Tegan and I ventured to Edinburgh for a one night stay to celebrate her 21st birthday. The purpose of this over-night stay? Eating of course! I’d decided not to buy her a stereotypical 21st birthday present, but instead, because she’s as bigger foodie as I am, treat her to a Michelin starred dinner in Edinburgh. We were both Edinburgh ‘virgins’, a title I’m ashamed to have held for twenty one years, especially after discovering the restaurants it boasts. I gave her a list of restaurants that included; Kitchin, Castle Terrace, 21212 and Martin Wishart. After a little menu research she decided on Martin Wishart. I booked a month ahead and was only able to reserve a table for 6.30pm. This suggested that it was likely to be the ‘gem’ the Good Food Guide had described it to be. It also suited us as we were planning to visit Hotel Missoni, on the Royal Mile, afterwards for cocktails (a place I highly recommend, imaginary cocktails and a super funky bar).
Restaurant Martin Wishart is located on ‘The Shore’ in Leith. The food is a combination of French and English cuisine. The restaurant is stylish and spacious (we weren't packed in like sardines). The ratio of staff to customers is apparently one to two. This was noticeable! Wherever we turned there was a member of staff to attend to our every need, which even included opening the door to the toilet (maybe a little OTT). However, it made for outstanding service.The majority of staff are French, this pleased Tegan greatly. She has a phobia of French men, it’s the accent apparently. I think she felt somewhat desensitised by the end of the evening! The atmosphere in the restaurant is particularly formal. We spent about an hour talking in hushed whispers. However, we were early diners and as the restaurant filled up the atmosphere became a little more relaxed. Despite the formalities the staff are friendly (as well as humorous at times) and knowledgeable. It's what I'd describe as an elegant dining experience. The food, the wine, the service and the bill I had to pay told me so.
We wanted to make the most of our experience at Restaurant Martin Wishart as it was a special occasion. Therefore, we opted for the six course tasting menu. Six courses for £65, perfectly acceptable! We decided against matching wines and instead opted for a bottle of New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc called 'Little Beauty'.To say the wine list is extensive is a huge understatement. I felt like I was being handed a bible, not a wine list! A six course tasting menu turned into eleven courses! This was due to a cheese trolley and the extra little culinary treats we received. I definitely wasn’t complaining though, they were eleven heavenly courses. However, I did have to loosen my waist belt around about the seventh or eighth course for fear I might explode out of my dress.
Our evening began with two delicious canapés. The first, a beetroot and horseradish macaroon. The second, a crisp piece of banana coated in peanut and piccalilli. Both of these teased our taste buds.
Amuse Bouche - apple granita (left) and apple jelly and consommé (middle). Unfortunately, we didn't catch the waiter's description of the third item, this was either due to our eagerness to eat or because of his dodgy accent.
Ox Tongue and Norwegian Stone Crab with a celeriac veloute.
Ceviche of Gigha Halibut with Mango and Passion Fruit (Tegan opted for the Loch Ryan native Oysters and Mackerel Tartare with Avocado Cream, Sauerkraut and Caviar D'aquitaine).
Veal Sweetbread and Langoustine with Orange Glazed Chicory, Sauternes and Curry (this was our favourite starter).
Roasted Orkney Scallop and Poached Squid with Winter Cabbage and Truffle Cream (biggest scallop we've ever seen).
Loin of Borders Roe Deer with Braised Gem Lettuce, Goat's Cheese Gnocchi and Sauce Grand Veneur.
Valrhona Dark Chocolate Cylinder with Guanaja Chocolate Cremeux with Coffee Ice-Cream.
Our Selection of Cheeses from the Cheese Trolley.
Home-made Chocolates - Raspberry, Blackcurrant, Praline, Salted Caramel and Passionfruit.
looks amazing!
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