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Post by Sylvia on Jul 26, 2008 23:13:49 GMT -6
I have had many requests for reasonably priced eating places in Edinburgh. I placed this in the newsletter before the holiday season began to save lots of searching by you I have copied it again here:
Finally for anyone coming to Edinburgh in the near future there is a wonderful Italian Restaurant in Leith Walk which is off the East End of Princes Street. The restaurant is called Vittoria's second and third generation Italian family. You may not be a fan of Italian food, but Toni caters for everyone and his food is superb and priced reasonably, tell him I sent you. We are not eaters out, but whenever we have a family celebration, we book at Vittoria's. No bookings needed for breakfasts or lunches - it would be advisable to book for evening meals. I have tried most things on his menu over the last 25 years and they are all great, but my favourites are a mussel starter, followed by rack of lamb. The address is 115 Brunswick Street, Edinburgh Tel No. 0131 55666171 or 0131478009. The only other great eating place I could recommend in Edinburgh is The Witchery by the Castle - Tel. No. 0131 2255613, We haven't been there for many years and even then it was expensive, but superb food. Have a look at their menu prices before deciding to place your order. I could give better advice on good eating places on the east coast, but for some reason doesn't seem to appeal to the tourist.
Edinburgh is going through a transformation at the moment - it is going back in time to the Tram cars. There is also talk of a bicycle renting scheme - similar to what they have in many other countries. This is of course to do with minimizing the carbon footprint.
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 16, 2008 8:42:36 GMT -6
Hey Y'all, gotta tell everyone about Marks & Spencers. They are a well known department store in the UK. They have reasonable prices on clothing and the things you normally get in a department store. I got a very good Scottish wool sweater there at a reasonable price. But the main thing is their food court. Of course they have a Morrisons or Picadilly type restaurant in them, with very good British/Scottish foods, but the grocery store part is where the treasure trove is. Sauces and seasonings and foods you would never get anywhere else. And if it is jared or canned you can bring it back through customs. It is the the food items that aren't is what you would have a problem with if caught. And if you are looking for a quick sandwich for lunch, snack, or take back to the hotel, this is the place. They have a cooler full of already made sandwiches whose combinations on various breads or delicious. They make them out of combinations you never would think of. A shrimp salad, egg salad, chicken salad all with whole kernel corn, tomatoes and cheese, cheese and sweet pickle relish, cucumber with various fillings, egg and/or chicken salad with watercress. Unfortunately I can't remember all of them, but I didn't try one I didn't like. They are quite sparce with the mayo or mustard, so if you like a lot of it on your sandwich, you may want to do what I did, keep a "travel size" jar of mayo handy!
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 16, 2008 8:54:46 GMT -6
Afternoon Jim,
You could have knocked me down with a feather when you mentioned our sandwiches. Thought these type of quick snacks were available all over the world. I know that Spain doesn't do sliced bread ones, but they do filled rolls. Thinking back the sandwich bars weren't available 20 years ago. They have become big business in the last 10 years. My favourite is the 3 tier roast beef with horseradish and mustard with a lettuce and tomato salad. There is also the breakfast one bacon, egg and sausage. The new panini takeaways seem to be hogging the younger market.
Not fussed about the rest of the shop, but I love Marks & Spencer's food hall, it is a non cooking housewife's dream. We give it a whirl about once every six months.
I would swap all our sandwich outlets for some shop where I could get some of the products mentioned in recipes in the newsletter.
Our Shetland and Lambs wool sweaters are big here too, as you have sampled it can be pretty cold, just imagine the temps in the winter.
I think from what Sue in NC said on the other site she would have gladly came in your luggage.
Most Scots have salt, pepper, mustard, mayonnaise and their favourite dressings + a knife for spreading in their car glove compartments. Some of our shop cafeterias have the smal sachets and it is amusing to see sauce sachets slyly disappearing into handbags.
Sylvia
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 16, 2008 19:06:12 GMT -6
Hey Sylvia, There are lot's of places that have premade sandwiches, lot's of convenience stores here in the state that offer them. But none witht he unique combinations you can only get from the UK or Scotland. I never would have come up with these on my own and I am very glad I ran across them. I will make these here to bring back the memories of all the gastronomical delights I found there. And the paninis are a big hit here also, but nothing like a good sandwich or rye or whole wheat, or a good 7 grain bread. I know what you mean about some products only being available in the country you found them in. The good thing is that more and more of these companies are now shipping worldwide. All you need is their webaddress. The sweater I got would almost be a lightweight for there, but it is heavy, with suede shoulders. Almost too heavy for Florida. Even here in north Florida, our winter consist of 14 days on the average of zero degress centigrade. And I wonder, I loved the Highland Cows, look like bovine versions of English sheep dogs. I saw that some had been trimmed and wondered if they make anything from their hair? Sue might be able to ship herself cheaper than a ticket would cost! And the same thing happens here with the condiment paks.
Chat later, Big Jim
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 16, 2008 22:50:22 GMT -6
Och Jim, for a short time there I thought we had something rather unique. The fillings may be 5*, but these outlets have stringent tests before they can sell their goods. The hygiene tests inflicted by being a "member" of the European Union, has sent a lot of our smaller outlets to the wall.
Did you have a slice of our really good black pudding? One of the few things I can still eat in that category, but as much as I adore it, I would prefer not to know how it is made. Do you have anything across there that you could compare with our Haggis or Black Pudding? I did try and brought home some jerky and had to try the Hershey bars, one of my favourite treats were the big jugs of Margarita with crushed ice, didn't realise that it was alcoholic. The Spanish have their speciality jugs of Sangria, we have our water.
The piggy bank may be empty, but save hard and you may be abe to have a longer holiday next time, and hopefully by that time the dollar may have improvedl
OK waaaay past my bedtime - glad you have happy memories of your visit and pleased to see you are finding your way around the Nancy sites.
Sylvia
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Post by suehorne5892 on Aug 17, 2008 7:00:48 GMT -6
I want to goooooooooooo!
Cows with long hair??? Pictures please ...sandwiches in the department stores....shop, eat, shop, eat...sounds like heaven to me. I'm cold natured in the winters and a heavy sweater is a must, yes even in NC...and yes, the condiment packs are slyly stuffed into purses here too! hahahah..I hate going somewhere and the sandwich has little or no mayo/mustard when I get back to the car when I am on the run....I check the glove compartment for my stash! Jim - more stories about your trip please.
Sue
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 17, 2008 11:06:51 GMT -6
Hey Sue and Sylvia, will answer both your post here. They have strick food protection measures here in the colonies also. It has just about driven the mom and pop operations out of business here also. The premade then sold in various stores is the big headache. Fortunately, if you can find a mom and pop sandwich shop where they make them fresh there then you buy and eat on premises or take with you, they only have to pass the kitchen sanitary inspections. And we have cakes similar to what you call puddings over there. Our puddings are similar to custards. As for haggis, nothing exactly like it, but you could make something very similar just by finding the recipe online and using the same parts of a cow, hog, or goat if there are no sheep available. And if you hunt, you can use deer, elk, moose, carribou, bison, or maybe even rabbit or squirrel. And if you want to see a highlands cow, use this link, images.google.com/images?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=scottish+highland+cows&gbv=2, as it has several different photos. Will tell more travel stories later. Bye for now, Big Jim |
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 17, 2008 11:35:53 GMT -6
Good evening Jim it is 6.20pm Scottish Time.
I can't believe that a highland cow would be of any interest to anyone?? We have not we personally have a bull called Samson in a field just down the road on the riverbank. He is as big as a house and has won so many prizes. Teddy the farmer told me recently that he is going to put him to pasture -, if he can keep his urges under control. This guy, Samson) has the floppy hair the ring through the nose and some kind of tag in his right ear.
You and Lynn aka Whispering Pass would have a field day (a good time) she is wicked and has more expertise in every element of cooking that I can only dream off. I'm not into killing and eating the beasties that I can see from my windows.
I've just had a call to tell me that there are young fox cubs in the area. They better not touch my Charly. sorry Jim - Charly is my cat and for some reason she thinks she is a tiger.
I'm off
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 17, 2008 17:19:18 GMT -6
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 17, 2008 17:27:58 GMT -6
Hey Sylvia,
Well you are 6 hours ahead of us, 7 when we get off DST this fall, so it is about 130am where your at. And the Highlands cow was of interest to me 'cause I am an old farm boy from Alabama. And I have shown the photos of them to several people since I have got back and they were fascinated by them. Nothing like that here. I guess it would be similar to your showing your friends photos you took of bison/buffalo. Are they raised for meat or milk or what? Now my wife is a city girl and she gets sqeemish around harvest time when it comes to the animals. I asked her where does she think all of that meat in the market comes from? She never really thought about it. My daughter lives in the country and has all kinds of critters come into their yard, deer, rabbits, squirrels, possums, racoons, cooter,(a type of gopher tortoise that is edible), so their freezer stays well stocked and we do cookouts occasionally. I can understand how you feel about Charly. I have lost pets before, even as an adult, they become part of the family and you grieve just as hard. Until later,
Chow,
Big Jim
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Post by suehorne5892 on Aug 17, 2008 18:22:33 GMT -6
Jim and Sylvia! I live in a rural area of North Carolina - farm land all around - therefore my interest in the hairy cows! I do love my steak and hamburger too...can't eat deer meat though...just keep remembering the Disney movie "Bambi"....hehehehe! Thanks for all the links Jim - that'll keep me busy for a little bit tonight ..Sylvia - get out the tuna can to tempt Charly back into the house!! then give him a tickle behind the ears for me. Jim: are you going to post any pictures online?? If so...Sylvia - send him my personal email!! That will probably be as close as I'll get ...  |
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 17, 2008 20:49:09 GMT -6
Hi All
Having problems sleeping with these hand splints on.
Sue, when Ron and I were first married .jnskjyears ago, we had venison a couple of times a week - it was the cheapest meat in our butchers. Now it's never available and if it were we'd have to take out a bank loan to buy it.
Don't be such a pessimist - you'll get over to Scotland some time and you are welcome to stay with me at any time.
Jim you asked about Potato scones (they are called tattie scones in Scotland):
Potato Scones.
Enough for 4
250gms Floury Potatoes (Maris piper)
25gms Butter
50gms Plain Flour
½ (half) teaspoon Salt
¼ (quarter)Teaspoon of baking Powder
Bring the potatoes to the boil and cook until tender (20 mins), drain and mash with the butter.
Mix the flour salt and baking powder and stir into the warm mash to make dough.
Shape into two balls and roll out to a 5mm thick. Heat a frying pan with a little oil and cook for approx 3-4 mins on both sides until golden brown.
No tweaks just suggestions:
Lovely served with some fried sliced mushrooms, a couple of smoked rashers of bacon and fried eggs, tomatoes and a large pot of tea.
I could go on to include sausages, black pudding (not blood pudding)!, I love my egg served on fried bread, but it's better on a tattie scone.
I haven't got used to cooking for just the two of us and always have extra mash - Ive started freezing the extra rather than giving it to the birds. The little blighters got most of my blackcurrants this year.
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 18, 2008 20:28:31 GMT -6
Thanks for the Tattie Scones recipe. And now for my further adventures in Scotland. St. Andrews, the mecca for all golfers, great and small. Me, I am of the Putt Putt variety. Just wanted to say I saw the place and hit a few balls and get a photo or two. When you go to play there, you have to be of the hearty breed, aye, a Braveheart in your own right. The day was overcast, raining, cold and blustery. The wind was coming off the sea and the rain was coming down in sheets at a 45 degree angle. The temperature was in the 50s, but the diehard enthusiast where out there, walking with their umbrellas held in front of them, leaning into the gale. Thankfully, none had kilts on, LOL! Anyway, we offloaded the tour bus and ran into the building that had the shop that custom makes clubs, videos your swing, does repairs, etc. Calloway is the product carried. Fortunately we had shelters we could stand under and they gave us a bucket of balls and a club and the fun started. To say I had never took a full swing at a golf ball would be an understatement. I took a mighty swing, wooosh, and the ball was still there. Tried it again, same results. I swear the ball was sniffling as if catching pnumonia from the breeze my club was giving it. So I slowed down and manage to hit this one at least 10 yards, almost half of that throught the air! Ahh, my manhood has been restored! Halfway through the bucket of balls I was managing to lob them about 35 yards through the air and about 25 feet high. Tiger, don't look behind you, I am gaining. But is was fun, got me a ST. Andrews polo type shirt. And the balls in Scotland are smaller than in the colonies. Plus for those of you who didn't know, which included me, St. Andrews is a public course, not a private club. The citizens of that town pay 250 a year to play whenever they want. Others pay the same amount for each round and they have 7 old courses, forgot how many new. And the tee times are put up on the internet, one year in advance. Or you can go and enter the lottery drawing each day before the day you want to play for a chance.
Big Jim
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 19, 2008 1:26:19 GMT -6
Morning Jim,
I, for one didn't know that St. Andrews was a public course. I've been there only once and just like your visit it was lashing down. Think that's what put me off golf, not that I could play anyway. My grandfather was a great golfer, my Dad was OK. Our youngest son - Nicholas likes to play, but he hasn't got the time. He has played a few rounds when at his girlfriend's folks in Ireland.
I liked your version of events - sounded like the ball just kept jumping off the tee.
Be thankful you are not here now - think it's gonna rain for 40 days and nights, the green wellies are getting pretty worn out.
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 19, 2008 5:33:11 GMT -6
Hey Sylvia, let's just say that I had seriously considered pickin' the ball up and throwing it downrange, but I finally started hitting it. And I do have plans for an ark if you want. Debating if I should start construction as Tropical Storm Fay has made landfall in south Florida, suppose to cross the state today, go out into the Atlantic then curve back west and make landfall again very close to if not at Jacksonville. Will be like being in Scotland all over again, 50 mph winds, 2 to 10 inches of rain. The weather will get worse after 4 today through about Thursday, with Wednesday being the worse, unless it slows down of course, then all bets are off.
Til later,
Big Jim
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 19, 2008 9:58:19 GMT -6
Good afternoon Jim,
The rain stopped for a couple of hours and we did have sunshine for 40 minutes. Part of the A1 bypass into Edinburgh has been closed due to heavy rain. I can't remember there ever being such awful weather here at this time of the year.
Are you and your Family threatened by this latest tropical storm Fay? If so what precautions do you have in place? I would be terrified.
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 19, 2008 20:09:18 GMT -6
Howdy Sylvia, it looks like the TS will become a hurricane and by Thursday may hit very close to use after going out into the Atlantic around Cape Canaveral and then turning back west and coming on land near us. It's just another big storm. Will loose electrical power, could be hours or days, depending on the damage. Got a gallon of water per person per day for 5 days. Food that can be eaten straight from a can or package without preparation. Got the tub filled with water and a bucket to use to fill the toilet to flush it. Got batteries for flashights, candles and radio. Will hunker down and ride it out. Oh, and the car is filled with gas.
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 20, 2008 0:51:09 GMT -6
Morning Jim,
We here in the Edinburgh area think we have been hard done to this Summer?!?! We really don't know half of what is going on not only where you are, but worldwide.
The last couple of posts we have made might have been better on "Weather where you are" site. i.e. Folks who aren't interested in the Edinburgh site, may be interested in what is going on elsewhere with the weather.
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 20, 2008 6:54:34 GMT -6
Sorry, didn't know there was a another site for that!
Big Jim
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 20, 2008 10:02:43 GMT -6
Sylvia here again Jim Don't be sorry, I should have explained there are a lot of posts on this site - now that you know that you can have a good browse, if you click on the link at the end of this message it will take you into the Scottish Recipes Board and you can just surf around - that is if you still have power. whatscookin.proboards4.com/index.cgi?board=scottishrecipesThis one will take you into the main index of the proboards: whatscookin.proboards4.com/index.cgiOr you could go up to the top of this site and click on "What's Cooking" There are lots of interesting sites, set an alarm as before you know it it will be past bedtime. Sylvia446 |
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 22, 2008 19:13:41 GMT -6
Loch Ness, the name brings visions of the mysterious, of a cross between prehistoric and today. The Loch, or Lake, is in a beautiful valley. Not only is it unique in that it is the home of Nessie, but because it is unlike any other Loch in that instead of being marginally deep, with a rounded bottom, this one is over 800 feet deep with steep sides that form a V shape. Where else would you expect to discover the key to a great mystery except in a one of a kind area. It was a sunny mild day when the Orbus tour bus pulled up to the visitors center. We took some photos of the Loch and then split into two groups, those who took a boat tour, and those who wanted to tour the area on foot and explore more of the visitor center and souvenier shop. That was my plan, help Scotland's economy. Oh, I found Nessie! She had sneaked out of the Loch and was in a smaller pond by the visitor's center. After a photograph of my exciting find, I was told that this time of year Nessie is on vacation and that was a temp stand in. Can you imagine that? Well, to me it was Nessie and that's what counts. And had lunch there, more great food. The people of Scotland remind me of the people of the South, helpful, friendly, courteous. Never in a hurry that they don't have time to chat and answer questions. What a great country!
Big Jim
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Post by suehorne5892 on Aug 23, 2008 6:26:17 GMT -6
Thanks for this Jim - I can almost see if from your description. I'm going to check out Sylvia's website suggestion. Hope to see this in a photo online!
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 23, 2008 7:59:19 GMT -6
Hi Jim shame Nessie was on holiday when you were there. Sue is referring to the Nessie site on this board. You have probably found this site - there is a good true story in the first link about Nessie's cave.
All in All the Scots are a very welcoming, warm nation, but don't be misled in to thinking that all Scots are courteous and friendly - like everywhere else we have our fair share of rude folks.
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 26, 2008 20:34:20 GMT -6
Hey Sylvia,
From the time I was there in Scotland, from customs, immigration, both coming and going, to the hotel workers, restaurant workers, at he castles and palaces and all the other sights, to the common man/woman on the street, I found the people of Scotland some of the most courteous and friendliest of all the countries I have visited. If I had run into someone who was rude, I would have thought they couldn't be here from this gorgeous country. I wish more people would have the opportunity to visit and experience your culture, foods, sights and sounds first hand. Hopefully more will make plans to do so in the future, I don't think they will be disappointed. Not to mention the tours of the distilleries! I do hope that one day I will have the opportunity to go back, and this time stay longer. And Sean Connery has a new book out that just came out in the colonies, "Being a Scot." Tells about growing up in Edinburgh and his life up to this point and how he will not live in Scotland year round until Scotland is free from England. Do most Scots feel this way?
Big Jim
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 27, 2008 6:07:06 GMT -6
Morning Jim,
I too would like to hear more views from visitors, just hope they stagger their visits and not all arrive at my gate at the same time.
Yes Sean Connery is a great advert for Edinburgh, but I have my doubts as to whether a man or for that matter a woman in that position should get involved publicly in politics. He was appearing and giving a talk at the fringe of the Edinburgh Festival last week, I'm awaiting reviews from a friend who went to listen. Up until now I still preferred him as 007.
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 27, 2008 9:04:36 GMT -6
Morning to you too Sylvia,
Please let me know what your friend thought of the talk Connery gave.
I didn't know what the majority of the Scots leaned toward, staying like it is or independence.
Of course that takes nothing away from Scotland being one of the best countries to visit. Even though I was there this month, I enter the contest everyday to win a trip to be able to go back. Hopefully this time we would at least get a chance to chat on the phone if not meet. Take care,
Big Jim
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 27, 2008 11:15:11 GMT -6
Hey Jim, we have Independence, have had for a good few years. Did you not see the new Scottish Parliament, it''s at the foot of the dormant volcano Arthur's Seat, near Holyrood Palace.
The Welsh also have their own parliament now.
Sylvia446
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 29, 2008 5:50:04 GMT -6
Hi Sylvia,
Glad to hear of your independence. I did see the Paliament building. The guide didn't go into details if you truly had full independence or if the governing body was just there for show and still run from England. Has the weather there straightened out any and gone back to normal or are you still having the out of the ordinary stuff?
Big Jim
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Post by Sylvia on Aug 29, 2008 6:37:36 GMT -6
Hi Jim, Our weather has been a little bit kinder, not so much rain during the last few days. Alex Salmond is our First Minister and his reputation is a lot better than that of the other Scot in charge of Engand's affairs. I have enclosed a link with regards to Holyrood House/Palace for you, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh. The Queen has afternoon tea parties at least once a year and if you are on the guest list you are very highly honoured. I do know quite a few folks who have been. Still awaiting my invitation, but I don't care for plain old cucumber sandwiches - I know you've seen the real thing, but this site will keep the memories fresh: www.stuckonscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/holyrood-palace.htmlI won't be online until very late tonight - my Mum's 94th birthday today and we're all having a shindig (big party). Sylvia446 |
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Post by bigjim1 on Aug 31, 2008 14:09:15 GMT -6
Hey Sylvia,
Shall I write Liz and Phil and let them know you haven't gotten your invite yet? Mozel Tov on your Mom's 94th birthday! Hope the party went well and everyone had a great time.
Big Jim
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