Toast had long been on our list for a visit, mainly because of its solid reputation for brunch delights. Having received a message suggesting we might be better placed to visit for lunch or dinner, I was more than happy to pay it an evening visit. With feet still barking after our 100km exploits, I gingerly toddled along towards Marchmont.
Exterior
The place is compact and eclectically decorated, with a vast array of small canvases bedecking the walls. It has a quirky charm.
The set-up is quite informal, with patrons equally welcome to just pop in for coffee or a quick snack, alongside diners sampling their restaurant fare. I was in the latter camp.
Soup
When I arrived, there were a few folks at other tables, but I got the impression that they were finishing up and I’d soon have the place largely to myself. How wrong I was, as a fresh wave of people came in at my back, giving the place an impressive hubbub for a Tuesday evening.
Their blackboard menu offered a focussed range of dishes, all of which sounded quite tempting. Their soup of the day was celery and potato, but I was told by the lovely waitress that they also had butternut squash and spinach, and parsnip and apple available, too. I opted for the former, then followed with venison loin, for main.
Venison
My starter arrived looking rather elegant, with drizzles of balsamic and spinach topping a silky butternut soup. It was really very good, with spoonfuls bringing together beautifully balanced flavours.
The main course was of similarly delightful quality. The piece of venison was wonderfully moist and tender. The other elements of the dish, from the sweet and sticky sauce to the mustard mash, the freshly crisp vegetables and earthy wild mushrooms played their part in creating a highly accomplished dish. There was a little too much mash, but I wasn’t complaining as I was plenty hungry enough.
So overall, I was both charmed and impressed by Toast. They served me two high quality courses, both of which pleased me very much. Their approach seems really smart, with appealing and well-prepared dishes showcasing flavour-packed ingredients. I’d happily recommend that you pay it a visit, at your earliest convenient opportunity.
Scores
Blythe scores Toast
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 15.5/20
Today’s quester was: Blythe
I ate: spinach and butternut squash soup; venison wrapped in pancetta, with mash, wild mushrooms and redcurrant sauce
I drank: white wine, red wine, water, espresso
I wore: action footwear
Total bill: £30.25
