A brand new menu item is due to land in the nation’s favourite noodle bar, Chopstix, on August 1st.
The Smoky Seoul Chicken takes its inspiration from the flavourful delights of South Korean cuisine and is packed to the brim with smoky Korean-inspired flavours, along with mouth-watering peppers and tantalising fried onions.
It will launch as a limited edition dish, across the UK.
Bursting with flavour, the Smoky Seoul Chicken joins the renowned Chopstix menu which also includes Caramel Drizzle Chicken, Teriyaki Beef, and Salt ‘n’ Pepper Chicken and a range of sides and desserts.
Plus, the noodle chain has a number of deals and bundles designed to pack a punch, with guests able to choose numerous toppings for a true taste of Pan-Asian cuisine.
Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: “We’re delighted to introduce this new Korean-inspired dish to the Chopstix menu.
“We invest heavily in recipe research and development and this dish is something we’ve had in the pipeline for a while, listening to customer research and demand from some of our most loyal supporters.
“A perfect summer addition to the menu, with a variety of distinctive smoky flavours, we truly believe the Smoky Seoul Chicken is going to be a sure-fire winner, and a mouth-watering inclusion to our already delicious menu.”
The Pan-Asian noodle chain also recently celebrated its 100th store opening, making it one of the most popular high street noodle brands in the country.
Along with being available in stores across the UK, the noodle bar’s popular dishes are also available to order from Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat.
Chopstix is focused on delivering a faster, fresher, tastier alternative to the high street. Wok Master chefs deliver nourishing noodles, wholesome chicken, beautiful beef and perfect prawns with fresh vegetables and superb sauces to make Chopstix the ‘go to guys’ for boxed fresh flavour.
Maker’s Mark, the handmade bourbon from Kentucky, has teamed up with Edinburgh’s finest bars and artisan producer Scottish Bee Company, to celebrate Maker’s Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative for the first time in Scotland.
You can enjoy limited edition drinks on a new bourbon cocktail trail across Leith until May 31st.
Three Edinburgh bars, Nauticus, Mother Superior and Innis and Gunn, have created their twist on a Maker’s Mark’s ‘Gold Rush’ cocktail made with honey syrup, lemon, and Maker’s Mark bourbon.
The brand’s signature serve has been chosen for cocktail lovers to enjoy and, as a delicious option for those who might not have tried bourbon before, for its smooth and well–balanced flavours.
Imaginative drinks from Edinburgh’s top bartenders are available exclusively on curated menus in each bar until the end of the month and feature homegrown honey by Scottish Bee Company to enhance the bold flavours of Maker’s Mark bourbon.
Menu highlights in venues include a refreshing Fools Gold at Nauticus with Maker’s Mark, Edinburgh Honey Co, ginger, rooibos tea, fresh grapefruit and lime. Or try a smoky Maker Break cocktail at Mother Superior, expertly mixed with Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig 10yr Old, lemon and honey syrup.
The Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative takes place in May throughout the UK across Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, with 18 of the UK’s best bars and restaurants part of the exciting programme of craft cocktails and events.
All are designed to explore iconic bourbon cocktails whilst celebrating local communities and neighbourhoods. Bars have been selected for their superior quality and sustainable practice, and partnerships with local, artisan honey producers will occur in each city, paying homage to Maker’s Mark recent B – Corp certification.
Handcrafted in small batches, Maker’s Mark bourbon is crafted with precision and care to create a smooth yet full flavoured bourbon whiskey. Their production process includes rotating each barrel by hand and hand dipping each bottle at their distillery in Loretto, Kentucky in order to create the best-tasting Bourbon whiskey.
Edinburgh: Remarkable Neighbourhood – Edinburgh: Leith
Mother Superior Book your table by calling 0131 554 5280
Celebrate your local neighbourhood in style this May. MAKER’S MARK Remarkable Neighbourhood runs until May 31st across Leith in Edinburgh. For more information, visit https://www.makersmark.com/uk
Award-winning restaurant and wine bar transports guests to an Italian summer holiday from the heart of Edinburgh
The award-winning Italian restaurant hidden in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Divino, is welcoming the changing seasons with an array of new summer menus filled with vibrant dishes perfect to see in the longer days and warmer nights.
Divino has revamped their lunch, dinner, and drinks menus to introduce new showstoppers and elevated favourites inspired by the celebrated ingredients of the season. The menus boast authentic Italian cuisine, where undying tradition and modern flair runs through each fresh, vibrant dish for a unique experience to see guests through the summer months.
To fuel summer nights with bountiful fresh and colourful ingredients, Divino’s new dinner menu offers a variety of dishes including soft gnocchi served with fresh clams and beef cheek braised in Barolo wine. A range of vegetarian and vegan options are available including a southern Italian delicacy of deep-fried aubergines slow cooked in tomato and basil sauce.
For sociable souls this summer, Divino have introduced an array of new sharing dishes including crispy roman-style focaccia and platters of Italian cheese and charcuterie to be paired with a selection of drinks from its new drinks menu featuring cocktails of ‘Sicilian sun’ and fruity, fresh wines, all best enjoyed on the newly renovated outdoor patio, perfect for soaking up the sun.
Available every Saturday, Divino’s new lunch menu features indulgent starters like an Apulian burrata with pickled wild mushrooms and mains like roasted chicken with pancetta wrapped asparagus and desserts. Guests can enjoy two courses for £22 or three courses at £30, offering great value in a beautifully refurbished and relaxed dining experience.
Alongside a la carte options, Divino has curated three set menus all available for groups over 8, each offering an array of antipasti, mains and desserts to suit any pallet and budget. The Montepulciano menu a compact selection at £29 per person, while the Chianti menu priced at £45 per person elevates this offering to include options like Beef cheek braised in barolo wine. For those who prefer to sample from a wider range of dishes, the Barolo menu priced at £60 per head provides the widest variety.
Divino pride themselves on a truly immersive Italian experience, which is why guests can also enjoy monthly dedicated regional and wine nights, showcasing the very best produce and wines from different regions of Italy’s diverse culture and cuisine. For non-stop entertainment, Wednesday nights present Jazz Night at Divino, where guests can enjoy the finest Italian cuisine and an evening of jazz sessions from some of the best musicians in the city.
BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE NOODLE CHAIN, CHOPSTIX, LAUNCHES SUPER NOODLE BOWL – GET YOURS FOR ONLY £4.95
THE PAN-ASIAN NOODLE BAR HAS LAUNCHED A NATIONWIDE ‘SPRING SAVER’ MENU WITH THREE NEW MOUTH-WATERING OFFERS TO CHOOSE FROM
The noodle chain, which has over 90 stores nationwide, is expanding its menu for spring, and has announced its rolling out three new offers in its Edinburgh store and nationwide.
The exciting new additions are now available, Monday to Friday, including the Super Noodle Bowl offering diners a portion of noodles, three spring rolls drizzled with katsu curry sauce for £4.95.
Customers can also opt for a new 4-Topper Bundle which features four toppings of choice, five spring rolls and a medium soft drink. For those just wanting a box, customers can order an extra topping for just £1 more.
In addition, customers can still enjoy fan favourites such as Caramel Drizzle Chicken, Salt ‘N’ Pepper Chicken, Teriyaki Beef and Chicken Katsu Curry which are included in the 4-Topper bundle deal.
Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: “We’re delighted to be launching these new dishes which give customers even more choice, without breaking the bank.
“We’re always constantly looking out for and exploring recipes, flavour combinations, bundles and new items to add to our menus to ensure our customers have access to a fresh, fast and tasty alternative to the high street.
“Our 4-Topper bundle ensures customers can choose even more of their favourite items from the menu and tailor their own meal according to their needs whilst our new Noodle Super Bowl celebrates the UK’s love for noodles and spring rolls – plus, at only £4.95, what’s not to love?!”
Chopstix is focused on delivering a faster, fresher, tastier alternative to the high street. Wok Master chefs deliver nourishing noodles, wholesome chicken, beautiful beef and perfect prawns with fresh vegetables and superb sauces to make Chopstix the ‘go to guys’ for boxed fresh flavour.
Pure Chocolate, white chocolate and jelly pasta, strawberry and raspberry coulis with sweet decorations
The Great British Bake Off star Lottie Bedlow has created the world’s first giant chocolate meatball shaped Easter Egg!
Lottie, known for her chocolate desserts, even created pasta made from white chocolate to create the perfect chocoholic dish.
The 33-year-old baker, who appeared in the New Year’s Day special of the popular Channel 4 show teamed up with top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s to make the unique pure chocolate Easter Egg.
The restaurant is famous for its popular meatballs and wanted to showcase the much loved dish but with an Easter theme.
So they asked Lottie to make a football sized meatball, ten times the size of a normal meatball, made out of pure indulgent chocolate. And the result looks amazing!
The giant chocolate Easter egg took 30 hours to practice and perfect, five hours to make and assemble and comes complete with white chocolate and jelly pasta, a strawberry and raspberry coulis sauce with sweet donations.
And if you pop into Frankie & Benny’s this Easter you are in with a chance to win this amazing chocolate treat.
Lottie said: “I was tasked by Frankie & Benny’s to make a giant meatball complete with spaghetti, they wanted it football size, made of pure chocolate and hollow inside. The first attempt with the mould failed and the balloon technique – absolutely not!
“If you want to be in with a chance of winning my giant meatball Easter Egg all you have to do is head down to your local Frankie & Benny’s, look for a picture of my face, there will be cards on the table, scan the QR code and fill in your details. It’s as simple as that!”
The competition runs until April 16 and the winner will be contacted on April 17.
Be in with a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Frankie’s giant chocolate meatball Easter egg in celebration of the most delicious time of the year!
• All participants may enter this competition from the 20th of March – midnight 16th April 2023 • The prize is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash. • We reserve the right to switch the prize to a prize of equal value. • We reserve the right to amend the terms and conditions of this competition.
To Enter • To enter this prize draw, guest must complete the following steps: • While dining in any of our restaurants, guests will be presented with a QR code on their table. • Once scanned, guest must enter their required details to be placed in the pool of entrants. • A verification email will be sent confirming your entry.
Winner Selection • The winner will be drawn at random from a pool of all valid entries. • Winners will be drawn and contacted on 17th April 2023 • If the winner does not respond with their contact details within 48 hours, Frankie & Benny’s reserves the right to draw a new winner.
Mexican restaurant Chiquito has launched a special range of skincare products using its classic cuisine menu ingredients.
The range of natural products have been designed by dermatologists and a group of food science experts ready for the spring market.
Chiquito, which has been delivering the best of Mexican cuisine for over 30 years, created the range after a group of regular customers discovered the facial benefits of fresh guacamole.
The popular Chiquito dip made from avocados, coriander, red onions, chilli, lime and salt reacted well to the guest’s complexion and acted as an effective cleanser.
This was developed and became the first of the range called Exfoli-guacamole – an Avocado cleanser made from fresh avocado, Mexican lime and a B-vitamin complex to boost brightness and dark eyes.
The skincare team then developed a toner using a stimulating blend of fresh chilli and herbs to transform complexion and close visible pores called Habaner-no pores, a tingle toner.
A pimple cream called Toma-T-Zone designed for sensitive skin made from a unique formulation with squalene designed to reduce pimples, spots and breakouts.
The exciting new range also includes Frijole ‘n’ exfole, an invigorating and refreshing coffee and black bean scrub that works to reduce black heads and give a smooth, glowy complexion.
And a Daily primer and sunscreen called Salsa Shield made from creamy, dreamy pineapple and hyaluronic acid enriched primer for deep hydration with added SPF15 protection.
A spokesperson for the Mexican restaurant, famed for its iconic Chiquito sombreros, music and fiesta fun said: “The new range is the start of an ambitious project to use plant based foods to enhance the skin’s natural appearance.
“The 100 per cent natural ingredients have been used for centuries but this is the first time a full range of dermatological products have been created by a restaurant. It is hoped that if this range proves popular then ground tortilla chips will be used to develop beauty products including hair and nail conditioners after research showed the chips had a restorative effect.”
All the products are available for pre-order on April 1.
ST JAMES QUARTER ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF EDINBURGH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Ahoy seafood lovers! The Edinburgh Seafood Festival, in association with The Scotsman, is set to make a splash as it returns to St James Quarter, bringing delicious culinary delights from the Quarter and beyond from Friday 31st March – Sunday 2nd April.
The festival will showcase a selection of the highest quality, locally sourced seafood as well as the impressive talents of the gastronomic geniuses behind some of St James Quarter’s most exciting dining destinations.
Guests looking to brush up on their culinary skills can enjoy a range of workshops and demonstrations, hosted by the experts on the Seafood Stage, located on Level 1, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April.
Scotland’s National Chef, Chef Gary Maclean will take centre stage on Saturday, from 11am sharing his top tips for cooking fish at home and showcasing his skills in the live demonstration space.
Maki & Ramen’s Founder and Managing Director, Teddy Lee, will also share his culinary secrets and bring a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine to Edinburgh with sushi making masterclasses.
Also part the Seafood Stage line-up, guests can enjoy a fun-filled cooking demo from Jimmy Lee of Bonnie & Wild favourite, Salt and Chilli Oriental. Expert duo Chef Brian Grigor and Sommelier Glen Montgomery, the team behind restaurant eòrna, opening in Stockbridge this Spring, will also host an interactive workshop.
The ever-popular Oysterman will return to this year’s festival, joined by Miss Caviar, offering guests the chance to indulge in seafood delicacies while they explore the Festival.
For serious foodies and seafood lovers, Miele, on Level 2, will play host to two unique and unmissable events. On Saturday, 1st April, Chef Gary Maclean will host an intimate cooking demonstration and book signing, with all guests enjoying fizz on arrival, the chance to learn from the expert up close, and take home a signed copy of his book, Gary Maclean’s Scottish Kitchen.
On Sunday, 2nd April, Chef Paul Wedgwood will host an exclusive nine course seafood dinner and tasting menu, in Miele’s state-of-the-art, stylish kitchen. Twelve guests will have the exciting opportunity to see Paul, who was just named Chef of the Year at the Scottish Excellence Awards, at work and enjoy his creative and exquisite dishes that will highlight the very best of Scottish produce.
New to this year’s line-up, The Seafood and Street Food Market will make its debut on Register Square from Friday, 31 March – Sunday, 2 April, giving foodies the chance to dive into a world of flavour and try some tasty street food. Whether you’re looking for a poke bowl, seafood pizza or fish and chips, there will be a vast selection on offer from vendors across Scotland including Spanish Moskito Bites, Mana Poke and Lemon Squeezy.
Those who are inspired to cook with fish at home can pick up fresh Scottish fish and seafood from the Quarter’s very own fishmonger. Guests can also experience a taste of the Outer Hebrides by visiting the Isle of Harris Gin pop up shop to sample or buy the brand’s award-winning gin, made with locally harvested Sugar Kelp seaweed. There will be a pop-up Prosecco and Sangria bar too – the perfect accompaniment to the seafood delights on offer.
There are also opportunities to sample delicious dishes and seafood specials throughout the Quarter. If you’re looking for a reel treat, then enjoy the luxury experience of Bonnie & Wild’s Champagne and Oyster Bar – open from 12pm on April 1st only.
From 4-6pm, Duck and Waffle will host a Shucking Awesome Oyster Happy Hour, with £1.50 oysters and perfectly paired drinks. Ka Pao is ready to make waves with its seafood specials menu, inspired by the team’s recent trip to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Guests can also enjoy a Greek take on the classic fish and chips at The Real Greek, and a limited-edition fish and chips bagel from the team at Bross Bagels.
As if that wasn’t enough, there will be an educational RNLI pop-up, live entertainment from local talent on Level 4, a fin-tastic play area in LEGO and under the sea glitter face painting for the kids (and adults too!).
If you’re in the market for a little retail therapy, then look no further. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, many retailers are recognising the importance of sustainability.
From recycling stations in H&M, John Lewis and The Perfume Shop to refillable cosmetics in newly opened Space NK and The Body Shop, brands across the Quarter will be spotlighting their sustainable collections and product ranges or initiatives throughout the Seafood Festival.
Nick Peel, Managing Director St James Quarter,said: “It’s great to be bringing back Edinburgh Seafood Festival to St James Quarter. This year’s festival is set to be bigger and better than ever and will offer an amazing range of seafood options from dining destinations around the Quarter and beyond.
“From a jam-packed schedule of events including live cooking demonstrations and workshops with some of the country’s top chefs, as well as the new addition of the Seafood Market in Register Square, there’s lots of exciting activities and entertainment planned to keep the whole family entertained.
“Guest experience is front and centre of everything we do, so we’re really excited to be bringing another unique and memorable experience to the city. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to St James Quarter to enjoy this year’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival – be sure to catch it while you can!”
Edinburgh’s award-winning Italian restaurant and wine bar Divino Enoteca is transporting guests to the island of Sardinia this spring, continuing with its series of regional wine tasting nights on the 16th and 30th of April at 5pm.
In-house wine experts James and Davide will guide guests through this historic region, exploring what makes Sardinian wine is one of Italy’s best kept secrets.
Conquered by various empires over the centuries, many cultures have brought their history, food, and grapes to the island, meaning a prevalence of international varieties and styles not found anywhere else in Italy.
A warm maritime climate and rich soils create the perfect conditions for complex, elegant wines – including those on the tasting menu, like a 2021 Vermentino Di Sardegna from Antonella Corda, and a 2019 Cannonau Di Sardegna from Santadi.
Guests will enjoy a welcoming aperitivo, 5 fabulous wines to taste, and matching canapes from head chef Andrea Calistro for just £25.
Divino boasts an impressive assortment of world wines, and voted ‘best wine list,’ the restaurant is the perfect spot for get togethers allowing you to sample, appreciate and indulge in some of the finest Italian wines.
The wine tasting series began in the heart of fine Italian wine with Piedmont in February, before moving onto Dessert Wines in March, and will now showcase Sardinian Wines for the month of April.
Divino’s full wine tasting schedule includes:
April 16th and 30th, 5pm – Sardinian Aines, £25
May 14th and 28th, 5pm -Biodynamic / Natural Wines, £25
June 11th and 25th, 5pm -Divino Garden Party! Summer Wines in the Courtyard, £25
July 9th and 23rd, 5pm- Producer Showcase, £25
September 10th and 24th, 5pm – Super Tuscans, £50
October 8th and 22nd, 5pm – Producer Showcase, £25
November 19th and 26th, 5pm – Amazing Abruzzo, £25
For each event, the wine tasting will take place from 5pm. Guests will also be able to book to dine a la carte throughout the evenings.
Dine every day at The Ivy with a delicious, new selection of tantalising set menus and dishes for all occasions
The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh is here to make all your dreams come true this spring.
Whether guests wish to enjoy a delightful mid-week lunch, or a meal with family, friends and loved ones, whatever the occasion, dine every day at The Ivy with something for everyone.
All Day Dreamers, launching Tuesday, 21 March
Indulge in a luxurious lunchtime experience with the All Day Dreamers set menu, brimming with dishes that dreams are made of. Diners can choose two courses for £17.95 or three courses for £22.95, plus a Champagne Dream Cocktail (£9.95), featuring a tantalising blend of Scapegrace Black gin poured over cotton candy and topped with Ivy Champagne.
Starters include a warming Creamed Cauliflower Soup, a fresh Pan-fried Scottish smoked haddock or Emilia Romagna cured coppa ham.
For mains, guests can choose from a selection of seasonal dishes including Spicy Jackfruit and Toasted Peanut Bang Bang Salad served with Mexican chayote, seasame, coriander, white mooli and shredded Chinese leaf, or chargrilled, grass-fed Rump Steak, served with thick cut chips.
The new Dream Dessert features a crispy vanilla cloud with warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and hot yuzu caramel sauce, perfect for those guests with a sweet tooth.
Available Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 6.30pm.
Little Dreamers, launching Tuesday 21, March
For those looking for a family treat, the Little Dreamers menu is perfect for younger guests to enjoy, with all main dishes priced at £9.95.
Children can choose from Linguine Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Grilled Chicken Escalope with sprouting broccoli, a delicious Hamburger and Chips, and much more.
For dessert, children can create their Dream Sundae (£6.95), with vanilla ice cream, and a range of toppings to choose from including strawberries, marshmallows, honeycomb, and chocolate flakes.
Customers can grab a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99
Kids Eat Free offer can be claimed alongside new deal
Available in all cafes now until April 2nd
Morrisons has launched a new two-course set menu in all its cafés allowing customers to get a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99.
Favourite dishes such as fish & chips, lasagne and a roast dinner with all the trimmings can be enjoyed alongside a drink and topped off with a Bramley apple crumble or a sticky toffee pudding – all for under a tenner.
The £8.99 two-course deal is available in every Morrisons café nationwide from today until April 2. It comes after customers praised the value of the set menu at Christmas and asked if a similar deal could be introduced outside the festive season.
What’s more, the popular Kids Eat Free offer which allows customers to get a free kids meal with every adult meal costing £4.49 or more, can be claimed alongside the new £8.99 deal. Making Morrisons café the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal as a family at great value.
Kids can choose from the all-day breakfast menu as well as the main menu which includes favourites such as fish fingers & chips or chicken nuggets, chips & peas. All items from the children’s menu are served with a piece of fruit and a drink.
Morrisons is committed to providing good quality food at affordable prices in its cafés and this deal follows last week’s two for £10 breakfast offer as well as the permanent price cuts that were made to the café menu at the end of last year.
Morrisons is also continuing to reduce prices across its stores and has cut 1,000s of products this year alone.
Chris Strong, Morrisons Café buyer, says: “Our customers told us how much they appreciated the great value of our set menu at Christmas and asked us if we could bring it back at other times of the year.
“We’re pleased to be doing just that and offering a great value two course meal for just £8.99 – plus a drink! As it can be used alongside our Kids Eat Free offer it means the whole family can benefit.”
