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April 17, 2014

FinList eating

The 21st edition of The List’s Eating and Drinking Guide is in the shops today and, as happens every year, it is bigger than before.

According to Editor Donald Reid, the latest edition contains some 158 new entries out of an incredible 950 reviews. Covering restaurants, bars and cafes, it is by far the most comprehensive guide to eating out in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The 5pm Dining blog was at the Edinburgh launch of the Guide in the Scottish Cafe and Restaurant under the Scottish National Gallery.

Impeccably sourced

We were delighted to see Fred Berkmiller being given a special award for his contribution to Scotland’s food culture.

Chef patron of L’escargot Bleu and Blanc, Fred’s cooking is French but the ingredients he uses are impeccably sourced from Scottish producers.

One of the driving forces behind the Budding Chefs scheme, which encourages new talent, Fred has also done a huge amount to champion local farmers, fishermen and even snail producers.

Carnivorous treats

A new development for the Guide is their new bar award. In Glasgow, the excellent Meat Bar took the prize for their dedication to providing both fine carnivorous treats and inventive cocktails.

In Edinburgh, Blackfriars won on account of their imaginative approach to bar snacks which range from proper pork pies to sprouting broccoli with goat’s curd.

In Glasgow, the newcomers of the year were named as The Gannet in Finnieston and Singl-End by Glasgow Art School – two worthy winners.

In Edinburgh, The Atelier on Morrison Street got the nod as did Ting Thai Caravan, a personal favourite of this blogger.