O’Neill’s in Aberdeen is preparing for the party of the year as it counts down to St Patrick’s Day 2010.
The pub has ordered in extra supplies of the legendary “black stuff” to ensure locals can raise their glasses to the patron saint of the emerald isle and join to celebrate all things Irish.
Those visiting O’Neill’s in Aberdeen on St Patrick’s Day can also choose from a variety of Irish-inspired dishes such as the all day Irish breakfast, steak and Guinness pie with colcannon or Guinness battered fish and chips.
For those who want to try an alternative, stay loyal to Ireland by raising a glass of Smithwick’s Ale, Jameson whiskey or Irish soft-drink Cidona, instead.
To find your local O’Neill’s or for more information about St Patrick’s Day, visit www.oneills.co.uk or www.facebook.com /oneillspubs.
The new Ship Inn restaurant in Stonehaven seats 40 and offers splendid views of the beautiful harbour.
Why not treat mum to a meal there on Sunday, where a wide range of dishes are on offer, all cooked using the finest ingredients.
Fresh, locally caught fish and seafood are a speciality, as well as fine steaks, chicken dishes, pasta, home-made burgers – there’s something for everyone.
They also have an extensive wine list and a good selection of liqueurs to round off your meal.
A wide range of draught beers can be found in the bar, including real ales which are changed regularly for variety, and more than 100 different malt whiskies.
Call 01569 762617 to book.
Balblair 1975 Vintage has just been awarded the title of Best Highland Malt Whisky at the 2010 World Whisky Awards.
More than 150 whiskies were put to the test during three rounds of tastings.
The judging process includes an intensive round of tastings by Whisky Magazine’s independent editorial panel. The best journalists and retailers from around the world are chosen and industry representatives made up of master blenders, distillers and brand ambassadors. To reach the final, three rounds of blind tastings were held before a winner was selected.
Balblair 1975 Vintage took first place in the single malt whisky category for the best Highland malt whilst competing against a host of releases from other distilleries in the region.
Its distillery is based at Edderton, near Tain, and is unusual in the sense that it’s the only distillery that just releases vintage expressions – there are only 3,000 bottles of the Balblair Vintage 1975 available in the world.
The competition, open to proprietary bottlings only, is organised by whisky expert Dave Broom and exists to highlight and reward the very best whiskies.
The Craft Guild of Chefs is calling on Aberdonians to nominate caterers, chefs and cooks from schools, canteens and hospitals in the area to receive a coveted industry accolade recognising the UK’s best in public sector and staff catering.
There’s still time to enter – but the closing date for nominations is tomorrow.
A special Cost Sector Chef Award, sponsored by British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), is now open to all chefs in Aberdeen that work in the city’s schools, colleges, hospitals, public and social services and in-house staff restaurants.
The competition is open to all levels of chef who must be nominated to qualify. Entrants will be judged on how nutritionally balanced and inventive their menus are, taking into account restrictions on the cost of ingredients allowed, kitchen facilities and time constraints.
Brian Young, director general of BFFF, said: “Behind the scenes, thousands of chefs work tirelessly in our schools, hospitals and staff canteens to prepare first-rate meals for children, people at work and elderly people.
“We have sponsored this award to celebrate these fantastic caterers, chefs and cooks. We call on people in Aberdeen to show their appreciation and nominate these people.”
Steven Munkley, vice-president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “The awards are designed to celebrate chefs from all sectors – not just members of the Craft Guild. We know that there are some fantastic chefs who truly deserve commending in Aberdeen and our Cost Sector Award will shine a light on these unsung heroes.”
For nomination forms visit www.craftguildofchefs.com or call Jo Reeves on 0845 000 2500. The awards will be presented as part of a black-tie evening held at the Lancaster London Hotel on Thursday, June 24, 2010.