A couple of Saturdays ago it was my birthday, and I was treated to a lovely day of theatre and cake.  The final surprise was dinner at Restaurant Mark Greenaway at No.12 Picardy Place.  I have wanted to go here for a while after reading many a review from other Edinburgh Foodies and the Cake Ladies, as well as seeing him compete on the Great British Menu.

We started off with a cocktail upstairs in the cocktail bar.  A Cosmopolitan for me, an Old-fashioned for him. A nice touch was on arrival in the restaurant I was greeted with a happy birthday after mentioning it on twitter (people do read my tweets after all!!!)

We started off the meal with an Amuse Bouche of Carrot Espuma with Star Anise, Pumpkin Seeds and Truffle Oil.  It was both light and earthy, and very tasty.

For starter Stuart and I went for different things.  I opted for the Pea Veloute, with Pea Ravioli, Pea Shoots, Crispy Pancetta, Truffle and Scottish Mushrooms.  The smell of the fresh peas hit me before the plate was set down in front of me, it was so tasty I could have bathed in it!!!

Stuart went for the Home Smoked Salmon Fillet with Quail Egg, ‘Tattie Scone’, Mushroom Puree, Pancetta, Home Made Black Pudding and Foie Gras. Which looked lovely and he confirmed it tasted so too!

Moving onto the main course I went for the Pan Roasted Scottish Hake Fillet with Lobster Tortellini, Fennel and Dill Puree, Pumpkin, Radish, Ginger and Spring Onion Broth and Purple Mash.  The fish was beautifully cooked, the Tortellini was delicious and the broth very tasty.  I previously have been a bit ‘freaked’ out by purple potatoes, but I just dived into the purple mash and it was lovely!

Stuart opted for the Honey Roasted Gressingham Duck Breast with Sausage Roll, Tarragon Croquette, Watermelon, Celeriac Puree, Roasted Salsify and Tarragon Jus.  This was ordered out of intrigue – would it really be a sausage roll? (yes it was a mini cocktail sausage roll!!) and also how would watermelon go with duck? Judging by the lack of sound from the other side of table it went extremely well!

Finally for dessert, it was a hard choice, but in the end I opted for the Manjari Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Tuille, White Chocolate Mousse, Orange Caviar and Tonka Bean Ice Cream. I could have eaten all the desserts! It was chocolatey and delicious, with the orange caviar providing a nice sharpness against the rich chocolate.  I pretty much licked the plate clean!

As usual, Stuart went for the cheese board.  It came with 5 different Cheeses and Frozen Grapes, Apricots, Quince Jelly, Lavoch Crackers and Oatcakes. A tasty end to the meal.

The Sommelier kindly matched each of our courses with wine, rather than going for just a bottle of something, which was really good as we tried wines we either hadn’t had before or didn’t think of having with our food choices.  I did mention my dislike of Chardonnay, and the Sommelier has told me when I come back he will show me a good Chardonnay that will change my opinion – oh well if I have to back, then I must!!

We had a wonderful evening at Restaurant Mark Greenaway, the atmosphere was great, the service slick and the food delicious.  Definitely one we will be returning to!