WHILE the men are away, the girls will dine out.

With husband and son waved off to France for a week of motor racing, it was the perfect excuse to enjoy a meal with my daughter, who had just come home from Milan!

Her stories of the designer city were enjoyed all the more over a glass of Italian Montepulciano Conviviale, which we were delighted to find on the extensive wine list at the Ram Inn at Cliviger, where we found ourselves among a buzz of company, even though it was mid week.

Ready to eat after catching up on all the news, we did have a wait before our plates were set before us.

I had gone for the lamb shank, in a minted gravy, served with cheddar mash and steamed vegetables, which turned out to be carrots and leeks, priced at £9.95.

The lamb simply fell off the bone and the vegetables were just right, neither mushy or too al dente.

My daughter, who had been living on pasta and Italian ice cream for a week, couldn't resist the prime Aberdeen angus beef burger, topped with bacon and cheese and served with scrumptious chips, at £7.25.

There was no chance of declining dessert and we went for the lemon meringue pie and chocolate brownie, with ice cream.

Nicely presented, the meringue had a light base, fluffy, tangy lemon middle and happily, just a layer, rather than a mountain of meringue, while the brownie was served warm and simply mmm....

FOOD 9 DRINK 9 SERVICE 8 ATMOSPHERE 9 VALUE 9