Forks ready! The second Edinburgh Restaurant Festival programme has just been announced.
Over ten days (8th-18th October), the various events will offer plenty for food lovers to sink their teeth into.
Over thirty of the capital’s most-loved restaurants will be offering three course lunches for £15 and three course dinners for just £25.
Participating restaurants include 5pm Dining faves such as Amarone, Calistoga, Café Andaluz, Cucina – G&V Royal Mile Hotel, George Street Bar & Grill, Hotel du Vin & Bistro, La Tasca, Las Iguanas, One Square and Urban Bar & Grill.
John Donnelly, Chief Executive of Marketing Edinburgh commented: ‘Edinburgh’s reputation for food and drink is second to none, from Michelin star establishments, to pop-up dining and high-end street food. The Edinburgh Restaurant Festival gives us an opportunity to go to town and celebrate this variety and diversity, as well as showcasing the quality experiences on offer.
‘With more restaurants per head of population than anywhere else in the UK, there is a lot to choose from, so the carefully curated event programme and affordable set menus give foodies a chance to sample the wares of a whole host of top restaurants, while meeting some of the people and chefs working hard behind the scenes.’
The packed programme of gastronomic events includes food demonstrations, street food offerings and live entertainment.
Below is just a flavour of the must-do events in this year’s programme.
Chefs’ Table
Thursday 8th October, The Hub, Castlehill
The sparkling opener for Edinburgh Restaurant Festival will see three of Edinburgh’s top chefs – Paul Wedgwood, Craig Hart (head chef at One Square at The Sheraton) and Mark Greenaway – collaborate on a unique menu showcasing their personal flair in each dish and the finest Scottish, local ingredients. Guests will have the one-off chance to meet the award-winning chefs and quiz them once they’ve enjoyed their mouth-watering creations. Tickets are £25 a head.
Grassmarket Fun Foodie Day
Saturday 10th October, Grassmarket
The Grassmarket will host a free family friendly day of entertainment including their very own Pizza Bar, where kids have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and try their hand at making their own signature pizzas. From stretching and tossing the dough to selecting their own toppings, they will take away top tips on how to make pizza as good as the Italians do.
Movies & Shakers
Tuesday 13th October, 6.30pm, The Forth Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols, 30-34 St Andrew Square
Film buffs are in for a treat as Harvey Nichols is hosting a micro cinema in its Forth Floor Restaurant for one night only. And, what better film to whet the taste buds than Chocolat? After a two course meal, guests will enjoy a sweet accompaniment to the movie, along with two movie inspired cocktails each. Tickets are priced at £40 for dinner, cocktails and the movie.
Fallen Brewery Craft Beer and Food Matching Dinner
Thursday 15th October, 7pm, Gait Craft Beer Bar & Kitchen, 232 Canongate
In recent years, local breweries and craft ales have become increasingly popular as foodies grow more sophisticated in their tastes and look for something different to their standard pint down the local. Now you can impress dinner guests by learning how to pair beer with your food. Tickets are priced at £40 and the event is strictly over 18s only.
Edinburgh Street Feastival
16-18th October 2015, St Andrew Square
Curated by OffKiltr, this pop-up experience will see a carefully hand-picked selection of local restaurants apply their culinary style and skills to present street food style dishes.
While tucking into something tasty, all for just £5 per dish, guests can soak up the atmosphere and an eclectic soundtrack delivered by some of the finest local DJs, from laid back soul and jazz to disco and house.