Meet our Team – Flo Simone

We’d love you to Meet Our Team! This blog introduces the wonderful Flo Simone, our Sales and Guest Relations Executive. And if you didn’t already know it, after reading Flo’s story, you’ll know why we love her so much. Enjoy!

Meet Our Team – Flo Simone

 What brought you to Edinburgh?

My family and I moved from Argentina to Edinburgh in 2002 when I was just 7 years old (yes, that makes me 28 this year!)  Like many, we fell in love with Edinburgh and never left, even despite the climate difference! I speak Spanish but at a young age learnt English and now even have a Scottish accent, saying things like “Yer aff yer heid!”

The culture and the energy in Edinburgh is infectious. Edinburgh is a city where you can live, work and know it well and still enjoy feeling like a tourist because the city has so much to offer.

I met my partner in Edinburgh, a witty and fun-loving ginger-lad, and we are determined to continue living here. For those wondering, my parents chose Edinburgh because my Dad was an Italian chef and if you know the city well, you’ll know there are loads of Italian restaurants here. My parents also felt the education system was invaluable in the city. So, that is what brought me here and also what’s keeping me here!

Tell us where you like to eat in the city?

I love to eat. So, let me recommend my top two restaurants in Edinburgh. They are only a short walk from our office on Dundas Street too.

Loud and proud

Chez Jules is a rustic French bistro on Hanover Street, it is the best French restaurant in Edinburgh in my opinion. There is always a buzzing atmosphere! Call ahead because it gets very booked up and, of course, that’s a good sign. The steak and frites are winner for me and what they are famous for. It is great value too. A 2 course lunch is just £10.90. At night the menu is more fancy and you can enjoy all your French favourites, onion soup, oysters, amazing steaks, mussels and a seafood platter. The place is quite loud so not the spot for tranquil meal!

Chez Jules, 109 Hanover Street, Edinburgh. O131 226 6992

Cosy bar with great food

However, if tranquil is more your thing, a hidden gem nearby is Wee Buddha, an Asian kitchen and bar on Jamaica Street. It’s open in the evenings from Tuesday to Saturday and for lunch on Friday and Saturday. The Pan Asian food is just incredible and there are good vegan and gluten free choices too as well as craft beer, cocktails and wine. I highly recommend it.

Wee Buddha 28 Jamaica Street, Edinburgh. 0131 538 1215

If you’re looking for something higher end, then there are some great local independent restaurants on Thistle Street. Fishers in the city celebrates Scottish seafood. Their service is excellent and they have a brilliant wine list. Dusit is an innovative Thai restaurant. We enjoyed a delicious Dickins team Friday lunch there recently. The food was very good and so beautifully presented and the service was absolutely fantastic. Make sure you call ahead and book as they are always busy!

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading Flo’s story and that you’ve been inspired to try and restaurants she’s recommended. Next time you’re speaking or emailing, please chat to her about Edinburgh restaurants if you’d like more tips! And don’t forget she speaks Spanish!