][1]The 5pm blog has previously mentioned Les Diners du Bistrot, the series of themed dinners taking place at l’Institut Francais in Edinburgh.
Run by Fred Berkmiller, chef patron at l’Escargot Bleu and Blanc, they are informal affairs designed to demonstrate the glories of the French table.
Next Tuesday, the theme is couscous. The North African Berber dish may have originated in Morocco but, apparently, it is the third most popular meal in France beating both mussels and chips and beef rib.
Fred’s version mixes lamb, chicken and beef with merguez (mutton spicy sausages) and seasonal vegetables. A surprise dessert and a glass of wine (red or white) complete the menu.
Taking place around communal tables, the next dinners include a Beaujolais Nouveau supper on the 15th of November and a Provencal Christmas dinner on the 4th of December.
Tickets for the couscous dinner are £28. The dinner starts at 6.30pm on Tue 23rd October.
Naturally, Fred would be delighted to welcome diners to either of his restaurants and the rest of 5pm’s French restaurants can be browsed from here.