Gastronomic Tramp

Out of commission

gastro tramp — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:53:36 +0000

Hi All

Been extremely sloppy/lazy and bad with updating the blog. Will definately try harder.

Promise

Made in Italy, Grassmarket – Edinburgh

gastro tramp — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:04:32 +0000

Last Saturday we were searching for somewhere my mum could have a toastie. I could not think of anywhere really so we popped in here for a quick bite at lunchtime. I had forgotten how mobbed this place is. Bit disconcerting for my mum she doesn’t leave the house much.

Anyhoo glass of house wine – pretty unremarkable, I had a Chicken Panini – very nice, despite the chicken being slightly dry, rescued by a very tasty tomato and salad garnish. Mum enjoyed a very large Chicken Cesar salad and count them two Irn Brus! Huge portion of salad, it’s very good value for money. Overall great tasty snacky food here but so busy it’s not really a place to relax. Especially if you are seated near the door. It’s also a bit of a chore to go for a pee as you have to snake your way through the back of the venue past standing staff and full tables.

http://tw0.us/4lj

Massimo Restaurant – Edinburgh, Leith Walk

gastro tramp — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:51:34 +0000

Visited Massimo’s last Friday with my slightly bonkers mum. It’s very nice inside modern and also quite cozy, stil has the feeling of newness about it.

Pretty busy and lively with attentive and friendly service. No starters my mum doesn’t do them. Never mind, they looked nice on other peoples plates. She wouldn’t try the Bruschetta, not a fan of tomatoes…

The Bruschetta was crunchy and tomatoes were nicely dressed in a good olive oil and basil dressing, followed by a very good Seafood Linguine. My old dear was freaked out by langoustines and mussels (hard to belive we are related). Good mix of fresh seafood and pasta cooked perfectly.

Mixed salad pretty standard stuff but a good size for two.

A very solid Italian restaurant and I would certainly go back. Mum disappeared when I was at the loo which added some unexpected excitement for a couple of minutes. She is not au fait with toilet etiquette.

I enjoyed a couple of large glasses of a very good Sorrento Rosso and Irish Coffee. An enjoyable place to visit if you are in the local area for a show.

http://www.massimo-restaurants.com/edinburgh/

This weekend – upcoming reviews

gastro tramp — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:43:36 +0000

My slightly bonkers mum was in town so I have had a few meals out. Reviews to follow shortly when I have recovered from her mafia style napkin wearing.

Massimo

Made in Italy

The Ship on the Shore

Compass

Feeling a bit fat today. Resolved to drop a dress size by Christmas.

What have you had for your tea?

gastro tramp — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:43:49 +0000

My mother in law Sadie often tells me what she has just eaten for the dinner when she speaks to my husband. I do this too at the end of the working day. I think I might just let everyone else know as well. Weekday food doesn’t have to be dull.

Tonight I pan-fried salmon steaks with chillies and garlic. Served with stir fried, pak choi, chilli and peppers served with a fresh Wagamama dressing and noodles. The dressing is great for asian salads and keeps for a couple of days in a jar. It’s quite oily so you don’t need too much and some citrus and chillies goes well with it to add some depth. Works well with seared sirloin, and plenty of fresh coriander and mint.

I have never been to Wagamama but was given the cook book as a present. I am not keen on chain restaurants, no matter how nice they seem. They bang on about the dressing a lot in the book and how it’s a secret recipe. It’s a good starter point and you don’t need lots of hard to find ingredients, most people have the right stuff in the cupboard.

Ingredients here

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/diet_and_fitness/article423120.ece

Nigel Slater – Simple Suppers

gastro tramp — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:10:45 +0000

I love Nigel Slater, and his kitchen. Sexy kitchen, very white and cream, nice pestle and mortar. I really enjoyed his latest series, although he does seem a bit socially awkward hanging with the peeps down the allotment. Uncomplicated and unpretentious, but he does love his bread though. And his cheese. And his cream.

The lovely Nigel

He’s one of the best, one to watch and the first person I alway recommend to people who struggle with cooking.

Gastronomic Tramp

gastro tramp — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:18:17 +0000

Well hello everybody. I am going to tell you about food. The food I eat and enjoy, and I guess also a little bit about me as well along the way.

Righto basics, 31, married and live in Edinburgh, so will mainly be telling you about the food I eat in and around Edinburgh, but I also want to chip in with ideas and thoughts and dishes, about meals I make at home and food I enjoy elsewhere.

I want to say that I love food and love eating, and I am a bit of a gastronomic tramp.