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Food. Glorious food. If you’re new to my blog, food is a huge part of it. Recently, I visited Scotland and had my first Michelin star restaurant experience at The Kitchin Edinburgh. I can’t tell you how amazing the entire dinner was from start to finish!Seriously, though…if food is a big part of your travel, consider a visit to The Kitchin in Edinburgh. Read on to see why!
Michelin Stars
So how does a restaurant obtain a Michelin star?
I was wondering the same thing. Apparently, the formula is mostly kept under wraps. The only thing known is that the Michelin team tries to keep their visit a complete secret and appear as any other diner. They want to see the everyday service the restaurant provides and not just service provided to a VIP.
To receive one Michelin star a restaurant has to be a “very good restaurant in its category”. For two stars, it must have “excellent cooking, worth a detour” and for three stars, “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey”.
Only a handful of restaurants in the world have three stars and just getting one is a dream of any chef anywhere. People plan trips around Michelin star status, so it’s a huge deal in addition to the honor!
The Kitchin
What do you do when your last name is Kitchin and you are a chef? You open a restaurant named after you and take it to Michelin star status, that’s what!
Tom and Michaela Kitchin opened The Kitchin in 2006 and were awarded a Michelin star in 2007. Soon after, several impressive awards followed. Chef Tom takes a “From Nature to Plate” concept that blends his passion for the finest Scottish produce and his cooking style that reflects his Scottish heritage.
Entrance and bar sitting area
Main dining room
How cute is this table at the back of the dining room?
Starters
I opted to start the entire experience off with this pear martini and had them add a sugar rim. It was, in my opinion, perfectly made.
They also served these crisps before we began our meal.
During this time, we ordered. There were two main choices: the three-course a la carte menu or the chef’s surprise tasting menu. Within the chef’s tasting menu you could choose the classic, vegetarian or deluxe version. The only catch is the entire table must order the chef’s tasting menu. Because of this, we went with the three-course a la carte menu.
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Appetizers
I chose to start with the Venison: Terrine of Highland Venison, venison tartare and liver parfait with celeriac, bramble, and orange. Besides the fact that it was delectable, it was one of the most beautiful dish presentations I’ve ever seen!
My mom ordered the Rockpool: a Rockpool of local seafood, sea vegetables, ginger, and a Newhaven shellfish consommé. It also was tasty and made for a very interesting presentation.
My dad ordered the Scallops: hand-dived Orkney scallops baked in the shell with seasonable vegetables in a white wine, vermouth, and herb sauce.
The final preparations were done tableside and that was cool to watch.
Entrees
For the second and main course, I had the Cod: steamed fillet of North Sea Cod, Eassie Farm sea kale and shellfish emulsion. For seafood lovers, I can’t praise this dish enough. Light, delicious and filling. What else do you need?
My mom had the Lamb: stuffed Highland lamb saddle, braised shoulder, Wye Valley asparagus and asparagus puree. Mom thoroughly enjoyed this dish so I imagine, if you like lamb and asparagus (I’m not personally a fan), you will too!
Dad had the Pork: Clash Farm pork chop, braised cheek, celeriac, and creamed morel mushrooms. He absolutely loved the dish as he is a huge pork chop and mushroom fan.
Bread accompanied our main course with a unique presentation of butter
Palate Cleanser
After the main course and before dessert, the server set these pretty bowls of pink soup in front of us. I will be honest in that I don’t remember what it was, but it had a great refreshing taste as a palate cleanser should.
Desserts
For dessert, we all had the same thing. There was one dish that just stood out from the others, shining brightly. That dish was the Pear: Poached Perthshire Conference pear, puff pastry, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce.
I will say right now. They had me with pear and caramel sauce. They had Dad with pear and vanilla ice cream and they had Mom with poached pear and puff pastry.
Amazing. Phenomenal. Delicious. Fabulous. Tasty. Delightful. Fantastic. Scrumptious. More, please.
Surely, that tells you what we thought about it…right? 🙃
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All three of us concluded that this was one of the top meals we’ve ever had in our lives and maybe the absolute best!
If you are visiting Edinburgh, I HIGHLY recommend The Kitchin. Even though I tried my absolute best, I still didn’t come close to communicating just how fantastic their food truly is. Combined with superb service and beautiful presentations, this is an experience not to miss. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first Michelin Star experience or your 1000th!
Have you been to Edinburgh? Have you eaten at The Kitchin? Of the foods we ordered, what would be your must-order favorite?
‘Til next time…
Trimm Travels,
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