Taste Of Edinburgh Returns

Clare Sheehan|July 3, 2012 3:43 pm EST

Sample a summery selection of savory Scottish treats at Taste of Edinburgh from July 6 to 8. Located in the fields of The Meadows Park, Taste of Edinburgh features exclusive tasting menus from 16 participating Scottish restaurants, cooking classes with celebrity chefs, and opportunities to try gourmet dishes from more than 100 culinary exhibitors.

Taste of Edinburgh showcases dishes, such as confit of Kirriemuir lamb with caramelized celery purée and fondant potato from The Balmoral Hotel, rich dark chocolate mousse with spiced rum soaked sponge and minted white chocolate sauce from Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery, and pan-seared Orkney scallop served on wild garlic risotto from Balfour Castle.

Events taking place throughout the weekend include AEG's Perfekt Cooking Classes with the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine, which teach guests how to create meals, such as poached rhubarb white chocolate and rosemary mousse with caramelized walnuts and roasted filet of sea bass with a broth of summer vegetables and herbs.

At the Country Kitchen and AEG Taste Theater events, guests receive exclusive tips, recipes, and culinary secrets on how to improve their kitchen skills from celebrated chefs like Michael Smith of Three Chimneys, Jean-Baptiste Bady of Balfour Castle, Carina Contini of Centotre, The Fabulous Baker Brothers from Channel 4, BBC culinary talent Valetine Warner, and master chef Loyd Grossman.

"Over the last 20 years in particular, the British public have become more adventurous in their cooking and eating. Food festivals have helped to focus public attention on the wealth of adventurous flavor and variety that are now available on tables all over the country," said Grossman.

Taste of Edinburgh uses its own unique currency called Crowns to pay for tickets, with one Crown equaling £1. Standard tickets cost £12.00, though for £45 guests receive a VIP pass that includes a glass of champagne, £20 worth of Crowns, priority seating in the AEG Taste Theatre, and exclusive access to the VIP lounge and events.