Three Birds

Three Birds has taken over the space on Viewforth previously occupied by Le Mouton Noir. I was rather sad to see that place go, as it had served me a rather good skirt steak, a few months ago. But change is one of those inevitable things, so on with the show.

My little table array

Today, I caught the new place during a crisis moment, as just as I was approaching, a very concerned looking young woman emerged from the door. I couldn’t other than ask what had precipitated her ashen-faced gloom. “We’ve just been robbed,” was her alarming response. They’d had their computer stolen, as it turned out. Not good, and scarcely the thing you expect in Bruntsfield on a sleepy Sunday.

Given that they had a half-full restaurant, to whose number I was added in the same window seat I sat in on my Mouton Noir visit, they kept things together with admirable resilience, so very well done.

Soup

After this eventful start to proceedings, I quickly contemplated their lunchtime menu, which was augmented by a number of specials on the board. I had already been made aware of their intriguing sounding garlic soup, via the Twittersphere, so that was a must. I chose to follow it with a beef casserole.

The setting is altogether brighter than its previously incarnation, with simple, light hues replacing the previous warm aubergine. It has quite a different feel to it, although the layout remains much the same. The service was good humoured and prompt throughout.

My soup was soon before me, and looked decidedly bonnie. It was quite something, with powerful garlic creaminess. The seasoning could have used a wee bit of restraint, as it was a trifle too salty for my palette, but it was a notably entertaining soup experience.

Half pint beef casserole

The main course came in a half pint glass, which was rather jolly. The casserole within was full of hearty, meaty goodness. Some of the chunks of beef were more tender than others, but overall it was a satisfying and quirkily presented dish.

The side of minted mushy peas were certainly minty, but could have used to be a touch more mushy.

So I enjoyed my visit to Three Birds, muchly. The lunchtime deal of two courses for £9.50 is excellent value. Their menu is full of diverse options, including a selection of sharing platters, too, so I imagine that I’ll be back to sample a few more of their dishes. I’d suggest that you pay them a visit, too, as you will be rewarded with dishes that are nicely executed and full of character.

Scores
Blythe scores Three Birds
3.5/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 15/20

Today’s quester was: Blythe

I ate: garlic soup, half pint of beef and Old Engine Oil porter casserole with blue cheese twists and minted mushy peas

I drank: merlot, water, espresso

I wore: trusty old walking boots

Total bill: £15 (2 courses for £9.50 lunchtime deal)