Walk the Talk – Tasty Treats in Edinburgh

Greetings Fellow Foodies!

Walk the Talk:  Tasty Treats in Edinburgh’s glorious Old Town

Our first Foodie Walking Journey provided an opportunity to celebrate the range of artisan produce available to try in the heart of our beautiful Capital City.  Traditionally made speciality cheeses, hot smoked salmon, venison salami & slow spit-roasted pork, were perfectly complimented by the sweet notes from organic thick, creamy hot chocolate, an array of artisan ice-creams, sorbets and little square of fudge…..or 3.

Theme for the day: ‘Calorie Neutral Foodie Heaven’ (surely the walking element off-sets the calorific values?  Yes, we think so too).  Our Edinburgh Old Town Foodie Tour offers the perfect marriage of infamous ‘must trys’ along the well-worn thoroughfares as well as ‘off the beaten path’ hidden culinary gems.

On this occasion, we set off from St Giles Cathedral to make our way to our first stop; cheese. Creamy soft Crowdie, nutty Mature Arran Cheddar,  deliciously veined Dunsyre Blue…..the list goes on and on.  We could have stayed all day in the cheese shop, but the call of the road and the rare sight of the sun above the Castle enticed us back on track.

Just a hop, skip and a jump down the road we couldn’t resist a piece of Hog Roast heaven.  Tender succulent pork & super crunchy, crackling.  Is there anything better to build up a thirst?  Mind you it wasn’t that we really needed an excuse for our next stop: A liquid deli!  Organic Rhubarb Vodka Liqueur, Damson Gin Liqueur, Brambly Scotch Whisky Liqueur – if only these counted towards the recommended 5 a day!  A little bit naughty but very, very nice.

With a warm glow in our hearts we took back to the streets, this time making our way through the sun kissed meadows; a lovely park awash with joggers (too much effort), kite flyers (too little wind) & us (much more sensible).  We were after all on our way, burning a few calories en-route to, what we believe to be one of the best chocolate shops in the country. An amazing amalgamation of rich caramel, chocolate & sea salt churned and frozen to a peak of ice-cream perfection, chilli chocolate sorbet, the most glorious organic hot chocolate (I challenge anyone to find better) and an armful of hand-made dark, milk and white chocolate bars.  One of our tasters suggested Willy Wonka could pop out from behind the door of ‘chocolate heaven’. It was only the prospect of delights still to come that finally prompted us to continue our travels.

Heading back towards the Royal Mile we continued on our culinary path enjoying the effects of a chocolate induced haze before arriving at a wonderful larder showcasing Scottish savoury delicacies.  The fish plate was a treat – smoked fish pate, cold oak-smoked salmon & peaty hot smoked salmon served with mini oatcakes. And for those feeling a little more carnivorous – the Venison Salami, Scottish Pork Chorizo and Johnny’s amazing Pork Pie were all an immediate hit.

And so to the finale….the sweetest of endings to a truly scrumptious day, a drop into the Fudge Shop on the Royal Mile. On today’s chalk board – freshly made, still warm, chocolate-orange fudge. The 7 daily demonstrations never fail to draw in the visitors. But sometimes – it’s nice to be a visitor in your own town.

Dare to learn something new about Scotland’s capital city and think you can handle a relaxing walk in a chocolate induced haze?

Call me and come along next time…if you don’t agree that it is the finest organic, hot chocolate you have ever had the pleasure of drinking, no problem I’ll simply finish it for you!

Tastefully yours,

B

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