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Weekend brunch goals at Galvin Brasserie de luxe, Edinburgh
The Caledonian Hotel is the very impressive red sandstone building at the west end of Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens. Originally a Victorian railway hotel, it now houses one of the city's finest 5-star hotels.
The Michelin-starred Galvin brothers run the well-established Pompadour restaurant within the hotel. On a wet and windy day we arrived to sample the new brunch menu in the Galvin Brasserie De Luxe, one of two restaurants within the hotel.
We arrived at noon and were quickly seated. The Brasserie has a clear French feel. A comfortable room with unobtrusive background music that encourages you to relax in style. The service, we soon discovered, is efficient and friendly without being overfamiliar.
We started with some morning cocktails. A Signature Bloody Mary for me. A highball of spicy tomato and vodka to de-fog the sleepiest head (£7.50). My partner went for the champagne cocktail (£16.00). Sundays need not be boring here!
Menu
The menu is well-balanced with something for everyone. And if that's not enough there is also a full lunch menu for late brunchers.
The Charcuterie and Cheese Board (£9.00) was tempting - one on its way to another table looked great, but instead we went for two small plates and two large plates. The titles are a bit confusing. The small plates are anything but small and all the portion sizes were generous.
The "Small" plates
Scottish Eggs Benedict (£8.00)
Two toasted bagel slices topped with beetroot and traditional cured smoked salmon, wilted spinach à la Florentine. Crowned with nice soft poached eggs and served with a dish of Hollandaise. This was all very pleasant.
Smoked Salmon, Fromage Blanc with Rocket on Granary Bread (£8.50)
A Smoked Salmon sandwich by any other name, and a very nice one at that. Lots of tasty smoked salmon garnished with rocket leaves and cream cheese made for a lovely light moist sandwich. You could enjoy this anytime.
The "Large" Plates
Full Scottish Breakfast (£15.00)It had to be tried...two spicy pork sausages, haggis, black pudding, bacon, portobello mushroom, eggs and grilled tomato. All locally sourced and piping hot, just the way it should be. This was a huge breakfast, perfect for the morning carb hunter!
Baked Duck Egg, Truffle Potato and Parmesan (£12.00)
Baked egg with country potatoes. Brilliant. Comfort food at its best...and at brunch time, a great tummy soother. The truffle and parmesan take this classic European dish to another planet.
This was our favourite dish of the day.
When we stepped outside the rain had stopped. The sky was less grey and we were ready to face the day with our bellies full. Brunch at Galvin Brasserie de luxe is how Sundays should be spent!
Toilets
Immaculate. Individual cubicles for men (privacy at last). Nice Art Deco theme and plenty of toiletries.
Where
Galvin Brasserie de Luxe, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh The Caledonian, Rutland Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB
When
Every Saturday and Sunday between 12 and 2.30pm
Book
To reserve a table, call Galvin Brasserie de Luxe on 0131 222 8988 or visit www.galvinedinburgh.com.