FOOD : Tanifiki & Great Grog Italian Wine Dinner, Portobello
Tanifiki Coffee House, located on Portobello High Street, is a charming and cosy spot that opened its doors in 2021. Known for its African specialty beans, Tanifiki offers a unique coffee experience with rich, smooth flavours that are ethically sourced from Rwandan and other African farmers. With a welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and a commitment to sustainability, Tanifiki has quickly become one of my favourite coffee shops.
Tanifiki is a joint project by South African, Jono who has a passion for making coffee and Rwandan, Ben, who has a passion for coffee beans. A match made in coffee heaven!
These two coffee aficionados are about to embark on a new adventure, so its worth following them to see what they get up to - I promise you, it’s exciting!
REVIEW OF THE TANIFIKI ITALIAN WINE DINNER WITH GREAT GROG - PORTOBELLO
Their vision revolves around fostering a strong sense of community and encouraging collaboration. They've designed a welcoming space where individuals can come together, whether they're seeking solitude or the company of others. This space is also set up for hosting events.
Building on that note, Tanifiki recently hosted their inaugural dinner and wine pairing event - Italian Wine Dinner, in collaboration with Great Grog, who are well-known independent wine, beer, and spirits merchant in Edinburgh. Established in 1999, Great Grog has become a beloved destination for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. With three convenient locations in Edinburgh - Leith and two on the Southside, they offer an extensive selection of over 450 wines, over 700 beers, and various spirits. They are renowned for their curated wine tastings, beer fairs, and wine dinners, which provide unique experiences; leading to yet another perfect collaboration!
This event marked a significant milestone for Tanifiki, as it showcased their commitment to creating unique and enriching experiences. The evening was a delightful journey through Italian cuisine, perfectly complemented by expertly selected wines from Great Grog. It brought together food enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs, and locals in a convivial and elegant setting.
With fairy lights twinkling in the background and a glass of fizz in hand, lets get into the details of the dinner.
Charcuterie Cup
The charcuterie cup was a delightful way to begin the evening, setting the tone for a culinary adventure. Brimming with an assortment of ingredients, it featured savoury salami and prosciutto, offering rich, cured flavours that paired perfectly with the crispy breadsticks and pretzels. The addition of marinated olives provided a briny contrast, while juicy grapes added a touch of sweetness. To top it all off, some cheese brought a creamy and tangy balance to the mix. This carefully curated selection made for a harmonious and satisfying start, whetting the appetite for the delicious courses to follow.
Wild Gin & Beetroot Cured Salmon with pickled Fennel and horseradish cream
The first taste was a delicate balance of smoky and slightly sweet notes, with a hint of juniper from the gin curing process. This gave the salmon a unique, fragrant flavour that elevated its natural richness. The fish itself was silky and tender, practically melting in your mouth.
Paired with this was the earthy and subtly sweet flavours of seasonal beetroot, which provide a lovely contrast in both taste and texture. The beetroot's vibrant, deep colour also added a visually striking element to the plate. Fennel, with its crisp texture and slightly anise-like flavour, introduced a refreshing crunch that cut through the richness of the salmon. It added a light, aromatic quality to the dish, balancing out the other ingredients.
Tortelli Cacio e Pepe
With freshly made tortellini pasta from their neighbours, Aemilia, with a butter sauce and sage is a culinary delight that dances on the palate. The tortellini itself was tender yet al dente, encapsulating a rich, savoury ricotta, pecorino and cracked black pepper filling that burst with flavour when bitten into. The handmade dough provided a delicate chew, setting the stage for the symphony of tastes to come.
The butter sauce was decadent and smooth, coating each tortellini with a luscious, velvety layer that enhanced the dish's richness. The butter’s natural sweetness melded beautifully with the pasta, creating a comforting and indulgent base. Sage, with its earthy and slightly peppery notes, adds a fragrant complexity to the dish and it was sprinkled with loads of parmigiana.
Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures: the tender tortellini, the creamy and luxurious butter sauce, and the aromatic, sage leaves.
Tomino Ovenbaked with honey, walnuts, fig and pomegranate
The warm cheese was the centrepiece, rich and creamy, its molten texture enveloped the palate with a satisfying warmth. Its mild, buttery flavour served as the perfect canvas for the symphony of complementary tastes.
The stewed plums introduced a luscious sweetness, their tender flesh infused with deep, fruity notes that blended seamlessly with the cheese.
Walnuts provide a delightful crunch and a nutty, slightly bitter undertone that cut through the creaminess of the cheese. The fig, with its honeyed sweetness and unique seedy texture, added a layer of complexity; and the pomegranate seeds, with their juicy burst of tartness, brought a refreshing brightness to the dish.
Meringue Two Ways with Pistachio Praline and Lemon Cremeux
This dessert was outstanding and was made by Ouh Lala Cakes (another local business). We indulged in a dessert where lemon meringue was presented in two exquisite forms. The classic meringue formed a delicate casing that cradled a crumble biscuit base and luscious lemon curd. This classic meringue was light and airy, with a crisp exterior that gave way to a soft, marshmallow-like interior. The combination of the crunchy crumble base and the tart, silky lemon curd was insane.
The Italian meringue, was elegantly swirled on the plate. Its smooth, glossy texture contrasted beautifully with the classic meringue's lightness. Its artistic presentation elevated the visual appeal of the dessert, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
A piped cream, shaped into a beautiful rose, sat atop the dessert, adding a touch of elegance and a creamy richness that enhanced the overall flavour profile.
To complete the experience, the dessert was served with a side of prosecco and limoncello edible capsule. As you bit into the capsule, it popped in your mouth, releasing a burst of effervescent prosecco and the vibrant, citrusy essence of limoncello. It was playful and refreshing.
We were treated to five Italian wines on the night, chosen by Simon from Great Grog, starting with a prosecco and included white and red wines too. They have a serious catalogue of wine and some superb offers, as well as always being on hand to offer advice on their range - do check them out www.greatgrog.co.uk
My favourites on the night were:
Archivio Terre di Chieti Percorino 2023 - a delightful white wine with a fresh and crisp profile. It had a lemon-green hue and offered a nose filled with blossom and grapefruit aromas. On the palate, it presented a dry and zesty citrus acidity, complemented by flavours of white peach, pear, and green apples and was perfectly paired with the starter of Salmon and Beetroot.
Cascinone Crocera Berbera d’Asti - a vibrant and expressive red wine that showcased the best of Piedmont's Barbera grape. This wine has a mid-ruby hue and offers a nose filled with aromas of ripe black cherry, damson, and a hint of toasty spice. On the palate, it presents a rich and generous flavour profile with intense notes of plum and sour cherry fruit, complemented by dark chocolate undertones. This Barbera d'Asti Superiore was an excellent match for warm cheese and plums.
Bringing dinner to a close was of course Rafiki coffee and macarons. I thoroughly enjoyed this Italian Wine Dinner. The staff at Tanifiki were warm and welcoming, taking time to speak to guests and keep their wine glasses full. The food was exceptional and for a first time event, it was superb!
With the success of this event, Tanifiki aspires to host many more such dinner events in the future, further establishing themselves as a vibrant hub for culinary and social gatherings. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a series of memorable and engaging events at Tanifiki, so do follow them on social media and when they host another event, I urge you to get your tickets early!
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT TANIFIKI
They are located in Portobello High Street
Disabled access is limited. There is one step up into the coffee shop and several stairs to access the w/c.
They are dog friendly during the day.
They serve a selection of pastries and savoury treats some of which are vegan or gluten free. Availability changes from day to day.
Tanifiki, 44 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 1DA www.tanifiki.com
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Tanifiki to review their menu.
Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk