Meeting up with my friend L for lunch doesn’t happen too often. She is usually whizzing all over Edinburgh in her role as a carer. Lunching at the Blackbird proved the ideal place to catch up.
Sticky lemon chicken with udon noodles
We wished the day had been hot and sunny so we could have basked on the welcoming terrace but it was June and of course chilly.
We immediately took to the cosy room we were seated in away from the bar. On one wall old fashioned mirrors gleamed on the opposite a blackboard listed the various beers on offer and poster listed cocktails. I am guessing that the Blackbird has quite a different character at night!
Our refreshing mocktails at the Blackbird
We were both driving – L was between appointments so we asked for something non alcoholic to sip. We were tremendously pleased with our mocktails. (I know it is horrid word but so descriptive). One had lovely almondy pineapple flavours, the second summery strawberries. With cocktails like these who needs alcohol?
Beer battered fish at the Blackbird
The menu is pleasingly short. We were tempted by the starters (in particular the walnut and caramelised pear salad and sumac coated haloumi) but decided to go for mains and desserts
L plumped for the udon noodles dish with sticky lemon chicken, grated daikon salad, coriander and toasted cashews and declared they were some of the nicest she had tasted – plump, savoury with a subtle touch of chilli topped with chicken breast. Just right for a chilly day and also gluten free!
Which cocktail would you choose?
I had battered fish. I always this dish is a very good test of a restaurant and the Blackbird got it exactly right – piping hot, crispy and huge! The twice cooked were served in a little metal pot were served with their skins on with ketchup and tartare sauce.
Lemon tart and gin sorbet
On to desserts. A couple are made by Petit Paris and unfortunately the crust on the tarte au citron that L chose was very soft – perhaps it had been frozen? However, the gin sorbet that accompanied it was a lovely touch. On the other hand, my Eton Mess had just the right mix of cream, raspberries and meringue with a particularly good raspberry sauce. Sated we left the warmth reluctantly and braved the chill wind outside.
My glorious Eton Mess – raspberry heaven
Prices are reasonable and chef definitely has a knack for tasty dishes, the staff very friendly and welcoming.
Look for the bicycle!
Definitely a really good place for lunch. Fly over and see them soon!
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