A SLAP-UP dinner was in order for the last night of a week’s holiday.
But it turned out our first choice was closed on a Sunday evening.
With the words “I told you to book” ringing in my ears, we had a frantic search for another place to dine in the city
centre.
And since neither my husband nor I fancied an Indian or Chinese, we began to wonder if we would find anywhere willing to serve us at 8pm.
But then we remembered about Howies, the Aberdeen branch of the Edinburgh restaurants.
And thank goodness we did, because the food at the Chapel Street venue was fantastic.
And the interior is perfect for a romantic evening, with cosy red walls and atmospheric candles on the tables.
We were offered a choice of either a two-course meal for £20.95 or three courses for £23.50.
We decided on the cheaper option as we’d had more than our fair share of food during our week off.
And, unfortunately, we were far too late for the early evening deal of two courses for £15.95.
My husband plumped for the soup of the day to warm himself up on the chilly November night, and said it was just as it should be – thick but not clumpy, and full of vegetables and flavour.
I chose the poached pear, mizuna, Stilton and celery salad with a walnut dressing, because I didn’t want a heavy starter.
The flavours worked really well together, with the succulent slices of pears marrying well with the Stilton.
For his main course, my husband picked the oven-roasted free-range chicken, stuffed with haggis and served with parsnip and potato puree, glazed parsnips and whisky sauce.
He declared it delicious, with the chicken and the haggis a big hit.
I decided on the Lamb 2ways, which was seared chump and shoulder served with minted new potatoes and honey- caramelised carrots.
The lamb was cooked to perfection – tender and succulent and melted in the mouth.
The veg were equally tasty and not overcooked like so many Scottish traditional foods, but just perfect.
With a couple of soft drinks, the bill came to about £45.