LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL
La Concepta Comedian Simon Munnery is presenting the world’s first conceptual restaurant – a dining experience that doesn’t involve food. Niki Boyle samples the menu
E ver wanted to sit down to a nice meal, but can’t really be bothered going through the rigmarole of actually putting food in your mouth? Wouldn’t you rather satisfy your cultural appetite with some amusing amuse-bouches, a garnish of giggles and lashings of laughter on top?
Quite frankly, no. No one has ever thought that sounds like a good idea – until now. Simon Munnery, not sufficiently challenged by his month-long stint at The Stand, has opted to perform up to six additional 20- minute shows daily at his conceptual comedy restaurant, La Concepta. Upon arrival at the restaurant’s secret location (sent by text if you reserve a table, or announced online at laconcepta.fr if you’d rather just show up), guests are seated by the maitre d’, served by the waiter, and checked up on by both the chef and his assistant (all played by Munnery), while sampling comedic dishes such as Guerre Premiere de Mondial (a capsule presentation of World War I), Swan Facts (‘hand-curled’ facts and non- facts about swans) and Absence du Mango (we’ll let you figure it out). Dishes are available from the prix fixe menu, or from the specially adapted randomiser (a menu with a numbered rollerblade wheel). Classy stuff.
Various locations, 0844 477 1000, 5–28 Aug, times vary, £10. laconcepta.fr
IN CO-PROMOTION WITH REAL FOODS
A FOOD LOVER’S EMPORIUM Ben Raffles grew up on a Somerset farm before pursuing his dreams of becoming a rock star. He eventually arrived in Edinburgh to study and compose music and today combines that with managing the Real Foods shop on Broughton Street, Edinburgh. ‘At Real Foods we treat each customer as an individual – it sounds a cliché but it’s what we
do! People are more than just consumers, often they are looking for advice on diet, cooking or lifestyle choices. I’ve seen people transform over the time they shop here – weight loss, happiness, life-changing decisions, nutrition, disease and allergy management. ‘People diagnosed with food intolerances often feel devastated and initially confused about what they can eat. Real Foods has the widest selection of thousands of free-from (wheat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, fat-free etc)
Street Food {FRONT}
alternatives to everything you would normally eat at any meal. We have a thorough understanding of food intolerances so can advise customers on ingredients and cooking too.
‘I think we are like agents for change at Real Foods – it goes beyond work – it is about creating and being part of a community. People are always coming in saying “I’ve been looking for that for years! At last I have found it!”’
Real Foods hold regular, fun and informative events, see the website for updates
www.realfoods.co.uk
REAL FOODS Natural Healthy Ethical Shopping
■ LOCAL SEASONAL PRODUCE ■ WHEAT-FREE/DAIRY-FREE/GLUTEN-FREE
■ SUPERFOODS & RAW FOODS
■ ORGANIC WINES AND SPIRITS ■ ORGANIC HEALTH & BEAUTY
• 10% Early Bird discount available in both shops.
See website for details. • Free recipes, health advice & online shop. • Free UK delivery on orders over £10. • Student & Senior Citizen discounts.
F E S T I V A L
REAL FOODS | 37 Broughton Street | EH1 3JU & 8 Brougham Street | Tollcross | EH3 9JH | www.realfoods.co.uk 18–25 Aug 2011 THE LIST 23