It is no exaggeration to state that Hendersons is an Edinburgh institution. Founded by Janet Henderson in 1962, the restaurant spearheaded vegetarian eating in the city. Even with the sixties hippy culture round the corner, Janet must have been a trailbazer. Now via her grandson Barrie, the legacy continues as a new venue in Bruntsfield opens today. The all-day menu is designed to be approachable and affordable. Old favourites such as the famous Hendersons haggis and classic salad plates, will be presented alongside new dishes like a starter of Pumpkin and Blue Murder Cheese Ravioli with browned butter, crispy sage and toasted pumpkin seeds. For pudding lovers’ Buckwheat, Pistachio and Brambles S'more Cake with white chocolate and whisky sauce tempts. The new menus have been created by reputable chefs Paul Kayne and Nives Arosie and reflect a modern approach to the vegetarian and vegan eating: Barrie said: “After the amazing support we’ve received from our Edinburgh community, we’re really looking forward to opening. The chefs are excited to reveal new dishes that complement the vintage dishes we’re bringing back. The menus are going to be refreshed with the seasons, as well as in response to feedback from customers, so expect to see a revolving selection of dishes over the coming months, featuring old favourites and new creations.” Sourcing is at the forefront of the kitchen philosophy, with everything made from scratch using local, seasonal ingredients. Barrie and his partner Clara have cultivated a small fruit, herb and vegetable garden to the restaurant’s rear. The launch menu includes no less than five varieties of heritage potatoes grown in the garden, to be used in a salad with spring onion, chives, parsley, capers tossed in the house dressing. Natural, sustainable materials are used throughout with a focus on wood, highlighted by original restaurant tables from the 1970s in the main dining space. The aprons worn by front of house staff were designed and made by Barrie’s partner Clara. The overall muted colour palate is accented with retro-inspired motifs in yellow, blue and red, displayed in a mural, hand-painted by Edinburgh-based Thomas Paints. A wall of dried foliage that featured in the Hendersons of the 1990s was the inspiration for the abundance of dried British wheat, barley, broom, hops and birch leaves that adorn the walls, ceilings and tables, carefully arranged by Scottish floral designers Gloam. The entire design project was overseen by Edinburgh-based firm Four-By-Two. Open seven days a week, Hendersons is welcoming customers all day for coffee and cake, drinks and snacks, lunch or dinner. A breakfast menu will be introduced at a later date. Hendersons 7-13 Barclay Place Edinburgh, EH10 4HW Opening Times 7 days – 12-10pm View a sample menu here.

Six by Nico generates buzz. A six-course tasting menu, every six weeks at very affordable prices is a win-win concept for both Nico and his customers. Each new menu is accompanied by a well-directed video that captures the playful nature of the restaurant. For the launch of 'Guilty Pleasures,' I join a table of press friends and we chat about our own guilty food pleasures (crisp sandwich anyone?). We also discuss our favourite past Nico menus; Ailidh loved 'The Chippy', Danya 'The Alps' (controversial) while Rosie thought 'Willie Wonka' was a bit "out there" for some. Our meal starts with an aperitif - a 'Coke Float', which took me straight back to my teenage Wimpy waitressing days. This was a more adult version: amaretto mixed with coke and lots of sweetened cream on top. It is a little incongruous for the beginning of a meal, perhaps better as a dessert but then you would have to scrap the Nutella and Waffles and that would be a food crime. Proof of God is served in the form of Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese Croquettes – I could eat a bucket of these. Everyone has their own version of ‘Spag Bol’ but I doubt many of you whip up a quick Octopus and Pork Spaghetti Bolognaise with aged Parmesan foam. It is a comforting, rich warm tapas size dish that we scoop up from small bowls. Ceviche Of Tuna comes in a can and then perhaps my favourite course, Lamb Kebab, although the Scrabster Cod which follows as ‘Fish Supper’ is deliciously succulent. Nico’s Fried Chicken and a moussey Nutella-based dessert complete the roll-call of another fabulous tasting menu from Nico. If you are looking for a fun, social night out with friends Six by Nico is just the ticket. The food comes with matched wines and inspires many a talking point: school dinners, fridge staples and of course guilty pleasures. A guaranteed night of fun! Guilty Pleasures runs until Sunday 31st October 2021. The menu is priced from £32 per person with the option to enjoy an expertly selected wine pairing for an additional £26 at each restaurant.

Nestled on one of Leith’s less picturesque streets, isn’t where you would expect to find a fine dining restaurant of this stature but since Aurora arrived on the scene in 2017, this small bijou restaurant with just 18 covers, has won many awards, and for good reason. Its unassuming entrance doesn’t give any clues as to the theatre that’s about to unfold but chef-patron, Kamil Witek’s cooking flair and originality certainly shines through with the food, while the knowledgeable restaurant manager/sommelier, Cezar Biegum tickles your palate where the wines are concerned. Aurora’s décor is simple and unobtrusive. The music – think Dolly Parton and other classics, plays subtly in the background, an eclectic selection of cook books adorn the shelf under the coffee machine, while wine bottles with intriguing labels seduce you to try them. Handbag sized Neal’s Yard hand sanitizer adorn each table – a nice touch - and the smell is so divine that our liberal use attracts compliments from a complete stranger on the journey home. The six-course summer tasting menu (or seven if you choose the cheese course - a supplement of £7) is inspired by the chef’s travels and marries different cultures on a plate. Like not wishing to spoil the plot of a good book, I’m avoiding too many spoilers but suffice to say, every mouthful is an explosion of flavours, colours and textures. For most of the courses, there are two choices yet the understated menu’s narratives don’t do justice to the food art that is served. Each plate is beautifully described by Cezar, along with the accompanying wines, chosen to bring out the unique food combinations, while showcasing unusual wines from countries including Greece, Georgia and Lebanon. If I were to give you one spoiler, my favourite course – the fifth reveals itself as a 24-hour marinated Suckling Pig, cooked in a sous vide served with pineapple, garnished with a purple heritage carrot, spring onion and apple served on soft mash potato, melts in my mouth. Extra treats intersperse the various courses include a small, rustic warm loaf, served with potato peel butter, which smokes as you lift off the glass covered dome; an amuse bouche of a fried, crispy potato parcel with truffle and also a zingy palette cleanser of lemon gel with a beer foam. A hidden gem of a neighbourhood restaurant, if you want to know how the rest of the plot unfolds, push yourself out of your comfort zone and venture down to Leith. You’ll be in for one of the most exciting dining experiences that you’ll have experienced in a long time, even before the pandemic put dining-out on hold. The six-course menu is available for dinner Thursday to Monday from 5pm and is priced at £52 per person, with a wine pairing of £48, or non-alcoholic pairings of £30. A shorter four course version of the menu is available for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays 12 - 2pm priced at £30 per person. To book visit www.auroraedinburgh.co.uk enquiries@auroraedinburgh.co.uk 0131 554 5537 187 Great Junction St. Edinburgh EH6 5LQ

This restaurant was recommended to me by friends in the Italian community in Edinburgh. When Italians talk about their food, they link an appreciation of nature and produce to that of tradition and craft. Put the two together and the result is unadulterated delicious dishes such as those featured on the menu at this Italian restaurant in Colinton. I start with Porchetta which has frazzled skin and fennel-infused juicy flesh on a sharp apple jus. It reminds me of the porchetta me and Mr Bite once bought at a street stall in Sardinia. Simone said that her charred Octopus is smoky with crispy skin and a soft meaty texture. It comes with an Aubergine Puree. Simone’s main course Spaghettoni Gamberoni e Pistacchio is made with creamy pistachio pesto and mega fresh king prawns. She falls head over heels for the pesto. I have Panciotti di Mare, fresh pasta stuffed with king prawn and scallop served with red prawns, garlic, chilli, datterino tomatoes and crispy Parma ham. It is a beautiful plate of food with just the right balance of flavours and every item is cooked expertly. I love my glass of Chiaro di Stelle Rosato which the list describes as a blend of Sardinian grapes that “opens up with aromas of rose, wild berry and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub.” It is a fine accompaniment to both the pork and the pasta. We are fit for bursting but I insist we taste desserts. Simone’s Cannolo Siciliano has a crispy outer shell and what she describes as “a creamy, dreamy soft filling and pistachio granola that tastes like heaven in every bite”. I make headway on a Millefoglie, layers of puff pastry filled with Italian patisserie cream, sweet fresh raspberries & sharp raspberry coulis. My favourite type of dessert. Produce is at the very heart of Osteria Dei Sapori you can really feel the ‘amore’ for the food and hospitality. As we leave the restaurant so are many other tables all issuing compliments as they go. We leave feeling secretly smug that we have found one of the finest Italian restaurants in Edinburgh. Photos: Simone Hilliard

After an extended hiatus during lockdowns, Vapiano, is set to open its doors on 27th September with handmade pasta dishes at 50% off to celebrate. Vapiano is located just off St Andrew’s Square and will welcome customers back with the 50% off offer running from Monday to Friday from 27th September until 8th October. Guests can indulge in favourites such as Chicken Alfredo and Gamberetti e Spinaci, or try the newly-created additions to the menu, with the Autumn specials menu soon to launch. As well as handmade fresh pasta, the menu has something for everyone, including pizzas, antipasti and flavour-packed salads - options available for all allergen requirements. The talented team hand make pasta in-house every single day, as well as Vapiano’s own sauces, dressings and dolci. Guests can expect a relaxed, informal environment, with a vibrant atmosphere and warm, welcoming service . The team have introduced a whole new ordering style - a simple QR code scan is all it takes to order your food, cooked in the open kitchen exactly as you like it. Choose your favourite pasta shape, customise the sauce and garnish - extra chilli? Sure! No garlic? No problem. There’s also click and collect, takeaway and Deliveroo service. Andrew Meldrum, General Manager at Vapiano and Edinburgh local, said: “We‘re really excited to be opening our doors again here in Edinburgh! It has obviously been a difficult 18 months but now we are delighted to be back with a new look and concept which I'm certain our guests will enjoy. We’re also proud to have created 35 new jobs". “The messages that we have received from our fans over recent months have been amazing - we genuinely can't wait to deliver the freshest pasta in Edinburgh”. “Vapiano’s fantastic location is ideal for post-work and weekend dining or for those simply wanting to jump out of the office for a quick lunch. Our team has been down in London and Manchester training so will be ready and on hand to give the warmest of welcomes and help celebrate our re-opening”

When I made my dinner reservation at this new Leith restaurant, I was so tempted by the food I missed a whole Negroni section on the drink’s menu. What a pleasant surprise to spot it as we took at seats in this eatery perched on the water of Leith. We immediately ordered two x Old Poison Negronis (Selkie Gin, Edinburgh Rosso, Bitter Aperitivo) and took in the fresh and spacious surroundings featuring lush plants and a white balustrade. Attention to detail appears to be a hallmark of this restaurant which grew out of the pandemic pop-up home delivery operation Bad Seeds as demonstrated by a handmade paper menu inlaid with flower petals and thoughtful staff. We feel like we are in good hands and order Sourdough, Scallops, Mackerel and Cod. This is paired with a Heron Negroni (Electric Spirit Co. Gin, Cocchi Torino, Campari), a signature cocktail that makes my busy work weeks dissolve away as I sip. Warm bread is accompanied by brown crab butter, which is fresh and light. Sashimi-style Scallop lies on a bed of grapes, crunchy cucumber strips and Ajoblanco, a cold soup from the South of Spain featuring bread, garlic and crushed almonds; its colour and flavour appearing to capture the very essence of summer. Raw Mackerel Fillet is served with sweet gooseberries, fresh taramasalata and apple. The Cod, however, is the king of the meal, cooked with crunchy skin and a light smokiness. It is served with a butter and herbs emulsion, boiled, nutty Ratte potatoes, Roe, and courgette shavings with a hint of mustard that light up the plate. The fish is outstanding, and in my opinion, would work even without the sauce. Prices are in line with other high-end restaurants in the city, making The Heron a good place for a treat (E. Vanello).

Insomnia Espresso Martini Bar opens in Edinburgh on Friday 27th August with a range of 20 different serves. The bar is inside the Assembly Rooms on George Street and Edinburgh-inspired serves include the One O'clock Gun (Ketel One, Edinburgh Castle Rock, mixed berry infused vodka), the House Espresso Martini (Belvedere vodka, cold brew espresso, maple syrup and Kahlua and Pina Cortada (Tanqueray Gin, pineapple syrup, fresh espresso and coconut milk). Each week will see nw delicious new coffee-fuelled additions to the menu with 50 espresso martinis anticipated to be in place by the end of the year. Some of the serves on the menu are available with decaf coffee, while the bar also serves a range of other drinks such as beer, cider, wine and various spirits and soft drinks. A selection of food will be added later in the year - from sweet pancakes to a range of fries and bites plus an array of affogatos. The coffee featured in Insomnia’s serves is all roasted in-house. The team sources organic Arabica coffee from El Botan Farm in Colombia and roasts a batch of beans every day to create a rich, dark and exceptionally fresh blend. Opening hours: From 5pm until late every Friday and Saturday evening until the end of October, then opening will extend to four nights a week from Thursday – Sunday. Table booking can be made online and walk-ins are welcome. Paul Reynolds, co-founder and chief executive, said: “We are extremely excited to be launching the capital’s first dedicated espresso martini bar. The popularity of the espresso martini is skyrocketing, and, like our pancakes, we want to be at the forefront of that revolution. Our menu is filled with many unique flavour combinations and we will be keeping customers on their toes with the introduction of new flavours every week.” He continued: “The Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the city’s hospitality sector so we are eager to do our bit to help get it back up and running - that means creating a space our customers will love, opening up new jobs in the sector and of course, serving plenty of delicious espresso martinis.” The launch of Insomnia comes hot on the heels of the opening of Stack & Still pancake house which opened its doors in July in the same building.

“Adapt or die”. Whether or not Charles Darwin said those exact words, this was certainly the situation for many hospitality businesses in March 2020 when full lockdown was announced in the UK. While many were simply forced to wait out the storm, those that could adapt found innovative ways to reach their customers and shed a little light into dull lockdown life. Several businesses switched to new business models including some of those I have written about before: Mint Fig in Musselburgh started local deliveries of grazing boxes and afternoon teas, while Lewis & Clarke Artisan Kitchen in Gifford delivered batches of their brownies, cinnamon buns and scones. Another lockdown survivor, whose lockdown business proved very popular with East Lothian locals, was Jo Lawrence, former restaurateur and event caterer in Haddington. I caught up with Jo about how she reacted to the COVID-19 situation and the amazing response she received from customers. What did you do before lockdown? Pre lockdown we were catering many weddings and events, as well as private dinners and film shoots. We were runners up in the Wedding Vows awards in 2019 and were a thriving successful business. How did things change for you in March 2020? How did the business change as a result? In March 2020 work ground to a halt and we had to pay back many deposits, as every single job we had cancelled. We had no streams of income left at all. I quickly started a new delivery service of home cooked meals and themed ‘Friday Feasts’ which was successful and has enabled my business to survive where many others have sadly had to close. Caterers were excluded from all hospitality grants. How have things changed/improved since the lifting of restrictions? The wedding industry is still in turmoil as restrictions were lifted too late for many and until recently dancing was still not allowed, leaving some not keen to go ahead this summer. While we are working again, we will be lucky to make much of a profit this year from weddings (our main income stream). Also, as no private parties have been allowed, we are still having to be creative. Home deliveries continue to some extent, and we have had a fair bit of film work recently. We have also just catered for the TV and film crew at The Scottish Open at Archerfield. What does the future hold for Jo's Kitchen? The future luckily is very bright as we have a diary packed for the next two years with weddings and lots of clients keen to have parties and celebrations now they are allowed. We are also doing a pop-up at Cherish Vintage Tearoom in Gullane in November and will do more pop-ups as soon as possible. Follow me on Instagram: @Feast_Lothian

Panoramic views from the Lynedoch Obelisk take in the River Tay, the Lomonds and the distant Cairngorms. Between it and Perth and Scone below, nestles Murrayshall Country House Hotel whose brasserie is designed around large picture windows. The setting is quiet, the views of the undulating Perthshire landscape are breathtaking. Murrayshall is a championship golf venue but we are here to eat from menus designed around seasonal Scottish produce. The food exceeds our expectations throughout our stay never dropping the ball be it breakfast, bar snacks, afternoon tea or dinner. On arrival we settle into a smart, spacious room with a super king-size bed that would accommodate Henry VIII (and a few wives). Then comes Afternoon Tea. Finger sandwiches with generous fillings, a Blue Cheese and Leek Quiche and a Black Pudding Sausage Roll with a golden pastry are a taste of things to come. Scones are freshly baked, cakes are berry-heavy; a mini strawberry Pavlova is delicate and luscious. Next morning as I am tucking into good, loose scrambled eggs I spot a George Campbell fishmonger van pulling away which explains the succulent smoked salmon also on my plate. Freshly squeezed OJ is an unexpected but very welcome touch. Breakfasts set us up for a day trip to the Perth Art Gallery and Museum. I learn later that there is a portrait of Baron Lynedoch (who inspired the obelisk) but I was distracted by the Caravaggio, Beatrix Potter paintings of mushrooms and a history of shopping exhibition. The baron pops up again at dinner. He was a military legend and gained the nickname the ‘Lion of Barossa’ for prowess at the eponymous battle near Cadiz in the Peninsular war. An Australian admirer named a valley and misspelt a town ‘Lyndoch’ after him. Yalumba wines from the Barossa Valley further connect Australia and the fierce baron so I order one of their Viogniers to accompany my two fish courses. My Cod main is a hearty fillet on a bed of creamed leeks with Finnan Haddie on the side. I vow I can’t eat it all but it is so deliciously put together I succumb. Mr Bite has a Fillet of Pork which comes with a foie gras sausage roll. Dishes of hand-dived Scallops in aromatic Thai broth and crab bhaji and Panna Cotta with raspberry sorbet bookend my meal. The kitchen has a habit of giving you two dishes for one at every turn. This doesn’t mean they substitute quality for quantity though. Food at Murrayshall is pointedly a celebration of Scotland’s larder from land, sea, garden and hedgerow. Mr Bite has polished off a seasonal Broad Bean and Pea Tartlet for starter and for dessert has Chocolate and Raspberry Parfait. He is high on the hog. Given the setting and cuisine, Murrayshall is very good value for money. Two courses at dinner are a snip for £30. A selection of tapas (just in case you find yourself inexplicably peckish at any point!) are available at the bar for £3-4 each. We had a fabulous time only marred by the fact that we couldn’t make a week of it. I would love to explore the countryside more by kayak, bike or on foot. Meantime the area is a paradise for fishing and golf enthusiasts. Highly recommended.

Café 1505, which is owned by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSEd), has announced they will now serve treats from the Sicilian Pastry Shop and Brodies. As the doors re-open after Lockdown visitors will have daily access to fresh pastries of the Sicilian Pastry Shop based on Leith Walk. Café 1505 will also partner with another local favourite – Brodies, which will brew speciality teas and coffee blends from Musselburgh. Stephen McLay at Brodies said: “Edinburgh New Town is extremely busy throughout August, and although it isn’t the same as usual, we are still looking forward to being part of the buzz and excitement whilst providing some top-quality brew at café 1505.” Café 1505 staff have undergone health and safety training and government guidelines will be fully observed throughout the venue. Additional cleaning procedures are also carried out on a frequent basis. The venue has added freshly squeezed healthy juices to their offering, with customers being able to pick their own ingredients. A ‘Grab & Go’ lunch meal deal is another of the new additions. From 2pm every day, the café will also offer afternoon tea and grazing boards. Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter, said: “As the city is set to return to some form of normality in August with the festival, there is no better time to reopen Café 1505. “Its doors have been closed since March 2020, as we have been working hard to tailor our offering and we’re delighted to reopen with two great suppliers on board. “The team are looking forward to playing their part in creating quality fresh food and drink offerings, assisting our charitable aims and helping to boost the hospitality industry in Edinburgh after a challenging year. “With Sicilian bakery and Brodies onboard, we’re looking forward to the future and can’t wait to greet our existing customers, as well as welcome some new faces to the café.” All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgical standards worldwide.

An evening honouring the summer, Scottish literature, food and togetherness. At long last! MILK is throwing the first in hopefully a series of live production and food pairing events, showcasing seasonal fair and local arts. The evening will be hosted by Ash Caton from literary podcast Ear Read This. Alongside 2 courses of deliciously vibrant food, Ash will be providing anecdotes and readings from Scottish food literature throughout the ages. Spaces are limited so book quickly to avoid being disappointed. £30 per person Friday 20th August Book online at www.cafemilk.co.uk MILK West End, 232 Morrison St, EH3 8EA 2 Course dinner and literary talk at our West End café Menu Sharing platter. Balsamic & basil macerated heritage tomatoes, flat bread, sourdough, roasted beetroot hummus, Kalamata olives, figs, pickled red onions Choose one of the following options per person Lebanese spiced chicken skewer with tahini (gf) Sesame & honey baked feta (gf) Bake aubergine with tofu, beluga lentils and pomegranate molasses (vegan) Dessert Spiced ginger cake with salted caramel poached pear (vegan) Gin + elderberry Bakewell tart Dark chocolate and hazelnut brownie with spiced orange cream (gf)

Once upon a time, we could eat out, socialise and go for drinks without much of a second thought. But after a rather lengthy hiatus all round (for obvious reasons), there was a mini celebration when I realised the Edinburgh Food Festival is back on. Being outdoors at George Square Gardens, fairy lights criss-crossing each other above us, the almost-forest-like green of the gardens encircling the square, there’s a wee bit of magic in the evening air. While the festival opens at midday in time for lunch, the fizz from Poco Prosecco can come out as the sun fades away. Basically, this is a chance to enjoy the warm weather we’re having (although by the time this is published I’ll have jinxed it) over, perhaps, a beer and pizza from one of the featured food trucks and market stalls. It sounds simple but, in all honesty, I walked away feeling like human being again. An evening out with friends is just wonderful. As the name suggests, the focus of the festival is on food, in particular from Sottish producers, using Scottish ingredients. The curated list of stalls and trucks include: • Gluten-free, vegan beers from Bellfield Brewery. • Ice-cream from North Berwick-based Alanda’s Gelato (a personal favourite). • Pies, and they’ve won awards too, from Jarvis Pickle. • Poke sushi bowls with Scottish salmon from Mana Poké. • Tapas including patatas bravas and fries from Moskito Spanish Bites. And with restrictions lingering, it’s great that the event is outside – and entirely Covid-aware when it comes to, say, the amount of people who can sit at one of the wooden tables dotted about. Each table has a barcode you can scan on your phone to view and order from the drinks menu to minimise interaction. “Last year has been super-tough,” said general manager Dani Rae at the festival, “but it’s incredible to see how our partners and vendors have diversified to keep going and support those in need during lockdown. We’re so pleased to make this happen this year at what feels like really a crucial time.” Bonus: the Edinburgh Food Festival also merges with the start of the Assembly Festival (from 29 July), a spiegeltent – or travelling tent – and an outdoor stage set up for performances. If you’re around for a show or two while enjoying fish and chips from Alanda’s, then all the better. Need-to-know basis Until 1 August 2021 Time Noon to midnight Where George Square Gardens, Edinburgh Order online Choose your drinks here More info edfoodfest.com