RestaurantsThe Kitchin

[tazzywazzy, 15.05.2007] The reviewer starts by talking about other restaurants in Edinburgh, complaining about how "top end" restaurants try to "charge London prices", although their cooking is, in the reviewer's eyes "inferior to their London equivalents". She moves on to talk about The Kitchin, calling it "a breath of fresh air [...]".

She then goes on to talk about Tom Kitchin's (the Head Chef) previous experience, she also mentions his partner Michaela Berselius (now Kitchin), who runs the front of house and has equally as much experience (Claridges and the Savoy).

The reviewer states that Tom Kitchin "impresses" her, as "his menu is so faithfully led by the seasons". She compares her experience of reading the menu as "being a hunter gatherer". Of her selections she went for the "tartare mackerel", which she says was a "tastebud-awakening starter". She does mention however, that the scallops, which were "immaculately fried", were served with a rocket and parmesan salad and she felt that "the cheese seemed out of place".

Of the main courses, the reviewer writes that their "infectiously enthusiastic" French waiter "talked them through the dishes", not in a "poncy" way, but instead, by "explaining the cooking method". The reviewer in the end went for "saddle of hare". She states that it "was a strong meat, but fantastic" and describes it as "a brave, triumphant dish". Her companion "was captivated" by the lobster which was "lusciously fleshy and juicy". She described the accompanying "lobster coral and carapace" pressed sauce as an "intense vivid sauce".

For desert the reviewer orders "apples and chestnuts", but "vaguely" frets that "it might be a bit homespun and ordinary", it turned out to be "a delightful concoction

She sums up her experience at The Kitchin by saying it is "a chic and comfortable place" and that if you were to visit, you would have "a memorable" night.