Morag Bootland is charmed by Taste Film’s Ratatouille cinematic dining experience at Edinburgh’s Patina.
Once in a while an idea comes along that makes you wonder why on earth no-one has thought of it sooner. And that’s exactly the reaction of most people when I explain to them the concept behind the viral, immersive dining experience that is Taste Film.
The idea is simple, you watch a film and eat what you see on screen while you do. Following on from a sell out run of screenings in Manchester and London, and a festive special in Edinburgh last Christmas. Taste Film is bringing an array of fabulous film and food pairings to Edinburgh’s Patina this summer. So far, you can choose from Ratatouille (which I can highly recommend), Pulp Fiction, Chef, Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge, but I’m promised there are more to come.
We were invited along to a preview screening of Ratatouille to try out the seven course menu (two of the courses are cocktails), while watching the adorable exploits of Remy the rat. We kicked off with a refreshing lemon and lavender cocktail with a strawberry and chunk of cheese skewered and skilfully balanced on the rim of the glass.
The first course proper is a large portobello mushroom, filled with a light goat’s cheese mousse and topped with a crispy crumb topping. My daughter isn’t a fan of mushrooms and was delighted with the stuffed tomato alternative.
She also loved the mini pot of leek and tattie soup with a side order of crunchy, herby croutons and parmesan. And the melt-in-the-mouth, slow-cooked lamb that accompanied the obligatory vegetable ratatouille. We were both charmed by the wee edible serving label which was a really fun touch.
The ‘wine’ came in the form of a Cabernet Cobbler, a sweetened red wine drink served up in a cute miniature wine bottle. Think sangria and you’re not a million miles away.
Moving onto something sweet, a vanilla crème brûlée and grapes infused with thyme was an odd combination that I couldn’t quite decide if I enjoyed, but it got the thumbs-up from daughter number one. Last but not least, a deliciously moist almond and orange cake served up with a fruity ratatouille.
Ahead of dinner I’d been concerned that the service might intrude on our enjoyment of the film, but I needn’t have worried. Service was slick and I spent the evening thoroughly engrossed in either the plot, or my plate. We found the whole experience a really fun way to spend an evening. Next on our to-watch list is Pulp Fiction, we can’t wait to see if Samuel L. Jackson’s famous ten dollar shake is worth the money.
Ratatouille is the first film in the series and runs from 14 – 17 May. Tickets are now on sale and cost £99.50, with a vegetarian or vegan menu available and two cocktails included.
Tickets available exclusively on www.tastefilm.co.uk
Patina is located at 3 Airborne Place, 1 New Park Square, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh EH12 9GR
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