Pasta Plus

This is the Italian that you've all driven past on Rosemount, noticed, thought the outside looked dingy and then gone on your way.

Retrace your steps! Pasta Plus (or Francesco's, if you're there often enough) is WONDERFUL.  Owned by Francesco and his son Christopher, it is a deli by day and a restaurant by night, and caters for even the most tried-and-tested Italian connoisseur.  The restaurant is tiny and packets of authentic Italian pasta, Italian wine and other Italian food...risotto?...line the shelves, but it's cosy and secluded and intimate? Perfect for an 'I'd-like-to-take-you-to-dinner-and-I-don't-want-anyone-to-interrupt-us' kind of date, or book it out for a relaxed gathering of friends. (And my favourite bit? There's a bell above the door so it rings when it opens. Delightful.)

The food itself is not fancy nor is it presented beautifully, but it tastes like real Italian food, not our British pasta-and-sauce nonsense. Francesco is Italian through-and-through, knows his dishes back-to-front and will cook them up for you as fast as lightening. Well not that fast, but you get the image. No problemo if you're not staying - Francesco can make dishes to take away. And if you're feeling like Nigella Lawson and want to buy proper Italian ingredients instead of Sainsbury's own brand, then Francesco has every sort of pasta, rice, olive oil and tomato sauce Italy has to offer. Turn around from the shelves and feast your eyes on the meat, fresh bread (get there fast) and the CANNOLI. (Cannoli is in capitals because Francesco's is WONDERFUL). You will probably look at it and think, no way will I ever eat all of that. And then you'll have half..and a little bit more...and a little bit more and then.... Trust me, it happens. 

Francesco will always remember you (or maybe I'm just there a lot), he'll always ask if you're having a nice day and he will never mock you for your less-than-average Italian .At least not to your face.

The paint job on Pasta Plus may look a little dated, the windows a little grubby, and quite frankly Pasta Plus is a terrible name, but what did your mother always say? Never judge a book by it's cover. 

Pasta Plus

119 Rosemount Place

Aberdeen

Parx Cafe

Here's one for all you coffee lovers who plan on hiding throughout the winter...

Parx Cafe is the essence of 'tucked away'.  It's hidden among terraced town-houses, down some stone steps and is, therefore, underground.  You'd miss your stop if it wasn't for the sandwich board which sits outside come rain or shine.  For being underground, Parx is neither dark, dingy or damp. (Drab, dreary, (d)air-less...).  Oh no, Parx is white.  Very white.  But matched beautifully with slate floors, long wooden tables and lovely little window panes.  

Because it's in the hub of the Aberdeen business area, Parx is mostly visited by rich men in suits (they're all here!!!), ladies with lovely high heels and a lot of yups - that's young urban professionals.  Peak times are lunchtime when people escape from the office and morning coffee time.  And when the weather brightens (sorry, if the weather brightens), Rubislaw Terrace Gardens are conveniently opposite for al fresco dining.  Just get there before the school children do. 

I assume that peak time is morning coffee time because, quite frankly, the scones here are the biggest I have ever seen.  Whoever makes these has got some skillz.  I don't know if the rest of the baking is bought or made, but it sure looks good, and if you test mint-chocolate shortbread by the colour of the mint, then think BRIGHT.  And to drink?  Their hot chocolate is very good and almost every flavour of Teapigs tea is served here.  There's heart-warming soups and sandwiches and paninis and salads galore.    AND, sushi days.  Oh, and may I also recommend the soap in the bathroom?  Not to eat, silly.  Wash your hands with it!  It smells gooooooood and will have you rushing down to l'Occitaine before you can say sweet almond.  

Decoration in Parx is a little sparse and the music is almost too loud for its quiet times, but other than that, it's a winner for quick lunches (stay or take), lingering coffees and out-of-office meetings.  Oh, and there's parking right outside. 

Parx Cafe

19a Rubislaw Terrace

Aberdeen

Annie Mo's...and a Christmas Shop!

You may not like it, but Christmas is here.  And so is November.  Tomorrow, our favourite Gingerbread Lattes will reappear, carols will start playing in shops and schools will start rehearsing their Christmas nativities.  So it is only right that I mention the Christmas word.  CHRISTMAS!! 

Annie Mo's is not exactly a Christmas shop.  It's an all-year-round shop, but it excels itself at Christmas-time when a large proportion of floorspace is given over to some of the most beautiful decorations I have ever seen.  Look past the distressed leather sofas and oak dining furniture (although come back to them later) and head straight to the numerous tables adorned with picture-perfect baubles, candles (choose the Mulled Pear and Orange whatever you do), door hangings, teddy bears, advent calendars, and stockings. I don't know what your dream Christmas is like, but if it involves a roaring fire, endless warm drinks or some candlelight, then the items here will certainly help you create that Christmassy, homely feel.  And if you're odd and don't want a lovely homely Christmas house, then at least buy gifts (and the wrapping) here for your friends who do.  Because what's not to love about hanging hearts, glistening star decorations, seriously bushy holly wreaths, jolly snowmen and wooden nativity sets?  And you know how Christmas has a smell?  This shop has that smell.

My favourite wall hanging - are we talking multiple Santas or generous gentlemen?

Prices are reasonable for tasteful decorations like these, although Annie Mo's is kindly doing a 3 for 2 offer on Christmas decorations during November.  Hear that??  And don't think that Annie Mo's is just in Aberdeen, cos it's not.  You lucky lucky people in Edinburgh and Glasgow have your own stores too.

Aberdonians, head to the top end of Union Street - unfortunately it's the grotty end, but you wouldn't think that once you're inside - or the top of Holburn Street.  For those in Edinburgh there's a choice between two stores: Angle Park Terrace or Great Junction Street.  And in Glasgow, 212 Great Western Road is your stop.

Take a trip to Annie Mo's and have a beautiful Christmas.

Annie Mo's: http://www.anniemos.com/