Foyer at HMT: Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen
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FOYER AT HMT: Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen
ABERDEEN’S His Majesty’s Theatre holds a very special place in my heart.
Its name evokes childhood memories of tiny winding staircases and cramped dressing rooms, having the stickiest-out tutu and the sweet scent of powdered rouge.
The world of Babs Wilson’s School of Dancing shows is a far cry from that of the theatre’s ultra-modern extension which is home to The Foyer at HMT.
But as 21st century as the building may be it has a real eye on the past and we were delighted by the view from our table of some of Aberdeen’s historic landmark rooftops as the dusk slowly settled.
My husband and I were also pleased to see the pre-theatre menu (three courses for £17.95) offered ample choice.
And from the moment the charming waitress took our order our meal was served with the seamless ease of a well rehearsed production.
My husband chose the game and juniper berry terrine with sweet picalilli to start. And he was impressed with this tasty meat-packed slab wrapped in bacon.
I chose the Thai fishcakes with lime, coriander and cucumber pickle. The two cakes may have been teeny, but they certainly packed a big fishy taste – which left me wishing there had been at least one more.
But my main was a far bigger affair. Juicy, tender and perfectly cooked roast chump of lamb on a crumbly potato and parsnip rosti with what I thought was an over generous mound of tangy pear, apricot and chilli jam. But the flavours all worked perfectly together.
As they did on my other half’s lemon and parsley grilled smoked haddock with crispy bacon on a bed of rich and creamy leek and potato risotto. The fish was plump and lip-smackingly full of flavour.
And for the finale I chose the selection of sorbets. What is it about spun sugar that can give a simple dish such pizazz? And with its bouffant of spiky sugar my trio of pear, mango and strawberry sorbets had a real wow factor. My husband’s choice of orange and rhubarb creme brulee with ginger snap biscuits was a far richer dish. Thick and creamy with just a hint of fruit and wonderfully snappy biscuits.
As the curtain came down on our meal we decided that on value-for-money these tasty dishes would require an encore.
