Chez Roux. A special place for a special time - in this case, a Rather Important Birthday for a sibling. Everyone dressed as smartly as they can be (although it has to be said the waiters may have been smarter, and less uncouth than I, trying not to snigger in such ostentatious circumstances) and looking nervous to be inside Greywalls - a rather beautiful setting, it has to be said.
We were shown to a waiting room, where menus were perused, pre-dining drinks served with some hor d'oeuvres - and a selection especially for the pescatarians at the table. However, I'd note that although online there was an entirely separate vegetarian menu, once in the restaurant, this seemed to evaporate like a tender foam, so be aware. Once drinks were consumed and orders taken, we made our way to the dining area.
Now, I have to make an observation prior to talking about the food. Chez Roux is in a hotel, which is inside a golf club, in a rather affluent part of East Lothian. One thing that was rare in this place was the evidence of women. Table after table after table of men, dining with other men (and this wasn't a rainbow flagged fraternity). It was a strange experience to sit in a room so imbalanced, I'm not sure I was entirely comfortable with that.
Now the food. My starter was an absolute standout, a dish immersed in tomato water. I have a recipe at home to make tomato water, but had been rather sceptical, but the flavour... oh my, it blew me away. I can't remember anything else about the dish bar that wonderful tomato water. My main was sadly, more forgettable - leek royale - a gelatinous cream tower sitting on top of asparagus, purple artichoke and edamame beans. Others looked more impressive, from coq au vin, to fish on haricot beans. My cheese plate felt a disappointment - something I didn't expect in a French restaurant - the cheese options were bland, and interchangeable.. and forgettable too. I wouldn't choose it again.
Now, would I return to Greywalls? Well, in fairness, the three courses were reasonably priced for what is a more upper class restaurant, but I wasn't wowed as I thought I would be. But, this, or Frankie and Bennys? Well, I'll take tomato water everytime for that alone. read more