Capital chefs Colin Macaulay and Sherpa Hurba insist Edinburgh final is recipe for success

Gary Ralston

IT’S the tastiest Scottish Cup Final for decades as fans smack their lips in anticipation of a football feast at Hampden today.

In the green corner, the Cabbage and Ribs. In maroon, the Jam Tarts.

Together they form a mouthwatering menu, even if it will ultimately prove a bittersweet combination for one half of Edinburgh.

Record Sport called on the services of top capital chef Colin Macaulay, a proud Hibee, and his assistant Sherpa Hurba, an adopted Jambo, to serve up the dish everyone is talking about at their popular pub-diner “No.1 High Street” in the capital.

Colin, 44, regularly snubbed Garry O’Connor for a game in his street team when they were kids but he’ll plate up a delicious pile of cabbage and ribs for life if the striker leads his side to a Cup victory this afternoon.

Meanwhile, the only thing sweeter than Hearts’ success for Sherpa are the jam tarts that have been drawing admiring glances all week from regulars and tourists alike in the busy, bustling eatery.

Colin and Sherpa even proved they are up for the Cup by sharing their special recipes with Record readers – but be warned, you’ll need longer than the half time break at today’s game to cook each dish.

Colin said: “I’ve been a Hibee all my days and the highlight so far has been watching George Best at Easter Road and our 6-2 demolition of Hearts at our place 12 years ago. But this would top the lot.

“I used to live upstairs from Garry O’Connor when we were kids growing up in The Calders but we never allowed him to play for our team as he was too young and wasn’t born in the area. He was never happy at being left out.

“However, I’ll be hoping for a favour from him against Hearts – and I reckon we might get one too as he has hit a great run of form in recent weeks. I’d love to see him net the winner.

“A lot of my mates are Jambos and they’re very confident about their chances but they might just be
over-confident.

“They were the same before the Final against Gretna back in 2006 and they almost came unstuck before winning on penalties.

“Sure, Hearts are favourites but Pat Fenlon has done a lot of good work these last few months and with big Garry up front and James McPake organising the defence, we can do it.”

Sherpa, 32, is originally from Nepal and has heard all the jokes from Hibees that his team also have a mountain to climb – but he’s having none of it.

He said: “I’ve been in Edinburgh for four years and developed a soft spot for Hearts but the great thing about the football chat in our bar is that it’s always good natured as we have a decent mix of supporters from both clubs.

“We serve a lot of locals here but it’s amazing the number of tourists who have wandered in off the Royal Mile these last few weeks and been keen to discuss the game over a drink and a meal. It’s really captured the imagination.

“I admire Hibs but Hearts have not lost against them in 10 matches and I see that stretching to 11 in Glasgow. Hearts have too much experience at this level and that will prove crucial. Craig Beattie will be the match-winner.”

Unfortunately, Colin and Sherpa will be working this afternoon but have set their shifts so they can be home in time to watch the match on the box.

Colin said: “My dad, John, is also a big Hibee and we’ll hopefully be cheering our side to success.”

Sherpa added: “I don’t think anything can beat last week’s Premiership for drama but this could come close.”

Taken from the Daily Record