COMFORTABLE IN MACKENZIES

MacKenzies
2-4 Bridge Road
Colinton
Edinburgh EH13 0LF
0131 441 2587
www.mackenziesrestaurant.com


FEELING comfortable in a restaurant is, I feel, so important. From the moment you walk in to the last goodbye it is good when you feel you are well looked after and not just another client.
Step forward MacKenzies, writes Nigel Duncan. I pass the restaurant most days on my way in and out of Edinburgh’s busy city centre.
Every time I’ve eaten there I’ve not been disappointed and we were there again recently. Once again, we went home having enjoyed the night and feeling that we had received value for money.
That’s particularly important as the credit crunch continues to bite. MacKenzies, however, have a strong regular client base and it was busy on the Thursday we visited.
We went there with friends and we all needed a lift after almost of month of sub-zero temperatures north of the Border.
The cottage-style restaurant is in the heart of Colinton, a village on the banks of the Water of Leith which dates back to before the 11th century. Celebrated author Robert Louis Stevenson was a regular visitor.
The Scottish-style supper menu had something for everybody. Neil and I selected piping hot, home-made lentil soup while our partners, Pam and Carol, decided on chicken, bacon and mushrooms on toast. Both selections were well presented.
On to the main course. We asked for a recommendation and, following advice, three of us plumped for boeuf bourguignon. We were not disappointed.
Carol plumped for succulent chicken wrapped in parma ham and covered in lashings of mozzarella cheese. It was superb.
Mains come with a panache of seasonal vegetables and potatoes and there was ample for everybody.
Nobody was rushing us and the chat was flowing so it took a while before the waiter ventured forth to inquire about sweets.
Three of us plumped for brandy snaps and fruit. The presentation was superb and the taste matched.
Neil luxuriated in his favourite, banoffee pie. The pastry based cake made from bananas, cream and toffee plus boiled condensed milk has been on the menu for some time and it is as popular as ever.
Summing up, this is a traditional, Scottish restaurant in Edinburgh’s outskirts well worth a visit. I’ve never been disappointed. We’ll be back...soon.