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‘Inside out chef’ Wendy Paterson offers some unique food choices in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s ‘secret’ dining scene shows no signs of slowing down. Pop-up, secret suppers, guerrilla dining, whatever you want to call it, comes in all shapes and forms in the capital city.

Last night saw Edinburgh’s first ‘pudding club’ hosted by Wendy Paterson who runs Inside Out Chef and offers ‘bespoke cuisine with bite’.  The services offered by Wendy vary from private dining events and picnics in the park to catering for events and the very clever ‘freezer fills’ for those too busy to cook for themselves. The latter is very popular with new mums and and busy professionals who want good quality home-cooked food but don’t have a spare minute in their day.

Edinburgh’s first pudding club

We were intrigued by the idea of a ‘pudding club’ and managed to grab a ticket to the sweetest table in town. Wendy recently appearance on BBC Radio Scotland’s Kitchen cafe, where she had listeners salivating as she reeled off her pudding club menu.

Last night, we found ourselves amongst several Edinburgh Cake Ladies at a ‘secret’ location on the south side of Edinburgh.

Beautifully set table

A welcome drink of pink lemonade was served in vintage babycham glasses and cleansed the palate before the inevitable sugar-high.

The table was set beautifully for the 13 lucky diners, with a copy of the menu on each place to remind everyone what was coming their way.

The starter was a trio of shooters of pomegranate and sparkling wine jelly, chocolate mousse and a strawberry topped buttermilk panna cotta.

The room came to a silence as the dishes were savoured and enjoyed.

After a suitable break, the ‘main course’ was to be served in a few portions. Individual sticky toffee puddings were served with the most delicious toffee sauce and lashings of fresh custard. The room became silent once again as every mouthful was devoured.

Next up on the menu was pavlova, which was served family style. A huge pavlova per 4/5 people was placed on the tables, with one of them being a pillow-sized beauty of meringue and fruit.

Trio of starters

Some diners demolished their pavlovas and declared it the highlight so far, whilst others sampled a piece, but saved themselves for the two cheesecakes coming next.

10 different puddings to try

Slices of baked rum and raisin cheesecake were placed on the table alongside slices of a no-bake blackberry one. Diners were beginning to struggle a little with the sugar highs at this stage.

Knowing that a dessert course of three ice-creams were still to come, a couple bowed out in defeat to the cheesecakes.

Wendy had planned for such an eventuality and informed everyone that she would package up their cheesecakes so they could take them home to enjoy.

We managed ours but had difficulty deciding on a favourite. Both were creamy and extremely moorish with the most perfect biscuit base. Having never experienced a rum and raisin cheesecake before, we declared that version the winner.

Another suitable gap with lashings of tea passed before it was time for ‘dessert’. A trio of ice creams were presented as the finale and since these couldn’t be taken home, everyone just had to eat them.

The coconut and ginger combination worked well and the keylime pie was perfectly zingy.  Even we were struggling over the last piece of home-made shortbread and our limit of sweet food in one sitting had been reached.

We soldiered on and tried the red ripple ice cream, which was in the shape of a heart and summed up our feelings about the evening – we loved it.

A pillow-sized pavlova

This sweet dining experience is not for the faint hearted, but if you pace yourself, you can do it justice.

Deposits for the evening were £5 and a further ‘donation’ was required on the night. As ever with secret suppers, the event was BYOB, but most opted just to drink the water and lashings of tea on offer.

Wendy plans to do another pudding club this summer as well as other secret supper events.

Information

For further details on all the service Wendy offers, have a look at her website.

You can contact her via email, or phone her to discuss your requirements.

You can follow Wendy on twitter @Insideoutchef and find her on Facebook.

You can subscribe to her news and updates by entering your email on the top right hand side of her website.

New and improved, Old Chain Pier

Old Chain Pier reopens with new decor, friendly service and impressive food

Whatever image and thoughts you had of the Old Chain Pier before May 2012, leave them behind.

Their doors were reopened yesterday after a much needed face lift and we were impressed as soon as we walked through the door. After a warm welcome from the staff in the middle of the afternoon, we found out that they serve the full food menu all day (food served until 9pm, bar snacks served till 10pm).

We took a window seat and read the menu, trying to decide what to have. There are a handful of choices for each course, but all seemed appealing. Starters of soup of the day (two choices, £3.75) and Old Chain chowder, £5.45 grabbed our attention. My dining partner opted for the latter whilst I plumped straight for the steak from the choices of mains. Faced with the option of sirloin or rib eye, I chose the latter, medium-rare. Both steaks are served with portobello mushrooms, onion rings, chips and a choice of sauces from pepper, mushroom & brandy and creamy blue cheese (£10.95).

Other meals on the menu that appealed were: beer battered haddock and chips (£8.95), steak pie (£7.95),  lamb and apricot burger (£7.45) and a falafel and halloumi burger (£6.95).

The only vegetarian choices we could see was a lasagna and nachos, so perhaps lacking a little for the non-meat eaters out there.

Watching the rain come in over the Forth

Even on a rainy day like today, we loved the views over the Firth of Forth from the large windows. They must be stunning on a sunny day, or you could time your visit perfectly on a summer evening when the sun sets over Fife.

Our food arrived together (as requested) and my partner’s chowder was packed full of smoked haddock and prawns. The starter dish also came with bread and butter and was practically a meal in itself.

Packed chowder

My steak was cooked perfectly and the meat very tender, but the sauce was a little on the runny side for my liking. Not wanting to waste anything, I asked for some bread to soak up the sauce and my plate was handed back to the kitchen completely clean.

Rib eye steak with blue cheese sauce

We had certainly been impressed so far and although we weren’t left hungry, we did manage to find room for one of their desserts. It was a toss up between the brioche bread and butter pudding (£4.95) and the banana and hazelnut pancakes with toffee sauce (£4.75). The pancakes won and the portion was on the large side.

The bananas had been baked/fried and the hazelnuts and toffee sauce combination was to die for. It turns out the pancake was actually a crepe and was a tiny bit burnt on the edges, but it didn’t detract from the taste at all. Another clean plate heading back to the kitchen from us.

Banana crepes, hazelnut and toffee sauce

Considering it was only their second food service since opening, we were had been pleasantly surprised with what had been dished up.

We had some more drinks after our meal and left as the pub was getting busy with inquisitive locals checking out the new place for themselves.

Children are welcome in the bar (children’s menu available) and there are highchairs for little ones.

The conservatory area through the back was warm and cosy despite the cold weather. There’s a mixture of tables, chairs and sofas, all with views of the water.

Once the Old Chain Pier find their feet, we think they will provide serious competition to the neighbouring Starbank Inn. With the demise of the Peacock Inn, the newcomers on the Newhaven block have brought good quality pub food at reasonable prices to the area.

Information

Old Chain Pier, 32 Trinity Crescent, Edinburgh, EH5 3ED. Telephone 0131 552 4960.

Currently no website, therefore we are unsure of exact opening hours.

The business card only says “Peter Ross – Billy Ross”.

Wi-fi is coming soon.

Suitable for disabled? Yes, the main bar area and conservatory are on the ground floor but the bathrooms are down a set of three steps.

“Take your time at the old chain pier, but haste ye back”

Note: We normally visit a place twice before we review it, but felt that this one should be shared immediately. We will return in due course and amend our score/update if necessary.

Now open

New cake and bakery opens its doors in West Port

The ladies behind Lovecrumbs opened their shop door at West Port today. Some Edinburgh people may already be familiar with the baked goods from Lovecrumbs as they’ve been popping up at various markets around town in recent months.

Rachel and Hollie have dubbed themselves as the ‘newest ladies on Edinburgh’s cake and pastry block’ and we popped along today and fell in love with the new premises.

Lovecrumbs is a sit-in cafe that sells cakes. And lots of them. Perhaps the most unique display of cakes in Edinburgh, the ‘wardrobe’ is full of tarts, cakes , brownies and other sweet treats. Scones are presented in silver buckets and a 4-tier chocolate cake takes pride and place on the counter.

A wardrobe full of cakes

Using Artisan Roast coffee and Anteaques tea, the menu is simple at the moment but will more than satisfy any sweet-toothed customer.

We tried out the carrot cake which was deliciously moist, accompanied by a cup of lemongrass and marigold tea. The crockery is a mixture of vintage and modern and extra hot water for our tea was delivered in a thermos flask.

Carrot cake

The interior is beautiful with lots of quirky furniture items such as the drum and piano tables (a full sized one). Inexplicably, there’s a wooden donkey’s head on the counter, but this just adds to the charm of the place.

Prices are reasonable and service is friendly and relaxed.

Lovecrumbs bake to order and also do wholesale.

Wi-fi is also available.

The shop is situated on the ground floor, so suitable for buggies, but the bathroom is located down a set of steps.

It wouldn’t be fair to review the ladies in full on their opening day, but it’s safe to say we’ll be back.

Information

Lovecrumbs is at 155 West port, Edinburgh, EH3 9DP. Telephone 0131 629 0626

Website – www.lovecrumbs.co.uk

Contact page

You can find Love Crumbs on Facebook and on twitter @hellolovecrumbs

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 6pm and closed Sundays. Hours may be extended into the evening soon.

Have some tea and cake on the piano

Cuckoo’s continues to provide great savoury food and wonderful cupcakes

By Chiara Pannozzo

Some places just get it right. Cuckoo’s Bakery in Edinburgh’s New Town is one of those places. With a loyal following who go out of their way to get their daily cupcake fix, this bakery has become something of an institution for locals with a sweet tooth.

In addition to the pull of their innovative and creative cupcakes, Cuckoo’s food menu is homemade and varied. Their freshly made bread compliments the wide selection of suitably named ‘doorstep’ sandwiches with hearty fillings. But today we looked elsewhere on the menu, past the soups and sandwiches, and onto the salads and tarts.

Chicken Salad

I went for the aptly named ‘giant salad’ of roast chicken, oven roasted vegetables and sun blessed tomato (£6.95). The generous portion lived up to its name – served with bread, the chicken was moist, and had been delicately touched by a delicious dressing.

My dining partner simply couldn’t bypass the shortcrust pastry tart of red pepper, black olive, tomato and Mull of Kintyre Cheddar (£5.95). A large slice of tart was accompanied by a dressed side salad and homemade coleslaw. The pastry was perfect,  and the different components in the filling perfectly complimented each other.

Black bottom cupcake

Generous portions aside, we couldn’t leave without sampling one of those cupcakes that taunt you from their glass cabinet, taking pride of place at the front of the tea room. We settled on the ‘black bottom’, a dark Belgian chocolate chip sponge under baked vanilla cheesecake, topped with cream cheese frosting (£2.50). On good authority from someone who has ate a lot of cake in her time, this is in contention for one of the best cupcakes I have ever tasted. The combination of Belgian chocolate and cheesecake, all contained within a delicious cupcake is truly inspired.

Cuckoo’s Bakery is a local gem. A fantastic selection of food and cupcakes has led to a party of faithful followers, who frequent the bakery for its delicious food and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Information

Suitable for disabled? Yes, Cuckoo’s Bakery occupies a ground floor premises on Dundas Street

Situated on Buccleuch Street

A warm welcome and great home-cooking at Tea at 94

We’ve popped into Tea at 94 a few times this year and can’t get enough of this eatery for the good quality food at very reasonable prices. Situated at 94 Buccleuch Street, this is a place well worth seeking out.

It’s an old-fashioned tea room with embroidered table cloths and mis-matched crockery and a warm welcome is given to every customer that walks through the doors.

Huge bowls of porridge are offered for breakfast (£1.40), filled rolls (£1.65) and scrambled eggs on toast (£2.50).

The menu changes at lunchtime to delicious home-made soups (large bowl, £2.90 with bread and butter) and  sandwiches with all sorts of soup and half sandwich combos available. There’s also a savoury tart of the day and oatcakes with cheese on the menu. We loved the yellow split-pea soup today, but knew to leave room for the excellent sweet choices.

The owner makes the cakes and scones cakes on the premises and are a force to be reckoned with. We’ve tucked into too many slices to declare in public and recently attended the tea-tasting event that was held by one of the staff to encourage customers to appreciate the different teas on offer.

Yellow split pea soup with home-made bread

Scones are fluffy and there is normally about six choices of cake to choose from including chocolate brownies, plum tarts, raspberry delight (a twist on the Victoria Sponge),  Today’s choice for us was a mixed berry cake which was perfectly light and fluffy and extremely tasty.  Prices range from £1.50 – £3.50 per slice.

There are gluten-free cake choices available which made and supplied by the excellent Love Pure Cakes.

A full afternoon tea is available for £7.95 (pot of tea, sandwich, scone and cupcake or piece of cake) which is a steal at that price for the quality delivered.

An Americano will cost you £1.75 and a latte £1.95. Pots of tea are from the Edinburgh Tea and Coffee company and start at £1.80 (small pot/2 cups) to £2.70 (large pot/4 cups). There’s a good selection to choose from that will keep tea-lovers happy including Assam, Darjeeling and Lapsang Souchong.

Children well catered for

Handily situated around the corner from the popular Meadows play park, kids are well catered for at tea at 94.  They have their own menu featuring options that kids genuinely love: beans on toast, scrambled eggs, pancakes and smaller bowls of soup or the option of half a panini. These are served at ‘smaller prices’ as well, keeping the parents happy.

To keep little ones amused whilst the food is prepared, there are pictures supplied to colour in with crayons that are then placed on display on the wall, alongside the beautiful art work. The current exhibition is By the skin of my teeth by Katie Rowland.

Picnics can also be supplied if you want a day in the park and everything on the menu can be taken away.

Mixed berry cake

We’ll be popping back to Tea at 94 anytime we’re in the area and continue to support this independent cafe.

The cafe is only a short stroll from the newly opened Commonwealth Pool, so this can perhaps be the new ‘Bratisani’s’ for a post-swim eat!

Information

Tea at 94
94 Buccleuch Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9NH

You can cut through Gifford Park at South Clerk Street and arrive at Tea at 94.

You can find Tea at 94 on Facebook and follow them on twitter @Teaat94 . Future tea-tasting events will be announced via social media. You can reserve tables for small groups and meetings.

Opening hours:  Monday 0900-1700 Tuesday – Saturday  0830-1700 and now open Sundays 1100-1530

A selection of glossy magazines are available to read whilst eating.

Suitable for disabled? Yes, on the ground floor with easy access to tables.

Tea at 94 now appears on our Edinburgh Cake Trail.

Traditional tablecloths and beautiful crockery

Plum tart on display in the window

Heavenly cupcakes

Funny posters

Out of the Blue Drill Hall

Food Hall Drill Market – Saturday 12th May

Saturday 12th May 2012 sees one of Edinburgh’s newest food markets open its doors for a third time at the excellent Out of the Blue Drill Hall in the heart of Leith.

Sitting alongside the regular Bruncheon event, the new food market is shaping up with some excellent stalls.

The unique and specialist food products that are on offer include: the Manna House , the Happy Fudge Company, Lovecrumbs cakes and bakes, Trotters Independent chutneys and preserves, The Magic Teapot and the excellent Burgh Bakes gourmet marshmallows.

The market is open from 10am – 3pm and will take place on the second Saturday of every month. Entry is free.

You can also get something to eat at the excellent Drill Hall Cafe after some shopping.

You can find the Drill Hall Food Market on Facebook and follow Out of the Blue Drill Hall on twitter.

Suitable for disabled? Yes, the part of the venue where the market and bruncheon are being held are on ground level.

Update 27th March – We attended the first event and were impressed with the stalls on offer. We managed to buy quite a lot of goods and sit and listen to the music in the main hall. A lovely atmosphere and good quality stalls. We’ll be returning!

Marshmallows from Burgh Bakes

Love Crumbs baked goods

The table is set for brunch

The Gardener’s Cottage pop-up brunch and lunch at Edinburgh’s Farmers Market

Edinburgh chefs Dale Mailley and Edward Murray are the proud new owners of The Gardener’s Cottage in Royal Terrace Gardens. Their restaurant isn’t due to open until June 2012 as an extensive refurbishment of the 1836 building built by William Playfair is required before the pair start serving up seasonal and local dishes.

However, the lads are smart, as they’ve been popping up at Edinburgh Farmers Market for the last couple of weekends and will continue to do so most Saturdays until the restaurant opens (weather dependent). It’s also pretty impressive having Edinburgh Castle to look at as you eat.

The menu for brunch and lunch changes every week, but Dale and Ed always use the produce that the other stall holders on the market sell.

We sat down for brunch with some other Edinburghers and a couple of Scandinavian tourists. It was a tad on the chilly side, but they’ve really thought of everything as we were given blankets for our legs.

We tucked into pastries from Jo Jo’s Danish bakery, bread from Falko Konditormeister with fresh apple juice and coffee also on offer.

The main dish was being cooked behind us and the plate of Eyemouth smoked haddock, purple sprouting broccoli and a couple of Phantassie poached eggs was served to us with a smile.

Smoked haddock, broccoli (and hiding poached eggs)

The fish was perfect and although you could taste the smoke, it wasn’t overpowering. The poached eggs were perfectly cooked and the broccoli tied the whole dish together into one immensely satisfying brunch.

Between them, Edward and Dale have 15 years of professional restaurant experience – including The Outsider, Blue, The Atrium, Cafe St Honoré and The Kitchin.

We think it’s an excellent way to introduce themselves to the Edinburgh food scene and can’t wait to try out the restaurant when it opens. In the meantime, we’ll be trying to bag more seats at the newest pop-up table in town.

Information

You can sign up for the Gardener’s Cottage newsletter via their website.

A decision is made on Thursdays before the market is due to take place. If the weather forecast is a dry one, then the brunch goes ahead from 10am and the lunch at 12.30pm. You need to contact them to reserve your place and can do this by dropping them an email or via their twitter stream @Gardenersctg

Cost

There’s a suggested donation of £10 per person for brunch and £15 per person for lunch. We think that this is extremely good value for the quality of food delivered.

Ed and Dale cooking in their outdoor kitchen

The Gardener's Cottage before the restaurant refurbishment

Every Saturday

St Mary’s Market opens its doors Saturday 24th March (update -now on every Saturday)

Another relative newcomer to Edinburgh’s thriving market scene is the St Mary’s Market.

The first event of 2012 takes place on Saturday 24th March and every Saturday thereafter until July.

Running from 9am to 2pm outside St Mary’s Cathedral and John Lewis area, the market has a host of sellers from food and bakery stalls, to crafts and CDs.

We look forward to checking it out ourselves this weekend.

Information

You can follow Edinburgh Markets on twitter @EdinburghMarkets and like them on Facebook.

You can also contact the organisers if you wish to hire a stall.

Update  26th March - we visited the first market and it has potential to be great once the word spreads around town. We did get some amazing bread and took this picture of the excellent fruit and vegetable stall!

Fruit and veg galore

Tealicious afternoon tea

Tealicious Edinburgh – an afternoon tea to remember

As soon as we heard the words ‘secret location’ and ‘cake’, we knew we just had to get a ticket to the latest addition to Edinburgh’s pop-up dining scene – Tealicious Edinburgh.

Run by a trio of ladies – Katey Lee, Michelle Holden and Sarah Bell – it’s clear the minute you step through the door that their afternoon tea will be something to remember.

Using a lovely location in Leith (we daren’t spoil the surprise), the tables are set, the candles are lit and there are fresh roses on each table amidst the quirky decor and vintage crockery.

Delicious savoury options

The menu is displayed in a picture frame, but our eyes are quickly distracted to the goods in front of us. Not only is each table laden with cakes, but there are savoury options consisting of basil marinated mozzarella skewers, grape focaccia and beetroot and walnut muffins.

Lashings of tea are immediately served up with the additional option of purchasing a cocktail from the specially created drinks menu. Using a licensed venue is a clever move and allows for a tipple or two if you so desire.

Another great idea was the plate of fruit which acted as an excellent palate cleanser.

Tucking into the sweet treats in front of us, it’s clear that each cake has been made with love by the talented Tealicious trio. They’re presented beautifully and the taste of each one exceeds their good looks.

A highlight for us was the violet and berry eclairs on offer, but the elderflower and lemon loaf was another clever combination of flavours.

Also particularly noteworthy was the lavender and lemon shortbread, an interesting twist on the classic Scottish treat.

There were no traditional sandwiches on offer: but then this was no ordinary afternoon tea.

Completely full to the seams, we were then offered even more delights to try – this time orange blossom macarons. The quality was equal to that of any we have tried in Edinburgh and that includes French patisseries.

Violet and berry eclair

A plate of hand-made chocolates (with the choice of rose cream or salted caramel) was handed around the room.

Never one to refuse anything, we sampled one of each and the chocolate finale was seriously impressive.

At £15 per person, this exquisite afternoon tea is extremely good value and the quality of food more than exceeded our expectations.

The hostesses encouraged us to take away any leftovers in boxes (supplied).

If there’s one thing you do this year, get yourself a ticket for Tealicious Edinburgh – it is an utterly delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Information

Look on the Tealicious website for details of upcoming events and you can find them on twitter and on facebook.

Tickets for a Tealicious event are £15. A deposit of £10 is payable in advance and a recommended donation of £5 is made on the day.

The chocolate finale

Award-winning French inspired afternoon teas in Edinburgh

Ross Baxter is a very talented young man. Growing up in a family of traditional bakers and pastry chefs, he perfected his pastry and baking skills from the likes of Albert Roux and Michael Caines. We first tasted Ross’s patisserie delights during the time he worked at the famous Greywalls in East Lothian.

Dark chocolate choux eclair

2011 was a great year for Scottish-born Ross as he scooped a Gold Medal Scottish Hotel Award for his patissier skills, but this year has seen Ross start up his own business. The award-winning patissier is now providing pop-up afternoons teas to residents of Edinburgh and beyond in the comfort of their own home or venue of their choice.

It’s not just an ordinary afternoon tea though, it’s a bespoke French afternoon tea bringing together all his savoury and sweet patissier skills onto one magnificent stand.

You can indulge your guests with an exquisite afternoon tea, lovingly prepared by Ross and delivered to your home. Lashings of tea and coffee provided by the Howdah Tea and Coffee Company are also included in the price, which is currently £22.50 per person (minimum numbers apply). Having sampled several of Ross’s both savoury and sweet creations, we think this is extremely good value for the outstanding quality that’s delivered.

An example of the French afternoon tea menu can be found here.

Praline feuillete noisette, dark chocolate cremeux, toasted hazelnut dacquoise, almond sponge cake & dark chocolate & bourbon vanilla mousse

Celebration cakes

Fresh from making his own wedding cake and favours, Ross is also available to design and create an amazing cake for your special occasion whether it be a wedding, birthday or christening cake. Just contact him to discuss your requirements.

He is more than happy to provide wedding favours; create dessert canapés and modern French Entremet cakes for any event or special occasion.

Patisserie classes

Ross is also offering one to one patisserie classes, that include skills such as perfecting macarons, a tarte au citron (aka lemon tart) and hand-made chocolate lessons. Or perhaps you would like some bread lessons in the comfort of your own home? Whatever you require, you can learn the professional techniques with plenty of hands-on practical demonstrations.

Why not gather a group of friends together and learn from a patisserie expert. The lessons would be perfect as an alternative birthday treat or a fabulous way to start a hen weekend.

Ross will also be utilising the kitchens at Humble Pie in North Berwick so keep an eye out for classes.

There are several occasions that would be perfect for the Ross Baxter afternoon tea experience such as birthdays, baby showers, office parties or just friends catching up over exquisite food. Whatever the occasion, we think the recipients of Ross’s afternoon teas will be glad he’s branched out on his own.

Information

You can contact Ross via his website .

Telephone: 07545 021 828

He is also on Facebook and on twitter @RossPatissier.

His services are currently offered in Edinburgh, East and West Lothian. Ross will also cover the Glasgow area if required.

Raspberry charlotte - raspberry mousse, pistachio, raspberry & poppy seed biscuit cuillere, red fruit glacage

Tart chocolat au lait’ pate sucree - milk chocolate ganache, mou salted caramel, salted peanuts

Back open at Potterrow

We loved the new Mosque Kitchen on Nicolson Street, so were disappointed when we returned to the Original Mosque Kitchen on Potterrow (behind the central mosque) and were served a disappointing plate of food.

Arriving as the kitchen opened one lunchtime, we expected piping out, freshly cooked dishes. But in reality, the rice was only warm and the sag aloo tasteless and hard to swallow. The chickpea serving was delicious and bumped the rating of this review up, as did the price. £4-4.50 for a plate of curry (meat) with rice is going to please most pockets.

We weren’t allowed to order anything other than what was already on the counter which was disappointing, as was the lack of nan bread that we were told would take another 15-20 minutes.

Rice with vegetables

The service was friendly and the new covers over the outside area are perfect for rainy days, but the quality of the food needs to improve before this is the busy place for ‘curry in a hurry’ it was before.

Dishes are still served up on plastic plates.

Information

Open daily from 12noon. Closed Friday lunchtime for prayers (one hour).

New decking / seating area

Mimi's at The Shore

New extension for Mimi’s Bakehouse at The Shore

Mimi’s Bakehouse at The Shore has taken Leith by storm since opening its doors at the end of 2010. The family run business has been welcoming visitors from Edinburgh and beyond whilst serving up glorious food and cakes.

The new extension to Mimi’s opened this morning, creating a whole new area to sit down and relax in with friends.

We can confirm that it’s looking fabulous with the same Mimi’s decoration that visitors know and love, with lots of extra little touches. There are extra tables that increase the total capacity, but the staff at Mimi’s want everyone to be comfortable as they eat. The general feel of the place is certainly more spacious and there’s a clear walkway to the bathrooms.

There’s a new ‘soft seating’ area comprising of two velvet sofas which is perfect for small groups and is bookable in advance. Further soft chairs and tables fill up the rear wall.

The wall in the new extension

The brand new kitchen is where the bread will be made each morning. During opening hours, you can peek through the glass windows of this new baking area and witness the cakes coming out of the oven and being decorated.

All in all, it’s the same great Mimi’s, but with more room to enjoy your food. We’ll be heading down there soon!

You can read our latest review of Mimi’s.

Improved facilities

There is a now a separate bathroom for gents and the ladies ‘powder room’ has several cubicles. There’s also a dedicated disabled toilet that’s spacious and also houses the baby-changing facilities.

Information

You can check out Mimi’s Bakehouse website or like them on facebook and follow them on twitter.  Open weekdays 9am- 5pm and weekends 9am-6pm.

We advise booking ahead on weekends. Telephone 0131 555 5908.

Suitable for disabled? Yes, ground even access (with ramp from outside) and accessible toilet.

Stockbridge Sunday Market

Stockbridge Market continues to increase in popularity

The Stockbridge Market has 6 months of trading under its belt now and continues to attract hoards of Sunday shoppers. With a pool of over 100 traders there really is something for everyone.

On our last visit, we managed to stock up on food for Sunday lunch, Sunday dinner and supplies for the rest of the week. Expert advice is on hand from the meat and fish suppliers and there’s plenty of vegetarian choices as well. Beautiful breads and pastries are screaming out to be bought and the vegetable selection is excellent (some complete with soil).

There are a handful of gift stalls every market day, enabling you to buy a present or two as well.

Excellent choice

Shoppers can sit and relax, taking in a coffee (from a funky VW camper van with Artisan Roast coffee) and a snack while listening to the variety of buskers who are starting to frequent the market.

This popular Sunday market is an interesting and social alternative to a supermarket visit and a great place to fill up your cupboards for the coming week.

Recommended from us.

Information

Further information is on the Stockbridge Market website.

The market is held in Jubilee Gardens which is at the border of Kerr Street  and Saunders Street.

Open from 10am – 5pm every Sunday.

The exact Location can be found in this map.

You can follow Stockbridge Market on twitter @StockbridgeMark and like their Facebook page.

Suitable for disabled? Yes, on ground level with ample room to manoeuvre.

Bread and pastries galore

Artisan Roast coffee

Newhaven cafe

A warm welcome and excellent food at The Haven cafe

There’s nothing more than we like than trying out a new place for food and at lunchtime today, we visited the recently opened cafe, The Haven at Anchorfield (directly opposite the Chancelot Mill).

A warm welcome ensued as we tucked ourselves beside a radiator and started reading the papers and glossy magazines on offer for customers.

The menu has all the usual breakfast suspects with rolls starting at £1.80 (sit-in price) and £2.10 for a doubler. A bowl of porridge will set you back £1.90 and scrambled eggs on toast £2.40.

There are freshly made soups and sandwiches up for grabs, but we couldn’t see past the all-day full Scottish breakfast with tea (or coffee) included, for a bargain price of £5.95.

A steaming large mug of tea was served to the table followed by the wonderful sight of  bacon, black-pudding, sausage, haggis, free-range egg, mushrooms, beans, tattie scone and toast on a plate. We opted out of the tomato which is normally included and was impressed with both the quality and quantity that had been served.

Impressive full-Scottish breakfast

Other diners were tucking into bowls of soup and half a sandwich (£4.20 for the combo) and we also eyed up the blueberry pancakes (special of the day). All the food served is available in smaller portions for children and highchairs are available making this a family friendly place.

Despite eating more calories than we care to think about, we of course managed a slice of home-made cake. There’s lots to choose from including classics such as empire biscuits, chocolate cake and scones, but we plumped for a piece of Victoria sponge (£2.50).

We were served a door-stop sized wedge of the light and fluffy sponge which caused the neighbouring tables to comment in envy and ask if it would be finished. Of course the answer was yes.

Other warming drinks are available such as the usual coffees (£1.70 for an americano and £1.80 for a latte) and hot chocolate (£2.20) and fruit shoots for little ones (70p).

By the end of our visit (1pm ish) the majority of tables were full with lunchtime workers and pensioners as well as the local school kids coming in for a takeaway lunch.

We really can’t fault any aspect of this cafe. The prices are very reasonable, the surroundings comfortable and the food excellent.

Recommended from us.

Impressive Victoria sponge

Information

The Haven Cafe - 9 Anchorfield, Edinburgh.

Free wi fi.

Opening hours – Monday to Friday 0730 – 1700 hrs and Saturday and Sunday 0900 – 1700 hrs

The Haven are on facebook and on twitter @thehavencafe

Suitable for disabled? Yes the door and cafe is on ground level, but the bathrooms are located up a set of four steps.

The Haven features on our Edinburgh Cake Trail.

This picture courtesy of The Haven

Inside the cafe

Edinburgh’s secret supper clubs and more

There is such a wide variety of supper clubs in Edinburgh now – eating in at someone’s home certainly seems to be the new ‘eating out’. We’re determined to dine at all the choices in Edinburgh (and no doubt expand our waistline in the process).

In our experience, the quality of the food served at these secret suppers is pretty impressive.  The price for a three-course meal per person is around £25 and with a BYOB policy, it’s a reasonably priced night out. Strangers across the table become friends by the end of the night and if like us, you dine at a few of them, you bump into people you’ve met at different clubs.

Dates vary, with most evenings being held at the weekend, but some are hosted on school nights. Spaces tend to go fast for all of Edinburgh’s supper clubs, so don’t delay in reserving your spot at the table you want. Some hosts ask you to book tickets in advance (leaving a small ‘donation’ to pay on the night) and some require full payment.

Charlie and Evelyn's Table (pic courtesy of C Rowley)

Here are the links to all supper clubs hosting in Edinburgh at the moment and those that are coming soon.

Charlie and Evelyn’s Table – Established in 2009, Rachel and Chris Rowley were the first to host a secret supper in Edinburgh. They’ve been on a maternity break, but are releasing new dates very soon. Get on their mailing list at chrisandrachelrowley (@) gmail.com to be first to hear of Spring 2012′s dates. The supper club are on twitter and on facebook. A suggested donation of £25 is taken on the night via an envelope. Our most recent review of Charlie and Evelyn’s table can be found here.

Kitchen Porter - Professional chef Mark Porter and his wife Mary can seat up to 20 diners at one event. Dates spread out throughout the year, but you must email kitchenports@yahoo.co.uk to be placed on their mailing list and notified of new dates. Mark and Mary are on twitter. The cost is £27 per person and payment is in advance via bank transfer. Read our review here.

My Home Supper – Run by Aoife Behan, this popular club often sells out months in advance. My home supper has been known to have different themes to their evenings, including Edinburgh Fringe entertainment and a contestant from Masterchef as a guest chef. There are dates announced throughout the year. We have dined here and can confirm that the food is good and the  hospitality warm. You can find the club on twitter and on facebook. A deposit for a ticket to be bought in advance and an additional ‘donation’ on the night takes the cost to £25.

Image courtesy of My Home Supper

Crescent Dining – We dined here last summer and loved the hospitality of the host Lesley (the mum) and the food from her son Calum. At the time of writing this article, they are about to announce their next supper date for March 2012. Tickets to be bought in advance (£15 up front and £10 suggested donation on the evening). Crescent Dining are on twitter and on facebook.

Inside out chef –  Run by Wendy Patterson, the ‘inside out chef’ has several dates planned for 2012 serving up her ‘bespoke cuisine with bite’. Wendy also offers food hampers and afternoon teas (in your home). You can find Inside out chef on on twitter and on facebook.

Table for ten – Set up and hosted by four friends, Table for Ten is based in Edinburgh’s Southside. Dates every 6-8 weeks. Join their mailing list at tableforten (@) btinternet.com. You can also find them on twitter and on facebook

Chai Lounge – Established in the Autumn of 2011, Edinburgh’s first Indian supper club is run by Meena Manchoo-Bhana, who serves up home style Indian cooking in her home.  Regular dates for 2012.  Also on twitter and on facebook. The cost is £25 and tickets are to be purchased in advance.

Queen of Tarts – Edinburgh’s first pop-up afternoon tea. Host Angela Dolan welcomes people to her ‘parlour’ in Leith for afternoon tea. Angela has 14 planned dates for 2012. You can find Queen of Tarts on twitter and on facebook. A ticket deposit of £5 is required in advance and a suggested donation of an additional £20 on the day.

New for 2012

The Seaside Social – We’re looking forward to heading to Portobello to experience this new supper club. Their first event is in March 2012. Cost of three-course meal with paired wines is at your discretion.  Runs quarterly and they are on twitter and facebook.

Burgher Burger – A new concept in pop-dining that revolves around a burger being the main event of a three-course meal. Every month, a different professional chef  takes over a greasy spoon cafe and cooks the menu of their choice. Read our article on Burgher Burger here. The cost is £35 (inc booking fee) and tickets must be bought in advance. Burgher Burger are on facebook and you can follow the burger news on twitter. These events are hosted by Aoife Behan from My Home Supper.

Tealicious Edinburgh – An exciting new pop-up afternoon tea in Leith. Expect vintage crockery and a menu full of savoury and sweet delights. Cost £15.  You can find Tealicious on twitter and on Facebook. Updated – our review of Tealicious.

Ross Baxter Patissier – Professional patissier Ross Baxter is offering bespoke afternoon teas in your home and one to one pastry classes.  You can find Ross on facebook (and drool at the pictures) and also on twitter. Read our feature on Ross.

Pig in a Wig – very little know about this newest club at the moment. Run by David Freeman, the first event will be held on Friday 27th April. You can like Pig in a Wig on Facebook and follow them on twitter.

Further Information

Keep an eye on our dedicated supper club and pop-up dining section for all the latest news and reviews.

Food at Kitchen Porter's

Pic courtesy of Scottish Hampers

Win a hamper from Scottish Hampers

We love our food at Edinburgh Spotlight and are pleased to be able to offer our readers a chance to win a hamper full of food worth £45 from Scottish Hampers who pride themselves on their extensive range of modern Scottish Hampers. Each one is packed full of luxury food and drink sourced from the very best suppliers all over the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

The hamper up for grabs is the Munro hamper and contains:

1 x Thomsons Scottish Full Roast Coffee ( 250g )
1 x Luscombe Organic Sicilian Lemonade ( 750ml )
1 x Bloc Mint Creams Gift Box ( 160g )
1 x Island Bakery Organics Shortbread ( 150g )
1 x Nevis Bakery Madeira Cake ( 360g )
1 x Thomsons Scottish Vanilla Macaroon ( 150g )
1 x Claire Macdonald Strawberry Jam ( 227g )

We also love the look of the Wee Bairn and the Thistle hampers. So many different options, all of which look delicious.

Competition (now closed)

To be in with a chance of winning a ‘Munro’ hamper, all you have to do is answer this easy question:

Scottish Hampers was developed from a Scottish food business in what year?

Hint – you might want to look on the website on the info/about us page on their website.

Email your answer to competitions@edinburghspotlight.com by 12noon on  Friday 17th February 2012. The winner will be picked at random and notified by email by shortly after the closing time. Facebook and twitter entries will not be accepted.

All decisions are final.

You can like Scottish Hampers on facebook and follow them on twitter @ScottishHampers

Image courtesy of Burgher Burger

Burgher Burgher – taking Edinburgh’s dining scene by storm

Pop-up dining and secret suppers are not new to the Edinburgh food scene, but Burgher Burger is certainly something different.

Organised by Aoife Behan, who also runs Edinburgh’s popular secret supper club My Home Supper has put together this exciting new dining concept with a different location and different chef each month cooking up a three-course meal.

Such were the whispers around town about chef Neil Forbes rustling up his menu in one of Edinburgh’s best greasy spoons cafes, Now Rest - the tickets for the inaugural event sold out in under 8 minutes.

Ticket demand for March’s event caused the website to crash and sold out within 4 minutes. The appeal of a burger night with chef Tony Singh at the helm at Punjab’n De Rasoi obviously proved to be popular with Edinburghers.

The three-course Burgher Burger meals will use meat from Hugh Grierson Organic and four carefully paired beers supplied by Innis and Gunn, which are included in the price of £30 per head (plus £2.70 booking fee).

The only way to get a seat at the table for a future Burgher Burger event is to be on the mailing list and have your computer at the ready when April’s tickets go on sale.

We’ve been lucky enough to bag a seat at the first event so will bring you our verdict on this new pop-up dining experience once we’ve munched our way through the first menu.

Updated 17th February – Burgher Burger’s first review.

Information

Visit the Burgher Burger wesbite for more information.

You can also like Burgher Burger on facebook and follow the burger news on twitter.

Join the mailing list.

Toasted goats cheese on garlic bread

We have previously reviewed the wonderful Bon Papillon, but returned today on a cold winter’s day to experience their warm hospitality and excellent food.

Owned by Ingrid Nilsson and Stuart Allan, their specialities are divided into Nilsson’s art on the wall and Allan’s framer’s service at the rear of the premises. The couple come together at the food counter serving up home-made soup, savoury tarts and tasty salads to hungry Edinburghers.

Today we plumped for the ‘chèvre chaud’ – a delicious combination of goats cheese toasted on garlic bread accompanied by salad (£5.25) and a ‘hot-smoked’ salmon salad with a large roll (£5.95).  Both dishes were of quality equal to be found in a bistro, but then that’s only to be expected since Stuart is a former chef.

Other savoury choices included savoury tartlets (£6.25),  BLT’s (£4.50) and a bacon ciabatta at a bargainous £2.50.

The highlight of a visit to Bon Papillon for us is the freshly made cakes on offer. At a very reasonable £2.10 a slice, we managed to devour a slice of chocolate and beetroot cake and a lime and ginger topped chocolate creation. From past exerpience, you can’t go wrong with their scones either.

Tea is a very reasonable £1.60 per pot and coffees start at £1.50 for an espresso and a latte will cost you £2.

Everything on the menu is available to take away as well.

We’ve been regular visitors to Bon Papillon since it opened last summer and regularly use it as a working space. The free wi-fi is fast and reliable and there’s such a creative energy in this arty hub, it’s hard to leave. You can take a seat by the window and watch the world walk up Howe Street, or savour your coffee and admire the ever-changing art work on display.

Chocolate and beetroot cake

The word has obviously got around town that this place serves wonderful food with a smile, as it was full by the time we moved onto dessert.

Bon Papillon is well worth a visit whatever side of town you live on and we are pleased top award it out ‘highly recommended’ award after providing us with perfect food and service for the last 8 months.

Information

Bon Papillon is situated at 15 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE. Telephone 0131 538 2505

Open every day except Tuesday 9am – 5.30pm (10 am Sunday).

You can have a look at their website and read their blog.  You can see what the forthcoming are here.

Bon Papillion are on facebook and on twitter and also appear on our Edinburgh Cake Trail.

Suitable for disabled? There is one step up into the gallery and ample room to move around once inside.

While most of the capital’s fine dining restaurants take a holiday this January, the most stylish of the all, Restaurant Mark Greenaway is attracting new customers will a bold new pricing policy.

For one month only, the award winning restaurant at No.12 Picardy Place will allow diners to decide themselves what they would like to pay for their meal.

Customers will be asked to pay any desired amount for their dining experience.

Delicious lamb

We have reviewed both the A la Carte Menu and the lunch Market Menu and highly recommend the food.

The restaurant menu’s ‘suggested price’ will remain and the customer can also select an amount higher than the standard price but ultimately they will decide exactly what price they would like to pay for their food.

No.12 Picardy Place has already established itself as an award-winning venue with Restaurant Mark Greenway achieving ‘Scotland’s Most Stylish Restaurant’ at the 2011 Scottish Style Awards and nominated as a finalist in the 2012 ‘Restaurant of the Year Awards’ which are held in February.

The offer applies to Restaurant Mark Greenaway from 9th-31st January 2012 (excluding January 25th 2012) and is valid Tuesday-Saturdays on both the Market Menu and A la Carte Menu. Market Menu is a listed set price menu of £18 for two courses and £24 for three courses.

Cullen skink

Bookings must be made in advance quoting: PWYW. Maximum 4 persons per booking. For reservations please call the team on 0131 557 0952 or visit our website www.no12picardyplace.com

Restaurant Mark Greenaway is open Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-3pm (Lunch) and 5.30pm-10.30pm (Evening)

Amazing desserts

Open in Edinburgh from 2nd November 2011

Fans of Wagamama that live in Edinburgh can finally get excited as they open a branch in the city on Wednesday 2nd November 2011.

Taking up residency in the former Bank of Scotland on Castle Terrace/Lothian Road, the new 130 seater eatery is sure to be a hit with residents and visitors alike.

Ahead of the official opening, we visited today, along with several dozen other  lucky diners getting to experience the complimentary food on one of two ‘preview’ days.

We were talked through the menu by a friendly member of staff and considering it was only a training day, we really couldn’t fault any of the service. It was fascinating to take a seat near to the kitchen pass, where up to twelve chefs at any one time were freshly preparing the dishes.

Seafood ramen

We had the following dishes to eat:

Duck gyoza – deep fried duck dumplings with a spicy cherry hoi sin sauce (£5.25)

Beef teriyaki soba – on a bed of teppan fried soba noodles, with vegetables and various seasonings (£13.50)

Seafood ramen – noodles in vegetable soup, assorted seafood with seasonal greens and garnish (£10.35)

For dessert – sweet ginger and apple gyoza with vanilla custard sauce (£5)

All of the dishes served to us were delicious and our neighbours at the table commented on how pleased they were with their curry choices.

There are explanations on the menu about all the dishes and types of noodles, so those new to this type of cuisine can easily understand what they’re choosing.

Time allowed for us to have coffee and tea after our meal and we both concluded we couldn’t fault the quality of the food or the experience of dining in Edinburgh’s newest restaurant.

We will definitely be returning and exploring some of the other dishes on the extensive menu.

Full menu is available here and take-out menu here. There is also a children’s menu.

Information:

Open Monday – Saturday 11am – 12pm and Sunday 12.30pm – 10pm.

You can find Wagamama at 1 Castle Terrace (on the corner with Lothian Road), Edinburgh, EH1 2DP.

Beef teriyaki

Suitable for disabled? Yes, despite how the entrance looks, there is a wheelchair lift to the side and accessible bathrooms on the main floor.