Eyes like pinholes and praying for death, the Social Bitches are suffering a typical Sunday hangover. But saving us from this insidious beast: the promise of Black Angus beef, live jazz, and even more to drink. Which is how we’re now fabulously dressed, and perusing the cocktail menu of super stylish Le Petit Beefbar.
In desperate need of hydration, we soon have a Rosemary Mimosa in hand and a cheeky Riesling en route. We’re also very much enjoying the restaurant’s Georgian grandeur, along with a sexy saxophone solo, and the attention of Alistair our gorgeous chef de rang. Our next stop: absolute gluttony, kicking off with a series of sharing plates.
Beautifully crisp Karaage Fried Chicken with Cinzano marinade and spicy mayo, followed by Petite Kebab, boasting Wagyu & Angus beef succulent beyond belief. But best in the show: Signature Bao Buns, combining jasmine-infused short rib and Kobe crisp with a delicate sweet & sour sauce.
Currently, it’s dribbling down our chins, which we imagine in slow motion and accompanied by that sexy sax. But this culinary orgasm we’ve been longing for also demonstrates what Beefbar’s all about sharing dishes with friends, experiencing many flavors, and drinking as much wine as humanly possible.
Okay, so we made the last part up, but it does segue us rather nicely into a bottle of Pinot Noir and the carnivorous main event: a wonderfully large platter, containing both the Slow-roasted Black Angus Beef Striploin, and Roast Free-Range Chicken [ there’s plant-based too FYI ] served with all the trimmings and bone marrow gravy.
From the expertly seasoned, oh-so-crispy skin of the chicken, to tender beef a perfect shade of pink: every ingredient has had the chef’s intimate attention. The veg too is particularly lush, with deliciously sweet honey-glazed carrots, and Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes that strike a flawless balance between crunch and creaminess.
We couldn’t eat another bite, we say unconvincingly, as we order yet more wine, and then dive into the intensely rich Chocolate Soufflé with ginger ice cream. It’s made even more decadent when paired with the lavish Gelato Mantecato Al Minuto: a playful smorgasbord of gelato, sauces, nougat & honeycomb.
Hangover now officially cured, we’re thinking not only is this one of the city’s best Sunday lunches, but we could perhaps manage a teensy tawny port or three. Bon appétit Bitches! [ The SB’s Derek & Isaac ]
Le Petit Beefbar,19 - 21 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PB - 0131 225 1251
Opening hours: Restaurant Monday - Friday 5-9:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:30-9:30 pm / Bar Lunch Monday - Friday 12:30-3:30 pm