from Rawlie (48%) on October 19th, 2007 (9 months ago)

Number One, Balmoral Hotel, EH2 2EQ, Edinburgh

This place is so famous but noone I know has ever gone, including me, until last night that is.

The decor is quite flash but also feels a little bit 70's with laquered walls in red and black but there is also something ubercool about that!

We chose our starter and main at the small bar as you enter where we had a lovely gin and tonic and were presented with some little amuse bouches which were absolutely delicious. We chose our wine for dinner with the help of the excellent somellier who was a delight to talk too and massively knowledgable - it was also nice to see a woman doing this job and doing it so well.

The highlight of this place is the food - it was excellent. I had foie gras to start with which was beautifully presented, was interestingly accompanied and it tasted magic. The main course (I had grouse) was similarly presented and equally as tasty. Desserts were lovely - rather than one big lump of stuff you were given small, rich and delicious treats - banana creme brulee, dense chocolate brownie and banana yogurt ice cream which was so smooth. The service was discreet and prompt and very, very polite without being distant, aloof or overly friendly. These people are obviously professionally trained.

It is expensive (we paid £57 a head for 3 courses not including wine) but then again you are definitely getting what you pay for and for a romantic dinner, special occaision and just a deliciously indulgent splurge then it's a great place to go. It's a michelin star and it's fab.

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