Thanks to an owner who is the very definition of fabulous, Rollo absolutely nails the trifecta of great dining out: boasting exceptional food, atmosphere and service. But now they’re also throwing champagne parties, it seems we may have died and gone to alcoholic heaven. Woof!!

      

Dining at either of Rollo’s Stockbridge and Broughton Street restaurants is always an event. There’s an intimate vibe, created by the flirtatious staff and just the right amount of ambient lighting. Plus of course, the food’s stunning.

So naturally we were happy to receive an invitation that asked us to “dress in black tie gorgeousness”, and expect five delicious courses, each paired with a different champagne.

Not only did this sound exactly like our kind of party, cleverly it was also a sneak-peak at some of Rollo’s summer menu.

 

So in we strolled, two minutes after the hour, looking outstanding.

 

     

The Social Bitches with Ailsa Rollo.  [ This photo taken by: Thomas Skinner ]

 

Isaac’s black tie / Hawaiian mash-up drew particular attention. In fact, one woman audibly gasped at his daring attire.

Post-gasp, we were greeted with a kiss from our gorgeous host Ailsa Rollo, a champagne cocktail, and a blue cheese mousse that was heavenly.

After three, maybe four of those cheeky canapés, we were soon taking more than our fair share of the vegetable gyozas. Beautifully crisp, bursting with flavour, and SO moreish.

     

 

Then, forgetting there was still another four courses to follow, we were also embarrassingly greedy with a Rollo favourite: haggis balls and whisky marmalade.

Somewhere around the fifth (maybe sixth??) glass of champagne we found ourselves seated and being served a beetroot and blue cheese gnocchi. Good god this was delicious, especially as the gnocchi was lightly fried.

        

 

Next came the Hake and pancetta with melon, asparagus and kiwi fruit. Offering us a sophisticated “taste of summer” this too was an absolute triumph. The offbeat mix of flavours was just gorgeous.

We were also very taken by the champagne pairing: The Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee. Our sixth (maybe seventh??) glass of the evening, it’s noted for a lighter and elegantly fruity style. We most definitely concur.

The main course was another Rollo favourite: crispy pork belly. Adding a summer twist, it’s now teamed with apple slaw and apple jus. Definitely a thumbs up from us, looks like it might be another fatty-boom summer ahead.

 

Then for the final course, we were treated to not one but two of our favourite desserts … 

        

 

Veuve Clicquot and lemon tart with clotted cream ice-cream. Needless to say, we loved them both, and feel the ice cream especially will in time make up for the fact neither us received enough love as a child. Actually, champagne may also play a role in this.

Having had a truly fabulous night, we’re happy to say the Rollo Champagne Party will be a regular event. What’s more, the summer menu looks to be a winner.

So again, we say: Woof!!

 

Reviewed April 2017

Rollo Wine Bar & Restaurant 

14 Broughton Street, EH1 3RH

0131 556 5333

108 Raeburn Place, EH4 1HH

0131 332 1232

https://www.facebook.com/barrolloedinburgh/