A unique Secret Supper dining experience has been unveiled as part of the hugely-popular Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, adding a dash of “For Your Eyes Only” mystery and excitement to the “Foodie Fortnight”.
Diners can sign up to enjoy a three or four-course tasting menu dinner exclusively curated for the evening – along with special cocktails and snacks - but which restaurant they are going to and which of Aberdeen’s top chefs will be creating their meal will be kept under wraps until the day itself.
Aberdeen Inspired, which runs Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks returning from September 2 to 15, said the three Secret Suppers will add to the buzz and vibrancy of the festival.
Shona Byrne, project manager with Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Secret Suppers will be a real journey of discovery for one-night only for those joining in the fun.
“You’ll experience new flavours, make new friends and be guided through the culinary experiences by the expert chefs hosting the different evenings at various locations in Aberdeen city centre.”
Shona added that three of the top chefs and restaurants in the Granite City have agreed to be part of the Secret Suppers project, with their identities only revealed on the morning before diners set out on their adventure.
“It really does add an air of fun – and dare I say glamour – to Aberdeen Restaurant Week, with people having no idea of where they will end up, who will cook for them, or even who they will be dining with,” she said.
“But we can guarantee it will be a night to remember and talk about for months to come with some extra special surprises in store, with the dishes being revealed course by course.”
There are, of course, some clues as to what the Secret Suppers might be serving up with a different theme to each evening:
• Friday, 6 September, will be: “Laid back and chilled.”
• Saturday, 7 September will be: “Black tie and glamour” – a wee nod to the recommended dress code.
• Tuesday, 10 September will be: “Experience tableside flair”.
Shona said: “All will be become clear as the big reveal is made on the day of which restaurant and which chef will be welcoming this exclusive club of adventurous foodies.”
Each of the Secret Suppers is priced at £60 and with places limited, diners are being urged to secure their spot as soon as reservations open today at 10am, Wednesday 14 August, if they want to be in on the excitement.
Next month’s Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks has seen 65 eateries sign up to offer a dizzying array of cuisines showcasing the finest eating experiences the Granite City can offer. It will again boast special lunch and dinner menus – priced at either £10, £15, £20 or £25 – as well as special dishes and pairings to tantalize the tastebuds.
New for the event is the addition of a “Foodie Passport”. Diners can pick up one of our special cards, visit five participating restaurants to collect a stamp, then enter a prize draw to win a meal out for two every month for a year!
Many venues are taking part in Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks for the first time along with old favourites. The line-up features some of the city’s favourite Indian and Asian restaurants including a special Tasting Menu experience featuring Indian and Nepalese flavours at the award-winning 8848 on Union Street, Indian Tapas at Namaste Delhi, a taste of Thailand at Chaophraya, Siam Cottage and Kin Koa Thai, Sri Lankan cuisine at The Exchange and Bombay Tiffin Boxes make their restaurant weeks debut at Shahbaaz Tandoori.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said he was thrilled at the prospect of Aberdeen Restaurant Week returning, especially after the event in January injected almost £500,000 into the local economy and boosted city centre footfall.
“Secret Suppers is a brilliant, fun concept which I know will entice even more people to be part of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks,” he said.
“Not only will the have the excitement of finding out where they are eating on the day, they can also enjoy the rest of the Foodie Fortnight, with the chance to discover other new gems and revisit old favourites thanks to the special menus and price points.
“Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks attracts people into the city centre, encourages them to linger here and to support local businesses. Now that really is a recipe for success.”