text: For my birthday, I was treated to an outstanding 9 course meal at the glamorous Number One restaurant within the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. Number One is a well known Michelin-starred restaurant which is regarded as one of Scotland's 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 incredible.\n\n\nWe started with cocktails &'canap\u00e9s in the bar - fois gras macaron anyone? Bizarre? Yes, but utterly delicious.\n\nWe decided to have the chef's tasting menu with matched wines. They give you a basic menu which literally gives a basic clue as to what you'll be served. When each course arrived we dissected them and analysed them to discuss the ingredients and cooking methods. It's a foodie thing. We need to work out what herb that's in the sauce, or how the salmon was cooked!\n\nWe had a selection of breads to choose from to begin with - I opted for a cheese and caramelised onion loaf. It was divine. I'm 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. \n\nThis meal, or should I say culinary experience, was just brilliant. The only meal I can compare it to is Restaurant 21212, but as they're both very different, I couldn't possibly pick a favourite. The restaurant is low lit, comfortably quiet and spaced and beautifully decorated. The staff are absolutely fantastic: you're 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'd recommend dining here to absolutely anyone who enjoys top quality food.\n\nAfter our meal we decided to try out the trendy Balmoral Bar! A fantastic night!