Sand Dollar Cafe: Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen
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WITH cash tighter than ever thanks to a poorly car and fixed-rate mortgage, our posh nights out are few and far between.
When we do head out with a fistful of cash to spend, it tends to be in the direction of places recommended by fellow foodies or to old, trusted favourites.
But we had no expectations about Sand Dollar Cafe by Aberdeen beach.
We booked simply because we liked the look of the menu during a stroll down the seafront.
And we weren’t disappointed.
In fact, it turned out to be the best meal we’ve had in a long time.
A cafe by day and a bistro by night from Thursday to Saturday, we were ushered to a table for two for our Friday evening treat.
With warm bread studded with black olives and a dipping dish of balsamic vinegar and olive oil to whet our appetite, we drank in the chilled-out surroundings – pale blues and creams reminiscent of old beachfront cafes in their heyday.
My friend started on the seared asparagus and poached duck egg with hollandaise sauce (£6.25) which was an absolute delight – the simple flavours working beautifully.
My starter was a tougher test for the chefs’ technical expertise – scallops and black pudding wrapped in leek and cooked in a light batter on cauliflower puree. I couldn’t fault the execution of the dish but I discovered something about myself – I thought before I ordered it might be a bit complicated for my palette and that’s how it turned out.
However, the fact I prefer scallops simply seared is no criticism of the kitchen.
My friend has not quite finished raving about her main course – roasted turbot with sun-dried tomato tapenade on a bed of wild mushroom risotto (£12.95). This was seriously good food and at least a fiver cheaper than some restaurants would have charged for the privilege.
My fish casserole (£11.95) was also superb value – two whacking great prawns, a couple of scallops and chunks of turbot in a lip-smackingly tasty tomato and red wine sauce with crusty bread. If that is peasant food, I don’t mind being broke.
We finished by sharing the double chocolate amaretto torte (£5.50) which continued the high standard set from the moment we walked in the door.
A bottle of Toro from the special wine list (£15.95) took the bill to just shy of £60 – brilliant value for money for outstanding food.
The Sand Dollar Cafe just became an old favourite we’re recommending to all our friends.
