Calistoga Central

Calistoga Central is Edinburgh's second restaurant specialising in Californian cuisine, a style that should not under any circumstances be confused with American. Instead Gordon Minnis, the owner, describes it perfectly as 'light, fresh and healthy'. It follows closely upon the success of Calistoga Southside in St Leonard's Street.

Gordon, who was formerly manager at Haldane's and Jacksons, brings his wealth of experience to bear at Calistoga with an unusual and positive attitude towards the normal high mark-ups on wines by restricting his to a mere £5 on cost, thus rendering bottles that are normally out of reach of the paying public to become accessible instead. The choice is exclusively Californian, but hey! who cares? The restaurant also has a wine lounge where you can taste wines with or without dinner by giving prior notice.

It is considered that fusion cuisine was invented in California, not too surprising when you consider the fascinating ethnic mix there, and the selection at Calistoga demonstrates that, perfectly illustrated by starters that could include dishes as diverse as Parma ham, melon and rocket rolls with grilled figs and balsamic dressing, manchego cheese and chive fritters with cherry tomato jam, or chilled pear and watercress soup with lemon fraîche.

The choice of main courses is equally as inventive; how could you possibly resist the temptation of crunchy escalope of pork with steamed sticky rice and Asian barbecue sauce; broccoli, leek and goats' cheese tart with red onion tempura, tumbleweed and waldorf chutney, or seared tuna steak with wasabi mash and mango and ginger sauce.

For the more hunger-challenged amongst us there are side dishes such as home fries with sea salt and sushi vinegar, citrus mash, house salad with rosemary, and garlic and basil baguette. But desserts await, and from a field of five choose a vanilla custard tartlet with honey pecan pesto, closely followed by the mint chocolate mousse with peanut cookies.

Lunch on Monday through to Saturday at Calistoga Central runs from 1200 to 1430, with exceptional value at £7.5 for main course and £3 for starters or desserts each. Pre theatre is served daily from 1700 to 1815 at the same prices.

Wine tasting dinners are serious stuff at Calistoga Central, starting with tutored wine tasting for £29.50 that includes a 3 course dinner and coffee, topping out at £37.50 to include canapés at the tasting, 3 course dinner, cheese with Starboard and coffee, which must be helpful in sorting out the men from the boys.

Calistoga was also hit listed by "The List" magazine. However, don't take our word for it, but instead have a look at their Website, which has the latest menus on it and lots more information on both Calistogas, which have established themselves as another star in the culinary firmament of Edinburgh, proving beyond any shadow of doubt that swanky premises don't matter a toss - it's all about the food - and drink.