May 2013 - Bite Magazine
Transcription
May 2013 - Bite Magazine
Take Me I’m Free Your Independent, Local Guide to Eating and Drinking in Edinburgh www.bite-magazine.com May 2013 Restaurant & Bar Reviews, Food, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Listings Written by locals! Incorporating Guide to the Best Beer Gardens Win a Meal for Two at Kyloe THE DOME 14 GEORGE STREET, EDINBURGH EH2 2PF TEL 0131 624 8624 FAX 0131 624 8649 sales@thedomeedinburgh.com www.thedomeedinburgh.com Incorporating: The Grill Room, The Club Room, Conference and Private Dining Facilities, The Garden Café Outdoor Dining The Garden Café is open from May to September – (Open from 10 am) Sit back and choose from a wonderful selection of Hot and Cold Food, Coffees, Teas and Drinks which are served in the beautiful surroundings of The Garden Café. Located at the rear of the Dome building with access from Rose Street, tables are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Grill Room A la Carte Lunch and Dinner Menus are served under the majesty of the Dome itself from 12 noon, every day. Reservations are taken for Lunch and Dinner (excluding Lunch on Saturdays when tables are allocated first-come, first-served). The Club Room Coffees, Sandwiches and A la Carte Menus are available in the luxurious yet comfortable surroundings of The Club Room which is open 10 am until 5 pm – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am until Late – Thursday, Friday and Saturday Reservations are taken for Lunch and Dinner (excluding Lunch on Saturdays when tables are allocated first-come, first-served). (The Club Room is closed on SUNDAYS). CNM COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Wednesday 1st May 2013 6.30pm–8.30pm Find out about training for a new career as a Nutritional Therapist at CNM Edinburgh’s next free to attend Open Evening Venue: Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, Off Glenlockhart Road, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ Reserve your place by calling 01342 410 505 or email info@naturopathy-uk.com www.naturopathy-uk.com Making your Wedding cake as individual as your Wedding Great tasting cake that comes with a ‘no leftover’ guarantee Specialists in wedding & celebration cakes call 0131 555 6065, email hello@lacerise.biz web lacerise.biz, fb lacerise cerise tw laceriseleith 199 Great Junction Street, Leith Edinburgh EH6 5LQ 5 Words Leila Arfa Phil Cooke Mark Earl Rachel Edwards Nikki Fletcher The Go-between Lea Harris The Insider Sharon Wilson James Wrobel Subbing Leila Arfa Front Cover Simone Hilliard In this issue 09 11 12 14 15 16 17 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Review L’Escargot Blanc Review Hanam’s Review Stac Polly Brasserie, Gin & Wine Bar Wine Seasonal Pairings Review Ten Hill Place Wine Bar Recipe Maple Glazed Duck Breast from Field Restaurant Special Feature Bite Guide To The Best Beer Gardens Review Pompadour Beer A Few Words About Craft Beer The Insider Doctor? Doctor Who? Gourmet Girl Goes To The Pantry Cocktails Where’s My Drink Healthy Eating With CNM Hay Fever Havoc? Off The Trolley Chicken and Waffles What’s In Season Baked Snake Anyone? Listings Publisher/Editor Sharon Wilson I 01383 616126 I M 07780 763613 contact@bite-magazine.com I www.bite-magazine.com Design I Donna Earl I bite.design@mac.com © Bite Magazine 2013 – All items contained within this publication are copyright to Bite Publishing and cannot be taken or edited without the permission from the copyright holder. This magazine is printed on sustainable paper. 6 Salt ‘n’ Sauce A flavour of what’s happening this month Cookie Cooks – This is the second cookery book in a series from Kitchen Press. Cookie is a restaurant in Glasgow that produces seasonal cooking from a fusion of Scottish and Italian food. Lovely recipes and illustrations from Glaswegian artist Conzo Throb – www.kitchenpress.co.uk Jake’s Place is a new rustic bar and kitchen serving American and Scottish craft beer, malt whisky, bourbon and rye and street food. 9-13 Market Street. Creative Cookware (89 Rose St) is the only business in Scotland to launch a revolutionary new cooker which can save time, money and fuel. Developed for African families, The Wonderbag is a non-electric heat retention cooker which allows food that has been brought to the boil to continue to slow cook for 6-12 hours, saving the planet one stew at a time! Blackfriars has opened (57-61 Blackfriars St). There are two menus, restaurant and bar, and both look cracking. The former has tapas-style dishes like salt cod fritters and chips béarnaise whilst the latter features more substantial dishes such as john dory, clams, smoked tomato and salt lythe fritters www.blackbos.com Eat Walk Tours have added The Canongate Tour to their repertoire of foodie walks. Enjoy an early morning cocktail with some breakfast canapés, taste locally sourced food, see fudge-making, hear about Scottish whisky, enjoy a Swedish Smorgasbord and finish with a beer tasting and mini burgers www.eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk A Room in the Town Closes The ‘A Room in’ business has closed one of its bistros and expanded another. A Room in the Town has closed whilst A Room in Leith has moved to the site of the old Skippers restaurant at Dock Place, the Shore. This ‘shuffle’ makes room for Teuchters Landing, also at Dock Place, to expand – Tada! The Newsroom in Leith Street (opp St James Centre) has changed its name to The Front Page. The bar has had a total revamp. 7 Fresh, naturally Thousands of vegetarian, organic, locally-sourced, seasonal, Fairtrade and free-from foods in-store & online Free delivery for online orders over £29 Sh Shop hop p online on o nlin nlin nl ine ne at ww w www.realfoods.co.uk w re w. rea alfood alfo al ods ds. s.co co.u .u uk 37 B Bro Broughton roug ro ught ug hton ht on n Street, Sttr S tree tree eett, t, Edinburgh Edi E dinb nbur burgh h EH1 EH1 H1 3JU 3JU 8 Brougham Brou Brou Br oug gham gham gh m Street, Str S tree tr eet, ee t, Edinburgh t, Edi E dinb di nbur nb bur urg gh EH3 gh EH3 3 9JH 9JH H Freshlocalseasonalvalue Fres Fres Fr esh hl lo loca cal cal sse seas seas ason onal al v valu va lue lue A Review: 9 L’Escargot Blanc recent visit to this petite eatery finally had Mr Bite and me feeling Spring-like. L’Escargot Blanc has all the rickety charm of a bistro in Le Marais. Big windows, wooden floors, and a variety of customers create a casual inclusive ambience. It is the sort of place the characters of Spiral might visit to relax and sip champagne to celebrate solving a big case. Bread, fine butter and water appear along with a very tasty amuse-bouche of Toulouse sausage with onion and mustard and then our starters. For me, la soupe de poisson (£7.90) is an absolute joy; its richness underpinned by stock and alcohol. The rouille is garlicky and fiery. Mon Mari orders grilled snails with garlic, parsley and hazelnut butter. They are served, still sizzling, in a terracotta dish with twelve individual dimples for each of the earthy, meaty beauties. He is in seventh heaven but so am I so we declare a one-all draw (PSG are playing). Main course for me is rabbit leg in Dijon mustard and Le Casserole du Jour for Mr Bite, pork shoulder in a vanilla sauce (both £17.90). Both dishes arrive in charming copper pots with red and white gingham cloths. Le lapin falls from the bone, the sauce has a subtle heat and fresh thyme is prominent and complements the meat beautifully. Similarly Mr Bite says the tenderness of the pork renders his knife redundant. He raves about the rich, sticky sweet gravy and says the dish is so full of flavour it rivals his mum’s Scouse. Praise indeed. These hearty, peasant, slow-cooked dishes score another draw. Next crème brûlée (£5.50) for me and I attempt the impossible calculation. No, not an algorithm but just how many crème brûlées have I actually put away over the years? Suffice to say this is up there with the finest examples, a shallow terracotta dish with the fine glassy crust that is always such a joy to crack. Mr Bite’s tarte au chocolat (£5.50) is so dark, silky and smooth he promptly refers to it as “the Barry White of desserts”. As with Paris Saint Germain v Barcelona a draw is declared this evening as our meal has demonstrated consistency throughout. Characterful dishes are created via an auld alliance of French and Scottish produce. Heartily recommended for a convivial evening. (S. Wilson) L'Escargot Blanc Restaurant – 17 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh EH2 4QW – 0131 226 1890 – www.l’escargotbleu.co.uk Opening hours Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.00pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Fri & Sat 12 noon-3pm and 5.30pm-10.30pm. Closed Sundays. 10 The Three Wine Men The Three Wine Men are back in Edinburgh! Olly Smith, Oz Clarke and Tim Atkin MW are thrilled to be at The Assembly Rooms over the weekend of 29th & 30th June. It doesn't matter if you're an expert, an enthusiast or just enjoy the odd glass; the men just want to get everyone in the country tasting, experiencing and buying new wines as well as discovering different foods. 0844 858 6759. Every visitor gets a free Riedel glass worth £10 to take home. Masterclass tickets are also available as an optional extra; you can buy your ticket in advance for £5. Visit www.seetickets.com for more information. Saturday 29th June 11am-3pm and 4pm-7:30pm. Sunday 30th June 12 noon-4pm. The events bring together wine and food retailers to show you just how much fun your taste buds can have in a day. www.threewinemen.co.uk Twitter: @threewinemen ‘Like’ us on Facebook – Three Wine Men Whilst mixing with these wine personalities you simply pick up a glass, grab a brochure and get tasting hundreds of wines – it’s all included in the ticket price. You can find out more, and see videos from previous events at www.threewinemen.co.uk Corporate and VIP entertaining packages are also available Tickets are £25 per person and can be purchased at www.seetickets.com or call I Review: 11 Hanam’s ’m a huge believer in simple cooking that allows the wonderful flavours of fresh ingredients to sing. For me, this is a tenet of good eating and it shaped my expectations of the menu at Hanam’s. Our server was friendly and relayed his recommendations with confidence and passion. Following that advice, Sarah started with the baba ghanoush (£5.95). Clearly homemade, this classic dish packed a garlicky taste with a slight hint of nuttiness from the sesame tahini. My soujuk (£6.50) was a lovely dish of Lebanese sausage sautéed with tomatoes and green peppers with garlic and chilli dips and flat bread. The latter was amongst the best we have tasted; so light and moreish you could happily fill up on them alone. The sausage was a joy to eat; wellcooked and packed with the fresh flavours of tomato. The garlic sauce and heat from the chilli only added to this cracking dish. The menu described my main course as ‘generous’, which was an understatement as my Kurdish-style (you can also opt for Iranian) mushakal kebab (£14.50) arrived. The chicken element was the standout for me; wonderfully tender with charcoal notes outside and moist, perfectly cooked meat inside. The minced lamb element was pleasant and packed a little kick from the chilli. However, I found pieces of the lamb fillet very tough and dry, which was a pity because the tender pieces were lovely. Sarah’s Iranian gosht kebab (£15.00) came with a delicious tapsi shilla sauce that was fresh and bursting with flavour, rice was light and fluffy. Her spicy lamb kebab was cooked well but slightly lacked seasoning and depth of flavour. Sarah opted for one her favourite desserts in the baklava (£4.25). Sadly, it didn’t quite live up to the waiter’s billing as it was very chewy and lacked the honey note she expected, although the mango sorbet was refreshing and cut through it well. I was intrigued by the Persian saffron and cardamom ice cream (£4.00). The subtle notes of the spices came through at just the right level in this lovely palate cleanser of a dish. I’m pleased Hanam’s met my expectations. It’s a beautiful dining space and great to see staff believing in what they do. A word of warning though! Pace yourself on the delicious flat breads to avoid being rolled out! (P. Cook) Hanam’s – 3 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW – 0131 225 1329 – hanams@hotmail.co.uk – www.Hanams.com Opening hours Mon-Sun, 12pm-11pm. 12 W Review: Stac Polly Brasserie, gin and wine bar hat a difference a year makes...This time last year I reviewed Stac Polly on Dublin Street with my friend ‘stressed bride-to-be’. Fast-forward to April 2013, and now I’m the one with a wedding but a few months away. A leisurely (and ideally slightly boozy) lunch with my sister was called for and so I scheduled a visit to Stac Polly’s recently launched brasserie, gin and wine bar. And what a great transformation of this formerly rather gloomy ground-floor space. There’s a traditional but colourful element of ‘Scottish’ in the form of Bute Fabric’s tweeds in the upholstery and fun light shades, arty © Leila Arfa arrangements of stag antlers, alongside the townhouse’s original features such as ceiling roses, fireplaces and exposed stone walls. My sister and I started with one of their house cocktails, a luscious raspberry gin fizz, and checked out the suitably concise daytime menu. From the choice of three sharing platters, we decided to tuck into the ‘Meat’ option at £12.95. Presented on a slate, we hungrily picked through the selection of tender home-smoked and spiced duck breast, Rannoch smoked chicken and a very delectable Aberdeen Angus carpaccio which was perfectly enhanced by a squeeze of fresh lime. With spot-on little touches like tangy caper berries and the perfect salad peppered with micro-herbs, the only letdown was the generic blonde baguette which didn’t quite match the calibre of the rest of the ingredients. Following in the theme of threes, the mains are divided thrice into three sections with three choices each. So from ‘fish’ my sister chose the fishcake (£8.95) and from ‘meat’ I had the wild pigeon and Stornoway black pudding dish (£7.95). The fishcake was crisp on the outside, uber-fluffy from the tatties and flavoursome from salmon, scallions and great seasoning. The pan-fried pigeon breasts were gamey and juicey, and the soft black pudding provided great backup in the meaty department. Desserts – all £4.95 – were a tad overindulgent (did you expect this Enabling you to stand above the crowd Food Interiors Business Lifestyle Weddings 0131 332 6967 chrismackenziephotography.co.uk gourmande to be on a pre-wedding diet?) yet blithely we shared the silky chocolate ganache which came with zingy strawberry sherbet ice-cream, and the food equivalent of a cosy duvet in the form of bread & butter pudding with custard. Stac Polly have made this a really appealing space, and I reckon this’ll be a choice pick for many lunches to come. (L. Arfa) Stac Polly – 29-33 Dublin Street, Edinburgh EH3 6NL – 0131 556 2231 – www.stacpolly.com Opening hours Lunch in The Brasserie Mon-Sat 12-2pm; Brunch Sun 12:30-3pm; Dinner 7 days 13 14 I Wine: Seasonal Pairings t’s tricky to know what May will be like after the spring so far. It’s been a tough season for farmers and we may have to wait for spring and summer veg. Here are a few ideas to celebrate nonetheless and to warm the chilly moments. not just the big reds. This white wine is light and fresh with a fragrant zestiness. Softer than sauvignon but with all the crispness. Quinta de San Joanne, Henderson wines £10.49 Asparagus New asparagus is a delightful thing and so different to the year round woody stuff you buy in the supermarkets. The first bundles I buy are wolfed down, cooked simply with butter and lots of pepper. On cooler nights a simple risotto bolsters the asparagus whilst maintaining the flavours of ‘primavera’. To match you need a wine with a creamy texture for the risotto but hints of green flavours to link to the asparagus, this New Zealand Chenin Blanc is just the job. Esk Valley Chenin Blanc, Vino, £12.30 Pork The trend for slow cooked meat keeps going but as the seasons change I add more summery flavours to my slow cooked meats like paprika and peppers. The Hawksmoor cookbook has a delicious recipe where you pour a jar of roasted peppers over pork chops, sprinkle them with paprika and cook for a couple of hours in the oven. With a dish full of such intense flavours and textures it’s sometimes better to tone the wine down and this smoky, smooth rioja will act as the perfect balance. Dominio de Heredia Rioja, The Bon Vivant’s Companion £9.50 Sole Many fish breeds are under threat from over fishing and there are certain areas where this applies to sole, happily you can buy sustainably sourced from your fishmonger or in the supermarkets. Sole has a delicate meatiness so you get a lot of flavour and a light texture. There are all sorts of fancy sole recipes but I’m inclined to keep it simple and oven bake it with loads of herbs, a splash of wine and maybe some tomatoes and olives. Portuguese wines are ‘in vogue’ at the moment, and We’re an Edinburgh based wine company and run events all over the city Next event – Thirsty Thursday 30th May – The Bon Vivant’s Companion See Conviviumwine.com for more details 15 Review: W Ten Hill Place Wine Bar e tried the tapas here one snowy Spring lunchtime. The interior itself is very spring-like; bright white with strong lime & turquoise accents – but physically warm enough to offset this and punctuated attractively by informative wall wine displays. Their ‘International’ Tapas, at £5 each, 3 for £13 or 5 for £20, are way more Scottish & Mediterranean than international; but a wellselected variety nonetheless, beautifully presented. These range from haggis, neeps & tatties gratin with mint & rhubarb sauce – the fact that the mint & seasonal rhubarb worked so well here gives any tourist still uninitiated into the fabled contents of haggis a very big clue – to halloumi cheese marinated in chilli oil with a rich tomato tapenade. The tomato/olive mix was full of flavour & complementary textures – though the halloumi, whilst acquiring flavour from the chilli, had become more firm than usual to the extent it became a little too similar to the harissa chicken skewers. What I really wanted to taste but sadly was too late for, was the ham hock, leek & spring onion Scotch pie, served with watercress & broad bean salad with honeyed carrot puree. Dunsyre blue mini-souffles were super-light & cheesy; lamb meatballs a heavier option. Lovers of Scottish shellfish are catered for Tapas och aye with a generous bowl of Shetland mussels & surf clams. The latter can be tough but not these small fine fellows, in a broth so delicious we had to ask for spoons to assist the mopping up with home-made olive & herb bread and butter. This dish was the only white fishy thing to go with a wide white wine menu, ranging, as with the reds, from £16-29 per bottle, all also by the glass. Wine merchants Corney & Barrow are behind the list here and it seemed appropriate to try their house Claret, Maison Sichel 2009, at £4.50 for a small glass, a classic example, as well as Chablis from D Vincent Dampt, £5 per glass and delicious with the shellfish. A separate selection of fine wines includes Olivier Leflaive’s good white burgundy at £3545, or a tempting Ribera del Duero, Domaine de Pingus, also £45. Only three desserts – but all appealing. We would choose the almond Drambuie sponge with choc sauce & blood orange ice-cream, & the white choc/rhubarb crème brulee, both under a fiver. (The Go-Between) 10 Hill Place Wine Bar – 10 Hill Place, Edinburgh EH8 9DS – 0131 662 2080 – www.tenhillplace.com Opening hours Open from midday, 7 days Signature Dish from Field Restaurant: 16 Maple Glazed Duck Breast with Savoy Cabbage, Confit Duck Leg ‘Risotto Log’ & Yuzu Mayo Ingredients (Serves 4) 4 Duck Breasts 100ml Maple Syrup Risotto 150g Arborio risotto rice 50ml Crème fraîche 1 Carrot, finely diced 1 Confit duck Leg 200ml Orange juice Flour Egg wash Breadcrumbs Garnish 1 Large Savoy cabbage, cut into strips 1 Carrot, finely diced 1 Romanesco 1 Orange, segmented 50ml Duck fat Sauce 100ml Mayo 20ml Yuzu juice Method • Start cooking the risotto in a pan. Add the orange juice and keep stirring until the risotto is al dente. • Remove the confit duck from the bone and chop into small pieces. Add to the risotto along with the carrot and crème fraîche. • Shape the risotto into 6” logs using a piping bag and freeze. Once frozen, roll the logs in flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs. Set aside. • Mix the yuzu juice and mayonnaise. Set aside. • Cut the florets from the romanesco and blanch with the Savoy cabbage. Drain and set aside. • Pre-heat the oven to 180oC. In a pan, cook the duck breasts skin down till the fat is crispy. Cover in maple syrup and place in the oven for 5 minutes. • In another pan, heat the duck fat and then add the orange segments, carrot, cabbage and romanesco florets and gently warm. • Meanwhile, deep fry the risotto logs for 3 minutes at 180oC. • Take the duck out of the oven and leave to rest for a few minutes. Put the cabbage and carrot mix on the plates with the logs to one side. Slice the duck and place on top of the cabbage. Serve with the yuzu mayonnaise. Chef Gordon Craig says: “This duck dish is my favourite at the moment and really showcases what we do at Field. Yuzu is an unusual ingredient that I first discovered while working at Andrew Fairlie’s in Gleneagles. Feel free to substitute orange juice though. Cooking the cabbage in duck fat adds depth of flavour and is really important to this dish. It’s an ingredient you’ll find in most supermarkets these days. Other than that a recipe is just a guide. If you don’t like something change it to what you do like and have fun.” Field – 41 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DB – 0131 667 7010 – dine@fieldrestaurant.co.uk – www.fieldrestaurant.co.uk 17 Best Beer Gardens are some dotted around and here is Bite’s compilation of the best spots for a foamy al fresco pint. here is a beer garden in Germany called the Hirschgarden which according to Wikipedia holds 8000 people. Somewhat worryingly I think I have been there but my memory is a bit vague. I have definitely been to beer gardens in Bavaria which is where they originate. I remember the Maß which holds a litre of beer and is drunk by everyone including little old ladies in Munich. Sunny halcyon days gone by. The Grassmarket all have tables and chairs on the pavement but for a bit of peace and quiet go along to The Beehive (18-20 Grassmarket). To the rear is a surprisingly extensive area of wooden decking. If you want life, move along to The Three Sisters (139 Cowgate) home to football fans and Hen and Stag nights. Edinburgh pubs abound but good beer gardens prove trickier to find just like those sunny days. Don’t panic though there In the New Town pop along to The Cumberland Bar (1-3 Cumberland Street), a pub imbued with traditional attitudes. This Beer Garden at The Salisbury Arms T Bite Guide to the GARDEN PARTY SATURDAY 2 5 T H M A IT’S OUR BIRTHDAY! LOCAL BREWERIES, BARBECUE, PIMMS AND STRAWBERRIES, MAGICIAN, PUPPET SHOW, AND LOTS MORE ALL WELCOME - FROM 11AM WWW .THE 58 D ALK E EDIN ITH ROA D BUR GH 0131 667 4 518 SALI SBU RYAR M SEDI NBU RGH .CO.U K Y a true garden, with trees and shrubs, enjoys a mixed clientele, and is petfriendly. The menu has recently been revamped and the range of real ales is exemplary. Nearby and hidden up a tiny lane at the end of Northumberland Street is The Star Bar with a compact, with a small garden to the rear. On the other side of town The Pear Tree (38 West Nicholson Street) is an established favourite and yes it does have two pear trees around the door. The walled enclosure contains about 40 tables, and caters largely for students, being in the heart of university land. Two exciting and relative newcomers are The Salisbury Arms (58 Dalkeith Rd) and Summerfield in Newington. The former is opposite the ‘Commie Pool’ and is spacious and comfortable both inside and out (important if the weather turns). There is an excellent menu for food, beer and wine and once you settle, you won’t want to leave (great parking). Saunter down the road and Summerfield is opposite The Meadows. Formerly the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies it is now a creative hub for the arts. There is a quirky little bar, an extensive beer garden and, best of all, a micro-brewery! Barney’s Beer has been brewing here for over a year now and you can sample pale ale, porter, beet red beer and more. A must for beer lovers. Leap across Arthur’s Seat or travel around the Radical Road or Innocent Railway and & • • • • 90 malt whiskies, 18 beers on tap, 18 wines by the glass, teas and coffees Breakfast, lunch and dinner – all created using freshly prepared Scottish produce Game, seafood, steak, vegetarian Open 7 days from 10.30 am – 1am (outside seating until 10pm) 0131 554 7427 1c Dock Place EH6 6LU www.aroomin.co.uk 19 CUMBERLAND BAR GUILDFORD ARMS Enjoy new Bar & Garden Menu Sunday Lunches & new Wine List 8 Real Ales & 7 Premium Beers TEL 0131 558 3134 www.cumberlandbar.co.uk 1 Cumberland Street Edinburgh The Old Chain Pier (32 Trinity Crescent) sits perched overlooking the firth of forth. You can literally dip your toes in the water and watch the lobster pots bobbing. Try fish and chips with a pint or a glass of on tap Prosecco. Enjoy the chance to have a nice pint in the glory of the outdoors while you can! WIN Lunch for Two at Kyloe Restaurant & Grill Enjoy the Kyloe steak experience. Meet the meat and learn about the different cuts, textures and flavour. Then indulge in a three course lunch for two including a bottle of house wine. To Enter Simply send us your name, address and email and we will put your details into the draw – contact@bite-magazine.com. Terms and conditions. Table is subject to availability. Monday to Friday 12.30 - 4.00 and miust be booked in advance. Not available in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Beer Garden at The Pear Tree – www.pear-tree-house.co.uk you come to The Sheep’s Heid (43-45 The Causeway) in quaint Duddingston Village. This pub’s claim to fame is that it is Reekie’s oldest watering hole that has been pulling pints since before Bannockburn. Unique skittles alley, Sunday roasts, good food, food beer and bags of atmosphere. 21 Review: 22 Pompadour T his is a very pretty restaurant; a second floor corner room in The Waldorf Astoria overlooks the West End and has cornicing, decorative plaster, large arched windows and the linen, candles and glinting glasses you expect of fine dining. Walls painted in pastel shades depict peaceful scenes of birds and flowers and a large coupe-shaped chandelier (modelled on the bosom of Madame Pompadour) sparkles and is the colour of pink champagne. ‘Madame’, was the mistress of the King Louis XV of France and the style reflects this. You can almost imagine the clip clop of hooves on cobbles as the carriages arrive and dandies in powdered wigs alight. Granted, to summon this image effectively you have to will Maccy D’s from your eyeline but do it and come with me to a world of pomp and pampering above the hoi polloi. From the canapés I remember best the smoked hough arancini; so crispy your bite results in an audible hiss as the hot flavoursome meat is revealed. Entrées are ravioli of rabbit with ricotta, sarriette & artichokes barigoule for Mr Bite and roasted Keltie scallops, braised chicken wing with wild garlic puree and Italian spring truffle for me. The chicken wing is a crunchy, sumptuous surprise; emerald puree is smooth and silky, shards of crisp salty bacon mix with slivers of truffle and the bivalves are big and chunky. Mr Bite was wearing his most impressed face. He raved about the carrots and artichokes complementing the rabbit and declared the dish a triumph of flavour, texture and presentation. Plats principaux were in the classic French tradition. I chose roast loin of Ayrshire venison, red cabbage purée, golden turnip & juniper jus. The meat was pink, juicy and satisfying in that iron rich red meat way. Xmas-spiced red cabbage had been blended to make the puree and worked really well. Choux farcie unrolled to reveal meaty innards and a piece of roasted pear was sublime. Mr B had roast fillet of John Dory, langoustine, morel, asparagus and dill linguine. The earthy morels, he said, danced a jazzy tarantella when they met more of that garlic puree. The linguini was a nice base for the fish, the langoustine in its tightly curled foetal position oozed flavour; the only let down being the asparagus which was thick, woody and lacked flavour. A pre-dessert of mango and lime delice, toasted coconut and sesame tuile, followed by desserts, banana soufflé and rum and raisin parfait for him and chilled Valhrona chocolate fondant, manjari cremeaux, mango and banana sorbet for me. Then cheese and petit fours and it all became a bit of a whirl. NOW OPEN IN BRUNTSFIELD 136 Bruntsfield Place EH10 4ER 0131 229 5566 www.boombarbers.co.uk There were no complaints, food, service and surroundings are well above par. The team of staff walk the line between professionalism and friendliness precisely; eschewing any hint of stuffiness. You can kick-back and rest assured that you will be well-looked after. Mr Bite wants to return weekly and although Pompadour is good value, this wish is likely to remain a dream. (S. Wilson) £58 for 3 courses with a 10% discretionary service charge. The Pompadour by Galvin – The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Edinburgh, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB. – 0131 222 8975 – www.galvinrestaurants.com Ope ning hours Dinner: Tues-Sat 6.30pm-10pm 23 24 S Beer: A Few Words About Craft Beer o just what is Craft Beer? No doubt you have become familiar with the term over the past few months; you’ve probably drunk a few examples. It is a term beloved by marketing departments as it has mostly positive connotations, yet remains frustratingly vague. Of course it is the Americans that are to blame. The American Brewers Association defines a Craft Brewery as one that is “small, independent and traditional; with an annual production of 6 million barrels or less”. A definition that was left broad enough to encompass the likes of Sierra Nevada on the West Coast and Sam Adam’s in Boston (breweries with a well deserved reputation for excellence, but whose output would dwarf the vast majority of UK operations). It is easier to say what Craft Beer isn’t, and its antithesis is surely represented by the behemoths of the US market. The likes of Miller, Pabst & Anheuser Busch churn out industrial quantities of bilge-water that makes even the very worst of the UK mass market lager seem like Dom Perignon in comparison. So it is understandable that any brewery that took a pride in its output would want a label to differentiate itself from the redneck, Kwik-e-Mart, alternative. Many, many wonderful US breweries began to market their products as “Craft Beers” and when the brewing scene took off over here a few years ago, a lot of new young British brewers adopted the phrase in an attempt to emulate the best of what was going on Stateside. Unfortunately, this side of the Atlantic “Craft” doesn’t even have the very loose definition it has in the States, meaning the term has been subject to some very interesting interpretations lately. Eyebrows were raised when Innis & Gunn announced the launch of Scotland’s first ‘craft lager’, brewed at Wellpark, Glasgow, home of Tennents. The beer would be different from Tennents because it has the words “Innis”, “Gunn” and crucially, “Craft” on the can. But for many people the term “craft beer” was put to rest, when of all people Foster Lager started using it in their press campaign. Hopefully this will mean that the shark has been well and truly jumped and we can go back to selling beer on its own merits, rather than rely on teeth grating, meaningless Americanisms. After all; the great Trappist breweries of Belgium do not produce “craft beer”, the Weiss biers of Bavaria have been produced (and marketed) in pretty much the same way for going on 500 years; they are not “craft beer” Words have no flavour, you are the final arbiter of a beer’s quality & you can only judge it once you’ve drunk the bloody stuff. So do yourself a favour and have a pint or two, without looking at the label. (J. Wrobel) 25 Insider: Doctor? Doctor Who? Pestana Palace, Lisbon “Hello Dr Gauld *, welcome to Hotel 41, may we offer you a complimentary glass of champagne?” The gaggle of receptionists look over my shoulder. “Ah, Mrs Dr Gauld, some fizzy for you also?” I don’t need to turn round to know that ‘Mrs Dr Gauld’ will be answering in the negative whilst regarding the back of my neck rather as if it were a nest of vipers; her face fixed firmly on it’s ‘I will speak to you later’ setting…for she does not look kindly on this ‘Doctor’ malarkey. It was a friend from Japan who actually does have a Doctorate – in difficult sums, I think – that alerted me to the fact that he gets an inordinate amount of upgrades on flights and in hotels due to having the title Doctor in front of his name. It did not take my devious mind long to figure out that whenever the gender text box on a booking form offered: Mr, Mrs, Ms or Dr, I’d be clicking on the latter. It takes no little guile and alacrity to carry the subterfuge off, when your waiter says, “Would Dr Gauld like extra hollandaise with his Oeufs Florentine?” You must resist the temptation to say, “Why don’t you ask him?” What if your services are actually required in a medical capacity? Why fob them off with a, “My area of expertise is sub-tropical diseases.” Staff opinion too divides sharply between unquestioning acceptance and those who nail your charade immediately, pointedly referring to you as Mister Gauld whilst managing to silently suggest that if you are indeed a Doctor then they are Alexandra, the last Tsarina of all the Russias. If you can brazen it out however, it works. Examples include: an upgrade to a 1500 euro a night suite in the Pestana Palace, Lisbon; a change from Exterior Cabin class to Princess class on the Queen Mary and a step up to the Presidential suite in the Hotel Le St James, Montreal. (Mind you at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Rioja we got an upgrade which actually took us away from the few Frank Gehry designed rooms to the ‘Gwyneth Paltrow Wing’!) In London benefits included a lovely congratulatory cake celebrating my partner’s completion of the marathon and, on our last night, a room strewn with rose petals and flickering floating candles. Think American Beauty…then click on that ‘Doctor’ button. * Name changed to protect author’s identity 26 I Gourmet Girl Goes To: The Pantry f ever there was a place name that would excite my little foodloving brain, it would definitely be something called ‘The Pantry’. And so good news, as towards the end of last year, a new café, some-time bistro & shop unit opened in Stockbridge. It’s a part of town where it’s refreshing to see that independently-owned food stores and restaurants still flourish despite the infringement of big-name supermarkets and coffee shops from all sides. So, what’s on offer at The Pantry? Well, first off it’s a great space, a sunny spot on the corner at North West Circus Place, offering outside seating if the weather allows, and very comfy kitchen-style furniture to plonk a hungry person down on. As you walk in, and frankly you can’t miss them, prepare to gawp at the array of triple- and quadruple-decker sponge cakes and giant scones from Lovecrumbs which line the window sill. A pot of good quality tea (here, supplied by Pekoe) and cake is always a treat, and especially so sitting in a friendly place like The Pantry. Their brunches are becoming the hot ticket for weekend mornings in the area, and the ham hock hash with poached duck egg is about as good as a breakfast or brunch dish gets as it’s all about seasoning, flavour, the required comfort-factor and yet still fresh. My first visit last year was at lunchtime, and the mushroom pâté and ‘stwep’ with venison and rich thyme gravy really impressed. So far, my attempts to visit at night time have been thwarted for various reasons, but I have it on good authority the ante is upped in terms of presentation and I’ve heard from a few sources that their home-cut chips might just be the best in Edinburgh. You can even pick up some of the ingredients used in the kitchen in the ‘farm shop’ corner of The Pantry, including really good cheeses and produce (think East Lothian veggies) when available. As with any food outlet worth its salt, sourcing of quality ingredients is key, and owners Charlotte & Chris set out their ethos on the website with a pledge to provide food that is fresh, locally-sourced and tasty. That’s an ethos I think many readers of Bite would say is well worth supporting, so pop down for a peek into The Pantry next time you’re in Stockbridge! (L. Arfa) The Pantry – 1-2 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh EH3 6ST – 0131 629 0206 – www.thepantryedinburgh.co.uk Opening hours Sun-Tue 10am-6pm; Wed-Sat 10am-9pm 27 cocktails: I Where’s My Drink? Apertif, anyone? But when it comes to food and drink there is one that really ticks me off – the inability of many restaurants to offer a decent aperitif. D can attest to this – on many occasions she's had to tell me to put Victor back in the box. As one who likes to think of himself as open minded, charming and optimistic, being compared to the biggest grump on TV is a bit humbling: I put it down to the fact that I am, finally, acting my age! Anyway, back to the aperitifs. I now, in my own mind, rate restaurants on their ability to serve a good aperitif. I haven't told D this yet, as it would be further proof to her theory that I really am a grumpy old fart that is just as anal as she is. I have, arbitrarily, come up with a four point scale: Antica – the best, not only do these restaurants have a great selection of aperitifs, they also know how to serve them and they give you time to drink them. Here I'm thinking of the Negroni I was served in Castle Terrace. Negroni © Geoff Peters have a number of pet hates: crappy talent or reality TV shows that create z-list celebrities with no discernible talent; psuedo scientific mumbo-jumbo used to sell overpriced cosmetics (I’ve never seen a micro fruit, let alone tried to squeeze some oil out of one); fear driven advertising of cleaning or medicinal products (how do they know it kills 99.9% of all germs dead!) and did I mention crappy talent shows. Noilly – good, they may have a limited selection, possibly tied in to the style of food, but they know how to serve them and they bring it while you are still perusing the menu. A glass of excellent Fino at Iggs or a Kir at La P'tite Folie. Martini – the standard, a very limited selection and you have to ask specifically to get the drink whilst you're deciding on what to eat. Here most waiting staff think this is the drink that you want with your meal and give you that look, you know the one “Awww he's a bit simple, isn't he”. Can't they understand I want the glass of Campari (with a slice of orange) before I tuck into my spaghetti vongole? Bianco – don't even bother. Generally restaurant chains that want you in and out quickly – stick to the wine! A votre sante! (M Earl) 28 Healthy Eating With CNM: W Hay Fever Havoc? hilst most of us love this time of year, perhaps you are one of the many people who struggle because of hay fever. Whilst you can't avoid the pollen in the air (except by staying indoors), it may help to reduce your overall allergic payload: Avoid processed foods and food additives which are potential allergens, and avoid sugar and an excess of refined grains and wheat, which can impair immune function. The most important thing you can do against hay fever is to boost your immune system. Try this amazing drink which is full of vitamins A, C, Selenium and Zinc – all nutrients you need. Plus, pineapple and pineapple juice are the only food sources of Bromelain, which is a natural antihistamine and will help your body fight allergic reactions. Even if you must stay indoors for a couple of days, the fresh, zingy taste of this fruity drink will make you feel like you are 'drinking' in the promise of summer! Ingredients 180g pineapple 60g raspberries - frozen is fine 50g kiwi fruit 50g grapefruit 40g cranberries - frozen is fine Put the pineapple, grapefruit and kiwi through a juicer. Put this juice in a blender and add the strawberries and cranberries. Summer in a glass! By Sam Folcarelli, Director of Studies at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) in Edinburgh. You can find out more about training with CNM for a career in Nutritional Therapy, by attending a free Open Evening in Edinburgh on Wednesday 1st May 2013 from 6.30pm-8.30pm. For more details or to reserve your place call 01342 410 505, email info@naturopathy-uk.com or visit www.naturopathy-uk.com A Off The Trolley: 29 Chicken and Waffles few months ago, the pictures started appearing on Facebook. First sighting was from a friend in the southern US. Then a few from Toronto, and most recently, Vancouver. ‘Chicken and waffles,’ read the captions, generally followed by something along the lines of “OMG SOOOO good.” But fried chicken served on sweet waffles is no new thing. Its roots appear to be in the Southern US, but it has been popular across the States for some time. And with a newly introduced chicken and waffle flavoured crisp in the US, it's clear this is no fad. Unable to find any evidence of chicken and waffles in Edinburgh (although they do appear to have made it to London), I cast my research net into the murky Facebook waters and immediately received a deluge of responses. “Amazing” seemed to be the most common reply, closely followed by “you must try.” It was an undisputed favourite among those who had, but those who hadn't remained sceptical to say the least. Personally, though, I was well on board the chicken and waffles train by this point. I see nothing weird about fried meat and breakfast food together. But I'd assumed when I first saw the things that they were topped with gravy, like the traditional dish of chicken and gravy on a biscuit (that's a North American style savoury scone to you lot). I was wrong. On closer inspection, these instagrammed photos in my Facebook feed appeared to show sides of syrup. I consider myself pretty open minded about these things, but I admit this combination gave me pause. And further anecdotal evidence told of topping them with cream and fruit? The chicken and waffles movement began to be in danger of leaving me behind. It seems that the sweet-salty combination, although universally a favourite, still trips us up. My oft-mentioned maple-bacon donuts consistently earn grimaces of disgust. But chocolate covered pretzels seem to have been accepted, and salted caramel is now ubiquitous, as is chilli and chocolate, or strawberries with black pepper. And suddenly I remembered as a child happily eating chicken nuggets dunked in honey: not so far removed from chicken and syrup! And so, I eagerly await their arrival in Scotland. Until then, while I'm not sure a bucket of KFC and some potato waffles is quite the same, I may have to give it a go. (R. Edwards) 30 L What’s In Season: Baked Snake Anyone? et’s face it, as a race, us humans are an odd bunch. We have wonderfully wacky and downright weird festivals. The first Thursday in May in the tiny hamlet of Cocullo in Abruzzo, they decorate the statue of St Domenic with live snakes! In days gone by, the serpents were cooked and eaten at the end of the procession. Nowadays a coiled sweet bread is wolfed down – less bite! At the other end of the scale is a fragrant place I’d love to visit; hidden in the dry valleys of the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains not far from the Sahara, is the Vallée des Roses. During spring, it’s awash with pink Persian blooms. The people living in the small town of El-Kelaâ M’Gouna, make their living by producing rosewater. Can you just imagine the heady fragrance that would wrap itself round you like an ethereal perfumed cloak? And then there’s us, the Brits. What do we have this month? Cheese rolling! Cooper’s Hill, Brockworth, England is where this bizarre 200-year-old event takes place on Spring Bank Holiday Monday. Lunatics (lets face it you’d have to be or are completely bonkers) chase a Double Gloucester cheese down a steep, muddy, slippery, grassy hill. The winner is the person to either grab the cheese or reaches the bottom of the slope first with or without a broken limb! So, in celebration of this absurd practice, this month’s recipe is for a cheese rarebit – Welsh, English or Scottish is dependant on the cheese, mustard and beer you use. So bottoms up! (L. Harris) Lea writes http://OfftheEatenTrack.wordpress.com and is @BakersBunny on Twitter What else is in my basket? Hare, crab, lemon sole, sea trout, asparagus, samphire, new potatoes, watercress, elderflower, gooseberries. Rarebit Mustard of choice to taste 1oz butter 3tblsp ale (a dark Porter works well) Worcestershire sauce to taste 6oz cheese, grated (I like Cambus O’May Lairig Ghru) 2 slices toasted sourdough Method • Put mustard, butter, a tsp of Worcestershire and ale in a pan. Heat gently until butter has melted. • Chuck in the cheese, stir to melt but don’t let it boil. Once smooth, remove from heat, check seasoning and cool until warm. • Pre-heat grill to medium-high. Splodge cheese on the toast, grill until it’s bubbling, golden and unctuous. Serve immediately. Listings 31 Restaurants Bistros and Brasseries Bijou – A local eatery for breakfast, lunch & dinner, or maybe just a cheeky glass of wine. An ever changing menu, available in 3 different sizes, bijou, medium and main – you choose. Private Dining available. Free wifi. 2 Restalrig Road Edinburgh, EH6 8BN – 0131 538 0664 – www.bijoubistro.co.uk The Edinburgh Larder Bistro – at the west end corner of Prince’s Street, with its light interior and conservatory, is the ideal place to enjoy seasonal Scottish food. The Edinburgh Larder team works closely with local farmers, fishmongers, fruit and vegetable suppliers to bring you the best of local Scottish produce. Sample Scottish Spirits & Beers, carefully selected wines from Woodwinters and Edinburgh-based Artisan Roast coffees and Eteaket teas. Open 12noon-2.30pm & 5.30pm10pm Mon-Sat (pre-theatre menu available 5.30pm-6.45pm). Sundays 12.30pm-3.00pm. Excellent value weekday dining from £8.95. 1a Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH – 0131 225 4599, www.edinburghlarder.co.uk Elbow – Eat ... the freshest produce from cakes to steaks. Drink ... grape to grain and everything in-between. Enjoy ... the little things that count. . Bar open 11am-1am, 7 days.Lunch, dinner & snacks daily from 11am –10pm. Burger & a cocktail £10 every Wednesday all day! Monday Movies, Tuesday Pub Quiz, Friday's Live Music & D.J's. 133-135 East Claremont Street, Edinburgh – 0131 556 5662 – www.elbowedinburgh.co.uk Stac Polly Brasserie, Gin & Wine Bar – Scottish lunch menu with meat, fish, vegetarian options and sharing platters. Light bites from mid- afternoon and throughout the evening. Selection of premium Scottish and London gins and beautiful, modern Scottish décor. Open 7 days a week from 12 noon until midnight. Mon-Sat 12noon-2pm. Brunch 12.30-3pm on Sundays. 29-33 Dublin Street Edinburgh EH3 6NL – 0131 5562231 – www.stacpolly.com British One Square – a vibrant bar and restaurant, offering a modern, uniquely British take on the classic grand café, serving an inventive range of dishes by award-winning Executive Chef, Malcolm Webster, from breakfast and afternoon tea to late-night dining, all with views of Edinburgh Castle. The bar features over 40 different varieties of premium gin. Open daily from 7am to midnight, food served until 11pm. 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR – 0131 221 6422 – www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk Californian Calistoga Central & Sideways Wines – Current Holders of ‘Speciality Restaurant of the Year’ at Scottish Restaurant Awards. Edinburgh’s original and only Californian restaurant. Our unique fresh food is prepared by our great kitchen team who are inspired by the flavours of California. Wine List of over 100 Californian wines at only £5 above shop prices. Try us or book one of of unique Wine, Whisky or Beer Tastings Dinners. Private Dining. 70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh EH2 3DX – 0131 225 1233 – www.calistoga.co.uk Fish and Seafood The Ship on The Shore – Seafood Restaurant and Bar. Sustainable Scottish seafood served with simplicity and style complemented Listings 32 by a carefully chosen and extensive wine and champagne list. Try the fruits de mer for two or the oysters, both with champagne. The Ship also serves lobster, smoked salmon, mussels, crab, monkfish, bass and much more. Seasonal specialities include game and meat dishes. Outside seating. Food served Mon-Sun noon10pm. 24-26 The Shore – 0131 555 0409. French La Garrigue – Regional French Cuisine and Terroir Wines from the Languedoc/Roussillon. A restaurant where ‘Chef Jean Michel Gauffre brings warm Languedoc to your plate’ (Peter Irvine, Scotland The Best). Simple and stylish with the relaxed ambience of a French bistro and a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Winner of the Good food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year 2010. Also Gordon Ramsay’s Best French Restaurant 2010. Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner. 31 Jeffrey Street – 0131 557 3032 – www.lagarrigue.co.uk La P’tite Folie – Informal, bustling bistro with mixed clientèle. Favourites include moules frites, steak frites, beef bourguignon, duck, etc. Extensive wine list. 2 course lunch £10.50, noon-3pm. Dinner a la carte 6-11pm. Closed Sundays. Large groups catered for, set dinner available. 9 Randolph Place – 0131 225 8678 61 Frederick Street – 0131 225 7983 and 5.30pm-10.30pm. Closed Sunday. 17 Queensferry St – 0131 226 1890 to make a reservation – www.lescargotbleu.co.uk L'Escargot Bleu – “French twist using the best of Scotland” The Auld Alliance is alive and well! Chef Patron Fred Berkmiller seeks out others that share his passion for excellence. Producers of Scotland for 1st class quality meat, fresh water fish, handpicked fruits and vegetables whilst his partner Betty will proudly serves you Hervé Mons exclusive selection of French cheese. Recommended by the Michelin Guide and listed in the best 5 restaurants by Peter Irvine/ Scotland the Best. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Frid & Sat 12 noon-3pm and 5.30pm-10.30pm. Closed Sunday, (open 7 days during August) 56 Broughton Street – 0131 557 1600 to make a reservation – www.lescargotbleu.co.uk Mexican Los Cardos – Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillas and Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilled marinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slow-cooked pork. Vegetarian and vegan options also available. Fresh made guacamole and choice of five salsas ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot. Delivery to EH3, EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8 postcodes. 281 Leith Walk – 0131 555 6619 – www.loscardos.co.uk Kurdish / Middle Eastern L'Escargot Blanc – First floor West End restaurant. Sit beside a window and reminisce of the bohemian Latin Quarter or Marais district of Paris. Traditional French and classic dishes such as garlicky Snails, Rabbit in Dijon mustard, Shetland lamb Navarin or Cassoulet, iles flottantes and tarte tatin. Provenance is paramount here and expect to find imported goods from well reputed producers only. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Friday and Sat 12 noon-3pm Hanams –Authentic cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh and and voted one of Britain’s Top 5 Middle Eastern Restaurants by the Telegraph. The menu features falafel and baba ghanoush, charcoal cooked shish kebabs and mouthwatering exotic ices and desserts. There is an extensice Dry Bar and shish balcony(blankets provided!). Open 7 Days. 3 Johnston Terrace, EH1 2PW - 0131 225 1329 www.hanams.com Listings 33 Pomegranate – Middle Eastern Street Food and Shisha Bar. Cold and hot mezes, kebabs, a wide selection of vegetarian dishes, main courses and mouthwatering desserts. BYOB with no corkage charge. Non-alcohol bar available plus Shisha pipes. 1 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH – 0131 556 8337 – pomegranate-edinburgh@hotmail.com – www.pomegranatesrestaurant.com Scottish The Dome – Located in the city centre, The Dome is situated on the site of the Old Physician’s Hall designed and built in 1775 by James Craig, the celebrated planner of Edinburgh’s New Town. After major refurbishment, this listed building became The Dome which opened in 1996. The Dome houses 2 restaurants, namely The Grill Room & The Club Room. A La Carte Lunch & Dinner Menus are offered in both restaurants. The Dome favourites include The Dome Club Sandwich and The Dome Burger. Local Scottish produce is used wherever possible. The menus are created to include a flavour of Scotland and Europe. The Grill Room is open seven days from 12 noon until Late. The Club Room is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am until 5 pm: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am until Late. The Club Room is closed on Sundays. 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF. Reservations – 0131 624 8624. www.thedomeedinburgh.com Field – This restaurant as its name suggests loves 'field-fresh food' and is proud to showcase Scotland's larder in a menu of tasty, innovative, seasonal dishes. The wine-list is carefully chosen and tempting. A cosy, unpretentious, neighbourhood restaurant in the University / Old Town area. which also happens to be superb value for money 2 Courses £11.95 / 3 Courses £14.50. 41 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DB - 0131 667 7010 - www.fieldrestaurant.co.uk - Sittings: Tues-Sat 12 noon - 2pm and 5.30pm-9pm. The Forth Floor Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie – The best in contemporary eating and drinking & un-paralleled views from the Castle to the Firth of Forth. Executive Chef Stuart Muir uses fresh seasonal Scottish produce to create food of the finest quality by matching modern flavours with classical techniques. Fresh, sustainable seafood available from the Seafood Bar whilst the Brasserie offers round the clock eating. Brasserie: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am5pm; Restaurant: lunch – Mon-Fri 12 noon-3pm, Sat & Sun 12 noon-3.30pm, dinner, Tues-Sat 6pm-10pm. forthfloor.reservations@harveyhichols.com Book on line at www.harveynichols.com – 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD – 0131 524 8350 a room in leith and teuchters landing, a room in the west end and teuchters bar – Two well-loved Scottish bistros attached to two well loved bars. The emphasis is on quality, fresh, locally sourced Scottish food and drink . Spend the day with us meandering between bar and restaurant! The west end, 26 William Street, EH3 7NH – 0131 226 1036. Leith, 1c Dock Place, EH6 6LU – 0131 554 7427 – www.aroomin.co.uk No11 Hotel & Brasserie – Open from 10.00pm-22.00pm seven days a week, serving light lunches, luxury afternoon teas and fine dining dinners. Our food has an emphasis on quality ingredients from artisan suppliers. We are just five minutes from Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre. 11 Brunswick St, Edinburgh EH7 5JB – 01315576910 – www.11brunswickst.co.uk Stac Polly – Stac Polly is one of Edinburgh's original restaurants for authentic Scottish food and atmosphere; now in its 23rd year. Stone walls combine with flickering candles, crisp linen and Listings 34 twinkling glasses to give a truly Scottish experience. Expect a menu of exciting interpretations of modern and traditional cuisine using locally sourced produce. We have a fantastic selection of Scottish beers and a fine array of single malt whiskies at both Dublin Street and St Marys Street Bistro. Private dining rooms at Dublin Street and St Mary's Street Bistro. Open 7 days. New menus online – www.stacpolly.com 29-33 Dublin St – 0131 556 2231 38 St Mary’s St – 0131 557 5754 Turquoise Thistle – Fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. A La Carte Menu from 5pm; pretheatre menu from 5pm-7pm. Bar area serving signature cocktails and a great selection of Scottish beer and lager in convivial surroundings. At Hotel Indigo, 59 York Pl, EH1 3JD - 0131 556 5577 - www.hotelindigoedinburgh.co.uk The Whiski Rooms – Glamorous new sister venue to the award winning WHISKI on the Royal Mile. With iconic views over the mound to Edinburgh, it's an all day dining bar & bistro/restaurant serving fresh Scottish food. Stocking an impressive range of premium spirits, wines and Scottish beers,ciders and over 300 whiskies. Beside the bar is a specialist whisky shop where you can buy the bar's range and more. Daily whisky tastings. – Whiski Bar & Restaurant, 119 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG, 0131 556 3095. Whiski Rooms Bar & Bistro, 4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP, 0131 225 7224, bar@whiskirooms.co.uk Whiski Rooms Shop, 0131 225 1532, shop@whiskirooms.com www.whiskishop.com Spanish Iggs and Barioja – Est. 1989 and recently featured in Channel 5’s Restaurant Inspector. Modern Spanish Cusine and Tapas using the finest ingredients imported directly from Spain alongside the best of local, seasonal Scottish produce. 2 AA Rosettes. An excellent wine list which has won many accolades including the ‘AA Most Notable Wine list Award’. Iggs, 15 Jeffrey Steet – 0131 557 8184 and Barioja, 19 Jeffrey St – 0131 557 3622 Tapa – With its white-washed, high-vaulted walls adorned with a stunning floor to ceiling antique bull fighting poster and live Flamenco guitarist on Friday & Saturday evenings, Tapa in Leith evokes memories of lazy summer holidays spent with family and friends. Sunday afternoons are a must as their Andalusian Head Chef prepares Paella in the restaurant while you eat! The perfect tonic if you have over indulged the previous evening! 19 Shore Place, Edinburgh EH6 6SW – 0131 476 6776 – tapa@tapaedinburgh.co.uk www.tapaedinburgh.co.uk Tex Mex Tex Mex – Donald Mavor, head chef and proprietor brings the heart of Mexico to your table, emphasising traditional Mexican food with an authentic menu. Try the flaming fajitas and the potent Margaritas ‘the best in town’. Good fun, tasty food and very affordable. 64 Thistle Street – 0131 260 9699 – www.texmex2.com Bars and Bar Food 52 Canoes Tiki Den – Cheeky Tiki Cocktails, Real Ale, Fresh, Fun Tiki Dishes with a Twist, Live Bands, Live Cheeky Tiki Burlesque Shows, Pooch Friendly, Children Welcome, Fresh, Ground Coffee. Sit In or Takeaway Menu. Breakfast Served 11am-3pm, 7 Days. Open 11am-1am Monday-Friday, Sat & Sun open 9am-1am. 13-14 Melville Place, Edinburgh EH3 7PR – 0131 2264732 Listings 35 The Abbotsford – Guest ales served at a fine ‘island bar’. Est. 1902 specialising in beers from Scottish independent breweries. Lunch & dinner served in the bar or in the restaurant ‘Above’. 3-5 Rose Street – 0131 225 5276 – www.theabbotsford.com Boda Bar – A cosy, friendly bar with a subtle Swedish twist. Regulars, Leithers, Students and Tourists mix together are all welcome. When you book the backroom for more than 15 people you get a small, free buffet. Here you can try the lovely Idun’s Elderflower cider, Aquavit and many odd shots. Every Monday is live music and on regular basis there are Bar Boot Sales. Check web page for all events: www.bodabar.com Open MonFri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pmmidnight. 229 Leith Walk 0131 553 5900 The Canons’ Gait – A Real Ale/Gastro pub in Edinburgh’s Old Town offering a selection of Ales from Scottish micro breweries. This bar has gained a reputation for it’s impressive bar food. The menu includes traditional dishes such as Crombies sausage and mash, fish ‘n’ chips, haggis etc, more ambitious daily specials and outstanding desserts. All offer superb value for money and always with the emphasis on home made and seasonal produce. There is also a large Cellar Bar available for free hire, book early to avoid disappointment! Food served: Mon-Sat noon-8pm. 232 Canongate, High Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DQ – 0131 556 4481 – canonsgait@dmstewart.com – www.canonsgait.com The Cumberland Bar – 1-3 Cumberland Street - Spacious bar with lots of rooms and beer garden. Eight real ales on tap. Plus good wine list. Mixed clientele, pet-friendly. Good bar food available for breakfast, lunch & dinner. – 0131 558 3134 – www.cumberlandbar.co.uk Joseph Pearce – Joseph Pearce's popularity is testament to the warm and genuine welcome it extends to a diverse clientele. During the day a raised area to the back is a family-friendly haven, stocked with all the toys, highchairs and feeding paraphernalia that junior patrons and their beleaguered parents could require. From 5pm a more grown-up but equally laid-back atmosphere pervades, making Pearce's a favourite haunt of a cool crowd seeking simple relaxation or perhaps taking part in one of the regular jogging. Many will be there to enjoy the Scandinavian-tinged menu of gravadlax, pork meatballs with root vegetable mash in a plum sauce or smoked haddock with crisply roasted hasselback potatoes and poached egg, all washed down with a great draught and bottled drinks selection Open Sun-Thurs 11ammidnight, Fri-Sat 11am -1am. 23 Elm Row 0131 556 4140. The Guildford Arms – Edinburgh's finest Real Ale Bar - perfect to enjoy food, cask ales, malt whisky and imported beers.- Ten taps of (mostly Scottish) cask ales from Scottish micro-breweries. Regular beer festivals. food served all day. 1-5 West Register Street – 0131 556 4312 – www.guildfordarms.com The Huxley – The new home of social entertaining in Edinburgh. Located in the city's West End, The Huxley is the perfect place to relax, refuel and gather with friends. An informal, casual space has been created and the menu is über on-trend with its focus on burgers and hot dogs. The former are all made with chuck steak whilst ‘dogs’ include, ‘naked’, ‘chilli-cheese’, ‘kimchi’ and ‘Chicago’ versions. Small plates and boards of tempting tapas also feature and bottled and cask beers from around the world shape the drinks list. 1 Rutland Street, EH1 2AE – 0131 229 3402 – www.thehuxley.co.uk Nobles – With this café bar and venue, the Phoenix has risen from the flames. Since reopening this classic Victoriana bar has very quickly Listings 36 established a top reputation as a classy watering hole, fine eatery and live music hub and continues to charm critics and customers alike. Nobles has a warm, inviting and contemporary feel whist maintaining it's traditional, bold wood and stain glass heritage. The menu is locally sourced and expertly prepared to an exceptionally high standard. Music also plays a large part in the day to day life of Nobles so expect to see top drawer, original live music from Tuesday through to Sunday following food service. Real ales, a fantastic wine list, high speed wi-fi, fresh FairtradeTM coffee plus various organic loose leaf teas complete the experience. Opening times 12pm-1am Monday to Friday, 11am-1am Saturday & 10am-1am Sunday. Children & Dry well behaved dogs are welcome. 44a Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS – 0131 629 7215 – www.noblesbarleith.co.uk – www.facebook.com/noblesbarleith The Old Chain Pier – Under the new management of Billy and Peter Ross, this Newhaven bar has a glass frontage with views over the firth of forth which allow one of the finest panoramic views in Edinburgh. The water almost laps your toes. Real ales, bottled beers, wines and whiskies. Fresh, homemade pub food made on the premises daily. Child and dog friendly, beer garden. 32 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3ED – 0131 552 4960 The Parlour – Offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with comfy sofas for people to come sit, chat and relax on. Serving up a damn fine coffee, loose leaf Suki teas and freshly squeezed juices. We offer great evenings of entertainment. Every Mon Andy Lang, Fri Night DJ's. All music 8pm, entry free. Child and Dog Friendly – 142 Duke Street – 0131 555 3848 www.theparlouredinburgh.com Roseleaf Bar Café – A cosy wee bar café in the heart ‘o’ Leith serving fresh juices, real ales, homemade ginger beer, cracking coffee, loose leaf teas & “Pot-Tails!”... cocktails in teapots! All served up in Grannies finest bone china. Wholesome brunchies, lunchies, din-dins & munchies served from 10 till 10 everyday with daily changing specials including Sunday roasts & home baked bread and cakes all made with luv! All locally sourced, free range & organic where possible cause it tastes really, really good! Free WIFI, wheelchair & child friendly. Open from 10am-1am everyday. For bookings call 0131 476 5268 or email info@roseleaf.co.uk 23-24 Sandport Place, Leith – www.roseleaf.co.uk The Salisbury Arms – In the shadow of the majestic Arthur's Seat and opposite the Commonwealth pool. A beautifully refurbished country-style pub in the city, log fires, leather couches and a stunning restaurant area. Serving quality home cooked food with an interesting wine list and cask ales. 58 Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5AD – 0131 667 4518 www.thesalisburyarmsedinburgh.co.uk The Sheep’s Heid – village pub & restaurant in Duddingston and Edinburgh’s oldest surviving watering hole. Pull up a chair near the roaring fire, dine on Scottish seasonal food or in the warmer months, kick back in the beer garden. Real ales on tap, wine list and a skittle alley available to hire for parties. 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh, EH15 3QA – 0131 661797. Open everyday. www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk Sofi’s – Sofi’s bar is the port in the storm, it is the little squeeze in a hug, it is home from home. So feel free to sink in and snuggle up, with a glass of wine, or a pint of beer. On Friday and Saturdays it is more like a party in the kitchen with many delightfully tasty cocktail s on offer. Lots of events: Sing Songwriters nights, Clothes swaps, Listings 37 Knitting nights, Film nights and variety of cool parties. Check webpage: www.bodabar.com Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon-1am Sun 1pm 1am. 65 Henderson Street 0131 555 7019. The Street – A popular mixed bar at the top of the very funky Broughton St. By day the glass front makes it an ideal place to relax inside or out with a coffee & people watch, whilst at night it attracts a livelier crowd with a buzzing atmosphere. Good pub food such as homemade burgers & enchiladas until 9pm, and snacks such as nachos, homemade chilli & potato wedges until midnight Sun-Thurs. Premium selection of beers, wines & spirits and cocktails and Rekordelig cider on draft! Open 12pm-1am Mon-Sat, 12.30pm-1am Sun. 2 Picardy Place, EH1 3JT – 0131 556 4272 – www.thestreetbaredinburgh.co.uk fringe venue in the private stable room to the rear of the building throughout the festival. Opening times: Mon-Thur 12 noon-11pm, Fri & Sat 12 noon12 pm, Sun 12 noon-11pm. 266 Canongate – 0131 557 3512 Cafés/Informal Edinburgh Larder – A relaxed bright and welcoming café with a delicious selection of local, good quality food using organic/seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Great coffee from Artisan Roast, teas from Eteaket, lovely homebaking inc. superb cakes! Fully licensed with tasty local craft beer and cider. Free WiFi, wheelchair and child-friendly. Open from 8am5pm Mon-Thurs and 9am-5pm Sat-Sun. 15 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB – 0131 556 6922 www.edinburghlarder.co.uk Victoria – Victoria’s philosophy is that everyone who is nice is welcome to join the party. The drinks range is chosen and proven by staff and regulars, including beers from at least thirty-five different countries and their own-brand Iduns swedish cider. Events include a language café every Monday, live acoustic music every so often and irregular speed-dating singles nights. Any sense of gimmickry is nicely underplayed, though. With a child-friendly ethos during the day, a warm and moodily lit atmosphere at night, a wellstocked bar and very friendly service, all you need for a great local is right here. Check facebook for all events. Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pm- midnight. 265 Leith Walk 0131 555 1638. Hemma – A newly opened café/bar with great brunch, lunch, buffet, smörgåsbord platters, dinners and last but not least cakes. A family friendly haven daytime and a party place at night with 12 well chosen draughts on tap and an extensive cocktail list. It is a big place where you can bring 130 of your friends and have a great party on the mezzanine level. Every Friday is a after work DJ starting from 6pm. Other events like networking meetings, promotional events, Vintage pop up shops and plenty others are occurring on a frequent basis. Come and have a look! Open Sun-Thurs 11am-midnight Fri-Sat 11am -1am. Tun Building, 75 Holyrood Road. – 0131 629 3327. The White Horse – The bar is an institution on the Royal Mile where it has been serving thirsty locals and tourists alike in several different guises since 1742. Come along for a glass of wine, pint, meal or simply a coffee and a slice of cake. Great bar menu available. The White Horse is also a free I Heart Café – Licensed café and coffee shop. Great food, drinks, sofas and tunes at the top of Leith Walk! Breakfast, all day menu and weekend brunch. Great coffee & Eteaket teas, pastries, cakes & sweet treats, sharing platters & deli nibbles, lovely vino & cool beers. Open 7 days Listings 38 Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm. 26-27 Haddington Place, EH7 4AF – 0131 556 1672. Union of Genius Soup Café – You need soup – and we have soup; the best soup in Scotland! Our soups won the Good Soup Guide's Best Soup in Scotland award 2013. Each day we serve six different soups, flavour-matched with four artisan breads. We always have veggie and vegan options, and most of our soups are naturally gluten-free. We have Artisan Roast coffee and a gorgeous range of hot chocolates from Coco and The Chocolate Tree. Open 9am4pm Monday-Friday. 8 Forrest Road, EH1 2QN, – 0131 226 4436 – www.unionofgenius.com Craft Pattisserie and Café La Cerise – is a fresh and innovative patisserie cake and coffee shop that will leave you hooked on Café Culture. Individual cakes, celebration cakes, pastries, award-winning home-made icecream and more – all made fresh on the premises. All products are hand-crafted fine foods made from the best quality ingredients. Many are gluten-free and they use free-range eggs. From homemade soups that will transform your lunchtime into a five-a-day brain-booster, to cakes and desserts that evoke sheer ecstasy, and delicious savoury items. 199 Great Junction Street (corner Bangor Road), Leith, EH6 5LQ – 0131 555 6065. LRT buses: 1, 7, 10, 14, 21, 34, 36. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. www.lacerise.biz Delicatessen Cranachan & Crowdie – Purveyors of Fine Scottish Food & Drink is Edinburgh’s newest delicatessen selling only products produced in Scotland. All our cheese, smoked fish and venison are pre-packaged for easy transport home, to take on a picnic or to ship worldwide. Complimenting these are chilled foods including award-winning yoghurt and a superb range of oatcakes, condiments, tea & coffee, beer and whisky, jams, biscuits, shortbread, cakes, chocolate and not forgetting 3 different brands of tablet. Our freezer contains handmade meals, ice cream and iced desserts. Open daily 11-6. 263 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ – 0131 556 7194 – www.CranachanAndCrowdie.com Farm Shops Hopetoun Farm Shop – offers some of Scotland's finest foods including fresh local produce from the surrounding Hopetoun Estate plus a wide range of produce from award winning Scottish suppliers. Open 7 days a week the Farm Shop butchery provides a range of fresh beef, lamb, game and poultry whilst the delicatessen offers a mouth watering selection of Scottish cheeses, pies, cakes and cold meats. Hopetoun Farm Shop, Newton, Broxburn. EH52 6QZ – 01506 830 716 – www.hopetoun.co.uk Food Events Eat Walk Edinburgh – As recommended by the BBC Good Food Magazine, this is a fabulous way to learn about Edinburgh whilst sampling its culinary delights at top venues. Tours start in the Old town at 2pm and finish in the New Town at 5.30pm. Along the way you will visit 6 premises and enjoy one of their signature dishes plus a couple of wine tastings and a malt whisky. For more info and to book, please visit www.eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk Listings Ice Cream La Cerise – Award winning artisan ice cream. 5 Bronze awards at the Royal Highland Show 2012. All ice-creams are gluten-free and are homemade using Scottish milk and Scottish cream. No fat substitutes or flavourings. All available as cones or in tubs to eat-in or take-away and a huge range of flavours which include the exotic and well as classic favourites. 199 Great Junction Street (corner Bangor Road), Leith, EH6 5LQ0131 555 6065- www.lacerise.biz LRT buses: 1, 7, 10, 14, 21, 34, 36. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. Local Cooking Lessons Eat-In Edinburgh – Love food and wish you could cook it? Whether it's cooking better for your family, impressing your friends or gaining some more confidence in the kitchen Eat-In Edinburgh provides affordable cooking lessons for everyone. All you need is a kitchen and we'll bring the rest. Eat-In Edinburgh also offers kitchen assistance and home-cooked meals to those who are unable to cook for themselves. Email steph@eat-inedinburgh.co.uk – or call 07702 011451 or go to www.eat-inedinburgh.co.uk Takeaways Fish ‘n’ Chips Pierinos – Local fish and chip shop and delivery service. Delicious menu ranging from fabulous Fish & Chips and succulent Sausages to perfect Pizza and irresistible Pasta. Call 0131 477 7727 or order online at pierinos.readyforfood.com. 11 Bernard Street, Leith, EH6 6PW Los Cardos – Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillas and Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilled marinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slow- cooked pork. Vegetarian and vegan options also available. Fresh made guacamole and choice of five salsas ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot. Delivery to EH3, EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8 postcodes. 281 Leith Walk – 0131 555 6619 – www.loscardos.co.uk Wine Bars Le Di-Vin – is Edinburgh’s most sophisticated Wine Bar beside La P’tite Folie restaurant on Randolph Place. You can enjoy complementing charcuterie with your favourite wine as most are sold by the glass. Open Mon-Sat 12 noon ‘til late. Closed Sundays. 9 Randolph Place, EH3 7TE – 0131 538 1815 – www.ledivin.co.uk Wines Online Bacco Wine – Independent Italian wine and oil specialists. Delivering only the best Italy can offer. Free delivery on any 6 bottles case and special discounts in the Edinburgh area. www.bacco-wine.co.uk Wine Stores Henderson Wines – Independent wine merchant. Wine ranges from £5 a bottle on offer wines to £100 plus on fine clarets and champagne. A good range of collectable Malt Whiskies up to £300 a bottle. 100+ beers available. Collectable spirits also. Home delivery. 109 Comiston Rd – 0131 447 8580 and new shop now open at 23 Roseburn Terrace – 0131 337 4444. Sideways Wine Store – Californian wine specialist. Over 150 wines and beers available. Free delivery in Edinburgh area. Buy direct from www.Bottleshock.co.uk. 39 SUMMER OF SEAFOOD Join us and celebrate a summer of seafood at the Forth Floor. Our new bespoke seafood bar offers the very best of Scotland’s larder, from lobsters and langoustines to cockles and clams. Enjoy a Fruits de Mer Platter for two and two glasses of Harvey Nichols New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for £55. Perfect for a sunny evening on the terrace. AVAILABLE ACROSS ALL AREAS OF THE FORTH FLOOR TUESDAY – SATURDAY FROM TUESDAY 7TH MAY. All seafood is subject to market availability.
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