Olive Alexanders is a relatively new kid on the block in the city’s food and drink scene.
The 22-cover bistro and delicatessen, located in Aberdeen’s Golden Square, welcomed its first customers in July and has been given the seal of approval by many friends of mine since.
Salads, soups, and a variety of big buns and bagels are among the food offering, as well as bacon rolls, frittata and more.
There’s also a deli area inside where customers can purchase fresh local produce ranging from cured meats, chutneys and crackers to fresh vegetables and breads.
If that’s not enough to entice you, then I don’t know what is.
It was certainly enough to see me secure a mystery bag from the venue, which joined the Too Good To Go app fairly recently.
What I got my hands on…
As soon as I spied that easily recognisable Olive Alexanders branding, I was delighted.
Not only was I finally trying a product from the delicatessen, but I was saving some money, too.
I was so elated after reserving a bag that I arrived outside the venue far too soon. I stood outside and patiently waited for my time slot, then it was go time.
The hospitable member of staff that was making my bag up warned me that the bakes inside were extremely delicate, which only excited me more. Who doesn’t love a bake?
Olive Alexanders is located just a stone’s throw away from my flat, so it didn’t take long to start the unbagging process.
One product that was fairly obvious was the mammoth-sized loaf of bread I had received.
Upon further inspection, I found out it was a classic house blend sourdough from Bandit Bakery on Rose Street. Result.
There were two more products inside – the delicate bakes.
To date, I don’t know the exact names of the bakes, I am simply judging on taste and appearance.
One was a dainty tart. A raspberry creme brulee tart, I believe.
The other appeared to be a cruffin – a hybrid of a croissant and a muffin.
Normally I share the goods with my family, but since I was spending the evening alone, I took a chunk from each one and left the rest for them the following day.
Let’s start with the bread.
The sourdough was a hefty weight and boasted an incredibly thick, well-coloured crust. I cut myself two slices to take a goof look at the dough inside and, of course, taste it.
The loaf had an open crumb and, in terms of flavour, there was a hint of tanginess on the tongue. I added a thin layer of margarine and it made for a match made in heaven.
It was hands down one of the best sourdoughs I have had to date – no wonder Bandit Bakery is renowned for theirs.
Now, the Olive Alexanders bakes, which were also up there.
The round tart was a delight, comprising a flaky pastry crust filled with a sweet custard. A dollop of crushed raspberry was in amongst the mix, too, adding a faint sour taste.
The thin caramel topping meant there was a slight burnt sugar flavour and crunch.
As for the cruffin, this featured the same flavour combinations – sweet and tangy. There was a clear theme.
It wasn’t as crunchy as the tart as the pastry was far more buttery. There was a lovely sprinkling of icing sugar on top, too.
Was it worth it?
Olive Alexanders, I am very impressed.
Some people may be disheartened after unpacking three items from a Too Good To Go bag – in comparison to some of my previous experiences which have seen me remove as many as 10 – but the quality of the products was fantastic.
All three bakes tasted incredibly fresh, and looked and tasted the part.
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