It is a cause for celebration when an unrepresented cuisine gains its first foothold in Scotland. The owners of Pinčiukas, which opened its doors on Morrison Street at the tail end of October, will tell you as much.
Pinčiukas is Scotland’s first Lithuanian restaurant. Such a title infers great opportunity and an even greater sense of responsibility. Vaseem and Emilija Shaikh are making the most of both by championing traditional dishes that are seldom seen in the U.K. such as Šaltibarščiai, a violently pink soup made with beetroot. The restaurant is open everyday from 12:00 - 21:30.
On Sunday, 19 November Sumud Edinburgh held a pop-up at the Leith Walk Police Box, raising money for ACS, an Italian NGO that’s been supporting Gaza-based Palestinians since 2000.
Chicken musakhan rolls and lamb arayes were scheduled for sale between 11:00 - 17:00 alongside several other Palestinian street foods. However, a Lannanesque queue ensured that everything sold out before 14:30. Another pop-up may be organised in the future. Follow @sumudedinburgh to stay up-to-date.
Lastly, it was announced that Aurora, a well-loved, fine dining restaurant located on Great Junction Street, will close on December 31. The final menu will follow a “Greatest Hits” format, featuring the best dishes of Aurora’s seven year history. The team are open to suggestions from those who have previously dined at the restaurant.
Now, a recommendation: Hey Palu
Edinburgh is a city awash with cocktail bars. These range from the garish and large to the small and refined. Hey Palu, located at 49 Bread Street, has its feet firmly planted in the latter camp, serving a tight range of Italian apéritifs alongside a more worldly wine list.
Free of the stags, hens and other wildlife that frequent larger watering holes, Hey Palu’s drinks are served in a relaxed, amicable atmosphere. Those looking to take advantage of the bar’s greatest strengths should explore its considerable range of amari.