This post will be the first in a series, highlighting the events that I attended with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, during food and whisky pairing month.  There’s still a few events left in August, so hurry and sign up for them!  Most of the food and whisky pairing events are for both members and non-members alike (probably to reel in and delight those non-members!)  For those sad folks that can’t manage, don’t worry – there are delectable food options in the SMWS Member Rooms at all times, and your SMWS Ambassador will help you make a delicious pairing with their current outturn offerings. 

My attendance at these events were graciously gifted to me by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, of which I am an affiliate.  That means, should you choose to sign up for a SMWS membership following this post, I will receive a small commission for that referral.  All opinions and delights in this post are my own and are not influenced by the gifted tastings.  Thank you, SMWS as always!

The first food and whisky pairing event I attended was hosted at SMWS Queen Street in Edinburgh.  Executive Head Chef James Freeman created an exquisite 6 course tasting menu, with each course paired with a SMWS whisky to enhance the whisky experience.  Most people I’ve spoken to consider whisky an after-dinner drink, often considering whisky during dinner to be too heavy.  While I wouldn’t suggest it for every night of the week, on certain special occasions, it can be just the thing.

Your typical food and whiskey pairings are charcuterie platters (meats and cheeses go nicely with heavy, rich whiskies) and chocolates or desserts, where the sweet flavors enhance the soft sweetness in the whiskies. But this? One whisky per meal course? Unheard of, and so decadent!

Before I begin on that evening’s frivolities, allow me to express my great thanks to:

• Logan, our delightful host for the evening,
• Our dinner companions, who added light-hearted laughter and color to the dinner;
• And my friend, Jenny, who joined as my plus one.

Without further ado:

The SMWS Food and Whisky Pairing Tasting Menu

The evening started out with some bread to pad the stomach of the many whiskies to come.  The bread, thematically sitting on barley grains, came with two types of butter – tomato and wild garlic and fennel herb.  When it came out, my friend said “I know which butter you’re going for.”  And it’s true.  Tell me something has garlic in it, and I’m all over it!  If a recipe calls for 1 clove, you gotta put in at least 4.  Anyway, I digress.  Don’t get too excited with the delicious bread and butter, because the first course is coming.

1st course: Torched Mackerel & a Highland

Torched Mackerel with purple potato, apple, compressed cucumber, horseradish buttermilk and dill

Contrapuntal Complementarities – 52.39 (Old Pulteney), a Highland whisky – aged 7 years, at 57.9% ABV

According to Logan, the mackerel had a “bitterness to it”, where the sweet and citrus of the whisky helped to balance out that flavor.

2nd course: Tomato & burrata, with a Speyside

Isle of Wight tomato with basil emulsion, burrata, baby courgettes and wild garlic

A bee swarm on holiday – 36.165 (Benrinnes), a Speyside whisky – aged 12 years, 57.7% ABV

Fruity, vanilla, warm with cloves – a perfect pairing with the light, freshness of a tomato basil salad. The tanginess of the tomato brought out the sweet notes of the whisky.

3rd course: Salmon & a 17 year Speyside

Roast fillet of Loch Duart Salmon, lobster and summer vegetable bisque with a lemon and caper relish

Fruits of the Florist – 7.232 (Longmorn), a Speyside whisky – aged 7 years, 59.1% ABV

By unanimous decision, everyone’s favorite whisky of the evening. A little spice, custard and creme brulee. According to logan, when paired with the salmon and capers, “brings out a weirdness in the whisky.” I dunno about “the weirdness”, but it was definitely everyone’s favorite.

4th course: Quail & a smoky Speyside

Roast quail with bargoule mousse, buckwheat emulsion, crispy potato gratin, chanterelle mushrooms and a redcurrant sauce

Pleasing Sweetness, Playful Heat 64.111 (Mannochmore), a Speyside whisky – aged 8 years, 55.5% ABV

To quote one of the dinner guests, “It doesn’t taste as bad as some of the peaty ones I’ve had!” Now, if that’s not a seal of approval, I don’t know what is.

5th course: Strawberries & autumn in the Highlands

Strawberry meringue with roasted strawberry sorbet, elderflower crème fraiche and strawberry salad

When autumn leaves start to fall – Society Cask (Dalmore), a Highland whisky, aged 13 years, 58% ABV

A second fill sherry cask, and then finished in a first fill bourbon cask for 1 year – what can I say? I love a sherry cask, and its sweetness always goes with a delectable dessert. The strawberry-centric dessert was light and refreshing, perfect for a summer evening!

6th course: Decadent chocolate cheesecake & a Highland whisky

Brillat Savarin & caramel chocolate cheesecake with a dark chocolate glaze, served with vanilla ice-cream.

Raisin cane – 55.4 (Loch Lomond -Inchmurrin), a Highland whisky, aged 19 years, 55.4% ABV

I think I was too many whiskies in to appreciate the last pairing. The whisky had wood characteristics (kind of like furniture polish), with a hint of sweetness and cloves. But that dessert!! I’m a chocolate fan, so everything about this spoke to me!

Parting Thoughts on SMWS Food and Whisky Tasting Menu

Coming into this evening, I wasn’t sure how it would pan out. A six course tasting menu – did that mean there were six whiskies too? (Why yes, it does!!) The Scotch Malt Whisky Society obviously delivers on the whisky front. There’s no question about that. But could it deliver on the food front? 100% YES. The quality of the food was phenomenal and absolutely delicious. The plating was stunning, too. As one of the dinner guests said with confidence, “I’ve never had a bad meal here.”

Now, about having one whisky per course… to be fair, you don’t have to do whisky pairings. One of the ladies in our group was not a whisky fan, so she chose to have wine pairings with it. But beware – if we have six whiskies, that means she had six wines!

What I’ve learned so far about food and whisky tastings. I’m not sure the whisky enhances the food. On the contrary though, the food definitely enhances the whisky. Sometimes on a first sip, the whisky can taste sharp – rough around the edges, if you will. By taking a bite of food in between sips of whisky, the whisky smooths out. Some of the more subtle flavors make an appearance and become bolder.

The cost of the dinner was 89£ per person, which doesn’t come cheap for a dinner. However, that was a 6 course meal with 6 whisky pairings. When you add it up like that, the food and whiskey pairings definitely become worth it! Not every night needs to have a decadent meal. But for that special night out, whisky fans, consider having a food and whisky pairing at Scotch Malt Whisky Society! The food I’ve tasted so far is exquisite, and the whisky – well, that goes without saying – phenomenal!

Jokingly, a dinner guest said, “The world could end tomorrow – this could be your last meal.” And while a little on the grim side, the better way to think of that is, carpe diem! Seize the day! Sometimes you just need to treat yourself to something exquisite, and that’s perfectly ok!

Thank you to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for gifting me this incredible food and whisky pairing for 2! Remember, there’s at least 2 more events I’m writing about from different Member Room locations around the UK. So stay tuned for the rest of food and whisky pairing month from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

To learn more about Scotch Malt Whisky Society, check out my other posts:

• the exclusive benefits of SMWS membership
• a society cask tasting at the Glasgow Member Room
• an outdoor tasting adventure on the Three Distilleries Path.

Travelling from London or England? Come up to Edinburgh or Glasgow on an overnight sleeper train from London Euston. Arrive refreshed in the morning and all and ready for a whisky adventure!

Until then, take care, stay safe, and slainte mhath!

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

Click on the blue icons below to follow her on social media!

lanniesfoodandtravel.com/index.php/about-me/

1. Before you visit Holyrood Palace, a little royal history!

There aren’t too many palaces in Scotland, but the Palace of the Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. The Royal Collection Trust administers the palace, also known as Holyroodhouse, and is normally open to visitors. When the King is in residence, Holyrood Palace remains closed to tourists.

Even though the palace itself is relatively modern, it sits on the grounds of the old Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128 by King David I. The name Holyrood, basically means “Holy Cross”. In the old Scots language, “rood” is the word for the cross in which Jesus was crucified.

I mean, you really can’t visit Holyrood Palace without knowing what the name in Scots mean, right?

By the 15th century, the guesthouse of the abbey was converted into a royal residence. Ruins of the old abbey are still on the grounds itself and is a beautiful reminder of a different time. The palace as we know it today dates back to the late 1600s, built to commemorate the restoration of Charles II’s reign.

You’ll also learn about the most famous resident (1561 – 1567) of Holyrood Palace Mary, Queen of Scots. The actual bedchambers of Mary, Queen of Scots is part of the visit. Apparently, the bedchambers are the “most famous room in Scotland.” Bold claim. Queen Mary’s private secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered in the supper chambers (adjacent to and part of the bedchamber). There is a plaque and a small red cross marking the location in the Audience Chamber.

This scene is depicted in the 2018 Mary Queen of Scots film. (Who has seen it???) I’m a sucker for historical movies and visiting their filming locations.

The Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Stuart) set up court at Holyrood Palace for only a few weeks, in 1745. During this time, he planned his next moves to take back the British crown for the Stuarts. Following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie subsequently retreated to Europe for the remainder of his life.

2. Photos of the Holyrood Abbey

I’ve introduced the Holyrood Abbey above, but there’s something about old ruins that are quite breathtaking. It’s a wonderful place to walk around.

3. Clarification on Balmoral vs. the Holyrood Palace

Since initially writing this article, many people shared their confusion over Holyrood Palace versus Balmoral being the King’s residence in Scotland. To clarify, Balmoral is the King’s private residence in Scotland. It was purchased privately by Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s husband) in 1848, and passed down through the royal family.

The official residences of the British monarchy , which are owned by the Crown (owned by the British monarch, by virtue of their position as King or Queen) include:

• Buckingham Palace – official London residence
• Windsor Castle – official country residence
• Holyrood Palace – official Scottish residence
• Hillsborough Castle – official residence in Northern Ireland

Other places, like Balmoral or Sandringham House, are their private residences that are owned personally, and passed down within the family.

Hope that helps to clear up any confusion!

4. Information & FAQ on how to visit Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace is located in Edinburgh, at the bottom of the Royal Mile, opposite of the Scottish Parliament Building. At the other end of the Royal Mile is Edinburgh Castle.

Can the public visit Holyrood Palace?

• YES absolutely, unless the King is in Residence. Previously, Queen Elizabeth normally stayed at Holyrood Palace during “Royal Week” in Scotland – from the end of June to the beginning of July. King Charles would likely keep this same tradition.
• As this is a working royal palace, there will be some unexpected closures.

When are the Holyrood Palace opening times?

• The Palace of Holyroodhouse is open Thursday to Sunday, from 9:30 am.
• Between 1 April – 31 October, the Palace of Holyroodhouse closes at 18:00.
• From 1 November – 31 March, the palace closes at 16:30.

Should I book tickets in advance?

• YES – you’ll need to book tickets in advance, with a specified time slot for entry, so visit their website for more information.

How much do Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets cost in 2022?

• Tickets currently costs 17.50 – 18.50 GBP for an adult ticket (depending on low/high season). This comes with a multimedia guide for a self-guided tour. The multimedia set includes stories and insights into the palace and its famous former residents.
• Families can save up to 15 GBP for booking directly with Palace of Holyrood House.
• The ticket to the Holyrood Palace also includes entrance to the Holyrood Abbey.

Expert COVID safety tip: bring your own earphones.

Are photos allowed at the Palace of Holyroodhouse?

• Photos are now allowed inside for non-commercial purposes, but was not when I visited! 🙂

Already know you want to re-visit the Holyrood Palace in the future?

• If you enjoyed Holyrood Palace, you can easily convert your ticket into a 1-year pass! Just let palace staff know on your way out. You’ll sign and date the ticket, while staff stamp it. You’ll then have a valid entrance ticket for the next year!

5. Parting Thoughts on the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

Personally, I really enjoyed Holyrood Palace, primarily because of its long and rich history. I also felt that the audioguide was quite interesting, and well done. However, being in the bedchambers of Mary Queen of Scots, and knowing what happened to her private secretary there, was quite somber and very surreal.

And I loved walking around the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey. It’s incredible to think that it’s been there since the early 12th century. So much history has taken place on the ground of the Palace of the Holyrood House! For those history buffs or people simply interested in learning more, I’d highly recommend a visit to Holyrood House.

If you’re looking for other things to do in Edinburgh,

• explore Edinburgh culinarily, through a food tour;
• visit the National Gallery of Scotland or the National Portrait Gallery, which are both free!
• indulge yourself with a stay at 21212, formerly a Michelin-starred dining experience now focused on its 4-luxury rooms. With gorgeous Baroque and Georgian designs, it’s a lush stay – and only 15 minutes walk from the palace!

There’s a variety of tours all over Scotland you can take from Edinburgh:

• a 3-day tour to the Isle of Skye;
• visit Loch Ness, Inverness, and the Highlands over a 2-day tour;
• follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire on a 4-day Outlander tour.

Connect to Edinburgh from elsewhere in Scotland via ScotRail trains. Or, if you’re traveling to Scotland from London, what about going via an overnight sleeper train! Travel in comfort overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Fort William and Aberdeen! Be sure to check out my review of the journey!

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

Click on the blue icons below to follow her on social media!

lanniesfoodandtravel.com/index.php/about-me/

(this post will remain for now as a tribute to Chef Paul and everything he has created. It may be taken down in the future)

This trip to Scotland has made me realize how much I really like Scottish food. There’s amazing Scottish breakfasts, desserts, scones, black pudding, haggis… mmm.. just thinking about it makes me nostalgic and happy. Besides more traditional Scottish fare, Edinburgh is also home to a few high end restaurants that deserve a certain level of fanfare, as well. 21212 is exactly one of those restaurants.

Chef Paul Kitching opened 21212 in May 2009. When I arrived for lunch in May 2019, 21212 was celebrating their 10th anniversary. At that time, they were also one of the few restaurants in Edinburgh with a Michelin star, which they’ve held from 2009 – 2019. The restaurant is located in a gorgeous, Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh’s New Town, with a lush dining room. 21212 is open Wednesday to Saturday.

For lunch, you can choose to have anywhere from a sensible 2-course meal for 28£, to a decadent 5-course meal for 55£. For the regular readers to my blog, it should be no surprise to you what I leaned toward the decadent side – the 4-course meal for 42£. In case you’re wondering where the name 21212 comes from, it is the number of choices per course.

So, without further ado, here is everything I ate at 21212.

Amuse Bouche and Starter: Chips and Bread

The first thing to arrive was a small cup of potato chips. Light, amazingly fried – who could resist? For my British readers, I don’t mean chips (as in fries). I mean chips, as in “crisps”. Oh, the nuances between American and British English!

The introductory bread was made with spinach, red pepper, cheese, baked with fruit and fennel seeds inside. It was both fluffy and dense, and served deliciously warm. I definitely had more than one piece!

1st course: Kidnapped in Scotland

21212 Tasting Menu, course #1

Don’t let the name alarm you, though it is definitely alarming. On the menu, the description for Kidnapped in Scotland said only “Chefs Favourites.” Curious what it is? You certainly can’t tell from the photo. Here’s a little selfie of me during this course, to prove that I was not in fact kidnapped.

The main part of it (big photo) is smoked salmon with haddock haggis, topped with a mushroom parchment, There is also black pudding and mushroom soaked in Madeira. Loved the smoky flavors and the different textures! Absolutely delicious.

The second part (below the duck feet cup) could be eaten with the main, or on its own. Inside the duck feet cup, is a rhubarb, horseradish and caviar compote, paired with a sesame, strawberry pancake. There was another pancake you could choose from, but sesame and strawberry are some of my favorite ice cream flavors, so why not? It was light and crunchy, and went really well with the compote.

2nd course: Rainy allotment soup

Looking back, I am kind of tickled with the names of their courses. The Rainy Allotment Soup? Gotta have it, considering how rainy Scotland really is. This soup was a foamy mushroom puree, with red pepper and cabbage. Foamy soups are kind of a thing now, and I am fully on board with this trend. Plus, not to mention, I absolutely love a mushroom soup!

3rd course: Chicken “Surprise”

As you can see from the photo, there is a lot going on. Besides the menu description in the caption above, there were lots of other bits and bobbles that made up the dish. Somewhere in the photo, there is also a curry honeycomb, the obvious chive across the top, and some kind of beignet. For me, the chicken could have been cooked two seconds longer – the light rosiness in the center does not spark any joy in me. But this course was complex, unique, a little confusing at times, but nonetheless good.

4th (skipped) course: Cheese

If you want to go all in with the lunch menu, it also includes a cheese course. The menu described the cheeses included as “a fine Brexit selection.” See what I mean about interesting names here?

Between the main course and the dessert, they served me a palate cleanser. Sorry to say that I can’t remember what it was, but more importantly, how cute is this cow?

5th course: Yellow Pink White

Of the two dessert choices, of course I had to choose the one that included the word “pink”. Creativity is definitely a strong suit, here at 21212. There aren’t too many desserts, besides a strawberry ice cream, that would actually be pink.

Also, I never would have expected a dessert to include a drink, among other things. The drink was tart, but tasty. The rice ambrosia was similar to a creme brûlée, with carmelized sugar on top. The strawberry thing on top… I expected it to have a crunch. But it was more soft, in a “melts in your mouth” kind of way. The dessert was good, don’t get me wrong, but I think I would have liked soemthing richer – something more chocolatey.

Parting Thoughts on 21212 Edinburgh

Overall, this was a great meal!! Although I selected the 4-course option, the 2 or 3-course options would have been equally as delightful, and more affordable for a lunch. At the time I ate at 21212, they still had one Michelin star. It makes me wonder what happened in the few months after I ate. I ate there in June, and by October, the star they held for 10 years was no more. Regardless of its star status, I would definitely recommend 21212 if you’re looking for a nice meal in Edinburgh. Given the creativity of the courses, the weekly changes in menu, as well as the absolutely gorgeous interior, it makes for a wonderful addition to your Edinburgh trip.

And with that, I will say ciao and happy eating!

If you’re planning to come to Edinburgh, how about considering:

• taking the overnight sleeper train from London and arrive refreshed to start your Scotland tour;
• a visit to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, and within walking distance of 21212;
• trying more traditional Scottish food on an Edinburgh food tour;
• enjoying incredible art (for free!) at the Scottish National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery.

Restaurant Details for 21212

Paul Kitching’s 21212 | map
Stay at 21212’s Boutique Hotel
Edinburgh New Town
3 Royal Terrace,
Edinburgh EH7 5AB, UK
Phone: +44 0131 523 1030
Open Wednesday – Saturday
Click to make Reservations

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Looking for another incredible tasting menu in Scotland? Check out Three Chimneys on Skye!

Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

Click on the blue icons below to follow her on social media!

lanniesfoodandtravel.com/index.php/about-me/

YES – and it’s incredible!

I was introduced to Eat Walk Edinburgh by my sister and brother-in-law, who had a delicious experience with them the previous year. Never one to turn down a great recommendation, I selected the Edinburgh Old Town and New Town food tour.

1. Hotel Du Vin

When I set out for the food tour, it was a brisk, February afternoon in Edinburgh.  Not too cold, but definitely a chill in the air.  The food tour began at Hotel Du Vin, a luxury hotel in the Old Town, housed in a series of old stone buildings.  Back in the day, the location was once the town’s poor house, insane asylum, science laboratory and blood donation center.

At Bistro Du Vin, we met our guide, Alan, and began our first course – smoked salmon. I’m not sure if people realize, but Scotland has an incredible seafood industry. And their salmon is famous! Unfortunately most of it is imported, so if you get the chance to eat Scottish seafood locally, take it!

The smoked salmon was absolutely delicious!  So light and refreshing. A great start to the Edinburgh food tour. 

On the way to our second stop, we passed by some cute shops and interesting landmarks in town.

2. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

Our next stop on the Edinburgh food tour was Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, which calls itself “healthy, Scottish comfort food.”

We tasted some ox-cheek braised for 5 hours over mashed potato, with a side of black pudding. After being braised for so long, the ox cheek melted in your mouth. Our comfort food was paired with raspberry gin from the Edinburgh Gin Distillery. The bubbly (raspberry gin and prosecco) was light and perfect.  Beware… I was definitely a little tipsy afterward.

The above photos of the oxtail and black pudding is only a sample portion for the food tour.  Imagine my surprise when I went back the following day, and the regular portion was huge!

3. Scotch Malt Whisky Society

An Edinburgh Food Tour is not a real tour without whisky! The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a members-only whisky tasting club and the host for our next tasting. I love that the food tour gives you access to an exclusive whisky club in Edinburgh.

What better way to pad your stomach for the upcoming whisky, than with some haggis, neeps and tatties!

Haggis comprises of sheep’s heart, liver, and lung, along with some minced mutton or beef. Combine it all with oatmeal with spices. It is stuffed into a sheep’s stomach and boiled.  Haggis is illegal in the US – it has something to do with the sheep’s lung! So, I really didn’t know what to expect.

It was actually really good – very hearty and heavy.  All of these ingredients separately, I may not have enjoyed as much.  But together, it’s pretty darn tasty and I highly recommend it. At least to try!

Findlay’s of Portobello, a family run butcher shop, made the haggis that we tasted.  Fun fact, most haggis that you see on any menu will have the name of the butcher shop it comes from.  Locals often have a favorite butchers for their haggis. 

The haggis came with a tasting of whisky, at 62% alcohol. As my first foray into whisky, it was smoky and too harsh for me. At the time, I was not a whisky drink. That changed. I really enjoy the sophisticated, complex flavors and smells. You just have to find the ones you like, since they are all so different from each other!

Fun facts about Scotch Whisky

I’ve written a more technical introduction to Scotch after my visit to Islay – Scotland’s whisky island. So head over there if you want to learn a bit more, coming from an island devoted to the spirit!

Now. Onto the fun facts that I learned.

Whisky is normally a clear-colored spirit, but the color comes from the oils in the wood cask that it sits in.  The whisky we tasted is a lighter color than you’d imagine. Most whiskys have a caramel color added to it in the blending process. That way, each bottle looks the same color and tastes the same. 

The whiskies they have at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society are unblended. Each cask tastes slightly different from the other, unlike what we are used to in mass production exporting.  Each bottle at the society is bottled into their anonymous bottles, labeled only with a number (corresponding to the distillery and cask number) and the color sticker of the taste profile. 

Also, two side notes about Scottish whisky. 

1. Whisky is spelled W-H-I-S-K-Y (without the E) in Scotland, Japan, and Canada. Whiskey, with an e, is American or Irish;
2. Apparently, 85% of Scottish whiskys are aged in bourbon casks shipped from the US.

From the first time I visited the SMWS Member Rooms on this Edinburgh Food Tour to now, I’ve collaborated with the SMWS several times. For those wanting to read more about my experiences and the benefits of memberships, read all about:

• an outdoor virtual whisky tasting, on Islay’s famous Three Distilleries Path;
• an exclusive whisky tasting in the Glasgow member room of SMWS;
• all the benefits of becoming a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

And now that you’re an expert on whisky and haggis like I am, onto the next stop! From here on out, I was full on tipsy and red.

4. Le De-Vin

Our next stop was a French wine bar, Le De-Vin, housed in an old Tudor building, where we snacked on a charcuterie plate with French and Scottish cheeses.  I love soft cheeses, so this was obviously a huge favorite of mine.

There was an option to snack on this with a beer, but no more drinks for me! Not on this tour anyway. I still need to be able to walk to dessert.

Also, don’t forget to take a good look at the chalkboard wall inside Le De-Vin. Notable Scots on the left (William Wallace, Sean Connery, and Billy Connolly among others), with notable French on the right (Edith Piaf and Joan of Arc and others).

5. Ghillie Dhu

The final stop on the Edinburgh Food tour – the Ghillie Dhu (pronounced with a hard G, the gilly doo), where we had some dessert.  The Ghillie Dhu is a solitary, male fairy, who lives in the northwest highlands. Although he’s described as relatively timid, he also has a wild side. Those fairies… gotta watch out for their antics!

So the dessert. It was a chocolate cup, with some whisky cream inside.  Topped with a cookie.  I think it was their Ghillie Boozy Cranachan, but don’t quote me on that. Typically a cranachan is a raspberry and cream dessert.

But the Ghillie Dhu take on the cranachan is also worth trying! Think of the ingredients – chocolate, whisky cream, cookie, raspberry drizzle. What’s not to love?

6. Become and honorary Scot on your Edinburgh Food Tour

Bellies full and probably buzzing, you are on your way to becoming an honorary Scot.  According to Alan, requirements for the title of honorary Scot:

• Haggis – check
• Whisky – check
• Irn Bru – complete on your own adventure.  You can’t miss the bright orange cans of fizzy energy.

It’d be too easy, if you were made an honorary Scot after taking one tour, right?

7. Parting Thoughts on the Edinburgh Food Tour

And that’s it for my Edinburgh food tour on my first trip to Scotland! And what a great introduction to Scottish food.  The Edinburgh food tour opened my eyes to the gorgeous, fresh produce and ingredients that Scotland is full of! Although Scotland isn’t known for it’s food, the food scene is definitely on the rise!

To conclude and reiterate my love for food tours… Food tours really are the best!! The next time I’m in Edinburgh, I want to try their other tours, just to taste different foods and get introduced to new restaurants!

If you’re ever in Edinburgh, I highly recommend Eat Walk Edinburgh!

For other Scotland food inspiration and other Edinburgh activities;

• learn more about a hearty and filling Scottish breakfast;
• if you’re going near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, definitely try the tasting menu at Monachyle Mhor;
• visit the National Galleries of Scotland for free;
• stop by Holyrood Palace and say hello to the King at his official residence in Scotland!

Haven’t figured out how to get to Edinburgh yet? Consider the overnight sleeper train from London and arrive refreshed ready to eat your way through Edinburgh!

8. Edinburgh Food Tour recap + Discount Code

Tour provider: Eat Walk Edinburgh
Total walk length: 2 miles
Total food tour length: approx 3.5 hours
Please check their website for the latest covid-19 and social distancing requirements.
Costs before discount below:

• 2020 food tour for 2 people is 79 GBP | $99 USD per person,
  • 3 people 75 GBP | $94 USD per person,
  • 4 people 71 GBP | $89 USD per person,
  • 5 to 8 people 67 GBP | $84 USD per person.
• 2021 tours costs 67 GBP | $84 USD per person.

Exclusive 5 GPB discount for blog readers:
Use discount code LT5OFF
Valid until June 2021

1. Smoked salmon at  Hotel Du Vin | map
   • Pass by Greyfriars Bobby Bar and Maggie Dickson’s bar
   • Walk down Victoria Street
   • pass through Lady Stair’s Close alleyway, which is a fun little alley, that of course I forgot to take a picture of
2. Eat too much Scottish comfort food at Makars | map
3. Try not to drink too much at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society | map
4. Nosh on some charcuterie at Le De-Vin | map
5. Finish up with some dessert at a traditional Scottish bar, the Ghillie Dhu | map
6. Fall in love with Scottish cuisine and tell everyone about this amazing food tour in Edinburgh!

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

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