Six By Nico - A Story Every Six Weeks

Rave reviews, and fully booked. What a way to start life as Edinburgh's newest hot spot.

So what is all the fuss about?

Nico Simeone has ventured to Scotland's capital city, to follow up on the immense success he has had in Glasgow with his twist-on-a-theme restaurants.The location chosen on the city centres Hanover Street, confirms Nico's confidence in his teams ability to strut its stuff whilst many of Edinburgh's established hosts, can watch and take note.

The restaurant itself is delightful. Minimalist and fresh, it is welcoming and open. The first thing you notice, is that the kitchen is in full view of all those dining in the restaurant. I love this idea as it removes the barrier between the front and back of house staff, thus showing unity as a team. It also creates a more vibrant atmosphere, whilst remaining relaxed. There are also two television screens in the restaurant, both of which show live footage of the chefs at work in the kitchen at the pass. Guests can watch their food being prepared as they wait and see the skill of the chefs as they recreate each dish perfectly. With the bar tucked away in the corner, this reiterates the focus on the food and shows how proud the team are of their creations.

I have had the pleasure of tasting both of Nico's opening menus - 'The Chippie' and 'Wonka'.

'The Chippie' was created to show an alternative version of typical food you would consume at fish and chip shops across the country. From Smoked Sausages to scraps in the fryer, all bases are covered. Scampi, Chips and cheese, even a 'Deep Fried Mars Bar' makes an appearance. All superbly re-invented, every detail is skilfully crafted with the love and attention you would expect and the wow factor as the plates of food arrive in front of you, is through the roof. Personally, I loved everything about 'The Chippie' menu. The paired wines balanced the meal perfectly and added an extra element to the entire experience. An amazing opening gambit from Nico and his team.

"Come with me, and you'll see, a world of pure imagination...."

Gene Wilder was right. Nico was right. The 'Wonka' experience showed creativity at the highest level. A phenomenal approach to, what can only be described as the perfect menu. Every element was superb. Again, the attention to detail was outstanding. No stone was left unturned and every care was taken to replicate each dish for a stunning effect. Created to look like a dessert for each of the six courses, this menu showed the same flair and inventiveness as before, and more besides. Visually stunning, each plate of food looked like something you would expect to see in The Chocolate Factory itself. A world of pure imagination on every plate. A mackerel Dip Dab, Cod with liquorice, a Duck Sweetie Jar. A wonderful idea, with inspiring results.

Six by Nico was exquisite. An absolute must for any foodie, or even for those who aren't. I loved it. I cannot recommend the place enough. The team are brilliant, the food is magical. Book in early so you are not disappointed - I am booked in until September, so that tells you how far in advance some of the busier days are filling up. Worth the wait, and certainly worth the money. I will be returning many more times - every six weeks to be precise.

Nico and his team take us to Mexico for the six weeks beginning June 26th.

Six By Nico is A-List Recommended.

https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/edinburgh/

SIX BY NICO
EDINBURGH

97 Hanover Street
Edinburgh
EH2 1DJ

0131 225 5050

One Haircut

For many of us, going home at the end of a hard day at work is the best feeling in the world. Kicking off your shoes, falling into the waiting arms of your soft-cushioned sofa, having a cuppa, and getting your next binge on Netflix on. For some however, this is a feeling they dream of.

The Salvation Army runs many homeless shelters across the United Kingdom. Its gives those without a home to go to, the chance to rest their heads every night. Many of the homeless men and women cannot afford rented accommodation, and are forced to beg on the streets. This can become a way of life very quickly, and often goes unnoticed to the more fortunate amongst us.

As student barbers, we have seen many homeless men over the last 2 years at the Salvation Army hostel in Edinburgh. Every one of these men we have spoken to, has a reason for staying there. At some point, all the men have made mistakes. They have chosen a course of action that has led them down the wrong path. They will admit, that it has been difficult for them to come to terms with their faults.

Edinburgh College has, for some time now, sent its student barbers to the hostel, not only to gain experience in cutting hair, but also to give something back to the community in the form of free haircuts. We met various men over the last two years.

'Chris', one of the many men we have seen and worked with, came to us almost two years ago, having just become homeless due to a family bereavement, that completely turned his world upside down. He quit his job, left his wife, turned to alcohol for comfort, and began a life in and out of the police holding cells. Every weekend he would spend two-or-three nights at a time, committing minor offences that required him to be arrested. The idea that wanting to be arrested, just to be given a roof over his head, meant Chris could escape his broken world.

Chris was tremendously funny, intelligent, but lonely man. He was torn apart inside. He felt worthless, with nothing to live and fight for, until one thing.

A haircut.

One Haircut, his first in over 3 years, inspired him. Chris recounts the change he felt in himself as he walked out of the shelter of The Salvation Army at the Pleasance.

"I knew straightaway. I looked in the mirror as the girl held it up in front of me. I smiled for the first time in years. it was like magic. Every shop window I walked passed, I stopped to look at myself and my new look.

"I wanted to give them (the students) money, but they wouldn't take it. They gave a new lease of life. I cannot thank them enough."

I ran into Chris not that long ago, he recognised me for the baseball cap I was wearing. His attention to detail was amazing. He explained to me how his luck had turned around in the last 6 months. A new job. A new flat share. A new girlfriend even. Chris looked so happy, and he attributed it all to one haircut.

"You have no idea what happened to me that day. A group of young men and women, learning a new skill, came into the hostel, and gave, not just me, but others too, a fresh outlook on life. I came back every month for my haircut, and every month, things began to get a little better. Edinburgh College Lecturers and Barbers, and The Salvation Army gave me my life back - Thank you just doesn't cover it."

All it takes in life is to give a little something back. We are all guilty of 'Take. Take. Take.' In this instance, all it took, was to give something back. One Haircut.