523614 Thu May 29 02:01:27 -0700 2008 0 42 U.K./Ireland 0 3729878 Edinburgh was very cold and misty yesterday when we arrived by train. We dropped off our bags at the hotel, and began a long climb up to the castle area. Very hungry and a little grumpy, we struggled up the hill and then saw Howies. A member of the slow food movement, it is known for good food at reasonable prices and is another Best of Scotland mention. We walked in and didn’t regret it. I finally had my fix of cullen skink. Though not as complex as the version at Café Gandolfi, Glasgow, the main serving was a large pasta bowl of chowdery goodness. The cullen skink was served with two large croutons with melted cheese. DC chose the soup of the day, tomato and oregano, [really was tomato this time!] which was a simple and rustic version of this classic. Basil leaves were sprinkled across the top, and the essence of this herb worked its way throughout the cup. For a main, DC had the baked salmon with linguini. The salmon was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The linguini was served with a roman sauce with capers, olives, and herbs. Nice balance of flavors, even though DC hates capers, she was able to pick around them. The salmon/linguini was also served in a pasta bowl. No desserts, though I got a double shot expresso which was really well done. The dining rooms [there are two] are very simple and the service was efficient. No nattering on about how things are. The one server was too busy for that. We were given a carafe of water for the table, which eliminated the need to request a refill. Would return to this restaurant in a heart beat. Thu May 29 02:01:28 -0700 2008 59258 smtucker