Dinner At The Aberdeen Tavern, A Review.

With the current sort of “awakening” in the restaurant/dining scene in Hamilton, it’s my (humble) opinion that restaurants have to make us want to come back. After-all there seems to be a new dining option available to us every month. That repeat customer is a sign that a restaurant is covering all the basics… excellent food, location, general ambiance,  service, price.. even a simple thing as how far apart the tables are. How far apart tables are?

Last night we had the pleasure of dining at The Aberdeen Tavern, a former bank which was tastefully renovated to an elegant, warm and inviting space. With tall ceilings, wide open spaces (you can see all the way back to the bar and kitchen as  you walk through the doors) and though the tables are somewhat close to each other, you never felt crowded nor part of the conversation happening on the table next to you. The Aberdeen Tavern achieved  a sort of dining privacy, while still allowing diners to be part of the wonderful overall sensitiveness of the restaurant.

I tried my best to capture the true essence of the Aberdeen Tavern in our characteristic Gallivanting video (below), but due to poor lighting (for filming – perfect for dining) I must admit that we failed. I so hoped that we could really seize the quintessence of dining at The Aberdeen Tavern to share with you.

Aberdeen Tavern
http://theaberdeen.ca/

432 Aberdeen Ave. Hamilton, ON
Reservations: 905 523 7707

Twitter @AberdeenTavern
Instagram @AberdeenTavern
http://theaberdeen.ca/menus/

Tehya had:

Starter – Shrimp & Avocado avocado, herb vinaigrette, pickled celery, toasted panko

Main – 10oz. Canadian Prime Striploin all steaks served with frites, roasted mushroom, pearl onions, choice of peppercorn or béarnaise

While I had:

Seared Sea Scallops Risotto   Jerusalem artichoke purée, jalapeño brunoise, scallions, parmesan, aged balsamic

We both shared (dessert):

White Chocolate Cheesecake   blueberry compote, lemon curd, brown butter graham crumbs

As you watch the video below I ask you to pay attention to the part where Tehya is cutting her steak and focus in on how juicy and tender it was. She asked to have it medium grilled and we were pleasantly surprised that the chef got it RIGHT! Not just in the “middle” as we’ve come to expect (even at restaurants who brand themselves as being STEAK restaurants), but the ‘medium’ was consistent throughout the entire striploin. Wonderful aged flavor and the accompanying Bearnaise sauce compliment it exquisitely. The mushrooms and pearl onions found their way to my plate (very thankful Tehya is not a fan of either) and the frites (huge portion) were heavenly. In the video below you’ll hear our comments about the Shrimp & Avocado starter, but what I failed to say was that the toasted panko added a wonder texture to the dish.

I’m SOLD.. over the years I’ve SO wanted to fall in love with Risotto and time and time again I’ve been disappointed. NOT THIS TIME! I can eat rice every day if you gave me a chance (such in my love for this delightful grain), so I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy it. I’m so glad Aaron (our server) suggested I give it a try. This risotto delivered on all levels, texture, taste… even the scent of it was captivating. There was a very slight heat (not pronounced in any form) from the jalapeno which was a welcome delight to my taste buds!

If you’re following me on Twitter and Instagram you would have already seen me spouting about this elegant cheese cake we shared for desert. Quite honestly, one of the best cheesecakes we’ve ever had and something I need in my life on a regular basis (providing the gym will allow such friendship).

Observations

• enticing aromas as you enter
• just as captivating interior, almost seductive (a spot you can definitely make an impression on a date)
• free wifi, ask for the password (when you have to get your instsgram and twitter game on)
• friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable staff (discuss the menu if anything)
• commendable wine list.. make sure to peep the wine cellar
• make a reason to visit the bathrooms.. fresh from the pages of a home and garden magazine
• dine at the bar, an excellent spot to overlook everything.. even the kitchen
• Shrimp was fresh , perfectly cooked and the avocado was ripe, firm and creamy… like a classic shrimp cocktail with that extra texture of the Panko
• Steak does not get better at this price-point (quite honestly it reminded me of Australian grass fed beef)
• I went on about the Risotto, but I must mention that the slightly crusted edges on the scallops really brought out the natural sweetness of them
• the Bearnaise was a bit ‘overly’ buttery.. almost a clarified taste to it, so you won’t need much (very rich)
• call ahead and make reservations
• ask for Aaron when you do make reservations, but I’m sure all the staff are just as trained?
• check their website (listed above) for parking options

So what fuels that repeat customer? I would have to say, fresh food handled/prepared the way it was meant to be, value for my money, a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere, welcoming staff and friendly and knowledgeable service. No doubt, The Aberdeen Tavern covered all those bases!