THE KITCHIN, EDINBURGH

After several visits up to Edinburgh and various recommendations, we finally had dinner at the The Kitchin, a former whisky bond located on Edinburgh’s stylish waterfront. Opened in June 2006 and run by Tom Kitchin and wife Michaela, the food served is a harmonious unification of seasonal Scottish produce with a French style of cooking, showcasing their philosophy ‘From Nature To Plate’.

We started off with some cocktails in the chic bar area, the interior a mix of rustic and contemporary designs, with its classy dark wood floors and subdued shades of grey wooly furniture. 
I had a fruity gin-based Bramble, whilst Viv had a floral and refreshing Blooming Flower, alongside which we were served some appetizing crispbreads (or rye crackers?) and dips.

Upon being seated at our table, we were each handed a map of Scotland, locations marked from where the ingredients are sourced. A fragrant, warm loaf of sourdough was brought to the table with some luscious creamy butter, followed by an amuse bouche of a light and flavourful tomato consommé.

 I was really tempted by the tasting menu, but in the end we ordered from the A La Carte menu, from which I ordered one of their classics of Pig’s Head & Langoustine. The boned and rolled pig’s head seasoned in cumin was deliciously tender and moist, and the pigs ears were really crispy and moreish. Next to it was a juicy roasted tail of langoustine, with the claws placed in a small bowl for you to pick at your hearts desire.

Equally tempting was the oysters which Viv ordered – six Giga oysters from the Isle of Cumbrae prepared six ways. I particularly liked the oyster ceviche  and the one which had a sort of Thai and chilli marinade. We both favoured the ones which were still fresh as opposed to the cooked ones where some of the fresh flavours which we enjoy were diminished or overpowered by the sauces.

Always in the mood for some game, I ordered the roasted grouse from the Borders served with Perthshire girolles, wild lingonberries and bread sauce. The grouse was not quite as pink as I have had in the past, but nonetheless perfectly tender and drizzled in mouth-watering jus. Girolles are undoubtedly one of my favourite mushrooms and I surprisingly quite enjoyed the bread sauce which was smooth and creamy (they also provide you with an extra serving of bread sauce on the side should you wish to indulge more…) 

Viv went for the Newhaven lobster cooked a la plancha and finished with a rich escargot butter and topped with squid. Nice flavours and texture, but presentation-wise personally, I think could be refined…

Whilst Viv ordered another cocktail, I obviously could not resist ordering at least one dessert – because no meal would be complete without dessert…

This beautiful creation below is a Perthshire strawberry and basil millefeuille with basil ice cream – light and crisp puff pastry and and wonderfully fresh flavours.

I just wish that I had space for more of the desserts.

The Kitchin clearly remains a popular venue judging by how full it was on a Tuesday evening. 

We both very much enjoyed our evening – service was pretty smooth-flowing and the food was satisfyingly good.

Portion sizes are decent, however the price is still quite high for Edinburgh standards, so I would advise that you be prepared to foot out about £100 per person (or more if you’re a bit more of a wine aficionado…)

The set lunch does look like a bargain at £29.50 for three courses, and the tasting menu price of £75.00 seems quite reasonable.

The Cheekster, signing out x