Established in July 2011, Lunchquest aims to give readers an insight in to Edinburgh’s vibrant lunch and dining scene.
There isn’t a place that serves food that we won’t review. We cover as broad a range of places as we can, from the Michelin star finery of places like Castle Terrace to the humble burger van, and everything in between.
We try to eat out (or get takeaway) from as many different places as the bank manager will allow, take pictures of what we’re served, and offer a few words to describe things. We rate on four categories:
o Food – what does it taste like;
o Presentation – what does it look like;
o Setting – what does the place that serves the food look like; and
o Service – how do the people serving the food serve it.
We use this method to reflect the overall experience, as considerations beyond what food is on offer often need to be made when choosing a dining venue. Some places might serve knockout food, but are a little down-at-heel, so are perhaps not where you might wish to go for an intimate interlude. Equally, some very swish places serve very mediocre grub, so you might prefer to go there for a light snack, just drinks, or with people you don’t like.
Edinburgh has hundreds of restaurants, bars, cafés and eateries in the city centre alone, and places are always opening, closing (sometimes sadly, sometimes gladly), or changing hands and direction, so we have our work cut out to keep track of all the goings-on.
Thankfully, we have a community of food writers, bloggers, chefs and “enthusiastic eaters” that matches the vibrancy of the restaurants themselves, and we’re delighted to have such knowledgeable company to guide us on our questing ways.
About the Authors
MJ
Originally from Alabama, USA, I have been in the UK for over 5 years. I’ve recently finished my PhD in poetry writing at the University of Edinburgh, so I’m now officially Dr MJ. I teach English Literature tutorials at the university, work part time at Edinburgh Books, do some freelance copy writing, am a partner in a publishing company based in the States, and I’m the Managing Editor and founding partner of The Istanbul Review.
In July 2011, I came up with the idea for Lunch Quest, and enlisted the help of trusty squire and fellow lunch devotee, BKR, to develop the idea.
I am very attached to showing American Quarter Horses and find that somehow, most things come back to horses, Italy, and getting a book published.
BKR
An Edinburgh resident from the age of 4, I am Lunchquest’s major source on “what this restaurant/café/bar/shop used to be called,” given that Edinburgh’s lunch and dining scene is ever changing.
An English Literature graduate from the University of Edinburgh, I’ve spent more than a decade working in the public sector, ploughing my way gently through a succession of ludicrous job titles.
From the moment that MJ suggested the enterprise, as we contemplated the munching of another delicious pasta dish in Café Domenico’s, Lunchquest has been a complete joy. So far, we’ve been very fortunate in our lunching and dining choices, so long may that continue.
Hi guys,
I’m Jerome from Greggs’ PR team. How are you all?
I thought I’d drop you a note as I’ve been reading your blog and was impressed with its content, plus I think there are a few things we do which could be of interest to you.
Would you be around for a chat some time over the next few days?
I’m based in Manchester but have a license to travel (!) so if you’re up for meeting up I can come and see you – coffee and cakes on me!
Speak soon!
Jerome
07841 279 848
Thanks, Jerome. I’ve dropped you an email, so look forward to hearing from you, in due course
The first ever Scottish Food Bloggers Conference is taking place at Ayr Racecourse on Saturday 1st of September 2012!
Attracting Food Bloggers from across the UK, the inaugural Taste Ayrshire Food Bloggers Conference will herald the beginning of the Taste Ayrshire Food Festival.
Whether you’re a keen novice or a professional, there will be sessions on how to improve and promote your Blog as well as workshops from the experts on Social Media, Food Photography, Food Writing and Blog Promotion. This full day event will feature refreshments throughout the day, a spectacular local food lunch and a ‘nosebag’ of local goodies.
There will also be lots of opportunities to network with fellow Food Bloggers. Book now by visiting foodbloggersconference.eventbrite.co.uk to reserve your place or contact lara@tasteayrshire.co.uk for further information.
The one day conference will be followed on Sunday 2nd of September by the optional ‘Tasty Blog Tour’! This one day Mystery Food Tour of Ayrshire, showcasing local artisan producers, is organised and delivered by Tasting Scotland, and is open to everyone attending Saturday’s conference.
The cost for this tour is £79 per person and there are a maximum of 16 places available. If you’d like to attend this day as well, please contact Brenda Anderson from Tasting Scotland at brenda@tastingscotland.com.
Many thanks for the details, Lara
Hi,
Would love to drop you details about a new dining venue opening in Edinburgh soon, how best should i contact you?
K
Drop us a tweet @lunchquest, Kat
Hello…we are http://www.chowzter.com and are in search of the world’s tastiest food item and wanted to see if you might be interested in collaborating. It requires no real work and might be quite profitable. Please look at our web-site and drop me an e-mail and I can send you some information.
Cheers!
Jeffrey
Hi there,
We’d love to welcome you to Loopy Lorna’s Tea House to show you that we do delicious lunches as well as tea and cakes!
Welcome to pop by anytime or if you’d like to say ‘hello’ please contact me on 07931 095765 or gaynor@loopylornas.com
Best Wishes,
Gaynor
Thanks, Gaynor – we’ll aim to pop in, soon
Hi
I have been looking through your blog and the delicious food you write about, and have started to get steadily more and more excited for dinner!
I was wondering if you would be interested in visiting a restaurant of your choice and reviewing it on your blog on behalf of match.com?
Let me know if you would be interested in this, and I can send over more details.
Kind regards,
Zara
Thanks, Zara – I’ve dropped you an email
Hi folks, I am organising a gourmet tasting event at Margiotta Dundas street between 12 and 2pm on Friday (19th,) including Mellis Cheese and Great Glen Game premium Charcuterie products. Would love you to come along and see what you think. It’s all part of the Truly Local range, which helps promote local and Scotland’s best food producers. Get back to me if you want more detail.
Many thanks, Adrian. We’re great fans of both Mellis’ cheese and Great Glen Game, so we hope this event goes really well. Sadly, we’re not available to attend, but the invitation is much appreciated
Hi,
Hope this email finds you well.
I am emailing from one of the leading digital agencies based in London.
I am getting in touch with you as I am looking for quality websites such as yours, lunchquest.co.uk, to place some adverts on your website and would like to know if this is something which would be of interest to you?
The placement of our adverts is contextually matched to the content on the page, therefore relevant.
Do let me know if you are interested to discuss any partnerships with us as we feel the positioning of your website will have strong benefits for both parties.
Please email me back with your thoughts or questions.
Kind regards,