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<title>AberdeenDining Blog</title><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/index.html</link><description>News from AberdeenDining</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2009 AberdeenDining.co.uk</dc:rights><dc:date>2013-03-31T19:32:31+01:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Thu, 7 May 2009 15:17:48 +0100</lastBuildDate><item><title>Jamie&#x27;s Italian &#x2013; a chain that impresses</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2013-03-31T19:32:31+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1303-jamies-italian.php#unique-entry-id-50</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1303-jamies-italian.php#unique-entry-id-50</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Sit down in an Outback steakhouse in Florida, or Illinois, and &ndash; unless you can see the view out the window &ndash; the experience is exactly the same. 

...In designing the restaurant they have gone out of their way to keep some of the character of the original building &ndash; right down to the black-and-white mosaic E&M from the famed local department store that was formerly in this building. 

...The restaurant is spread over two floors of the old department store, so it is quite spacious and I also like the fact that there are different table arrangements for different types of party. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Two celebrity restaurants on the way</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2013-01-25T10:17:32+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1301-celebrity-restaurants.php#unique-entry-id-49</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1301-celebrity-restaurants.php#unique-entry-id-49</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Suddenly Aberdeen seems to be the place to be for celebrity restaurants. 


With Jamie Oliver&rsquo;s restaurant Jamie&rsquo;s Italian due to open shortly in the old Esslemont & Macintosh department store in the city&rsquo;s Union Street, there is news of another TV chef with plans to open in Aberdeen.


Antonio Carluccio&rsquo;s chain Carluccio&rsquo;s is planning to open its second Scottish restaurant in Aberdeen and, apparently, the recruitment process for the head chef has already begun. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How safe is your eatery?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2013-01-23T15:01:28+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1301-food-hygiene.php#unique-entry-id-48</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1301-food-hygiene.php#unique-entry-id-48</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Recognising that people want reassurance about the food standards, some restaurants have open kitchens that you can see how your food is prepared. 

...It&rsquo;s a chance to see if the kitchen looks clean and try to get an idea of the standards operated in the restaurant. 


...Or, if you have an iPhone, or iPad, check out the hygiene standards of the eatery you are thinking of trying by downloading the Food Hygiene app.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>It&#x27;s good to back from the USA</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2012-10-22T12:23:31+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/6ce5579e447fd2cab7e47010a50db0bb-44.php#unique-entry-id-44</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/6ce5579e447fd2cab7e47010a50db0bb-44.php#unique-entry-id-44</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I&rsquo;m not sure if my palate is just getting jaded when it comes to food in the USA, or whether it is really becoming more and more uniform &ndash; just like the restaurants. 


It really is unsettling and somewhat spooky, to find that the Cracker Barrels you visit in Indianapolis, Alabama and Florida are so identical you find yourself slipping into &ldquo;deja vu&rdquo; moments. 

...There was a real sense of occasion and a little bit of theatre in the Salumi a sampler Salumi and Formaggi a sampler of cheeses, fruit marmalade and tastes of cold meat, served with square pillow-shaped bread rolls. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>An Aberdeen favourite&#x2c; Yatai returns </title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2012-10-23T12:03:40+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8df70562c5ce478bafe7e5cc6fb5b238-43.php#unique-entry-id-43</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8df70562c5ce478bafe7e5cc6fb5b238-43.php#unique-entry-id-43</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[That&rsquo;s the news broken by stv.news today and there will be rejoicing from many of the Japanese restaurants fans. 


...Established in King Street, Yatai then formed an association with the Bauhaus Hotel in Langstane Place, before closing.


It&rsquo;s new home is also in Langstane Place, next to Orchid, which will be taking on some of the Japanese flavour from its neighbour. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sponsored blog: Aberdeen&#x2c; a year-round destination</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2012-09-24T14:33:59+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1209-aberdeen-hotels.php#unique-entry-id-42</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1209-aberdeen-hotels.php#unique-entry-id-42</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The city&rsquo;s economy is one of the most vibrant in Europe (second only in the UK to central London), but it is the quality of life that many people really find attractive. 


...Or, you can aim high and play a round on the brand new Trump International Golf Links Scotland, described as the best golf course in the world. 


If you prefer a little more adrenaline, they you can choose activities ranging from hot-air ballooning to gliding, or a range of winter sports at Glenshee or the Lecht. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Good food in a surprising place</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2012-08-02T14:45:55+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/amaya-indian-westhill.php#unique-entry-id-41</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/amaya-indian-westhill.php#unique-entry-id-41</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Had we not been told by friends that this place was good, we might have been tempted to dismiss it as the sort of place where quality was sacrificed in the interests of a fast turnover of diners. 


That expectation was fuelled by the fact that it shares the car park of the Lidl Store in Westhill, Aberdeen and the former occupant was the king of fast Chinese food &ndash; Jimmy Chung. 

...The dining room is big and modern, with the rather square space nicely broken by a line of panels with bubbling water illuminated by coloured lights. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>One of Aberdeen&#x27;s favourites gone?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2012-04-05T11:57:53+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/la-bamba-apr2012.php#unique-entry-id-40</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/la-bamba-apr2012.php#unique-entry-id-40</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[News that a new Indian restaurant, on the site of La Bamba, is to be given permission to have male strippers to entertain hen parties, brings to our attention that one of Aberdeen&rsquo;s enduring favourites has disappeared. 


...Now it has apparently vanished without trace (the website says it is &ldquo;under development&rdquo;), where will aficionados of Mexican food (myself included) go? 


...But, while that is enjoyable and the food pretty good, it is a chain and just doesn&rsquo;t have the atmosphere or quite the same quality as La Bamba in its heyday. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Who&#x27;s doing the Fairtrade step?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Video</category><category>news</category><dc:date>2012-02-25T15:07:00+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/fairtrade-video.php#unique-entry-id-39</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/fairtrade-video.php#unique-entry-id-39</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As the country counts down to Fairtrade Fortnight (27 February &ndash; 11 March), a series of hilarious, celebrity- films will be hitting the web on YouTube this week to encourage the public to take 1.5 million steps for Fairtrade in 2012.


Through the &lsquo;Take A Step for Fairtrade&rsquo; campaign, the Fairtrade Foundation wants to see more individuals and businesses buying and selling Fairtrade products in the UK, The public are being asked to think about what they can do every day, every week or every month throughout 2012 and take a step to make a difference to the lives of farmers in the developing world who produce the products they buy.


...parametre=591738"></script><a href="http://www.ebuzzing.co.uk" rel="nofollow" class="wikio-widget-ebmini" >Viral video by ebuzzing</a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://player.ebuzzing.com/player_blog/js/mini_share.php" charset="utf-8"></script></div></center>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Outdoor caf&#xe9; culture for Aberdeen?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2012-02-15T16:56:41+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/Belmont-Plaza.php#unique-entry-id-38</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/Belmont-Plaza.php#unique-entry-id-38</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[One of the joys of visiting European cities is the ability to sit out and enjoy watching life go by as you sup a coffee, or a beer at a street caf&eacute;. 

...One of the features of the winning design is the Belmont Plaza, a landscaped area with trees and street caf&eacute;s with not a car to be seen. 

...So, we tend to dash into the city for meetings, or for a bit of shopping and never stop to appreciate the amazing architecture that our Victorian predecessors created. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Anyone do hot stone cooking?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2012-01-09T10:17:02+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/9efc305734723638e292582607ab2ab0-37.php#unique-entry-id-37</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/9efc305734723638e292582607ab2ab0-37.php#unique-entry-id-37</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I'm new in Aberdeen and looking for a restaurant that serves steak on a hot stone. ...  It's a un-cooked steak served on a hot stone and you cook it yourself to your own liking. 

...It was, I think, called Pierrade cooking and this restaurant gave you steak and seafood to cook on your hot stone. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>First time for Fusion</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2011-08-18T14:56:23+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8ce7ddd1c39d8cc3d7fa499750931526-36.php#unique-entry-id-36</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8ce7ddd1c39d8cc3d7fa499750931526-36.php#unique-entry-id-36</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We had decided to walk, although there were plenty of spaces outside on North Silver Street &ndash; even without diplomatic plates for the two reserved spaces outside the Kazakhstan Consulate next door. 


...The menu for the month has a relatively small choice of three or four items in three courses and it is a fixed price. 

...I am always a little disappointed by restaurants that add a charge, but by the time the bill came I had been so happy with the meal that the &ldquo;discretionary&rdquo; percentage of just over 10% seemed reasonable. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Silver Darling remains a spectacular dining spot</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2011-06-01T20:45:28+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/e085e9bd321f2ebdab26017994eb5adc-35.php#unique-entry-id-35</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/e085e9bd321f2ebdab26017994eb5adc-35.php#unique-entry-id-35</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This remains one of the most interesting places in Aberdeen to eat as you can watch the ships coming and going past, thanks to the full height glass all round the restaurant. 


Today&rsquo;s ship traffic consisted of the Aberdeen RNLI Lifeboat, a large container vessel with attendant tugs and pilot boat, the usual mixture of oil supply vessels and a large cargo vessel. 


...If, however, you like good food, nicely presented, it&rsquo;s definitely worth pushing the boat out once in a while (if you will excuse the pun).]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>La Bamba goes into liquidation</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2011-04-07T11:23:45+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/525f70421aaaae526a9953801055f137-34.php#unique-entry-id-34</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/525f70421aaaae526a9953801055f137-34.php#unique-entry-id-34</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[For the first couple of years of the AberdeenDining.co.uk website (under its old name Restaurants in Aberdeen), La Bamba consistently topped the polls as your favourite place to eat. 


...Our American representative even went as far as to say that she could now stay in Aberdeen, because it had a good Mexican restaurant. 


...I don&rsquo;t know whether it was just that, or whether other aspects slipped, but it never seemed quite as special as the original La Bamba in the old premises.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Are you a talented home cook with an amazing historic family recipe?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2011-03-03T17:16:35+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1408749a02544770d75721af13d5f5e2-33.php#unique-entry-id-33</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1408749a02544770d75721af13d5f5e2-33.php#unique-entry-id-33</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If you&rsquo;ve got a fantastic recipe that&rsquo;s been passed down through your family for generations, family favourites that have been enjoyed for decades, then Gino wants to hear from you &hellip;


There&rsquo;s No Taste Like Home*, ITV&rsquo;s brand new cookery show gives talented home cooks the chance to showcase their very own family recipes in a local restaurant. 

...If you think your dish has what it takes please email us now at notastelikehome@itv.com or call 090 11 11 33 77
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Pimp your pancake at Giraffe </title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>news</category><dc:date>2011-02-18T15:10:03+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/88d0246337b314b75aa307e7936a62d4-32.php#unique-entry-id-32</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/88d0246337b314b75aa307e7936a62d4-32.php#unique-entry-id-32</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[To celebrate Shrove Tuesday, 8th March, Giraffe in Aberdeen is encouraging you to indulge all your sugar-coated fantasies and &lsquo;Pimp Your Pancake&rsquo; in keeping with the day of eating, feasting and excess before Lent.


...Available from 8am* until 4pm, Giraffe&rsquo;s stacked American style pancakes will be served with your choice of toppings to &lsquo;pimp&rsquo; or eat as you see fit, from just &pound;5.95 per person.


...Post a picture of your pancake dish on Facebook.com/girafferestaurants via the events page and send in your recipe or method to be in the chance to win a foodie feast for you and up to five of your friends. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yatai Japanese restaurant closes</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2011-01-14T18:22:05+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/4d309049d5894003efcf394d8e174588-31.php#unique-entry-id-31</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/4d309049d5894003efcf394d8e174588-31.php#unique-entry-id-31</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Yatai had returned to the Skene Street premises where it started, following a short time as the flagship restaurant in the Bauhaus Hotel on Justice Mill Lane, near Union Street. 


...Instead of promoting the yatai name, the yatai.co.uk website was sending traffic to a website not bearing its name, but called nosushi.co.uk. 


In an era when branding and web promotion are so important for any business in a difficult economic climate, that seemed more than a little bizarre. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Popular West End restaurant closes</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2011-01-09T14:06:12+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/7023eb24ebb280520c83b23ee9c27bf6-30.php#unique-entry-id-30</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/7023eb24ebb280520c83b23ee9c27bf6-30.php#unique-entry-id-30</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Queen&rsquo;s Road restaurants took over the historic toll house on the Alford turnpike that, for years, had been a small grocer&rsquo;s and delicatessen. 

...The Olive Tree proved popular over the years, but latterly faced even stronger competition locally with the opening of the Malmaison Hotel, just a couple of hundred yards from its front door.


Reports in the Press and Journal and Evening Express suggest that an offer is expected for the premises that could see a change of use. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>TV opportunity for Aberdeen food groups</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-10-29T10:48:56+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/47b53e117def555aacd7b509950bf78b-28.php#unique-entry-id-28</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/47b53e117def555aacd7b509950bf78b-28.php#unique-entry-id-28</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Her&rsquo;s a great opportunity for any community groups that organise events in Aberdeen that revolve around food.


BBC2&rsquo;s Great British Menu is filming in the Aberdeen area during November and would like to talk to community groups or people that organise events that bring the local community together through food, particularly ones that involve beef and other meat. 


...If you do have a event and would like to be considered to featured in the show please email sophie.wells@optomen.com or ring 0203 227 5877.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Own-goal over evening parking?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-10-14T19:30:52+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/6d2cc065b103093c761c3641c582afd8-27.php#unique-entry-id-27</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/6d2cc065b103093c761c3641c582afd8-27.php#unique-entry-id-27</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[There is growing storm over Aberdeen City Council&rsquo;s latest revenue-raising idea &ndash; levying an overnight parking charge on anyone who parks beyond 8pm in one of their car parks. 


But, it is the fact that this overnight charge has to be paid on top of any time paid to cover the period before 8pm that has caused confusion, a flurry of parking tickets and unsurprising fury. 


...Apparently you are supposed to know that you pay for any time you need until 8pm and, if you intend to stay after that time, you simultaneously chuck in your overnight fee. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Giraffe spotted in Aberdeen</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>news</category><dc:date>2010-09-03T10:23:27+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/f9a2ed703b1dfc6d28cad6b4eada840d-25.php#unique-entry-id-25</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/f9a2ed703b1dfc6d28cad6b4eada840d-25.php#unique-entry-id-25</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Giraffe, a UK chain of 37 restaurants, that themes its menu on international foods, has opened its first restaurant in Scotland, in Aberdeen&rsquo;s Union Square. 


...&ldquo;We have been looking for the right site to bring our family-friendly all day dining concept Giraffe restaurant to Scotland for a while,&rdquo; says Russel Joffe, owner of Giraffe. 

...Giraffe makes bold claims that their children&rsquo;s menu is healthy, offering fresh dishes such as salmon fingers with mash, broccoli and sweetcorn; grilled chicken burger or a mini brunch with sausage, eggs, Heinz beans and toast. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Remember Pappy Yokums?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-07-29T16:36:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1e8136c26545b2f6694ef54a77eee18e-24.php#unique-entry-id-24</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/1e8136c26545b2f6694ef54a77eee18e-24.php#unique-entry-id-24</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The other day as I was enjoying a particularly good burger, I had a flashback to Pappy Yokums the American diner that used to be in Rose Street.


...The standard fare was hamburgers in a number of different varieties, including the infamous garlic burger.


...I seem to remember Pappy Yokums was owned by an American and the other thing I remember was how we used to look enviously at his Lotus Esprit. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Mini Ninjas Wanted as YO&#x21; Sushi Teach Kids To Make Sushi&#x9;</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-07-28T17:52:17+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8aca30eaf3643fddffb8117701ab5f31-23.php#unique-entry-id-23</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8aca30eaf3643fddffb8117701ab5f31-23.php#unique-entry-id-23</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Aimed at ages between 6 -10 years old, classes are kept small, up to 10 children, to ensure each little person is well looked after.   Each is a one-hour fun and informative class whereby each, &lsquo;ninja&rsquo; will learn how to make three of the most popular sushi dishes: maki, nigiri and gunkan and learn about the culture of Japanese food.   Classes include lunch of their creations, a rolling mat, to practice at home and a certificate as proof of their newly developed skill.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Good pizzas at Ask</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-06-19T19:28:46+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/41f40fc887b37108d2c7b72e69dfbf31-22.php#unique-entry-id-22</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/41f40fc887b37108d2c7b72e69dfbf31-22.php#unique-entry-id-22</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Dropped in to Ask &ndash; the Italian restaurant in Union Square, Aberdeen &ndash; having been told they make the best pizzas.


...When the pizzas arrived they were well fired (if I am being really picky mine maybe the merest tad too well fired with bit of burnt crust on one side), but it was ten times better than the soggy doughy pizzas that some places turn out.


The price of under &pound;8.75 for the Pizza Vesuvio, with red chilli and pepperoni, and &pound;8.95 for the Estiva with baby mozarella, proscuitto and rocket, seemed reasonable. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Meldrum House impresses</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-05-06T18:52:06+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/ad9ea4fa8df9bfa9a50cf8a9aba0e487-21.php#unique-entry-id-21</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/ad9ea4fa8df9bfa9a50cf8a9aba0e487-21.php#unique-entry-id-21</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I was at a dinner in the Meldrum House last night and, having not been there for two years, I left very impressed. 


...Meldrum House is not the place to go if you simply want to stuff your face. 


...Lingering over the descriptions of the food, while conversing with your friends, then being led to your dining table for a meal to remember... well, Meldrum House will probably go on your list of places to dine out. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Gordon Ramsay search for best restaurants</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-03-15T10:52:19+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/6e292fcdd15c3311c13ec47043bacbe6-20.php#unique-entry-id-20</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/6e292fcdd15c3311c13ec47043bacbe6-20.php#unique-entry-id-20</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Gordon Ramsay is looking for Britain&rsquo;s best restaurant and he wants to know where you love to eat.   It would be good to have restaurants in the Aberdeen area featured, so have a think.


...Following on from the success of 2009's search featured on &lsquo;The F Word&rsquo;, nominations are now open for the brand new series &lsquo;Ramsay's Best Restaurant.&rsquo;
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Super-size us</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-02-24T14:20:01+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/6c40455fc763c25fb8b20c8ea5c1f51e-19.php#unique-entry-id-19</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/6c40455fc763c25fb8b20c8ea5c1f51e-19.php#unique-entry-id-19</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[However, I am not keen on the idea of government imposing portion limits as a way to reduce obesity, as seems to be suggested by recent Scottish Government pronouncements.


...We need to encourage restaurant owners that we shouldn&rsquo;t slavishly follow the practice in the USA, where no normal mortal could ever eat the mountain of food that is piled on your plate. 


...And let&rsquo;s vote with our feet and patronise restaurants that are sensible about the size of the portions they serve to reduce the appalling waste of food.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Chilli? Try a drop of coffee and chocolate&#x21;</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2010-02-23T16:54:39+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/591860ab1557bbf07c6b3d05dee4eeec-18.php#unique-entry-id-18</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/591860ab1557bbf07c6b3d05dee4eeec-18.php#unique-entry-id-18</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Needless to say I would advise giving your supermarket a body swerve and finding a real family butcher, one with a good reputation for quality (you&rsquo;ll wonder why you ever bought meat in a supermarket!).


...Just a small amount of strong, dark coffee (the left overs from your cafetiere after you have had your morning or afternoon brew-up would be ideal.


...Add a heaped tablespoon, or so, of cocoa (or some unsweetened chocolate if you are luck to have some)
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The quest for a good burger</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-12-29T20:37:55+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/276ffbb3d18032338b6789c42f1955cc-17.php#unique-entry-id-17</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/276ffbb3d18032338b6789c42f1955cc-17.php#unique-entry-id-17</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Now that goes a little against the grain in a culture where you don&rsquo;t normally pay until you have eaten and been satisfied with what you have been served.   However, it does mean you don&rsquo;t have the problem of getting your bill, then getting someone to process your credit card!


There are five locations at the moment &ndash; Birmingham, Solihull, Leicester, Meadowhall and Aberdeen &ndash; and the company&rsquo;s website says the meat comes from &ldquo;traditionally reared, grass fed, 100% traceable prime beef&rdquo;.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Time for free broadband?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-12-29T09:16:54+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8052ce77db4832d41761f95af3de829f-16.php#unique-entry-id-16</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8052ce77db4832d41761f95af3de829f-16.php#unique-entry-id-16</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In this digital age it amazes me how few restaurants and hotels realise that offering free wireless broadband to their customers would be a real incentive for us to choose their premises in preference to the cafe/restaurant/hotel next door.


Time and again I arrive at a hotel or restaurant to meet someone and have to kick my heels while I could actually be doing some work (clearing emails, monitoring news or just checking Twitter or Facebook) if they would only provide wireless access.


...When I travel around the USA I deliberately look for hotels that offer free wireless access, so they get my business, while the place next door, without wireless, misses out. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>But we have our pizza horrors here</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-10-20T21:10:15+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/d288b7f9283454b087a64bdc8378df35-15.php#unique-entry-id-15</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/d288b7f9283454b087a64bdc8378df35-15.php#unique-entry-id-15</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[But before I get accused of being too sanctimonious about our healthier pizzas here, there was one horror story that is worse than any American pizza... and it was here in Scotland. 


...Even more impressive I was clearly wanting to polish my halo and requested a half pizza from the man behind the counter.


...I still remember the shock when the man opened the pack, cut the pizza in half and dropped it into the deep fat fryer! ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Back to our home food</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-10-13T21:03:39+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/2a74028b0a4dcc9c468bb6f7a29aff34-14.php#unique-entry-id-14</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/2a74028b0a4dcc9c468bb6f7a29aff34-14.php#unique-entry-id-14</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[So much of what you get pushed at you in the USA is fast-food, most of it (for speed) being fried. 


...But, for the past decade or more, I have been gradually appreciating that the joy of a pizza is to have toppings that complement the (hopefully) high quality of the dough.


We had pizzas a few times on this trip to the States and both of us found it rather a disappointing experience. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Quantity and quality are not the same</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-11-17T20:52:51+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/e72af22e94ba904ba119669b74ef3783-13.php#unique-entry-id-13</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/e72af22e94ba904ba119669b74ef3783-13.php#unique-entry-id-13</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Sadly there seems to be a considerable number of restaurants in the UK that seem to think the way to a diner&rsquo;s heart is to pile the plat high with mountains of food. 

...I&rsquo;m sure I&rsquo;m not the only one who hates to see the waste of food when I send a plate back half eaten. 

...There have been posts about one of Aberdeen&rsquo;s most celebrated restaurants where the reviewer says they were so hungry when they left that they stopped and had a second meal!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Yatai restaurant moves</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-12-19T20:41:54+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/63412340dabd630b5b409610a5953bc3-12.php#unique-entry-id-12</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/63412340dabd630b5b409610a5953bc3-12.php#unique-entry-id-12</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Yatai Japanese restaurant has moved from its small premises in Skene Street Aberdeen to become the flagship restaurant of the Bauhaus Hotel in Justice Mill Lane, just off Aberdeen&rsquo;s Union Street.


...You sat at the rice tables and the cook would do all the theatricals while cooking your meal in the centre of the table. 


...It was very good, but I still missed the fun of watching the Japanese chefs cooking the food right in front of you on the rice tables. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Two nations divided by restaurant etiquette</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-09-20T07:04:17+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/9eb2f85cfb59c415ca1d370f2c66de1e-11.php#unique-entry-id-11</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/9eb2f85cfb59c415ca1d370f2c66de1e-11.php#unique-entry-id-11</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Also, don&rsquo;t be affronted when your fellow diners have their plates whisked away when they are finished, even if you are still eating. 

...Whereas here a tip is usually 10% of the bill if you are particularly pleased with the service, in the USA the norm is 15% and it is customary. 


...However, it is still quite acceptable (and wise practice if you don&rsquo;t want to be totally stuffed) to agree a dish with your fellow diner and ask your server to &ldquo;have that to share&rdquo;. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Who would be a restaurateur?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-08-25T17:24:38+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/b1887077b1695d68a7f066cad2272668-10.php#unique-entry-id-10</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/b1887077b1695d68a7f066cad2272668-10.php#unique-entry-id-10</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A month or two ago I watched one of the programmes where Gordon Ramsay was trying to transform an American diner which had slid downhill (metaphoricaly, not literally). ...  Faced with a new menu and new dishes, the service made a valliant start but within no time it descended into the first night to end all first nights. 

...Just in case it was not obvious that some money off was the target, the customer started putting forward suggestions of what they wanted knocked off their bill. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>One handed eating signals social change</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-07-21T20:37:12+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/5c10ce4994cf8a7e5118496f171edf82-9.php#unique-entry-id-9</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/5c10ce4994cf8a7e5118496f171edf82-9.php#unique-entry-id-9</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s an indication of how seldom the average modern British family actually sit down at the dining table for a meal together. 


...It&rsquo;s not hard to imagine how disfunctional families happen, when they meet fleetingly while grabbing something out of the microwave to pick over while watching the telly or playing on the computer. 

...Do your family a favour and make it a rule that you all sit together for a meal (without the telly on), if not seven days a week, at least once a week. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>F Word Best Local Restaurant still open</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-07-21T08:27:50+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/81359373f516319e34fd0d973dfd5930-8.php#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/81359373f516319e34fd0d973dfd5930-8.php#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The date for nominations in The F Word&rsquo;s Best Local Restaurant search has been extended to Sunday, July 26. 


...And because hundreds of new ones are coming in every day, they say it is only fair to give people more time to have their say.   So they have decided to extend the deadline for nominations once more, to allow even more restaurants &ndash; and more happy customers &ndash; to take part.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Lahore fizzes with flavour</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-07-09T13:11:01+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/244fe5471a17613da106e873586a57bd-7.php#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/244fe5471a17613da106e873586a57bd-7.php#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As we were to discover the &ldquo;medium&rdquo; is pretty spicey, so unless you are really capable of withstanding the fire, don&rsquo;t try to prove your macho by opting for &ldquo;hot&rdquo;.


After delicious starters of samosas and pekoras, plus poppadums, accompanied by the delightful sauces and chutneys, we dutifully returned our plates with knives and forks, which the waiter immediately removed and replaced at our setting on the table! 

...Although it is not in our most often frequented part of town, I can confidently predict that Lahore will become a reasonably regular destination for us in the future. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Nominate your favourite restaurant for national award</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-07-02T15:00:13+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/950a0a9b518c6b2949bd471a70f46025-6.php#unique-entry-id-6</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/950a0a9b518c6b2949bd471a70f46025-6.php#unique-entry-id-6</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Gordon Ramsay&rsquo;s food magazine show The F Word is coming back and they're on the hunt for The F Word&rsquo;s Best Local Restaurant.

...A well known hotspot or a hidden gem &ndash; anywhere you think deserves to be crowned F Word&rsquo;s Best Local Restaurant.   Plus, once you've nominated you'll be able to apply for a seat in The F Word restaurant.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Kintore publishes a cookbook</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-05-17T18:54:09+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/ca227d8785e5bc5ddbbf4d4757446990-5.php#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/ca227d8785e5bc5ddbbf4d4757446990-5.php#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Royal Burgh of Kintore, a fast-growing town just 12 miles from Aberdeenshire, has produced a fundraising cookbook. 


...The Kintore Cookbook costs &pound;7 with all proceeds going to the fundraising efforts of the Kintore Fundraising Team, who produced it. 


You can get a copy at J&G Dossett, the butcher in The Square at Kintore, or call 01467 633317.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Need an authentic shake?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-05-15T15:34:57+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8b1900882c920437ee4b52209e5d659b-4.php#unique-entry-id-4</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/8b1900882c920437ee4b52209e5d659b-4.php#unique-entry-id-4</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If you are a fan of milk shakes but feel short-changed with what you get offered, then this may be the answer.


...And, one expert we have found, is the American lady who is joint owner of Gadie&rsquo;s restaurant in Oyne, Aberdeenshire &ndash; just off the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road, north of Inverurie.


Not only are their authentic American shakes quite authentic (on the authority of another American), but their chocolate fudge brownies are pretty darn good too. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Great pizzas up north</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-05-08T19:29:45+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/432c84f9914aa829de281a008643164b-3.php#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/432c84f9914aa829de281a008643164b-3.php#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s not in Aberdeen, but if you are travelling up north of Inverness to the Black Isle he says you should point your car at Cromarty. 


...According to said friend: &ldquo;You can watch them going into the wood-fired oven from your table. 

...My mouth is watering as I look for excuses to head to the Black Isle. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Where can I get Krusovice?</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-05-08T11:47:12+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/22dd926996fc28e75ccc0bc5588191d3-2.php#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/22dd926996fc28e75ccc0bc5588191d3-2.php#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[After the visit to Paco&rsquo;s in Perth, I am now on a mission to find where I can buy Krusovice beer in the UK. 


The brewery, now owned by Heineken, produces both light and dark versions of Krusovice and the labels have a GB with English translation of the ingredients. 


But, I can only find it on sale in &ndash; of all places &ndash; Australia and the USA.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Brewdog sales up 450&#x25;</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-05-05T11:04:20+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/b161dcc31fcccd681b0c03b1807ee486-1.php#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/b161dcc31fcccd681b0c03b1807ee486-1.php#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Great to see it reported today in The Scotsman that Brewdog &ndash; the Fraserburgh-based micro-brewery has seen a 450% increase in sales.


In an era when domestic beers seem to have lost their appeal and the youth-culture American beers appear to have lost their taste. 

...Brewdog has a youthful, rebellious image, mixed with more than a hint of humour. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Paco&#x27;s a fun place to eat in Perth</title><dc:creator>webmaster@aberdeendining.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Blog</category><dc:date>2009-05-06T15:44:19+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/07ae08bab9cef8bb398b6c12f3b79971-0.php#unique-entry-id-0</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.aberdeendining.co.uk/blog/files/07ae08bab9cef8bb398b6c12f3b79971-0.php#unique-entry-id-0</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If you happen to be looking for a good place to eat in Perth and fancy an American-style diner, then head into Paco&rsquo;s in the centre of town. 


...There is a theme of family photographs depicting the life and times of Paco&rsquo;s family, which underlines the &lsquo;family diner&rsquo; theme in the same way as Frankie & Benny&rsquo;s. 

...Nice thin base which would have been even better if the firing had been that much hotter to make that really elusive crispy shell but slight doughy interior &ndash; not easy to achieve on a thin crust pizza, but just great when it is done well.
]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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