23 June 2011
Shimmering Sugar
When I moved to New York City, I sort of adopted a cafe my Sister had introduced to the family when I was 10. I think I've done a similar thing with Clarinda's Tea Room while in Edinburgh...
I first visited in 2008 while in Scotland for my 30th Birthday trip. I had been invited to stay at a friend's house and we met up with two other lovelies who were in town for the day. It was a wonderful afternoon. I believe I had cinnamon toast and Scottish Breakfast tea...
Since then, I make it a point to go at least once while in Edinburgh. Last time I was there I missed it's hours a couple of times because my hotel was so far and I didn't get myself down there early enough! But this time we were staying at Craigwell Cottage which was just a quick walk away (you can actually see Craigwell through the window at Clarinda's. Fate!)
Craigwell Cottage through the window
Clarinda's challenged my comfort zone because it's a place where you share tables...if there's a seat, you sit. I'm still not so good at this, but working on it (last time I was in Edinburgh I had worked up the courage to sit at a bar alone and order a beer). It can be difficult when I'm on my own, but luckily this time I had Sara along!
However, every time we walked through the door there were plenty of tables open. So no sharing. In fact, we sat at the same one both times we ate there. That seemed to happen a lot that week (Edinburgh Larder). Everything was so relaxed and wonderful.
More Sunshine!
Corned Beef Toastie with Pickle and Breakfast Tea
I have fallen in love with toasties. I know that they are basically paninis...which I have often. But "toastie" is so much more fun to say! I also will always choose the toasties with pickles. For example, if cheese and pickle is on the menu, I'm all over it. I also think I could become a brown sauce addict...
Even more sunshine...and a Sausage roll
We had breakfast at Clarinda's on our last full day in Edinburgh (sniff). I had not had a bacon or sausage roll yet so I fixed that! Unfortunately I forgot that it was Good Friday...I had also forgotten it was a Friday in Lent the morning I arrived back in town...sigh. But the Scottish breakfast was calling...
Maybe next time, if I'm on my own, I will share a table with a friend I haven't met yet. Until then, I will remember toasties and breakfast tea by the window.
XO