive music greet all comers, as the tennis court has been transformed into a skating rink for the season, where guests trace figure-eights and sip hot chocolate or other warming beverages at rink-top tables. Roaring blazes in the manor’s many fireplaces warm visitors, who enjoy wine or cocktails and canapés as they’re entertained by a live pianist in the Music Room before being escorted to their dinner table.
A winter dinner at Blantyre is an intimate affair, as only those in the know realize that this grand estate now opens its doors year-round, after decades of operating only from May to October. Indeed, on many evenings – especially weeknights – lucky couples may have their own private dining room, with a crackling fire, lush floral arrangements, and exquisite food served on beautiful antique china. This privacy, combined with attentive, gracious service that anticipates every need, makes diners feel as if they’re in the caring hands of their own personal staff.
The menu lives up to the sumptuous surroundings, with multi-layered flavors and textures, such as Endive, Watercress and Winter Green Salad with Hot Roasted Pecans, Maytag Blue Cheese Fritters and Bartlett Pear Dressing; or Pan-Roasted Sweetbreads with Vermont Honey-Glazed Carrots and Licorice Chestnuts. And those are just starters; main courses are equally complex and tempting. Consider Pan-Roasted Five Spice Halibut with Buckwheat Noodles, Shiitake Mushrooms, Mizuna and Soy Cardamom Emulsion; or Rack of Lamb with Crusted Local Goats Cheese, Pepper Ragoût, Picholine Olives and Garlic Confit Sauce. While seasonal game is a specialty, vegetarians are not overlooked; Blantyre always offers rich, fulsome meatless meals, such as Cream of Celeriac Soup with Winter Truffles followed by Sauté of Wild Mushrooms with Gnocchi and Vegetables. Those avoiding the generous use of butter and cream will find refuge in the menu’s “Simply Light” section, which further proves the kitchen’s versatility.
One aspect of the menu not to avoid is the wine list, which is encyclopedic and offers many rare gems. Luckily, the knowledgeable, top-notch wine staff is at hand to help navigate through the immense list. Ambrosial desserts compound the aphrodisiac properties of the lavish food and environment, and meals end with an assortment of chocolates, the perfect accompaniment to selections from the full-page of Ports or Single Malts – some dating back more than 40 years – or a broad array of other after-dinner drinks, including Cognacs, Grappas, or various Eaux de Vie or Digestifs. Or ratchet up the chocolate factor by ordering from the Hot Chocolate Menu! Cocoas are all served with homemade marshmallows, whipped cream, and banana bread. If that’s not enough to set your sweetie swooning, reserve one of Blantyre’s relentlessly romantic rooms. That way you can indulge without worry from the wonderful wine list, and work off your overindulgence the next morning at Blantyre’s new spa, which – unlike the restaurant – is open only to overnight guests.
About Bess Hochstein
Buzz chronicler Bess J.M. Hochstein came to the Berkshires as a second-homeowner before deciding to move here full time. Previously a communications executive, she's now a freelance writer living in Tyringham with her corgis Duffy and Hobbs and K. She writes for several publications, including Berkshire Living, the Boston Globe, New England Wine Gazette, and Healing Lifestyles & Spas magazine.