WIN. Written by locals! Me I m Free. Your Independent, Local Guide to Eating and Drinking in Edinburgh.

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1 Take Me I m Free Your Independent, Local Guide to Eating and Drinking in Edinburgh July 2013 Restaurant & Bar Reviews, Food, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Listings WIN Tickets to the Foodies Festival P23 Written by locals!

2 Crayfish Party in Joseph Pearce s 19th, 20th and 26th August 7PM. Tickets 25!! This year with Aquavit tasting!! Call to book

3 Foodies Festival with top chefs Edinburgh Inverleith Park August 9, 10 & 11 MICHELIN STARRED CHEF JEFF BLAND COOKIN G LIVE BOOK 2 FOR1 TICKETS QUOTE EDIN

4 We are a rustic bar and kitchen serving the best in American and Scottish craft beer, Malt Whisky, Bourbon and Rye. We offer a quirky fusion between American and Scottish street food. To find regular updates including news on our guest beers, check our Facebook and Twitter pages Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE jakes@bedsandbars.com Making your Wedding cake as individual as your Wedding Great tasting cake that comes with a no leftover guarantee Specialists in wedding & celebration cakes call , hello@lacerise.biz web lacerise.biz, fb lacerise cerise tw laceriseleith 199 Great Junction Street, Leith Edinburgh EH6 5LQ

5 Words Chris Berry Phil Cooke Mark Earl Rachel Edwards Nikki Fletcher The Go-Between Lea Harris The Insider Sharon Wilson James Wrobel Front Cover pamparam In this issue 09 Review Dakota Bar and Grill 10 Review La Garrigue 12 Wine Vino Wines 13 Review Divine Wine at Le Di-Vin 14 Wine Seasonal Pairings 15 Review Jake s Place 17 Review Harvey Nichols Forth Floor 18 The Insider The Reluctant Chef and The Hunter Gatherers 19 Review Ten Hill Place Restaurant 20 Beer A Sense of Perspective 21 Review Bonsai Bar Bistro 22 Out Of Town Review The Verandah Restaurant at The Atholl Palace Hotel 24 Review The Club Room at The Dome 25 Cocktails Just Desserts 27 Healthy Eating With CNM 28 Off The Trolley Edinburgh Bakeries 29 What s in Season Fancy Some Fermented Mares Milk? 30 Listings 5 Publisher/Editor Sharon Wilson I I M contact@bite-magazine.com I Design I Donna Earl I bite.design@mac.com Bite Magazine 2013 All items contained within this publication are copyright to Bite Publishing and cannot be taken or edited without the permission from the copyright holder. This magazine is printed on sustainable paper.

6 6 Salt n Sauce A flavour of what s happening this month Pizza Express has launched BYOW Sundays. Partner a sauvignon blanc with their goats cheese Padana pizza or maybe a cab sauv with the spicy sausage Calabrese. Branches at Queensferry Street, Deanhaugh Street, Northbridge, Leith, Holyrood, George IV Bridge, Ocean Terminal and Morningside Sundays from 6pm til 30th July. Rams Head IPA is now available at Jake s Plac, 9-13 Market St. Ramshead is an aggressively hopped, West Coast style IPA from the Delaware-based brewery, Fordham. At 7.5% it may be best enjoyed in the 1/3rd pint measures available at Jake s. Look out this month for The Singing Butcher Iain Hunter, performing at the Edinburgh International Jazz Festival. Iain is also the owner of award-winning butchers Hunters of Kinross and he is singing at The Tron Kirk, 25th July

7 Galvin Brasserie de Luxe have launched a new children's menu, and to celebrate, kids under 10 eat free at lunchtime on Sundays in July. Dishes such as vine tomato soup and mini Aberdeen Angus burgers will be available. Lunch pm on Sundays. 7 Food on Forth returns to Harvey Nichols 29th July from 7pm. Join Executive Chef Stuart Muir and the team for the ultimate in food and drink tastings. Tickets La Garrigue continues its Tour De France gastronomique... this month with a visit to the food and wine region of the Loire Valley 24th July. More info at Deema's Sri Lankan Curry Spices are a unique blend of spices from an authentic traditional recipe, but made in Leith. Use with coconut milk and follow the instructions. Available at Tattie Shaws, Relish Deli, Henderson's Deli or through their blog: for just 3 a pack.

8 8 Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen On Tour This month, food lovers in Edinburgh will have the opportunity to try fresh Peruvian cuisine as the Ceviche team, led by Head Chef Martin Morales, collaborates with Restaurant Mark Greenaway, to serve a one-off Peruvian dining experience on Monday 15th July. Guests are invited to attend a masterclass where they will learn to prepare Ceviche's highly acclaimed sea bass dish, Don Ceviche. The masterclass will be followed that evening by a pop-up restaurant serving a selection of dishes from the book Ceviche Peruvian Kitchen. The Scotch Whisky Experience is celebrating 25 years in the capital with a commemorative blend, which has been made using 25 year old Single Malt Whiskies from across Scotland and is limited to only 252 bottles. Appellation Wines have a very impressive list of wine and beer tastings this month: Monday 15th: Wine v Beer what is best match for charcuterie? Tuesday 16th: 6 wines to go with smoked salmon, Wed 24th: Wines of Portugal with Tom Cannavan and Monday 19th: Knops Meet The Brewer are just some of the events held at either 43 Dalry Rd or 63 Comely Bank Rd. Go the website for the full events calendar. One Square is running a Flat Iron Feast promotion this July, including a flat iron steak (220g) served with One Square butter, a side dish and half bottle of wine, all for per person. To book

9 Review: Dakota Bar and Grill A view from the bridge t was high time I took my friend The Dowager out for supper and Dakota was Ithe venue of choice. The hotel has a very classy restaurant with lots of dark wood, soft light and an air of urbane indulgence. The brand aims for five star quality at an affordable price and appears to deliver this with ease. A Venetian-style dip of roasted tomatoes filed the edge from our hunger and then on to starters. I chose mussels steamed in a coconut and ginger broth and for The Dowager, asparagus (from Kent) with poached egg, hollandaise and a walnut dressing (both 8.95). Fresh coconut with heaps of herbs and spices combined to make a sweet and fragrant bowl for me which would score above average in any shellfish contest. The Dowager commented that the egg was poached just right and you can t go wrong with new season asparagus. For main course she chose grilled west coast langoustines with garlic and parsley butter ( 19.95). They were über fresh and juicy, the best she had ever had and with a lifetime of high-end dining under her belt, this is praise indeed. I had pan-fried halibut (from Peterhead) with buttered brown shrimps ( 15.95). The fish was toasted golden brown, the shrimps were tiny wrinkled curls swimming in butter and capers; simple, unadulterated and delicious. Jersey royals on the side had unrivalled flavour. Desserts, unfortunately, didn t live up to expectations. Her nibs had rhubarb crumble with gingerbread ice cream, ( 5.95); the former was nothing special, the latter tasted as you would expect cake mixed through ice cream to taste. I had the butterscotch parfait with madeleines ( 6.95) which was way too big a portion of runny sauce on moussy cream. The madeleines were very good but didn t address the other problem of lack of texture in this pudding. Desserts lacked the refinement of our previous courses. Despite our 'dessert disappointment' however, we both agreed that Dakota Bar and Grill is generally excellent and we determined to visit it more often. (S. Wilson) Dakota Bar and Grill South Queensferry Opening hours Everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 9

10 10 Review: La Garrigue Petit Languedoc e needed a little TLC, and definitely chose the right place. WService here was so friendly & caring it made our visit an occasion. Despite a huge French party descending on an already busy Monday lunchtime, the cheerful flow of service didn t falter. The owner Jean-Michel pointed out straight away that his is countryside cuisine, representing exclusively the Languedoc cooking of the south. For a UK French restaurant, it's a bold decision to serve only Languedoc-Roussillon wines (as would happen locally in France, showing the natural harmony of regional food & wine). The rustic tableware reflects the type of fare offered, but dishes are neatly presented. The whole is delivered against a clean & sophisticated deep lavender & cream backdrop, complemented by a colourful gallery of rural scenes, with a killer view of Edinburgh to boot. My companion s twice-baked Roquefort soufflé starter (La Garrigue also specialises in fresh daily sweet soufflés), was accompanied by a juicy pear and walnut salad that balanced the dish well. My own black pudding and apple tian was purist Languedoc in that, rather than the crispy-shelled coalblack hot fried Stornoway disc we re used to here, it arrived creamy-textured at room temperature. I loved my choice of stuffed rabbit with petit pois the rabbit was tender & flavoursome. My other half indulged in the magret de canard, for the spurious reason that it came with a croquette, and no croquette escapes unscoffed with him around. Thankfully he also liked the tender pink duck on its bed of sweet salami-flavoured peppers. On the generous plateful, one perfect croquette sufficed. I too have my culinary Achilles heel floating

11 islands. La Garrigue s were disappointingly not in the trad quenelle form, being more ramekin than island-shaped. However, the perfume of pastis in its crème anglaise sea, along with a crispy shard of almond tuile filched from the lavender brûlée across the table, meant it passed my test. A decent lunchtime deal gives a thoroughly French experience for 15.50, less still if you are unable to commit to a full three courses. Next time, I have my eye on their fennel bouillabaisse with squid & pork sausage, available on the lunch menu, & a glass of walnut wine would be perfect with the Roquefort soufflé it being quite the done thing to start with a sweeter wine in Languedoc. La carte des vins showcases the region from 16 up. I felt comfortable with the helpful wine guidance offered, resulting in a recommendation for Le Mas D Alezon 2007, a velvety Faugères red from the owner s home village of Bedarieux. This managed to merit its 44 price tag with a smart double-act of rich ripe flavour combined with low alcohol an ideal lunchtime luxury. (The Go-Between) La Garrigue 31 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DH Opening hours 7 days, 12 noon -2.30pm & 6.30pm-9.30pm 11 CNM COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Turn your passion for Nutrition into a career! Become a Nutritional Therapist through part-time study in Edinburgh with CNM, the UK s leading training provider in natural health Find out more at our free-to-attend Open Evenings on 2nd July or 6th August, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Napier University, Craiglockhart Campus, Off Glenlockhart Road, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ Reserve your place for either event by calling or info@naturopathy-uk.com

12 12 Wine: Vino Wines Our story by Andrew Lundy yself and two other directors created our vision, Vino Wines from Mthe ashes of Wine Rack which went into administration in The first two stores opened in June 2010 the third in September of that year and the fourth in June At Vino there is categorically NO snobbery! We understand that our customers have a wide range of tastes and we are here to provide help with no airs or graces. We make every effort to stock products that appeal to a broad spectrum of customers with varying tastes and budgets but having the best is also something we pride ourselves on. We source wine from all over the UK as well as importing directly from European vineyards and beyond. This results in many unique products such as our best selling Prosecco by Vinon Tonon as well as the finest beers available in the UK s burgeoning craft scene. Our shops are located in the heart of Edinburgh s retail and residential areas so whatever the occasion, be it party, quite night in, loud night in, weddings, BYOB or BBQ we have got it covered. Broughton St is our smallest store but we fill our chillers with champagne, beer or frozen Vodka for optimum convenience. Our most recent store is in Stockbridge and it is by far the best expression of Vino as we were able to design it from scratch. Be it Barolo or Chablis you will find it in the wine tasting machine that takes centre stage in this showcase store. Grange Loan is our Causewayside bolt hole with a great team of staff who can recommend the best craft beer or the finest claret while catering for events with free glass hire and local delivery. Last but certainly not least is our Morningside store where we cater for weddings and our wholesale business to locally owned bars and restaurants. We have got a huge library of beer here with some very rare ones that only come into the country in small amounts.

13 Review: Divine Wine at Le Di-Vin 13 Wine bar. For those of us who grew up in the 80s this term evokes memories of venues packed with punters dressed like extras from Dynasty, glugging over-oaked chardonnay to a backing track by Sade. Fortunately, the modern incarnation is a lot more palatable, as a recent to visit to Le Di-Vin joyfully proved. Nestling in a former church building, Le Di-Vin is the younger sibling to next-door restaurant La P tite Folie, both owned by Virginie and Ghislain Brouard. Entering the bar it is apparent that wine is the star. A whole double-height wall is dedicated to decorative pewter bar, backed by shelves of quality wines, expertly sourced from across the globe by Ghislain: 164 bottles to choose from. Yet a visit to Le Di-Vin is far from an overwhelming experience quite the reverse. The staff are warm, welcoming and have the knowledge to deftly guide patrons. Accompanying the wine is a cleverly matched menu of food more of which later. To appreciate the breadth and quality of wines available, my dining/quaffing partner and I were offered a mini-wine tasting. Whites included: a grassy, grapefruit-laden Picpoul de Pinet; an Australian Riesling with subtle elderflower and apricot flavours; and a stunning Chablis steely dry, but with brioche hints. Reds were equally fine: South-American Carménère that was full of rosehip and rhubarb (amazing, given it isn t usually my favourite grape); cherries and raspberries, courtesy of an easy drinking Sangiovese; and a great plummy, spicy Malbec. Do I sound a wee bit Jilly Goolden? The wine was so well balanced and enjoyable, I don t care! (Wines sampled ranged from for 125ml glass). The very clever thing Le Di-Vin does is match well-prepared, tasty yet straightforward dishes to accompany the impressive range of fine wines. We consumed a very moreish planchette of mixed charcuterie and French cheese ( for 2) as we sipped and chatted. Quizzing Virginie, she elaborated about the food. If people want a three-course dinner, we direct them to our restaurant. If they prefer to relax with good wine and food that doesn t require a kitchen full of chefs, it has to be Le Di-Vin. Welcoming, airy, yet intimate. With some of the best wine I have tasted in a while, plus inviting, uncomplicated food, I shall certainly return to Le Di-Vin soon. Chris Berry Le Di-Vin 9 Randolph Place, Edinburgh EH3 7TE Opening hours Open Daily: 12 noon till late / Closed Sundays

14 14 Wine: Seasonal Pairings T he London revolution of Tapas and Cava bars à la Polpo and Copita hasn t quite made its way to Edinburgh, but it s just a matter of time before we see a new wave of Spanish eateries in town. This revival of tapas establishments has brought Sherry into the limelight and thrown off its granny stereotype. One of the special things about sherry is its versatility it has a remarkable way of fitting into every occasion. So it s worth having a play around with it before that sherry bus gets to town. Remember that a little goes a long way but just like wine, it doesn t keep. Fino and Manzanilla Perfect for anytime, from a civilised sip when the sun s just over the yard arm to some serious food matching. They combine the freshness of green olives and sliced apple with a salty almond savouriness. Great with Iberian ham, manchego cheese and olives as well as sushi, asparagus and smoked fish. Fino is a bit softer than Manzanilla which is drier, lighter and slightly more bitter. Look out for the term en rama on the label, a limited edition unfiltered sherry which has more intense flavours. Wine Society Fino Sherry 5.75 Amontillado or Pasado A halfway house between Fino or Manzanilla and Oloroso this has all the savouriness of the Fino with some added depth and flavour. Sherry is not know for it s fruitiness and at this point you begin to lose the fresh apple flavour and get more of the almond and walnut nuttiness. It s much more full bodied so although you can drink this on its own I d be heading down the cured and smoked meat route, or maybe a saffron- infused rice dish. B. Rodriguez Goyesco Drinkmonger Oloroso The king of all sherries, this is rich in the mouth and very intensely flavoured with a mixture of dried fruit, nuts and just a hint of that saltiness you find in Fino. It can be sweet or dry and in its driest forms it s a perfect foil to soy sauce, mushrooms and game, particularly smoked venison. Jerezana Dry Oloroso, Waitrose 9.75 We re an Edinburgh based wine company who run wine and food events. Next event Barbecue Special Thirsty Thursday 25th July Bon Vivant s Companion See Conviviumwine.com for more details

15 Review: Jake s Place It s smokin! I bet anyone who has seen the KFC scene in William Friedkin s Texan-noir Killer Joe will never look at deep-fried poultry in the same way again. This is what I am thinking as I stare chicken wings and hog hind hammers in Jake s. I don t mean to be derogatory though, far from it. On the day me and Mr Bite visit we are both particularly ravenous and this new bar with its American/Scottish street food and craft beers really hits the spot. The décor is rustic Americana and, true to character, Creedence Clearwater Revival are also on the soundtrack as we settle in. The beers are the key here. All are presently exclusive in Scotland to Jake s and from the Fordham Brewery in Delaware (near Baltimore and Philadephia). They are sold, de rigueur for craft beer, in 1/3rds, 2/3rds, bottles and flights; perfect for tasting. We order four tapas-style dishes for which beer matches are suggested. Salted cod croquettes with tartar sauce ( 6) are first down the hatch with a Copperhead Ale. The beer is smooth and malty whilst the croquettes are mini-zeppelins full of fishy flavour and nicely crisped. The barman says they are his go to and I think they are one of the best examples I have tasted. I have a penchant for stout at the moment so really enjoy Dominion Oak Barrel with sweet potato fries and a buttermilk ranch dip ( 4 / 2). There is coffee, chocolate and espresso in the stout but it is the underlying milk gum flavour that really complements the fries and dip. The next two dishes recall that KFC moment. BBQ hog hind hammers ( 6.50) and 10 chicken wings in sticky bourbon BBQ with blue cheese and celery ( 5). The latter are chewy and moreish, the dip has a good, robust flavour and both are washed down nicely with an ultrahoppy Rams Head IPA. Hind hammers are rich, tender and meaty and the BBQ sauce piquant and smoky. Jake s is a great little place. It does what it says on the tin, a fusion of American and Scottish street food with 34 American whiskies to boot. Just don t mention the turkey drumstick. (S. Wilson) Jake s Place 9-13 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE Opening hours Mon-Sat 12 noon-1am; Sun 12.30pm-1am 15

16 OLD CHAIN PIER Fine panoramic views of the Firth of Forth Real ales, bottled beers, wines and whiskies. Fresh, homemade pub food made on the premises daily. Child and dog friendly. Outdoor seating & beer garden On No. 16 bus route! 32 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, Take your EH5 time 3EDat the old chain pier but haste ye back New Seafood Menu

17 Review: Harvey Nichols Forth Floor T aking advantage of good weather is an essential part of living in Scotland and the Forth Floor Brasserie is an ideal place to do this. Floor to ceiling windows, unrivalled views and a restaurant length balcony combine with a 3 course menu plus cocktail ( 20) that runs throughout July and August. It s a menu that proudly focuses on local produce, no more so than with my smoked mackerel, pickled carrot, apple and chickpea salad starter. Fresh and light, the carrot and apple added texture, while the smoky fish wasn t overpowering. The chickpeas brought a pleasantly warm, nuttiness to the plate. Sarah began with haggis bon bon, curried parsnip purée and a potato nest. The bon bon was crispy on the outside and sadly, rather stodgy inside but the potato basket tasted great and gave a modern twist to a Scottish classic. The purée was smooth and silky with a hint of spice that complemented the dish. Mains saw me order braised Ayrshire pork belly, mashed potato, apple butter and chicory. The meat was good quality and braised to perfection, but why not crisp up the skin and give me the crackling I oh so crave? The bite from the chicory was welcome and brought a bitter note to counteract the sweetness of the apple and pork. The sauce was heavenly. Roast Loch Duart salmon, sautéed Jersey Royals, asparagus, black and gold rapeseed oil was Sarah s main and showcased seasonal Scottish produce. Neatly presented, the salmon was moist with crispy skin, the potatoes and asparagus were expertly cooked but a twist of seasoning would have enhanced an otherwise excellent dish. As we drew the last sip of our refreshing Absolut Summer cocktail, I ended with lemon posset, maple blueberries and shortbread while the lady ordered strawberry and elderflower pavlova. The posset was a middle of the road dessert and lacked real lemon flavour. The blueberries gave it a bit of taste but the shortbread was undercooked.. The pavlova was a lovely dish which featured a top notch meringue; crispy on the outside with a gooey centre. The strawberries were fresh and well balanced with the cream and sweet meringue. However, there was no real flavour of elderflower. A good value dinner for 20, just let down by a couple of small elements but nothing a few more of those punchy cocktails wouldn t sort out! (P. Cook) Summer Dining Offer is available Tuesday to Fridays throughout July and August Please book via website or Forth Floor Brasserie Harvey Nichols, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD Opening hours Lunch - Mon-Fri: 12 noon-3pm; Sat-Sun: 12 noon- 3:30pm; Dinner - Tue-Sat: 6pm-10pm 17

18 18 insider: The Reluctant Chef and The Hunter Gatherers t a barbecue lately I had cause to ponder the vexed question of Awhether I prefer to be called a chef or a cook. I know what you re thinking on balance, I think you should be called a w **** r and I can t think of a convincing argument against that sentiment. As it happens, if I have to be called anything, I ve always preferred cook. Besides, the definition of a chef is director of a kitchen, and I ve tended to fly solo, cooking out of converted toilets, excleaning cupboards and the odd high-falutin gaff that actually had a six ring stove. Getting back to the barbie, the moment the hostess introduced me as a chef and the cry went up guess who ll be on the grill? I knew I was in trouble. Sure enough about 10 minutes in, the alpha males started hovering. Then came the sage advice and helpful tips. You ll want to let the coals settle down a bit. I presume you ll be putting the chicken on first? Or by the time it s ready the burgers will be burned. No, no, no, that s the hot spot, this corner here is where you want to rest cooked stuff. Did you wet the kebab sticks? And Don t you use a herb and garlic basting oil? After about two hours or so of this Inquisition by BBQ, I needed the loo, despite the fact that I hadn t been passed a beer since my first Bud (at least not one that had made it through the scrum of sweaty, opinionated Masters of the Universe behind me). When I returned, my erstwhile tutors and aspiring hunter gatherers were perched round the fire squabbling over the tongs, like a bunch of nesting Hooded Vultures protecting their eggs. Which was absolutely dandy by me. I thinned off to join the ladies and the booze in the kitchen where if the hostess had introduced me as a cook ( he probably works in a canteen ) rather than a chef I assure you I would have been all along. Before writing this, I cooked dinner: Confit sea trout on morcilla de Burgos, puy lentil and drowned tomato ragout with glazed salsify root. How was it? I asked the Silent Assassin. She looked pained It was good, but how on earth am I meant to record what I ve just eaten on my Fitness Pal app calorie counter? (Sigh!) the moment the hostess introduced me as a chef and the cry went up guess who ll be on the grill? I knew I was in trouble

19 Review: Ten Hill Place Restaurant Hotel dining ite reviewed the wine bar of this four Bstar hotel a couple of months back but thought it was worth taking a look the restaurant too. The hotel is located in a secluded Georgian square and is owned by the Royal College of Surgeons. I imagine any tourist, festival-goer or indeed local would be very pleased to discover such a peaceful haven so near the hubbub of Nicolson Street. All the profits for Ten Hill Place go towards investing in the college but the only incisions Mr Bite and me were interested in this evening were those we would make on our food. For starters he chose slowly braised ham hock, leek and spring onion Scotch pie ( 4.50) and concluded that the flavour of the filling and texture of the case were superb, however water from the pie did let the dish down. I had cherry wood smoked pigeon breast salad ( 5.95). The meat was cold and juicy, blood orange segments were succulent and a bunch of various greens and leaves all combined to make a seasonal summery salad. We thought both dishes needed more seasoning. Main course for me was confit of rainbow trout flavoured with hibiscus sea salt and thyme and served with beetroot stained colcannon, griddled asparagus and lemon and dill sorbet ( 14.50). This was all good apart from the sorbet, the texture and temperature just didn t work with the fish. Mr Bite s main course of braised Scotch lamb shoulder chop with smoked haggis, neeps and tatties gratin and rhubarb and mint sauce ( 14) however, was superb. The meat was caramelised to sticky and falling from the bone. The gratin was a genius idea as was the jus and both worked really well. For dessert we shared the white chocolate and rhubarb crème brûlée ( 4.50) topped with caramelised rhubarb which unfortunately had a lumpy cream and undercooked topping. A real shame. We got the impression that there was a really imaginative, ambitious chef in the kitchen but a lot more attention to execution and consistency was needed. (S. Wilson) Ten Hill Place Restaurant 10 Hill Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9DS Opening hours Breakfast - Mon-Fri: 7am-10am; Sat-Sun: 8am-11am; Carvery - 12 noon-7pm; A la carte 7pm-10pm; Wine Bar Menu: 12 noon-10pm 19

20 20 Beer: A Sense of Perspective I 'm penning this, whilst bumming around in my office, beer in hand, studiously avoiding any real work. I'm probably a bit slacker than usual as I am recovering from a family holiday in Dumfries & Galloway. A change of scene means you return to your home with a fresh perspective and appreciate things you might have taken for granted. This column has often talked about the embarrassment of riches available to the Edinburgh drinker, but it took a holiday visit to a rural pub for me to really appreciate this. The pub in question was in many ways utterly perfect; cosy, picturesque, child friendly and at the end of an energetic woodland ramble. I m sure you know the type; low beamed ceiling, sticky carpet, portable TV behind the bar showing a golf tournament. It had a lingering bouquet of KP nuts and flyers for local mini cab firms. Frankly, it was my kind of place. Once the family were ensconced it fell to me to get the drinks in and that s where it all went horribly wrong. Dismissing the two interchangeable cheap, mass-market lagers on offer, my options were limited to Guinness (extra cold) and Belhaven Best, except that the Best was off. So this pub was bereft of Scottish beer. The wine list ran to both house red & house white, it did have a halfway decent selection of malts, but that didn t seem quite right given that it was lunchtime on the first genuinely warm day of the year. Panicking, I opted for a couple of Gin & Tonics. It seems that every other programme on Radio 4 is a documentary bemoaning the decline of the country pub, but the finger of blame is rarely pointed at the landlords. A tied house is restricted in what it can offer, but there are many decent landlords out there that manage to strike the right balance between pushing their paymaster s beer, whilst offering a good range of alternatives. The cataclysmic state of the economy is often blamed for the death of the rural boozer, but this pub was located in a small, affluent village, complete with yacht club and a constant stream of tourists. Sadly though, the bar failed to live up to even the lowest expectations, perhaps due its complacent reliance on a captive market and I am sure the vast majority of vistors would indeed pop in for a pint. But I doubt that many would stay for another. (J. Wrobel) This column has often talked about the embarrassment of riches available to the Edinburgh drinker, but it took a holiday visit to a rural pub for me to really appreciate this.

21 Review: Bonsai Bar Bistro Bento box bites I t is the tenth birthday of Bite this year and inevitably your editor catches herself looking back to the restaurant scene of 2003 and considering the good, the bad and the ugly. For example, it is bad that there are still so few decent wine bars in Edinburgh; perhaps they never recovered from the yuppie years. It is ugly that so many of the restaurants appearing in the first issue of Bite no longer exist. However, it is good that a few do and that sushi restaurants in particular have proliferated. In 2003 the West Richmond street branch of Bonsai had just opened. Fast forward and I am visiting the new branch at the top of Broughton Street. It is a deceptively simple place. The menu lists soups, salads, sashimi, sushi, teppanyaki et al in a very clear and concise fashion but there are some really tempting and interesting dishes on offer. We try salmon sashimi with radish noodles ( 4.50), tuna Maki ( 4.25), tako salad marinated octopus & tomato salad with yuzu dressing 3.95) and sunomono salad lightly pickled cucumber & wakame salad ( 3.50). The sashimi was delicious, the seaweed wrapped round the tuna maki had a great texture and flavour but it was the salads that truly impressed. The octopus was particularly good; the tentacles tenderized and infused with citrusy yuzu. Tomatoes added more acidity and everything was chopped small in easy to eat bites. We had black sesame seed and honey cheesecakes in shot glasses for pudding ( The seeds had been roasted crunchy and the honey had a lovely floral aroma and flavour. Lacquered bento boxes full of Japanese goodies looked great at the next table ( 9.90) alongside bowls of steaming miso (2.50) but if you want a really good deal there is a lunch offer for 4.90, details are on posters whilst daily specials are chalked on a board. Given the location, the price and the fact that I love sushi, this wee bento box of a restaurant will definitely be a regular pit stop for me. I have already eyed up the menu for future visits and seared scallops with ginger and orange and octopus dumplings figure highly. (S. Wilson) Bonsai Bar Bistro 14 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3RH

22 22 Out Of Town Review: The Verandah Restaurant at The Atholl Palace Hotel Mr Bite exploded half an hour for a steak? We were mid-main course at The Verandah Restaurant in The Atholll Palace Hotel and despite the stunning surroundings things weren t going well. I had sent back my first main course choice. East coast hake, prawn and spinach strudel in filo with a tomato and oregano sauce and baby roast potatoes. What I thought would be a light summery dish turned out to be a greasy filo casing with stodgy dry innards the texture of backstreet bhajis. I did see pieces of hake but the strong smell put me off digging them out. On the side, tinned chopped tomatoes with a bit of onion added. This wasn t what I expected I said politely to the waiter. Back to starters which had been cock a leekie soup for Mr Bite and hot smoked Aberdeen salmon for me with capers and prawns in a dill sauce. The dish was too salty and a piece of bread had been buttered and plonked on the side with no finesse as had an undressed salad but the dish was edible. The soup was watery and mundane which made Mr Bite come over all patriotic. There was a convention of Dutch Aston Martin owners at the hotel you see and he blurted out what will they think of our Scottish cuisine? Back to the mains, if we must, for the memory of that strudel still makes me shudder. My survival instincts kicked in and I ordered steak. When it arrived (within 5 or so minutes) it was rare and delicious as were the mushrooms on the side. Chips weren t homemade and the tomato was a hard ball of red mush but there was some nice fresh watercress to compensate and the onion rings were good. Both dishes contained half a serrated lemon with a tomato cherry on top. The whole experience was taking me back to my student sliver service days in the eighties. Mr Bite liked his main course of west coast scampi tails with a creamy mash on the side. I tasted the prawns and the sauce and they were good. He was perplexed but I concluded it was plain old luck. Old fashioned turned ironic retro. He wasn t sure what to do with the lemon. And so to the Russian roulette normally known as pudding. Mr Bite insisted I choose something so I went for orange milliefeuille ; I d never had a milllie-feuillle before. A large dod of cream between two pieces of pastry and an orange slice on the side. Mr B had the coconut and caramel tart with butterscotch sauce. This retro gateau from the lost world of the sweet trolley was light and creamy and we both really liked it. And now to the good bits. The Atholl Palace is a beautiful building in stunning grounds; sylvan gardens with rivers and waterfalls all nestled in the beautiful

23 Perthshire hills. There are tennis courts, pools and a spa. I swam, used the steam rooms and saunas and had a lovely lava shell massage. In terms of relaxation, sports and exploring the countryside it is a truly excellent spot but the decor in parts would kindly be described as faded grandeur. It is in need of an update. For example, The Verandah restaurant has a glass frontage and the view is breath-taking but a couple at a nearby table had to move because a hole in the roof dripped rain. Having said that, the reception areas are very sumptuous indeed. The Atholl Palace has a four star rating, with a bit of a facelift and a serious look at the restaurant it could attain five stars and be a beacon of what Scotland has to offer in terms or hospitality, countryside and the Scottish larder. (S. Wilson) The Atholl Palace Hotel Perth Rd, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5LX WIN TICKETS TO FOODIES FESTIVAL The UK's largest celebration of food and drink returns to Edinburgh s Inverleith Park on 9, 10 and 11 August. Watch top chefs cooking live, sample over 100 speciality food and drink producers and pick up exclusive ingredients to take home. Try masterclasses and tasting sessions including food and wine matching and cocktail mixing. This year's new features include a cake and bake theatre, a chocolate theatre, a BBQ arena, wine village and homeware village. There s also a children's cookery theatre, city beach, Street Food Avenue, restaurant tents, bars and a live entertainment stage to ensure a great day out for all! We have a pair of VIP tickets (worth 38 each) to give away, as well as 10 pairs of day tickets. To be in with a chance to win, just answer the following question. Where is Foodies being held this year? Please send your answer with your contact details to contact@bite-magazine by the closing date of 21st July

24 24 Review: The Club Room at The Dome T he Club Room was originally a 1930sstyle cocktail bar but following a major refurbishment it re-opened as a restaurant in July Super-suave, it has mirrored and black American Walnut walls, crystal chandeliers and candle-lit tables. This all creates a glitzy but casual ambience. I decided to escape the hubbub of work and deadlines recently to have a leisurely lunch with a friend. I fancied something new and summery so skipped my go to Caesar salad this time around and ordered grilled flat mushrooms filled with baked leeks in a creamy mustard sauce topped with a walnut crust and served with a rocket salad ( 13.50). What a joyful dish and one of the very best vegetarian dishes I have ever had. The mushrooms were large, meaty and intense. The crust, a mix of crushed nuts and fine breadcrumbs, was toasted golden. Mix this with a creamy sauce and every mouthful was delicious. My plate was scraped clean. The side salad is well worthy of a mention too. Red and yellow peppers, green rocket and red cherry tomatoes combined to make Rastafariancoloured salad that was pleasing to the eye and clean and fresh on the palate. My friend chose breaded pork escalopes served with sautéed potatoes, pancetta, sage and a creamy mushroom sauce ( 17.00) and she let me pinch a bite. The pork was juicy and as with the mushrooms what impressed was the lightness of the breaded coating. Not a hint of heaviness. The accompaniment was a winning combination of flavours too. I had been really tempted by a starter of warm almond-coated goats cheese served with watercress and almond pesto ( 8.00). It sounded like a scrummy starter but I know my limits. Two courses were sufficient for lunch and when that is the case pudding always wins the day! Chocolate truffle torte served with raspberry coulis ( 6.50) for me and pineapple and coconut crème brûlée served with a spiced pineapple compôte ( 7.00) for my friend. My torte was served on an indigo glass plate and was a lovely chocolaty finale to my meal. A stolen mouthful of crème brûlée revealed a rich, heady tropical flavour. Well thought out summer dishes, perfectly executed and presented in the luxurious clubby atmosphere. (S. Wilson) The Club Room at The Dome 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF Opening hours The Club Room is open Mon-Wed from 10am-5pm and Thu-Sat from 10am until late.

25 Cocktails: Just Desserts A liquid ending. I have a terrible habit of taking the easy way out and opting for a cheeseboard when I'm cooking at home. I convince myself it allows me to fully concentrate on the main course, throwing in a bit of attention for the starter and the canapés to go with the martinis. In reality, as D will attest to, it s because I'm a lazy git who can't be bothered faffing around trying to create a sweet sensation that actually looks edible. You spend hours you measure precisely, you beat maniacally, you whisk fervently, you fold delicately, you bake cautiously, you sweat profusely and for what? A chocolate soufflé that could be used to repair pot holes, served with some schizophrenic coconut ice cream that can t even pass itself off as a poor quality sorbet and some weird chocolate shapes that wouldn t look out of place on the set of Doctor Who! So, for all us failed pastry chefs, here are some easy cocktails that work great as a dessert. And the best part is that even if the rest of the meal doesn t quite work out, at least you can drown your sorrows. Death by Chocolate: Blend 1 measure of vodka, 1 1/2 measures of Baileys, 1 measure of crème de cacao (dark) with 3 scoops of luxury chocolate ice cream and 2 scoops of crushed ice. Pour into a hurricane glass, garnish with Flake and serve with a straw. Key Lime Pie: Shake 2 measures of vanilla vodka, 1 1/2 measures of freshly pressed pineapple juice, 1/2 measure of freshly squeezed lime juice and a dash of Roses lime cordial over ice. Strain into a martini glass that has rimmed with crushed digestive biscuit (wipe the rim with the drink and dip into the digestive biscuit). Banoffee Martini: Muddle 1/4 banana in the bottom of the shaker. Add 1 1/2 measures of vanilla vodka, 3/4 measure of butterscotch schnapps, 3/4 measure of crème de bananes, 1 bar spoon of maple syrup and 1 measure of cream. Shake over ice and double strain into a martini glass. Lemon Meringue Martini: Shake 2 measures of vodka, 1 measure of Baileys, 1 measure of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 measure of gomme over ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist. Here s to the perfect ending of a great dinner! (M. Earl) Jaymee Sire 25

26 NOW OPEN IN BRUNTSFIELD INAA AWARD FOR BEST BARBERS IN SCOTLAND 136 Bruntsfield Place EH10 4ER Natural energy Superfoods and a natural diet will increase your energy levels & wellbeing, so you look and feel better... faster! Free delivery for online orders over 29 Shop online at 37 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3JU 8 Brougham Street, Edinburgh EH3 9JH Fresh local seasonal value

27 Healthy Eating With: CNM Natural sun protection 27 n the days when we see the sun shining it is natural to want to try to Oabsorb healthy amounts of its rays. Nowadays we are much more aware of the need to protect ourselves from too much sun exposure with all of the potential damage that this can have on our skin, but given the range of chemicals that are in many sunscreens, not everyone is happy or comfortable to use these. So how can we help to protect ourselves from the inside out? Did you know that what you put into your body, as well as on it, can actually help you to protect yourself from some of the effects of the sun? Consume tomatoes / tomato purée, as the lycopene in tomatoes is a natural sunscreen and may help prevent wrinkles too! Omega 3 fatty acids in fish can help with your body's defence against free radicals, for healthier skin. Eat a plentiful and varied range of colourful fruit and vegetables to boost your antioxidant intake to help skin health. You can even eat small amounts of very dark (preferably raw) chocolate as this also contains anti oxidants. Topically, Shea butter and coconut oil can help to protect and moisturise your skin use this as a healthy after sun application. Ensure you keep yourself properly hydrated and drink plenty of water / coconut water and other natural juices. Most importantly be sensible and don't overdo the amount of sun you expose yourself too, no matter how rare an event seeing it might be! By Sam Folcarelli, Director of Studies at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) in Edinburgh. You can find out more about training with CNM for a career in Nutritional Therapy, by attending one of CNM s free Open Evenings in Edinburgh. Next dates: Tuesday 2nd July or Tuesday 6th August 2013, from 6.30pm-8.30pm. For more details or to reserve your place call , info@naturopathy-uk.com or visit

28 28 Off The Trolley: Edinburgh Bakeries E ach morning I walk a gauntlet that would challenge the most disciplined of ascetics, passing four bakeries within a few hundred metres. These purveyors of everything good, while in name all bakers, are as different from each other as pasties are to panettone. But whether a bakery in the artisan-breadand-patisserie sense, or the Scotch-pie-and-vanilla-slice sense, I love them all. My daily temptation begins on Albert Street, gazing at the biscuits and cannoli in the windows of the Sicilian Pastry Shop. Unable to resist the stately tower of substantial donuts, I pop inside. Everyone speaks Italian, including the very Scottish man behind the counter! I want to stay all morning, downing espresso and licking sugar from my fingers, but grease-stained bag in hand, I continue towards Easter Road. I have a real soft spot (located just around my waist-line) for your standard Scottish bakery: the kind that stock pies and pasties alongside donuts, iced buns, and if you're lucky, a squirt of synthetic cream. Mason's in Newhaven is perhaps my favourite, but I'm not fussy. I love these bakers, and my next stop comes closest to one of them. Bravely located alongside Gregg's, Bayne's boasts windows of French fancies, pastel coloured icings, and frosted donuts. Perhaps slightly cheaper than their neighbours (we're talking about 2p, but still), they fill much the same niche: sausage rolls and yum yums, cupcakes and a few shelves of morning rolls. Fudge donuts get top marks here, as do iced coconut buns. There's more of the same next door, although here it's the savouries that tempt. A steak bake, or a bacon, egg and sausage roll? And a tray of iced biscuits as well? Why not. It's not far from Gregg's to the Manna House. This haven of pastries, elegant cakes, delicate mousses and exquisite breads is only 50 metres (and yet a world) away. Inside, I admire the offerings, inhale the elegance, and leave with a load of artisan bread tucked under my arm. There's an impressive range of bakery traditions in Edinburgh, with a time and place for each of them. And the beauty is that within a few streets in Leith, or indeed most Edinburgh neighbourhoods, you can sample them all. Just make sure you leave enough room. (R Edwards)

29 What s in Season: Fancy Some Fermented Mares Milk? I t s that time of year where the kids have taken a break from the education system and we all try to escape from either the Scottish summer (midges and rain) or the school holidays. There are plenty of festivals across the globe that may tickle your fancy and are mostly childfree. You could do no worse than head to Mongolia for the manly sports fest of Naadam. After quaffing a refreshing bowl of airag, a bitter drink made from fermented mares milk, have a quick game of Shagai, a local version of skittles played with sheep bones. Our next stop could only have been thought up by our antipodean cousins The Beer Can Regatta held in Darwin, reputedly the beer-drinking capital of the world. A relatively new festival that started in the mid 70s when construction workers sought employment after Cyclone Tracey. The amount of tinnys they drank produced a litter problem that was solved by a local who suggested they build boats out of the tins and hold a regatta. One of my favourite places, Key West, holds its Hemingway Look-Alike Contest this month. So if you ve got a beard, barrel chest and a booming voice, join other hopefuls, at Sloppy Joe s Bar, where Papa spent most of the 1930s knocking back daiquiris. I speak from experience; these are some of the best rum-based cocktails you will find. So if the weather is being hospitable, fire up the barbie, dig out a copy of A Moveable Feast and chill with a daiquiri or two perfect with this month s recipe! (L.Harris) Lea writes and on Twitter Salad of Warm Summer Vegetables A mix of green vegetables courgettes, broad beans, peas, mangetout, runner beans (you get my drift) Large bunch mint Spring onions Feta cheese Juice of a lemon Several glugs of oil Salt and pepper Method Par boil veg except courgettes, they need to be sliced thinly and char-grilled. Chop cooked veggies while still warm and place in a pretty bowl. Chop the onions and rip the mint, throw in the bowl. Pour lemon juice and oil over everything. Season, toss then crumble the feta on top. Excellent with BBQ meats and shoved into flatbreads. 29 What else is in my basket? Lamb, wild trout, clams, pike, garlic, aubergine, cherries, peaches, and blackcurrants.

30 Listings 30 Restaurants Bistros and Brasseries Bijou A local eatery for breakfast, lunch & dinner, or maybe just a cheeky glass of wine. An ever changing menu, available in 3 different sizes, bijou, medium and main you choose. Private Dining available. Free wifi. 2 Restalrig Road Edinburgh, EH6 8BN The Edinburgh Larder Bistro at the west end corner of Prince s Street, with its light interior and conservatory, is the ideal place to enjoy seasonal Scottish food. The Edinburgh Larder team works closely with local farmers, fishmongers, fruit and vegetable suppliers to bring you the best of local Scottish produce. Sample Scottish Spirits & Beers, carefully selected wines from Woodwinters and Edinburgh-based Artisan Roast coffees and Eteaket teas. Open 12noon-2.30pm & 5.30pm- 10pm Mon-Sat (pre-theatre menu available 5.30pm-6.45pm). Sundays 12.30pm-3.00pm. Excellent value weekday dining from a Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH , Elbow Eat... the freshest produce from cakes to steaks. Drink... grape to grain and everything in-between. Enjoy... the little things that count.. Bar open 11am-1am, 7 days.lunch, dinner & snacks daily from 11am 10pm. Burger & a cocktail 10 every Wednesday all day! Monday Movies, Tuesday Pub Quiz, Friday's Live Music & D.J's East Claremont Street, Edinburgh 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. 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 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 to 10pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 10pm. 91 Broughton Street, EH1 3RX Stac Polly Brasserie, Gin & Wine Bar Scottish lunch menu with meat, fish, vegetarian options and sharing platters. Light bites from midafternoon 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 pm on Sundays Dublin Street Edinburgh EH3 6NL British One Square a vibrant bar and restaurant, offering a modern, uniquely British take on the classic grand café, serving an inventive range of dishes by award-winning Executive Chef, Malcolm Webster, from breakfast and afternoon tea to late-night dining, all with views of Edinburgh Castle. The bar features over 40 different varieties of premium gin. Open daily

31 from 7am to midnight, food served until 11pm. 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR Californian Calistoga Central & Sideways Wines Current Holders of Speciality Restaurant of the Year at Scottish Restaurant Awards. Edinburgh s original and only Californian restaurant. Our unique fresh food is prepared by our great kitchen team who are inspired by the flavours of California. Wine List of over 100 Californian wines at only 5 above shop prices. Try us or book one of of unique Wine, Whisky or Beer Tastings Dinners. Private Dining. 70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh EH2 3DX 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 comtemporary surroundings offer the perfect venue for a casual lunch or initmate 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 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 atmsophere and, of course, fabulous Scottish seafood Set lunch & pre-theatre menu, 2 courses Listings 13, 3 courses 16. Open everyday from 12 noon - late. 1 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW The Ship on The Shore Seafood Restaurant and Bar. Sustainable Scottish seafood served with simplicity and style complemented by a carefully chosen and extensive wine and champagne list. Try the fruits de mer for two or the oysters, both with champagne. The Ship also serves lobster, smoked salmon, mussels, crab, monkfish, bass and much more. Seasonal specialities include game and meat dishes. Outside seating. Food served Mon-Sun noon- 10pm The Shore French La Garrigue Regional French Cuisine and Terroir Wines from the Languedoc/Roussillon. A restaurant where Chef Jean Michel Gauffre brings warm Languedoc to your plate (Peter Irvine, Scotland The Best). Simple and stylish with the relaxed ambience of a French bistro and a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Winner of the Good food Guide Readers Restaurant of the Year Also Gordon Ramsay s Best French Restaurant Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner. 31 Jeffrey Street 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 Frederick Street L'Escargot Blanc First floor West End restaurant. Sit beside a window and reminisce of the bohemian Latin Quarter or Marais district of 31

32 Listings 32 Paris. Traditional French and classic dishes such as garlicky Snails, Rabbit in Dijon mustard, Shetland lamb Navarin or Cassoulet, iles flottantes and tarte tatin. Provenance is paramount here and expect to find imported goods from well reputed producers only. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Friday and Sat 12 noon-3pm and 5.30pm-10.30pm. Closed Sunday. 17 Queensferry St to make a reservation L'Escargot Bleu French twist using the best of Scotland The Auld Alliance is alive and well! Chef Patron Fred Berkmiller seeks out others that share his passion for excellence. Producers of Scotland for 1st class quality meat, fresh water fish, handpicked fruits and vegetables whilst his partner Betty will proudly serves you Hervé Mons exclusive selection of French cheese. Recommended by the Michelin Guide and listed in the best 5 restaurants by Peter Irvine/ Scotland the Best. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Frid & Sat 12 noon-3pm and 5.30pm-10.30pm. Closed Sunday, (open 7 days during August) 56 Broughton Street to make a reservation 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 Kurdish / Middle Eastern Hanams Authentic cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh and and voted one of Britain s Top 5 Middle Eastern Restaurants by the Telegraph. The menu features falafel and baba ghanoush, charcoal cooked shish kebabs and mouthwatering exotic ices and desserts. There is an extensice Dry Bar and shish balcony(blankets provided!). Open 7 Days. 3 Johnston Terrace, EH1 2PW 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 pomegranate-edinburgh@hotmail.com Scottish The Dome Located in the city centre, The Dome is situated on the site of the Old Physician s Hall designed and built in 1775 by James Craig, the celebrated planner of Edinburgh s New Town. After major refurbishment, this listed building became The Dome which opened in The Dome houses 2 restaurants, namely The Grill Room & The Club Room. A La Carte Lunch & Dinner Menus are offered in both restaurants. The Dome favourites include The Dome Club Sandwich and The Dome Burger. Local Scottish produce is used wherever possible. The menus are created to include a flavour of Scotland and Europe. The Grill Room is open seven days from 12 noon until Late. The Club Room is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am until 5 pm: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am until Late. The Club Room is closed on Sundays. 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF. Reservations Field This restaurant as its name suggests loves 'field-fresh food' and is proud to showcase

33 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 / 3 Courses West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DB Sittings: Tues-Sat 12 noon - 2pm and 5.30pm-9pm. The Forth Floor Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie The best in contemporary eating and drinking & un-paralleled views from the Castle to the Firth of Forth. Executive Chef Stuart Muir uses fresh seasonal Scottish produce to create food of the finest quality by matching modern flavours with classical techniques. Fresh, sustainable seafood available from the Seafood Bar whilst the Brasserie offers round the clock eating. Brasserie: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am- 5pm; Restaurant: lunch Mon-Fri 12 noon-3pm, Sat & Sun 12 noon-3.30pm, dinner, Tues-Sat 6pm-10pm. forthfloor.reservations@harveyhichols.com Book on line at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD 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 Leith, 1a Dock Place, EH6 6LU No11 Hotel & Brasserie Open from 10.00pm-22.00pm seven days a week, serving light lunches, luxury afternoon teas and fine dining dinners. Our food has an emphasis on quality ingredients from artisan suppliers. We are Listings just five minutes from Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre. 11 Brunswick St, Edinburgh EH7 5JB No. Ten Restaurant Attached to the Royal College of Surgeons this restaurant is tucked away from the hubbub of the old town but also close to the Festival Theatre and other arts venues. There is a carvery from 12 noon-7pm serving marinated roasts, seasonal vegetables, starters and desserts and also a Scottish, seasonal à la carte menu 7pm-10pm 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 Dublin St St Mary s St Turquoise Thistle Fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. A La Carte Menu from 5pm; pretheatre menu from 5pm-7pm. Bar area serving signature cocktails and a great selection of Scottish beer and lager in convivial surroundings. At Hotel Indigo, 59 York Pl, EH1 3JD 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, 33

34 34 Listings Listings 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, Whiski Rooms Bar & Bistro, 4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP, , bar@whiskirooms.co.uk Whiski Rooms Shop, , shop@whiskirooms.com Spanish Iggs and Barioja Est and recently featured in Channel 5 s Restaurant Inspector. Modern Spanish Cusine and Tapas using the finest ingredients imported directly from Spain alongside the best of local, seasonal Scottish produce. 2 AA Rosettes. An excellent wine list which has won many accolades including the AA Most Notable Wine list Award. Iggs, 15 Jeffrey Steet and Barioja, 19 Jeffrey St Tapa With its white-washed, high-vaulted walls adorned with a stunning floor to ceiling antique bull fighting poster and live Flamenco guitarist on Friday & Saturday evenings, Tapa in Leith evokes memories of lazy summer holidays spent with family and friends. Sunday afternoons are a must as their Andalusian Head Chef prepares Paella in the restaurant while you eat! The perfect tonic if you have over indulged the previous evening! 19 Shore Place, Edinburgh EH6 6SW tapa@tapaedinburgh.co.uk Tex Mex Tex Mex Donald Mavor, head chef and proprietor brings the heart of Mexico to your table, emphasising traditional Mexican food with an authentic menu. Try the flaming fajitas and the potent Margaritas the best in town. Good fun, tasty food and very affordable. 64 Thistle Street Bars and Bar Food The Abbotsford Guest ales served at a fine island bar. Est specialising in beers from Scottish independent breweries. Lunch & dinner served in the bar or in the restaurant Above. 3-5 Rose Street 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: Open Mon- Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pmmidnight. 229 Leith Walk The Canons Gait A Real Ale/Gastro pub in Edinburgh s Old Town offering a selection of Ales from Scottish micro breweries. This bar has gained a reputation for it s impressive bar food. The menu includes traditional dishes such as Crombies sausage and mash, fish n chips, haggis etc, more ambitious daily specials and outstanding desserts. All offer superb value for money and always with the emphasis on home made and seasonal produce. There is also a large Cellar Bar available for free hire, book early to avoid disappointment! Food served: Mon-Sat noon-8pm. 232 Canongate, High Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DQ canonsgait@dmstewart.com The Cumberland Bar 1-3 Cumberland Street - Spacious bar with lots of rooms and beer garden. Eight real ales on tap. Plus good wine list.

35 Mixed clientele, pet-friendly. Good bar food available for breakfast, lunch & dinner Element Tucked away just off Princes Street in amongst the boutiques of Rose Street you will find Element. The bar has long since established itself as the perfect place to eat, drink and relax right in the heart of the Edinburgh. Whether you fancy a quick drink after work, a bite to eat or a long lazy lunch, Element will deliver above and beyond Rose St EH2 3JF, Jake s Place A rustic bar and kitchen serving the best in American and Scottish craft beer, malt whisky, bourbon and rye. A succulent fusion of American and Scottish street food. Opening hours: Mon-sat 12 noon-1am; Sun 12.30pm-1am 9-13 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE Joseph Pearce Joseph Pearce's popularity is testament to the warm and genuine welcome it extends to a diverse clientele. During the day a raised area to the back is a family-friendly haven, stocked with all the toys, highchairs and feeding paraphernalia that junior patrons and their beleaguered parents could require. From 5pm a more grown-up but equally laid-back atmosphere pervades, making Pearce's a favourite haunt of a cool crowd seeking simple relaxation or perhaps taking part in one of the regular jogging. Many will be there to enjoy the Scandinavian-tinged menu of gravadlax, pork meatballs with root vegetable mash in a plum sauce or smoked haddock with crisply roasted hasselback potatoes and poached egg, all washed down with a great draught and bottled drinks selection Open Sun-Thurs 11ammidnight, Fri-Sat 11am -1am. 23 Elm Row The Guildford Arms Edinburgh's finest Real Ale Bar - perfect to enjoy food, cask ales, malt Listings whisky and imported beers.- Ten taps of (mostly Scottish) cask ales from Scottish micro-breweries. Regular beer festivals. food served all day. 1-5 West Register Street The Huxley The new home of social entertaining in Edinburgh. Located in the city's West End, The Huxley is the perfect place to relax, refuel and gather with friends. An informal, casual space has been created and the menu is über on-trend with its focus on burgers and hot dogs. The former are all made with chuck steak whilst dogs include, naked, chilli-cheese, kimchi and Chicago versions. Small plates and boards of tempting tapas also feature and bottled and cask beers from around the world shape the drinks list. 1 Rutland Street, EH1 2AE Nobles With this café bar and venue, the Phoenix has risen from the flames. Since reopening this classic Victoriana bar has very quickly established a top reputation as a classy watering hole, fine eatery and live music hub and continues to charm critics and customers alike. Nobles has a warm, inviting and contemporary feel whist maintaining it's traditional, bold wood and stain glass heritage. The menu is locally sourced and expertly prepared to an exceptionally high standard. Music also plays a large part in the day to day life of Nobles so expect to see top drawer, original live music from Tuesday through to Sunday following food service. Real ales, a fantastic wine list, high speed wi-fi, fresh Fairtrade TM coffee plus various organic loose leaf teas complete the experience. Opening times 12pm-1am Monday to Friday, 11am-1am Saturday & 10am-1am Sunday. Children & Dry well behaved dogs are welcome. 44a Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS

36 Listings 36 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 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 Roseleaf Bar Café A cosy wee bar café in the heart o Leith serving fresh juices, real ales, homemade ginger beer, cracking coffee, loose leaf teas & Pot-Tails!... cocktails in teapots! All served up in Grannies finest bone china. Wholesome brunchies, lunchies, din-dins & munchies served from 10 till 10 everyday with daily changing specials including Sunday roasts & home baked bread and cakes all made with luv! All locally sourced, free range & organic where possible cause it tastes really, really good! Free WIFI, wheelchair & child friendly. Open from 10am-1am everyday. For bookings call or info@roseleaf.co.uk Sandport Place, Leith The Salisbury Arms In the shadow of the majestic Arthur's Seat and opposite the Commonwealth pool. A beautifully refurbished country-style pub in the city, log fires, leather couches and a stunning restaurant area. Serving quality home cooked food with an interesting wine list and cask ales. 58 Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5AD The Sheep s Heid village pub & restaurant in Duddingston and Edinburgh s oldest surviving watering hole. Pull up a chair near the roaring fire, dine on Scottish seasonal food or in the warmer months, kick back in the beer garden. Real ales on tap, wine list and a skittle alley available to hire for parties The Causeway, Edinburgh, EH15 3QA Open everyday. 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: Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon-1am Sun 1pm - 1am. 65 Henderson Street The Street A popular mixed bar at the top of the very funky Broughton St. By day the glass front makes it an ideal place to relax inside or out with a coffee & people watch, whilst at night it attracts a livelier crowd with a buzzing atmosphere. Good pub food such as homemade burgers & enchiladas until 9pm, and snacks such as nachos, homemade chilli & potato wedges until midnight Sun-Thurs. Premium selection of beers, wines & spirits and cocktails and Rekordelig cider on draft! Open 12pm-1am Mon-Sat, 12.30pm-1am Sun. 2 Picardy Place, EH1 3JT 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

37 regulars, including beers from at least thirty-five different countries and their own-brand Iduns swedish cider. Events include a language café every Monday, live acoustic music every so often and irregular speed-dating singles nights. Any sense of gimmickry is nicely underplayed, though. With a child-friendly ethos during the day, a warm and moodily lit atmosphere at night, a wellstocked bar and very friendly service, all you need for a great local is right here. Check facebook for all events. Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pm- midnight. 265 Leith Walk 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 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 Cafés/Informal Edinburgh Larder A relaxed bright and welcoming café with a delicious selection of local, good quality food using organic/seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Great coffee from Artisan Roast, teas from Eteaket, lovely homebaking inc. superb cakes! Fully licensed with tasty local craft beer and cider. Free WiFi, wheelchair and child-friendly. Open from 8am- 5pm Mon-Thurs and 9am-5pm Sat-Sun. 15 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB Hemma A newly opened café/bar with great brunch, lunch, buffet, smörgåsbord platters, dinners and last but not least cakes. A family Listings 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 I Heart Café Licensed café and coffee shop. Great food, drinks, sofas and tunes at the top of Leith Walk! Breakfast, all day menu and weekend brunch. Great coffee & Eteaket teas, pastries, cakes & sweet treats, sharing platters & deli nibbles, lovely vino & cool beers. Open 7 days Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm Haddington Place, EH7 4AF Union of Genius Soup Café You need soup and we have soup; the best soup in Scotland! Our soups won the Good Soup Guide's Best Soup in Scotland award Each day we serve six different soups, flavour-matched with four artisan breads. We always have veggie and vegan options, and most of our soups are naturally gluten-free. We have Artisan Roast coffee and a gorgeous range of hot chocolates from Coco and The Chocolate Tree. Open 9am- 4pm Monday-Friday. 8 Forrest Road, EH1 2QN, Craft Pattisserie and Café La Cerise is a fresh and innovative patisserie cake and coffee shop that will leave you hooked on Café Culture. Individual cakes, celebration cakes, pastries, award-winning home-made icecream and more all made fresh on the premises. 37

38 Listings 38 All products are hand-crafted fine foods made from the best quality ingredients. Many are gluten-free and they use free-range eggs. From homemade soups that will transform your lunchtime into a five-a-day brain-booster, to cakes and desserts that evoke sheer ecstasy, and delicious savoury items. 199 Great Junction Street (corner Bangor Road), Leith, EH6 5LQ LRT buses: 1, 7, 10, 14, 21, 34, 36. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. Farm Shops Hopetoun Farm Shop offers some of Scotland's finest foods including fresh local produce from the surrounding Hopetoun Estate plus a wide range of produce from award winning Scottish suppliers. Open 7 days a week the Farm Shop butchery provides a range of fresh beef, lamb, game and poultry whilst the delicatessen offers a mouth watering selection of Scottish cheeses, pies, cakes and cold meats. Hopetoun Farm Shop, Newton, Broxburn. EH52 6QZ Food Events Eat Walk Edinburgh As recommended by the BBC Good Food Magazine, this is a fabulous way to learn about Edinburgh whilst sampling its culinary delights at top venues. Tours start in the Old town at 2pm and finish in the New Town at 5.30pm. Along the way you will visit 6 premises and enjoy one of their signature dishes plus a couple of wine tastings and a malt whisky. For more info and to book, please visit Foodie Gift Shop Cranachan & 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, handblown glass and an exclusive range of ex-whisky barrel pieces. Open daily Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ Ice Cream La Cerise Award winning artisan ice cream. 5 Bronze awards at the Royal Highland Show All ice-creams are gluten-free and are homemade using Scottish milk and Scottish cream. No fat substitutes or flavourings. All available as cones or in tubs to eat-in or take-away and a huge range of flavours which include the exotic and well as classic favourites. 199 Great Junction Street (corner Bangor Road), Leith, EH6 5LQ LRT buses: 1, 7, 10, 14, 21, 34, 36. Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. Local Cooking Lessons Eat-In Edinburgh Love food and wish you could cook it? Whether it's cooking better for your family, impressing your friends or gaining some more confidence in the kitchen Eat-In Edinburgh provides affordable cooking lessons for everyone. All you need is a kitchen and we'll bring the rest. Eat-In Edinburgh also offers kitchen assistance and home-cooked meals to those who are unable to cook for themselves. steph@eat-inedinburgh.co.uk or call 07702

39 or go to Takeaways Fish n Chips Pierinos Situated in the heart of the Shore area of Leith, Pierino s is renowned for it s traditional Fish & Chips, Takeaway Favourites and authentic Italian Pizzas and Pasta, which is achieved by paying special attention to every fine detail and only using the very finest ingredients. Pierino s have been offering traditional Fish & Chips since You ll also find an array of other favourites, such as homemade Pizzas, Burgers, Kebabs, Pasta and great value Meal Deals. If you are looking for the best Fast Food in Edinburgh, then order online for delivery or collection with our easy to use website. Call or order online at pierinos.readyforfood.com. 11 Bernard Street, Leith, EH6 6PW Los Cardos Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillas and Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilled marinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slowcooked 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 Wine Bars 10 Wine Bar A vibrant and contemporary space, offering an extensive list of wines supplied by Corney & Barrow, A large selection of beers and spirits are also available along with tapas, light snacks and sharing plates. 10 Hill Place, EH8 9DS Open 12 noon-10pm. Le Di-Vin is Edinburgh s most sophisticated Wine Bar beside La P tite Folie restaurant on Listings 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 Wines Online Bacco Wine Independent Italian wine and oil specialists. Delivering only the best Italy can offer. Free delivery on any 6 bottles case and special discounts in the Edinburgh area. Wine Stores Henderson Wines Independent wine merchant. Wine ranges from 5 a bottle on offer wines to 100 plus on fine clarets and champagne. A good range of collectable Malt Whiskies up to 300 a bottle beers available. Collectable spirits also. Home delivery. 109 Comiston Rd and new shop now open at 23 Roseburn Terrace Sideways Wine Store Californian wine specialist. Over 150 wines and beers available. Free delivery in Edinburgh area. Buy direct from 70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh EH2 3DX 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 St info@vinowines.co.uk 39

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