FOOD: BURGER. RESTAURANT REVIEW

I’ve always been a sucker for a good burger and trying out the new burger joints that crop up in Edinburgh fairly regularly is always an experience, good or bad! Gone are the days when adding bacon to your burger was a daring culinary move, and now it’s acceptable to slap pretty much anything you like in your bun, whether it’s a whole haggis, a ladle of chilli, sliced avocado or chorizo, or even a healthy portion of mac ‘n’ cheese. Turning vegetarian at the start of this year, however, has slimmed down these options considerably so now I'm all about those veggie patties, and always on the hunt for places that offer something a little different.

Despite its name, BURGER offers more than just the usual meat-in-bun fare. The Katsu and Wasabathon burgers add a refreshing new twist to the usual meat patties, and their grilled Chilli Dogs give an extra option, even for veggies, if you’re after something a little different. They also have a great range of guest beers and ales as well as the usual fizzy and hot drinks, and some delicious sounding ice cream shakes and sorbets for afters.

My friend and I visited early one Thursday evening when the restaurant was fairly quiet with just a couple of other groups eating in. The service was friendly, fuss-free and very efficient, and our order was ready quickly. BURGER prides itself on cooking everything fresh to order and using 100% recyclable and compostable packaging and cutlery so, whilst they obviously don’t go in for elaborate presentations, they’re a big step up from fast food and instead turn their focus to offering simple but tasty and fresh food.

I went for the Veggie Burger with cheese, whilst my friend opted for the Bacon Cheese Burger with jalapenos, and both were delicious. The patties and fillings were the perfect portion-size and served in toasted brioche buns – definitely my number one bun of choice! Whilst my veggie patty was a bit on the soft side and didn’t hold together very well, which is always a risk with patties made of chickpea or sweet potato, it was packed full of flavour and disappeared within minutes.

We also ordered a side of Veggie Chilli Cheese Chips to top the whole thing off. The chips were a bit overcooked for my liking, but the chilli was really tasty and had just the right level of spice. It could have done with a bit more of the chilli, but as it was just meant as a side the portion size was fairly generous. I'll just have to remember to order one just for myself next time...

All in all, the food at BURGER was really good and excellent value. So if you’re after fuss-free, affordable but tasty burgers and dogs, BURGER comes highly recommended.

To view their full menu, you can visit their website here.

LIFE: BEHIND THE SCENES OF A FASHION PHOTOSHOOT WITH NICCI.N

Over the past month or so, I’ve been interning with Scottish womenswear brand nicci.n as a stylist and marketing assistant and working with fab designer, Nicola Gardner, to ready and launch her new Autumn/Winter 2015 collection.

It's been an amazing experience, and I've learnt an unbelievable amount about the whole process of designing and launching a collection - not as easy as it looks! - and wanted to share some of the behind the scenes snaps and final images from the studio and editorial photoshoots on here.

Photographer Rach Roberts and Model Raechel McGinn

Firstly, a bit about the whole wonderful collection. Nicola was inspired by 16th Century Scottish history and Mary Queen of Scots and has taken elements from the fashions of that period, such as high necklines and ruffs, bright fabrics, and exaggerated silhouettes, and given them a modern day spin, turning them into wearable highstreet pieces. I immediately loved how unique and edgy all the designs were, especially with all that gorgeous leatherette and intricate bead detailing, and really think they translate to everyday wear.

The studio with model Raechel McGinn strutting her funky stuff

The first day of my internship, i was invited along to Edinburgh College to help out on the studio photoshoot and it was an absolute dream working with everyone on set. Makeup artist Danielle Dickson, photographer Rach Roberts, and model Raechel McGinn were all pro's and super relaxed and comfortable at the shoot. It was exciting to help put the looks together and I learnt a lot from watching photographer Rach direct Raechel to get the best shots. So with the help of Taylor Swift blairing out of the radio, the day flew by!

Makeup Artist, Danielle Dickson, working her magic, Designer, Nicola, making some final adjustments

Once the studio shoot was done and dusted, I was asked to start scouting locations for the editorial photoshoot which was the bit i was most excited about. With the historical theme in mind, I had to find a location that reflected that 16th Century element, preferably somewhere historical and rustic with loads of character.

It was perfect then that I came across Dalhousie Castle, Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle just 8 miles south of Edinburgh. It offered the ideal back-drop to this historically inspired collection with its ivy-covered stone walls, grand interiors, and thrones galore, so we were spoilt for choice for backgrounds to shoot against. 

Model, Evelina Brinkemo, looking regal in the nicci.n. Ivory Cotton Sateen Shirt

The potential for some really great shots was obvious as soon as we arrived at the castle, which is set within beautiful woodland and park grounds, and even has it's own falconry centre! After trying and failing to convince the falconry to lend us one of their birds for the shoot - how amazing would that have been?! - we had a wander around the castle to scope out some locations whilst makeup artist, Danielle, set about making up models Urszula Prokop and Evelina Brinkemo in full-on 16th Century gear. Think huge beehive hair adorned with jewels, crowns, and pearls, porcelain white faces, and doll-like lips. Beautiful!

Rach captured Evelina and Urszula working the throne in the Dalhousie reception

The castle had the most perfect interior and props to match the collection, and being able to use these authentic historical pieces really brought the clothes to life.

Having selected the locations for each outfit, we began setting up the shots and I got stuck into styling the models with all the fab accessories that Nicola had brought along with her, and helping Rach capture the best lighting for each shot.

Just a few of the props that Nicola brought along with her.

Evelina in the sheer lace dress outside Dalhousie Castle

Evelina rocking the nicci.n. Burgundy Leatherette Mini Dress

It was a long day and before we knew what was happening it was 8pm and time to wrap things up. It was a bit of a rush at the end to get the final shots done before we lost all the light, but with the aid of some strong coffee and a whole lot of kit kats, we managed to pull it off. Below are some of the final images.

Urszula in the nicci.n. Leatherette and Lace Fishtail Maxi Skirt and Top

Seeing the whole collection brought to life as the photos came back over the following weeks was really rewarding and made all the work worthwhile, and I absolutely loved my time working with Nicola and all the gang to launch this new collection from one of Edinburgh's newest and most exciting womenswear designers.

  If you want to see more of the collection, you can find pieces on nicci.n, Asos Marketplace, and Wear Eponymous.

Also, huge thanks to staff at Dalhousie Castle for allowing us to use the property and grounds for this shoot.

LIFE: MADE FROM SCOTLAND, EDINBURGH POP UP SHOP

I paid a visit to the new Made From Scotland pop up shop on Edinburgh's Rose Street which opened last week and was totally overwhelmed to see the work of so many talented Scottish designers and artists under one roof.

Fabulous Black

Couthie                                                 The Moniaive Chocolatiers

Born from the idea that Scotland has far more to offer than the sweeping stereotypes suggest, Made From Scotland offers a platform for independent and free-thinking Scottish designers, producers and artists looking to showcase their innovative work to a wider audience, and has taken a leap from the web to the high street.

A Pair of Blue Eyes

Edinburgh Bow Tie Co.

Catherine Aitken

With quirky tote bags and unique art pieces covering the walls of the pop up shop, beautifully designed homewares stacked across tables, plump cushions piled up in wooden hampers, and intricate silver jewellery shimmering in glass cabinets, there's a definite sense that Made From Scotland have achieved something special by bringing all this talent together in one space, and it's both exciting and inspiring to see all the fantastic creations in the flesh.

Gillian Kyle

The Earl Grey                                                          Dibujo Design

If you want to take a peak yourself, the pop up shop will be open at 115-117 Rose Street until October and you can visit the Made From Scotland website here.

STYLE: HIGH WAISTS AND ISABELLE

 

Top - Zara, Skinny Jeans - Miss Selfridge, Moon Necklace - Urban Outfitters,
Holographic Bag - New Look

A very casual outfit today. I've worn these high waist jeans to death since getting them a few months ago, but i love how well-fitting they are. A lot of "high-waist" jeans out there just aren't high enough for me, but these are perfect to wear with slightly cropped tops like this one.

In other (way more exciting) news, my brother and his girlfriend have just had their first baby, which means i'm officially an Aunt! :D I'm off to see them this weekend and i'm so excited. I went a little bit crazy shopping for gifts amongst all the onesies and baby toys and ended up buying half the shop... but, seriously, who can resist a knitted rainbow and elephant hat with matching boots??

LIFE: EDINBURGH HANG-OUTS, APIARY RESTAURANT

For the second post in my Edinburgh Hang-outs series, I chose another local treasure in the Newington area of Edinburgh; Apiary is a restaurant, cafe and bar which describes itself as offering "Modern British grub to comfort and excite", served with a Mediterranean twist.

It features many of the usual suspects of British restaurants; salads, burgers, and fish and chips, but they come with an extra exotic edge. Amongst their snacks there are olives, dukkah (an Egyptian seed, nut and spice dip), and vegetable mezze platters; instead of your usual caesar salad, they offer a Thai beef and mango salad, or spicy prawn, pea, radish and vermicelli rice noodle salad; and instead of the standard fish and chips, a side of gherkins, lemon and mustard mayo, and watercress adds a refreshing change to an old classic.

The restaurant itself is rather imposing with its tall ceilings and windows, but is tempered by the dark leather sofas and cosy cubby holes, and with the addition of some amazing local artwork which adorn its walls. A beehive theme runs throughout the restaurant (an Apiary is where beehives are kept dontcha know), with a small beehive standing just inside the door, and bee and honey ornaments and artwork embellishing the tables and walls, giving it a homely feel.

Ric and I treated ourselves to brunch here at the weekend, as we'd only ever been in for drinks and bar snacks in the past. The service was excellent; polite and friendly without being too intrusive or too distant, and the food was amazing and an absolute bargain.

I went for the Eggs Florentine, because you can never go wrong with fancy bacon and eggs, and Ric went for the Omelette with bacon, spring onion, chive, red pepper and cheddar with salad, both of which were just £6, and both perfectly creamy and delicious.

All gone!

The Apiary also offers a lunch and dinner menu, and a varied selection of craft beers and wines, as well as lunch and pre-theatre deals.

For more info visit www.apiaryrestaurant.co.uk

This is not a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own and all meals were paid for myself.