Cafe Andaluz

In celebration of the lovely Faye's 19th birthday, we were all in for a tapas treat!
My one previous experience of tapas was a little disappointing and although I was a little hesitant, it was about time I gave it another chance. And aren't I glad I did?!
So Thursday night arrived and at around 6pm, we piled into Edinburgh's Cafe Andaluz on George Street to take advantage of their pre-theatre menu.

The walls were filled with displays of authentic Spanish artisan ceramics, tiles and pottery and gave the place a real rustic feel. A feast for our eyes as well as our stomachs!
There was a strong sense of personality and tradition here - a welcome change from the chain restaurants (albeit just as tasty), that dominate George Street.
The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, yet there was a certain air of pride and prestige. And once you taste the food you'll know exactly why.

As I've said before, I don't cope well with choice and the stately selection that is on offer here is something to be reckoned with. See for yourself here!
Now you try and choose three!

In the end I went for the stuffed aubergine shell, the roast sweet potato, parsnip and chickpea dish, and the paprika chicken with a chilli yoghurt! I'm usually more of a meat eater but the veggie dishes just sounded too good to pass on.

We swapped mouthfuls for mouthfuls from each end of the table and across, so we didn't really miss out on the rest of the menu, just bonded over our love of food.
Tapas is so sociable and oh so filling!

Just as I thought I couldn't go on, we were presented with the dessert menu.
Having already done my research and browsed their sweet stuff earlier that morning (eager, I know), I couldn't resist their raspberry pavlova. 

It was light and just right to finish with, although I was eyeing up the caramel cheesecake too...

An amazing feast, I can't wait until the next birthday boy or girl announces our next visit to Cafe Andaluz!
Or I might just go solo...