An item of "Breaking News". Will appear on the Breaking News page and the front page.
Ever since Locanda de Gusti disappeared into the West without warning, readers have been asking what would replace the landmark premises at 7–11 East London Street.
Refurbishment works there have seemed so extensive and taken so long that rumours have circulated locally of an underground bunker linking to the Mansfield-Traquair Centre.
The truth is now out. The Riparian Rooms – a new restaurant with over 100 covers – is to open here on 30 January.
This traditional Scottish dessert of oats, cream, whisky and raspberries is a delicious alternative to trifle and New Year resolutions.
Can you resist this tempting new twist on an old favourite from Paul Dow, head chef at the Magnum?
Sabayon
2 egg yolks
30g caster sugar
30ml whisky
In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar and whisky together over a pan of simmering water until thickened and frothy.
PREVIEWED BY RHYS FULLERTON
Last year was a fantastic one for art in (or near) Broughton, and 2015 has already started strongly. Here I preview some of what’s on offer locally over the first few months.
As always, January begins with a flourish at the Scottish National Gallery with Turner in January. The Henry Vaughan bequest has been exhibited each January for over 100 years, free of charge, as stipulated. I’ll be writing about it shortly, and recommend making time to see this wonderful exhibition.
L’Escargot Bleu on Broughton Street has won a prestigious 2015 AA Rosette for culinary excellence.
The award, announced yesterday, recognises ‘high standards, consistency and precision, serving food prepared with care and with evident selection of fresh, seasonal, quality ingredients’.
Only about 10 per cent of British restaurants reach the standard.
‘I’m delighted,’ writes chef-proprietor Fred Berkmiller. ‘This achievement is a true testimony to our fantastic team who work hard to deliver exceptional fresh, local, Scottish produce.’
Yesterday's coverage by the Edinburgh Evening News of Council plans to revise 20mph speed restrictions across the capital has received short shrift.
A curt letter from Transport and Environment Convener Lesley Hinds – sent after EEN reported a 'huge backlash' against the proposal – takes issue with the paper's repetition of various 'misconceptions'.
In particular, Hinds remarks:
For the last few days we've been challenging Spurtle readers on social media to guess the mystery location shown right. David Sterratt now reveals all.
Long-time Broughton resident Neil McLeod has kindly allowed us to publish this picture of four workers beside the Beaverbank Works office of Thomas Symington & Co., 'Manufacturers of Coffee Essences', on Logie Green Road.
DAVID HILL ON LIGHT AND THE NOCTURNAL CITY
Much is made of the uplifting qualities of sunlight.
I recall my own first year in Edinburgh as a desperate, mostly futile, search for Helios.
But while a street soaked in delicate, mid-morning, golden sunshine has a certain charm, this predilection for the uncomplicatedly solar now strikes me as immature.
Tesco on Broughton Road is now awash with chocolate eggs and bunnies.
This despite the fact that Easter Sunday is not until 5 April: a good 12 weeks distant.
Tesco would, if we bothered to ask them, doubtless reply that they are only responding to customer demand and some customers like to prepare for major Christian festivals well in advance.
Easter is, in any case, something of a flexible feast.
Here’s a sight that hasn’t been seen for some time, and probably won’t be seen again soon.
It’s the rear of Baxter’s Place viewed from Marshall’s Court, where demolition behind Nos 1–2 has freed the Category A-listed structure of its 1970s 4-storey office appendage.
A Report to go before the Finance and Resources Committee next week sheds interesting light on the disposal of Council-owned and inalienable Common Good land to the developer of the St James Quarter.
The Report (dated 15 January and attached as a pdf below) recommends delegating authority for negotiating these deals to CEC’s Director of Services for Communities (the current Acting Director is John Bury), in consultation with the Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance.