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

www.bite-magazine.com

vYour Independent, Local Guide to Eating and Drinking in Edinburgh

Take Me I’mFree

Written by

locals!

at Mia Restaurant when you order a tea

or coffee and produce Bite.

See p. 14 for details

Free Tiramisu

Bistro ProvenceJoyeux Noël at

Festive Menus at Bistro Provence 2 courses £13.50, 3 courses £16.50 Or 1 Main course and a coffee £9.95

Now also featuring produce for sale direct from Provence such as Marseille soap, olive oil, saffron gin, Provençal liqueurs & wines.

Opening HoursTuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00. 88 Commercial St, Leith, EH6 6LX 0131 344 4295 reservations@bistroprovence.co.uk • 1AA rosette

Also Menu Degustation • Awarded One Rosette • Recommended by the Michelin Guide 2105/6

NOW OPEN IN BRUNTSFIELD

INAA AWARD FOR BEST BARBERS IN SCOTLAND

136 Bruntsfield PlaceEH10 4ER0131 229 5566www.boombarbers.co.uk

Cooked up by Connie Bailey Amy BrewerMark EarlRachel EdwardsJean-Michel Gauffre The Go-Between Lea HarrisThe InsiderLeila Kean 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 Mia Italian Restaurant

05 Salt ‘n’ Sauce

09 Review Leith Chop House

10 Ethical Eating Oysters

11 Review Smoke Stack

12 Wine Cune Barrel Fermented White Rioja

13 Review Calistoga

14 Recipe Traditional Tiramisu

15 Review One Square

16 Beer The Campervan Brewery

17 Review Mad Hatter

19 Review Brasserie Les Amis

20 Cocktails Kirsty's Gin

21 Review The Rabbit Hole

22 Out of Town Review The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel

24 The Insider Chefs in Fiction and TV Soap Land

25 Off the Trolley Cake Cycle

27 Healthy Eating with CNM Tomato-tastic!

28 What’s in Season Comfort Food

29 Listings

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Now Booking for Xmas – Lunch £25; Dinner £35The Edinburgh Larder team work closely with local suppliers to bring you the best of the Scottish landscape on a plate.Xmas Menus start with a glass of fizz or mulled cider and include dishes such as seared scallops, celeriac, crispy ham and hazelnuts; pan-fried duck breast, chestnut mash, roasted parsnips, braised red cabbage and elderberry port sauce; bitter chocolate and Douglas fir tort, boozy raisin ice-cream. Email us for full menus – bistro@edinburghlarder.co.uk

EDINBURGH LARDER CAFÉ15 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB | Tel: 0131 556 6922

EDINBURGH LARDER BISTRO1a Alva Street, EH2 4PH | Tel: 0131 225 4599

www.edinburghlarder.co.uk

Salt ‘n’ Sauce A sprinkle of what’s happening this month on Edinburgh’s eating & drinking scene …

Calistoga Restaurant is gearing up for Thanksgiving with its annual wine fair, buffet and dinner on 26th November, 5.30pm-8pm. Over 60 wines will be available to try on the night; £10 per person, £25 pp inc.special 2 course buffet at the Fair, £35 pp inc. special dinner in the restaurant. More info at www.calistoga.co.uk

Saturday 7th November Le Di vin wine bar are holding a wine fair at 9 Randolph Place from 12 noon-3pm. Sample and then buy at discounted prices. £20 - 0131 538 1815.

The owners of Field have expanded to new pastures and opened their second restaurant Field Grill House at Raeburn Place, Stockbridge on the former site of Buffalo Grill. Open Tues-Sat for lunch and dinner.

Checkpoint recently opened at 3 Bristo Place. It is described on Facebook as a British Bar & Grill but the menu has international influences with dishes like truffled girolle mushroom & curry scrambled eggs, ‘po’ boys’, their take on the Louisiana sandwich and salads containing for example, toasted quinoa, pomegranate, sultana, apricot & coconut.

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Originally sold as a working man's knife, an Opinel knife has become emblematic of French culture. The folding knife is very sharp and makes short work of slicing veg in the kitchen or garden (£11.95).

Creative Cookware are offering 10% off to all Bite readers - 89 Rose Street.

The Printing Press has opened on 21-25 George Street. The vision for the restaurant has been developed by one of London’s most respected restaurateurs, Des McDonald. It is the first venture in Scotland for the ex-Ivy head chef and former CEO of Caprice Holdings, whose London restaurants include Vintage Salt, Q Grill and Holborn Dining Room at London’s Rosewood Hotel. For Edinburgh, Des has enlisted the talents of Fife-born Colin Fleming as Head Chef.

Italian Wine Fair – Meet the Wine Produce event. Bacco Wines and Bite bring you an afternoon of Italian Wine Tasting at the Ghillie Dhu. 14 November 1pm-5pm. More info at www.bite-magaizine.com

The Kilted Lobster has opened at 112 St Stephen Street. It describes its menu as playful food using Scotland’s larder, gardens, seas and lochs to celebrate dishes that inspire them.

And yet another on George Street. Copper Blossom opened a couple of months ago on the former site of Lime Blue the jewellery shop. It describes itself online as elegant, whimsical and botanical.

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Italian Wine Fair – Meet the ProducerGhillie Dhu Auditorium – Saturday 14 November 1pm-5pm

Come and taste over 100 Italian Wines. Producers have travelled from their own vineyards in Italy to showcase their wines at this unique wine

tasting event. A great opportunity to learn more about Italian wine, to taste for free and to make purchases

for Christmas.

We also have Italian Truffles from Umbria and Charcuterie!

This will all take place on a Saturday afternoon in the Ghillie Dhu auditorium. Velvet drapes, candelabras,

sofas and twinkling wine glasses will provide a warm and cosy setting.

Early Bird Tickets £14 per pair available in limited numbers at www.bite-magazine.com

As well as an extensive wine list with many sold by the glass, we now also have an Extended Food Menu. Cheese, charcuterie & fish platters, grilled snails, beef sandwich, Croque Monsieur and steamed mussels.XMAS MENUS NOW AVAILABLE

Monthly wine tastings and private area also available.

Food at

St Ann’s Oratory 9 Randolph PLace, Edinburgh.

0131 5381815 • www.ledivin.co.uk

Phot

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illia

rd.

Review: Leith Chop House Bar & butchery

The owners of Sygn, The West Room and Monteiths have added a bona fide

restaurant to their more ‘bar-oriented’ portfolio and Leith Chop House is an addition they can be proud of. A redundant building in a dead spot of town has been transformed into a buzzy eatery.

In previous incarnations (e.g Leith Lynx) the space was cold and minimalist, now it is cosy and contemporary with just 40 covers and an interior featuring copper, brass, herringbone tiles and leather banquette seating.

The clientele on the night we visited was split between those who may have enjoyed classic British steak houses the first time around and a younger trendier crew. The mix makes for a welcoming un-intimidating atmosphere.

The owners have kept things simple; cocktails, seafood, steak and pudding. LCH may be a twist on the old fashioned ‘Berni’ but it can boast premium beef steaks sourced locally (Hardiesmill, Highland Wagyu) dry-aged and butchered in-house, and then cooked on a charcoal grill. Sharing cuts such as chateaubriand and porterhouse enhance a core steak menu.

I order an Evergreen (£7.50), a delicious balance of Capel Pisco, Briotett Pear Liqueur, star anise, lemon and Boker’s bitters made by bar manager Michael Lynch who has an impressive cocktail making pedigree. Sheila has a refreshing Ruby Tuesday (£6.50) comprising Père Magloire VSOP Calvados, lemon, rosehip & elderberry tea soda.

A starter of seafood cocktail is nicely presented and plentiful but we think the salad could be

crisper, plus a wedge of lemon and dusting of paprika in lieu of more imaginative touches would add colour and zing. My lobster bisque is thick, flavoursome and satisfying the result of an excellent stock. Finishing touches include a nest of caviar.

For mains Sheila has fillet well done and I am impressed that it is still so tender and tasty.

Meanwhile I tuck into a post Macbeth rare sirloin which is equally good. Peppercorn and béarnaise sauces hit the spot as do beef dripping chips and a fiery kimchi slaw. This is hearty dining in a convivial setting.

Desserts are a triumph; a retro seasonal trifle for me, with plump blackberries and chunks of juicy textured pear whilst Sheila has the cheeseboard. We discover The Westray Wife from Orkney a hard cheese redolent of the salty windswept coast and named after a small Neolithic figurine.

Two Père Magloires with their crisp apple notes and oaky finish top a very hospitable evening. Leith Chop House has cracked it.

Look out for: Sunday roasts, £5 corkage Mondays & Tuesdays, and their own craft beer brewed at Drygate in Glasgow. (S. Wilson)

Leith Chop House – 102 Constitution Street, Edinburgh EH6 6AW – 0131 6291919 – www.leithchophouse.co.uk – Twitter: @leithchophouse – Facebook: Leith Chop House Opening hours Monday-Friday: 12 noon - late Saturday-Sunday: 10am - late

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Ethical Eating: Oysters More than just “Six of One…”

If you were asked to name an ethical food, I expect seafood wouldn’t be top of your list.

The sustainability of fish such as salmon and haddock are often in question and concerns have been raised over prawn farming operations in the Far East. Similarly, luxury foods are rarely touted as the most ethical – no one’s jumping to champion foie gras in place of battery chickens. In both cases, however there is one exception. Oysters.

You’re probably aware that some exceptional oysters come from the Scottish isles. Perhaps you know they’re in season at the moment too. But more than just being seasonal and organic, oysters have an interesting history which has lead them to become one of the most readily available ethical foods. In the early 19th century oysters were the food of the working classes. Abundant in shallow water, they were easy to collect and consume when most sources of protein were costly and hard to come by. However, due to their rising popularity the oysters were consumed faster than they could repopulate their beds. Foreign species introduced to increase yields only brought disease to the native population and consequently oysters became a scarce, expensive luxury.

And it’s this newer luxury demand that has lead to 95% of oysters being sustainably farmed and harvested. Other seafood are dredged which damages the sea bed, but

oysters can be easily plucked from the water. They have a minimal impact on their environment, feeding on plankton which is low in the food chain as well as removing toxins from the water, further sustaining other sea life. Some ethicists even argue that oysters can be eaten by vegans since they lack a central nervous system, meaning they don’t feel pain. (Although, if I was used to eating carrots and quinoa I wouldn’t be reaching for a slippery bi-valve to increase my dietary options.)

However, the bad news is that at around £20-30 a dozen, regular oyster consumption would be a pricey ethical choice. A typical dozen contains just 110 calories, so you’ll need 48 oysters to provide the same amount of energy as a supermarket sandwich. If you’re content to enjoy them as a delicacy though, find your ethical fix at traditional pub Café Royal on West Register St; in Leith’s Teuchters Landing off Dock Place; smart seafood restaurant Ondine on George IV Bridge or Brasserie de Luxe. (A. Brewer)

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Review: Smoke Stack No smoke without steak

When the Smoke Stack opened over 16 years ago it swiftly established itself as a steak lovers’ paradise. And

as autumn heralds heartier meals, we happily settled into this buzzy eatery with meat on our minds.

We kicked off gently with grilled goats cheese, strawberries, rocket and balsamic (£5.95) and a prawn cocktail (£6.95). The goats cheese was salty and creamy as it should be and the strawberries not only looked pretty but added another dimension to this classic starter. I was delighted with my prawn cocktail, packed full of juicy prawns and crunchy lettuce plus a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up.

Onto mains and Mrs B opted for a 6oz burger with Dunsyre Blue cheese sauce (£8.95). The homemade patty comprised well ground juicy beef which had absorbed a nice amount of seasoning. The cheese sauce added creaminess and subtle flavour and was happily mopped up by the brioche roll.

The Smoke Stack boasts locally-sourced steaks and is a member of the Scottish Beef Club so it was a steak I chose. After some guidance from our waitress I plumped for the 10oz ribeye (£20.95). It was cooked to perfection, pink all the way through with just enough fat throughout. Both main courses arrived with chips which were a bit pale in our opinion, but crunchy all the same. We chose a Zinfandel wine (£24.00) which ideally complemented our meaty dishes.

After a little breather we moved on to dessert. The (chocolate and chilli) cheesecake of the day was sold out so I opted for banoffi pie (£4.50). On the menu, it says "this dish has been

on the menu for 15 years and if it's not broken don't fix it"; I disagree. I think after 15 years you need to tighten things up, in this case a bit more toffee. On the other hand, the Eton mess (£4.50) had raspberries instead of strawberry, raspberry ice-cream instead of cream and crunchy meringue giving this classic dessert a nice (Fettes mess?) twist.

There is something retro about the Smoke Stack and its menu which is no a bad thing. I think every neighbourhood should have somewhere they can go and fulfil there carnivorous needs and this place fits the bill. (C. Bailey)

The Smoke Stack – 53-55 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ – 0131 556 6032 – www.smokestack.org.uk Opening hours Open 7 days

Connie Bailey runs the Edinburgh Salon where interesting people meet over good food – www.theedinburghsalon.co.uk The next event is on 29th November

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Apparently over a third of food columns published in the British press are

linked to the season, which is very telling. I’m surprised it isn’t more. Despite the fact that you can buy strawberries all year round, we know that they are better when they are grown and ripened locally, with more flavour and pizazz than those that have travelled half way around the world.

I know I’m guilty of linking wine recommendations to the seasons, but with wine there is no real ‘coming into season’. Instead it is more a sense of appropriateness. In the same way crunchy lettuce salads don’t feel the same whilst wearing our woollies neither does the crisp and fresh Vinho Verde we supped throughout the summer.

November is a perfect month to demonstrate this. Darker nights, shorter days, and a real bite in the air all mean you need some cosy in your wine. My wine of the month is a regular in my rack and has more than a hint of the Goldilocks about it; a mellow, smooth, Spanish white with an attractive creaminess for a sense of comfort but just enough fresh, fruity zing for balance.

For the oak haters amongst you this wine does have contact with oak but not in the

way that most people expect. The label says barrel-fermented (helpfully), which is different from oak aged. Barrel-fermented tends to mean the wine gets a smooth, mellow quality from the oak but not the big whack of flavours you get from wines that sit in barrel for months. So it’s worth a try even if you don’t normally enjoy big, oaky wines.

This would be a fantastic choice with a roast chicken and all the trimmings – after the obligatory walk in the crunchy leaves, or you can amplify the mellowness with simple dishes involving smoked fish or wild mushrooms. (N. Welch)

Cune Barrel Fermented White Rioja, Waitrose, £10.49

Top tip – I wait until Waitrose run a 25% off all wine and top up my wine rack feeling very smug.

Wine: Cune Barrel Fermented White Rioja A cosy white

Discover the WineTubeMap for more wine recommendations on winetubemap.co.uk and travel our app on iOS or Android.

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Review: Calistoga You’ll be back!

The caption for this Californian-themed restaurant taken from 1984 film The Terminator has proved apt. Since the

restaurant’s Southside launch in 2005, and under the direction of owner Gordon Minnis, a regular clientele has steadily grown.

Now in its present Rose Street Lane North location, Calistoga epitomises the phrase ‘hidden gem loved by locals.’

Always a favourite of Mr and Mrs Bite’s, a return visit for us did not disappoint.

I started with a colourful superfood salad containing orange, red and yellow heritage tomatoes avocado, watercress, sugar snap peas (£7). I applaud ripe, sweet vegetables taking centre stage and note there are tempting menu options for vegetarians and pescatarians. Mr Bite plumped for the sweetly-seared king scallops with spiced Puy lentils, onion fritter and a fruity balsamic drizzle (£9).

Drinks have never taken second billing at Calistoga which embraces Sideways wine store and over 100 wines at just £5 above shop prices. Many are unique not only to Scotland but to Britain. There are also good American ales (Calistoga was an early pioneer of the current trend) and Mr Bite had a citrusy hoppy Poleeko Pale Ale from the Anderson Brewing Company to begin. The malt complemented the sweet bivalves and earthy pulses, zesty notes likewise nodded to the fruity fritter.

For main course I had monkfish scampi with sweet potatoes fries, chilli sauce, lemon and watercress (£17); light crispy coating for the fish, rustic fries, and a sauce as fiery as the West Coast sun. Mr Bite had an impressive rack of BBQ pork ribs with hand-cut fries and a creamy

chilli slaw (£18). He described the dish as ‘real man’s food’ and I am sure Arnie would agree. Our Californian-sized mains were polished off – no problemo.

Decisions about pudding proved difficult and so we were offered a taster of each; the fruity, the chocolatey and the creamy. If I were to order one it would probably be the baked cherry cheesecake whilst Mr Bite said he would choose the dark chocolate & Oreo rocky road. Again he praised his schooner of Pale Ale from Sierra Nevada Brewery describing it as like ‘Bitter and Twisted’ on steroids’. Arnie again.

Our meal at Calistoga was a great place for some late summer sunshine on a plate and happily Thanksgiving is just around the corner. (S. Wilson).

Calistoga & Sideways Wine – 70-2 Rose St N Lane, Edinburgh EH2 3DX – 0131 225 1233 – www.calistoga.co.uk – www.sidewayswines.co.uk Opening hours 7 days, noon-2.30 & 5pm-10pm

Calistoga Restaurant is gearing up for Thanksgiving with its annual wine fair, buffet and dinner on 26th November, 5.30pm-8pm. Over 60 wines will be available to try on the night; £10 per person, £25 pp inc.special two course buffet at the Fair, £35 pp inc. special dinner in the restaurant. More info at www.calistoga.co.uk

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Recipe: Traditional TiramisuThe lovely people at Italian Restaurant Mia have sent us their recipe for the classic pudding

Tiramisu. You can attempt to master it at home and then compare to Mia’s.

Enjoy a free Tiramisu when you order a coffee or a tea at Mia in November and produce a copy of Bite. Buon Appetito!

Ingredients Serves 6 to 8 people

6 large egg yolks, room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 450g mascarpone cheese 4 large egg whites 12 to 14 (4-inch) ladyfingers 1 1/2 cups brewed espresso, room temperature Unsweetened cocoa powder, for garnish

Preparation

• In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and doubled in volume (the mixture will maintain a "ribbon" when folded over itself), 3 to 5 minutes. Add the mascarpone in 2 or 3 additions, whisking well to combine.

• In a clean bowl whip the egg whites and remaining sugar to soft peaks. Fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture in two or three additions.

• In a roughly 6-by-9-inch casserole or plate with a border, spread about one third of the mascarpone cream into an even layer.

Soak each individual cookie in the coffee and arrange them very tightly on top until the cream is completely covered. Spoon the remaining cream over the cookies, spreading it into an even layer.

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days to set the cream.

Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa power

Mia Restaurant – 96 Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2AX – 0131 629 1750 – www.mia-restaurant.co.uk

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Review: One Square One to visit this Autumn

Since taking the helm as Executive Chef at One Square, Craig

Hart has been refining the menu. He recently took part in the Edinburgh Restaurant Festival Chefs’ Table event alongside peers Mark Greenaway and Paul Wedgwood.

The autumn menu was launched on 24th October and Scottish and British seasonal produce is fundamental; most dishes indicate provenance, Shetland, Orkney, Mey Ayrshire, Troon, Scrabster.

We started with Tarbert crab salad with baked Dowhill Farm beetroot yoghurt and fennel seed bread (£10) which contained uber-fresh shredded crabmeat. A chunkier piece in a dusting of feather light tempura crowned the dish whilst whipped beet was at once sweet and earthy. All the freshly baked bread at One Square is irresistible and the fennel seed was no exception.

Soup of roast butternut and vanilla with Golden Cross goats’ cheese and sage ravioli (£7.50) comprised a silky, caramelised, liquid which was theatrically poured over the pasta containing the multi-award winning cheese. Toasted pumpkin seeds gave a nice warm crunch.

I noted that a Pinot Grigio was served at exactly the right temperature and it is this attention to every detail that elevates the dining experience at One Square.

Gressingham Duck Salad with pickled wild mushrooms and crisp parsnip comprises a

multitude of winter veg, to me it was redolent of a winter forager’s salad in the Nordic tradition. Pan-fried fillet of Scrabster cod in a winter shellfish minestrone (£20) was a beautiful piece of fish sitting proud in a soup of cockles, mussels and veg, a dod of rich, fruity tomato confit nodded south to Italy.

Mr Bite and me were divided over dessert; dark chocolate fudge brownie with mint sorbet, white chocolate

mousse and a mint gel. He liked the light refreshing end to our meal whilst I think it lacked the refinement of the other courses.

Craig Hart is passionate about using the best produce in his dishes and has the skill and pedigree to turn ingredients into exceptional food. Having said that, if comfort food is your thing the steak and chips being delivered to other tables had our heads swivelling too.

The new menu is available in One Square’s restaurant, or for those seeking a culinary experience with a difference, book Dining at The Pass which takes place in the heart of the One Square Kitchen (from £60 per head for five courses, excluding beverages). (S. Wilson)

One Square – 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh – 0131 221 6422 – www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk Opening hours Open for lunch and dinner

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Beer: The Campervan Brewery Garage beer

I've never been a huge fan of the gimmickry or marketing stunts new breweries employ to make a

name for themselves. Most are clearly dreamed up by brewers to get us to talk about their beer, without getting into the nitty-gritty technicals of the brewing process. All too often, they will have a unique concept and vision for their shiny new company that includes beer almost as an afterthought. So when word started getting round about a new Edinburgh brewer who operates out the back of a VW campervan, I had a really hard time keeping my more cynical instincts under control.

Thankfully, although Paul Gibson has called his operation the Campervan Brewery, he only takes it on the road on rare occasions. The bulk of the brewing is done in his Comely Bank garage, where he designs, brews and bottles up all by hand.

Paul intends to take the brewery out and about to source the freshest ingredients he can. He also wants to take the van to the summer festivals to use as a mobile bar and run brewing demonstrations as a promotional tool.

It's actually a pretty good idea and the pea-green campervan is itself a thing of beauty. Fortunately his beer is pretty damn good as well.

Of the three initial beers, probably the most successful is his coconut milk stout, the puntastic Mutiny on The Bounty.

Milk stouts by their nature tend to be sweet and creamy and this is up there with the sweetest and creamiest. The nose is really expressive and does a good impression of the eponymous chocolate bar: loads of silky smooth milk chocolate on top of sweet roasted coconut. The palate is medium weight, with gentle bitterness and some smoky coffee notes to counter the sweetness. Most impressive of all, is its gorgeous, mellow, velvety mouth feel that masks the moderate 4.2% abv.

It's such a stunning wee beer, that it's easy to forget that a self-trained brewer knocked it up in his garage. It also looks rather smart; the screen printed bottle looks slick and professional with an eycatching monochrome design. If word gets out about how good the contents are then Paul is going to have a nasty case of RSI as he struggles to bottle fast enough to meet demand. (J. Wrobel, Cornelius Beer and Wine).

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Review: Mad Hatter Mixed-up indy kid

We visited the Mad Hatter in the city’s West End one quiet Sunday afternoon and found that much

like its fictional namesake, the Mad Hatter Pub appears a little ‘mixed up’ perhaps reflecting the mid-gentrification phase of this area of town.

Decor comprises both cosy sofas and massive solid wooden benches and tables. A neat selection of Scottish and international craft beers, alongside a succinct but agreeably imaginative cocktail list including a delightful Edinburgh Gin Fizz suggest a quality offering. The basic boozer glassware, on the other hand could be bettered.

The Silver Fox, the Fox Cub (my man and boy) and I ate well on our visit, however a few niggling issues let down what is a pretty solid food offering. Despite being a little indy-kid, they still mimick mega-pub menus with mixed results. We started with the winner of the day, crayfish with Marie-Rose sauce (£4.95) on toasted chunky bread. A nice change-up to the ubiquitous prawn, with its tangy sauce this showed off a retro classic well, and was served with a fresh rocket garnish.

My Edinburger Burger (£10) was served à la mode with wooden board, enamelware and it looked the part. Shiny brioche bun, onion rings, smoked Cheddar and haggis atop a slightly over-done yet decent minced steak burger. Accompanied by an excellent home-made slaw and crisp yet unsalted skinny fries, it satisfied the hunger. The Fox’s Burrito (£8.50) was served as described accompanied by cheesy nachos, stuffed with rice, chicken, jalapenos and salsa. Unfortunately, it was

lacking in any seasoning or flavour; bland white rice with the odd piece of unseasoned chicken thrown in. The current Mexican Food Revolution definitely bypassed this one. A nearby table seemed to be faring happily well with mussels, fishfinger sandwiches and more.

Idiosyncratically enough, despite the toppling number of main courses (28 including all the variations; more options than there are chairs in the pub) there was one, single solitary dessert available. Sticky toffee pud (£4) was that lone ranger, and a hero he was too. Moist sponge, oozy toffee sauce and toffee ice cream. It was a nice end to lunch, and almost made up for the burrito... (L. Kean)

The Mad Hatter – 8 Torphicen Place, Edinburgh EH3 8DU – 0131 228 6852 – Opening times vary- see Facebook page www.facebook.com/themadhatteredinburgh

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FOODIESFESTIVAL.COM ● 0844 995 1111

EICC EDINBURGH 13-15 NOVEMBER

Two tickets with showguidesfrom £19

quote bite

Review: Brasserie Les Amis J’adore Les Amis

From the Amelie soundtrack underscoring our starters to the Parisian accordion heralding our patisserie I

loved every moment at Les Amis.

It’s as polished and sharply dressed as haute couture, as classic as Chanel. Linen table cloths, metro tiling and gleaming glassware – you could be in a "rive droite" brasserie.

We sank into comfortable mustard coloured banquette seating and ordered. I started with pan-fried calf’s liver, caramelised onions and mixed leaves. I’ve never eaten liver so tender; it had been flash-fried and was as juicy as steak ‘bleu’. Onions were fruity and sweet and the salad was deliciously dressed with mustard to show off the offal. Mr Bite had chunky rustic home-made pork rillettes, gherkins, croutons and salad.

For mains I chose baked cod fillet topped with an herb crust and cognac Armoricaine sauce with mussels and Basmati rice. The latter provided the fluffiest softest bed for the fish which was had a fresh, thick herbaceous coating. The French are serious about sauces and my Armoricaine derives its name from ‘Armorica’, the ancient moniker of a part of France which included Brittany. It’s a pink lobster-based sauce with paprika and brandy.

Mr Bite had pan-roast chicken supreme with

sautéed wild mushroom and calvados sauce and pomme-purée. It was served on and off the bone as I suspected (correctly). I wasn’t going to get a look in. I did blag a spoonful of purée just to confirm my instincts; real potatoes, lots of butter, spot on seasoning, silky texture. He commented that his dish was "chicken supreme – royale."

Mr Bite swithered over the opera cake with caramel latte ice cream but I urged him on. I had the measure of Les Amis by now and knew in my bones that this classic gateau would be ‘parfait’ – almond sponge cake with a coffee and chocolate filling and icing. Pour moi, pear and almond tart with Chantilly cream and red fruit coulis; glossy with thick soft frangipane filling and chunks of juicy pear.

We loved Les Amis and think you will too if you appreciate textbook French food served in a friendly brasserie setting. There is even a petite deli and we took home some classic French cheeses for Le Weekend. (S. Wilson)

Two courses, £19.95, three courses £24.95

Brasserie Les Amis – 83 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BU – 0131 228 7517 – www.brasserielesamis.co.uk

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Cocktails: Kirsty's Gin Tattie but not tatty

It can be a bit of a double edged sword having a very good relationship with the manager of your local off-licence. Great in

that he knows my tastes and is always willing to set aside the last bottle of something new just in case. Bad in that it invariably leaves me lighter in the pocket than I had intended. Ah well such is life.

And so it was on an early Thursday evening when I popped in to Vino to pick up a bottle of Sancerre for dinner. The conversation started with “Hi Ciaran” and finished with “That’ll be £54.90” as I picked up said Sancerre (£14.95) and agreed to purchase their last bottle of Kirsty’s Gin (£39.95). Scotland’s first “farm to bottle” gin had me intrigued.

Made on Arbikie estate in Angus Kirsty’s gin is genuinely farm to bottle. Unlike the vast majority of gins that use a neutral grain spirit, Kirsty’s uses a potato spirit distilled on the estate from three different varieties all grown on the farm. It won’t surprise you to learn that their first product (Kirsty’s Gin is their second) is an award winning potato vodka. And it’s this choice of base spirit that sets it apart from its peers. It gives the gin an unexpected

creaminess that softens any drink made with it. Quite simply it makes a truly luscious martini and can even be served neat over ice.

In keeping with the local theme the botanicals used include kelp, carline thistle and blaeberry all of which grow wild in the surrounding area. Although juniper is evident in the gin, both the nose and the palate have distinctive pine notes. It doesn’t have the lip smacking dryness of the traditional juniper-driven London dry gins. I suspect, in part, due to the rich underlying base. There’s hints of spice, citrus and liquorice, plenty of cracked black pepper and a pleasing reminder of cucumber. All of which combines to provide a memorable gin that lingers long after the final sip.

Kirsty’s Gin is a great addition to the growing number of premium gins available and one which, given its provenance, should appeal to lovers of craft drinks, especially as it is also gluten free.

And why Kirsty’s Gin? Quite simply, it’s so good they decided to name it after the person who made it: their master distiller, Kirsty Black, one of only a handful of female master distillers. Go Kirsty! (M. Earl)

Photography © www.arbikie.com

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Review: The Rabbit Hole Straight down the middle

Sweet Melinda’s in Marchmont has had its burrow completely revamped by a new occupant. Frantic strains of sawing have

given way to a fresh arrangement, allowing cosier spaces within a simple, comfortable interior. Padded window booths and a retreat at the rear, along with a bar at which to sip-while-you-wait, had drawn in other curious parties by the time we arrived. Middle-of-the-road muzak was the audible garnish to this family affair – it would be nice to hear something more contemporary, whilst still digestible-instrumental.

Studying the wines (happily available in all glass sizes, and proving to be well-chosen good quality), we found menus printed on our paper tablemats. I was assured the sizeable offering, including salads and snacks, will change seasonally, with specials offered at weekends.

We decided on seafood starters and meaty mains. Hubby went for Cajun crabcakes with aioli (£6), my own choice being the more intriguing blue cheese & lobster beignets with spicy avocado cream. At only £7, these three large boules looked appetising inside & out, full of choice pieces of lightly-cooked lobster & fine claw meat. However, perhaps some of the Cajun seasoning made it inside these, as well as Tabasco hiding in the innocent-looking pale green accompaniment, but just as I had registered the salty blue cheese flavour squaring up to the lobster, my tastebuds were whacked with chilli. Delicious when you’ve ordered Chinese salt & chilli prawns, but perhaps a shame to do this to lobster, although its lovely gentle texture was still

discernible. The other half described his crabcakes as fantastic (hallelujah). In a reversal of fortune, his tasted purely of rich fresh crab with less of the Cajun experience.

After this full-on flavour hit, just as well I’d ordered a strong mains – duck confit with roast garlic, lardons, merguez sausages, black pudding & beans (you’ll have gathered by now I didn’t manage dessert). The duck skin was crispy and its meat still juicy. Cleverly, the black pudding appeared finely sliced like salami, and I had high hopes for this making it feel less stodgy. Not so cleverly, this treatment dried it out, denying me the expected unctuous interior. The ribeye & chips opposite was well-cooked, though the last chips were almost too crispy to fork up.

Steady good service underpinned a nice new local experience. Worth going back for seconds. (The Go-Between)

The Rabbit Hole – 18 Rosneath Street, Marchmont, EH9 – 0131 229 7953

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Out of Town Review: The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel Where the sun shines bright

I don’t usually write about breakfast after a hotel stay. Some are good, some are bad, many have been downright ugly. Breakfast

at this hotel however, is highly recommended. Slithers of mango, wedges of watermelon, glazed ceramic bowls of cereal, freshly baked pastries, just cracked free-range eggs, Puddledub bacon, smoked salmon. The perfect fuel for a hill walk if you are so inclined.

We had arrived late the night before but the journey to beautifully situated Luss was painless and on arrival we discovered that

rooms are immaculate and comfortable with fluffy beds, easy wifi connections and tasteful décor.

Dining areas are unstuffy, gastro pub style but chef has a deft touch and evidently takes sourcing and seasonality to heart. There is even a hotel garden for fresh veg.

I started dinner with a salad of scorched peaches, honey ricotta, marinated courgettes from the garden, & savoury granola (£6.50). Firm roasted fruits were tangled up with tapes

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of courgette, smears of cheese and peppery granola. Mr Bite had the potted Clentrie Farm ham, pickled vegetables, mustard cress salad & a crispy quail’s egg (£7). A dud note of sliced white had us confused given the otherwise exemplary quality of the dish.

For main course we both chose fish. Mr B had the The Loch Lomond Arms fish and chips – ale battered North Sea haddock, hand cut thrice-cooked chips, tartare sauce & peas (£13.50). It was excellent – fresh, light and crispy with deeply flavoursome tartare and mushy peas. I had a refined plate of roast Peterhead-landed coley with cider and bacon chowder and Savoy cabbage (£13.50). Scottish produce combined with French skill and execution.

I was knocked out (not literally – I only had one) by the wine of the month. Ktima Aplha. Axia Xynonairo/Syrah 2011n (£5.40, 125ml); fruit balanced by prominent tannins and licorice. Well worth a try.

For dessert it’s hard to resist treacle tart with clotted ice cream and why would you even want to! It’s sweet, crispy and creamy in all the right places. Mr Bite goes for the contemporary – layered in a jar – take on Belgian chocolate & black cherry trifle with kirsch-soaked

sponge & vanilla custard (£8).

My one crit of the whole experience at The Loch Lomond Arms hotel is that the high quality of the food is not always reflected in the service. Staff were lovely and friendly but because the food is so good you expect delivery to be top notch and at times it fell short.

A quick google revealed some pretty good deals available and despite my wee nip about service this shouldn’t prevent you from booking. I would be hard pressed to recommend somewhere better. (S. Wilson)

The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel – Main Road, Luss G83 8NY – 01436 860420 – www.lochlomondarmshotel.com

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The Insider: Chefs in Fiction and TV Soap Land

The chef on Coronation Street – fully rigged in chef's whites (actually those ridiculous chef's 'blacks'), sweeps Tracy

Barlow into his chip fat embrace and subjects her to a rough wooing, which is necessarily short lived. For, as he helpfully points out, whilst tossing her aside like a sack of nutty slack, "sorry darlin', but I’ve got to get down to the fishmongers." Now if he'd said the fish market we'd have the very model of a very modern chef, but a fishmonger's queue in full chefs mufti? Unlikely.

On returning from his bout of wet fishmongering he snatches the menu from that Ken Barlow's hands and says with no little authority and some flourish, "Ignore that, I’m gonna make you my special double cooked chips." That would be chips mate. You blanch them at a 120o, let them cool, turn the oil up to 180o and fry till golden. There. Chips. Maybe you meant to say "triple cooked chips" as patented by Heston Blumenthal?

Nope, as far as chefs on TV soaps go I’ll take Shuggie McPhee from Crossroads every time, despite the outrageous racial stereotyping. He only ever seemed to work the breakfast shift, entirely so that he could demonstrate his famous 'porridge spurtle technique' to the bemused Brummie kitchen staff. And due to a thing called Hogmanay (more Brummie bemusement) he was always – hilariously – drunk on duty on New Year's day.

In fiction it would have to be Melvyn Peake's fabulous (and beautifully named) Abiatha Swelter who addresses his staff in a brutally poetic style: "Now tell me this my stenching cherubs...my belching angels...my ghastly little ineffectual fillets...what a pleasant lot of little joints you are, but so underdone."

Here Peake describes the gargantuan Swelter about to collapse dead drunk in his kitchen: ‘Swelter made one feeble effort to heave himself away from the pillar…but, incapable of mustering the strength he sank back…and then the chef began to gradually curl in upon himself, as though folding himself up for death. The kitchen had become as silent as a hot tomb. At last, through the silence, a weak gurgling sound began to percolate but whether (to speak) none could tell for the chef, like a galleon, lurched in his anchorage. The great ship’s canvas sagged and crumpled and then suddenly an enormousness foundered and sank. There was a sound of something spreading as an area of seven flagstones became hidden from view beneath a catalyptic mass of wine-drenched blubber’.

The chef sweeps Tracy Barlow into his chip fat embrace

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Off the Trolley: Cake Cycle

I have a new love in my life. I bought a bicycle. A beautiful bicycle, with a basket and a matte finish and a little bell that has

the most satisfying ding. And while with my new set of wheels I have become hated by cars and pedestrians alike, I’m oh-so happy. It’s not just the feeling of wind in my face and the occasional bug in my teeth, nor the burn in my legs as I finally summit Abbey Hill. Cycling has added a whole new dimension to my cake-life balance. Indeed, my cake life has improved dramatically since I took to two wheels.

Some of the advantages of being in a food/cycling relationship are obvious. If I cycle 4 miles to get a scone, the calorie input/output balances itself quite nicely. But even without that, the fresh air, pink-cheeked, tingly-leg post-cycle rush leaves me feeling that wedges of restorative cake with lashings of cream could really only be good for me.

And oh the choice! Cycling has opened miles of cycle paths, and while I used to limit myself to Leith, now Edinburgh is my (ice-cream) oyster. With that, my repertoire of shops and cafés has increased immeasurably. A ride to Portobello passes the Breadshare bakery, with no need to worry about where to park. A visit to the Gallery of Modern Art requires a restorative cake on arrival. True, sometimes I never get beyond the café, but I feel culturally edified nonetheless. A trip to Gullane can be

justified merely by the thought of a pastry from Falko Konditormeister. Somehow, that this would require a 40-mile round trip doesn’t seem silly.

With my new sidekick, Saturday mornings are an excuse to explore, and when you have a basket waiting to be filled, to market you go. Edinburgh has its fair share that are happy to provide, and there’s little more satisfying than a ride home with lovely smelling paper-wrapped parcels sitting under your nose. A picnic basket can be lashed to my pannier rack, and (I see from Pinterest) a wine bottle holder can be easily fitted to my bicycle’s frame.

It’s early days. Maybe the glow will wear off. But for now I’m enjoying the ride. (R. Edwards)

...the fresh air, pink-cheeked, tingly-leg post-cycle rush leaves me feeling that wedges of restorative cake with lashings of cream could really only be good for me

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Find out more at one of our free-to-attend Open Evenings in Edinburgh. Next dates: Tuesday 3rd November, Tuesday 1st December, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

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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

Ingredients

1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 stick of celery, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1 red pepper, chopped 400g fresh, peeled tomatoes, or 400ml Passata 1 tablespoon tomato purée 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Method

Heat the oil in a large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes. Add in the celery, carrot and pepper and stir for a further 2 mins. Add in the rest of the ingredients, cover and simmer for 15 mins, until veg are tender. Purée using a stick blender or food processor.

With ‘Movember’s’ media focus on men’s health and it also being the

season to harvest your tomatoes, we focus on their beneficial qualities. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, it may help prevent prostate cancer as well as reduce tumour growth in men with prostate cancer. Lycopene is difficult for us to extract from raw tomatoes, therefore cooked or pureed tomato products may be better options.

Slow-roast fresh tomatoes in the oven for a delicious side dish: place on a baking tray, spray them with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper, place in a medium oven for approx. 15mins for cherry tomatoes (longer if the tomatoes are larger).

Seasonal Tip Here’s a great recipe for a basic tomato sauce, with a few hidden veggies for extra goodness. Use it as a base for bolognaise, bean chilli, or ratatouille. Opt for organic!

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By Nutritional Therapist Polly Douglas, Graduate of CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) in Edinburgh.

27

Sausage and Puy Lentil CasseroleSplash of rapeseed oil2 or 3 sausages per person (I use venison)4oz cubed pancetta2 shallots and carrots, slicedTomato purée8oz Puy lentils1/2pt red wine1pt stockSalt and pepper

• In a casserole dish, brown sausages in a splash of oil, remove from pan.

• Add pancetta and fry for five mins until crisp, add the shallots and carrots. Stir around until they have a little colour.

• Squeeze in a dollop of tomato purée, stir briefly. Tip in the lentils, wine and stock.

• Bring to the boil, plop the sausages back in, check seasoning and then slam in a pre-heated over (180oC/Fan 160oC/Gas4) for about an hour.

Serve with a green veg, mash and a large glass of something red!

I've just spent a week in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia; now these guys know a lot about comfort food! They also love pickles, but that's another story.

Georgians eat copious amounts of khinkali, savoury dumplings stuffed with all manner of ingredients and there's a knack to eating them without getting covered in juice. They use everything from an animal like the traditional dish, Jigris Khaurma – a stew using all the grizzly bits. You know the sort of stuff, we eat it often enough in haggis! I didn't have the guts (pardon the pun) to try it but did go for a gizzard dish that I'd rather forget; even the stray cats turned their noses up.

Immersing ourselves in other cultures, especially food, gives us a real insight into their lives. The fact that the Georgians use similar ingredients to us, but in a different way, opened my eyes. The markets are alive with incredible sights that we don't see here (EHO would have a hissy fit I'm sure). Meat butchered on slices of tree trunks, lights strung up (lungs, heart and liver not fairy) like a gruesome flower display. Homemade pickles in recycled jam jars, granddad's chacha (the national drink of Georgia) in old coke bottles. But what warms me most is their generosity of spirit; they may look dour, but they will share their last crust with you!

Year of Food and Drink, Scotland 2015 – Hearty and Heart-warming Lea writes http://OfftheEatenTrack.wordpress.com @BakersBunny on Twitter and Instagram. Radio presenter on Castle FM98.8.

What else is in my basket?Common snipe, wild duck, goose, grouse, hare, lamb, langoustine, lobster, spouts, cod, haddock, beetroot, sprouts, squash, celeriac, kale, leeks, salsify, quince, chestnuts, pomegranates, cranberries, apples and pears.

What’s in Season:

Comfort Food Rib-sticking and warming like a savoury duvet!

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Listings

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 pre-theatre menu £14 for 2 courses, £17 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 12 noon until midnight. Mon-Sat 12noon-2pm. Brunch 12.30-3pm on Sundays.

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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. Four Private Dining Rooms available at no extra charge. 70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh EH2 3DX – 0131 225 1233 – www.calistoga.co.uk

Fish and Seafood

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

Fishers in Leith – has been the last word in Edinburgh’s finest 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-

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Listings

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late. 1 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW – 0131 554 5666 – www.fishersrestaurantgroup.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

Brasserie Les Amis - At Brasserie Les Amis you can enjoy the best of French and Scottish cuisine. We source superb local produce and the finest ingredients to provide delicious food and beverages, whether you dine with us during the day and evening or sample the delights of our delicatessen. Also beautiful wines, craft beers and spirits. 83 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BU – 0131 228 7517 – www.brasserielesamis.co.uk

Café Marlayne (Thistle St) – Opened in March 2000 this branch of Café Marlayne follows in the footsteps of one of the many tiny back street bistros found all over Paris. At no more than 35 square metres it can change from the buzzing bistro at lunch time to a more romantic, intimate restaurant at night. It has a classic feel with wooden warm tones and twinkling lights. Lunch served 7 days a week: Noon-5.30pm; Dinner served 7 days Mon- Fri 6pm -10pm, Sat noon -10pm and Sun 6pm- 10pm. 76 Thistle Street – 0131 226 2230 – www.cafemarlayne.com

Café Marlayne (Antigua St) – Café Marlayne at Antigua Street offers a quite different experience than the original café in Thistle Street. Opened in December 2010 the space is a far larger. At the

front is the coffee shop with sofas and armchairs with the dining room at the back. Open all day from breakfast at 8.00am to last orders at 10pm encompassing breakfast, menu of the day, lunch, pre- theatre dinner and late dinner plus sandwiches, coffee, cakes, beers and wines. 13 Antigua Street – 0131 558 8244 – www.cafemarlayne.com

La Garrigue – Regional French Cuisine and Terroir Wines from the Languedoc/Roussillon. A restaurant where ‘Chef Jean Michel Gauffre brings warm Languedoc to your plate’ (Peter Irvine, Scotland The Best). Simple and stylish with the relaxed ambience of a French bistro and a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Winner of the Good food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year 2010. Also Gordon Ramsay’s Best French Restaurant 2010. Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner. 31 Jeffrey Street – 0131 557 3032 – www.lagarrigue.co.uk

La P’tite Folie – Informal, bustling bistro with mixed clientèle. Favourites include moules frites, steak frites, beef bourguignon, duck, etc. Extensive wine list. 2 course lunch £11.95, noon-3pm. Dinner a la carte 6-11pm. Closed Sundays. Large groups catered for, set dinner available. 9 Randolph Place – 0131 225 8678

L’Escargot Blanc – first floor West End restaurant. Sit beside a window and reminisce of the bohemian Latin Quarter or Marais district of Paris. Traditional French and classic dishes such as garlicky Snails, Rabbit in Dijon mustard, Sheltland lamb Navarin or Cassoulet, Îles Flottantes and Tarte Tatin. Provenance is paramount here and expect to find imported goods from well reputed producers only. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm. 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

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Listings

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 fish, 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

Italian

Mia – simple, cosy and welcoming. Serving delicious food, fine wines and fresh Italian coffee. Lunch menu 2 course £8.95. Lunch menu 3 course £9.95. Dinner set menu 2 course £18.95. Dinner set menu 3 course £21.95. A La Carte menu 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 five salsas ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot. Delivery to EH3, EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8 postcodes. 281 Leith Walk – 0131 555 6619 – www.loscardos.co.uk

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

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Listings

Scottish

Eh15 Restaurant & Bar – With incredible views of Edinburgh, Eh15 Restaurant & Bar serves up premium Scottish and British dishes cooked by Edinburgh College trainee chefs. Students use fresh, seasonal produce to create great value menus that rival the finest restaurants. Midweek lunch & dinner from £7.50. Weekend lunch from £10. Weekend dinner from £12. 0131 344 7344. eh15@edinburghcollege.ac.uk. www.theclubedinburgh.com Edinburgh College Milton Road Campus, 24 Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2PP.

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

The Apprentice Restaurant – Based in Granton, the Apprentice Restaurant has been described as “The best-value Scottish restaurant I’ve come across in my travels” by Richard Bath, Scotsman food critic. Edinburgh College Students create delicious Scottish and British menus. Midweek lunch & dinner from £7.50. 0131 559 4030. www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/trainingrestaurants Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QE.

Field – This restaurant as its name suggests loves ‘field-fresh food’ and is proud to showcase Scotland’s larder in a menu of tasty, innovative, seasonal dishes. The wine-list is carefully chosen and tempting. A cosy, unpretentious, neighbourhood restaurant in the University / Old Town area which also happens to be superb value for money 1 course £9.50, 2 courses £12.95 and 3

courses, £15.95 until 18:45pm, à la carte all day. 41 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DB – 0131 667 7010 – www.fieldrestaurant.co.uk – Sittings: Tue-Sun 12 noon-2pm and 5.30pm-9pm.

The Forth Floor Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie – The best in contemporary eating and drinking & un-paralleled views from the Castle to the Firth of Forth. Executive Chef Stuart Muir uses fresh seasonal Scottish produce to create food of the finest quality by matching modern flavours with classical techniques. Fresh, sustainable seafood available from the Seafood Bar whilst the Brasserie offers round the clock eating. Brasserie: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 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

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

The Whiski Rooms – Multi award WHISKI Rooms on the Mound, sister venue to Whiski on the Royal Mile. With iconic views to Princes Street, it’s an all day dining bar & restaurant serving fresh Scottish food. Stocking an impressive range of

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premium spirits, wines, cocktails & Scottish craft beers and 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 it's white-washed, high vaulted walls adorned with vintage Spanish movie posters and a stunning floor to ceiling antique bull fighting poster, Tapa is instantly evocative of the Iberian Peninsula. Head Chef Paco Martin Romano works with artisanal Spanish produce to create a menu of inventive, distinctive tapas dishes. And, whilst there is a firm focus on the Iberian Black Pig, you can tell that serious consideration has also been given to those with specific dietary requirements – over a third of the menu is vegetarian – with many of these dishes being designed to also become options for vegans easily – and there are also specific menus available for gluten and lactose free diners! Tapa is an encompassing, genuine taste of Spain in Leith! Open Everyday from 1pm. 19 Shore Place, Edinburgh EH6 6SW – 0131 476 6776 – tapa@tapaedinburgh.co.uk – www.tapaedinburgh.co.uk

Steakhouse and Bar

Smoke Stack – Smokestack has been serving the best in steaks, burgers and seafood to Edinburgh locals since 1996. Located in buzzy Broughton Street this casual bar/eatery prides itself on cooking locally-sourced produce simply. Members of the Scottish Beef Club you can choose from rump, rib eye, fillet and sirloin all aged for 21 days and very

fairly priced. Also weekend, brunch, express and kids menus (drop in for coffee or smoothies too). Extensive wine list as well as cocktails, whisky, beers and spirits. Open from 10am-late 7 days. Handy for The Playhouse and Omni Cinema. 53-55 Broughton St EH1 3RJ – 0131 556 6032 – info@smokestack.org.uk – www.smokestack.org.uk/index2.htm

Bars and Bar FoodThe Abbotsford – City’s finest ‘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

Bar Brig – Under the new management of Peter and Billy Ross of The Old Chain Pier, the former Bar Seinne at the foot of Leith Walk has been transformed. It is now serving scrumptious street eats made with fresh, locally sourced produce, craft beers, wines and spirits. Fun cocktail list with some classics. Friendly, relaxed, welcoming vibe. 96-98 Leith Walk – Open daily 12 noon-1pm, food served until 11pm – 0131 281 1090. Book for parties. www.barbrig.com

Boda Bar – A cosy, friendly bar with a subtle Swedish twist. Regulars, Leithers, Students and Tourists mix together are all welcome. When you book the backroom for more than 15 people you get a small, free buffet. Here you can try the lovely Idun’s Elderflower cider, Aquavit and many odd shots. Every Monday is live music and on regular basis there are Bar Boot Sales. Check web page for all events: www.bodabar.com Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pm- midnight. 229 Leith Walk – 0131 553 5900

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The Canons’ 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 find a calm & cosy restaurant serving a tempting mix of dishes prepared using the finest 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 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 Mediterranean food and drink. The Lioness has rejuvenated Duke Street to make this end of town a goto area synonymous with good times.

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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. Discount cocktals Mon-Thurs (all £5.95), Mon Deals Beer & Wings £10, Surf 'n' Turf Tuesdays. Breakfast - weekends only. Acoustic Sunday evenings. We are open for food Mon-Thu – Lunch 12 noon-2.30pm and dinner 5pm-9pm; Fri & Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 1am-9pm. The Lioness of Leith is on Facebook and is at 21-25 Duke Street – 0131 629 0580.

The Mad Hatter – This local, low key, friendly bar is situated in the increasingly buzzy area of Haymarket. A great menu includes a good range of meat, fish and vegetarian burgers and sharing platters. All food is made fresh and in-house. Craft beers and Prosecco feature on the drinks list as well as a range of wines, spirits and beers from independent suppliers. 8 Torphichen Place – 0131 228 6852 – EH3 8DU. Open 12 noon-late daily.

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 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 12pm-12.45am Monday to Friday, 10am-12.45am Saturday and Sunday. Dogs and children are welcome until 10pm. 44a Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS – 0131 629 7215 – www.noblesbarleith.co.uk – www.facebook.com/noblesbarleith

The Old Chain Pier – Historic waterfront bar serving fresh, homemade pub food made on the premises throughout the day. A glass frontage provides stunning views of the Firth of Forth. The water almost laps your toes. Outside seating and on the No. 16 bus route. Real ales, bottled beers, wines and whiskies. Child and pooch friendly. 32 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3ED – 0131 552 4960

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 finest 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

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the majestic Arthur’s Seat and opposite the Commonwealth pool. A beautifully refurbished country-style pub in the city, log fires, leather couches and a stunning restaurant area. Serving quality home cooked food with an interesting wine list and cask ales. 58 Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5AD – 0131 667 4518 – www.thesalisburyarmsedinburgh.co.uk

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.com Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon-1am Sun 1pm -1am. 65 Henderson Street – 0131 555 7019.

The Street – A popular mixed bar at the top of the very funky Broughton 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-five different countries and their own-brand Iduns swedish cider. Events include a language café every Monday, live

acoustic music every so often and irregular speed-dating singles nights. Any sense of gimmickry is nicely underplayed, though. With a child-friendly ethos during the day, a warm and moodily lit atmosphere at night, a 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 – Welcome to the 273rd year of The White Horse. Established in 1742, it is the oldest pub on the Royal Mile with a long history of welcoming tourists and locals alike. The White Horse is known for its Steak Pie and its Haggis Pie on its Value-for-Money menu and has a range of Scottish Gins, Malt Whiskies and Scottish Vodkas. Alternatively choose a glass of wine or one of its Scottish Craft Ales. Relax with a bite and a drink in the historic Stable Room which is a free fringe venue during the festival and can be free hired for your own event. Open Mon-Sat from 11am and Sunday from 12:30. 266 Canongate – www.thewhitehorseedinburgh.com

Afternoon Teas 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. Restricted and coeliac diets a speciality. Prices start from £15 per person. More info www.travellingteapot.com or 07974 226 722.

Cafés/Informal

Edinburgh Larder – A relaxed bright and welcoming café with a delicious selection of local, good quality food using organic/seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Great coffee from

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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 – officially the best soup in Scotland! Two of our soups are Great Taste Gold award-winners. Each day we serve six different soups, flavour-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’

Serrano Manchego – Serving breakfast every day from 9am. 'El Grande' is a breakfast feast fit for a king incorporating cured Jamón Serrano ‘Reserva’ served with crispy potatoes, salsa brava spiced with De La Vera pepper (D.O La Vera), ali oli sauce and two fried eggs. We serve the boutique Nespresso brand of coffee made with our luxury ‘Aguila’ coffee machine. Whether you enjoy your coffee

first thing in the morning, afternoon or after a meal, our coffee will be served perfectly throughout the day, every day. Here at Serrano Manchego you may enjoy your usual favourites as well as the Spanish ‘Cortado’, ‘Café con Leche’ and the sweet but potent ‘Bombón’. We also serve Chocolate con Churros which delights kids and adults alike. Other breakfast options include the tradtitional Spanish omelettes 'tortillas' and Tostas made wtih fresh artisan bread. 297 Leith Walk – 0131 554 0955 – serranomanchego.co.uk and Facebook.

Food Events Eat Walk Edinburgh – A foodie walking tour, presently in the top ten of activities in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor with a five 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 website 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 filled 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

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an exclusive range of ex-whisky barrel pieces. Open daily 11-6. 263 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ – 0131 556 7194 – www.CranachanAndCrowdie.com

Ice CreamAffogato – gelato e caffé. Specialising in artisanal gelato, made fresh daily on the premises. All crafted using the finest ingredients with no artificial flavourings 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 find 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 five salsas ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot. Delivery to EH3, EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8 postcodes. 281 Leith Walk – 0131 555 6619 – www.loscardos.co.uk

Wine Bars Le Di-Vin – is Edinburgh’s most sophisticated Wine Bar beside La P’tite Folie restaurant on Randolph Place. You can enjoy complementing charcuterie with your favourite wine as most are sold by the glass. Open Mon-Sat 12 noon ‘til late. Closed Sundays. 9 Randolph Place, EH3 7TE – 0131 538 1815 – www.ledivin.co.uk

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 fine clarets and champagne. A good range of collectable Malt Whiskies up to £300 a bottle. 100+ beers available. Collectable spirits also. Home delivery. 109 Comiston Rd – 0131 447 8580 and new shop now open at 23 Roseburn Terrace – 0131 337 4444.

Sideways Wine Store – Californian wine specialist. Over 150 wines and beers available. Free delivery in Edinburgh area. Email Gordon@Calistoga.co.uk for current offers. 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, a huge range of craft beers and specialist artisan Gin & Malts. Branches at The Grange, Stockbridge, Morningside and Broughton Street – www.vinowines.co.uk @vinoshops – info@vinowines.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS TIME, THREE COURSES (AND WINE…)

The ultimate venue for Christmas parties or dinner with friends and family, book now to enjoy sensational seasonal offerings at the Forth Floor, Harvey Nichols.

FORTH FLOOR BRASSERIE – THREE COURSES FOR £30 FORTH FLOOR RESTAURANT – THREE COURSES FOR £40

For more details and to make a reservation, please call 0131 524 8350 or visit harveynichols.com and search ‘Christmas dining’.