October started with a considerable flurry of quality, with trips to Tupiniquim, the excellent Brazilian gluten-free crepe kiosk, and Th’eatery, which took over the Festival Theatre café, around the start of the month. The latter served me the best salad I tried all year.

We revisited the Nira Caledonia, at the start of the month, too. It still seems to be revelling in the “hidden gem” role, but if steak is your thing, you should visit, as it’s far and away the best quality you’ll find in our fair city.

I really enjoyed a visit to Positano, also. In humble surroundings, it serves impressive Italian fare, with the kind of incredibly warm welcome you’d expect.

Other great places we tried included Casa Angelina, Calistoga, Spirit of Thai, Bistro Provence, Safari Lounge, One Square, and Caffé Piccolo. Truly, it was a great month.

Edible Edinburgh fed 5,000 people, one Saturday afternoon, which was no mean feat. I look forward to tracking their progress in 2014.

Most read review of the month was Twenty Princes Street, which served me my best burger of the year. The lovely new restaurant, part of the Royal British Hotel, is taking a similar approach to the Nira Caledonia, with its Josper grill. If you haven’t been yet, make a point to visit, soon.