Sassy
Side orders Catwalk
Those of you who didn't erase your memories by overdoing things at the Festival will remember that pre- Festival, this column mentioned a new bar that was opening at the top of Edinburgh’s Broughton Street. Called Catwalk, it has now opened and would seem to be the preferred hang- out of the young, beautiful and well- dressed, at least for the time being. Taking minimalism to extremes, Catwalk is white, wooden, concrete- floored and open plan, so much so that it can feel like drinking in an operating theatre.
Whatever, it's pulling in more punters in designer clobber than any other bar in Edinburgh and the fact that the entire front of the place is glass makes it literally the place to see and be seen.
Bear Ale
Real ale lovers should watch out for Traquair House Brewery's Bear Ale which has just been launched in bottles. The brew is named after Traquair’s famous Bear Gates which have.
Continuing our . spurious animal picture theme. here‘s a bear enjoying some ale
remained closed since 1745 when the last person to pass through them was Bonnie Prince Charlie. The Earl of Traquair promised him that they would never be reopened until a Stuart king returned to the throne.
One suspects that the gates wull remain rusted shut for some considerable time to come, but that several thousand bottles Will be opened and toasts made irrespective of who, if anyone, is Sitting on the throne.
A full-bodied beer With an ABV of 5%, Bear Ale is fermented in unlined oak casks in the 18th century brewery in one of the Wings of Traquair House. Brewed using just malt, East Kent Goldings hops, yeast and spring water, Bear Ale is now available in selected independent outlets. Whether or not over indulgence leads to feeling like a bear with a sore head has yet to be seen. (Jonathan TreW)
eating & drinking
director
Bann's 5 Hunter Square. 226 1112
Voted best cheap and cheerful meal in Edinburgh by List readers. Egon Ronay recommended. 10am-1 1pm every day.
The Basement 10a-12a Broughton Street. 557 0097.
Restaurant quality food at pub-grub prices, served 'til 10pm in lively, colourful surroundings.
The Bookstop Cafe 4 Teviot Place. 225 5298
New bookshop/cafe. Promises book-browsing, plus, extensive coffee menu, smoothies and deli snacks.
Cellar No 1 1a Chambers Street. 220 4298.
For superb atmosphere, wines and food, late nights and live music, the Cellar is No 1!
Common Grounds 2/3 North Bank Street. «4’ 226 1416. ,‘Azfls‘
American-style coffee house on The Mound. Food served all day. Live music most evenings.
Dial restaurant/cafe 44/46 George N Bridge. 2257179. ‘Wears its style With a capital with food to match.’ — Conrad Wilson, Modern Scottish Cuisine.
diA
Filmhouse 88 Lothian Road.
229 5932. it
Relaxed, atmospheric cafe bar, serving great value snacks, salads, specials and brilliant cappuccinos — 10am till late.
Haw House 44 Candlemaker Row. 220 4420.
Mexican/chargrill daily speCIals. Highly recommended in The List.
Helios Fountain 7 Grassmarket (with shop) 229 7884
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm Theatre Workshop (licensed)
34 Hamilton Place, gfyéé 10am-6pm.Two wan-iv excellent vegetarian
Stockbridge. 225 8802 Mon-Sat coffee houses servmg really tasty food.
lsabels Café 83 Clerk Street (below Nature's Gate). 662 4014.
Stone walled, smoke-free basement oasis serving homemade veggie/vegan food — fresh, delicious and cheap!
Kaffe Politik 146/148 Marchmont Road. 446 9873.Espresso bar. Juice bar. Food specials all day. ’Worth .the trip.’ 10am— 10pm, 7 days.
Khublai Khans Mongolian BBQ
43 Assembly Street.
555 0005.
Lunch (Fri & Sun) £5.95, dinner (seven days) £13.95. All you can eat DlY 880. Unique and fun.
news F000 & DRINK
Ndebele 57 Home Street. 221 1141. A cafe and sandwich deli with an impressive range of culinary delights from Southern Africa.
Negociants cafe, bar. restaurant. 45-47 Lothian Street. 225 6313. Eclectic Mediterranean menu, superb range of drinks, coffees, cocktails, wines and beers. Open 9-3am.
Pancho Villas 240 Canongate.
557 4416.
Mexican-born owner Mayra Nunez says ’If you're going to eat Mexican, then don't be bland.’ Lunch until 5pm, dinner until 11pm.
Passepartout 24 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge. 332 4476 Licensed bistro
gal-PS“ and coffee house. "31174:;er New, exciting, my eclectic!
Cosmopolitan cuisine with daily set price lunch/dinner menus from £5.50/£12.50 (booking advisable).
La Piazza 97-99 Shandwick Place. 221 1150.
Stylish Italian restaurant without deSigner prices. Open 7 days Ham-midnight.
Smoke Stack 53-55 Broughton Street. 556 6032.
Much more than burgers and steaks at this stylish but friendly new chargrill restaurant.
36 36 Great King Street. 556 3636. Demonstrates an eclectic
vision of atmosphere in n / design, graphics and s.) O lighting, and importantly, its food and service.
Back Alley Restaurant 8 Ruthven Lane. 334 7165.
World wide cuisine, weekend breakfasts, Happy Hour, lunch menu, evening specials and Glasgow's best burgers!
Mama Miska 1321 Argyle Street. 334 0594.
Lashings of paprika, Mama Alpine grotto of delight, highly
pasta and pizza. ’An recommended.’ — The List.
Miro's 36 Kelvingrove Street.
353 0475.
The new look Miro offers a fresh view to European dishes. Open from noon till late, 7 days a week.
Mojo 158a Bath Street. 331 2257. Much acclaimed stylish bar -
a unique blend M 0 J o
of modern cooking in an intimate setting.
brasserie
Mungo Jerri's, American Sandwich Cafe 25 Parnie Street. 552 7999 (phone/fax).
Choice of 33 varieties of American food in American style with Jazz and R&B.
Murphy's Pakora Bar 1287 Argyle Street. 334 1550.
I . is Over 30 ways to get “i l" .‘ stuffed at the great Murphy's buffet. Daily ".
3—7pm only £3.95.
Ocho 150 West Campbell Street. 332 1032. A vibrant new bar, prowding relaxed
meals, noon-7pm,
funky music, great
Vibes and daily drinks promotions.
Rab Ha's Restaurant 83 Hutcheson Street. 553 1545.
Traditional Scottish cuisine offered in intimate surroundings, with a choice
of pre-theatre and a la carte menus from 5.30pm, 7 days a week-.'
Ristorante La Fiorentina 2 Paisley Road West. 420 1585.
Savour the flavour of Tuscan cooking with our extensive menu — including many vegetarian dishes.
Balbir's 51 West Regent Street.
331 1980.
Not big, not designer, not sexy, just brilliant. High quality lndian CUIsine at affordable prices.
Café Del Mar 94 Queen Margaret Drive. 400 5560
A relaxed and friendly atmosphere. New Mediterranean bistro and coffee house in the West End. Students always welcome. BYOB. Take-away available all day.
Grassroots 20 Woodlands Road.
353 3278.
Scare-free food, organic groceries, excellent bread, fine cheeses, herbs and spices, wholesome foods — yum, yum.
Restaurant Splash. at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3NY.
Tel 332 3163.
Stravaigin 28 Gibson Street.
334 2665.
Fresh Scottish ingredients, authentic and original recipes, award-winning cooking, lively and informal atmosphere.
The 13th Note 80 Glassford Street. 553 1638
Bar/café/venue with a totally vegan menu of wholesome food within a relaxed atmosphere.
Kama Sutra 331 Sauchiehall Street. 332 0055.
Buffet on down for a Kama (Niki quickie at lunchtime, " £5.95. Monday
evening buffet £9.95 (until 10.30pm).
For details of how to include your restaurant/bistro/café/bar in this directory. call our advertising department on 0131 558 1191
Tron Theatre 63 Trongate 552 8587. 'A whole lot more than great theatre’. Voted Glasgow's best bar -~ The List Readers Poll.
The Ubiquitous Chip 12 Ashton
Lane. . 334 5007. Ubg‘qvtiouf (Lip §| I ' ‘0' :
Glasgow's finest restaurants servmg modern Scottish fayre.
12 Sep—25 Sep 1997 THE llS‘l’ 105