My east-coast venturing went a step further recently but I took it several miles up north to Aberdeen to visit my sister for her birthday. We have a shared love of most things, but food is a big one.She surveyed local menus and picked out a fancy little brasserie for us to try out. Number One have just revamped their entire menu so none of the food we ordred were specials – these are all available as standard in the restaurant – hooray!
Starters
Miso Glazed Isle of Mull Scallops
I will preamble this dish by saying that I was annoyed with the scallops straight away. My sister had told me about the menu options and mentioned scallops with a curry-based accompaniment. That is music to my ears. When we arrived, the menu had changed to this option and I was just so butt hurt that I didn’t want scallops any more. But I did take a try. I wasn’t in that much of a huff! The plump and perfectly cooked scallops were beautifully flavoured and served on tops of a sticky soy & honey belly pork which was so tender and really rich in flavour. It was served with pickled ginger and cucumber on the side. It really was a stunning mixture of flavours!
Grilled Scottish Asparagus, Slow Cooked Egg
Thisd was just beautiful to look at – we all complimented it before even tasting it! The crisp asparagus was served with the runny egg and a delicate but tasty dressing made from hazelnuts & capers.
Salt & Pepper Squid
I was talked into this starter by the waiter who raved about it. Number One’s chef is Japanese, so that reassured me that delicious squid was on it’s way! It was cooked beautifully and the cornflour based batter was so light and delicate. He served it with a Ponzu dipping sauce which was like a citrussy soy sauce. It was beautiful!
Main Courses
21 day dry aged Fillet Steak
The first order was a fillet steak. Number One’s beef is supplied by Campbells of Lathallan who source their beef predominantly from Inverurie. The gorgeously juicy steak was served with a roasted mushroom and tomato, onion rings and fries. This one with a peppercorn sauce. I’m completely habitual with where I eat steak and I don’t really order it generally. I was really impressed by the quality of this steak.
Slow Cooked Beef Shin
My sister ordered the slow cooked beef shin which was served atop a bed of Aberdeenshire Wild Garlic Risotto with spring onions and mushrooms. The beef was so tender and juicy – absolutely gorgeous flavour. The risotto was pretty bland for my taste, and it wasn’t even to allow the flavours of the beef. I enjoyed the beef more on it’s own. I didn’t dislike the risotto, but I wasn’t a fan.
Monksh Thai Green Curry
My order was this absolutely gorgeous Monkfish Thai curry. It was probably the least aesthetically pleasing but it was packing in the flavour department! The curry was full of vegetables = pak choi, asparagus, samphire, spring onions & was served with a mound of sticky rice. It’s a neat little portion but I couldn’t finish the rice – it was such a full meal as Monkfish is so meaty.
We all loved the food and couldn’t fault our two waiters – both were really helpful when we were choosing our food and were attentive all evening. The restaurant is gorgeous inside – very cosy but classy – and has a lovely atmosphere. I would definitely recommend a visit!
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No. 1 Bar & Grill
1 Queens Terrace
Aberdeen
AB10 1XL
01224 611909
http://www.number1restaurant.co.uk
@No1BarAndGrill
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