Ondine, Edinburgh

Tuesday 3 July

In Edinburgh, temperatures were in the 60s, and there was almost dancing in the streets because it didn't rain today.  We managed to get up the hill to see Edinburgh Castle, and then down it again for a rest and a late dinner at Ondine, which is near our hotel.

It's a fairly tony spot, lots of 80s glitz around a raw bar.  There were plenty of people out this late, too.  The sun doesn't set until around 9:30 in Edinburgh, and it seems to encourage an almost Spanish dining culture (featuring good beer instead of cava, of course).

We started with six succulent, briny Caledonian Rock oysters (we had wanted Loch Fyne Rock, but they were out).  Then our mains were crisp fried haddock and chips on a tasty minted pea purée; and a grilled fillet of sea bass with a side of potato salad enlivened with tiny brown shrimp (good idea, that).  

To accompany, we had a nice white Rioja, and in order to encourage the local producers, a small shot each of single malt (Old Pulteney and Balvenie), which should help us get over our jet lag.