TakeMe I’mFree

Your Independent, Local Guide to Eating and Drinking in Edinburgh

Writtenby

locals!November 2012Restaurant & Bar Reviews, Food, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Whisky, Listings

www.bite-magazine.com

Christmas Menus Now Ready

COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

FREE EVENTS IN EDINBURGH

Reserve your place for either event by calling 01342 410 505 or email info@naturopathy-uk.com www.naturopathy-uk.com

OPEN EVENINGTues 6th Nov 6:30 – 8:30pm

Learn how to turn your passion for Nutrition into a career, through part time study with CNM in Edinburgh.Venue: Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus O� Glenlockhart Road, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ

RAW HEALTH & FESTIVE TREATSWed 28th Nov 6:30 – 8:00pm

Discover the health bene� ts of raw food,and enjoy tasters like raw festive cake andwarming raw winter soup!Venue: The Hula Juice Bar, 103-105 West Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2JP

CNM

Wed 28th Nov 6:30 – 8:00pm

Discover the health bene� ts of raw food,and enjoy tasters like raw festive cake and

5

WordsLeila ArfaLouise BoydMark EarlRachel EdwardsNikki FletcherLea HarrisThe InsiderStephanie TaylorSharon WilsonJames Wrobel

SubbingLeila Arfa

Front CoverPrintemps Photography

Publisher/Editor I Sharon Wilson I 01383 616126 I M 07780 763613 I contact@bite-magazine.com I www.bite-magazine.com Design I Donna Earl I bite.design@mac.com© Bite Magazine 2012 – All items contained within this publication are copyright to Bite Publishing andcannot be taken or edited without the permission from the copyright holder.This magazine is printed on sustainable paper.

09 Review I Heart Café 11 Review Blackbird13 Review Three Birds14 Review The New Bell 15 Review The Canon’s Gait16 Edinburgh Diva

What’s Hot This Month17 Review Nobles19 Beer

Cromarty Brewing Co Red Rocker20 Yelp’s Winterfall Wonderland21 Wine Seasonal Pairings

22 The InsiderCulinary Capital of the World

23 Gourmet Girl The Wee Boulangerie

24 Healthy Eating Winter Smoothie25 Healthy Eating With Real Foods26 Cocktails Whisky 27 Cocktails The Last Word Saloon28 Review

Afternoon Tea At The Dome29 Off The Trolley Sour Relationships30 What’s In Season Do I Give A Fig?31 Listings

Hello Biters!

Tweet tweet! This month we review both Three Birds and TheBlackbird, two exciting additions to Bruntsfield and Tollcrossrespectively. Look out for details of upcoming events such as

the Yelp Winter Wonderland, the Woodwinters Big Wine Tasting, TheWine Gang Tasting at The Assembly Rooms, Cocktails in the City,Foodies and the Edinburgh Hogmanay Ball. The magazine is just a tasteof where Bite eats and drinks each month please visit our website foreven more reviews and deals on tickets. www.bite-magazine.com

In this issue

Salt ‘n’ Sauce a taste of what’s happening...

66

Brilliant Breads – Scottish Chef ofthe Year 2011, Neil Forbes, will be bakingat the next Slow Food masterclass atCafé St Honoré. The morning will coverdifferent breads, festive baking and willinclude coffee and shortbread, a 2-course lunch and a drink for £25.To book call 0131 2662211 or email eat@cafesthonore.com

Eat Walk Tours - Recommended by the BBCGood Food Magazine this is a fabulous way to enjoyEdinburgh whilst simultaneously sampling its culinarydelights at top venues. Tours start in the Old Town at2pm and finish in the New Town at 5.30pm. Alongthe way you will visit six premises and enjoy one oftheir signature dishes plus a couple of wine tastingsand a malt whisky. More info atwww.eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk

Congratulations to Eteaket TeaBoutique & Café, Edinburghfor scooping two awards in theBeverage Standards Association(BSA) annual Awards.

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Missoni have introduced theirChristmas Remix Packageswhich can be tailored to suit 8-40 guests at £45 per head. Thedeal includes a glass ofProsecco, 3-course dinner, DJand access to the bar area.Enquires at info.edinburgh@hotelmissoni.com

There are two wine tastings to look forwardto on Saturday November 10th. Firstly The Wine Gang’s Christmas WineFair runs from noon-6pm at The AssemblyRooms. There will be over 300 winesavailable to taste, wine walks and anoptional programme of masterclasses.www.ticketsoup.com.

On the same day Woodwinters returnwith their bi-annual Big Wine Tasting.Here there are over 60 wines to taste at TheNorthumberland Hotel. Tickets are £15 andthere will be discounts for wine purchaseson the day. Bite has a limited number ofdiscounted tickets www.bite-magazine.com

Skyscanner – This website revealed thewinners of their 2012 Airline Wine Awards lastmonth. Thomson Airways was voted as offeringthe best red wine, Finca La Linda, CabernetSauvignon 2011 whilst the top place in thewhite wine category went to Lufthansa forPeter & Peter Riesling, Mosel, Germany.

Shop online at www.realfoods.co.uk37 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3JU8 Brougham Street, Edinburgh EH3 9JHVegetarian Fairtrade Special diet Organic

From good values comes great valueThousands of best-selling products on promotion for Christmas and beyond - up to 50% off some ingredientsFree delivery for online orders over £18

Specialists in wedding & celebration cakes

Autumn/Winter collectionnow available.

Christmas Eve delivery orders being taken now.

Call 0131 555 6065, email hello@lacerise.bizweb lacerise.biz, fb lacerise cerise

tw laceriseleith199 Great Junction Street, Leith Edinburgh EH6 5LQ

9

The recession showsno sign of abating.Things are likely to

get worse. Wallets aresqueezed ever tighter,benefits cut.

Pies, cakes and sweetshowever, have held theirown. We may not be ableto afford a holiday butwe can all have a sugar fix.

Businesses that understand this are doingwell. This café is the reincarnation of Beritsand Browns. There was no market for a solowine/deli bar but people always wantaffordable, sandwiches, coffee and cake.

Simon and Audrey the new owners realisedthis and introduced a less sterile morewelcoming ambience along with a menu ofcrowd pleasers that used as much localproduce as possible.

They have kept the good deli bits of B & B.The café is still licensed and when I visitedlast I ordered the spinach, leek and smokedCheddar tart of the day with dressed saladleaves and roasted veg. My friend the ultrahealth conscious Tracy Griffen had tortillawith the same (both £5.50). She said thetortilla held together well was not too oilyand the potato was soft and tasty. Shethought the roast veg however, was ‘a littlesalty’. I thought my meal was a good tasty

plate of food and valuefor money. A fresh mangoand orange juice (£1.90)was a refreshing, vitaminpacked lubricant.

The platters look greatand I definitely intend totry one on my next visit.Consider the SpanishPlatter a wedge of tortilla,

chorizo, olives, manchego cheese, quince jam,dipping oils & crusty bread or the MiddleEastern Platter, stuffed vine leaves, giantcouscous salad, hummus, sweet & spicystuffed peppers, roasted vegetables & grilledpitta bread (£8.95 and £7.95 respectively).

I was definitely up for a traybake (I always am)and chose the chocolate, walnut and pecantiffin with a good strong cappuccino (2 shotsare standard). Next time I also intend to trythe much lauded beignet, this café is knownfor its beignets! Next time…. (S. Wilson)

I Heart Café – 26-27 Haddington Place, Edinburgh EH7 4AF– 0131 556 1672– www.i-heart-cafe.co.uk

Opening hours Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 8am-6pm; Wed 8am-10pm (open mic)Sat 10am - 6pm; Sun 10am - 5pm

Review: I Heart Café Licensed café and coffee shop

Well-established and well-loved salon witha team of friendly stylists who arepassionate about hair. Specialists in hair-cutting, colour, extensions, make-up andwedding hair. Friendly, relaxed ambience.

37 Leith St Edinburgh EH1 3AT

0131 556 9999info@bebaboom.co.uk

be-ba-boom

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Tollcross has always hadsomething of a no-man’sland air about it when it

comes to eating and drinkingspots. Beyond the old-schoolpubs, (and with the exception ofThe Apartment & Henricks), latelythere haven’t been any real go-toplaces. Until now.

Landing in the middle of Leven Street is TheBlackbird, the latest project from Martin & Colin ofHamilton’s & Treacle fame. The interior gives theeye plenty to catch upon, including originalexposed stonework, plaster and fireplaces, brightfabrics, prints and specially-commissionedartwork. The drinks list, with the tempting Alice-referencing ‘Drink Me’ on the front reveals anaccomplished compendium of cocktails, whichcover everything from the girly sweet, to seriousbitters and everything in between.

Lou and I started with ‘Crispy fishcake’ (£4.95) and‘Wild mushrooms on sourdough’ (£5.95)respectively. The fishcake – singular yet sizeable –was excellent with a crisp golden crumb and goodbalance between fish and potato filler. A hint offragrant Thai-style seasoning and coriander keptthe bites light, and the addition of tangerineperked up the sometimes sledge-hammer-esquequalities of the accompanying sweet chili jam. Thefunghi plate wasn’t quite so perfect, but verynearly so. The selection of wild mushrooms wasgenerous, including skinny enoki and chunkyoysters, however they could have taken muchmore of the promised Tallegio and Dijon, and the

toast deserved to be muchcrunchier.

On to mains, and my appetite wasready for ‘Charred Auchterardervenison steak’ (£13.95), the meatcooked pink and the plate-fellowsof sweet pumpkin mash, andmoreish haggis fritters (which

Louise suggested would make for amazing latenight bar snacks, hint, hint!) convinces that thefood quality is more ‘bistro’ than ‘boozer’. Myseafood-loving pal chose the ‘Grilled salmon withchorizo and butterbean stew’ (£12.95), which withthe addition of sweet bright broad beans waspresented even better than its menu billing, andsported a fine lemony butter sauce.

Despite being thus-far extremely well fed, we weresoon tempted down the rabbit-hole of the dessertmenu. Lou took on the surprisingly non-icky warmchocolate and peanut butter brownie (£4.95) and Ichose homely pear and blackberry crumble whichcame with the comfort blanket of vanilla custard.

With an emphasis on local and Scottishingredients, good flavours and skilled presentation,The Blackbird will soon have a flock of fans. (L.Arfa)

Blackbird – 37-39 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LH– 0131 228 2280– www.theblackbirdedinburgh.co.uk

Opening hours 1am every day.

Review: The Blackbird

images © Leila Arfa

WITH TOPSCOTTISH

CHEFS

EICC Edinburgh

Foodies Festival Christmas

FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL SAT 1ST & SUN 2ND DECEMBER

0844 995 1111www.foodiesfestival.com

BOOK ADVANCE TICKETS NOW

Win Tickets for Foodies Festival Christmas,Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 December at the EICCStock up on fabulous food, drink and gifts at theproducers' market. Watch top chefs share theirfavourite Christmas recipes in the chefs' theatre.Learn festive cooking tips with hands-onmasterclasses in the food theatre. Tastechampagne, Australian and Portuguese wineswith Charles Metcalfe. Sip the 12 drinks ofChristmas with Hendricks gin. Sample beers,whiskies and cocktails in the drinks theatre. Relaxwith a mulled wine and a mince pie whilstlistening to traditional carol singers.

The two-day foodies extravaganza will featuretop chefs including Michelin-starred Jeff Blandfrom The Balmoral Hotel, Roy Brett from Ondine,Scottish Chef of the Year 2011 Neil Forbes, Great

British Menu contestant Mark Greenaway, PaulTambourini from The Honours and MattiaCamorani from Cucina at Hotel Missoni.

For more info, or to buy tickets, visitwww.foodiesfestival.com

Bite has 5 Pairs of Tickets to Give Away.Simply send your details to contact@bite-magazine.com by 25th November andwe will enter you into a prize draw.

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Mr Bite is carb-loading. He has orderedkedgeree and shoestring fries formain course as I gape full of jealous

awe. As John Lennon once sang he’s “as skinnyas a stick of macaroni” and never puts on apound.

He is carried away by the range of goodies onoffer at this neighbourhood bistro. We havealready put away an appetiser of rashers ofcrispy pig’s ear with smoked Maldon (myfavourite salt) and some voluptuous aioli.Starters were soups all round; garlic with duckliver and garlic crisps (£5) for me and oxtaildumplings in broth (£4) for Mr B. My soup hasgood consistency and flavour which splodgesof oil and twigs of thyme enhance. The suetdumplings in Mr Bite’s broth are homely andcomforting and the soup is pungent with staranise. It is becoming clear, big brassy flavoursare de rigueur; we are at the Bet Lynch ofbistros.

My main course is handmade lobster ravioli inlobster bisque with watercress, topped withparmesan (£13.75). Jo the owner warns me thatthe pasta is al dente. I like it but expect manypeople may not. Flavour is to the fore again;minced lobster, cream, brandy, pepperywatercress and the ghost of lobster shell ispresent in the bisque. Fries are presented in abrown paper bag torn open at the table; a stepon from those silver beakers and let’s face itfries always taste better eaten out of paper.Mr Bite says his kedgeree (£10), chosen fromthe daily specials is surprisingly light and

tongue-tingling with spices. A soft poachedegg tops it all.

My one regret is that I have no room forpineapple upside down cake. I just know thefruit will be ultra sweet, the rum syrup strongand the vanilla ice cream heady. Instead weshare a chocolate and Cointreau tart (£4.25)with good dark chocolate ganache and gingertablet which is made with fresh, juicy root – afiery explosion.

It is clear that the chefs know their sauces,herbs and flavours. I get the feeling that theyare still experimenting a little and finding theirfeet but they are certainly heading in the rightdirection. (S. Wilson)

Three Birds– 3-5 Viewforth, Bruntsfield,Edinburgh, EH10 4JD– 0131 229 3252 – contact@threebirds.co.uk – www.threebirds.co.uk

Opening hours Mon-Fri 12 noon-2.30pm, 6pm-10pmSat & Sun 12 noon-10pm

Review: Three Birds Bruntsfield’s latest bistro

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Ihadn’t been to The Old Bell since it wasThe New Bell a couple of years ago. Iheard it now had an Italian menu which

appealed (geddit?) so Mr Bite and I poppedalong for a ‘spot of supper’.

First impressions were good. It had obviouslybeen spruced up a bit and everything lookedwarm, welcoming and twinkly.

For starters, Mr Bite chose Florentine-stylefish soup (£6.50) whilst I ordered fresh clamscooked with extra virgin olive oil and borlottibeans (£6.00). My clams mixed with theslightly creamy nutty beans; flavours weresimple and unadulterated, excellent oil, garlicand fresh thyme shone through; I loved it. MrBite was equally chuffed with his soup whichwas a bouillabaisse type stew full of squid,mussels, and prawns. He dubbed it ‘the soupthat keeps on giving’. Both dishes hadwonderful aromas, always a good sign.

For main course I opted for swordfish, withthat wonderful extra virgin olive oil plusgarlic, olives, white wine, spicy tomato sauceand rosemary polenta (£16.90). The fish wascooked accurately so that it was still juicyand tender and the polenta cake was a welljudged and tasty accompaniment. If I waslooking for a criticism I would say that therewas a slight lack of seasoning, but of coursethis is easily remedied. In retrospect I shouldhave order extra seasonal veg too (£2.90) toadd colour to the plate. Mr Bite had

spaghetti with king prawns, squid, musselsand clams in a sauce of garlic and chillienriched with thyme and homemade fishstock (£9.80). By this time he was declaringthat we should ‘visit for Hogmanay!’ I was atad more reserved; he was clearly enthused.

Desserts were a ‘make me happy’ tiramisu forme, nice sponge, lush cream, bitter cocoa anda lemon cheesecake with a ‘big filling’ andhomemade lemon curd for Mr Bite. Both hitthe spot.

The chef is ex-Il Positano for readers that mayknow that restaurant. We were veryimpressed with the hospitable feel of therestaurant and with the simple, bold,flavoursome dishes; a very nice addition tothe Italian dining scene in Edinburgh and thelively pub underneath is good too. (S. Wilson)

The New Bell Above The Old Bell Inn– 235 Causewayside, Edinburgh, – 0131 668 1573– www.oldbelledinburgh.co.uk

Review: The New Bell Restaurant Scotland's larder by Italian Design

15

The Canons' Gait is ahospitable,traditional pub and

restaurant nestled halfwaydown the Royal Mile, and itoffered a warm welcome ona nippy October evening.The bar has a satisfyingselection of real ale, bottledbeers and ciders and uponrecommendation from thewell-versed bar staff I opted for a Dark Islandby Orkney Brewery and my plus one chose aGolden Amber from the same.

Settling in to the comfy leather chairs, webrowsed the new autumn menu, eventuallydeciding on Wild Mushroom, Basil andCaramelised Shallots in Pastry (£4.95) and Duoof Stornoway Black Pudding and Haggis FiloRolls (£5.25) both of which were divine. Thehaggis was deliciously spiced, but the wildmushroom starter truly stood out.

For mains I chose the Duo of CrombiesSausages (£8.25) and my dinner guest had theVenison Casserole (£9.95). My sausages camewith a mound of mashed potato, bacon andlashings of gravy; the perfect dish to warm upa cold autumn evening with rich red wineflavours. The venison was tender andsucculent, and the juniper berries in the sauceadded lighter flavours to the hearty dish.Clearly the food here is cooked from fresh,which makes it far more appealing than yourrun-of-the-mill pub grub.

My dessert wasdisappointing; when Idecide to indulge in achocolate brownie Iwant a desert that isrich, decadent, chewy,moist and mostimportantly chocolate.At most the browniewas a pleasant thicksponge with some fruity

ice cream and sauce. The honeycomb parfaitwas considerably better, and while bothdesserts were beautifully presented, theylacked the fantastic flavours of the startersand mains.

Overall the food and service was lovely, butthe Canons' Gait has one glaring problem –the lighting. Now lighting might seem a minorfactor in the many constituent parts of arestaurant, but I would have preferred a littlecandlelight.

With a wee tweak to the ambience, I'd heartilyrecommend you pop in to try the lovelyautumn menu which offers fresh, well-cookedgastro grub to chase away the cold. (L. Boyd)

The Canons' Gait – 232 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DQ– 0131 556 4481– www.canonsgait.com

Opening hours – 7 days until late

Review: The Canons’ Gait Hearty autumn

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The boys are back in town!Scotland, I am beyond excited. Yes the boys areback in Edinburgh. Up close and personal atMurrayfield. Have you seen the new promoposters at Omni? My pulse is still racingdarlings. I almost crashed my car I tell you. Bethere to support Scotland take on New Zealand(11 November) and South Africa (17 November).And while you’re doing that I think you’ll find itimpossible not to admire these fine symbols ofScottish manhood, such fitness, such agility,such thighs. The buzz of an international rugbygame at Murrayfield just cannot be beaten. Ifyou’ve never been, book now. You will love it.Tickets available from www.scottishrugby.org

Gin-tasticA gloriously ginful and somewhat sinful way tospend a November evening is with a gin tastingat One Square. Following its bright, beautifuland oh-so-stylish refurbishment, the bar at TheSheraton Hotel is quite unrecognisable andextraordinarily difficult to resist. The lovelyteam at One Square has offered us acomplimentary gin tasting. And who are we torefuse?! Win a gin-tastic evening with us onThursday 29 November at 7pm. Enter atwww.sundaybrunchclub.net

Sparkles and SequinsLove the party season but have ‘nothing towear’. This event will solve all your partyfashion problems in a flash. It has it all: beautytips to make you sparkle, lingerie andshapewear advice to give you that red carpetsilhouette, and of course sensational partywearthat’ll make you feel a million dollars and turnheads at every festive gathering this season. Asif that’s not enough there’s free wine andnibbles, 20% off party wear and more. Buytickets at www.edinburghshogmanayball.com

Lighten UpThe nights are fair drawing in. Winter is coming.It’s cold. It’s dark. It’s wet. And any IndianSummer fantasies have been well and trulyabandoned. But all is not lost; we live in thebest city in the world for Christmas andHogmanay. Edinburgh’s big wheel, twinkly trees,German markets, skating rink and lots more willbe launched on Light Night on 29 November.Find out more atwww.edinburghschristmas.com

More Edinburgh Diva atwww.edinburghdiva.com

Edinburgh Diva: What’s Hot This Month

17

Train of thought. I amnever going to drinkagain. Okay, we

know that’s not true but Iam definitely going on thewagon for a month.Resignation, I need a cure.

Mr Bite and I had a brunchdate at Nobles but I awokeafter a Friday evening ofcocktails (thank youMissoni!) with the most god awful hangover. Itried everything, didn’t think I could goanywhere but then the idea of brunch and acure in a welcoming hostelry seemed worth apunt.

I ordered a half pint of Nobles house pale alebrewed for them exclusively by The Black IsleBrewery and I would heartily recommend it.Hoppy, citrusy and refreshing. Mr Bite had anorganic Goldeneye Pale Ale from the samebrewery.

Eggs salmon benedict sounded just the trickfor me, lots of protein to stabilise the bloodsugar. Eggs also contain large amounts ofcysteine, the substance that breaks down thehangover-causing toxin acetaldehyde in theliver, vitamins, essential fatty acids and a fattycomforting sauce to make me feel better. Ichased the sauce around my plate with aforkful of muffin, swigged some beer andwent from wreck to human.

Mr Bite had chosen The Full Scottish with noblack pudding (he doesn’t know what he’s

missing) and extra bacon.pork sausages, free-rangeeggs, some soft spicyhaggis, mushrooms, beans,tattie scones and cherrytomatoes completed theplate.

We admired the stainedglass windows and all thequirky little touches thathave updated the bar

whilst retaining and celebrating the pub’ssalty seadog heritage. I particularly like thecolourful octopus stencils on the tables. MrBite was delighted to see one of the starringfishermen from Trawlermen in the cornerwith a couple of mates. From the phone callsand chattering we guessed they werewheeling and dealing; something big in thefish world no doubt.

Fay and Neil Macaulay bought Nobles severalyears ago. Fay had been an art student beforeentering the world of hospitality and itshows. Nobles is a bonnie wee boozer.(S. Wilson)

Nobles Bar and Venue– 44a Constitution Street,Edinburgh, Midlothian EH6 6RS– 0131 561 8219– www.noblesbarleith.co.uk

Opening hoursMon-Sat 11am-1am; Sun 10am-1pm

Review: Nobles The hangover

A DECADENT EVENING OF COCKTAIL MAKING WITH EDINBURGH’S FINEST BARS

“Sophisticated fun our YELPERS loved it” – yelp

“one of the best events last year” bite magazine

NOVEMBER 28TH 18.00-22.00MANSFIELD TRAQUAIR£££, EH3 6BB

££18 ADMITTANCE, INCLUDES 3 COCKTAILS, COCKTAIL BOOK, TASTINGS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

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19

One of the rarely commented onelements of the revolution currentlysweeping through British brewing, is

the relative youth of many of theparticipants. This makes total sense when youthink of the attitude and energy of many ofthe young tyros who dominate the scene, butspeaking as someone who is fast approachingthe twilight of his 30’s, it can be verydepressing doing business with them.

One of the youngest and most fresh-faced ofthe new crop is Craig Middleton of therevived Cromarty Brewery. Despite being a bitof a whipper-snapper, he has a laudably soberheaded attitude to making and promoting hisbeers. The results are great, slightly off-kiltersession beers and chief among his initialofferings is the Red Rocker Rye Beer.

So often, when talking about beer, discourseis dominated by talking about the hopprofile, but there are other factors, which goin to determining the final character of yourbeer. Chief among them has to be the natureof the base grain from which the drink isbrewed.

Most beer is made from malted barley;cheap, pishy, U.S. & Asian lagers dilute thiswith a combination of rice and maize,German weissbier uses malted wheat. Rye is aless well known ingredient and it is tricky towork with, but the results can be spectacular.

Rye adds little to the aromas or flavour of a

beer, but rye beers tend to have a lovelyreddish colour, a certain tannic quality to thepalate and prickliness to the finish.

The Red Rocker is a great example, but Craighas taken the precaution of throwing anindecent amount of Kiwi & US hops into themix to give the beer a punchier, more vibrantpalate.

It opens with aromas of oil, grain, pine, blackpepper and burnt toast. It has a lovelyautumnal colour of deep walnut, topped by adecent, delicately foamy head that lingers.The palate is clean, zippy, zesty and ratherbitter with a tang of grapefruit. The texture isgrippy, rough and engaging, the finish longand mouth drying.

All together, as a pint it hits the sweet spotbetween interesting and gluggable & asmentioned last month it makes a top-notchsausage lubricant. It packs a perfectlyreasonable 5% abv, meaning you shouldn’tfeel too guilty about having a second pint.

It certainly makes a great cockle warmer onthese cold Autumn nights.

The Cromarty brewery is still small potatoesin the grand scheme of things, but Craig hasdone a good job of keeping Edinburgh’s manyindependent offie’s well stocked. Prices rangefrom £2.50-£3 for a 50cl bottle, depending onwhere you are shopping.

(J. Wrobel)

Beer: Ryes & FallCromarty Brewing Co Red Rocker

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An evening of free food, drink and funtimesto celebrate local Edinburgh living!

Yelp Edinburgh is delighted to announce anevening to celebrate and showcase somefantastic independent Edinburgh businesses andbrands. They're throwing a party giving localsthe chance to sample delicious ditties, tipsytipples and enjoy some exciting entertainment.From Union of Genius soups, hand-made TheChocolate Tree chocolates, Herbie's sandwiches,Macsweens Haggis, and drinks from EdinburghGin, Sheep's Dip whisky, Appleton Estate rums,AIVY vodkas, Brockmans Gin, Harviestoun brewsto mention a few!

All of this is entirely free! It's free to attend, and

all samples are free. (Truly, it's a Christmasmiracle). Spaces are limited, so to get on theguest list all you need to do is RSVP on the Yelpwebsite. Just visitwww.bitly.com/yelpwinterfallwonderland

Yelp is an online review site, where anyone canwrite reviews of any business in Edinburgh,recommend their favourite hot-spots anddiscover new places! Visitwww.yelp.co.uk/edinburgh

50 tickets are being reserved exclusively for Bitereaders to the Winterfall Wonderland. Simplytype in 'BITE' when RSVPing on the Yelp event totake one of the 50 reserved spots for the event.

All free with RSV P! bit.ly.com/yelpwinterfallwonderland

We’re throwing a warming wintry party to celebrate and showcase local Edinburgh living. There will be a smashing sampling of free food, drink, and entertainment – and you’re invited!

We’re throwing a warming wintry party to celebrate and showcase local Edinburgh living. There will be a smashing sampling of free food, drink, and entertainment – and you’re invited!

Savoury snacks, Sweet TreatsTipsy Tipples, Live Music!Savoury snacks, Sweet TreatsTipsy Tipples, Live Music!

All free with RSV P! bit.ly.com/yelpwinterfallwonderland

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Yelp's Winterfall Wonderland!Thursday 15th November, 7 - 9pm – The Ghillie Dhu

21

There is a point when you have toembrace the dark nights, woollyjumpers and puddles and accept

that winter has come. Once you’vemade that transition you can enjoy allthe benefits.

Celeriac

I like the balance between the earthyflavours and stored up sweetness ofroot veg. Celeriac is one of myfavourites; it retains a leafy freshnessthat is so distinctive. Pureed, it is asgood as it gets in my book. You maynot need a wine to match celeriac if it’sa side dish, so pick a wine (red or white)with a hint of herbaceousness, it will liftthe flavours.

This Lugana is from a little knownItalian wine region and the wines areconsistently great value and delicious.This has everything you need, deliciouspeachy notes, hints of lemon andthyme and a creamy texture.Campo Valentino Lugana £9.75 Wood Winters

Stew

It’s stew time! I love it when you putseparate ingredients together and letthem unify in the pot so you can’t tastewhere one finishes and another starts.When it comes to wine the hardestthing to get right is matching thetexture of the gravy without

overpowering it. The meat does make adifference, a lamb stew needs a lighterwine like a pinot noir whilst venison orbeef would work well with a morestructured Bordeaux blend.

This delicious rioja is great value and thesoft tannins and layers of flavour willenhance that melting pot of ingredients.Vega Ariana Rioja 2010, Waitrose £5.99

Cheese

At this time of year cheese shines in thecompany of fresh nuts and local apples. Ifrequently serve it as lunchtime salad ora delicate dessert alternative, changingthe cheese with my mood. Goats cheesefor crisp blue sky days and Lanark bluefor by the fire.

Contrary to popular belief white wineworks extremely well with cheese,Sauvignon Blanc has a natural affinitywith softer goats cheese and I love theperfumed Gewürztraminer with acrumbled pile of Lanark blue, sliced crispapple and caramelised walnuts.Zind Humbrecht Gewürztraminer £14.99Majestic

We’re an Edinburgh based winecompany and run events all over thecity as well as write about (and drinklots of) wine! Find out more atconviviumwine.com

Wine: Seasonal Pairings

22

Thirty-six hours after entraining fromAlgeciras, on the laughably namedIberian Express, we shuddered to an

asthmatic halt in San Sebastian. It had been agruelling journey, the buffet car had goneAWOL so no food and, more importantly, nodrink. Thankfully, a couple of hundred yardsfrom the drab station lay a sight thatlightened the heart, the reflecting skin of thewater on the glorious conch shaped baysuggested beaten gold and, thirty yearsbefore it was named best foodie destinationin the world, I knew I was home. And hungry.

On my first few visits to the city I wasrestricted, due to economic constraints, tothe Basque equivalent of ‘working men’spubs’ – no bad thing – and basic Pintxos. Airdried ham, fried quail egg and chorizo, eggwith anchovy stuffing etc, pinned to a slice ofbaguette with a cocktail stick. For around 10pa go. Later I graduated to the old town whereone bar may specialise in mushrooms andanother, a 100 things to do with squid. Stillothers were beginning to look to the future –creating ‘cuisine in miniature’.

It took my last visit to offer up the bigMichelin hitters and I, in turn, offer you ataste of each…

Martin Berasategui: A plate like a JacksonPollock painting, strewn with edible flowers andseemingly containing every one of those aliencreatures you pulled out of rock pools whenyou were young. The ones your parents saidwere inedible. Reader, your parents were lying.

Akelare: A pie chart containing eight equalwedges of vibrantly coloured vegetablesimprobably cut into the shape of arborio rice,which had the perfect gloopy, slightlycrunchy, texture of risotto. How do they stopthe beetroot wedge from ‘bleeding’ into thewhite turnip wedge?!

Mugaritz: An ambrosial bowl of freshlypicked herbs and leaves – you can see thechefs squatting in the garden as you arrive –comes with a jug of parmesan infused vealconsommé. Pour the liquor into the bowl andyou have the best ‘soup’ I’ve ever tasted.

Arzak: A smoked lemon ice cream that theywere ‘road testing’ which tasted, well, asgood as it sounds actually. So good, in fact,that you wonder why no one thought of itbefore.

And there it is. Wee San Sebastian – theculinary capital of the world. Paris and NewYork a distant joint 4th and 5th.

The Insider: The Culinary Capital OfThe World

I knew I was home. And hungry

23

Ilove stories that go alongthe lines of ‘I wasn’t happyin my job, and so I decided

to leave and retrain tobecome a...’ . Especially whenthe passion which has sparkedthe need for change involvesfood and cooking. Recently, Imet Katia Lebart who just acouple of months ago openedThe Wee Boulangerie, locatedon the South Side near theQueen’s Hall. She first came toEdinburgh as a researcher andlecturer in engineering &computer science at Heriot Watt University.

However, the work-life balance wasn’t quiteright and so she decided to kill two birdswith one stone. Her change of career tookher back to her native France to retrain as aboulanger-pâtissier-confiseur, the aim topursue something she was passionate about,and to help fill the void of good bakerieshere in Edinburgh.

As you probably know, bread is a completeway of life in France and Katia doesn’t mindpromoting the theory that good bread makespeople happy. I’m with her. As readers of thiscolumn will know, wherever my travels takeme, the first thing I’m likely to seek out is alocal bakery. Or two.

So, what can you expect if you pop in to TheWee Boulangerie? Well, the shelves andrustic baskets are filled with loaves of pain de

campagne, real baguettes,the kind that have acrunchy crust with irregular‘knobbles’, are airy in themiddle but not so fluffy asto have no substance.Bread takes time, saysKatia, the mixtures have toprove, the bake shouldnever be rushed. And,thanks to qualityingredients, artisanal breadis far superior to thatfound in supermarkets.

Everyday there’s a selectionof ‘fougasse’, a Provençale flatbread withvarious Mediterranean style fillings. I managedto scoff down one which was stuffed withgoats’ cheese and sun-dried tomatoes in undertwo minutes. I did, however manage to takehome a superd almond croissant, sweet painau chocolat and plated raisin loaf to share withmy mum and fella.

Breads will always be her main love, butKatia’s also a dab hand with tarte aux fruits,macarons and the shop will feature somedelicious seasonal specials in the run up toChristmas. In all, it’s a big ‘oui’ from me forthe Wee Boulangerie! (L. Arfa)

The Wee Boulangerie,– 67 Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JG– 0131 629 3134– www.theweeboulangerie.co.uk

Gourmet Girl: The Wee Boulangerie

imag

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24

This recipe is for a hybrid juice/smoothie to helpward off Seasonal Affective Disorder. ‘ SAD’ is acondition that affects many individuals in the UK

and it is directly related to a lack of exposure to sunshineduring the winter months. Symptoms can includedepression, irritability, lethargy, weight gain, moodiness andinsomnia. At this time of year when the nights are drawingin and we have even fewer daylight hours it is reallyimportant to help our body adjust to this change and this'not so SAD smoothie' can really help.

Ingredients

250g carrots – a greatsource of vitamins A, K, C,fibre, biotin andantioxidants that can helpprotect against disease.

100g figs – rich inpotassium, calcium,magnesium, iron, copperand manganese - can helpto control blood pressure.

1 orange – a good sourceof vitamin C and flavonoidsto aid a healthy immune system.

2.5cm chopped root ginger – excellent carminative, antiinflammatory food with antioxidant effects

100g banana – rich in tryptophan which is necessary forproduction of serotonin which can induce a feeling ofwell-being, potassium, Vitamins B6 and C.

To make

Use a good juicer to juice the carrots, orange, fig andginger.  Use a blender to blend the peeled banana. Mix thetwo together and enjoy right away.

Healthy Eating: ‘Not So SAD’ SmoothieBy Sam Folcarelli, Director ofStudies at the College ofNaturopathic Medicine(CNM) in Edinburgh.

Raw Health & Festive TreatsYou can join Sam onWednesday 28th November6:30pm-8:00pm to learnmore about the benefits ofraw food in your diet, and totry out some healthy rawtasters including chocolatetreats, a raw festive cake anda wonderfully warming rawwinter soup! Venue: The HulaJuice Bar, 103-105 West Bow,Edinburgh, EH1 2JP

If you’d like to find out moreabout training for a newcareer as a NutritionalTherapist, come along toCNM Edinburgh’s next free-to-attend Open Evening onTuesday 6th November 2012.

To reserve your place foreither event: 01342 410 505,info@naturopathy-uk.com.

More info on www.naturopathy-uk.com

25

Have you recently discovered glutenintolerance? Real Foods is here to makeyour transition to a gluten-free diet

easy as gluten-free pie. We stock so manyalternatives to your usual favourites includingChristmas pudding, there’s no need to gowithout. Here’s a shopping list to get youstarted, with a day-full of delicious gluten-freefoods, available in-store or online.

BreakfastYou can of course opt for any number ofhealthy gluten-free cereals, breads and freshfruits for breakfast, but why not treat yourselfto Amisa Organic Blueberry Muffins? With riceand corn flours instead of wheat, these juicyberry-filled muffins are the perfect start toyour day and your new gluten-free diet.

SnackKeep your energy levels topped up midmorning with Nakd Cashew Cookie Snack bar.This tasty vegan bar is made from wholecashew nuts and dates with no added sugar,and is cold pressed instead of baked formaximum nutritional value.

LunchLe Pain des Fleurs OrganicQuinoa Crispbread andvegan Granovita MushroomPate make wonderful, takeanywhere lunchcompanions. The fair trade crispbreads aremade from naturally gluten-free rice andquinoa flours. Pronounced ‘keen-wah’, thisnourishing, protein-rich grain from South

America makes a great staple for free-fromdiets.

DinnerPasta-lovers need not despair, as Doves FarmOrganic Maize & Rice Fusilli, made in Italy, is adelicious alternative to the traditional durumwheat variety. Try with La Bio Idea OrganicOlive Pasta Sauce, a delicious vegan blend oforganic tomatoes, olives, capers and garlic,made to a traditional Italian recipe.

DessertBooja Booja Organic Around Midnight EspressoChocolate Truffles are a decadent after dinnertreat, suitable for vegans too.

If you need any more gluten-free ideas, just askour friendly staff.

Gluten-free shopping on the Real Foodswebsite

Don’t forget if you’re shopping on our website forgluten-free products, you can easily filter out allgluten containing products by using the advancedfeatures on our ‘Quick search’ panel.

Simply type in the product you are looking for,check the box for ‘Gluten’free’, click go and you’llsee gluten-free versions of the product or productrange you are looking for. (words © Leila Frank)

Real Foods – 37 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3JU – 0131 557 1911 and – 8 Brougham Street, Tollcross, EH3 9JH – 0131 228 1201 – www.realfoods.co.uk

Healthy Eating: With Real Foods Gluten-free foods

26

Grand SmashGlass: Tumbler • Garnish: Mint sprig and orange zest stripIce: Crushed

Ingredients:½ a lemon, chopped into pieces1 shot sugar syrup1½ shots of blended Scotch Whisky½ shot of Grand Marnier8-10 mint leaves

Method:Prepare your orange zest strip using a vegetable peeler andknife. Add lemon and sugar syrup shaker and muddle. Addwhisky, Grand Marnier and mint leaves. Fill tumbler withcrushed ice. Fill shaker with cubed ice and shake hard for 10seconds. Strain into the crushed ice-filled tumbler. Garnishwith two sip straws and a mint sprig. Twist the orange zeststrip over the top.

Cocktails Here are two wintry whisky-based cocktails from TheScottish Whisky Experience which are sure to warm yourcockles. Try at home or enjoy them at the venue on the

Royal Mile www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Scottish SlingGlass: Collins • Garnish: Long straws and lime wheelIce: Cubed

Ingredients: ½ shot rhubarb liqueur½ shot ginger liqueur1 shot Blended Scotch Whisky3 shots freshly pressed apple juice

Method: Add all ingredients into shaker. Fill shaker and Collins glasswith cubed ice. Shake hard for 10 seconds and strain intoglass. Slot lime wheel onto the rim of the glass. Serve withtwo long straws.

27

The Last Word, situated in St StephenStreet, Stockbridge, is the latest venturefrom the guys that brought you (and

still bring you), that wonderful establishment,Bramble. From the outside you could beforgiven for thinking not another cocktailcellar bar, not another dark, forbiddingdrinking den, not another place just to be seenbeside the wannabes and the almost theres.You couldn't be more wrong.

Sure, it's dark with most of the light comingfrom naked flames, sure, it's a bit austere withits dark greens and rusts and its lack ofornamentation and sure, the mix 'n' match oldfurniture would be out of place elsewhere. Buthere, well, it just works. A veritable speakeasyin the heart of Edinburgh. And the staffcomplement this persona, being laid back andwelcoming, knowledgeable and unpretentiousand, above all, they just make great drinks.

So let’s get to the drinks. The menu is small;you get the feeling deliberately so, comparedto some bars, and has been chosen to providefantastic drinks that can be made quickly. Butit's not actually a fast drink joint. Time hasbeen taken to create the collection and tocreate some of the ingredients. Therein liesthe secret.

On our first (and definitely not our last visit)we started with a Dukes Martini (£7.00) and aLast Word (£6.50). For lovers of very dry, strongmartinis (i.e. D), the Dukes is heaven. Poured at

the table, you get a spray or two of vermouthinto the glass which is then followed by a pourof a gin straight from the freezer and a twist oflemon. All with the blessing of Alessandrofrom Dukes who created the drink.

And the Last Word is one of those old, almostforgotten, drinks (created in the1920s) that,once you try, you wonder why more barsaren't serving. A marrying of gin, lime juice,green Chartreuse and Maraschino that wassweet, herby and sour all at the same timewith the occasional hint of liquorice sneakingthrough. A great aperitif.

We also tried the Who Dares Wins (£6.50) andthe steel aged Six Cylinder Cocktail (£7.50). It'svery seldom I think my second choices arebetter than my first but in this case they were.

I'll let you discover for yourself the beauty ofsteel ageing, suffice to say, it ain't easy to mixgin, sweet and dry vermouth, Cherry Heering,Campari and Dubonnet and come up with adrink that a hardened Negroni drinker findsexquisite. And the Who Dares Wins? Wellplease don't get D started on how good it was.Go! (M. Earl)

The Last Word Saloon– 44 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge Edinburgh EH3 5AL– 0131 225 9009– info@lastwordsaloon.com– http://lastwordsaloon.com

Cocktails: The Last Word SaloonIt just could be!

28

From November 1stevery year The Domebecomes festive! The

granite columns of theportico are garlanded, thefairy lights twinkle and thefoyer becomes a winterwonderland. Christmas ishere.

On the first floor is TheGeorgian Suite which iswhere Afternoon Teas areserved. White linen and 3tiered vintage-style cakestands are de rigueur for the traditional,indulgent feast of finger sandwiches, cakes,scones, jam, cream and tea, coffee orchampagne. Favourite hot dishes such as TheDome Fish and Chips and The Dome Burgerwhich are served in The Club Room and TheGrill Room are also available as well as a fulldrinks menu. We started with a glass of thehouse champagne Louis Roederer BrutPremier NV (£11.50). Well why not?

The price for Afternoon Tea for Two is £24.00which is stonkingly good value. The ‘finger’sandwiches are larger than you expect andthe fillings of egg mayo and mustard cress,wafer thin ham and coarse grain mustard,Scottish beef and horseradish cream andsmoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumberare customary but of excellent quality.

Vegetarian and gluten-freesandwich options can berequested.

The second layer of our ‘treat’comprised of a plain and afruit scone served with freshcream, clotted cream andstrawberry jam. The scones hada moreish fluffy texture butnotably didn’t crumble whenspread naughtily with lashingsof cream and jam (cream first!).The bespoke cakes may be‘mini’ but they were the David

to my Goliath of an appetite. I did taste anultra-moist, spicy, carrot cake and a mixedfruit tart but had to forego the chocolate andcoffee cake and white chocolate cheesecakeas my belt was already loosened.

The Georgian Tea Room is open fromMonday 29th October to Monday 24thDecember inclusive from 10am everyday until6pm and is a perfect place to relax, refuel andindulge. (S.Wilson)

For further information about the FestiveSeason at the Dome, please telephone 0131 624 8634.

The Dome – 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF– www.thedomeedinburgh.com

Review: The Dome Afternoon Tea in the Georgian Suite Tea Room

29

Looking for a new relationship?Something quiet but surprising, whoneeds regular meals and smells

vaguely of beer? If so, it's time to thinkabout sourdough bread.

Sourdough is centuries old, generallythought to have originated in Ancient Egypt.It uses a combination of yeast, water, andtime to create a bubbly, fermented leavenerwhich then makes the most delicious bread.The basis of sourdough is The Starter, and Ihave been carefully cultivating my first forthe last month.

Getting a good starter is vital. Properlycared for, it can last a lifetime. The generalrecommendation for those who want to startmaking sourdough is to get an establishedstarter: find a friend who makes bread, andbeg a cupful. In North America, it is quitenormal to buy starters from bakeries oronline, and indeed there are a handful ofcompanies in the UK who will supply youwith a partially dried starter you can thenrevive. But you can make them from scratch,which is how mine began. And while I've onlybeen caring for him (yes, it’s a him) for a fewweeks, he's already very much a part of mylife. I alternate between awe and disgust athis rising, gurgling state after his daily flour-water feed. I wonder if his water was too hotor cold, and whether I should have fed himorganic flour or if the co-op's own brand willbe okay. I worry about him.

And should you think I am perhaps tooconcerned about the state of this fermentingwallpaper paste on my kitchen counter, I amnot alone. In Stockholm, a deli hit theheadlines earlier this year when they openedthe first sourdough hotel. For a fee of roughly£27 a week, owners can leave their startersbehind the counter while they go on holiday,safe in the knowledge that they will be fedand cared for appropriately.

Sourdough-baking is very much a culture. Butwhile people talk about it and enthuse aboutit, they all do it differently. I've yet to findtwo recipes that are the same, or twomethods that are consistent. Like anyrelationship, it's about trial and error,exploration and discovery. I'll have to let youknow how my relationship turns out; mystarter is ready to use tomorrow. (R. Edwards)

Off The Trolley: Sour Relationships

30Baked Figs4 black figs (don’t be tooprissy over ripeness)

4 large tspns of ricotta orcrowdie

Sliced fresh cobnuts,filberts or hazelnuts (orany nuts you have in yourcupboard)

Honey of choice

Method Cut figs into quarters butnot all the way through.Put into a snug fitting dishand ease them apart. Put aspoonful of cheese in thecentre of each fig, drizzlewith honey and scatternuts over the top. Pop intoa warm oven (180C/fan160C/Gas4) for about tenminutes. Serve with a sliceof really good sourdoughbread. I like it lightlytoasted.

What else is in my basket?Goose, teal, hill lamb. Winkles, sea bass, oysters. Brussel sprouts,celeriac, horseradish. Pears, chestnuts, pumpkin.

Hands up those of you who have an inherent dislike for figs, prunes, pomegranates and dates?

Pomegranates were always a fag to deseed; dates are bestin a sticky toffee pudding; prunes I can eat in any form; thefig … a passion now … but I recall those foul green lumpythings served up for breakfast in mediocre hotels, whothought it was classy. All they tasted of was syrup of figs, ahorror from my childhood, when my grandmother wouldhold my nose and shovel a spoonful down my throat, withthe incantation of, “It’ll keep you regular!” Shudder!

Give me an almost black fig that, when held in the palm ofmy hand, feels heavy, silky and, well just downright sexy.The colours of this maligned fruit are resplendently regal:indigo purple skin hiding ivory coloured pith and whensplit apart it reveals a centre almost lava-like withthousands of sunset-hued seeds. I could never understandwhy the pomegranate was always the sign of fertility.

Figs have an affinity with both sweet and savoury or both.Sliced over a frangipane tart it captures France in a second.Cut into quarters, strewn over rocket with flecks of Parmaham I’m transported to Italy. Served with yoghurt, honeyand pistachios I could be in Turkey.

I hope this month’s recipe will dismiss the fear of figs andtakes you on a journey of pleasure, because that’s whatthey do for me. Where will you escape to?

Lea writes http://OfftheEatenTrack.wordpress.com and is @BakersBunny on Twitter

What’s In Season:

Do I Give A Fig?

Listings

31Restaurants

Bengali and Indian Dining

Ignite – Cuisine based on traditional recipesfrom Bangladesh and Northern India in asumptuous setting. Dining at Ignite is anexperience capable of rekindling your passionfor Indian food. Open 7 days for lunch anddinner. 272 Morrison Street, Haymarket – 0131 228 5666 – www.igniterestaurant.com

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 differentsizes, Private Dining available. Recently undernew management and fresh after a makeover.BYOB. Free wifi. 2 Restalrig Road Edinburgh,EH6 8BN – 0131 538 0664.www.bijoubistro.co.uk

Bread Street Brasserie – Servinginternational cuisine with a Scottish focus,Bread Street Brasserie is the perfect setting inwhich to relax and enjoy your surroundings, astep away from the bustling City Centre. Incrisp, stylish surroundings, local, seasonalproduce is offered, showcasing Scotland’sfinest seafood and beef. Open daily forbreakfast, lunch, pre-theatre and dinner. Bread Street Brasserie, 34 Bread Street,Edinburgh EH3 9AF – 0131 221 5558www.pointhoteledinburgh.co.uk

The Edinburgh Larder Bistro – Scottishmenu, produced with locally sourced, free-range, seasonally fresh ingredients. This bistrostates a commitment to be boldlyflavoursome, environmentally sustainable, andculturally daring as they work with lesser-

known but sustainable cuts of meat and fish.Sample Scottish Spirits & Beers, carefullyselected wines from Woodwinters andEdinburgh-based Artisan Roast coffees andEteaket teas. Open Daily 12noon-2.30pm &5.30pm-10pm (pre-theatre menu available5.30pm-6.45pm). 1a Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH – 0131 225 4599,www.edinburghlarder.co.uk

Elbow – Eat ... the freshest produce fromcakes to steaks. Drink ... grape to grain andeverything in-between. Enjoy ... the little thingsthat 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'sLive Music & D.J's. 133-135 East ClaremontStreet, Edinburgh – 0131 556 5662 – www.elbowedinburgh.co.uk

Californian

Calistoga Central & Sideways Wines –Current Holders of ‘Speciality Restaurant of theYear’ at Scottish Restaurant Awards. Edinburgh’soriginal and only Californian restaurant. Ourunique fresh food is prepared by our greatkitchen team who are inspired by the flavoursof California. Wine List of over 100 Californianwines at only £5 above shop prices. Try us orbook one of of unique Wine, Whisky or BeerTastings 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 – SeafoodRestaurant and Bar. Sustainable Scottishseafood served with simplicity and stylecomplemented by a carefully chosen and

Listings

32extensive wine and champagne list. Try thefruits de mer for two or the oysters, both withchampagne. The Ship also serves lobster,smoked salmon, mussels, crab, monkfish, bassand much more. Seasonal specialities includegame and meat dishes. Outside seating. Foodserved Mon-Sun noon-10pm. 24-26 The Shore – 0131 555 0409.

French

La Garrigue – Regional French Cuisine andTerroir Wines from the Languedoc/Roussillon.A restaurant where ‘Chef Jean Michel Gauffrebrings warm Languedoc to your plate’ (PeterIrvine, Scotland The Best).Simple and stylishwith the relaxed ambience of a French bistroand a firm favourite with locals and touristsalike. Winner of the Good food Guide Readers’Restaurant of the Year 2010. Also GordonRamsay’s Best French Restaurant 2010. Open 7Days for Lunch & Dinner. Now also at Leith,open from Wednesdays to Sundays only (onTuesdays we only open for private event of 12and more). 31 Jeffrey Street – 0131 557 3032 and 88 Commercial Street Leith – 0131 553 5933.www.lagarrigue.co.uk

La P’tite Folie – Informal, bustling bistrowith mixed clientèle. Favourites include moulesfrites, 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 867861 Frederick Street – 0131 225 7983

Mexican

Los Cardos – Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillasand Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilledmarinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slow-cooked pork. Vegetarian and vegan options also

available. Fresh made guacamole and choice offive salsas ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot.Delivery to EH3, EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8postcodes. 281 Leith Walk – 0131 555 6619 – www.loscardos.co.uk

Middle Eastern

Pomegranate – Middle Eastern Street Foodand Shisha Bar. Cold and hot mezes, kebabs, awide selection of vegetarian dishes, maincourses and mouthwatering desserts. BYOBwith no corkage charge. Non-alcohol baravailable 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, TheDome is situated on the site of the OldPhysician’s Hall designed and built in 1775 byJames Craig, the celebrated planner ofEdinburgh’s New Town. After majorrefurbishment, this listed building became TheDome which opened in 1996. The Dome houses2 restaurants, namely The Grill Room & TheClub Room. A La Carte Lunch & Dinner Menusare offered in both restaurants. The Domefavourites include The Dome Club Sandwichand The Dome Burger. Local Scottish produceis used wherever possible. The menus arecreated to include a flavour of Scotland andEurope. The Grill Room is open seven days from12 noon until Late. The Club Room is openMonday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 amuntil 5 pm: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from10 am until Late. The Club Room is closed onSundays. 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF.Reservations – 0131 624 8624.www.thedomeedinburgh.com

Listings

33The Forth Floor Restaurant, Bar &Brasserie – The best in contemporary eatingand drinking & un-paralleled views from theCastle to the Firth of Forth. Executive ChefStuart Muir uses fresh seasonal Scottishproduce to create food of the finest quality bymatching modern flavours with classicaltechniques. Fresh, sustainable seafood availablefrom the Seafood Bar whilst the Brasserie offersround the clock eating. Brasserie: Mon-Sat10am-10pm, Sun 11am-5pm; Restaurant: lunch –Mon-Fri 12 noon-3pm, Sat & Sun 12 noon-3.30pm, dinner, Tues-Sat 6pm-10pm.forthfloor.reservations@harveyhichols.comBook on line at www.harveynichols.com – 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh,EH2 2AD – 0131 524 8350

A Room In The Town, A Room In The West End, A Room In Leith – A trio of well-loved Scottish bistros. Theemphasis is on quality, fresh, affordable Scottishproduce served in a relaxed and friendlyatmosphere. All are fully licensed with BYOBoption also. Leith has a stunning waterside settingand incorporates the bar 'Teuchters'. The WestEnd branch also has a Teuchters and like TheTown is within easy walking distance of Princes St.18 Howe St – 0131 225 8204, The West End, 26 William St – 0131 226 1036, Leith, 1c DockPlace – 0131 554 7427 – www.aroomin.co.uk

Stac Polly – Stac Polly is one of Edinburgh'soriginal restaurants for authentic Scottish foodand atmosphere; now in its 23rd year. Stonewalls combine with flickering candles, crisplinen and twinkling glasses to give a trulyScottish experience. Expect a menu of excitinginterpretations of modern and traditionalcuisine using locally sourced produce. We have

a fantastic selection of Scottish beers and a finearray of single malt whiskies at both DublinStreet and St Marys Street Bistro. Private diningrooms at Dublin Street and St Mary's StreetBistro. Open 7 days. New menus online – www.stacpolly.com29-33 Dublin St – 0131 556 223138 St Mary’s St – 0131 557 5754

The Whiski Rooms – Glamorous new sistervenue to the award winning WHISKI on theRoyal Mile. With iconic views over the Moundto Edinburgh, it’s an all day diningbistro/restaurant serving fresh Scottish foodand cakes. Stocking an impressive range ofpremium spirits, wines and Scottish beers,ciders and over 300 whiskies. Beside the bar is aspecialist whisky shop where you can buy thebar’s range and more. Daily whisky tastings.– Whiski Bar & Restaurant, 119 High Street,Edinburgh, EH1 1SG, 0131 556 3095. WhiskiRooms Bar & Bistro, 4-7 North Bank Street,Edinburgh, EH1 2LP, 0131 225 7224,bar@whiskirooms.co.ukWhiski Rooms Shop, 0131 225 1532,shop@whiskirooms.comwww.whiskishop.com

Spanish

Iggs and Barioja – Est. 1989 and recentlyfeatured in Channel 5’s Restaurant Inspector.Modern Spanish Cusine and Tapas using thefinest ingredients imported directly from Spainalongside the best of local, seasonal Scottishproduce. 2 AA Rosettes. An excellent wine listwhich has won many accolades including the‘AA Most Notable Wine list Award’. Iggs, 15Jeffrey Steet – 0131 557 8184 and Barioja, 19Jeffrey St – 0131 557 3622

Listings

34La Mula Obstinada – 2 Course Lunches£6.25, Evening Tapas Feast (kid’s under 10 eatfree, T&C Apply). Closed Mondays, Open Tues-Sat 12-3pm 5.30-10pm, Sundays 1-7pm. Forreservations call – 0131 555 3103, 46 QueenCharlotte Street, Leith, Edinburgh.www.lamula.co.uk – 0131 555 3103. Watch thisspace – more details coming soon.

Tapa – With its white-washed, high-vaultedwalls adorned with a stunning floor to ceilingantique bull fighting poster and live Flamencoguitarist on Friday & Saturday evenings, Tapa inLeith evokes memories of lazy summer holidaysspent with family and friends. Sundayafternoons are a must as their Andalusian HeadChef prepares Paella in the restaurant while youeat! The perfect tonic if you have over indulgedthe previous evening! 19 Shore Place, EdinburghEH6 6SW – 0131 476 6776tapa@tapaedinburgh.co.ukwww.tapaedinburgh.co.uk

Tex Mex

Tex Mex – Donald Mavor, head chef andproprietor brings the heart of Mexico to yourtable, emphasising traditional Mexican foodwith an authentic menu. Try the flaming fajitasand 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, LiveBands, Live Cheeky Tiki Burlesque Shows, PoochFriendly, Children Welcome, Fresh, Ground

Coffee. Sit In or Takeaway Menu. BreakfastServed 11am-3pm, 7 Days. Open 11am-1amMonday-Friday, Sat & Sun open 9am-1am.13-14 Melville Place, Edinburgh EH3 7PR– 0131 2264732

Boda Bar – A bohemian, cheeky, wee boozerwith a subtle Swedish twist. It is a cosy bar witha strike of craziness. If you are unlucky you canget to hear Abba more than once per night. Butsince we love Spotify – you can always ask ifyou have any special requests. Since the ownerslove their wine, they have decided to have nicewines at a good price so – try out the wine list.You can also try Idun's a new Elderflower Cideror maybe an OP Andersson Aquavit (only youhave to sing before you drink it). Or what aboutour Craft Guerilla nights – every lastWednesday of the month. Check web for fullevent details. Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Satnoon-1am, Sun 1pm-midnight. 229 Leith Walk –0131 553 5900 – www.bodabar.com Free Wifi.

The Canons’ Gait – A Real Ale/Gastro pubin Edinburgh’s Old Town offering a selection ofAles from Scottish micro breweries. This bar hasgained a reputation for it’s impressive bar food.The menu includes traditional dishes such asCrombies sausage and mash, fish ‘n’ chips,haggis etc, more ambitious daily specials andoutstanding desserts. All offer superb value formoney and always with the emphasis on homemade and seasonal produce. There is also alarge Cellar Bar available for free hire, bookearly to avoid disappointment! Food served:Mon-Sat noon-8pm. 232 Canongate, HighStreet, Edinburgh, EH3 8DQ – 0131 556 4481 – canonsgait@dmstewart.com– www.canonsgait.com

Listings

35The Compass Bar – Warm welcomes, a cosyenvironment and excellent service makesCompass the well established bar andrestaurant it is. Serving great food, all locallysourced and fresh, daily – changing menus. Allday breakfast menu on Saturday & Sunday.Wide selection of beers, real ales and qualitywines available. Food served 10am-10pm daily.44 Queen Charlotte Street Edinburgh, EH67EX – 0131 554 1979.

Joseph Pearce – A large airy bar at the topof Leith Walk. You can eat from 11am-9pm daily.The menu changes seasonally, but alwaysinclude meatballs! Daytime we are more like acafé with a popular kidscorner for all ‘lattemothers’. Free WiFi. Night-time busy bar with arelaxed, cool, friendly crowd. Check out webfor all our crazy events www.bodabar.comOpen Sun-Thu 11am-12pm and Fri-Sat 11am-1am.23 Elm Row – 0131 556 4140.

The Guildford Arms – Elegant ‘GalleryRestaurant’ serving quality Scottish foodoverlooks one of Edinburgh’s finest VictorianBars. Popular with Real Ale enthusiasts. Situatedat the East End of Princes St opposite theBalmoral Hotel. 1 West Register St, EH2 2AA –0131 556 4312 – www.guildfordarms.com

Nobles – With this café bar and venue, thePhoenix has risen from the flames. Sincereopening over a year ago this classic Victorianabar has very quickly established a topreputation as a classy watering hole, fine eateryand live music hub and continues to charmcritics and customers alike. Nobles has a warm,inviting and contemporary feel whistmaintaining it's traditional, bold wood and stainglass heritage. The menu is locally sourced and

expertly prepared to an exceptionally highstandard. Music also plays a large part in theday to day life of Nobles so expect to see topdrawer, original live music from Tuesdaythrough to Sunday following food service. Realales, a fantastic wine list, high speed wi-fi, freshFairtradeTM coffee plus various organic looseleaf teas complete the experience. Openingtimes 12pm-1am Monday to Friday & 11am-1amSaturday & Sunday. Children & Dry well behaveddogs are welcome. 44a Constitution Street,Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS– 0131 629 7215 – www.noblesbarleith.co.uk

The Old Chain Pier – Under the newmanagement of Billy and Peter Ross, thisNewhaven bar has a glass frontage with viewsover the firth of forth which allow one of thefinest panoramic views in Edinburgh. The wateralmost laps your toes. Real ales, bottled beers,wines and whiskies. Fresh, homemade pub foodmade on the premises daily. Child and dogfriendly, beer garden. 32 Trinity Crescent,Edinburgh, EH5 3ED – 0131 552 4960

The Parlour – Offers a warm and welcomingatmosphere, with comfy sofas for people tocome sit, chat and relax on. Serving up a damnfine coffee, loose leaf Suki teas and freshlysqueezed juices. We offer great evenings ofentertainment. Every Mon Andy Lang, Fri NightDJ's. All music 8pm, entry free. Child and DogFriendly – 142 Duke Street – 0131 555 3848www.theparlouredinburgh.com

Roseleaf Bar Café – A cosy wee bar café inthe heart ‘o’ Leith serving fresh juices, real ales,homemade ginger beer, cracking coffee, looseleaf teas & “Pot-Tails!”... cocktails in teapots! Allserved up in Grannies finest bone china.

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36Wholesome brunchies, lunchies, din-dins &munchies served from 10 till 10 everyday withdaily changing specials including Sunday roasts& home baked bread and cakes all made withluv! All locally sourced, free range & organicwhere possible cause it tastes really, reallygood! Free WIFI, wheelchair & child friendly.Open from 10am-1am everyday. For bookingscall 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 themajestic Arthur's Seat and opposite theCommonwealth pool. A beautifully refurbishedcountry-style pub in the city, log fires, leathercouches and a stunning restaurant area. Servingquality home cooked food with an interestingwine list and cask ales. 58 Dalkeith Rd,Edinburgh, EH16 5AD – 0131 667 4518www.thesalisburyarmsedinburgh.co.uk

Sofi’s – is a chic, hip, upbeat and popular littlebar with many events, e.g Champagne Sundayswhere champagne is offered at great prices,film nights every Monday, Knitting on Tuesdaysand lots more. Our lighter snacks are perfectwith one of our many wines and we also have agreat new cocktail menu both virgin andalcoholic. Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon-1am andSun 1pm-midnight. 65 Henderson Street – 0131 555 7019 – www.bodabar.com. Free WiFi.

The Street – A popular mixed bar at the topof the very funky Broughton St. By day the glassfront makes it an ideal place to relax inside orout with a coffee & people watch, whilst atnight it attracts a livelier crowd with a buzzingatmosphere. Good pub food such as

homemade burgers & enchiladas until 9pm, andsnacks such as nachos, homemade chilli &potato wedges until midnight Sun-Thurs.Premium selection of beers, wines & spirits andcocktails and Rekordelig cider on draft! Open12pm-1am Mon-Sat, 12.30pm-1am Sun. 2 PicardyPlace, EH1 3JT – 0131 556 4272 –www.thestreetbaredinburgh.co.uk

Victoria – If Scandinavian style equalsminimalistic Victoria doesn’t fit. It is colourful,radiant and full of life. The crowd is a cool,friendly and open-minded and there are a lots ofevents e.g. singles nights, Eurovision party, ComeDine with Me and what ever else that pops up inour silly minds. We serve a lot of different drinks:Beers from 30 different countries and 12different gins. Open: Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Satnoon-1am; Sun 1pm-midnight. Now also childrenlicensed from opening til 5pm. 265 Leith Walk – 0131 555 1638. Free WiFi– www.bodabar.com

The White Horse – The bar is an institutionon the Royal Mile where it has been servingthirsty locals and tourists alike in severaldifferent guises since 1742. Come along for aglass of wine, pint, meal or simply a coffee anda slice of cake. Great bar menu available. TheWhite Horse is also a free fringe venue in theprivate stable room to the rear of the buildingthroughout the festival. Opening times: Mon-Thur 12 noon-11pm, Fri & Sat 12 noon-12 pm, Sun12 noon-11pm. 266 Canongate – 0131 557 3512

Bakeries

Bakery Andante – Exceptional Artisanbread, pastries and cakes made at a slower

Listings

pace! Breads include seven types of sourdoughs,speciality loaves, rye, spelt etc. Also croissants,baguettes, brownies and much more.  Allproducts are made from scratch (starting frombasic ingredients) on the premises. “Bread, like itshould be!” 352 Morningside Road, EdinburghEH10 4QL – 0131 447 8473www.bakeryandante.co.uk Follow on Facebook: ‘Bakery Andante’

Cafés/Informal

Edinburgh Larder – A relaxed bright andwelcoming café with a delicious selection oflocal, good quality food using organic/seasonalingredients whenever possible. Great coffeefrom Artisan Roast, teas from Eteaket, lovelyhomebaking inc. superb cakes! Fully licensedwith tasty local craft beer and a range of greatvalue wines from Alliance Wines. Free WiFi,wheelchair and child-friendly. Open from 8am-5pm Sun - Thurs and 8am-9pm Fri - Sat. 15Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB – 0131 556 6922www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/

I Heart Café – Licensed café and coffee shop.Great food, drinks, sofas and tunes at the top ofLeith Walk! Breakfast, all day menu and weekendbrunch. Great coffee & Eteaket teas, pastries,cakes & sweet treats, sharing platters & delinibbles, lovely vino & cool beers. Open 7 daysMon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm. 26-27 Haddington Place, EH7 4AF – 0131556 1672.

Union of Genius Soup Café – You needsoup. We have soup. Six handmade soups everyday, with fresh-baked artisan bread. Veggie &vegan options and most soups are gluten-free.Also, breakfast: soup or porridge with two

toppings. Takeaway is in eco-friendly packagingand we compost! Sit in our bright, friendly café.Free wi-fi; Artisan Roast coffee; gluten-free &vegan cakes. Simple. Delicious. Now open 9am-4pm weekdays. 8 Forrest Road, EH1 2QN, – 0131 226 4436 – www.unionofgenius.com

Delicatessen

Cranachan & Crowdie – Purveyors of FineScottish Food & Drink is Edinburgh’s newestdelicatessen selling only products produced inScotland. All our cheese, smoked fish andvenison are pre-packaged for easy transporthome, to take on a picnic or to ship worldwide.Complimenting these are chilled foodsincluding award-winning yoghurt and a superbrange of oatcakes, condiments, tea & coffee,beer and whisky, jams, biscuits, shortbread,cakes, chocolate and not forgetting 3 differentbrands of tablet. Our freezer containshandmade meals, ice cream and iced desserts.Open daily 11-6. 263 Canongate, Edinburgh EH88BQ – 0131 556 7194 –www.CranachanAndCrowdie.com

Food Events

Eat Walk Edinburgh – As recommended bythe BBC Good Food Magazine, this is a fabulousway to learn about Edinburgh whilst sampling itsculinary delights at top venues. Tours start inthe Old town at 2pm and finish in the NewTown at 5.30pm. Along the way you will visit 6premises and enjoy one of their signature dishesplus a couple of wine tastings and a malt whisky.For more info and to book, please visitwww.eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk

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38Good Food Online

Meat

Peelham Farm – Is an organic Sustainablefarm in Berwick-upon-Tweed. They produceFree-range rare-breed pork, lamb, mutton andfield-raised beef-veal; including dry-cured &smoked ham, charcuterie (prosciutto, salami,chorizo, cottechino, pancetta), sausages &burgers. Committed to guaranteeing productintegrity, traceability and taste. Shop atwww.peelham.co.uk – 018907-81328

Retro Sweets

Lickety Splits Gallery – Edinburgh’s onestop shop for retro sweets, birthday parties,bespoke hampers and personalised gifts forthat special someone. A feel good retro-decorated sweet shop where sweets are storedin glass jars and weighed out on a scale. Morethan 145 different kinds of sweets includingtraditional Scottish, retro American and animpressive range of Danish salt liqourice. 6Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DT – 07581342204.

Takeaways

Fish ‘n’ Chips Pierinos – Local fish andchip shop and delivery service. Delicious menuranging from fabulous Fish & Chips andsucculent Sausages to perfect Pizza andirresistible Pasta. Call 0131 477 7727 or orderonline at pierinos.readyforfood.com. 11 Bernard Street, Leith, EH6 6PW

Los Cardos – Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillasand Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilledmarinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slow-cooked pork. Vegetarian and vegan options also

available. Fresh made guacamole and choice offive salsas ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot.Delivery to EH3, EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8postcodes. 281 Leith Walk – 0131 555 6619 – www.loscardos.co.uk

Tea RoomsTea at 94 – invites you to experience adifferent kind of Tea room. Situated near theMeadows, at 94 Buccleuch Street, this modernTearoom supplies you with the sustenance youneed! From lovingly home baked treats to alarge choice of house teas and an ever changingselection of guest teas, not to mention freshlyground coffee, we’re sure you’ll find somethingyou like. We also have delicious breakfast andlunch menus, with everything made on thepremises. Open Mon-Saturday 8.30am to5.00pm; Sun 11.00am to 3.30pm. 94 Buccleuch St.

Wine Stores

Henderson Wines – Independent winemerchant. Wine ranges from £5 a bottle onoffer wines to £100 plus on fine clarets andchampagne. A good range of collectable MaltWhiskies up to £300 a bottle. 100+ beersavailable. Collectable spirits also. Homedelivery. 109 Comiston Rd – 0131 447 8580 and newshop now open at 23 Roseburn Terrace – 0131 337 4444.

Sideways Wine Store – Californian winespecialist. Over 150 wines and beers available.Free delivery in Edinburgh area. Buy direct fromwww.Bottleshock.co.uk. 70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh EH2 3DX – 0131 225 1233