The Roamin’ Nose

I had spotted the arrival of The Roamin’ Nose with considerable interest, so it was already on my radar for a visit. To add to this, there was some lovely Twitter chat, the other night, to further encourage me to wander in their direction.

Exterior

On the site previously occupied by Duck’s at Le Marche Noir, and more recently La Garrigue in the New Town, this Italian café bistro has an eclectic blend of décor, with bare stone, whites and wood, and splendid cornices, befitting its smart, New Town location.

And now for a short aside on the service, which I’ll deal with now, so we can put it to one side, then move on to the positives.

Interior

Although the welcome was warm, and apologies profuse and sincere, the service was messy. Folks didn’t really know what was going on, weren’t familiar with the menu or prices, and then getting my straightforward takeaway order to me took an age.

It’s a new place and they’re just bedding in, so lets draw a line under things, and be optimistic that their efficiency will improve to match their sunny dispositions, in due course.

Soup

With my order of sweet potato and fennel soup, matched with an artichoke, sun-dried tomato, olive and pecorino roll safely secured, I wandered up the road, and was soon tucking in.

The soup was very good, with a perfectly judged texture, and flavour bursting from every spoonful. I was extremely happy with it, so it will slot in to the “very good” category on Soupquest, very neatly.

Roll

The roll was also highly enjoyable. The ingredients had a really enjoyable piquancy to them, with taste explosions aplenty. I would have liked some greenery added to the picture, like some good, peppery rocket, but as it stood it was still highly satisfying.

So overall, I’d happily recommend that you pay The Roamin’ Nose a visit. I have no doubt that they’ll iron out the service kinks, soon, so will have things running beautifully.

As with many new places, I’m not sure they’ve quite nailed where to pitch themselves, yet. I’d suggest that they’re not really a place for lunchtime takeaway, but more the kind of location where you’d sit with friends, nibbling at fresh bread dipped in good olive oil, maybe adding a little slice of cheese, a sliver of prosciutto, or a slice of roasted aubergine, as you while away an afternoon or evening. I can imagine many return visit to do just that, in the future.

Scores

Blythe scores The Roamin’ Nose
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
2/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 14/20

Today’s quester was: Blythe

I ate: sweet potato and fennel soup; Sardinian artichoke, olive, sundried tomato, and pecorino roll

I drank: nowt

I wore: fabulous new suit

Total bill: £7.10

14 Eyre Place
Edinburgh