The Bieldside: North Deeside Road, Bieldside
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STANDING on the main road to Deeside, The Bieldside has offered a welcome stopping place for many a weary traveller over the years.
But it’s much more than just a halting point, it’s very much a destination in its own right, having built up a reputation for fine food.
Certainly when we mentioned we were heading there on a rare kids-free night, the universal reply was: “It’s nice, you’ll enjoy that.”
What’s not to enjoy, really? A prime location, in a beautiful spot with splendid views from the back over rolling countryside.
The Bieldside’s restaurant makes the most of that setting, with huge windows and a balcony for the warmer weather.
There was, however, a sour note as we sat and looked over the menu. Hard against the elegant and airy dining room is a swish lounge bar.
Unfortunately on the night we were there it was occupied by noisy drunks whose swearing and rowdiness nearly derailed our plans for a quiet romantic dinner.
However, when we complained we were given a swift and full apology and the rabble told to stop. They did.
Which left us to get on with the business in hand ... eating.
My beloved and I shared the Brussels pate (£4.45) to start, with chutney and toast. Smooth, rich and garlicky, this was an ideal set up for the meal. The tangy chutney added bite and zing.
The Bieldside’s menu is an eclectic thing, mixing the likes of steak burger and curry of the day with sweet cured salmon and white bean chorizo fricassee.
My other half and I split the difference on the good, plain grub and high-falutin’ dining front.
She turned to the specials board for breaded chicken with peppercorn sauce and creamy mash (£10.25). It was simply superb. The high-quality chicken breast came in a grease-free superbly-seasoned crumb that was just scrumptious. The peppercorn sauce added a subtle touch, while the cheese mash was, and I quote, “yummy”.
My high-brow venison ravioli (£8.95) at first glance was on the scant side, and a touch of salad and some garlic bread would have been nice.
But doubts over quantity were dispelled by the rich quality of the dish. The pockets of pasta were stuffed full of the tenderest and most flavoursome game. The creamy sauce with chunks of tomato and sage leaves was a delight.
And I struggled to finish this filling wee offering.
All in all, this was as good a meal as we’ve had for a while ... if not the quietest.
