When I was younger, I never understood the concept of fine dining. Had never experienced it, and assumed there was a generous amount of snake oil, avec un jus of confirmation bias : that you've just spent money wisely.
I've been lucky enough to eat in a few places over the years that firmly flipped that opinion on it's head.
21212 Edinburgh was first strongly recommended to me years ago by @Nefarious. I didn't actually go there for several years after that recommendation. I've only eaten there twice evah in fact, but my mind was well and truly blown each time. You don't leave bursting at the seams, you leave feeling you've just been through an incredibly special experience. Like an amazing gig or show.
Most recently I took mrs mik there for our wedding anniversary. As we took the first bites of our (different) starters, we simultaneously pulled "oh wow" faces at each other. I glanced sideways and caught Paul peering out from the kitchen. He grinned at me like a Cheshire cat, and returned to business. I spotted him doing similar later on to another couple as they started their mains. He clearly got a huge kick out of seeing people react to his creations.
Shame. RIP.
