You know when you’re invited to an event at l’escargot blanc in Edinburgh’s West End that it’s going to be a good night. With its friendly downstairs bar, Bar A Vin and its lofty upstairs restaurant with its lively French atmosphere, it always provides a down-to-earth welcome with hearty food…
It is too easy to think of Hotel du vin as only for tourists; a hotel with a bar and restaurant attached. Having stayed with them in a number of other cities, I think they are a great place for a weekend break. In Edinburgh, it’s a rare festival that Caroline…
My friend and I were talking about what the building that houses Courtyard by Marriott used to be. We remember walking past it and seeing it boarded up for years, buddleia growing in the gutters, sun-bleached crisp bags stuck on the railings. It was a sad end to the party street…
This is not the first time we’ve been to Hotel du Vin: we’ve enjoyed the chef’s table in the past as well as the Sunday brunch. Recently, we were invited again to try the new menu. This summer, Hotel du Vin is focussing on classic French cuisine. And what a…
When this is published, I’ve just arrived in Paris for a long weekend. I want long walks, plenty of kir royal and at least one steak tartare. To get myself in the mood for the trip, I met a friend at L’escargot blanc for French food and a catch-up.
Recently, I met Christopher after work and we decided to go for dinner somewhere. We were on George Street, walking towards the West End, so I suggested La P’tite Folie. We’ve reviewed them before but it’s time for an update: what’s happened in the last three years?
The Edinburgh jungle drums had been beating about a new place off Broughton Street and since we might be moving to this part of the world in the future, it felt like a great opportunity to check out the new competition in the hood – Le Roi Fou – or…
It was my better half’s birthday the other week and the usual challenge came up – what do you buy the man who has everything? After much thought I decided the best idea was to treat him to an experience, something he would enjoy and remember.
The Galvin brothers have two restaurants in The Caledonian hotel. We wrote about wine tastings at the Brasserie Deluxe last year. This January, Pompadour by Galvin, the restaurant upstairs, has opened for Saturday lunch. Did I want to come and review? Oh yes!
I like gin as much as the next person but must admit that my first reaction to the phrase “gin-inspired menu” was ambivalence. On the one hand, how exciting! All those botanicals – all those flavours – can only mean interesting cooking. On the other hand, it could end up being…
