As we inexorably edge towards 1,000 posts on the site (today’s is number nine hundred and eighty-something), we’ve started getting all reflective about our adventures over the past three years. There are always “landmark” reviews that quickly come to mind and our original assessment of L’Escargot Bleu is certainly one of those.

It wasn’t so much the review itself, but the reaction that followed it, I suppose. We didn’t have great luck on that visit, particularly with the soup, so we gave it a fairly harsh assessment. Boy, did we get some stick in return. It’s a rite of passage for reviewers to deliver a negative verdict on a place that people passionately adore and it’s not something we’ve shied away from, subsequently, but the first one is always the most memorable.

Given the praise we’ve subsequently heaped upon sister restaurant L’Escargot Blanc, I think chef Fred Berkmiller has just about forgiven us, at least enough to have come along and contributed to Scran Salon, earlier this year.

Anyhoo, we’re starting to haphazardly re-visit some of our early quests to see how places are getting on and whether we need to update our verdict. I’m delighted to report that in the case of L’Escargot Bleu we most assuredly do.

I was joined today by Kim who has previously quested to Rocca, The Dogs and many other places. It was a bright and sunny Friday when we crossed the threshold.

The restaurant serves both the full a la carte and a daily changing set menu at lunchtime, with two courses for £12.90. We were happy with the range of options that the set menu offered.

Kim started with the tomato and beetroot carpaccio while I opted for the mackerel escabeche. Kim couldn’t decide between the slow cooked pork or the lamb for main course, so I suggested we ordered both as they were the two I was torn between, also.

The wonderfully friendly waiting staff brought bread for us to nibble on, but it was no time before starters were with us. They looked very neat and bonnie, but hearty in their portion size. My dish was of very pleasing quality, with a lovely piece of fish topped with intense vegetables. Kim was very happy with her elegant plateful, too.

Main courses maintained the standard. Kim settled upon the lamb and I was more than happy to take the pork, which was beautifully cooked and packed with flavour. Traditional beans and vegetables rounded out this classic dish. It was a complete winner.

We finished things with good espresso, then we were left to reflect upon an entirely excellent lunchtime experience.

So overall, I’m glad to set the record straight about L’Escargot Bleu. If pressed, I still prefer the ambience of the Queensferry Street restaurant, but the quality on offer at both is similarly impressive. Maybe next time I’ll even summon up the courage to order the soup again…

Scores
Blythe scores L’Escargot Bleu
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 16/20

Today’s questers were: Kim, Blythe

We ate: tomato and beetroot carpaccio, mackerel escabeche, pork, lamb, vegetables

We drank: water, espresso

We wore: pink, blue

Total bill: £33.10