It’s Friday night. You’ve just finished a long week of work. You are knackered but you really would like some time out with your mates over a nice Gin and Tonic but you don’t have the want or necessity to go to a club or a noisy bar; nor do you want to head home, put your ‘slobs’ on (slobs are those comfy clothes you’d never allow anyone else to see you in except your partner and you’d have to love them a lot) and eat a pizza in front of the telly.

You want something inbetween. Somewhere nice. Somewhere central in the city centre that’s easy for all your mates to get to; somewhere with a nice atmosphere; somewhere bright, happy and friendly; somewhere they serve hot food and somewhere you can get a nice G&T or a cocktail.

This may seem like asking for the Moon on a Stick, but don’t fret, I have the answer.

Review of Mimis at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh

MIMI’S BAKEHOUSE CITY ART CENTRE

Yes, Mimi’s Bakehouse at the City Art Centre is answering your prayers every Friday with their Mimi’s Lates.

City Centre Location - check. They are right opposite Waverley Train Station and down the vennel from the Royal Mile.

Atmosphere - check. Bright, light, colourful, playful with super friendly and helpful staff. PLUS they have live music from 7pm. Some light easy listening popular jazzy blues. You’ll be humming ‘Summertime and the living is easy’ in no time.

Hot Food - check. They serve up essentially a condensed version of their menu including French Toast, Lasagne and Burgers.

Booze - check. From bubbly cocktails to beer, cider and wines.

Orange Mimi-osa (£6) of fresh orange juice and prosecco and a Raspberry Bellini (£6) with raspberry and prosecco, got this party or soiree started.

As I mentioned above, the menu is simple but lists some of Mimi’s very popular dishes. I’ve not had the Katsu Crispy Chicken Burger but friends can confirm that it’s delicious. The Three Cheese Macaroni with Scottish Cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan served with garlic bread was so tempting for both us but we ordered…

Clare chose the Croque Mimi (£10) which you can see from the photo above looks bloody lovely and Clare absolutely concurs.

Toasted bread layered with Monterey Jack cheese, Scottish Cheddar bechamel, honey roast ham and served with a seasonal slaw.

The bechamal sauce was creamy and sharp held in place by the thick gooey melted layer of Monterey Jack. They’re not mean either when it comes to the ham, a thick layer peeking out from under all that cheesy goodness.

You all knew what I’d have - of course I had the Savoury French Toast (£8.50) with bacon and syrup; and yes I am proud to be so predictable.

Gosh, I LOVE Mimi’s French Toast.

Two big thick chunks of fluffy eggy bread fried to perfection with all the crispy gnarly bits clinging to the sides, rashers of well cooked Ramsay of Ayrshire bacon and a pot of runny sweet maple syrup. Breakfast for dinner - hell yes!

Who can resist cakes and bakes? It’s Friday. Calories don’t count on the weekend.

Clare tucked into a Jammy Dodger Slice. This was slightly dry and needed to be served with wee dollop of cream but otherwise it was sweet and tasty.

I on the other hand had to have the largest cake in the shop which meant that I couldn’t finish it off. (Serves me right!)

This was the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake. Layers of sheer happiness.

We finished the night off with another wee glass of Prosecco (£5) and an Elderflower Collins (£6) - gin, elderflower, soda and cucumber.

What a genuinely super way to spend a Friday night. We sat for a while as did the other tables. The music, the food and the booze are a perfect mix that just wakens up that Friday Feeling and slowly and gently delivers you into the weekend.

An absolute delight during the Winter and sure to be a hit come the Summer.

What are you doing this Friday???

Mimi’s Lates, City Art Centre, 1 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE.

www.mimisbakehouse.com/pages/mimis-bakehouse-city-art-centre

My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10

I was invited by Mimi’s Bakehouse to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.