Showing posts with label grassmarket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grassmarket. Show all posts

Thursday, 1 November 2012

Mariachi.....Authentic Mexican food in Edinburgh's Old Town



There are any number of Mexican Restaurants in Edinburgh and out of the many I've visited very few can actually live up to their boast of 'authentic Mexican cooking'. 


The food in Mariachi on Victoria Street by The Grassmarket on the other hand is as authentic as any I've had south of San Francisco, and that includes Casa Guadalajara in San Diego.




Mariachi is a family run restaurant which has been in business for over ten years and a favourite of mine at Festival time as it would have to be exceptionally busy for the ever pleasant staff not to find you a table.


They are committed to sourcing the finest quality ingredients and their food represents many of the different styles of Mexican cooking, whether it be traditional 'family style' home-cooked or street food or the more stylish 'Californian' favourites such as Burritos, Nachos and  of course the ever popular sizzling Fajitas.





They also stock a wide range of imported Mexican beers, Premium Tequilas and mix a mean cocktail!


So if it's for a celebration, a family meal, a romantic rendezvous or just to wind down after a hard day at the office why not let the staff at Mariachi take care of you.




 

Don't take my word for it, here's some reviews from the mighty Trip Advisor.....



5 of 5 starsReviewed 2 October 2012
Photos of Mariachi, Edinburgh
This photo of  Mariachi 
is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Visited here on Sat night, we were a group of 9, each one of us were impressed with the food and the service and left there feeling very happy, we all had something different, personally I had the Fajitas and they were the best I have ever tried. Would definately recommend it if you are looking for a nice Mexican...More 






5 of 5 starsReviewed 5 October 2012
Photos of Mariachi, Edinburgh
This photo of Mariachi
is courtesy of TripAdvisor
I recently visited Edinburgh with a large group of friends. We were slightly worried about dining out due to our vast numbers, however Mariachi were very accommodating and provide us with excellent food and service. We were all very impressed with the excellent authentic Mexican fare, and I couldn't get enough of the grilled steak burrito. Our meals were washed...
More 





                                                            Mariachi Christmas Menu 

                                               Three course dinner              £22pp 
                                    
                                                       Three course lunch (before 5pm)    £16pp

Starters
nachos
corn torillas / pickled jalapenos / white cheddar / salsa pico de gallo / sour creme
buffalo wings
jumbo chicken wings / chipotle chile / bar-b-que glaze
ceviche
lime-cured fish (ask for today’s choice) / onion / cilantro / fresh jalapeno / tomato
chiles rellenos
whole japaleno peppers / cream cheese / coriander/ garlic / crispy batter (HOT!)

Mains
enchiladas roja
marinated chicken or roasted vegetables
rolled, soft corn tortillas / rancheros sauce / cheese / sour creme
chimichanga
marinated chicken or slow cooked chilli beef
deep fried flour tortilla parcel / cheese / salsa pico de gallo / sour creme
soft tacos
marinated chicken or bbq pulled pork
white corn tacos / shredded lettuce / salsa roja / sour creme 
fajita
chicken breast, grilled steak or vegetables
sizzling platter / peppers / onion / mariachi seasoning / sour creme / cheese/ jalapenos / salsa roja
chili con carne
spiced, slow cooked, scottish beef mince / mexican rice / sour creme
chicken breast
garlic and lime marinated chicken breast / mexican rice / mixed leaf salad
steak £4 supplement
10oz aged scottish sirloin / potato wedges / mixed leaf salad

Dessert
key-lime cheesecake
with raspberry coulis and sorbet
warm chocolate pudding
with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis
ice cream
vanilla / chocolate / raspberry
sorbet
lemon / raspberry / mango 

If you have any special dietary requirements please ask your server for advice before ordering.
Please note a 10% service charge will be added at your discretion.




Call them on..... 
01316230077

MonOpen5pm - Late
TuesOpen5pm - Late
WedOpen5pm - Late
ThuOpen5pm - Late
FriOpen12 Noon - Late
SatOpen12 Noon - Late
SunOpen2pm - 10pm

Monday, 15 October 2012

Burgh Bakes.....Marshmallow Magic.....

If you're like me and have a bit of a sweet tooth then Burgh Bakes in Edinburgh is the place for you.  It's where they make and sell a wide range of delicious and innovative home-made Marshmallows, and the great news is you can buy them online from their website too.....result!  In fact she even does a range that reflects the seasons.....


Nicole Roberts who founded Burgh Bakes after leaving Uni only to encounter the misery of the current dearth of work commented, "The conventional ‘pink and white’ marshmallows taste sickly-sweet, bland and boring when you compare them to home-made Marshmallows."


  


"I couldn't believe the difference when I first made mine.  So much so, it inspired me to share the experience and Burgh Bakes was born.  I have a range of different flavours, ranging from the innovative ‘Key Lime Pie’ (with a biscuit base!) to ‘Raspberry’ Marshmallows which have just been awarded 2-stars from the Great Taste Awards."


So why not visit The Marshmallow Lady shop & cafe at 14 Rodney Street, EH7 4EA. Open Wednesday - Sunday 12 - 7 

They use Fair Trade sugar, Scottish butter & cream and Scottish berries in my Marshmallows. They also use recycled and recyclable packaging. The majority of the Marshmallows are not only delicious but gluten-free, dairy free and low-fat!





“Nicole Roberts’ hand-made, feather-light delights are examples of the fresh thinking and dedication to quality that creates more than just a passing fad. With recipes created with good Scottish ingredients such as butter, milk, eggs and soft fruit, as well as fairtrade sugar, Roberts has taken the term ‘handmade’ at its most literal. Everything is made from scratch” – The List





Needless to say you can 'Like' her on
Facebook or 'Follow' her on Twitter so why not drop in virtually if you can't make it to the cafe, which is dog friendly Ralph is very pleased to be able to tell you!  






Her wares are available to buy from
The Marshmallow Lady website and it boasts a range of flavours including the funky Beer Marshmallows made with 'Innes & Gunn' Rum cask Beer!  I'm hoping someone gets me some for Crimbo!


Tuesday, 11 September 2012

The Grassmarket Hotel

So you've heard about the Edinburgh Festival.....you're planning to go, have a few days in Edinburgh and take in some shows.....but where to stay?  Well your accommodation couldn't get any more Fringe friendly than The Grassmarket Hotel located in the hub of The Old Town at 94 - 96 Grassmarket.  It's in an historic location second to none, populated with shops, bars, cafes restaurants and Fringe venues not to mention that it's a stones throw from Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and Waverley Station (890 steps away apparently, but who's counting).






Needless to say you don't have to wait until Festival time to visit Edinburgh, it's one of the worlds premier tourist destinations and with the great value for money accommodation on offer at The Grassmarket Hotel there's no excuse for not planning a visit at any time! 










The hotel has recently been refurbishing rooms and they've been shortlisted for the laterooms.com Best Kept Secret Awards in the Best Interiors category and it's easy to see why.....



.....and not only is it luxurious, it's probably Edinburgh's most family friendly hotel.....with Tunnocks Teacakes and a copy of The Beano and The Dandy coming as standard in every room!





Even when the Festival and Fringe aren't on, Edinburgh at night is an absolute delight with a host of pubs clubs and restaurants to choose from and many of the best are within a short walk of the hotel.  



The Witchery Dining Room
If it's dark, delicious gothic splendour you're after you have to visit The Witchery just a few yards away from the entrance to The Castle for a dining 
experience you'll never forget.

It has developed a world-wide reputation for its exceptional dining experience, showcasing the very best of Scotland's produce in the most magical of settings. Now in its fourth decade, the Witchery is a Scottish fine dining landmark, much loved by loyal locals, its celebrity fans and visitors to the city alike.




You wont get stung here.....


If it's a great pub you're after situated in the historic heart of Grassmarket, The Beehive sits in the shadow of The Castle and boasts a history going back around 400 years. With a drinks license thought to have existed since it was a 16th Century coaching inn, the present building replaced The Beehive Hotel in the 1860's. It incorporates a main bar, a satellite bar (The Honeypot), a 100 seat dining room, a meeting room and one of the best gardens in the city centre.


You wont have a
ghost of a chance
For an unforgettable, scary and spooky experience don't forget to book an award winning Cadies & Witchery guided ghost tour. Established in 1984, the Cadies have been scaring people from all over the world almost every single night since, and their walking tours have become one of Edinburgh's must-see attractions. 








For a truly inspiring shopping experience, look no further than Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.  From The Castle come down the Castle Wynd or Upper Bow steps to the Grassmarket for some retail therapy that gives you a true taste of modern Scotland.







Edinburgh's Grassmarket for Restaurants, Bars, Pubs, Hotels and Shopping in Edinburgh
The area is full to brimming with Scottish designers, artisans and independent merchants selling everything from gourmet food and drink and luxurious knitwear to cutting edge fashions, antique books and unique gifts. Most shops are owner operated; adding to the feeling that your shopping experience is truly special.





So have I convinced you yet.....not only is The Grassmarket area of Edinburgh a joy for the avid tourist, The Grassmarket Hotel is the jewel in it's crown.....and if you are heading to Edinburgh for The Festival I can only offer you this piece of advice from past 
experience.....


BOOK EARLY!




Mates RatesFor the best rates it's always better to contact them directly through their website and if you're really lucky you'll catch one of the monthly offers of 10 'Mates Rates' rooms at £1 (are they mental) which you can find out about when you subscribe to their mailing list.











Just to prove they're not afraid of The Trip Advisor they even have a live feed to it on their website.....




TripAdvisor
262 reviews of Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh
Grassmarket Hotel
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:
3.5 of 5 stars
Based on 262 traveller reviews
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:#111of 139 hotels in Edinburgh
Most Recent Traveller Reviews:
  • 7 Sep 2012: “Stayed here our last night in Edinburgh. Loved the decor in the room, and bathroom! Had...” more
  • 4 Sep 2012: “Had a wonderful stay at the Grassmarket during thje Fringe gestival for 3 nights The hotel...” more
  • 2 Sep 2012: “When booking and paying in advance ( about 750 for 5 nights) we were encouraged by...” more
  • 25 Aug 2012: “Having previously stayed here at the very end of 2009, finding the location to be excellent,...” more
© 2012 TripAdvisor LLC