FOOD : Pre Theatre Tasting menu at Dean Banks at the Pompadour, Edinburgh
Chef Dean Banks is still making his mark in Scotland, with his 3 restaurants and 1 bar in his portfolio - Haar in St Andrews, Dulse and Pompadour in Edinburgh and Forager in Dollar. The Masterchef finalist who is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to sourcing the finest, sustainable ingredients, Chef Dean Banks consistently delivers dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. His ability to seamlessly blend flavours and textures, while still staying true to the essence of the ingredients, sets him apart. Whether it's his delicate seafood creations or his inventive use of seasonal produce, Chef Dean Banks continues to push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of gastronomy, leaving diners begging for more.
Read my review of Dulse HERE
Dean Bank at the Pompadour at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh offers a truly exquisite dining experience. Nestled within the historic walls of the hotel, this restaurant effortlessly combines elegance and sophistication. With its beautiful high ceilings, opulent chandeliers, and plush seating, the ambiance is nothing short of luxurious. The menu showcases the finest Scottish produce, expertly crafted into culinary masterpieces by Dean Banks brigade of Chefs. Each dish is a work of art, bursting with bold flavours and innovative combinations. The impeccable service provided by the attentive staff adds to the overall experience, ensuring that every guest feels pampered and well-cared for.
REVIEW OF DEAN BANKS AT THE POMPADOUR PRE THEATRE TASTING MENU
This carefully crafted culinary adventure promises to awaken your taste buds and leave you sated yet energized. From elegant appetizers to delectable mains, the pre-theatre menu caters to every discerning palate. Feast on a symphony of flavours, where the freshest ingredients harmonize to create masterful dishes. This Pre Theatre 5 Course Tasting Menu is £59pp which can be paired with a selection of carefully curated wine for an additional £40pp.
SMOKED / SMOKIE
We start with a selection of small bites laid down in front of us. The presentation is set to wow and it does. A fish skeleton holds slices of crispy rye croutons, a visually striking pea green, pea tart captivates and a tin of dashi pearls with apple and radish brings an element of curiosity to the table. Each element is packed full of flavour!
CORN & SUNFLOWER COBLET - the bread and butter is outstanding. Just downright delicious.
RAW / BEEF TARTAR
I love the playfulness of these dishes - always something to discover. Lying under the chewy yet snap perfect cow cracker was beef yukhoe (Korean for raw beef), black garlic and sorrel. Lets just say not a crumb was left on this plate!
PLANCHA / MARKET FISH Exmoor Caviar £10 per 5g
There’s only one word to describe the look and feel of this dish -delicate. If there ever was a perfectly cooked fish dish, this would be this. Coley with a cauliflower foam. Mr TS went for the additional caviar topping. They will ask you how many grams you would like so be aware of the price.
For drinks we enjoyed a G&T and a mocktail. They also have a decent spirits menu and also the wines.
CONFIT / DUCK
This dish surpassed all my expectations. You can feel the time and dedication given to creating this dish, slow-cooking the duck in its own luscious fat, making it unparalleled in tenderness and succulence. Incredible.
TONKA BEAN & STRAWBERRY
This came with its own table side theatre. Strawberry and gochujang hundreds and thousands created in a bowl of liquid nitrogen is sprinkled over your strawberry dessert with basil sorbet. So many flavours and textures on this plate.
You can also add to your menu the following elements:
STEAMED / LOBSTER - £25pp
PHEASANT BACK MUSHROOM, SUMMER TRUFFLE - £20pp
A pre-theatre tasting menu is not just a meal, but an immersive journey that sets the stage for an unforgettable night of delights and this is exactly what Dean Banks at the Pompadour delivers - 5 stunning courses that will take your palate on a journey!
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT DEAN BANKS AT THE POMPADOUR
If you inform them of your dietary requirements, they will do their utmost to accommodate them
The restaurant is located on the 1st floor of the Waldorf Astoria and it is disabled accessible via an elevator
The Pre-Theatre menu is only available Monday to Friday 5pm-630pm. Saturdays and Sundays 12pm-230pm
DEAN BANKS AT THE POMPADOUR, WALDORF ASTORIA, EDINBURGH www.deanbanks.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10
I was invited by Dean Banks at the Pompadour to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.