Take Me I’mFree

February 2015Restaurant & Bar Reviews, Food, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Listings

www.bite-magazine.com Written by

locals!

v Your Independent, Local Guide to Eating and Drinking in Edinburgh

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29-33 dublin street, edinburgh eh3 6nl – tel: 0131 556 2231 www.stacpolly.com

Lunch served 12 noon - 2pm– At lunch times the brasserie serves a versatile menu

ranging from light bites such as sharing platters of meat, fi sh and vegetarian dishes to heartier meals of haggis, homemade pies and stews.

– Everything is made in the kitchen at Stac Polly, and as always the chefs use local and seasonal produce wherever possible.

– Please look online for full menu and call to book.

Scottish Restaurant, Brasserie, Wine & Gin Bar in Edinburgh’s New Town

La P’tite Folie, 9 Randolph Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7TETel: 0131 225 8678 Email: info@laptitefolie.co.uk

Open 12pm - 3pm / 6pm - 10pm (11pm Fri & Sat) / Closed Sun

La P'tite Folie or "� e Little Madness" o� ers contemporary French cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh's West End.

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Cooked up by Amy Brewer Mark EarlRachel Edwards Lea Harris Jean-Michel Gauffre The Go-BetweenThe Insider Nikki Welch Sharon WilsonJames Wrobel

Subbing by Leila Kean

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 2015 – 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.

In this issue

Front Cover Thanks to Mark Greenaway, Restaurant Mark Greenaway and Bistro Moderne. Photo Credit: Paul Johnston, Copper Mango

04 Salt ‘n’ Sauce

07 Review Yo! Sushi

09 Review Bistro Moderne

11 Ethical Eating Get Back To Your Roots!

12 Recipe One Square Duck Burger

15 Review Amicus Apple

16 Wine Henderson Wines

17 Wine of the Month Piccini Memoro

18 Our of Town Review Blackaddie House

20 Beer As Good As It Gets

21 Review Roseleaf

22 Languedoc Notebook La Fête du Mimosa

23 Cocktails NYC

24 Insider A Large Table and a Knife

25 Off the Trolley Vancouver

27 Healthy Eating with CNM Heart Health

28 What’s in Season Truffle Shuffle

29 Listings

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vv

Spit/Fire is the new bar restaurant on two fl oors from the people behind the Hanging Bat. A rotisserie features in the restaurant and you can get a whole chicken for £19.95. An impressive back bar and of course lots of luscious craft beer – 26b Dublin Street.

Panda & Sons are to open a new bar at 7-11 Hanover Street. Once upon a time the site of The Three Tuns, home of the original crisp sandwich as far as Bite is concerned but that’s another story. For more info about Panda – www.bite-magazine.com

Tapame Tapas Bar serves a fusion of Greek mezze and Spanish tapas which sounds a little offbeat until you realise that it is the old Favorit which always had excellent Med-inpsired small plates. Interesting Greek wines and Greek mojitos. 19-20 Teviot Place.

One Square is running The Square Deal this month which includes a gin and tonic, three courses and tea or coffee. Sample dishes include partan bree of crab & langoustine, cutlets of lamb and a Snickers mousse bombe with roast banana ice-cream to fi nish. £22 per head, valid until 28th February 2015, subject to availability. Advance bookings necessary. One Square, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR, 0131 221 6422, info@onesquareedinburgh.co.uk, www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk

Salt ‘n’ Sauce A sprinkling of newsy nibbles for February...4

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vv

The Black Fox is relatively new to Leith and describes itself thus “Craft beer, artisan coffee, foxy food and licentious libations. The wildest thing to hit Leith since Hurricane Bawbag”. – 17 Albert Place, Leith.

Congratulations to the French restaurant L’Escargot Bleu in Broughton Street which was awarded one AA Rosette last month. A rosette offi cially signifi es restaurants achieving high standards in their local area. L’Escargot Bleu is at 56 Broughton Street and has another branch L’Escargot Blanc at 17 Queensferry St.

Fraser Allan has been appointed executive chef of Galvin Brasserie de Luxe and The Pompadour by Galvin, both within the 5-star Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh. Fraser previously held the role of head chef at Brasserie de Luxe, from its opening in 2012 until 2014. Fraser’s appointment follows the departure of former executive chef Craig Sandle at the start of the year.

Pickles and Custard is the new incarnation at 116 Lothian Rd. It’s a café bistro bar with a lunch, dinner and cocktail menu, open 7 days.

The Vintage in Leith is undergoing a ‘re-invention’ – rumour has it – it will rise again as an Indian Street Food eatery with the involvement of Hardeep Singh Kohli. Due to open this month.

Yo! Sushi has opened a third branch in Edinburgh See review on page 7 and www.yosushi.com

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The fi rst rhubarb of the season has inspired Mark Greenaway to create Scotland’s most expensive dessert appearing at his eponymous restaurant for one week only.

His Rhubarb and Champagne Crumble will incorporate a white chocolate sphere fi lled with rhubarb parfait, Dom Pérignon jelly, edible 24ct gold leaf and Madagascan Bourbon vanilla beans. Each order of this dessert will be paired with a glass of Dom Pérignon. Mark’s Rhubarb and Champagne Crumble will be available for £30 from 7th-13th February on pre-order only. www.markgreenaway.com

Thursday 12th of March sees the return of the Comic Relief Wine Fair at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. For the uninitiated it’s a ticketed wine sampling event open to the public. With over 20 exhibitors, each pouring samples of their wares. It’s a fun night out, a great opportunity to try something a bit different. Tickets are £20 and available from the Assembly Rooms 7pm-9.30pm.

A Room in Leith restaurant has added some new twists to an already great menu based around fi ne Scottish produce – meat, game, seafood, fi sh and veggie options. Try the new ‘Surf and Turf’ – char-grilled Borders farmed sirloin steak with a Shetland king scallop and Loch Duart salmon skewer, fi sh stovies or fi sh pie. Like them on Facebook to get special promotion details.

Sadly the fi ne dining restaurant Mithas closed on Hogmanay and Isobar in Leith has also closed. Meanwhile Kitchin has extended into the former space that was Chop Chop.

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Review: Yo! Sushi Princes Street Food

Street food is trendy and tends to be meaty; think hot dogs, pulled pork, burgers and kebabs. Yo! Sushi however

established 1997, serves eighty Japanese-inspired dishes of fish, seafood and veg alongside some meat and is perhaps one of the original purveyors of ‘modern’ street food in the UK.

This new branch opened late 2014 (two others are at the airport and Harvey Nichols) has a ground floor kiosk for takeaway and a large seating area on the first floor. A trademark silver conveyor belt snakes alongside a full window that frames The Castle and The Mound. I suspect a seat for lunch will be hard to come by for much of the year.

There are free refills of green tea, sparkling

and still water and a button at your station for service. I say station because your seat has everything you need - water, napkins, chopsticks, jar of galangal, wasabi, soy, menu. No need to move.

The passing dishes are listed on the menu and all have an ‘eat by’ time on their plastic domed lid. Simply lift what you fancy and tuck in.

I start with a California ISO (inside out i.e. with the rice around the seaweed) - two crab stick and avocado mayo rolls coated in white and black sesame seeds (£3.40). Shreds of day glo crustacean belie its delicate flavour whilst jade avocado and the overall design is ultimate foodie eye candy. Next I have the same filling – crab and avocado - but this time in a crispy fish skin cone (£3.40).

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All menu items clearly list price and calories and I could write a whole essay on the nutritional benefi ts of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals inherent in this healthy fi nger food. Suffi ce to say if that is your bag you can eat comfortably at Yo!

Holkiado scallop katsu (£6); three wobbly breaded bivalves with crispy breadcrumb coating and citrus yuzu mayo again ticks the boxes, fresh and delicious. Fish and seafood is shipped from Norway by specialist ‘fi sh for sushi ‘supplier Joii. YO! Sushi make a point of never selling blue fi n tuna.

Next I lift salmon and yuzu salsa tatami (£4.30, 5 slices, 102 cals) comprising salmon, cucumber and cherry tomato salsa. The acidic tangy sauce cuts through the fl avourful sashimi and becomes my favourite dish so far. Kaiso salad

(£2.59) to fi nish – sesame- marinated Japanese seaweed, edame, carrot and su-miso. Note veggies are well catered for.

With an average spend of £15 per head Yo! Sushi is fun, healthy and affordable for most people. (S. Wilson)

Yo! Sushi– 1st Floor, 78 Princes Street EH2 2ER– 0131 341 2062– www.yosushi.com

Opening timesMon-Sat 11am to 10pmSun 11am to 9pm

Kiosk Opening timesMon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat/Sun 11am-8pm

Call 0131 555 6065, email hello@lacerise.biz, web lacerise.biz, fb lacerise cerise, tw laceriseleith

199 Great Junction Street, Leith Edinburgh EH6 5LQ

Now Open on Saturdays‘Drink tea, eat cake’ 6 days a week

New opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm. Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm

Specialists in wedding & celebration cakes

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Review: Bistro Moderne

If ever I felt that an injection of ‘cool’ was required into my world, it’s at this point, eight months into being a fi rst-time

mum. So, despite our un-hip 6pm Sunday booking, The Silver Fox and I arrived at Mark Greenaway’s ‘diffusion eatery’ Bistro Moderne with high hopes. Taking in the open plan kitchen, art deco panelling and marble, I enjoyed an apricot and ginger negroni as pre-supper tipple at the bar.

Service was friendly, recommendations came easily as did our respective choices. I’m going through a bit of a caulifl ower ‘thing’, so the cauli soup (£5) was for me, while Mr went for the honey-glazed ham hough with egg yolk, (£7). Mine was a silky, creamy velouté, for texture a sprinkling of caulifl ower caviar, crunchy croutons and a slick of aroma-giving truffl e oil served in a rustic stoneware bowl. The Fox’s dish was kind of a riff on breakfast, fl avourful shreds of sweet & salty meat, creamy yolk, a tangy zing from dots of piccalilli; pea shoots.

For mains, I called dibs on the last portion of venison haunch (£18), while the fella opted for grilled plaice with brown shrimps (£16).The most tender pink venison you could ask for, crisp game chips, delightful earthy tones from roasted celeriac and mushrooms, fruit contrast from pear. The dish had a balance between elegance and being a real seasonal winter winner. Mr’s dish too was a hit, brightly popping with colour. Delicate sweet white plaice fi llets, briny brown shrimp, puffed skin, watercress, sprout leaf petals, and a lemony yellow Café de Paris butter.

Two hours, a couple of glasses of vino and these classy dishes later, our sense of social

pariahdom was easing away. Time for dessert, naturally. My tarte Tatin was the only not quite perfect point, thin, crisp pastry, but not enough cook time for the apples and lacked enough syrup or caramelisation. The accompanying nutmeg ice cream was aromatic perfection, the mouthfeel like velvet. The Fox enthusiastically scooped his chocolate and peanut combo of which I sneaked a taste of Oreo-esque chocolate biscuit and the sticky banana parfait.

Bistro Moderne hit so many right notes in terms of fl avour, presentation and, yes that elusive ‘cool’, that I think we should be checking in on a much more regular basis.

(Leila Kean writes www.leilappetit.com)

Bistro Moderne– 15 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh EH3 6SX– 0131 225 4431– www.bistromoderne.co.uk

Opening times Wed-Sat Lunch 12-2:30pm; Dinner 5:30-10pmSunday 9am-9pm

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Bistro ProvenceLunch – 2 Courses £12.50, 3 Courses £16.00, Course & Coffee £9.50Dinner / A la Carte – 2 Courses £21.00, 3 Courses £26.00Also Menu Degustation • Awarded One Rosette

Opening HoursTuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00. Closed on Monday

88 Commercial St, Leith, EH6 6LX 0131 344 4295reservations@bistroprovence.co.uk

Getting ready for the rugby! DRINK...RUGBY...EAT...DRINK

Teuchters Bar William Street • Teuchters landing Dock Place Leith‘a room in the west end’ and ‘a room in leith’ Scottish bistros

www.aroomin.co.uk

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Ethical Eating: Get Back To Your Roots! Creating an edible Edinburgh

Scotland has always embraced the produce on its doorstep, so when foraging hit the mainstream last year it

was no surprise. And whilst it may have been championed by celebrity chefs, amateur cooks were picking up their wicker baskets and heading for the woods too.

But unlike supermarket shelves, no one restocks the forest fl oor. Warnings are issued each year as damage done to eco-systems leaves nothing for wildlife to eat. One solution would be to send over-enthusiastic foragers back to their own gardens or allotments. But many city-centre dwellers live in tenements, where it’s not possible to plant freely in a shared garden, while the waiting list for allotments in Edinburgh is up to nine years.

A good alternative to foraging is a movement called ‘edible gardens,’ already successful across London, Yorkshire and Bristol. Local volunteers work with councils to cultivate city-centre public spaces with edible plants. Train stations, hospitals and even graveyards are all eligible.

Anyone can help themselves to what’s grown, such as berries, lettuce and potatoes, and some return to share the jams and curries they’ve made from what they took. The gardens are also used for education: recognising the safe, edible parts of plants and teaching the principles of propagation.

In contrast, foraging is a solitary pursuit for personal gain. So perhaps it’s better left to the relatively small scale of restaurant menus - let’s use edible gardens to strengthen communities. For a younger generation who associate food

with mass-produced ready-meals there’s the opportunity to acquire new skills, most likely from an older generation in possession of knowledge they’re keen to share.

Edible gardens are easier to access than out-of-town forests or private land, so for the more marginalised elements of society they can provide a natural supplement to the tins of food banks. But any land must be nurtured if it’s continually to provide produce for everyone to enjoy, encouraging give as much as take.

The good news is, the concept has already taken off in Scotland. With the backing of Fife Council, EATS (Edible and Tasty Spaces) has been developed in Kirkcaldy. The Royal Botanic Gardens also run a demonstration garden with drop-in sessions to get people started and ‘Incredible Edible’ movements have been established in Dumfries and Dunbar. But there’s still much more to be done. So drop your wicker basket, grab your gardening gloves and get involved. (A. Brewer)

Kevi

n o

Kane

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Recipe: Duck Burger from Craig Hart of One Square

One Square launched an innovative menu last year following the appointment of Executive Chef, Craig Hart. The menu refl ects One Square’s commitment to providing modern, British cuisine such as this delicious duck burger, in statement surroundings.

Ingredients (Makes 3)

• 2 x Gressingham duck legs

• 500g x duck fat

• 30g x Maldon sea salt

• 1 x orange (zest)

• 2 x star anise

• ½ x cinnamon stick

• 1 x small shallot

• 20g x hoisin sauce

• 5ml x dark soy sauce

• 3 x cocktail gherkins

• Salt

• Cracked black pepper

• 1 x brioche burger bun (per person)

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Method

1. In a container, place the duck legs and cover with the salt, orange, star anise and cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.

2. Preheat an oven to 130oC

3. Gently warm the duck fat on a hob in an oven-proof pan or roasting tray, place the duck legs (including everything else from the container) in the fat. Cover with kitchen foil and place into the pre-heated oven for three and a half hours.

4. Carefully remove the pan or roasting tray, place on a heat resistant mat or board and allow cooling for at least an hour.

5. Remove the kitchen foil and then using a perforated spoon remove the duck legs and place on a drip tray.

6. Using latex gloves pull the meat from the bone and set aside, ensure you remove all small bones and gristle from the meat.

7. Meanwhile mix the soy and hoisin sauces together, fine dice the shallot and gherkins and add to the duck meat in a pan. Season to taste with a little salt and cracked black pepper. Heat up until all bound together.

8. Garnishes for the meat can include rocket on the burger bun and some pickled cucumber or onion. A fried duck egg, hand cut chips and onion rings on the side and a large pickled gherkin.

One Square – 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh – 0131 221 6422 – www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk

4 Course Meal with Welcome Drink, Poetry and Digestif Dram!

Cullen SkinkHaggis Bon BonsSalmon, Lamb or Macsween Haggis Main Course (Veg Option available) Cranachan

Please book via the Bite website at www.bite-magazine.com oremail contact@bite-magazine.com for full menu and more info.

Burns Night SupperSaturday 25th January • Stac Polly Gin Bar & Brasserie • 29-33 Dublin St

£32(includes service)

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2 COURSES • 1 BOTTLE OF WINE • 2 PEOPLE£15 PER PERSON

FOOD SERVEDMON - THU / SUN 12PM - 9PM

FRI & SAT 12PM - 10PM

BAR OPEN7 DAYS A WEEK

12PM - 1AM

17 Frederick St, New Town Edinburgh EH2 2EY • 0131 226 6055

212

NOW OPEN IN BRUNTSFIELD

INAA AWARD FOR BEST BARBERS IN SCOTLAND

136 Bruntsfi eld PlaceEH10 4ER0131 229 5566www.boombarbers.co.uk

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Review: Amicus Apple Fun with fl avours

This central all-purpose bar & restaurant, a go-to place for everyone from shoppers and brunchers to offi ce

groups and the weekend live music crew, appears to evolve effortlessly to suit changing tastes.

A visit last year by a fellow Bite reviewer focussed on the burger and meaty mains side of the menu but, knowing how seriously they take their cocktails (with an ex-Raconteur member in charge), Wee G and I were keen to see if a tricky holy grail – matching cocktails with food – could be achieved, so we aimed to team a range of their small plates with the same number of different cocktails (possibly even G’s own weight in them).

This turned out to be not quite the trial it might have been. On proposing a match clearly not quite made in heaven at the beginning, we were swiftly put on the right track by Chris, whose expert knowledge and enthusiasm for what both kitchen and bar are doing bubbled over to enhance our enjoyment of the meal once he saw our interest and took us under his wing.

Not just a burger-and-chips fi lling station around a bar, the menu is quirky and offers a tasty balanced choice for all palates. The chef surprised us with some interesting new textures and fl avours – honourable mention here to their braised squid, which was a wow ingredient with both of us, used in both scallop starter and prawn salad with horseradish air – and

to the crispy salty kale and seaweed pearls with sweet melty garlic adorning queen scallops. The lemongrass whole prawn fritters covered in crispy coconut ribbons were ace and outshone the otherwise perfectly nice if comparatively bland minced prawn rolls served with them, whose green chilli kick was barely there.

No strangers to the sous-vide, bar & chef scrap over kitchen time on this, the mixologists vacuum packing alcohol with fruit and fl owers to infuse fl avour into cocktail components, & ‘fat-washing’ ingredients such as peanut butter to capture fl avour essence without the sticky mouthfeel. Their house barrel-aged drinks such as their negroni have 2 weeks’ love & attention to detail spent producing something unique. This kind of effort and interest in a location where others simply might not bother to go the extra mile made us smile. (The Go-Between)

Amicus Apple– 17 Frederick St EH2 2EY– 0131 226 6055– www.amicusapple.com

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Wine: Henderson Wines Half full

David Henderson describes himself as one of the older members of the wine trade these days. He had been running

his independent shop in Morningside for fourteen years and has been in the trade for almost four decades after eschewing teaching for the lure of the libation.

The range of wines in his independent shop delights as does the personal service. He is always ready to suggest an interesting wine that will suit your needs and with supermarkets taking a battering at the moment he hopes off licenses will recoup some of the trade lost to them in recent times.

The shop lists over a thousand wines and David adds and subtracts to this list on a monthly basis. His philosophy is to offer quality and value wines at all price points whether you are spending £6 on Sauvignon Blanc or £100 on Champagne.

I had Valentine’s Day on my mind for this issue and chatted to him about what may interest our readers. Bearing in mind the new alcohol limits and the general trend towards drinking better but less we plumped for half bottles as our Valentine’s tipple suggestions.

I picked out the following:-

Muscadet Sevre et Maine Domaine des Dorices from old vines which give depth and complexity – a perfect

pairing for seafood, a tad out of fashion but still a superior wine nonetheless, organic (£6).

Malbec Domaine Bousquet, Mendoza Argentina, 2013. A bold red with dark fruit and spice it would complement a juicy steak or cheese, organic (£7).

Brown Brothers orange Muscat and Flora; sweet and rich this little beauty will go well with blue cheese or berry-based puds (£8.50).

The joy of half bottles is that you can try an expensive wine without feeling a blow to your budget. If in doubt ask David for advice. To add to the quirkiness of his small store he even has a piano and accordion and will play you a tune if you ask nicely.

Henderson Wines – 109 Comiston Rd, Edinburgh– 0131 447 85 80

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Wine of the Month: Piccini Memoro

There’s more to February than pink labels and bubbles. Yes, if you’re

feeling loved up you might splash out on a bottle of fizz to celebrate, or if you’re not you might share a bottle of prosecco with your pals to rejoice not having the burden of a relationship to worry about. But don’t be sucked in by fancy boxes and gift packs, the wine is often very average and frankly, life is too short to drink substandard wine just to say ‘I love you’. However, if anyone wants to buy me a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rose under the guise of romance, I would not be turning my nose up at it!

Instead of going down the Valentine’s route, my February wine of the month is a silky Italian red.

Piccini Memoro

This wine has dual functionality, it is smooth and rich enough to be a winter wine, and light enough to feel like the green shoots of spring. Which makes it perfect for snuggling up on the sofa or in front of a fire on a dull, wet day. Equally, it is the perfect wine to celebrate longer, brighter days and is an excellent match to more spring-like food.

The Piccini family are well known in the Tuscany region as being great hosts of a good party, their love of life shining through in their

wines (they make a great Prosecco and Chiantis as well) and this wine says it all. Here they’ve blended traditional grapes of the North and South to create a wine that has enough body to warm you up, a good tang of acidity to wake you up and soft, smooth tannins which help it slip down easily. The flavours are generous; ripe, dark fruits (the influence of the south) – plum, almost black cherries with some bramble that adds the tang and dark chocolate on the finish. It’s the kind of wine you could just while away an evening sipping and swirling.

That said it would be great with braised meat dishes, particularly stews with a nod to warmer climates, like tagines and slow cooked, spiced lamb shoulder. The soft tannins mean that any spice isn’t too exaggerated and those ripe flavours would respond well to the use of

almonds or fruit in the dish.

Available in Tesco and Morrisons £8.99

Visit winetubemap.co.uk for more wine information, recommendations and events.

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Out of Town Review: Blackaddie House

Snow was falling as we approached the traditional stone 17th century house. The rolling hills of Dumfrieshire were

blanketed white and the River Nith bubbled in the background. Scotland in winter is truly stunning and what better way to enjoy it than by eating well and cosying up in front of a real fi re with a dram. All this is on offer at Blackaddie House.

From the fi rst bite of homemade shortbread we knew we were onto a winner. Ian and Jane McAndrew have an impressive history of cheffi ng and housekeeping respectively that has culminated in this present venture of several years.

We were here to sample the £55 Fine Dining menu and it transpired that attention to detail, skill, experience and good produce would defi ne our ‘gourmet break’.

All the food was homemade and for dinner we started with a delicate onion bhaji canapé, a shot of sparkly gazpacho and good bread. An ‘appetizer’ of rich spinach and parsley risotto with a molten chicken wing and crisp well-seasoned onion ring followed.

There are no shortcuts to kitchen experience and this is evident in Ian’s food. The stock giving depth to Mr Bite’s fricassee of mussels, prawns and shrimps with leeks and caviar, my pristine silky caulifl ower pannacotta and then a savoury fennel ice cream, a perfect cheffy palate cleanser. The foie gras sauce for my cod and the sticky deep jus on Mr Bite’s beef; sauces, stocks and skill applied to good produce elevate ‘food’ to cuisine.

I was personally delighted with the crisp roasted baby gem that accompanied my main course of cod. Lettuce has been eschewed for

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trendier leaves in Britain but turn to a good French or Italian cookbook and you will fi nd an abundance of recipes. Ditto parsley which Ian also used – the tightly curled kind.

Pudding was a spectacular thick creamy lemon posset with cinnamon doughnut, cool sweet coconut sorbet in lacy brandy snap plus a shot of homemade lemonade for me. A Scottish cheese board with sublime candied walnuts for Mr Bite plus homemade biscuits and chutney. We had to turn down petit fours and plead forgiveness.

Freshly squeezed orange juice, local free range eggs and smoked salmon (Marrbury Smokehosue) kept the end well up at breakfast. No perfunctory shortcuts and chef was back in the kitchen. Maybe he had slept in one of the hotel beds, I certainly had one of my best ever sleeps and woke up to that winter white view.

Dumfries and Galloway is a precious and beautiful part of Scotland and well worth the hour’s drive from Edinburgh. To boast a chef of Ian McAndrews’s standard is gilding the lily. He was one of the youngest chefs back in the day to receive a Michelin star and currently boasts two rosettes. Suffi ce to say anyone in the know rates him highly and he is name checked amongst Britain’s top chefs.

Don’t expect a snob though, he is one of those jovial down to earth types that simply loves feeding you good food. (S. Wilson)

Blackaddie House– Sanquhar– Dumfriesshire DG4 6JJ– 01659 50270– www.blackaddiehotel.co.uk

C-shack, by Port of Siam, is now open and located at Newhaven Harbour our new seafood restaurant offers an ever-changing daily menu, presenting contemporary dishes from the fi nest that the Fish Markets have to offer. This is supported by our regular menus which have a range of fresh fi sh and seafood, the best in burgers, made from 35-day dry-aged, farm-sourced rump steak and a refreshingly different range of vegetarian dishes. Check our website for more details – www.cshack.co.uk.

We look forward to seeing you at Newhaven soon 3 Pier Pl, Edinburgh, UK EH6 4LP • 0131 467 8628 • info@cshack.co.uk • www.cshack.co.uk

Opening Hours – Closed Monday • Tues & Wed 6pm-10pm (kitchen closes 9.30pm)Thurs & Fri 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm, (kitchen closes 9.30pm)Sat 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm (kitchen close 9.30pm) • Sun 12.30 pm - 8pm (kitchen close 7.30pm)

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Beer: As Good As It Gets

As you’ve probably noticed, the brewing industry continues to expand at an unprecedented rate. This growth has

led to shortages of raw materials as demand for certain hop-varieties goes through the roof. Droughts in California have led to fears that the spiritual home of US brewing may run out of water, but there is one more essential brewing ingredient on the brink of exhaustion: the superlative.

With some notable exceptions (pilsner, hefeweiss, Belgian quad) whose peaks have all been conquered a long time ago*, it seems barely a week goes by without me supping on a new beer of groundbreaking brilliance; another aggressively hopped Double IPA, another deeply intense imperial stout, another mouth-puckering sour with a wacky ingredient. To be honest, they all tend to blend into one lovely beery blur.

Truly memorable beers have nothing to do with quality, it’s the people, places and circumstances which sears them into your personal drinking history. There are a few beers that I’ve had that have proven truly unforgettable. My twelve year old self, on holiday in Canada experiencing the delights of Labbat’s Blue, or a few years later knocking back halfs of John Smith’s at Romford dog

track instead of revising for my A-levels.

Certainly, nostalgia has been kind to the memory of these beers, imbuing them with a quality they no doubt lack in reality, but sometimes a drinking experience can achieve an undeniable perfection.

Fifteen years ago, I saw the millennium in, up Calton Hill with a magnum of La Chouffe & a

bottle of port. This was an epic event, with an awesome beer that added to the bacchanalian atmosphere.

On the quieter side I cherish the memory of an afternoon wasted in the Golden Lion (Prague’s legendary drinking den) as my wife tried to teach me cribbage, the vigilant staff, unprompted, brought us repeated pints of Pilsner

Urquell poured to perfection & the pub slowly fi lled up with triumphant marathon runners.

No doubt, you have your own examples and I’m sure you understand me when I say that although a beer may be technically beyond reproach, doesn’t mean it can ever reach the heights of the perfect drink, at the perfect moment in time. (J. Wrobel)

*In my opinion (and the opinion of all sane people) Budvar, Weihenstephaner, Rochefort 10

Truly memorable beers have nothing to do with quality, it’s the people, places and circumstances which sears them into your personal drinking history

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Review: Roseleaf Bloomin’ good.

This bar café established roots in Leith several years ago and has

continued to blossom. Mr Bite and I visited on a Monday night in January during the cold snap and it was a wee haven. The spotify soundtrack, friendly staff and spicy Malbec all helped.

The food is seasonal and home-made, there are always specials and the plan is to continually tweak the menu. The new cook is from Catalan and so we had to start with the chicken croquettes from the teatime menu served 5pm-10pm. Three large ‘zeppelins’ were plenty for two to share. The chicken to potato ratio was good and the coating crisp and fresh. A hint of smoke and spice came courtesy of a clever chipotle mayo. Mr Bite commented however, that a little more oomph from the mayo or perhaps the addition of another fl avour such as tarragon would have improved them further.

Main course was the ‘perfect pork’ for Mr B aka slices of crispy pork belly on Puy lentils, chorizo and a rich tomato stew (£12.95). The meat was delicious and plentiful as was the stew; a hearty plate of food. I had the barry beetroot burger (8.95) in an attempt to be healthy. Unfortunately the burger came with a large portion of double dip chips. Home made form Red Roosters they were ridiculously good and I polished off the lot. I am a big fan of tzatziki as an alternative to mayo but this one needed more kick, ditto Mr Bite’s stew needed a tad more fl avour.

A tussle ensued over the shared dessert – white chocolate and walnut Belgian brownie with dark chocolate ice cream (£5.50) which was a perfectly good sweet end to a lovely relaxed Monday evening.

You are very unlikely to be disappointed by a trip to Roseleaf. If you haven’t

been the décor is as a previous Bite reviewer put it “reminiscent of your Gran’s front room’, chintz and curios abound and ‘pot-tails; i.e. cocktails in teapots are Roseleaf’s signature thing. The staff are always lovely and you can have anything from a carrot and apple juice and eggs in the morning to the teatime stick to the ribs comfort food that we indulged in. No review is complete without a wee crit though and we think every dish we ate needed a wee bit more of a fl avour kick.

Roseleaf takes inspiration from Leith and this is why it has succeeded in the previously barren spot of Sandport Place. Johnny and Lynn the owners have listened to and provided what local people want. The result is this unique bar café – long may it bloom. (S. Wilson)

Roseleaf Bar and Café– 23/24 Sandport Place, Edinburgh EH6 6EW– 0131 476 5268– info@roseleaf.co.uk – www.roseleaf.co.uk

Opening times10am until 1am 7 Days. Food served 10am to 10pm (last orders 9:45pm)

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Languedoc Notebook: La Fête du Mimosa

While February is not my favourite month of the calendar especially on a damp, windy and grey Tuesday in

Edinburgh, I am looking forward to my yearly trip home to catch up with family and friends and enjoy some winter sunshine in Languedoc.

The festive period is now a vague souvenir, the headache refurbishment of the cellar and store room, now forgotten and paid for, the staff are settled again and the show is well and truly back on the road.

I only have a few days left to think about the Valentine’s Day menu and the fi rst Six Nations Rugby international against Wales on the 15th; a good start for the boys in blue...saltire blue of course!

Whilst in the Languedoc I will take the opportunity to visit a few vineyards I want to add up to my “must see” for the next wine tour in April but the highlight of the trip will be the day at Roquebrun for ‘La Fête du Mimosa’.

Roquebrun is a small village near Bedarieux on the river Orb, that is blessed with a warm micro-climate and every year in February they celebrate the mimosa. This beautiful yellow fl ower heralds spring and on the 8th of February the whole village will come to life for the annual event.

The day starts with a singing mass and the blessing of the mimosa. Then decorated fl oats, folk music bands and children dressed in costumes make their way through the village streets packed with market stalls offering local specialities such as honey, fl owers, chestnuts, oranges, lemons and charcuterie.

I like a trip to the “Jardin Mediterranean” on the village’s hills after a good lunch in one of the local restaurants, and a tasting of the local wines...we are in the heart of the St Chinian appellation after all!

Who knows I may discover a new wine from Berlou to enhance my wine list at La Garrigue and if this fails will you settle for a bunch of mimosas?

À bientôt, J-M

Jean-Michel Gauffre runs La Garrigue French Restaurant at 3 Jeffrey Street

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Cocktails: NYC It may just be the Death of me

I didn’t think I’d love New York City. I tend to favour small, laid back

cities – cities like our own Edinburgh, or Venice, or Amsterdam. Cities where there’s less hustle, less people, less noise but still some great quality bars and restaurants. Apart from that last point you can’t say that really defi nes New York.

And yet there she is, my secret love, my very own paradox. The boldest, brashest, loudest city I have visited. I should have hated her. And yet...

Perhaps my fi xation is best explained by our meeting with the Grim Reaper and his Friends. D and I had just eaten dinner at a wonderful restaurant called Saxon and Parole which itself was worthy of a great review. We decided to walk the few blocks (I’m even using the vernacular!) to a cocktail bar I’d heard about, and, given, it was a Tuesday night I thought there would be no problem getting in. I hadn’t counted on meeting Death’s bolshie wee brother, Dave the Doorman. Dave doesn’t even drink cocktails.

Anyway after fi ve minutes of pleading with Dave, during which he even suggested we try one of the local bars and he would call us when he had a table, he decided there were seats inside and proceeded to sit us at the bar. It was at his point I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. If I could create my perfect cocktail bar, Death and Company would absolutely be my blueprint.

Small, dimly lit, decorated mainly in warm woods with a marble bar and an ambient noise level that means you can actually talk to your companion. The strict door policy means it’s not crowded and that the bar staff are attentive. And

then there’s the best reason for visiting – the drinks. Made from a great selection of spirits, liqueurs, vermouths and bitters, the cocktails are some of the best I’ve ever drunk. Of the six we had (we were only going to have one each, honest) I would particularly recommend the Dead Ringer ($15), a wonderfully complex rum based sipper and the Trampoline ($15) a more mature gin-based cocktail than its ingredients would suggest.

Death and Company is the kind of place every city needs, particularly one like New York. A hidden refuge from the outside world where you can indulge your senses without them being overwhelmed. It’s these kind of places that made me fall in love with New York. (M. Earl)

Death & Co– 433 East 6th Street, Lower East Side, NYC – www.deathandcompany.com

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Insider: A Large Table and a Knife

It was the strangest event of the year. In an old ambulance depot off Leith Walk the artist Kevin Harman had created an

installation based on a 19th Century Absinthe Bar. Inside, a strange multi-spouted brass contraption dripped absinthe slowly over sugar cubes into three antique glasses. The candlelight made everyone’s face seem coloured by the buttercups we put under our chins as children. The occasional plump, ruby red cushion and dark oak furnishings gave the whole the feel of a Caravaggio painting come to life. Finally, in the centre, stood a sturdy table a large knife and some hooks with half a cow hanging from them.

In a bravura performance Kevin Harman’s father (a butcher to trade) gave an accomplished display of knifework and sleight of hand. Rendering the beast down into recognisable roasts, steaks and choice cuts in less than half an hour. The while discoursing poignantly on the dying art of (public) butchery and taking questions from the audience with good humour and insightful tips. When he finished, in the flickering yellow light, everyone seemed awestruck. Hushed.

It was a simple conceit contrived by the Harmans to point out that the craft of butchery has been taken behind the scenes

into soulless factories. In your local butcher’s shop everything will be laid out in neatly ordered rows behind the glass counter – no knifework will take place front of house. This applies in restaurants too, these days most chefs order their meat pre-packed and portioned.

In my first hotel job there was a slaughter house at the bottom of the road (the butchers used to come into the bar for a lunchtime beer in bloodied overalls, knives sheathed in leather belts) and we’d get a whole sheep/lamb one week and half a cow the next. It was my favourite day. The head chef would make a rare appearance from his smoke fuddled office, with its shelf buckling under the weight of bottles of wine and spirits for cooking which, under strict instruction from him, were “under no account to be used for cooking.” And he would be briefly happy. His eyes would beam as he directed me to “follow the bone, fleece the carcass; on no account leave any meat behind.”

I thought of him the other day when I bought a large duck from Lidl for £6. I got 8 starters and 6 main courses from it, which would have realised about £130 in a mid-priced restaurant. Chefs…Ordering pre-portioned meat is a false economy.

These days most chefs order their meat in pre-packed and portioned

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Off The Trolley: Vancouver

When the deadline for this month’s Bite article fell the day after I fl ew back from the west coast of

Canada, I wasn’t too concerned. In the past, these trips home have fi lled columns with visions of new food trends heading our way. From bubble tea to gourmet donuts to maple bacon combos, my old country has often sign-posted the way of tastes to come. I already had a few ideas of things I wanted to try – Korean ice canes, maybe (google them – but possibly not at work). Or an emerging trend of serving everything on a waffl e – would I fi nd a combo more bizarre than fried chicken and syrup? With two nights in Vancouver, I headed straight to the Granville Island Public Market to get stuck in to my research.

The heaving market had a typically west coast slant to it. A stall with gluten free, vegan chocolates met me as I walked in. Organic fruit stands lined up next to local honey, German sausages next to French pastries. The market resounded with quality, international produce.

And then, peering through a queue of people snaked round the butcher’s counter, I saw a sign. Scottish white pudding for sale, by the kilo. Really? Here? I moved on to the fi sh stand. Packs of Scottish salmon were proudly displayed along the local Coho catches. At the cheese stall, several Scottish names popped out at me. What were they doing almost 8000km from home?

There has always been a Scottish infl uence in my part of Canada. You can readily fi nd Tunnocks teacakes and Irn Bru in the British specialty shops. Until recently, not one

but two Scottish butchers operated in my hometown, keeping the local ex-pats in haggis and black pudding. Walkers shortbread abounds. But there seems to have been a shift since my last trip back. This was different. From gourmet oatcakes to Innis & Gunn beers, Scottish ingredients were everywhere - and not just in the specialty shops.

I went to Vancouver expecting to fi nd a taste of what was to come. What I found was a taste of home. 2015 is the Scottish Year of Food and Drink, when the Scottish Government plans to show to the world the quality of Scottish food and drink. If Vancouver is anything to go by, it’s a trend that’s already caught on. (R. Edwards)

Would I fi nd a combo more bizarre than fried chicken and syrup?

"Granville Island Public Market" by Ben Franske – Own work. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons

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COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Turn your passion for Nutrition into a career!

Become a Nutritional Therapist

Find out more at one of our free-to-attend Open Evenings in Edinburgh. Next dates: Tuesday 3rd February and Tuesday 3rd March, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Reserve your place for either event on line at: www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505

CNM

Find out more at one of our free-to-attend Open Evenings in Edinburgh.

through part-time study in Edinburgh with CNM, the UK’s leading training provider in natural health

T R A I N I N G S U C C E S S F U L P R A C T I T I O N E R S

bite feb 2015.indd 26 29/01/2015 21:44

February is all about affairs of the heart, so what can you do to protect yours by managing blood pressure and

cholesterol and keeping blood vessels clear?

What to eat? As well as regular exercise, avoiding smoking and managing stress, nutrition is a powerful and pleasurable place to start making changes to support your heart health.

Avoid fried foods, alcohol and sugar, but focus on what you can enjoy and have a varied diet. Think fresh and colourful, not processed. Eat a diet rich in legumes like peas, beans and lentils as well as whole grains such as rye, oat, brown rice. This can provide nutrients such as fibre and B vitamins to help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots. Try Rutin-rich buckwheat, which can strengthen arterial walls.

Include vegetables like celery, beetroot, green leafy veg, horseradish and onions. These contain nutrients which can help lower blood pressure and regulate the heartbeat.

Remember the good fats: nuts, seeds, avocado and oily fish like wild salmon, anchovies and sardines, are a great source of Omega 3, which can help protect your entire cardiovascular system.

Finally, drink up to eight glasses of water a day to help regulate blood pressure.

Seasonal Tip In season throughout winter, not only is mackerel very affordable, but it is high in Omega 3. Make a tasty mackerel paté by mixing a fillet with some ground brazil, almond, walnut and cashew nuts, horseradish, some lemon juice and a bunch of finely chopped parsley. Serve with some oatcakes as an alternative to sandwiches at lunchtime.

Healthy Eating with CNM:

Heart Health

You can find out more about training with CNM for a career in Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy by attending one of CNM’s free-to-attend Open Evenings in Edinburgh. Next dates: Tuesday 3rd February, and Tuesday 3rd March, 6.30pm-8.30pm. For more details or to reserve your place visit www.naturopathy-uk.com or call 01342 410 505.

By Nutritional Therapist Roisin Cooke, lecturer at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) in Edinburgh.

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Spaghetti with Truffle (Serves 2)

Ingredients6oz dried spaghetti Large knob of butter12oz chestnut mushrooms, sliced½ pt double cream I small clove garlic, crushedSalt and pepper1 truffle (optional)

Method• Cook pasta as per

instructions on packet.• While that’s cooking, melt

butter in a large pan, add the mushrooms. Stir until they are cooked, then add the garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

• Swirl in the cream and let it bubble for a few minutes.

• Drain pasta and add to the mushroom sauce; toss.

Serve with either thinly sliced truffle or grate it like parmesan.

My office is my kitchen and, as I type, there is an alluring scent of truffle seducing my nose. Up until January, I didn’t know that there were so many different varieties

of this distinctive tuber. Yes, it’s a tuber, fungi not a mushroom. There are 63 species of truffle worldwide that have been classified. Italy boasts 25, but only nine are edible and a mere six are widely available on the market.

The purveyor of my little bundle of black gold is Bonny Vita and owner Francesco Loretucci, whose family has been truffle hunters in Umbria for generations.

The varieties available this month are the prestigious Norcia black truffle (Dec-Mar); black trifola (Dec-Mar) not overly pungent; bianchetto (Jan-Apr) otherwise known as the white spring truffle and finally the moscato (Dec-Mar). There are others that appear during the rest of the year.

Truffle has an affinity with eggs so store them together for couple of days; the yolk will take on a delicate scent. It also works beautifully with blue cheese, garlic and mushrooms of course. I might even make the classic Tournedos Rossini – fillet steak, foie gras and of course truffle for the 14th. Truffles ain’t cheap but as it’s heading towards Valentine’s Day, a wee extravagance for me and the Husband would be nice. This heady, pungent, indulgent treat is preferred to a card, chocolates and flowers or in his case a bottle of something peaty, tarry and smoky. On the other hand, if you are feeling flush, head to Norcia in the Umbrian mountains for The Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero di Norcia held on the last two weekends of February.

Hmmm…thinking about it, I have a sneaking suspicion the Husband would actually prefer a bottle of single malt! Och well!

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

What else is in my basket?Guinea fowl, partridge, hare, spring greens, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, lobster, mussels, halibut, rhubarb, blood oranges.

What’s in Season:

Truffle Shuffle28

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Restaurants

Bistros and Brasseries

Apiary – New addition to the growing Newington dining scene, Apiary is the bigger version of Three Birds already creating a buzz about town. In an old bank building, the space is large and airy with seating for up to 60 in intimate booths or bigger groups. Lunch, dinner, pre-theatre, weekend brunch and even Tunnocks & coffee are the bill of fare, served by knowledgeable, smiley staff...open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm/5.30pm-10pm, sat+sun 11am-4pm/5pm-10pm. 33 Newington Road, Edinburgh EH9 1QR – 0131 668 4999 – www.apiaryrestaurant.co.uk

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

Bread Street Brasserie – Fresh. Seasonal. Scottish. City Centre dining in our elegant, welcoming brasserie. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Lunch and early evening menu £9.95 for 2 courses, £12.95 for 3 courses. – 34 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AF – restaurant@DoubleTreeEdinburghCity.co.uk – 0131 221 5558

The Edinburgh Larder Bistro – Inspired by local ingredients, The Edinburgh Larder Bistro serves the best of Scotland’s landscape on a plate. Tucked away downstairs on the corner of Alva and Queensferry Street the Bistro is a hidden gem with cosy dining rooms that blend beautiful old and modern décor. Proud to work closely with suppliers who treat Scotland’s wild, natural resources with

honour they offer a uniquely Scottish experience that doesn’t stop at the food. The menu also offers a range of Scottish gin, malt whiskies, local beers and artisan roasted coffees. Their bakery launched in December 2013 and is open from 11am-5pm Tue-Sat serving a beautiful range of cakes and artisan breads. The bistro is open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday & Monday) with lunch served between 12pm-2.30 and dinner from 5.30-10pm. 1a Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH – 0131 225 4599 – www.edinburghlarder.co.uk

The Shore – Next to the famous Fishers restaurant on The Shore sits this classic bistro from the same owners with wood panelling, huge mirrors, open fires and hearty satisfying food. The food is a creative mix of classic British dishes with a modern European twist. Set lunch Mon-Fri, 2 courses £13, 3 courses £16. Bar snack menu also available all day. Live folk and jazz musicians entertain customers in the bar on Tuesdays and Sundays. Open everyday from noon-late. 3 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW – 0131 553 5080 – www.fishersrestaurantgroup.co.uk

The Olive Branch – With its large windows and relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing brunch, lunch or dinner in the company of friends or family, with children under 14 welcome until 8pm. Using the best local produce, we aim to provide inventive seasonal dishes with a Mediterranean feel, as well as classic comfort food. Open Mon to Fri 11.45 to 10pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 10pm. 91 Broughton Street, EH1 3RX – 0131 557 8589 – www.theolivebranchscotland.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

Listings

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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

Three Birds Restaurant – A firm neighbourhood favourite in Bruntsfield, 3Birds is a pocket-rocket of a restaurant. Small, cosy and busy, menus change every 3 months and daily specials add more choice. Famous for sharing platters and great wine pricing, a warm welcome always awaits...open Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm/6-10pm, sat-sun 12pm-4pm/5pm-10pm. 3-5 Viewforth, Edinburgh EH10 4JD – 0131 229 3252 – www.threebirds.co.uk

Burgers

Burger Meats Bun – If you want a burger that’ll blow your box you’re in the right place. At Burger Meats Bun we are dedicated to producing the tastiest burgers, using only the best quality ingredients, served to you with a huge smile (and on a brioche bun) from our Edinburgh kitchen. 1 Forth Street, EH1 3JX Edinburgh – 0131 556 7023

British (Modern)

One Square – A vibrant restaurant and bar, serving an inventive range of dishes by Executive Chef, Craig Hart. As well as the extensive à la carte menu, highlights include views of Edinburgh Castle, Dining at the Pass in the heart of the kitchen, and interactive gin tastings in homage to the fifty plus varieties of premium gin. 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR – 0131 221 6422 – www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk

Purslane – It’s all about the produce at this bijou restaurant in Edinburgh’s boho neighbourhood of Stockbridge. Fresh local seasonal ingredients are

the foundation upon which Chef Paul Gunning creates stunning dishes. He uses a mix of old and new techniques with a nod to worldwide influences and the result is top notch dining but in a casual unbuttoned ambience. 33a St. Stephen Street Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AH – 0131 226 3500 – www.purslanerestaurant.co.uk – Open for lunch & dinner Tues-Sat 12 noon-2pm and 6.30pm-11.30pm.

Californian

Calistoga – 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

C Shack – Seafood, Burgers and Bières at Newhaven Harbour. Changing daily menu presenting contemporary dishes from the finest that the Fish Markets have to offer. Regular menus off a range of fresh fish and seafood, the best in burgers, made from 35-day dry-aged, farm-sourced rump steak and a refreshingly different range of vegetarian dishes. Check our website for more details 3 Pier Pl, Edinburgh, UK EH6 4LP • 0131 467 8628 • info@cshack.co.uk • www.cshack.co.uk • Opening Hours – Closed Monday • Tues & Wed 6pm-10pm (kitchen closes 9.30pm) Thurs & Fri 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm, (kitchen closes 9.30pm) Sat 12pm - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm (kitchen close 9.30pm) • Sun 12.30 pm - 8pm (kitchen close 7.30pm)

Fishers in the City – A spacious and stylish space – the epitome of a classic city centre eatery.

30

Listings

bite feb 2015.indd 30 29/01/2015 21:45

Set in a converted warehouse on cobbled Thistle Street the contemporary surroundings offer the perfect venue for a casual lunch or intimate night out. A fi rm favourite with locals and visitors for fabulous Scottish seafood. Set lunch & pre-theatre menu, 2 courses £13, 3 courses £16, everyday 12 noon-6pm. Open everyday from 12 noon-late. 58 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN – 0131 225 5109 – www.fi shersrestaurantgroup.co.uk

Fishers in Leith – has been the last word in Edinburgh’s fi nest casual dining for 21 years. The original Fishers is nestled on the historic shore of Leith. Set in a 17th century watchtower it has two beautiful dining areas, the round room and bar and the restaurant as well as outside dining. All offer great atmosphere and, of course, fabulous Scottish seafood – Set lunch & pre-theatre menu, 2 courses £13, 3 courses £16. Open everyday from 12 noon-late. 1 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW – 0131 554 5666 – www.fi shersrestaurantgroup.co.uk

French

Bistro Provence – Patron Michael Fons and the team bring the taste of Le Midi to Edinburgh. Taste typical Provencal dishes and wines in this friendly relaxed bistro. The menu changes seasonally and there is a degustation menu every Saturday night. Open Tues-Sun 12 noon-10pm. 88 Commercial Street, Leith – 0131 344 4295 – www.bistroprovence.co.uk

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 fi rm 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 867861 Frederick Street – 0131 225 7983

L’Escargot Blanc – fi rst fl oor 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, Sheltland lamb Navarin or Cassoulet, Îles Flottantes and Tarte Tatin. Provenance is paramount here and expect to fi nd imported goods from well reputed producers only. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Fri & Sat 12 noon-3pm and 5.30pm-10pm. 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 this passion for excellence. Producers of Scotland for 1st class quality meat, fresh water fi sh, handpicked fruits and vegetables whilst his partner Betty will proudly serve 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 noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Fi & 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

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Listings

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Italian

Mia – simple, cosy and welcoming. Serving delicious food, fi ne wines and fresh Italian coffee. 2 course lunch £7.50 with a dessert and glass of wine £9.50 (Mon-Fri), £8.50 & £10.50 (Sat), 2 course dinner £14.95 & £16.95 (Sat). A La Carte available daily from 10am-late.– 96 Dalry Rd, EH11 2AX – 0131 629 1750 – www.mia-restaurant.co.uk

Kurdish / Middle Eastern

Hanams –Authentic cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh 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 extensive Dry Bar and shish balcony (blankets provided!). Open 7 Days. 3 Johnston Terrace, EH1 2PW – 0131 225 1329 – www.hamans.com

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

Mediterranean

Laila’s Mediterranean Bistro and Takeaway – Middle Eastern and Mediterranean favourites – fresh salads, paninis, wraps, and mezze style light meals. Breakfast from 8am daily, specialty coffees and teas and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cakes and pastries throughout the day. Laila’s transforms into a warm and cosy bistro in the evening with olive tree inspired decor, hanging lanterns, comfy seating,

delicious dinner menu, BYOB and free corkage. 63 Cockburn Street, EH1 1BS – 0131 237 2448 – www.lailas-bistro.co.uk – lailas-bistro@hotmail.com

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 fi ve 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

Modern European

Credo – Relaxed, casual dining at a very reasonable price. Start with the MAT (mezze, antipasti, tapas) for sharing, followed by a choice of main courses and an assiette of desserts or cheeseboard to follow. £15 for 3 courses/£11.50 for 2! Also informal lunch, brunch at weekends. Mezzanine area for parties – 46 Queen Charlotte Street, Leith, EH6 7EX – 0131 629 1411 – credorestaurant@outlook.com – www.credorestaurant.co.uk

Scottish

Field – This restaurant as its name suggests loves ‘fi eld-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 and 3 courses, £14.95 until 18:45pm, à la carte all day. 41 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DB – 0131 667 7010 – www.fi eldrestaurant.co.uk – Sittings: Tue-Sun 12 noon-2pm and 5.30pm-9pm.

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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 11am-5pm; Restaurant: lunch – Mon-Fri 12 noon-3pm, Sat & Sun 12 noon-3.30pm, dinner, Tues-Sat 6pm-10pm. forthfloor.reservations@harveynichols.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, 1a Dock Place, EH6 6LU – 0131 554 7427 – www.aroomin.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 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; pre-theatre 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

Tapa – With its white-washed, high vaulted walls, one adorned with a stunning floor to ceiling antique bull fighting poster and the others with vintage Spanish movie posters, a visit to Tapa is instantly evocative of the Iberian Peninsula. Working with Artisanal Spanish produce, Head Chef Paco Martin Romano has not only created a menu of inventive, distinctive tapas dishes but has also given serious consideration to those with specific dietary requirements – e.g nearly a third of the menu is dedicated to vegetarians! New: La Terraza de Tapa, Tapa has just opened and is a large, al fresco dining space that is a brilliant sun trap from 2pm- 8pm!

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19 Shore Place, Edinburgh EH6 6SW – 0131 476 6776 – tapa@tapaedinburgh.co.uk – www.tapaedinburgh.co.uk

Bars and Bar Food

Amicus Apple – stylish bar in the city centre with great food and drink selection. The former includes smaller sharing plates, sandwiches, burgers, classic pub standards, and more substantial Scottish meals. Excellent cocktail, wine, draught beer, cider and outside seating. Reservations@amicusapple.com – 17 Frederick Street – 0131 226 6055 – www.amicusapple.com

The Abbotsford – City’s fi nest ‘island bar’. Est. 1902 specialising in Scottish real ales (6) and malt whiskies. Food served all day in the bar. Lunch & dinner in the Restaurant ‘Above’. 3-5 Rose Street, EH2 2PR – 0131 225 5276 – www.theabbotsford.com– theabbotsford@dmstewart.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 Elderfl ower 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 Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pm- midnight. 229 Leith Walk – 0131 553 5900

The Canon’s Gait Craft Beer Bar and Kitchen – 6 Traditional real ale taps serving a constantly changing range of Scottish real ales from the country’s best craft brewers plus a further 3 regular and 2 guest craft keg beers and craft bottled

beers. Freshly prepared, locally sourced menu is served 12 noon - 9pm. Music and Quiz nights from Tuesday to Saturday plus special events such as Food & Beer pairing and Meet the Brewer evenings.Cellar bar for hire. Located in Edinburgh’s historic High Street. 232 Canongate, High Street, EH8 8DQ – 0131 556 4481 – www.gait.bar– canonsgait@dmstewart.com

The Cumberland Bar – Spacious New Town local, lots of rooms and beer garden. Eight real ales on tap. Plus good wine list. Food all day. Sunday Roasts (till 6.00pm). 1 Cumberland Street EH3 6RT – 0131 558 3134 – www.cumberlandbar.co.uk– cumberland@dmstewart.com

Element – Tucked away amongst the boutiques of Rose Street, Element has long established itself as the perfect place to eat & drink right in the heart of the city. You always receive a genuinely friendly welcome in the busy bar and you will fi nd a calm & cosy restaurant serving a tempting mix of dishes prepared using the fi nest Scottish ingredients. There’s a well-chosen wine list to complement the menu and the cocktails are a must too! 110-114 Rose St EH2 3JF – 0131 225 3297 – www.elementedinburgh.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

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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 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am -1am. 23 Elm Row – 0131 556 4140.

The Guildford Arms – Edinburgh’s finest Real Ale Bar Est. 1898 (10) ale taps mainly Scottish, (13) keg beers/ciders, good wine and whisky lists. Food served all day in classic Victorian bar or boutique ‘Gallery’ restaurant above. 1-5 West Register Street – 0131 556 4312 – www.guildfordarms.com –guildfordarms@dmstewart.com

The Huxley – Your home from home in Edinburgh’s West End. The Huxley is the perfect place to relax, refuel, gather with friends and enjoy our extensive cocktail list. An informal vibe where the focus is on terrific food – burgers and dogs, beautifully created cocktails, wide selection of beers and wines served with exceptional customer service. The burgers are listed as some of the best in town whilst the ‘dogs’ include, ‘naked’ and ‘chilli-cheese’ versions which regularly change and evolve. Small plates and boards of tempting tapas also feature. Coffee and home-baked pastries to sit in or to go make this a very flexible venue. 1 Rutland Street, EH1 2AE – 0131 229 3402 – www.thehuxley.co.uk

The Lioness of Leith – Bar/brasserie situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant and fashionable Leith area specialising in fine British and European food and drink. Since opening in December 2013 The Lioness has rejuvenated Duke Street to make this end of town a goto area synonymous with good times. Live DJs, eclectic and quirky decor, in a relaxed atmosphere, combined with a fantastic selection of local and international premium beverages and an exciting and innovative choice

of cocktails, mean there’s a new destination for Edinburgh’s foodies and style set alike. The Lioness of Leith is on Facebook and is at 21-25 Duke Street – 0131 629 0580.

Monboddo – Chic and cosy, day and night. Eat: Breakfasts, Coffee and Cake and Express Lunches, to Afternoon Tea, Seafood Platters and bar classics. Drink: Perfectly created cocktails, bottles of bubbly, a fine selection of Gin. Enjoy: Castle views in sophisticated surroundings. Open daily from 8am-1am (Sundays until 12am). – Bar@DoubleTreeEdinburghCity.co.uk – 0131 221 5555

Nobles – This classic Victorian bar & restaurant has an established 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 whilst maintaining it’s traditional, bold wood and stain glass heritage. The menu is locally sourced and expertly prepared to an exceptionally high standard. A famous weekend brunch, craft beers, real ales, fantastic wine list, high speed wi-fi, fresh Fairtrade coffee plus various organic loose leaf teas complete the experience. Opening times 11am-1am Monday to Friday, 10am-1am Saturday and Sunday. Children & 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

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The Queens Arms – A hidden jewel, below the cobbles of Frederick Street and steeped in Scottish history. This New Town pub provides a home from home for locals and tourists alike. With an amazing selection of real ales, Scottish Whiskies and a twist on some classic cocktails you’re guaranteed to enjoy this cosy wee pub. 49 Frederick Street, EH2 1EP – 0131 225 1045 – www.queensarmsedinburgh.com

Roseleaf Bar Café – A cosy bar café off the shore in Leith serving fresh juices, real ales, local bottled beers, cracking coffee, loose leaf teas & “Pot-Tails!”... cocktails in teapots! All served up in Grannies fi nest bone china. Barry brunchs served from 10am till 5pm & din-dins & munchies served from 5pm till 10pm everyday with daily changing specials including Sunday roasts & home baked bread & deserts all made with luv! 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 us at 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 fi res, 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 fi re, 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, Knitting nights, Film nights and variety of cool parties. Check webpage: www.bodabar.comOpen 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 Street. By day the glass front makes it an ideal place to relax inside or out with a coffee and 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. Antipasti plates. Premium selection of beers, wines & spirits and cocktails and Edinburgh 3 HOP on draft! Open 12pm-1am Mon-Thurs and ‘til 3am Friday & Saturday in Street Night-club! 12.30pm-1am Sun. 2b Picardy Place EH1 3JT – 0131 556 4272 – www.thestreetbaredinburgh.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-fi ve 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

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moodily lit atmosphere at night, a well-stocked 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.

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 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 noon-12 pm, Sun 12 noon-11pm. 266 Canongate – 0131 557 3512

Afternoon Teas

The Travelling Teapot – The Afternoon Tea that travels to you! Perfect for hen parties, yummy mummies, special occasions and treats. Tea from anteaques, and a mix of tradtional and modern sandwiches, scones and cakes, all fresh and homemade. Coeliacs catered for. Prices start from £15 per person. More info www.travellingteapot.com or 07974 226 722.

Cafés/Informal

Brass & Copper – Your coffee is provided by Union Roasted and served by either Astrid or Rob. Every morning they bake their our own cakes and brownies. Soup is homemade by Astrid (tell us if you have any preference and we’ll try to make it) and sandwiches are freshly made throughout the day. Long story short: perfect place for coffee, breakfast, lunch, cake and cupcakes! 18 William

Street EH3 7NH - open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm and Sat 9am-4pm. www.brassandcoppercoffee.com

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 8am-5pm Mon-Thurs and 9am-5pm Sat-Sun. 15 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB – 0131 556 6922 – www.edinburghlarder.co.uk

Hemma – A 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.

Union of Genius Soup Café – You need soup and we have soup – offi cially the best soup in Scotland! Two of our soups are Great Taste Gold award-winners. Each day we serve six different soups, fl avour-matched with artisan breads. We always have veggie and vegan options, and most of our soups are naturally gluten-free. We have Artisan Roast coffee, Eteaket teas and a gorgeous range of hot chocolates from the Chocolate Tree. Open 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. 8 Forrest Road, EH1 2QN, – 0131 226 4436 – www.unionofgenius.com and we are now mobile – see ‘Soup Van’

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Coffee on the CanalBrunel Coffee – Sunny in the summer and cosy in the winter! What better place to sit on the dock of the bay and watch the world go by? This coffee house/canal boat has outside seating and cute tables inside. Coffee is Union Roasted and cakes are homemade daily. Croissants, pastries and bread for sandwiches are also served and made with bread from the excellent Morningside bakery ‘Andante’. Open Mon-Fri 8m-5pm, Sat & Sun 9am-6pm. Union Canal EH3 9NY – Facebook and Twitter.

Confectioners / CaféTipsy Mallows – Handmade gourmet mallows created using fresh fruit purées, natural fl avourings and more than a dash of favourite liqueurs and spirits. We also serve coffee, and sell gifts, Iain Burnett chocolates and fudge. Visit us at 230 High Street, EH15 2AU Portobello – www.tipsymallows.co.uk

Craft Pattisserie and CaféLa 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 ice-cream and more – all made fresh on the premises. All products are hand-crafted fi ne 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 fi ve-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

Food Events Eat Walk Edinburgh – A foodie walking tour, presently in the top ten of activities in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor with a fi ve star rating. The morning tour takes in the Canongate and visits a number of shops and bars where you get the chance to talk to the locals and taste some great Scottish produce. The afternoon tour takes in the Old and New Towns offering more of a full meal as we meander between six venues tasting food, wines and whisky as we go. Both tours last three to three and half hours. Gift vouchers are available for the Foodie in your life. Visit our web site for further information at www.eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk

Foodie Gift ShopCranachan & Crowdie – Purveyors of Fine Scottish Food, Drink & Gifts, this Royal Mile gem is Edinburgh’s leading speciality food & gift shop, selling only Scottish products. Choose a unique present or create a tantalizing Scottish food hamper fi lled with award winning delights. Their range includes scrumptious Scottish must-haves such as smoked venison and salmon, cheese, chutney, shortbread, tablet, chocolate, haggis, black pudding, tea, coffee, beer and spirits. Beyond the array of edibles are quality Scottish gifts including Harris Tweed, earthenware, hand-blown glass and an exclusive range of ex-whisky barrel pieces. Open daily 11-6. 263 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ – 0131 556 7194 – www.CranachanAndCrowdie.com

Ice CreamLa Cerise – Award winning artisan ice cream. 5 Bronze awards at the Royal Highland Show 2012. All ice-creams are gluten-free and are home-made

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using Scottish milk and Scottish cream. No fat substitutes or fl avourings. All available as cones or in tubs to eat-in or take-away and a huge range of fl avours which include the exotic and well as classic favourites. 199 Great Junction Street (corner Bangor Road), Leith, EH6 5LQ – 0131 555 6065 – www.lacerise.biz LRT buses: 1, 7, 10, 14, 21, 34, 36. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm.

Affogato – gelato e caffé. Specialising in artisanal gelato, made fresh daily on the premises. All crafted using the fi nest ingredients with no artifi cial fl avourings or colours. Our gelato is vegetarian with plenty of gluten-free and dairy free (vegan) options. Large seating area. Sit in or takeaway. Handmade cakes, Illy coffee, Valrhona chocolate and savoury snacks. 36 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh. EH2 4QS (2 minute walk from Princes Street) – www.affogatogelato.co.uk or www.facebook.com/affogatoedinburgh

Soup VanUnion of Genius Street – Find Dumbo, our Citroen H van on the NW corner of George Square, next to Middle Meadow Walk. Dumbo carries four different Union of Genius soups each day, paired with Manna House breads. The South Side is now the Soup Side! With our Forrest Road café and Dumbo, you can now fi nd 10 Union of Genius soups each weekday. Dumbo trades 11.30am-2.30pm Monday-Friday – www.unionofgenius.com

TakeawaysLos 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 fi ve 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

Wine StoresBacco 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. New Shop Open Now at 136 Dundas Street – www.bacco-wine.co.uk

Henderson Wines – Independent wine merchant. Wine ranges from £5 a bottle on offer wines to £100 plus on fi ne 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. 70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh EH2 3DX – 0131 225 1233 – www.Calistoga.co.uk

Vino Wines – Local, Independent and Different. the best wines of the world, the UK, world craft beers and specialist artisan spirits. Branches at Grange Loan, Stockbridge, Morningside and Broughton Street – www.vinowines.co.uk @vinoshops – info@vinowines.co.uk

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