Isn’t it odd that we associate eating seaweed with Asian cuisine? After all, we have actually used it in this country for centuries, in fact since prehistoric times. It’s time to change that. When you need a savoury, salty touch use seaweed! I’ve been trying out some samples from Mara Seaweed…
Update spring 2019: This restaurant has closed. Galvin’s Brasserie de Luxe, the Pompoadour’s less formal sibling, is on the ground floor of the Caledonian Hotel. It’s a bright space, with white walls, blue leather seats, and wall panels in white tiles and dark wood that matches the tables. The restaurant…
If I were asked to describe Mark Greenaway’s style, I’d use words such as creative, playful, fun and quirky. The Dining Club at his newest venture, Bistro Moderne is the setting for a monthly trip into a different era. Mark’s creativity is unleashed to re-imagine the food in his own inimitable…
Le Di-Vin wine bar sits next to and behind La P’tite Folie in Tudor House and is part of the same family. With its double-height ceiling and muted colour scheme, it’s an elegant space. I celebrated a birthday there a couple of years ago, on the mezzanine in the back.…
[January 2015. This cafe is currently closed] When I first came to Edinburgh, I often wondered why so many Solicitors had WS after their names on For Sale signs. It was quite some time that I discovered it meant Writers to the Signet. The Society of Writers to Her Majesty’s…
Gerry Neilson is master butcher at Campbells Prime Meat, an over 100-year old butcher company that is a bit of an establishment in Edinburgh. Gerry has worked in the industry for 40 years, ever since he left school. He’s a font of experience and good tales. I met Gerry at…
A chance to visit Europain 2014, Paris – the biggest bread exhibition in the world? I just had to make it happen. I guess it was a bit risky, deciding to go to Paris and back in the day. The evening before my fears came true. Air France sent me…
Those of you who also have birthday’s in January will understand my frustration. Not only is my birthday far too near Christmas, when you want to celebrate, you find that many of your favourite chefs are on holiday. Not that I begrudge them a break, but why does it have…
It’s a growing niche market, printed magazines dedicated to food and drink. I am a firm fan and regularly visit Analogue Books in Edinburgh to see what’s new (Jan 2015 – alas now closed). We have our own home grown magazine, Hot Rum Cow, designed and created in Edinburgh. Previous…
We arrive at noon. The Wee Boulangerie has a long queue of people eager to buy their bread for the weekend, queuing out of the door. One chap Phil, is waxing lyrical. “I love this bread, the crust is so impossibly crusty. I buy this each week”. He is clutching…
