Jemma Eat Scotland
Customer Service 101 from One Parliament Square, Edinburgh
Image credit: BBC
Normally I don’t use this blog to rant about companies that annoy me (ah who am I kidding, give me a soapbox and I’m jumping on with both feet). However today I got some customer service from One Parliament Square that was so bad it actually made me laugh out loud. It also made me turn a bit red, because I don’t enjoy being talked down to or spoken to dismissively.
But then I thought “I can’t keep this comedic gold to myself!”
So since I have a wee soapbox, I thought I’d share my email correspondence with One Parliament Square on here: just in case any of you are looking for a group apartment in Edinburgh and want to make sure that you’re going to be looked after by someone who is a true people person.
I’m a Total Food Geek!
Warning! Shameless self promotion ahead!
Well, I’m sure all of you knew about my nerdiness already, but now it’s official because I’m a member of the #TFGE gang.
Me at my TFGEeky Best
The Total Food Geeks have been getting together since the end of last year to talk and write about all things food. The aim is to celebrate all things gastronomic happening here in Scotland, so don’t expect too much snark. The contributor list reads like a who’s who of the Edinburgh food scene: both Lunch Questers, Jenny from Yelp, Aiofe from My Home Supper Club, Hilary from My Monkfish, Leila from Bite… need I go on? Because I could.
If you want to find out more fire on over to Total Food Geeks dot com, I’m super excited to be a member and am nervously planning my first article!
March issue of Bite
In other news, I’ve been doing a wee bit of writing for Bite. I’m pretty bad at promoting myself since I’m only mentioning this at the end of March (d’oh), but if you see this month’s issue (pictured to the left) kicking about in your local deli or eatery pick it up and give it a read.
In fact I’d recommend picking it up every month, regardless of whether I’m in it or not. It’s a great wee mag packed with articles and reviews of what’s going on in this fine city: kind of like a print version of TFGE.
But hey, if you’re a superfan of mine (lol) I have an article about the brilliant sustainable restaurant association on page 20. You can read it online, too; right here.
I suppose what I’m trying to say is that I can’t believe how many awesome opportunities have come from writing my little food blog already. What started as a hobby is slowly consuming my life; in the best way possible, of course.
If you want to commission any work from me (paid or otherwise) simply get in touch.
REVIEW :: Anatolia Chargrill, Glasgow
140 St. Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5LA
0141 221 8777
Although we couldn’t check into our hotel until 3pm, our strategy was to find it first and then go and get something to eat. Fate (Google maps) had a different idea, however, and sent us in the wrong direction up the street we were supposed to be on. As we wandered along we noticed a Turkish restaurant, Anatolia Chargrill. It was a few minutes later that I decided we must be going the wrong way, and should turn around.
We thought there would be no real point in walking past the Turkish restaurant as we were already quite intrigued, and decided to step inside for a light lunch. At this point our plan was to go out for a proper meal in the Merchant City that night, but due to the sheer amount we managed to stuff down our gullets in the Anatolia Chargrill that ended up not happening.
Glasgow Hotel Review :: Artto Hotel
Artto Hotel lobby, complete with one armed bandit
After staying in the beautiful Duisdale House Hotel, I wasn’t really expecting much from our humble abode in Glasgow. The Artto Hotel is situated behind Central Station and was simply selected as a reasonably priced hub to crash out after rocking out to the Dropkick Murphys.
Now what you might not know about me, since I’ve only started writing these hotel reviews, is that I love a hotel with character. And the Artto didn’t fail to deliver there.
In fact, I’ll be honest with you guys. I didn’t actually take any pictures of the hotel room because it was completley unremarkable. The place was decked out in light wood with a flatscreen telly and was basically the same as a Travel Lodge, except perhaps a little bit more interesting. The bed was really low, which I liked anyway.
No, the reason this hotel had character can be summarised in two words:
Curry. Bathroom.
Being situated right above the Bombay Blues restaurant meant that the bathroom of our hotel room stank of curry. When we first checked in we thought this was understandable as they were probably gearing up for a busy Saturday night of service.
But the smell persisted, even when we arrived back at the hotel around midnight.
In fact the only thing that smelled worse was the haggis supper I’d brought in with me on the way home. It probably smelled so much because, like any good Edinburgh lassie, I need Gold Star brown sauce (AKA chippy sauce) on my chips. As Glasgow is more of a “salt and vinegar” city I had to buy my own.
Chippidy-doo-dah!
There was only one thing for it:
The remains of the chippy were put into the bathroom so that the odours could fight to the death. In the morning, whichever one stunk the most would win!
We rose from our beds at 9am. James went into the bathroom…
Curry was the ultimate champion!
Other than that the hotel was wholly unremarkable.
6 Things You Must Do In Glasgow
Some might be inclined to argue that the West coast is the best coast: of course as an Edinbugger I have to disagree, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy jollies to Scotland’s second city.I think the reason I enjoy it so much is because Glaswegians are similar to Southern Europeans, i.e. Italians and Spanish: no concept of personal space, extremely friendly, and highly passionate. We ‘burghers are a little more like our Northern European friends: the Swiss, Germans, and Londoners.
My favourite trip to Glasgow was the day that Brad Pitt was filming in George Square. I thought about going to visit him on my way back to Queen Street Station, but my mind went blank and I forgot how to get there (for those unfamiliar with Glasgow, George Square is literally outside the front door of the station. I always use the side door, beside the taxi rank. I’m special).
James and I decided to have a wee one nighter in Glasgow a few weeks ago, as we had tickets to see the Dropkick Murphys. We had a much better time than we anticipated. Here’s my guide on how to have a rockin’ time in Glasvegas.
REVIEW :: Cafe Arriba, Portree
Quay Brae, Portree, Isle of Skye ,IV51 9DB
01478 611830
Wikitravel calls Café Arriba “the perfect spot to sit out a rain shower” and that’s exactly what James and I did, when we parked my car in Portree and were met with a torrential downpour of that essential Scottish rain. We didn’t fancy the look of anywhere around the square, so we were lucky when we wandered round the corner and were faced with the jolly signage of Café Arriba.
Skye in February :: My Favourite Photos
Until last year, I had never been to the Scottish Highlands. I’m an Edinburgher born and bred, and I suppose in my head I just figured that they’d always be there and there was no rush to go and see them: particularly when the beaches and cocktails of Europe were calling my name.
But after my road trip from Edinburgh to Skye, I have a new found appreciation for my gorgeous country. But it’s not just the Highlands that are beautiful: I got some amazing snaps when I was in Skye, all from my iPhone. I’ve been using a cool Pro HDR app which cost a couple of quid but in my opinion is worth every penny. Take a look at my photos of Skye and see what you think.
REVIEW :: Red Skye
The Old Schoolhouse, Breakish, Isle Of Skye, IV42 8PY
01471 822180
One thing that I didn’t consider when booking our getaway to the beautiful Isle of Skye in February was that it was out of season, and a lot of activities and eateries were closed until March.
We had a dig around the internet for must visit restaurants in Skye, and one name turned up often: The Three Chimneys. Unfortunately it was on the other end of the island from us. We thought a lunch would be manageable, as I’d be able to drive back in the sunlight and wouldn’t be too scarred by the fact I wasn’t able to drink, but sadly they don’t ‘do’ lunch in February.
Luckily for us, James had spotted the Red Skye restaurant online a few days before. The pictures of food on their website really got my mouth watering, and I was very happy when I realised that I knew where it was: we’d driven past it on the way to the Duisdale Hotel from the Skye Bridge. Reservations were made, I popped some mascara on, and we jumped in the car. Our drive was accompanied by the dulcet tones of Justin Hawkins.
Skye During the Low Season: What to Do
Going on holiday anywhere during the low season can be problematic. Often restaurants and tourist attractions will be closed, leaving you uncertain of what to do. Skye is very much a “closed for winter” island: with a few hotels and eateries remaining open, but a huge proportion opting to close their doors until the droves of tourists return.
We realised this just before we left. James phoned The Three Chimneys restaurant to book us in for a romantic lunch. They responded that they don’t do lunch at this time of year: lucky for us, as our hotel had fed us a three course breakfast and we wouldn’t have been able to handle a tasty lunch anyway!
Despite this, I reckon that February is a great time to visit Skye. At this time of year the island is beautiful, it’s nice and quiet, and everyone’s happy to see you.
So what is there to do in Skye during the low season? Read on…
REVIEW :: Duisdale House Hotel Restaurant
near Duisdalemore, Isle of Skye, Highlands, IV43 8QW
01471 833202
One name that cropped up in my search for Skye restaurant recommendations was the Duisdale House Hotel and by happy coincidence this was exactly where we were staying, thanks to a great deal I picked up last year from 5pm.co.uk. The hotel itself was lovely (but you already knew that) so I was excited about the food.
As a double AA rosetted restaurant, we knew that it was going to be a bit pricy but it was a special occassion after all (our anniversary) and after a 5 hour drive the thought of heading out and exploring in the dark would have made me break down in tears.
Upon arrival, the wonderful David asked us when we wanted to dine, so we made reservations for half past 7. We took some time to freshen up in our hotel room, and then returned to the downstairs lounge to slurp champagne and peruse the dinner menu whilst relaxing on a plush sofa.
There was a gaggle of Glaswegians also staying in a hotel: they provided some amusement to us as they were obviously sozzled already and were extolling the virtues of the mushroom linguine from the bar menu.
Just Another Edinburgh Food Blog
Hello, I'm Jemma and it's my aim to eat the world. I have two loves; food and travel. I decided to combine the two and write this blog: it keeps me out of trouble.
At the moment I'm based in Edinburgh, which means a focus on reviewing the best restaurants Scotland's capital city has to offer. I also like to share recipes, and news about exciting foodie goings on.
You can find out more about me and get in touch via the 'About' page.
Subscribe by Email
For the latest Edinburgh restaurant reviews, foodie news, and general adventures in food and travel delivered straight to your inbox:
Thinking, That's All
- I'm at Guchhi (Edinburgh, Midlothian)
http://t.co/YJyB7sc2 - @VindalooQueen
ooh I didn't notice! Manchester's awesome though! Oscar's closed last year and is now an Indian restaurant of all things! - @VindalooQueen
ooh those are awesome flats! Just passed there about 2min ago! Sure the nice weather of Dubai makes up for it? Freezing here! - @VindalooQueen
I like the graveyard bit at Slateford; looks dead nice in the snow! - Holy crap! New massive bike shop on Fountain Bridge alert! I should get the 34 more often
- I guess despite having a depot there @on_lothianbuses don't think anyone wants to go to Longstone :-/
- @kevlarhead
apparently they tasted fine! She ate the whole bag before realising!
- I'm at Guchhi (Edinburgh, Midlothian)
Edinburgh Food Blog
