text: For my birthday I was treated to an outstanding course meal at the glamorous Number One restaurant within the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh Number One is a well known Michelinstarred restaurant which is regarded as one of Scotlands best The team is lead by Executive Chef Jeff Bland who uses top Scottish ingredients to create edible art which both fascinated me and tasted incrediblennnWe started with cocktails canapues in the bar fois gras macaron anyone Bizarre Yes but utterly deliciousnnWe decided to have the chefs tasting menu with matched wines They give you a basic menu which literally gives a basic clue as to what you will be served When each course arrived we dissected them and analysed them to discuss the ingredients and cooking methods It is a foodie thing We need to work out what herb that is in the sauce or how the salmon was cookednnWe had a selection of breads to choose from to begin with I opted for a cheese and caramelised onion loaf It was divine I am not going to give a blow by blow breakdown of each dish there is so much detail that I could go into and I think the pictures on my blog speak for themselves nnThis meal or should I say culinary experience was just brilliant The only meal I can compare it to is Restaurant but as they are both very different I could not possibly pick a favourite The restaurant is low lit comfortably quiet and spaced and beautifully decorated The staff are absolutely fantastic you are served by a host of staff from waiting staff to a sommelier Everything is explained the food is beautifully cooked and presented The service was slick and yet not too pretentious yes there is such a thing I would recommend dining here to absolutely anyone who enjoys top quality foodnnAfter our meal we decided to try out the trendy Balmoral Bar A fantastic night