Welcome

PEOPLE know I like my grub. I'm a grazer, often seen at my desk munching on a sandwich, swilling back soup or dropping a sun-dried tomato on my knee while trying to send an e-mail while eating a salad. More likely, I am seen stealing biscuits from the Features Desk treat-packed tin. (Yes, I did take the Hob Nobs on Sunday and I'm sorry – Lidl value custard creams will take their place soon].

While I often munch chocolate bars and biscuits, I do like going out for a decent meal, although a busy job and four children doesn't help. Living in Musselburgh, I was in a culinary desert, as the excellent Lanna Thai was the only place worth going for a long time. Yet the coming of Charan Gill's Chubara at The Quayside and the opening of The Glasshouse has offered some brilliant alternatives.

In Edinburgh, the last twice I have been out to lunch was at Wedgwood on The Royal Mile and I recommend it. Portions are a tad small for a guzzler like me, but beautifully presented and delicious – and the set menu isn't too pricey.

I'm also a big fan of La Garrigue on Jeffrey Street, though I haven't been for a while. No problem with small portions there, and because I always feel I can't possibly refuse wine with my meal there, I always emerge bulging out of my clothes like Geri Halliwell in her Union Jack dress days.

I also very much like The Grainstore on Victoria Street, quirky little Turkish place Empires on St Mary's Street and Barioja on Jeffrey Street.

This weekend at The Meadows, Taste of Edinburgh celebrates the best the city has to offer. The range of quality chefs and restaurants taking part indicates the growth of fine dining in Edinburgh and it promises to be a fantastic weekend. Hopefully, this issue gives you a flavour of what to enjoy. Have fun.