REVIEW : Restoration Yard, Steak Night, Dalkeith

We are truly blessed in Scotland. If you live in a city centre, you are never far from the sea, a beach and the countryside and Edinburgh this is no exception. 15 minutes and you’re in Portobello or Granton, 30 minutes and you’re out in East Lothian, Midlothian or down in the Scottish Borders.

We are surrounded by an abundance of green spaces and country parks, exceptional outdoor visitor attractions and some amazing historical castles and their grounds.

RESTORATION YARD - THE KITCHEN DALKEITH COUNTRY PARK

Dalkeith County Park is one of these fabulous green spaces, with 2000 acres to explore and a Palace but its also home to the Restoration Yard – cafe, shop and wellbeing lab.

The Restoration Yard has been open since mid 2016; the cafe is open 7 days a week serving up breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. They also have a once a month Steak Friday when you can visit this magical place after dark and treat yourself to the finest cuts of Buccleuch Beef which is traditionally matured for 28 days.

Restoration Yard has a new Chef at the helm, Colin Halliday, who has worked at the likes of Gleneagles, Caledonian Hotel and was an Executive Chef with Nick Nairn. With this impressive resume, you know the food is going to be great. We went along to sample Steak Night and we weren’t disappointed.

First starter was this vegetarian dish of Truffled Orzo pasta, wild mushrooms and tarragon cream sauce.

A beautiful light Summer serving of silky smooth orzo pasta coated in the slightly garlic, earthy taste from the truffles. A large bowl of home comfort.

Second starter of Quinoa salad with roasted med veg, Hass avocado, salt-baked beetroot and lemon dressing.

The combination of ingredients is simple yet they work ever so well. Nutty quinoa, the earthiness from the beetroot, creaminess of the avocado and the wee pops of sweetness from the cherry tomatoes. On a hot night in the Summer this will be delightful and filling.

Starters done, its steak time!!!

All their Scottish Buccleuch beef steaks are served with roasted cherry vine tomatoes, sauteed Portobello mushrooms and hand-cut chips. You can choose from 8oz Rib Eye, 8oz Sirloin or a  7oz Fillet. Sauces are Peppercorn, The Duke’s Clan Scott Whisky and Cafe de Paris Butter Sauce.

They do however cater for non steak lovers with Honey and Chilli glazed Duck, Southern Fried Buttermilk Chicken, Burger, Pan-fried fillet of Seabass and a Chickpea, sweet potato and spinach curry.

Ee both chose the fillet steaks. Mine was medium rare with peppercorn sauce and Clare’s was medium with the Cafe de Paris Butter Sauce.

The steaks were cooked to absolute perfection. They are thick steaks; juicy, tender and succulent. I loved how it was served with the large earthy mushroom, the sweet vine tomatoes and chunky chips. The only thing that would have made this perfect for me would be a fried egg!

Restoration Yard have a nice wine list but as we were both driving it was Fentimans for both of us.

Desserts are a simple affair with some classics on the menu ~ Creme Brulee, selection of Scottish cheeses and this Sticky Toffee Pudding with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce.

Sponge was light and fluffy and very date-y. Loved that there was ample toffee sauce.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Steak Night. The cafe is beautiful, it was busy and bustling and very friendly and helpful staff. Superb venue to share steaks and wine with great friends and family. The next Steak Night is Friday 31st May and the last Friday of every month thereafter.

Restoration Yard, Dalkeith County Park via Town Gate, Dalkeith.                                                 

Tel : 0131 322 2572 www.restorationyard.com/restoration_cafe/restoration-cafe

My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10

I was invited by The Restoration Yard to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.