Edible Scottish Adventures - February 2018

Tuesday 6 March 2018


Pinch Punch Slap Kick - we're in March! The saying goes that if March comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb. I'm putting all my faith in this following the 'Beast From The East' roaring in to kick off the month! Meantime lets take a quick look back at what you might have missed in February across my social media and on the blog. The algorithms of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook don't always want to let my followers see everything I post so this retrospective monthly roundup is my way of attempting to beat the system. Expect pancakes, avo cuddles, last Rolos, UV lights, coffee and dogs!





The month kicked off with the inaugural Aberdeen Restaurant Week which offered diners a 2 course Lunch for £10 and a 3 course Dinner for £20.18. (2018 - like the year. It took me a while too!) Over 35 restaurants participated. I only managed to make it along to one lunch with a friend at Cafe 52 and one dinner with my family. Topolabamba invited us along to try out their #ARW2018 offering and we enjoyed a veritable feast - so much food! (a doggy bag was required) Will definitely be back to try their regular menu - plus some more cocktails. As for Aberdeen Restaurant Week itself there's mention on Facebook that it will be back in summer.


Aberdeen came alight for four evenings with Spectra Festival taking place in Union Terrace Gardens, Kirk of St Nicholas and Marischal College. It was an amazing event and had expanded a lot from my previous visit 3 years ago. My one gripe and surely a huge missed opportunity was nowhere to get coffee/hot drinks/snacks. Only place we found open was Mackies 19.2 which was understandably queued out the door. Everywhere else slap bang in the midst of the three Spectra locations was closed. Hopefully such issues will be taken on board for the 2019 festival of light as it really is a fantastic event and the crowds certainly seemed to turn out in great numbers to support it.


As usual we completely overloaded on pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the lead up. To celebrate with a Scottish twist I created a recipe for Cullen Skink Crepes. Taking all the flavours of a traditional Cullen Skink soup - Smoked Haddock, Potatoes, Leeks and Milk - and using them as a savoury crepe filling. Much to good to save only for Pancake Day - I've already made them again, plus a variation on the same theme with a Cullen Skink Pasta Bake. 


Valentines day and love was in the air along with bacon, eggs and avo-cuddles! There was a whole lotta love for my Valentine Rocky Road. I'm always so chuffed when folk take the time to share photos of recipes of mine that they've made. It really does make my day!


So chuffed with my kitchenallia charity shop purchase. Lots of nostalgia in relation to Bread and had to explain it's significance in that respect to my teenagers. At the moment it contains neither money or eggs but it does it into my kitchen colour scheme perfectly and at £2.99 was an absolute steal.


My February post as BritMums Food Round-up editor celebrated Chinese New Year. 2018 is the the year of the Dog and I collated a selection of Chinese inspired recipes from my food blogging buddies (Don’t worry there was no dog!!!) As is my want we celebrated with with a Scottish twist in the form of Crispy Duck and Haggis Bao Buns.


Unfortunately I was double booked and missed the opening party for the the relaunched Silver Darling. However the four of us headed there to celebrate Foodie Loon’s Birthday (21 again). I bet they were panicking in the kitchen when he ordered cheese as opposed to dessert.
We all loved the new look, vibrant atmosphere and more varied menu (so much more than just fish). The refurb is stunning and full of quirky touches and artwork. Now I just need to visit in the daytime for the views!


If you’re a coffee geek then you need to get hold of a copy of the newly published Scottish Independent Coffee Guide. Its definitely going to earn its place in my glove compartment! Congratulations to the only Aberdeen/shire coffee shops to make the guide - The Cult of Coffee, Spider on a Bicycle, Foodstory, The Coffee Apothecary and Shamrock and Thistle. I’ve had the pleasure of drinking in them all and I've got a wee road trip planned to revisit them all again #watchthisspace


S’mores Tiffin was created by my son and within the post I share a 'proud mummy moment' with regards to his upcoming trip to the World Scout Jambouree in 2019. As for the tiffin itself it's the prefect no bake traybake to take to Scout - or any other Camp - and will undoubtedly will leave everyone wanting some more. Any recipe with 'blow torch' in the ingredients has got to be fun?!



Along with some fellow Aberdeen bloggers I went to check out out the new look Tempo at in the Bon Accord centre which now supports The Archie Foundation. It’s kinda like an airport lounge (without the booze!) help yourself to whatever you fancy and pay 10p a minute for your time. (eg 30 mins £3, 40 mins £4) It’s got breakfast cereal, soup, bread, cakes, biscuits, fruit, crisps, hot and cold drinks, sandwich fillings, toast and more. You tidy up after yourself and load your own dirty dishes in the dishwasher when you’re done. There’s also free WiFi, charging points, a kids play area, toilet and baby changing. Find it on the ground floor opposite Smiggle.




Dog Friendly Places to eat in Aberdeen. A series of fortunate events lead to the creation of what has already been a very popular and much shared post. If you have a four legged friend you need to check this one out. No matter if you don't live in Aberdeen as it also has details of a free app to help you track down pet friendly locations around the world.


I've done a wee bit of Dragon's Den style investing in the past by participating in crowdfunding for Foodstory, Summerhouse Drinks and Fierce Beer. My latest rewards will come in the form of CHEESE and GIN. Two of my most favourite things! I've backed Devenick Dairy Brown Coo Project and House of Elrick Garden Restaurant and Distillery. Do check them out - both fantastic projects with great pledge packages on offer.


Looking forward into March my plans include a Vegan Brunch and Learn run by Jo's Healthy Cupboard, Mother's Day Meal (I hope I'm being treated to something...), The Mixing Bowl Venison masterclass and Afternoon Tea at Gleneagles. 

Until next month...

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