Aberdeen Restaurant Week (ARW), I’ve missed you. That’s right, the fabulous foodie fortnight is set to return on Monday (August 7) – and trust me when I say the list of participating eateries is stellar.
Some caught my eye instantly, one of those being The Pig’s Wings on Upperkirkgate.
I didn’t even have to look at the restaurant’s ARW menus to know that I’d be paying it a visit.
There’s more than tasty food to admire at The Pig’s Wings
With that said, I contacted co-owner Marcos Sasso to confirm a table for two last week.
My boyfriend Josh joined me.
I told him all about what to expect and it’s safe to say he was looking forward to our visit, as was I.
The dog-friendly restaurant boasts two levels. We were escorted upstairs which allowed us to appreciate the eye-catching pieces of wall and floor art throughout the venue.
The setting is unique, and the atmosphere is laid-back.
Comfort food meets restaurant quality
As we checked out the two menus available at The Pig’s Wings during ARW – running until Sunday, August 20 – it was our mission to ensure we tried as many different meats as possible.
The offering was substantial, to say the least. I was equally as hungry as Josh for a change, which he was delighted about as it meant we narrowed down our choices swiftly.
There are burgers and loaded fries options galore, but Josh decided on the chicken jalapeno popper tacos as his main dish.
I on the other hand requested a portion of the steakhouse special loaded fries. Comprising a pile of thin, well-cooked fries topped with tender slices of seared flank steak (although fillet is also an option), peppercorn sauce and onion rings, the portion was hefty.
The pair of us adored the savoury sauce, which had an incredible depth of flavour combined with a nice heat, while the three golden-brown onion rings were both sweet and sharp.
The steak was cooked just how I like it, medium rare.
Across the table, Josh’s hand-pressed corn tacos looked the part. Spiced grilled chicken, homemade jalapenos and melted cheese had been placed inside the uniform tortillas which were finished off with tomato salsa and garlic and herb sauce.
The jalapenos were the standout for us, closely followed by the salsa. Both added citrusy, fresh flavours to the mix that lingered on the tongue for some time.
The dish was served with a pot of chilli cheese dip. We weren’t fans, unfortunately, as it proved far too thick, but we didn’t fret as the garlic and herb sauce was superb.
Meet the supporting acts that stole the show
Up next, the sides.
Firstly, we each secured a halloumi fry from Josh’s chosen dish – there were six in total, so plenty to go around – and proceeded to dip them into the pot of accompanying chilli jam.
Both the fries and the jam itself were incredible. The halloumi was slightly salty and springy, yet melted in the mouth while the jam was tangy and sweet.
I had the option of buffalo hot wings, buttermilk chicken strips and crispy jalapenos (to name a few of the other side plates on offer), however, I opted for the teriyaki pork belly bites.
Spicy teriyaki sauce had been drizzled across the succulent pork belly bites which sliced away with ease. Again, there were six.
It didn’t take long for the sides to be demolished, and it’s safe to say we left The Pig’s Wings with full stomachs.
The verdict
I now fully understand why The Pig’s Wings is considered a go-to eatery for many.
Out of all the plates Josh and I tucked into, each meat was cooked to perfection and big flavours were never scarce.
There is also plenty to choose from on the business’ ARW menu, so you’re bound to find a dish (or several) that tickles your fancy.
Information
A: 22 Upperkirkgate, Aberdeen AB10 1BA
Price: £40 (not including drinks)
Aberdeen Restaurant Week promotion: Two courses (main dish and a side) and a soft drink for £15, or two courses (steak dish and a side) and a soft drink for £25
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