A Taste of Edinburgh

Innards and organs aside, Scotland's culinary scene is making its mark. Explore the dramatic landscape for opulent meals and a few other culinary surprises along the way.

Edinburgh New Town Cookery School
Founded by Fiona Burrell in 2009, the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School is a must-stop for anyone looking to fully embrace Scotland's culinary heritage. One-day classes offer insight into traditional recipes as well as international influences that have helped form the unique flavors of the region. A full-day class may include artisan bread making or curries from around the world. And who knows, haggis - a savory pudding typically made from sheep hearts, liver, and lungs - may make an appearance.

7 Queen Street, Edinburgh
www.entcs.co.uk

The Gardener's Cottage
Escape from Edinburgh's bustle for an exquisite meal at chefs Dale Mailley and Edward Murray's urban oasis, the Gardener's Cottage. Housed in what were previously the groundskeeper's quarters for the Royal Terrace Gardens, the pair's six-course seasonal menu is at once sophisticated and rustic, incorporating common root vegetables such as carrot, kohlrabi and beetroot with mountain hare and venison, as well as using such quirky finds as horse parsley and sea buckthorn berries, used for a velvety and tart chilled mousse.

1 Royal Terrace Gardens, Edinburgh
www.thegardenerscottage.co

Tasting Scotland
If you want to nibble your way through the streets of Edinburgh and beyond, look no further than Brenda Anderson, founding director of Tasting Scotland. Her years of experience converge to create masterful itineraries that embrace Scotland's larder. Opt for a pre-planned tour that targets iconic locales, or go off the beaten track for a bespoke day of discovery.

A half-day adventure to Fife may include a rustic lunch at Balgove Larder Farm Shop, Butchery & Caf�, where you'll discover plenty of fresh produce, dry goods worthy of a border smuggle and funky finds like nostalgic Krakatoa Foam, a 1950s powdered soft drink. Meander among the grounds before settling into the Steak Barn - a former saw mill that has been converted into a rustic restaurant. The menu features various cuts - all aged in-house 28 days - as well as sausages from the butchery.

www.tastingscotland.com
www.balgove.com

Rhubarb at Prestonfield House
There's opulence, then there's Prestonfield House, which won VisitScotland's Thistle Award for Best New Hotel 2015. What's old is new again: the grand home actually dates back to 1687, when it was built for Edinburgh's Lord Provost. Owner James Thomson has amped up the glam factor with a vast art collection, antiques and plenty of candles.

The menu at Rhubarb is equally enticing, with seasonal variations as well as classics such as Chateaubriand for two served with b�arnaise sauce and Madeira. Scottish cheeses like Paddy's Milestone (a soft, fresh cheese) and 4 Ewes (a hard ewe's milk cheese) are tangy alternatives to their French counterparts. Those on a budget can still dip their toes in indulgence with afternoon tea ($30), which offers plenty of savory and sweet nibbles and even haggis bonbons.

Prestonfield House, Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh
www.prestonfield.com

Where to Stay
Looking for LGBT-specific highlights in Edinburgh? You've got plenty of options, whether you're drinking Scotch or hoping to get under a kilt. Here are our favorite finds.

Ardmor House - A charming bed-and-breakfast within walking distance of the gay bars in the "Pink Triangle" district. www.ardmorhouse.com

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - Use those Hilton HHonors points for some five-star digs at this newly renovated landmark property.
www.waldorfastoriaedinburgh.com

Fenton Tower - Head to the countryside to ensconce yourself in a gay-managed 16th-century castle. www.fentontower.com