AT THE start of a week off there’s nothing better than heading out for dinner.
With no work in the morning the last thing I want to think about is pots, pans and dishes.
And the first thing I do want to think about is a glass of vino and someone cooking some fine fare for me.
So, with a pal in tow, I headed to a classic Italian in Aberdeen city centre, Pavarotti’s.
Even on a Monday evening this place was still fairly busy and had an atmosphere of refined relaxation.
But first things first. We delved into the wine list and chose a crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio (£17.95), as we were certain there would be seafood of some description on our menu for the evening.
The waitress didn’t seem too bothered when we gabbed far too long before finally making our choices.
For starters we were torn, so shared two tasty-sounding options between us.
First we went for the calamari fritti. And I have never seen such a hefty serving of squid – piles and piles of melt-in-the-mouth rings doused in a lighter-than-air batter were served with a deliciously spicy chilli tomato dip.
It was far too much for a starter, but we still managed to polish off a fair whack of the stacked-high dish.
For the second starter we went for the funghi ripieni.
Mushrooms were filled with gorgonzola and mozzarella before being encased in a crispy coating of breadcrumbs. They were heavenly and extremely moreish.
I opted for the taglioni Pavarotti for my main. Beautifully al dente pasta ribbons were coated in a velvety saffron cream sauce which was shot through with pieces of tender ham and green peas.
Again, it was an immense portion and, although it was delicious, I hardly managed half of it, making me feel pretty guilty when the waitress came to collect my plate and asked me if there was something wrong with my food.
My pal went for the pollo ai funghi con crema.
A breast of moist chicken was covered in a creamy mushroom sauce and served with crispy potatoes.
And again it was a big portion, but my pal said it was beautifully cooked. The waitress looked down her nose a little when she asked for some parmesan – but obliged anyway.
With a couple of coffees, the whole meal came to a fairly reasonable £60.
I would certainly go back to Pavarotti’s. The service is great and the food is top notch – but I don’t think I could manage two courses again.