Restaurant 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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Mi Amore: Huntly Street, Aberdeen

SET-PRICE menus tend to make me concerned.
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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atlantis Restaurant: The Mariner Hotel, 349 Great Western Road, Aberdeen

SINCE visits to America as a child, I’ve been a fan of restaurants that fully immerse themselves in a theme – from the decor to the menu.
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Published: 06/05/2011 07:00:07

Nargile:77-79 Skene Street, Aberdeen

ONE of the pleasures we foodies have is comparing notes on our favourite places to eat, usually starting with “have you tried?” and ending with “you should, it’s fine”.
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Published: 29/04/2011 11:30:04

La Stella: 28 Adelphi, Aberdeen

COSY, quirky restaurants are always my dining spots of choice.
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Published: 22/04/2011 06:58:04

Bistro Verde: The Green, Aberdeen

HAVE you ever looked at a menu and actually wanted everything on it?
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Published: 15/04/2011 06:54:14

Spice Dabba: 15 Belmont Street, Aberdeen.

VARIETY is the spice of life – it’s a fine old saying and one which I take as a personal challenge to try as many different curry places as possible.
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Published: 08/04/2011 06:46:19

La Lombarda: 2 King Street, Aberdeen

IT’S not often I take my husband out for dinner, but since we were celebrating our second wedding anniversary I thought we deserved a treat.
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Published: 01/04/2011 06:56:06

Carmelite: Stirling Street, Aberdeen

HAVING a good night out needn’t always be a riotous affair.
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Published: 25/03/2011 07:22:28

Rustico: Union Row, Aberdeen

DO YOU believe in love at first bite? After falling head over heels for this sensational Italian, I think I’ve been converted.
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Published: 18/03/2011 06:44:19

Goulash: Adelphi, Aberdeen

AS A kid, you no doubt had a favourite auntie and uncle – you know the ones, cheery, brilliant cooks, who always give hugs and a cheeky bit of extra pocket-money.
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Published: 11/03/2011 06:59:53

Prezzo: Union Square, Aberdeen

IT LOOKS like we are incubating Aberdeen’s first Italian Quarter without anyone noticing.
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Published: 04/03/2011 06:53:22

Mains of Scotstown Inn: Jessmond Square, Bridge of Don

THE Mains of Scotstown Inn is hidden among the homes of Aberdeen’s Bridge of Don.
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Published: 25/02/2011 07:21:17

Fusion Bar and Bistro: 10 North Silver Street, Aberdeen

I RECENTLY discovered the worst thing about going out for a romantic Valentine’s meal.
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Published: 18/02/2011 06:52:42

The Foyer: 82A Crown Street, Aberdeen

MY PHILOSOPHY for 2011 when it comes to eating out has been “why wait to have a reason for a special meal?” If you feel like you need a treat you obviously do.
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Published: 11/02/2011 06:42:46

Hilton Garden Inn: St Andrew Street, Aberdeen

STEAKS are sometimes a bit of a too-easy choice, especially to a true carnivore and offal fiend like me.
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Published: 04/02/2011 06:52:28

Christos Greek Taverna: John Street, Aberdeen

GREECE is one of my all-time favourite holiday destinations.
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Published: 28/01/2011 06:46:50

New Yangtze: 8 Bridge Street, Aberdeen

LOOKS can be deceiving ... take the entrance to the New Yangtze, for example.
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Published: 21/01/2011 06:56:08

Wagamama: Union Square, Aberdeen

IT’S taken almost 20 years to arrive but, at last, it’s here.
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Published: 14/01/2011 06:44:30

The Albyn: 11 Albyn Place, Aberdeen

THE festive season is now officially behind us ... but that doesn’t mean an end to fun nights out.
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Published: 07/01/2011 09:32:05

Pizza Express: 47 Belmont Street, Aberdeen

CHRISTMAS is coming, the goose is getting fat ... and already I’m sick to the back teeth of turkey, trimmings and all that.
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Published: 17/12/2010 06:45:08

Shelley Leigh’s: 79 Charlotte Street, Aberdeen

WITH a party to organise, my pal and I needed a place with good food and a chilled mid-week atmosphere.
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Published: 10/12/2010 06:56:04

The Waterside Inn: Fraserburgh Road, Peterhead

EVERY time I venture to the Waterside Inn I hope to once again catch a glimpse of one of the UK’s hottest pop stars.
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Published: 03/12/2010 06:51:40

Eljo’s: 53 Langstane Place, Aberdeen

SURROUNDED by the newly developed hotels and swanky cocktail bars of Langstane Place, the glass-fronted Eljo’s couldn’t be in a more fitting location.
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Published: 26/11/2010 06:56:52

Osprey Restaurant: Thistle Hotel, Dyce

HEADING off to the airport at stupid o’clock in the morning always puts a dampener on my holidays.
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Published: 19/11/2010 06:53:47

Giraffe: Union Square, Aberdeen

MY WEE blended family always has a slight niggle when we fetch up at Union Square looking for food.
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Published: 12/11/2010 06:57:28

Moonfish Cafe, Correction Wynd, Aberdeen

THE Merchant Quarter is fast becoming one of the hippest areas in Aberdeen for shopping, hotels and – most of all – eating.
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Published: 05/11/2010 09:44:30

Fife Arms Hotel, The Square, Turriff

LITTLE did we know when we hit Turriff’s oldest eating house that our chef had served presidents, pop stars, actors and footballers.
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Published: 29/10/2010 07:25:17

Prego: 33-35 Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen

THERE was something pretty strange about Prego ... something we couldn’t quite put a finger on.
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Published: 22/10/2010 06:54:44

The Udny Arms: Main Street, Newburgh

WHAT better way is there to spend a Sunday afternoon than by building up an appetite for your roast dinner with a brisk walk?
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Published: 15/10/2010 06:55:53

The Stage Door: North Silver Street, Aberdeen

ON A blustery autumn evening, curling up in front of the TV might seem the best option.
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Published: 08/10/2010 06:42:33

Cafe Montmartre: Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen

PARIS – it conjures ideas of romance, fashion panache and artistic inspiration.
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Published: 01/10/2010 06:59:16

The Bieldside: North Deeside Road, Aberdeen

AN IDIOT once said: “Quality rather than quantity.”
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Published: 24/09/2010 06:47:28

Poldino’s: Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen

WITH a night at His Majesty’s ahead, having an Italian meal before the curtain rose added to the sense of occasion.
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Published: 17/09/2010 06:50:38

Tor-Na-Coille Hotel: Inchmarlo Road, Banchory

MEARNS exile Charlie Anderson is a real toff.
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Published: 10/09/2010 06:53:04

The Square: Golden Square, Aberdeen

THE Square is a bit like the Tardis ... it really is much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside.
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Published: 03/09/2010 07:16:10

The Borsalino Restaurant: North Deeside Road, Peterculter

BORSALINO lies just a few hundred yards from the border with Aberdeenshire.
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Published: 27/08/2010 06:59:13

Apache Spur: Union Square, Aberdeen

DID you hear the one about the South African restaurant, with a Tex Mex theme in the heart of Aberdeen?
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Published: 20/08/2010 07:11:43

Cutty Spice: King Street, Inverbervie

SEE me, see names, I’m absolutely terrible at remembering them.
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Published: 13/08/2010 06:58:16

Ferryhill House Hotel: Bon Accord Street, Aberdeen

THERE must be some kind of special sensor at the Ferryhill House Hotel because whenever I set foot in its beer garden the sun magically disappears in an instant.
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Published: 06/08/2010 06:57:20

The Tolbooth Restaurant: Old Pier, Stonehaven

PERCHED on a waterfront wall with the salty sea air breezing in – it is one of my favourite places in the world.
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Published: 30/07/2010 07:27:04

Howies: Chapel Street, Aberdeen

LIKE any other parents, Mrs B and I love our kids beyond reason.
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Published: 22/07/2010 11:58:53

Fennel: Burn Lane, Inverurie

LOOKING around at the subtly-lit white walls, fish tanks, paintings and chic Saturday night diners, I was a tad confused.
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Published: 16/07/2010 07:31:27

Mi Amore: Huntly Street, Aberdeen

I WAS simply delighted when my friend told me there was a new Italian restaurant in town.
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Published: 09/07/2010 07:28:08

Scott Skinner’s: North Deeside Road, Banchory

MODERN life ... it’s all a bit of a hectic whirl isn’t it, with us caught in the middle of a dance of change.
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Published: 02/07/2010 06:56:30

Frankie & Benny’s: Queen’s Links, Aberdeen

AS I am currently the proudest mum in the world after my son received an A pass in his exam I thought he deserved a celebratory slap-up meal.
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Published: 25/06/2010 07:17:31

Siberia: Belmont Street, Aberdeen

A RARE sunny day in Aberdeen demands a visit to a beer garden after work.
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Published: 25/06/2010 07:17:34

Luigi’s: Holiday Inn, Westhill

A CATCH-UP on girly gossip deserves a good meal to accompany it.
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Published: 18/06/2010 06:54:27

210 Bistro: Market Street, Aberdeen

WHOEVER said “location, location, location” (Phil or Kirsty I think) has obviously never been to 210 Bistro.
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Published: 11/06/2010 07:49:53

Yorokobi: Huntly Street, Aberdeen

I MIGHT be an in-aboot-comer to these here parts but I have noticed one refreshing trend in my five years of living here.
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Published: 04/06/2010 07:11:38

The Ashvale: Great Western Road, Aberdeen

HOUSE-HUNTING can be a hungry business. So what better way to research my prospective new neighbourhood, than to head to the local chipper and see if it’s any crack?
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Published: 28/05/2010 06:54:17

Ban-Car Hotel: Main Road, Lonmay, Fraserburgh

IF I said I was dining at the ancestral home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll you would probably expect me to be in Memphis.
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Published: 28/05/2010 06:54:14

Ask: Union Square, Aberdeen

ASK and you shall receive ... so when I asked Mrs B if she wanted to visit the latest Italian eatery in town I received a “yes”.
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Published: 21/05/2010 06:52:16

Bollywood Tandoori: Union Street, Aberdeen

TWO things have been a source of constant pleasure in my life so far – food and films.
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Published: 14/05/2010 06:47:15

Sai-Gon: Crown Terrace, Aberdeen

BEING on a health kick does mean some sacrifices – but it didn’t stand in the way of an overdue catch-up with the girls.
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Published: 05/05/2010 14:50:10

Tandoori Haven: Allardice Street, Stonehaven

WITH Dorothy fever gripping the nation – well, according to Graham Norton anyway – we are constantly being told there’s no place like home.
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Published: 30/04/2010 12:25:37

Country Park Inn: Station Road, Mintlaw

A MEAL fit for a king is always the order of the day when a newborn baby enters the world.
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Published: 23/04/2010 06:21:30

Josephines: Holburn Street, Aberdeen

BLINK and you’d miss this little Italian restaurant on Holburn Street.
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Published: 16/04/2010 07:22:37

Number One Brasserie: Queen’s Terrace, Aberdeen

SINCE it first opened about five years ago, Number One has always been for me one of the most reliable restaurants in Aberdeen.
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Published: 09/04/2010 06:36:29

Rendezvous @ Nargile: Forest Avenue, Aberdeen

HAVING a top restaurant at the end of your street can be a bit of a mixed blessing.
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Published: 02/04/2010 06:52:54

Yatai: Langstane Place, Aberdeen

I‘M A bit of a nervous diner when outside of my comfort zone.
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Published: 26/03/2010 06:57:36

La Stella: Adelphi, Aberdeen

THERE’S a new concept being floated on the cobbles of The Adelphi – “bistronomy”.
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Published: 19/03/2010 07:16:25

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

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