Virgin Hotels brings a taste of Crete to Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is bringing an authentic taste of Crete to its Chef’s Table this month as part of a series of experiential dining events at flagship restaurant, Commons Club.

Led by Commons Club Chef de Cuisine Emma Hanley, the Chef’s Table experience allows guests to sample the very best food from around the globe through exclusive collaborations with world renowned chefs, curating bespoke menus that showcase a different theme each month.

For March, Commons Club has partnered with Thanos Christakis, Head Chef of Cretan restaurant 1905, to introduce an exclusive menu featuring traditional Greek delicacies and twists on local home-cooked dishes.

To launch the new menu, Christakis and Hanley will give guests a front row seat to witness the collaboration, as they create an intimate three-hour dining experience centred on a five-course tasting menu.

The menu will be available throughout March, bringing the celebration of Greek gastronomy right to the heart of Edinburgh.

As part of the menu, guests can enjoy lamb rack “Antikristo”, a traditional Crete dish, directly translated as “across the fire,” which will be served with spring greens, potato confit croquette and wild artichoke. Christakis will also be bringing a 1905 favourite to the menu with the delicious Rice pudding millefeuille: a handmade traditional “xerotigana” filo served with vanilla rice pudding and a saffron, orange mousse.

The Chef’s Table dishes will be expertly paired with Grecian drinks, in partnership with Axia – the first international Greek extra dry Mastiha Spirit based on ancient traditions – and Metaxa – “The original Greek spirit”. Chosen specifically to complement each of the Chef’s Table dishes, Commons Club’s Head Mixologist, Leon Back, has developed a drinks menu compromising of Axia and Ouzo Gimlet, Axia dirty martini, Metaxa Manhattan and finishing off with a neat serve of Private Reserve Metaxa Orama.

“We are bringing an unforgettable dining experience to the capital through our collaboration with 1905 Head Chef, Thanos Christakis,” says Hanley. “We are combining our distinct culinary backgrounds to showcase the best of both worlds – the rich flavours of Cretan cuisine fused with the finest, local Scottish ingredients.

Christakis adds: “My cooking style uses traditional methods that have been passed down for generations, paired with classic Cretan ingredients and a modern twist. I am excited to bring the authentic taste of Crete to Edinburgh. This partnership is an opportunity to showcase the flavours and techniques that define Cretan cuisine, while also incorporating the vibrant local ingredients of Scotland. Together we will transport guests on an immersive Cretan dining journey right here in Edinburgh.”