Feeling Twenty Two

Birthdays for me are for spending time with all the people who mean the most to you, and last night that was exactly what I did. In the words of Taylor Swift, I’m feeeeeling twenty twooooo, but I’m not too sure how I feel about it at all. The big birthdays of 18 and 21 have been and gone, and I cant help but find it daunting that the next 'big birthday' is the mighty 30th... However, after sharing this sentiment with my dad, he came up with some wise wise words. You may be older than you’ve ever been before, but you’re also younger than you’ll ever be again. I liked this a lot. Well done Dad!

Dad, Catherine and I started the evening in The Dome, which in my opinion is Edinburgh’s nicest bar. It’s perfect for a special occasion, with its grand entrance, beautiful architecture and stunning interior. It really is one of Edinburghs treasures.

At Christmas time they pop the most beautiful tree on top of the bar and wrap the pillars outside in Christmas cheer. However, obviously it’s not Christmas, and thankfully there wasn’t a tree in sight. Instead they had the most incredible lilies on each side of the bar, and after asking the waitress about them, I couldn't believe that they weren’t real!

You may have noticed a difference in my photos. The birthday elf was very nice to me this year! Say hello to my new baby!

 

We then headed for dinner at The Honours which is Martin Wisharts latest venture. His restaurant in Leith gave Edinburgh its first Michelin star, and since then his collection of eateries have gone from strength to strength. The Honours really is something special and I would definitely recommend it. The staff are lovely, the interior is chic and the food is to die for!

The interior was not at all what I had expected. From outside I had always thought it looked pretty dark, but it was full of light and very welcoming.  

I went for the duck and pork rillettes to start. I would describe this dish as a sort of Pate. Very, very yummy pate! Nothing but full marks for this creation.

For the main course I went for the Veal Sweetbreads. They were tender, juicy and cooked to utter perfection. The sauce was delicious, and it was certainly something I would have again. I ordered a cheeky side of fries as well. After all, it was my birthday, and you’re allowed to be a bit naughty.

My sister went for the Scallop and truffle tagliatelle. I had a taste and thought it was heavenly but very rich. She shared this opinion, and though it was scrumptious, she found that it became quite sickly.

Too full for dessert, we just sat and enjoyed the rest of our wine. The waitress had obviously over heard us chatting and picked up that it was my birthday. Big brownie points for her. A bowl of homemade toffees arrived with Happy Birthday written on the plate. They didnt last long.

Feeling fully satisfied, it was time to continue the celebrations with three of my best friends at Tiger Lily. Meet Bex, Emilie and Frankie: my soul sisters, sisters from other misters, partners in crime! Arent they just gorgeoooous!

 

Dad seemed to be enjoying himself!

A cute wee family snap minus the little brother (who isnt so little at all)! He's currently sunning himself in Cyprus with a group of friends, so his absence was allowed. 

There was plenty of bubbly,laughing and sillyness, and after a few drinks my sister had to shoot off back to Glasgow. 

My dad decided it was time for him to call it a day as well. Judging by this picture I think he made the right decision...Still just a big kid at heart.

For us four the night was still young, so we stayed on chatting, reminiscing and gossiping about everything and anything.

 The beautiful little Rebecca.

Time flies when your having fun, and it wasnt until we realised we were the only people left that we decided to call it a night. We all hopped into a cab and carried on giggling the whole way home. The perfect end to a perfect birthday.

 

A Mayfair Affair: Burger and Lobster

This week I found myself down in London for a few days, and obviously I felt that it was absolutely imperative to make the most of it. Two of my bestest friends from university have settled down in the big smoke since graduating, so having a good old girly catch up with them was absolutely top of my agenda. When you leave university, you find that you and your friends are blasted back to a whole load of different parts of the UK, and as much as you try to arrange those all important meet ups, there are always 101 things going on. The three of us hadn’t been together in far too long, but as always, it was exactly how we had left off. To me, this is exactly what true friendship is about, and this meeting really made me realise how much I miss both of these beautiful girls!

After a whole load of hugging and screeching we headed off for a couple of drinks, before retreating to Mayfair for dinner at Burger and Lobster. Nestled down a little side street among the hustle, bustle and money splashing fair that is Mayfair, lies this little gem. I had heard nothing but good things about this restaurant, and it certainly did not disappoint.

It completely blows your stereotype of the designer clad girl sipping champagne and munching on lobster out of the window. Instead, Burger and Lobster have created a unique concept that really puts any other Lobster eatery to shame. There is no menu, and instead there are two options. Burger or Lobster, both of which are served with fries and a side salad. All three of us went for the lobster as we felt that this was a complete bargain for such a dish, but a tad expensive for the likes of a burger. When ordering the lobster you have two options, grilled or steamed. All of us went for the grilled as recommended by our waiter, and it was certainly the right choice! It was juicy, flavoursome and a complete and utter treat that should not be missed!

I know what you may be thinking, for £20 you must get a measly little portion, but this is certainly not the case. You get a stonking platter full of lobster, and my goodness does it taste good. What’s more, you get to wear the signature burger and lobster bib to stop your clothes getting all mucky! What more could you ask for!?

We spent the entire evening laughing, gossiping and remembering old times, and it was so good to finally get together with my two fabby little friends again. 

There are a number of these restaurants all over London, but if you’re after the Mayfair experience you will find this one at 29 Clarges street.

 

Cocktails, Chit Chat and Champion Cuisine

I always love the summer months, as for some reason everything just seems better when the sun is shining! Yesterday was no different, and as the sun beat down on Edinburgh, my auntie and I decided that we would celebrate with a wee cocktails and dinner date!

We headed straight for Stockbridge, one of my favourite parts of Edinburgh. Stockbridge is packed with quirky shops, buzzing bars and cute little restaurants, so you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out.

We choose to meet for a drink before dinner in the Bon vivant, a rustic little bar tucked away down a cobbled side street. With wooden tables, Bottle candles and an extensive cocktail list, it really is a special little place. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and though we didn’t eat there, I’ve heard nothing but great things about the food. I went for a classic mojito, one of my absolute favourite cocktails, and boy did they do a good job! It had the perfect balance of ingredients! Plenty of mint, not too sweet but not too bitter! I’ve had my fair share of bad mojito’s, but this one did not disappoint!

We then headed for Rafaels restaurant, a quirky basement restaurant located on Deanhaugh Street. This restaurant really is an absolute gem , and I would go as far to say it was the best meal out that i have had in months! The service was great, the wine was delicious and the food was downright fantastic! The restaurant is owned and run by Rafael himself, and he goes above and beyond to ensure that you are treated like royalty! The menu is written on a blackboard that is brought to your table. We had the pleasure of having it explained to us by none other than Rafael. He was oozing with passion and it was really quite a special experience to know that we were having our meal cooked by someone who cared so much about what he was creating.

They brought the most beautiful brown bread to our table which was packed with grains and wholemeal goodness. I went for the crayfish and avocado starter followed by the lamb shank as a main. I have to admit that I was so taken by the whole experience that I completely forgot to photograph my food! Awful blogger i know! A great excuse to go back though and I certainly will be! The food was utterly delicious, and the perfect size! I left feeling absolutely satisfied but not stuffed. I cannot recommend Rafael’s enough, so if you are looking for an intimate, unique and truly wonderful dining experience then make sure to pop in for a visit.

Following dinner we decided to head to Chaopraya for a final cocktail. Chaopraya is a Thai restaurant that recently opened in the old Oloroso spot on the corner of Frederick Street and George Street. It is a truly fab venue which boasts an impressive roof terrace that has both covered and uncovered section, giving you a Top notch view of Edinburgh Castle.  

I ordered a strawberry daiquiri which was truly scrumptious! It was presented nicely and the location just seemed to make it taste so much better! I am yet to experience the Chaopraya cuisine, but it is high on my list of places to dine next. For now all I can do is rave about the cocktails and the view, and that is exactly what I plan to do!

Finally, Its the Little Things in life, like spending some quality time with those who mean the most to you!