Exhibition sees a dozen artists respond to Paolozzi

A new art exhibition is being staged as 12 Royal Scottish Academicians respond to the work of Scottish-Italian artist, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. Conversations with Paolozzi will run at the Royal Scottish Academy on The Mound until 28 October, featuring the work of Michael Agnew, William Brotherston, Alfons Bytautas, Doug Cocker, Michael Doherty, Graham Fagen, Paul…

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It’s obvious why Crolla’s is a huge local favourite

Set in the beautifully light courtyard building which used to be The Glasshouse, Crolla’s Italian Kitchen is a family-run Italian restaurant has become a firm local favourite. There is a whole range of pizza and pasta options, but then there are also huge numbers of authentic Italian dishes too, including the usual suspects (veal Milanese, etc)…

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You won’t be disappointed when you dine at Gigi’s

Run by mother and son team Marisa and Luigi Pia, Gigi’s, is a fantastic Italian restaurant near Dalkeith and Rosslyn Chapel. Mobbed by locals since it opened in 2011, it is stylish yet relaxed and friendly, and everything you need from a good-value neighbourhood restaurant. Large, noisy, child-friendly and invariably full-to-bursting, it’s one for family…

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Opera in Concert series to open with Scottish premiere

Scottish Opera’s 2018/19 Opera in Concert series opens with the Scottish premiere of Edgar by Giacomo Puccini. It will be performed on Sunday 28 October, at Theatre Royal Glasgow. A gem from the world of verismo opera, Puccini’s rarely-performed second opera was commissioned following the success of Le villi, which was performed as part of…

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A Scottish success story that’s not melting away

There’s no doubt you’ve seen blue tubs of Mackie’s Traditional stacked up in the freezer shelves of your nearest supermarket. After all, it’s the fifth largest selling takehome ice cream brand in the UK, beaten only by the international giants such as Ben & Jerry’s, Haagen Dazs and Carte D’Or. Pretty good for a family-run…

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Book review – We Fought for Ardnish by Angus MacDonald

The sequel to Ardnish Was Home, this latest work from Angus MacDonald is an intense and bittersweet love story set during the Second World War. Donald Angus is an undercover agent parachuted into the Italian Alps, where he falls for Françoise, a French-Canadian agent. The troubles that face the couple behind enemy lines portray a…

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Dantes is a classic Italian restaurant in Edinburgh

In the lovely preservation village of Colinton, Dantes looks upscale. But beneath its borderline flashy exterior there lies a classic Italian restaurant – a warm welcome, traditionally structured menu and great food. I loved the flawless saltimbocca alla Romana, while the seared duck breast on wilted spinach with a thyme and plum reduction was memorable. The wine…

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‘The Italian Job’ becomes the ‘South African Job’

Peter Ranscombe examines how producers in South Africa are using Italian grape varieties to craft wines that have identities all of their own. WITH its stone archways and wooden beams, the building that houses Idiom’s wine tasting rooms and restaurant could pass as a modern Italian villa – if it wasn’t in South Africa. The…

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Scottish crafts join the best of Europe at exhibition

Three of Scotland’s renowned makers are taking part in the first ever Best of Europe craft exhibition. Craft Scotland revealed the news, which is a significant boost for craft in the nation. Taking place as part of Homo Faber, a new international celebration of craft and craftsmanship in Venice from 14-30 September, the exhibition showcases…

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Eusebi’s beats off Michelin Star restaurant to win title

A Glasgow Deli has beaten stiff competition – including a Michelin Star restaurant – to win the title of ‘Best Dining Experience’ and ‘Best Café/Deli’ at The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards 2018.  Eusebi Deli in Glasgow is committed to serving the best seasonal produce and supporting small artisan and specialist producers across both Scotland and Italy. Based…

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