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Leila's food and drinks perusing and amuse-bouching around Edinburghhttp://leilappetit.blogspot.com/
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From Leil'Appetit
Happy birthday steak-frites
It's my little sister's birthday today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIM! She lives in over in Vancouver, so sadly we won't be sharing a birthday cake today, but I'm glad to hear that the cards arrived in time. Actually, the cards arrived in light-speed time. 50 hours door to door from Edinburgh to Vancouver with regular post service. £1.65 well spent; I'd say.
I know that she's heading out to a rather amazing-sounding little French bistro demain soir to celebrate. It's a little place called Les Faux Bourgeois. I'm very jealous! Vancouver is without doubt one of the world's top culinary cities, and I've been lucky enough to have lived, visited and worked over there. My first tuna sashimi was enjoyed there, not to mention the pleasure of discovering outstanding British Columbia wines, which sadly are nigh-on impossible to find in the UK.
On the Bistro (actually, Bristo) front, I recently had a great dinner at Edinburgh's Hotel du Vin, which turned up a few surprises. Firstly, the place was absolutely heaving on this particular Friday night. Now, I know that Fridays in restaurant-land do tend to be busy, but techinically-speaking, this IS a hotel restaurant, and not exactly on the main path of the city's dining establishmnents. The decor is French, in as much as the wall are covered with some nice vintage posters, and the candle light burns not too brightly. An other pleasant surprise was how good the basics of all their food was, and which gave justifiable room for some quirky touches.
Well, are wooden boards quirky? Most of the dishes we ordered were served on old-school wooden boards, which I have to say struck more memory chords for my table-mates (given they are just a tad older than me) but that even I remembered from 'back in the day'.
I had the rabbit rillettes to start, which came with some lovely toast, and a cute little jar filled with a prune chutney. The slow-cooked meat was really tasty, and not super greasy or fatty which you'd more likely get with duck. The jam stuff was really nice, if perhaps a little overly spiced with cinammon type flavours. One of my table-mates had a beef and snail pie which was well rated, as were the oeufs en cocote which reeked of a really good blue cheese.
I couldn't really see past the option of the 21-day aged Donald Russell rib-eye steak, with the hand cut frites. The meat was superbly cooked, really rare! The waiter and I had had a debate as to whether I should have gone for rare or medium-rare, but glad I opted for the former. The meat was so tender, fully-flavoured, and perfectly seasoned. I went ga-ga over the frites too, they had the skins on, but were still the skinny type, so all nice and crunchy, and served in a paper cone. This came with their house 'broon sauce' which was delish.
My only disappointment was the Irn-Bru flavoured home made Turkish Delight, which I'd read about. I don't know if it was a bad batch, but I thought it was awful! There was no discernible, tanginess which is what you'd expect from the nation's favourite neon orange coloured tooth-rotting juice. It was kind of milky tasting, and thick textured and kinda did nothing for me.
The sweets certainly didn't spoil the overall impression of the place. It's a lovely cosy room, and goes without say that they have an immense wine cellar, with a daily selection of wines by the glass. The team of staff looked after us well, and I'd say I'll definitely be heading their way again in the New Year.
So whilst Mim and her friends enjoy their steak frites and moules marinières way out west tomorrow night, I can take some consolation in the fact that I've visited some great restaurants right here in Edinburgh village this year. Leil'Appetit has been a fun journey so far. Getting started back in June was one of those moments of impetus that compels you to 'start with the scribblings already'. It's also potentially helpful for the twilight years when my memory isn't so sharp, and I'll be able to read back and remember some great eats of days gone by.
From Leil'Appetit
Something fishy has been happening lately in Leith. Leith Walk's shops are closing down at an alarming rate of knots, usually a sure sign of harsh times for independent businesses. Yet, down at the shore, a real confidence prevails in the area's thriving bar and dining scene, with big investment and new openings.
One such recent opening is seafood restaurant Cafe Fish on Henderson Street, taking over what was one of the area's old-school drinking dens, which had been appropriately named The Vintage Bar. The new interior has eliminated all traces of dingy pub, and has instead managed to marry what is a rather fabulously gleaming new interior with classic Edinburgh Victorian architectural features like the stained glass and cornice work. Beat that, G1 Group. What's really enticing is that whilst this is without doubt a restaurant, they've also put in such a ridiculously cool looking bar that passing trade might well still identify it with its former incarnation and pop in for a nosy.
We booked in for a rather sharp 7pm table last Wednesday night. Via the retro revolving door , we entered the room, and after a friendly greeting on all our parts, were offered our pick of tables. Despite the temptation to sit facing the bright open kitchen, we took a seat opposite the bar and got to perusing some drinks. I'd had a hankering for some Chablis since around 3pm, so didn't hesitate in ordering a bottle from the excellent and classy whites-heavy wine list. The fella went for a Hendrick's and tonic, and I was happy knowing the wine balance would tip nicely in my favour.
We sat down, and started munching on some nice bread whilst we started on the menu. Mention has to go to the rather fun paper that the menu is printed on, back page of which is packed (tight like sardines) with interesting facts about Leith's history, general info on various species of fish, and the provenance of the restaurant's own supplies. There was a super selection on the menu, from which we chose starters of Thai crab crostini with Asian salad, and the Stornoway pudding with caramelised onions and Charente goats cheese.
The crab was a simple and elegant affair. It was lightly flavoured with fresh chili and coriander, and complemented by the superfine strips of peppers. I thought that maybe it could have done with just a tad more bite by way of a tiny bit more citrus, but I graciously conceded defeat to G who said it was just perfectly delicate. As for the black pudding, well, it felt 'wrong' choosing a non-fish item in a seafood restaurant but figured it must have earned its place there. Wow, and how. This has officially been voted as one of the top combos ever, due to its huge rich flavours. The salad garnish seemed a bit superfluous until we tried the crisp, thinly sliced raw red onion with the black pudding, goats cheese, and onion confit. This was big in such a way that it could have just as easily made an amazing main course.
Our main courses were roast spiced Atlantic cod with olive oil mash and salsa, and seared Atlantic halibut with puy lentils and bacon, and roasted vegetable purée. The cod was another big-hitter in the flavour stakes, with a real kick-ass seasoning, but gorgeously complemented by the sweet salsa of tomato and peppers, and tasty mash. The halibut dish was a more subtle affair altogether - the fish again cooked perfectly, landed atop the lovely puy lentil and bacon stew. The roasted veggie mash had lovely mellow celeriac flavours which I'm a total sucker for. The menu also had a selection of side dishes available at a supplementary charge. It didn't seem that either of the dishes we had chosen needed anything else, although maybe the halibut dish could have done with a side of vegetables, but only for the purpose of a slightly brighter aesthetic.
For sweet eats, G took the predictable route with sticky toffee pudding ( I wonder if there's any science behind the theory that any restaurant who tries to take it off the menu closes within six months...) which I left him to enjoy. I presume it was good, as it was gone in 60 seconds. I went with the plum crumble which was accompanied by a cute little fish-shaped jug full of custard. The pud was baked into the bowl, and had a fantastic nutty topping which I loved and which covered the soft and just the right-side-of-tart fruit underneath. I vowed remember to start baking things with plums whilst they're in season.
Reading the menu, it's evident that Cafe Fish are thinking local and West-coast sustainable, and are vocal without being worthy about showcasing Scotland's wares. A great ethos which benefits everyone from supplier to diner. The menu is reasonably priced (£19 for two and £23 for three courses) and with a nice relaxed atmosphere they seem to be pretty flexible about people just popping in for a single course, or an oyster shooter at the bar. By the time we left, the place had a nice buzz about it, and given that a good number of the tables were walk-ins , it's nice to see that it looks like tides of good fortune are coming this way.
Something fishy has been happening lately in Leith. Leith Walk's shops are closing down at an alarming rate of knots, usually a sure sign of harsh times for independent businesses. Yet, down at the shore, a real confidence prevails in the area's thriving bar and dining scene, with big investment and new openings.
One such recent opening is seafood restaurant Cafe Fish on Henderson Street, taking over what was one of the area's old-school drinking dens, which had been appropriately named The Vintage Bar. The new interior has eliminated all traces of dingy pub, and has instead managed to marry what is a rather fabulously gleaming new interior with classic Edinburgh Victorian architectural features like the stained glass and cornice work. Beat that, G1 Group. What's really enticing is that whilst this is without doubt a restaurant, they've also put in such a ridiculously cool looking bar that passing trade might well still identify it with its former incarnation and pop in for a nosy.
We booked in for a rather sharp 7pm table last Wednesday night. Via the retro revolving door , we entered the room, and after a friendly greeting on all our parts, were offered our pick of tables. Despite the temptation to sit facing the bright open kitchen, we took a seat opposite the bar and got to perusing some drinks. I'd had a hankering for some Chablis since around 3pm, so didn't hesitate in ordering a bottle from the excellent and classy whites-heavy wine list. The fella went for a Hendrick's and tonic, and I was happy knowing the wine balance would tip nicely in my favour.
We sat down, and started munching on some nice bread whilst we started on the menu. Mention has to go to the rather fun paper that the menu is printed on, back page of which is packed (tight like sardines) with interesting facts about Leith's history, general info on various species of fish, and the provenance of the restaurant's own supplies. There was a super selection on the menu, from which we chose starters of Thai crab crostini with Asian salad, and the Stornoway pudding with caramelised onions and Charente goats cheese.
The crab was a simple and elegant affair. It was lightly flavoured with fresh chili and coriander, and complemented by the superfine strips of peppers. I thought that maybe it could have done with just a tad more bite by way of a tiny bit more citrus, but I graciously conceded defeat to G who said it was just perfectly delicate. As for the black pudding, well, it felt 'wrong' choosing a non-fish item in a seafood restaurant but figured it must have earned its place there. Wow, and how. This has officially been voted as one of the top combos ever, due to its huge rich flavours. The salad garnish seemed a bit superfluous until we tried the crisp, thinly sliced raw red onion with the black pudding, goats cheese, and onion confit. This was big in such a way that it could have just as easily made an amazing main course.
Our main courses were roast spiced Atlantic cod with olive oil mash and salsa, and seared Atlantic halibut with puy lentils and bacon, and roasted vegetable purée. The cod was another big-hitter in the flavour stakes, with a real kick-ass seasoning, but gorgeously complemented by the sweet salsa of tomato and peppers, and tasty mash. The halibut dish was a more subtle affair altogether - the fish again cooked perfectly, landed atop the lovely puy lentil and bacon stew. The roasted veggie mash had lovely mellow celeriac flavours which I'm a total sucker for. The menu also had a selection of side dishes available at a supplementary charge. It didn't seem that either of the dishes we had chosen needed anything else, although maybe the halibut dish could have done with a side of vegetables, but only for the purpose of a slightly brighter aesthetic.
For sweet eats, G took the predictable route with sticky toffee pudding ( I wonder if there's any science behind the theory that any restaurant who tries to take it off the menu closes within six months...) which I left him to enjoy. I presume it was good, as it was gone in 60 seconds. I went with the plum crumble which was accompanied by a cute little fish-shaped jug full of custard. The pud was baked into the bowl, and had a fantastic nutty topping which I loved and which covered the soft and just the right-side-of-tart fruit underneath. I vowed remember to start baking things with plums whilst they're in season.
Reading the menu, it's evident that Cafe Fish are thinking local and West-coast sustainable, and are vocal without being worthy about showcasing Scotland's wares. A great ethos which benefits everyone from supplier to diner. The menu is reasonably priced (£19 for two and £23 for three courses) and with a nice relaxed atmosphere they seem to be pretty flexible about people just popping in for a single course, or an oyster shooter at the bar. By the time we left, the place had a nice buzz about it, and given that a good number of the tables were walk-ins , it's nice to see that it looks like tides of good fortune are coming this way.
From Leil'Appetit
Pizza Express - North Bridge, Edinburgh
My fella and I had a Wednesday night date lined up last week, and on the back of the tales of pizza, I decided to take advantage of a 'certain' mobile phone company's movie and dinner promo. Let's call them, um, Blue.
So, I printed out the Blue Wednesdays voucher, and we took a leisurely trek up the North Bridge. It was one of those fabulous Edinburgh evenings, sky as bright as you like. We took the East side, and with it, the views over to Calton Hill, Arthur's seat, Leith and the sea beyond.
We sauntered in, through the big glass doors, and the familiar room welcomed me back with wafting smells of garlic and pizza, and a friendly Spanish waiter. I have never quite mastered the art of blasé or coy when it comes to redeeming coupons, so I just stuck it on the table and said' we've got this 2for1 offer thing'. The look, by way of reply was definitely that of '...you and everyone else in here tonight'.
We were seated at a nice table towards the rear of the room , the ubiquitous gerbera in a vase adorned the table.The menu had a few new ideas , including the leggera which is a pizza with a hole in the middle where they put a bunch of salad leaves. For the dieters apparently. I say go with the Soho - you get a WHOLE pizza for the same price and it has half a bushel of rocket on the top. My brief panicked thought that maybe they'd out phase the Soho now this pizza-cum-salad invention had come around was unfounded, as my fave pizza still featured.
We ordered a bottle of fairly average but pleasantly easy-going Nero d'Avola/Shiraz ,which was a reasonable £14.95 a bottle. I also ordered some tap water and just about fainted when I saw it was served in a cheap looking plastic jug. Hmm, I wonder if tough economy and too many voucher users had eaten into the glassware budget.
Thankfully no other corners seemed to be cut. The free doughballs and garlic bread ( I know, I know, totally unnecessary) were fine. The pizzas arrived, and I was transported back to my mid-twenties. The pizza was great- the bland black olives, the rocket, the olive oil.
The great thing about Pizza Express is that the food standards have remained consistent over the years. There's the odd tendency to get a slightly under-fired base from time to time when things are busy, and there was a bit of press a couple of years ago debating whether or not the pizzas had shrunk. But, they've always got fresh ingredients to hand , and with new menu ideas are clearly looking to maintain the popularity they've deserved to attain since they opened in the '60s.
The bill came to something ridiculously cheap like £22.70 for doughballs, garlic bread, 2 pizzas and a bottle of red wine. Like all good people in this situation, we embarassedly over-tipped, and went on our way.
Pizza Express - North Bridge, Edinburgh
My fella and I had a Wednesday night date lined up last week, and on the back of the tales of pizza, I decided to take advantage of a 'certain' mobile phone company's movie and dinner promo. Let's call them, um, Blue.
So, I printed out the Blue Wednesdays voucher, and we took a leisurely trek up the North Bridge. It was one of those fabulous Edinburgh evenings, sky as bright as you like. We took the East side, and with it, the views over to Calton Hill, Arthur's seat, Leith and the sea beyond.
We sauntered in, through the big glass doors, and the familiar room welcomed me back with wafting smells of garlic and pizza, and a friendly Spanish waiter. I have never quite mastered the art of blasé or coy when it comes to redeeming coupons, so I just stuck it on the table and said' we've got this 2for1 offer thing'. The look, by way of reply was definitely that of '...you and everyone else in here tonight'.
We were seated at a nice table towards the rear of the room , the ubiquitous gerbera in a vase adorned the table.The menu had a few new ideas , including the leggera which is a pizza with a hole in the middle where they put a bunch of salad leaves. For the dieters apparently. I say go with the Soho - you get a WHOLE pizza for the same price and it has half a bushel of rocket on the top. My brief panicked thought that maybe they'd out phase the Soho now this pizza-cum-salad invention had come around was unfounded, as my fave pizza still featured.
We ordered a bottle of fairly average but pleasantly easy-going Nero d'Avola/Shiraz ,which was a reasonable £14.95 a bottle. I also ordered some tap water and just about fainted when I saw it was served in a cheap looking plastic jug. Hmm, I wonder if tough economy and too many voucher users had eaten into the glassware budget.
Thankfully no other corners seemed to be cut. The free doughballs and garlic bread ( I know, I know, totally unnecessary) were fine. The pizzas arrived, and I was transported back to my mid-twenties. The pizza was great- the bland black olives, the rocket, the olive oil.
The great thing about Pizza Express is that the food standards have remained consistent over the years. There's the odd tendency to get a slightly under-fired base from time to time when things are busy, and there was a bit of press a couple of years ago debating whether or not the pizzas had shrunk. But, they've always got fresh ingredients to hand , and with new menu ideas are clearly looking to maintain the popularity they've deserved to attain since they opened in the '60s.
The bill came to something ridiculously cheap like £22.70 for doughballs, garlic bread, 2 pizzas and a bottle of red wine. Like all good people in this situation, we embarassedly over-tipped, and went on our way.
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