This weekend I was treated to a short weekend break in Edinburgh thanks to the wonderful Mr.

I say weekend break, it was a trip to see pandas at the zoo. Unfortunately due to panda pregnancy complications I was unable to see the monochromatic beasts and so the hope of stealing one will remain a pipe dream.

Despite this unfortunate turn, being in Edinburgh allowed a chance to tick off another landmark from The List. The Scran and Scallie.

The combined foodie minds of Tom Kitchen and Dominic Jack came together to create a selection of dishes that showcase amazing seasonal and local produce in a comfortable, somewhat rustic, atmosphere. If you're looking for pomp and ceremony this is probably not the place for you, if on the other hand your looking for friendly staff, wholesome food and maybe perhaps a dram or two of whiskey, I cannot recommend The Scran and Scallie highly enough.

The Mr and I arrived at 7(isn) without reservations. After hearing the reputation of quality and the numbers they can see on a Saturaday night we were fully expecting to be turned away or waiting to scalp a table from an unsuspecting party as they left. We were greeted by our server, Max, and seated almost immediately in the smaller bar area. After being given our Menus (or Oor Menu, as it was written) we ordered our drinks. The wine list was large enough to appeal to all, however as the Mr has never been a fan of wine I opted for my ever faithful G&T. Martin Millers Westbourne strength. Obviously.

The whiskey list however was overwhelming. I enjoy a wee dram, as does The Mr but I had no idea where to start. Lucky for us our marvellous server was on hand to recommend later on in the evening.

Now for the food.

To begin I chose the Cullen Skink Ravioli. What arrived was a lovely plump pasta parcel in a rather verdant sauce filled with smoked haddock and potato. Possibly a little too much potato and not enough fish for me, but I may just be greedy.

If you were to meet my partner you would assume he's a perfectly lovely chap, and this is true, however he is also a nightmare. I have met fussy eaters and even I have a few things that I don't enjoy. He is another story completely.

He chose, after much deliberation, on the Ham and Pickles. A generous slice of cooked ham surrounded by a plethora of sweet, crunchy and vinegar sharp vegetables and served with crostini like rustic bread and half a quail egg. Where the rest of the egg disappeared to remains a mystery. I enjoyed it as much as someone can like some ham and pickled vegetables, The Mr was still unsure of the vegetables and refused to try any but enjoyed the main event and egg half.

Main courses next, sticking to his comfort zone my dining companion chose the burger but removed all options but the beef, cheese and bun. I won't go into much detail, it was a perfectly fine burger and the chips were also very pleasant.

Feeling adventurous I chose the special of Grouse with game chips and bread Sauce. ur server did enquire if I had had it before and did warn me as due to the time of year, and it nearing the end of the season for grouse, the flavour would be stronger and erred me on the side of caution as it maybe overwhelming. It was not.

It came presented on a bed of crushed carrots and kale with wondrously earthy and fragrant girolles. The bird itself, to me, was cooked perfectly. The legs were almost caramelised in the very juices of the bird it came from and the breast was that beautiful blush of pink that comes from game birds.

Eating the fowl in question was tricky with the knife and fork given. they were quickly left by the wayside as I devolved into neanderthal picking at it with my fingers. The finger bowl was a necessity but worth the impropriety. It was spectacular.

I have said before I don't have the greatest sweet tooth so we opted not to have desserts just a final G&T for myself and a dram of Ardberg Corryveckan for him. As he was overwhelmed by the choice of whiskey this was the choice of our server Max. She has good taste, I especially enjoyed this whiskey.

To top off the evening was the bill. 2 courses each, 2 G&T's, some Cola for him and the final whiskey (at £9.00) all came to less than £70. Bargain.

The Scran and Scallie is warm, welcoming and a definite stop for anyone travelling to Edinburgh.

7/10

The Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh. 20th September 2014.