Notes From The Editor – Issue 53
Posted by Billy in June's MagazineNew kids on the block – three new launches since last months issue, unfortunately, for the sake of general hilarity, your editor was sober at each event. In order of appearance then, LEITH LYNX on Constitution Street had, not one, but three openings. Befitting of it’s flamboyant owner, Brian Donkin. As ever, I got my dates wrong, and was saved from humiliation by the redoubtable Mary Moriarty, who plonked me down at her table. We ate well but simply. Return visits have unearthed gems like; baby clams Provençal, lobster bisque, soupe a l’oignon and seared (rare) wood-pigeon. As is the case with all three new kids on the block, pricing is extremely fair. Next up was lunch with Richard Muir, at CAFE FISH on Henderson Street. Here a stunning design concept marries well with the original and reclaimed features, cornicing, dark wood floors, exposed stone, and a statement revolving door. The kitchen is open plan and remarkably calm, given that there are disciples of Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay in there. Richard’s template is simplicity, with an infectious love for food that is properly sourced. At dinner, Manhattan clam chowder was based, brilliantly, on that served at Grand Central Station Oyster Bar. Add Bracadale crab risotto with poached egg hollandaise and you’ve eaten royally, with change from £20 in your pocket…Richard is – newish – to Leith, but is mustard keen to get to know you all. A night on the sauce with your gin soaked editor is in the pipeline. Cafe Fish, incidentally, is a favoured place of mine for snifters after work. (What work, I hear you chorus.) Next, back to Constitution Street, to the venerable NOBLES BAR, which has had a sympathetic makeover. Where we find owner Gordon and Manager Steve lugging Giant Palms into place whilst having there ankles nipped by a gorgeous boxer puppy. Inside, you’ll find prayer chairs, gorgeous polished wood, stained glass, and a warmth that the old girl has, singularly, lacked in the past. Again, remarkably for us lucky locals, the menu is keenly priced and awash with stuff you’ll want to eat. Ham hock, poached egg and lentil, mustard dressing or organic chicken and serrano ham pie with creme fraiche mash anyone? There is to, an interest in real ale, the boys hope to let loose the ferocious beast that is Brew Dogs ‘Punk I.P.A’ on draft, to an unwitting public. There you have it, three cracking new venues for you to hang out in, drink in, and stuff your faces in…but be prepared to be bored by my cracking stories about the circulation of The Leither.
Twinning leith with…
Chez editor has, lately, been impossible to get into, due to the volume of mail through the letter box referencing our – in tandem with The Leith Agency – Twinning Leith competition. The final winner after numerous recounts and cries of “foul”, was Vladivostok, with a grand total of 6 votes. The other vote went to Krakow, which wasn’t even on the list. Representatives of the losing cities have threatened to send, erm, agents, to have a word in my shell like, as they fear I unfairly steered you in the Russkies direction. So – with the threat of incarceration hovering – I declare an honourable draw. Incidentally, remember the Leith Agency’s LEITHAL IMAGES exhibition, on the Mary of Guise barge – 10th to 12th June.
