Rose Street is packed full with pubs
and restaurants, it is always the first place to head for a meal (or
a glass of wine) after a long day of shopping in town. One bar that
always caught my attention is Element and last week they kindly
invited me to come try out their menu. I brought my friend Rhiannon along
(because sisters before misters... not that I have a mister) as she
needed a well deserved break from her dissertation – plus I knew
she'd let me try out whatever she ordered as well.
The bar is at the front when you walk
in and the restaurant area is separate in the back. The first
thing I noticed when I got inside was the décor. The restaurant
section has a super cosy feel with big leather couches around
fireplaces, and oversized armchairs gathered around small tables – this where we were seated. The armchair was so comfortable that my friend and
I had trouble getting out of them when we were leaving! The room
reminded me of a really cosy lounge in a nice hotel in the Alps,
where you'd chill with a hot chocolate after a morning of skiing –
yes that's a pretty specific comparison. It had a really warm,
inviting atmosphere, ideal for escaping the infamous Scottish weather.
Home Cured Duck Pastrami
For my starter I chose the 'Home Cured
Duck Pastrami' and oh my it was SO GOOD. Duck is one of my favourite
meats, it has such a distinct and unique flavour and I find it a real shame that it often gets masked in heavy sauces (plum, orange, etc), but
this dish was like a homage to duck. Thin strips of duck layered
on a really unique salad of pickled stawberries, hazelnuts and endive
with balsamic dressing. The sweetness of the pickled strawberries
really brought out the flavour of the duck. My friend ordered the
'Tempura King Prawn' and kindly let me try one out. Deep-fried,
battered prawns aren't anything new but the tempura batter on these
was pretty spot on.
North Sea Baked Cod
I am pretty into seafood so for my main
I ordered the 'North Sea Baked Cod' which came accompanied with
scallops, mussels and herb gnocchi in a bouillabaisse sauce. The cod
was really delicate with a nice crispy skin, and the scallops and
mussels were cooked perfectly. The gnocchi was insanely good and
bursting with flavour – although the pieces were absolutely huge (let's
be real it didn't stop me attempting to finish it all). My gal Rhi
ordered the 'Mushroom Risotto' which is a classic dish and nothing
groundbreaking at first glance but this one was so good, I'm definitely heading back to order it
myself. If you are a fan of mushrooms and truffles as I am this
risotto is the one!
Chocolate Mousse
I really wanted to try out the desserts
but by this point I was so stuffed my skirt was beginning to cut off circulation, but the waiter convinced us to share one and I'm so
glad he did. He recommended the 'Chocolate mousse' which came with
raspberry coulis and a side of churros. That's right, churros. Essentially two desserts in one. The churros were more on the
doughy side rather than crunchy, super deep-fried, which I personally
prefer. This was the ultimate indulgent pudding and it was definitely
worth risking bursting out of my skirt for.
Element's menu maybe a little small with just a few dishes to choose from, but
from what I've tasted it is definitely a case of quality over
quantity. It is far better to perfect a menu rather than overcrowd it
with dishes that aren't special. My eyes kept wandering over to the
brunch and lunch menu which I also need to come back and try because
we all know how much I love brunch. They also have a really great drinks
menu the highlight of which is a list of their favourite gins each with their own recommended tonic and garnish. They even have a menu for nibbles
including a cheese platter. Element would be an ideal stop for a few drinks, cosied up in an armchair with a bite to eat on a cold winter's night.
Overall I was super impressed with my
meal and definitely plan on coming back. It would make a choice a date night or a 'parents come to visit so you convince them
to buy you a nice meal' place. I also have to add that the service
was really great, the guy serving us was super friendly and attentive
– and recommended a top notch dessert, what more could you want?
Check out their menu for yourself on
their website: www.elementedinburgh.co.uk
Disclaimer: I was kindly invited to review Element but this post, as with all my posts, reflects my own views and opinion.
Disclaimer: I was kindly invited to review Element but this post, as with all my posts, reflects my own views and opinion.
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