I’d paid Hernandez & Co a flying visit, the other week, and I’d been mightily charmed by their selection of Spanish treats, as well as with the extremely warm and friendly welcome. At the time, I made a mental note, and a Twitter avowal, to return, not least to try their soup.
Exterior
Fortunately, I had a swift opportunity to put a tick through that particular cerebral post-it, as I was meeting fellow chronicler of comestibles, Nadine Pierce, for a lunchtime natter on important matters of state. This nice spot on Queensferry Street suited our needs, very nicely.
The place is ostensibly a takeaway, but has a little shelf with a few seats, to accommodate a few sit-in customers. The welcome was as warm as on my previous visit, and was joyfully smiley, throughout.
Soup
Their range of bocadillos, baps and sandwiches focuses on gutsy Spanish flavours. To the fore are chorizo, manchego, and sweet peppers. They do an nice line in omelette based fillings too, which sound a little strange, but are outstandingly good.
Once we’d selected our sandwiches, we turned our attention to the soup. The selection of the day was chorizo and bean with Spanish black pudding. This sounded completely tremendous, and I very much liked the look of it, as it was ladled out.
It proved to be packed with flavour and full of hearty bean goodness. The broth could have been a little thicker, but overall it was a really enjoyable, well-made dish.
Bocadillo
The bocadillo was similarly strong on flavour. I’m developing quite a taste for these omelette sandwiches. I can recommend them as a good filling lunchtime snack.
We rounded things out with good espresso and macchiato, and were soon on our way back into the easing rain.
So, Hernandez & Co is a very impressive little place. It’s offering something, a Spanish twist on takeaway breakfasts and lunches, that I haven’t seen done anywhere else in Edinburgh. The food is simple, high on flavour, and very well prepared. I can see it become a staple place for me, as it’s on my route to and from work. I’d definitely recommend that you pay it a visit, at your earliest possible opportunity.
Scores
Blythe scores Hernandez & Co
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20
Today’s questers were: Nadine, Blythe
We ate: Spanish black pudding, chorizo and bean soup (2); manchego, anchovy, serrano and peppers baguette; chorizo omelette baguette
We drank: espresso, macchiato
We wore: glamorous Wellington boots, red and blue www.tieclub.co.uk tie
Total bill: £11.40
Providers of ties to Lunchquest