While I don’t exactly live life right on the edge, I like to try most things once. But let me save you the trouble: Gourmet Burger Kitchen on George Street – the Gourmet is silent. When the waiter asked me if this was my first time at ‘GBK’ – I swear to God she said that – I should have walked out. Their business model requires you to pay for your meal before you consume it; hell, before you even lay eyes on it. At least McDonald’s give you a Photoshop representation of what you are about to receive. Without flogging … Continue reading Have it your way

There is very little wrong with the Edinburgh Book Festival; the rain and the white wine to be precise. The cramped seating doesn’t worry me as long as I have an aisle seat but why, oh why do I always end up sitting in front of the plankton whose mother was drunk the day she was supposed to tell them to “COVER YOUR MOUTH WHEN YOU COUGH!” When you feel your hair parting with the force of someone’s germ ridden breath you ought to be able to respond with extreme violence. I attended two events last night and was coughed on … Continue reading Book Festival Events

Just spent a happy couple of hours sifting through the online catalogue of EIBF 2011. I bought tickets to seven events and there are a couple of Unbound sessions I plan to enjoy. Stuart Kelly on the best of The Edinburgh Book Festival It’s not too late to register and buy tickets. EIBF Continue reading Edinburgh Book Festival 2011

I have just booked my first Edinburgh Book Festival Event. Stuart Kelly as a Guest Selector is running a series of events looking at The Future of Fiction. David Shields has a couple of entries on my to-read list, in particular Reality Hunger. Might get on to that next. Continue reading Edinburgh Book Festival Events