Between the ups and downs of Brexit, violence and wag face-offs to give the creators of Footballers Wives plenty of content for a new series – it seemed to be all negatives in the headlines of 2019. Thank god for the top notch eats that have got me through the year in one piece!
From loaded lunches to delicious dinners and plenty of sweet treats to give my dentist shivers, here’s my food highlights from North-east Scotland and beyond to give you plenty of food inspiration for 2020:
LUNCH
Avo – Aberdeen
A prime lunch or brunch spot in Aberdeen is Avo located in Aberdeen Market (which is speedily becoming a food hub in the city). Loaded sourdough slices with lashings of avocado and tasteful toppings like balsamic red onion and halloumi.
Dumpling Shack – London
If you’re looking for a speedy lunch stop when in London, The Dumpling Shack is the stop for you. Take care before ploughing into these crisp dumplings with Thai inspired fillings, they’re delicious but scolding hot inside. Dumpling Shack is located in the Spitalfields Market with food upon food presenting a gastronomic dream.
The Flying Stag / The Fife Arms – Braemar
The expression that comes to mind when I think of The Fife Arms is “Holy Moly” not just for the hearty plates like this Scottish Broth from its Flying Stag bar but the masses of high-brow art (including a picasso) to explore all around the Hotel! My words can’t do this spot justice so you have to try this on for yourself.
The Pigs Wings – Aberdeen
Sitting high on my lunch recommendations list is The Pigs Wings offering a standout food stop that you can’t get anywhere else in Aberdeen. Bratwursts, Schnitzel subs and barbecue grills create a menu that you create different mashups to explore day after day.
The Quayside (take-away) – Gourdon
Just minutes from Stonehaven, the quaint fishing village of Gourdon is ideal for fish and chips by the sea fresh from The Quayside. The soft shell crap with grilled pineapple and sandwiched between soft brioche was epic!
DINNER
Flippin’ Cheese – Aberdeen
A Cheese-tastic eat that I dined at in 2019 was Flippin’ Cheese which is your location for a mac and cheese that will blow your socks off. I went for the Flippin’ Frash Prince of Bel Air Mac and Cheese topped with Deeside Smoke Cheese (which I picked from an arm length list of cheeses) and melt in the mouth steak making a taste sensation.
Koi Thai – Aberdeen
New to the Aberdeen food scene is Koi Thai which popped up in Rosemount earlier this year offering a perfect for a sharing dinner with a variety of dishes to choose from. Make sure to order the Thung Tong (crispy dumplings with chicken and prawn) which are beautiful to look at and taste too.
Melt – Aberdeen
After grilling up a cheese toasty storm on Holburn Street, Melt moved to a new premises on Belmont Street gifting the city a cheese restaurant with an oozing cheese fueled menu that will send you deep into a food coma.
Moonfish Cafe – Aberdeen
Now to a restaurant that’s always my go to in Aberdeen. Every time I visit Moonfish there’s always a new addition to the menu using local produce and plenty of creative flair that has me weak at the knees. If you spy the potato douphine choux on the menu, you’re in for a treat.
Pachamama Bar + Kitchen – London
Loved this Pachamama when I made a festive trip down to London in November. Tapas dishes with a Mexican twist line its menu and the Pork Chicaronnes (pic two) have to be on your order – the thought of its sweet and charred glaze still makes me drool.
Roots – Aberdeen
Starting off as a food van on Aberdeen beach, Roots now has a residency at Bar Ninety-Nine and is firmly putting its stamp on dirty vegan food. Loaded fries, burgers and desserts fills the menu and when paired with master cocktails from the bar, an ideal casual dinner and drinks location awaits.
Yatai – Aberdeen
Get yourself here asap! I tried Yatai for the first time earlier this year and every mouthful was an absolute dream. Feel miles away from Aberdeen with Thai House inspired interior and authentic food (including the insane pork steam buns).
SWEETS
La Gourmandise – Aberdeen
One for when you need some stand out bakes to blow your house guests away is French patisserie La Gourmandise. Freshly baked bread, pastries and delectable tarts are made everyday creating heavenly (and Insagrammable) treats.
Mackie’s 19.2 – Aberdeen
I always have room for a sweet and Mackie’s 19.2 always fits the bill. With masses of locally made and inventive ice cream flavours to choose from, every visit is a new experience. A firm favourite of mine is the Buttery and Jam ice cream dolloped onto a fluffy waffle with warm white chocolate sauce.
DRINKS
Cognito on the Corner – Aberdeen
One for gin lovers is Cognito on the Corner with its gin flights giving you the opportunity to taste a range of botanical blends. Choose from six gins and taste your way around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with the Local Flight where I chose Esker, House of Botanicals and House of Elrick.
And that takes me to the end of my look back at 2019, let’s see what 2020 have to offer. Keep up to date with my taste tours by following on Instagram and subscribing to The Food Hoover monthly mailing list.
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