Food Reviews

Yu: Union Street, Aberdeen

THE Chinese New Year has kicked off ... so welcome to the Year of the Dragon.
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Published: 03/02/2012 07:24:19

Edwards Bar: West High Street, Inverurie

ANYONE who knows me knows that I have a really bad sense of direction.
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Published: 03/02/2012 07:24:20

Khyber Pass: Spital, Aberdeen

WITH a new nipper recently arrived there is little time for whipping up anything other than baby food.
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Published: 03/02/2012 07:24:21

The Courtyard: Alford Lane, Aberdeen

IT’S undeniable chefs – sorry, “molecular gastronomists” – like Heston Blumenthal have had a profound impact on the fine dining scene.
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Published: 27/01/2012 07:18:34

Enigma: The Academy, Aberdeen

AFTER three weeks of post-New Year detox, the other half and I decided it was time to treat ourselves to a Sunday pub lunch.
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Published: 27/01/2012 07:18:35

Szechuan: Unit 1, The Green Portlethen

‘LESS is more’ is one of the great acting principles ... but it can apply to food, too.
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Published: 27/01/2012 07:18:36

Monsoona: Bridge Street, Aberdeen

AS ANYONE who has even glanced at the Evening Express restaurant reviews before knows, I like curry.
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Published: 20/01/2012 07:25:02

The Globe: North Silver Street, Aberdeen

OUR bank balance means globe-trotting is definitely out of the question.
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Published: 20/01/2012 07:25:03

Dee Garden: North Deeside Road, Peterculter

IT’S the same old story.
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Published: 20/01/2012 07:25:03

Royal China: North Deeside Road, Peterculter

NOW when it comes to Chinese food I quite like Banquet Menu A but I also like Banquet Menu B. There’s only one way to settle this ... fight!
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Published: 13/01/2012 06:59:57

Simpson’s: Queen’s Road, Aberdeen

I DO it every January – fail to stick to my New Year’s resolution to get fit. But this year would be different.
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Published: 13/01/2012 07:53:38

Spiceation: Great Northern Road, Aberdeen

I’M USUALLY wary of places that cook curry, pizza and fish and chips – Jack-of-all-trades-style takeaways.
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Published: 13/01/2012 07:25:38

Cinnamon: Union Street, Aberdeen

TIRED of leftover turkey and stuffing, I couldn’t wait to try something completely different.
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Published: 06/01/2012 07:49:45

The Red Star Inn: Kirkton of Skene

I’D USE one word to sum up the Red Star Inn. Simple.
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Published: 06/01/2012 07:49:47

Chao Phraya: Salvesen Tower, Blaikies Quay, Aberdeen

I FEEL Thai cuisine often gets short shrift, being seen as the poor cousin to Indian or Chinese food.
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Published: 06/01/2012 07:49:47

The Creel Inn: Catterline, Stonehaven

AS WE drew up to the clifftop Creel Inn, the first dusting of snow had arrived – in stark contrast to the red soil of the Mearns.
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Published: 16/12/2011 08:07:27

The Noose & Monkey: Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen

WHEN the chance finally came to leave the house, without getting blown away in the recent storms, I decided to grab some good old does-what-it-says-on-the-tin pub grub.
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Published: 16/12/2011 08:07:28

Baburchee: Chapel Street, Aberdeen

I DON’T enjoy getting mail – it’s never anything good.
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Published: 16/12/2011 08:07:29

The Silver Darling: Pocra Quay, Aberdeen

THE Silver Darling has a reputation for being an excellent – if expensive – seafood restaurant.
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Published: 09/12/2011 07:32:39

The Athenaeum: Union Street, Aberdeen

I’VE nothing against pub grub, it’s just more often than not I come away slightly underwhelmed.
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Published: 09/12/2011 07:32:40

Chopsticks Inn: Redcloak Drive, Stonehaven

EVERYONE knows the feeling ... it’s been a hectic weekend of visiting family, nights out with friends and another round of Christmas shopping.
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Published: 09/12/2011 07:32:41

Paula McEwen: Great Western Road, Aberdeen

A GOOD rule of thumb is to take things you read on the internet with a grain of salt.
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Published: 02/12/2011 07:20:45

The Lemon Tree: West North Street, Aberdeen

BURGERS are the rock ‘n’ roll of the food world ... it’s all fast and furious and over in a matter of minutes.
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Published: 02/12/2011 07:20:46

Happy Uncle: North Deeside Road, Aberdeen

HEADING home after a long day at work, both myself and my boyfriend were in the mood for a tasty treat.
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Published: 02/12/2011 07:20:46

The Nawaabs: Summer Street, Aberdeen

WITH our bank account still reeling from our recent wedding, the number of meals out has taken a hit.
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Published: 25/11/2011 07:17:14

The Crown Hotel: Inverbervie

ONE of the great joys is when your other half agrees to forget the food that’s in the fridge and go for “an adventure” instead.
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Published: 25/11/2011 07:17:15

Jade Garden: Ellon Road, Bridge of Don

DRIVING around town I often make a mental list of all the takeaways I haven’t tried yet.
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Published: 25/11/2011 07:17:15

Jimmy Chung’s: Beach Esplanade, Aberdeen

THE last time I passed Jimmy Chung’s at the Beach, folk were queuing out the door.
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Published: 17/11/2011 13:46:51

Broadstraik Inn: Elrick, Westhill

AUTUMN colours may still be clinging to the trees, but the hubby and I were on the hunt for some winter comfort food when we slipped inside the Broadstraik Inn.
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Published: 17/11/2011 13:46:52

Gurkha Chef: Palmerston Road, Aberdeen

WELL bung me in a wig and call me Joanna Lumley, I’ve got myself a new campaign.
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Published: 17/11/2011 13:46:53

Cafe 52: The Green, Aberdeen

YOU just have to follow your nose to find Cafe 52, which wafts out fragrant spices through its bamboo-filled courtyard.
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Published: 11/11/2011 06:58:51

The Braided Fig: Summer Street, Aberdeen

I’VE been to dinner in many places that are gimmicked up to the eyeballs to hide terrible cooking.
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Published: 11/11/2011 06:58:52

Ho Lok: North Deeside Road, Peterculter

SINCE moving out to the countryside (well Culter – I’m a city boy so that’s the countryside to me) we’ve been slowly building up a new address book of takeaways.
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Published: 11/11/2011 06:58:53

Light of Bengal: 13 Rose Street, Aberdeen

AFTER a few drinks to bid a fond farewell to an old colleague, my friend suggested we round off the evening with a nice meal.
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Published: 04/11/2011 07:08:32

Garlogie Inn: Westhill

WITH such famous former diners as Liam Gallagher and Kirstie and Phil from the property programmes, it was about time the Groundwaters graced the Garlogie with our presence once more.
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Published: 04/11/2011 07:08:33

New Hong Kong: Auchmill Road, Aberdeen

DILEMMA. Transform my son into Amy Winehouse for a Halloween party or cook supper? Hmm. Time to dive into my takeaway menu box.
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Published: 04/11/2011 07:08:33

Konnichi: The Academy, Belmont Street, Aberdeen

THE night had been a mad rush against time but coming into the quiet calm of Konnichi Bar and Restaurant I felt the stress instantly lift.
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Published: 28/10/2011 07:17:52

Mains of Balquharn: Badentoy Road, Portlethen

I HAD two options, I could join the hunter-gatherers roaming the supermarket aisles in search of food or head to the pub for some tasty grub. The choice was simple. The pub.
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Published: 28/10/2011 07:17:52

Cafe Bombay: North Deeside Road, Peterculter

YOU know the feeling. It’s Sunday, the wife can’t be bothered cooking and, after being dragged around the shops all day, there’s no way you’re doing it.
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Published: 28/10/2011 07:17:52

Sam’s: King Street, Aberdeen

WHEN it comes to going out for a meal, I like to get to my venue in plenty of time. I hate to rush.
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Published: 21/10/2011 07:26:44

The Old Mill Inn: Maryculter

THERE comes a time in everyone’s mid-20s when they have a third-life crisis and rebel, doing things different just for the sake of it (albeit in the most mundane way possible).
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Published: 21/10/2011 07:26:45

Gurkha Kitchen: George Street, Aberdeen

HAVING no experience of Nepalese cuisine, it was with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation we leafed through the Gurkha Kitchen menu.
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Published: 21/10/2011 07:26:45

Atholl Hotel: King’s Gate, Aberdeen

IT MUST be a function of getting older, but these days I like more and more things “old school”.
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Published: 14/10/2011 08:02:39

Shepherd’s Rest: Straik Road, Westhill

SOMETIMES when you’re looking for a bite to eat, you want the kind of place where you can sit back, chill out and have a good chat with your mates. The Shepherd’s Rest in Westhill is that kind of place.
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Published: 14/10/2011 08:02:18

Sanremo: Union Grove, Aberdeen

AT THIS time of year I wave goodbye to my Saturday night social life. With the start of Strictly and X Factor’s live shows, the only time I intended leaving the telly was to answer the door to the Sanremo delivery man.
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Published: 14/10/2011 08:02:40

Fourmile House: Old Skene Road, Kingswells

WHEN my friend suggested the Fourmile House for dinner, I was keen to see if it had changed for the better since my last visit.
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Published: 07/10/2011 07:54:31

The Office: Crown Street, Aberdeen

I’M NOT the biggest Robert Burns fan, but even I have to admit, when he’s right, he’s right.
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Published: 07/10/2011 07:54:31

Chung Hwa: Great Northern Road, Aberdeen

I WOULD never want to add any credence to the myth Aberdonians are a bit stingy. However, we do love a bargain.
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Published: 07/10/2011 07:54:32

The Spice Mill: Grandholm Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen

I’M NOT particularly fond of this time of year. The leaves turn brown, the nights draw in and there’s a definite nip in the air.
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Published: 30/09/2011 07:08:11

Northern Bar: George Street, Aberdeen

MOVING back to your old stomping ground can provide some definite benefits. For a start, you know where to find the best takeaways, shops and, most importantly, pubs.
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Published: 30/09/2011 07:08:12

New Taste: Brickfield Road, Stonehaven

WE HAVE a ritual in our house on a Friday night.
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Published: 30/09/2011 07:08:13

Sabai: Union Street, Aberdeen

A NIGHT out on the town with old friends has to be one of my favourite things.
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Published: 23/09/2011 07:01:18

The Bervie Chipper: Cowgate, Inverbervie

A CHIP shop sitting right next to the North Sea means one thing, doesn’t it? Fish suppers all round.
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Published: 23/09/2011 07:01:20

Wok Wok: Crown Street, Aberdeen

WITH a burst pipe in my flat and half a floor missing in the kitchen, attempting to cook dinner for my better half was nigh on impossible.
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Published: 23/09/2011 07:01:20

Chiquito: Queen’s Links Leisure Park, Aberdeen

YOU know that feeling when you go into a restaurant, order drinks, look at the menu then realise it’s all a bit grim – from the community centre cafe atmosphere to the waiter who speaks no English at all – so it’s better to leave?
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Published: 16/09/2011 07:13:36

Siberia: Belmont Street, Aberdeen

AS RELAXED city centre pubs go, Siberia has always been a favourite of mine for after-work grub.
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Published: 16/09/2011 07:13:38

Jumbo Fish and Chips: 319 North Deeside Road, Peterculter

CELEBRITY MasterChef has a lot to answer for...
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Published: 16/09/2011 07:13:39

1906 at HMT: His Majesty’s Theatre, Rosemount viaduct, Aberdeen

HIS Majesty’s Theatre knows how to stage a good production – there’s no question about that.
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Published: 09/09/2011 07:10:14

Old Blackfriars: Castle Street, Aberdeen

WHEN it comes to eating out for Sunday lunch, there’s no better place than a traditional pub like Old Blackfriars.
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Published: 09/09/2011 07:10:15

Mumbai Spice: Bridge Croft, Hillhead, Newtonhill

INDIAN food doesn’t qualify as fast food ... unless it comes from a wee restaurant right beside the A90, I suppose.
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Published: 09/09/2011 07:10:15

Restaurant 21: Market Street, Aberdeen

IT’S been a while since we last visited Restaurant 21 in Aberdeen.
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Published: 02/09/2011 07:29:17

The Redgarth: Kirk Brae, Oldmeldrum

WITH the nights drawing in and a definite autumnal chill in the air, I was feeling the need for some comfort food.
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Published: 02/09/2011 07:29:18

K2 Curry House

WITH an accountant girlfriend, I always try to find the best deals – although that’s not to say I stick to them.
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Published: 02/09/2011 07:29:18

The Cock & Bull: Ellon Road, Balmedie

DON’T be fooled by the name – The Cock & Bull restaurant is every bit the real deal.
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Published: 26/08/2011 06:59:54

Soul Bar: Union Street, Aberdeen

WHEN it comes to dining out, I pride myself on being very open-minded and adventurous.
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Published: 26/08/2011 06:59:55

Peony House: North Donside Road, Aberdeen

I STARTED off Friday with the best of intentions.
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Published: 26/08/2011 06:59:55

Nando’s: Union Square, Aberdeen

NANDO’S has become an institution for my group of friends since it opened last year.
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Published: 19/08/2011 07:17:03

The Athenaeum: Union Street, Aberdeen

MARRIED life is full of little trade-offs – as in: “Okay, I’ll go and see Bridesmaids if you come with me for Japanese food first.”
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Published: 19/08/2011 07:17:05

Sunflower Garden: Main Street, Pitmedden

AFTER a day of gardening, golfing and tending to the needs of a newborn baby, a quick and easy dining solution was called for.
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Published: 19/08/2011 07:17:06

Mi Amore: Huntly Street, Aberdeen

SET-PRICE menus tend to make me concerned.
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Published: 12/08/2011 07:14:56

Dobbies: New Park Farm, White Myres, Lang Stracht, Aberdeen

I HAVE discovered that visiting garden centres can be habit forming – and we don’t even have a garden – it’s the food you see. We’ve found they do good food at not bad prices with the chance to do a bit of retail therapy thrown in.
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Published: 12/08/2011 07:14:56

Yu: Langstane Place, Aberdeen

WITH the rain pouring down outside and summer fast becoming a distant memory, it was time to cheer ourselves up with a fine feed.
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Published: 12/08/2011 07:14:56

TGI Friday’s: Union Square, Aberdeen

TGI FRIDAY’S has always struck me as a bit of an odd name for a restaurant.
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Published: 05/08/2011 07:13:51

Ma Cameron’s: Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen

WHEN I first moved to Aberdeen, Ma Cameron’s was one of the first pubs my mates took me to.
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Published: 05/08/2011 07:13:50

Massala Garden: Brighton Place, Peterculter

AFTER spending the best part of the day travelling home from the Canary Islands, the last thing we wanted to do was cook.
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Published: 05/08/2011 07:13:52

Cocoa: Market Street, Aberdeen

IT’S surely a good sign for a restaurant when even a monsoon doesn’t keep the punters away.
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Published: 29/07/2011 11:32:00

Malmaison: 49-53 Queen’s Road, Aberdeen

GETTING a bar lunch in Aberdeen’s West End after 2.30pm on a Sunday is a struggle, I have discovered.
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Published: 29/07/2011 11:32:01

Zara’s: 60 Allardice Street, Stonehaven

THE thing about a lingering Sunday afternoon in the pub with mates is that at some point hunger will kick in.
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Published: 29/07/2011 11:32:01

The Archibald Simpson: 5 Castle Street, Aberdeen

THERE are not many places in the heart of the city centre that can boast two meals for less than £10. The Archibald Simpson is a bustling hive of activity where you have two options.
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Published: 22/07/2011 07:13:29

The White Horse: Old Road, Balmedie

ON A cold and wet Saturday evening we faced deciding how to combine the few remaining contents of the freezer into something that would resemble dinner.
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Published: 22/07/2011 07:13:28

Bill’s Wok Inn: Unit 2, Kingswells Avenue, Kingswells

I HAD heard only good things about Bill’s Wok Inn and decided to try it with a friend.
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Published: 22/07/2011 07:13:29

Royal Thai: Crown Terrace, Aberdeen

WE HAVE a saying around our house of “Well, you just failed Mr and Mrs”.
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Published: 15/07/2011 07:11:39

Beekies Neuk: Oldmeldrum Road, Newmachar

WAKING up to stormy skies and torrential rain, I was facing a cosy Sunday spent on the sofa watching bad TV.
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Published: 15/07/2011 07:11:41

Nazma Tandoori: Bridge Street, Aberdeen

OTHER than when it’s to the pub, walking is only second to Richard Hammond and skinny jeans in my list of pointless things.
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Published: 15/07/2011 07:11:41

Buchanans Bistro: Woodend Barn, Banchory

AFTER a day of checking out Royal Deeside with guests, we wanted to find a nearby eating place fit for kings and queens.
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Published: 08/07/2011 07:08:21

Henry’s Bar: Exchequer Row, Aberdeen

WHAT’S that sitcom called with the theme tune “Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came?”
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Published: 08/07/2011 07:08:22

Papa John’s: Great Northern Road, Aberdeen

MY PAL and I are on a health kick. Every week we have a workout and pound the treadmill.
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Published: 08/07/2011 07:08:23

Zizzi Ristorante: Union Square, Aberdeen

WE WERE two women on a mission. Late night shopping and looking to buy a dress for a wedding the very next day.
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Published: 01/07/2011 07:15:14

The City: 37-39 Netherkirkgate, Aberdeen

YOU would think that having lived umpteen years in the North-east, I would know Aberdeen like the back of my hand by now.
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Published: 01/07/2011 07:15:15

Silver Bird: Midmill, Kintore

AFTER shipping my pal's kids off to bed it was time for some well-earned comfort food.
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Published: 30/06/2011 11:13:13

Handmade Burger Co: First Level Mall, Union Square, Aberdeen

THE best burger I’ve ever had was a half-pounder, served in a Boston bar, which didn’t come with a welter of sauces or garnish.
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Published: 24/06/2011 07:14:10

Douglas Arms Hotel: High Street, Banchory

THE dying fizz of my camp stove put paid to my plans to gorge on a fry-up.
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Published: 24/06/2011 07:14:11

Snappy Tomato: Kingswells Village Centre, Kingswells

COMING home after a day on the hills, the last you ever want to do is cook.
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Published: 24/06/2011 07:14:11

Pavarotti’s: Union Terrace, Aberdeen

AT THE start of a week off there’s nothing better than heading out for dinner.
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Published: 17/06/2011 07:13:22

Rocksalt & Snails: St Swithin Street, Aberdeen

IT’S a sunny weekday afternoon in the West End, and Rocksalt & Snails is brimming with activity.
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Published: 17/06/2011 07:13:24

Coriander: Dee Street, Banchory

ONE of the great joys of a trip up Royal Deeside is deciding where to pick up your take out from to make the perfect end to a good day out.
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Published: 16/06/2011 13:08:14

Royal China: 124-130 Holburn Street, Aberdeen

FOR oriental fare, we’re more than a little spoiled in Aberdeen.
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Published: 10/06/2011 07:00:09

Monsoona: Bridge Street, Aberdeen

FEELING slightly at sea with the departure of my girlfriend to the Big Smoke, I did what all sensible, self-sufficient males do ... and turned to the take away menu.
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Published: 09/06/2011 14:37:02

Udny Arms Hotel: Main Street, Newburgh

NOT so long ago, a trip to the Udny Arms in Newburgh was likely to be due to its reputation as the birthplace of sticky toffee pudding.
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Published: 10/06/2011 07:00:10

The Green Inn: Victoria Road, Ballater

AFTER sitting on a bus for well over an hour, I was beginning to wonder why I’d agreed to go to the Green Inn in Ballater.
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Published: 03/06/2011 07:20:27

Mains of Drum: Drumoak, Banchory

GOING to a garden centre when you don’t garden is a bit like going to a golfing shop when you don’t golf.
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Published: 03/06/2011 07:20:28

Woodend Fast Food: 111 Rousay Drive, Aberdeen

CHIPPER suppers are a guilty pleasure of mine ... and all the better for sharing them with good friends.
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Published: 02/06/2011 11:34:56

Yo! Sushi: Union Square, Aberdeen

YOU would think somewhere called Yo! Sushi would be a terrible place to take your beloved who doesn’t care for fish or Japanese food.
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Published: 27/05/2011 06:56:07

Triple Kirks: Schoolhill, Aberdeen

A CATCH-UP session with an old mate was long overdue, so we planned a get-together over some grub at Triple Kirks.
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Published: 27/05/2011 06:56:08

Balmedie Fish and Chip Shop: Old Aberdeen Road

BALMEDIE’S famous beach always draws scores of visitors to the village.
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Published: 27/05/2011 06:56:09

Tropeiro: 1 Golden Square, Aberdeen.

THERE is casual dining, there is formal dining and then there is event dining.
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Published: 20/05/2011 06:57:02

Ythanview Hotel: Methlick

TUCKED away in a quaint countryside village, the picturesque drive to Methlick's Ythanview Hotel was a slice of heaven after a long week in the office.
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Published: 20/05/2011 06:57:05

Orzya Sushi: 75 Huntly Street, Aberdeen

SUSHI withdrawal has but one cure – piles and piles of maki.
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Published: 19/05/2011 11:21:59

RBG Grill: Park Inn by Radisson, 1 Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen

HOTEL restaurants are an interesting breed – neither here nor there, they feel the need to be either everything to everyone or play it incredibly safe.
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Published: 13/05/2011 06:58:46

Revolution: 25 Belmont Street, Aberdeen

WE THOUGHT it was the sunny weather that had attracted such a big crowd to Revolution’s beer garden, until my better half and I discovered the pub had a two-for-one burger deal on offer.
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Published: 13/05/2011 06:58:47

Saffron: Hillhead, Newtonhill

SEEING as I go zipping past the place every night on the way home, it was only a matter of time before the lure of Saffron proved too much.
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Published: 12/05/2011 11:39:45

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