][1]The 5pm Blog was faced with a tricky decision today: should we lead with the tale of Wigan’s triumph in the pie-eating Olympics or flag up new arrivals on the 5pm Restaurant site?
Pielympics
Since The Guardian has already done a fine job reporting how Martin Clare took down the pie-eating trophy, we’ll go with the new to 5pm restaurants.
The most recent addition to our fine stable of Edinburgh restaurants is Nira Caledonia – a rather plush New Town/Stockbridge restaurant which takes its name from the hotel which it is part of.
Scottish produce in Edinburgh New Town
Plush carpets, carver dining chairs and linen napkins reflect the building’s Georgian heritage and the food is just as classic. Scottish produce is very much the order of the day.
We’re talking rare breed pork and lamb from the good people at Peelham Farm in the Borders; free range chicken from Gartmorn farm in Clackmannanshire; salmon from Loch Duart and beef from Highland Cattle provided by the Highland Drovers Company.
The kitchen has a Josper oven and they’re not afraid to use it so look out for steaks with a fantastic caramelised char but melting interior. You can check out their Christmas and Hogmanay menus here.
Jamie Oliver in Aberdeen
Looking north to Aberdeen, something the blog is going to be doing a lot more of, there are a couple of interesting developments. First off, a new branch of Jamie’s is scheduled to open in Aberdeen in February.
Building work delayed the planned June 2012 opening but Mr Oliver’s new venue aims to open in the former Esslemont and Macintosh department store on Union Street in a couple of months time.
Still in Aberdeen, the owners of McGinty’s Meal an’ Ale bar have re-opened The Stag and Garter on Union Street. One of Aberdeen’s most popular bars in the 50s and 60s, it had been vacant for the last couple of years but the new owners intend to restore it to its former good health.
The SLTN have a report here.