It's becoming apparent that Tomás Gormley has a passion for birds. In 2020, the promising young chef co-founded the now Michelin-starred Heron, alongside Sam Yorke. Spring 2023 saw this duo open Skua, an understated, late-night restaurant that stands out on St. Stephen’s Street thanks to a jet black exterior and incisive dishes. Now, news has broken that Gormley is adding to the flock by opening Cardinal, his first solo venture, on Eyre Place this March.
Gormley’s not the only one flying the nest; Ben Mansour and James Aikman - colleagues from Skua - will take the roles of Cardinal’s general manager and sous chef respectively. Together, this team has decided on a 13-course tasting menu that spotlights fermentation, live fire cooking and seasonal Scottish produce. Expect Cardinal’s wine list to lean natural and the 24-cover restaurant to be bustling.
In sadder news, self-proclaimed lifelong lover of soup Elaine Mason has listed Union of Genius for sale. Her café, which specialises in soup and chilli, has fuelled countless university degrees over the years, my partner’s included. Aside from nourishing the screen-sick, Union of Genius was a regular contributor to the Bethany Christian Trust Care Van. Mason cited skyrocketing costs as the reason for selling, although the café currently remains in operation.
Finally, Singapore Coffee House announced it will be hosting evening dinner parties on a fortnightly basis. Both Fridays and Saturdays will see three separate seatings of eight guests each. If the initial event, “Taste of Singapore” is anything to go by, diners can expect to enjoy a four course set menu accompanied by unlimited kopi or masala chai.
Beef rendang and char kway teow, a stir-fried noodle dish packed with king prawn, cockles, and Chinese sausage are the standout of this week’s dinner. Tickets cost £55 per person. Full details can be found via the company’s website.
Now, a recommendation: Chennai’s Marina
The Scottish Curry Awards are a serious matter for businesses like Chennai’s Marina as chances to gain national recognition remain few and far between. Since opening in 2020, however, this restaurant has grabbed every opportunity with both hands, winning “Outstanding Indian Takeaway of the Year” last year and boasting two nominations for the 2024 awards including “Best of Edinburgh.”
Chennai’s Marina’s impressive array of South Indian and Sri Lankan curries warrant such accolades. Regional specialities featuring the bold and arresting use of spice dominate the menu, epitomised by a vicious chicken pallipalayam hailing from Tamil Nadu.
While a celebrated aspect of the business, curries are not the extent of Chennai Marina’s menu. Pakoras and biryanis make their presence felt as does the gobi pepper fry, a joyous dish which might be the best appetiser in Edinburgh. Those eager to sample these exceptional dishes can visit one of the brand’s three locations: 23 Jocks Lodge, 192 Dalry Road and 54 Clerk Street. Needless to say, the food also travels well.