Three serious food blogs for those on a budget

I heard of Jack through BBC news when I watched one morning and become an avid follower of this marvellous, ingenious and hard working woman.  The others through a BBC Radio 4, listen to it if you can spare half an hour.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b037gnxk

http://www.theskintfoodie.com/index.html

http://www.northsouthfood.com/

http://agirlcalledjack.com/

The truth about living in Aberdeen

Aberdeen it's not a cheap city.  it brings in money through the oil and gas industry, with public transport being less subsidised that the central belt everything just feels expensive.  In 2008 I took a job in Aberdeen after living in a much more rural part of North-East Scotland.  In Elgin we had a lovely mid-terrace house and my wages generally stretched to cover our monthly expenses.

Moving to Aberdeen I was shocked at the prices - I couldn't even get a one bed flat for what I had paid in Elgin.  I had lived in Glasgow and managed to find flats at the same price....!  Our first flat fell through (literally) on the day of our move when the vacant flat above had a serious leak.  We moved all our stuff to storage and lived with my other half's sister for about a month whilst we searched for something suitable.

Prior to our move my fiancée (the other half) had managed to get some work or had JSA.  He had however also been referred to the ARi by his doctor.  His long term prognosis is unfortunately not great as he has Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.  Whilst the test where still happening he applied for JSA in Aberdeen and started looking for work with Temp agencies - handing out CV after CV....

Once we found a small (and I mean small) top floor flat just outside the city centre it meant I could get the train rather than the bus to school.  Both of which where not cheap and only came in weekly or four weekly option - which meant I had to budget carefully to make sure I could get to school on months I had more than four weeks in...

The flat affect my health too - I have asthma that truly never bothered me for years.  It was constantly cold and chewed through over a hundred pound a month in electricity (I'm sure when storage heaters where invented they where a brilliant idea).  There where big old sash window in the living room (they where replaced by the landlord).  Plus all the windows where big tall things with the handles well out of both of our reaches (neither of us is more than 5ft 7) - making it hard to shut and close them. We moved to Aberdeen in a cold snap.  The roof leaked too - It snowed at Easter and water just poured in during the thaw.

We lived there because we had no choice, no real savings as they where gobbled up in the two major moves we had made - one to Elgin and one to Aberdeen.  We lived on very little probably less than £30 a week for food for two of us.  We walked where ever we could - which was difficult for my other half.  Then disaster hit - my contract was terminated.

The council decided they where over staffed and I did not get my renewal.  I was let go in October.  I was gutted and felt let down.  I looked for work and took any temping job I could get - I ended up working in Kitchens and as a 'Girl Friday' just to put food on the table.  We struggled on as best we could.  I register for Supply Work.  I applied for JSA, for housing and council tax benefits.  I'd informed my landlord about the situation.  I started tutoring as the money was good but it meant working evenings and weekend.  I still do this today - as I have a passion for education (hence the fact I teach).

I got rejection, after rejection, after rejection.  Temp jobs covered the basics (tutoring ended up covering the rent most months).  Our food budget dropped even lower.  I relished the Girl Friday work and the kitchen jobs as they meant I got fed.  My other half did what he could - taking temp jobs which where totally unsuitable due to his condition.  He took a Christmas job to help out in a warehouse and barely managed a four hour shift due to the agony - he lost his balance and fell off a ladder.

When I finally got offered work in December (January Start) I had been turned down for JSA and council tax and housing benefits.  My other half did get JSA and we finally got on top of the rent as I started doing my career job again.  I had to plan my route and money carefully with an £80+ four-weekly bus ticked to travel the 16 miles to work everyday.  I had to get up early to manage this as my bus was so early.

I was desperate to move closer and still had a storage locker full of stuff.  My landlord refused to renew our lease and I had already tried and failed to secure a property closer to work.  We even went to Citizen's Advice Bureau but they where little to no help in the end.  We'd just left it all to late for them to do anything.  For over a year we had slept on a mattress on the floor of a room barely big enough to be a bedroom.  We'd sold stuff we'd owned and worked hard to pay for just so we could eat or I could get a bus fare to work.

My other half's sister stepped in and we did have a roof over our heads but over time it became fraught.  We saved, we helped them with their bills whilst we lived with them, we put food on the table but their flat was simply to small for all of us.

We finally got where we are today, with no storage locker!  About a year and a half ago.  Since then we've been careful with our money and think first.  We now have a reasonable food budget and I managed to get my driving license and a car (with a little help from my family).  Due to bad transport links and high public transport costs it does actually work out better to have a car!

I swapped to a job back in town when the opportunity came up, then applied elsewhere when it was clear I was just temporary - they where due to get in probationer teachers (one bailed and another school took the other one).  I left one department which was going to be understaffed to join one which was understaffed, and required a fair bit more drving.

A teacher's salary is not enough for two people to live off.  Especially when 2/5ths of that salary don't even make it into your bank.  I pay my NI and PAYE, plus my pension fund and whatever else they can justify taking off my salary....About 40% of what's left on my actual pay check is rent money.  And on a normal week a tank of fuel is about the £50 mark, admittedly I now do at least 70 miles a day.  Plus I still tutor - our second income I suppose.

The council, my employer, let me down, short term teaching contracts leave jobs vacant up north, allowing people like me to work not knowing of how long it will last.  There is no security until I land a 'permanent' post.  It now turns out the school I was made surplus at has now a one person department (when I was there it was 2.5 person department) - the surplus from another school(s) never made the transfer.......School all around the north are struggling for staff.

Not just about Aberdeen this time

Okay so it has been a while - funny how work gets in the way of doing anything else.

So we've been to Mango Pickle on Union Street - went there the night we went to see Barry and Stuart at the Music Hall.  Barry and Stuart were great but Mango Pickle was EXPENSIVE we settled for a bowl each of their Dal - it was good but not truly worth the money charged.

In other news I've been hitting the coffee shop - mainly due to working my summer holidays.  So Belmont Street seems to be my current favourite with two nice places: The Coffee House and Books and Beans.  The Coffee House has longer opening hours and does a few good deals on (including free stuff on your birthday) - the soup is usually great and the staff are really friendly.  Books and Beans doesn't stay open late on a Thursday (which I think is a shame) - The downstairs coffee shop is small but vibrant and it's easy to disappear amongst the books upstairs - plus they have internet upstairs.  The Coffee House also has free wi-fi.  I've also found myself hiding away in the bar at Jury's Inn - it has a temperamental coffee machine but the staff are nice and the soup is good too.

We have been away a few days and had some amazing food.  Down in Blairgowrie we found two good restaurants - Cargill's Bistro and The Dalmore Inn.  The first night we where down we went to Cargills and both had the steak and sticky toffee pudding from the bistro menu.  The food and atmosphere were good, the bistro specials were nice and by going for the menu we saved a few quid too.  However the second night we went down to the Dalmore and had the most AMAZING food I think we've ever had.  We ended up splitting both our mains - my other half isn't the biggest fan of fish but he demolished his half of mine, and his special burger (chicken breast with chill mayonnaise and schezwan pepper sauce was stunning).

We also stopped off at several small cafés and enjoyed good tea and cakes.  Including Palmerstons in Dunkeld - so much so we went twice.  There were some really good local shops as well - Blairgowrie Farm Shop being just one of them.  There were numerous gift shops and arts and craft places too.  We also went to The Watermill in Blair Atholl and had bagles and tea...Fab.

Pizza and Pasta Galore

Again it's been a little while since I posted.

We had a friend up in January and proceeded to eat at the M&S Cafe down in the Union Square Branch, Rishis, Three Lums and the Subway in Union Square - Not bad for a two day visit.  Overall good food and good company.

February was a quiet month.  Think we went to the Filling Station and that was about it.  Tried their 2 for a £10 menu.  It was okay but it's a very limited choice.  Went to Pizza Express on Union Street at the end of the month.  It was cold and the service was slow - staff seemed very disorganised.  We where sharing a pizza and they forgot the plates - had the extra thin base which was a disappointment as the pizza got cold very quickly.

March has been a bit busier.  We did go to ASK Italian with my Mum and Dad, the weekend I got my car.  And we've now tried both Pizza Express's in Aberdeen, as we went to the Belmont Branch this weekend and had a much better meal in a very nice and well staffed restaurant.

Also hit both the international market and the farmers market on Saturday.  Surprisingly busy considering the weather was much colder than the week before.  Managed to get some really nice vegetables and belts with buckles.  Picked up the P&J restaurant guide and think there is only one place mentioned in it I actually want to go to and I few I may consider - Cock and Bull, Jewel in the Crown, La Lombarda and Pavarotti's.  Places that I have been recommended recently include Amicus Apple.  Little bit pricey but apparently very nice, plus they seem to do deals every now and then.

Pre and Post Christmas Grub, and observations hence forth

So we finally made it into Blue Moon on the 23rd December.  I have to admit it was quiet but quite nice.  And pretty reasonably priced considering the time of year.  We managed  popadums, two veg pakora starters and our mains (one with rice, one with Naan Bread - which is what we normally do).


Decided not to have pudding, but we did have a drink each.  Before we left I went to the loo.  There was only one toilet.  Whilst on the loo, there was the sound of high heels then knocking on the loo door.  Then heard foot steps leaving bathroom and going round to the mens' - oh dear.....The lass must have been very drunk and desperate for the loo but she was bragging about it to her fellow workers (who had only just ordered food and where on several bottles of wine by this point).


An we hit the sales on boxing day - with a meal at Ask Italian (2 for 1 on Mains).  There was a Christmas menu but we decided this deal was too good to pass up.  Especially when the offer included our favourite -  CALZONE CON CARNE PICCANTE,  which basically is a folded pizza stuffed with meats, amazing tomato sauce, herbs and chilli...and cheese!


We where bad later and ended up in the Starbuck at Union Square.  Not my most favourite coffee house because of the price and the queue!  But the other half had been dragged round shop after shop and needed a break.  So I finally got the the front of the queue - drinking tea so got served it straight away and proceed to sip my way through about a third of a regular mug before the hot chocolate for the other half.


I did have a bit of a roll the eyes in the queue at the two quines (lassies to those of us that don't know Doric) in-front of me.  One had to ask the other what Vegan was....which the others reply was laughable then about two minutes later she asked the first quine why it was more expensive to eat in.  Now they looked about eighteen, this conversation made me drop their age down to about fifteen....


Incidentally there was also a loo incident at Union Square.  A poor bloke on a phone wandered into the ladies (probably following the missus).  Proceed to stand in the doorway, still talking on the phone for a good minute or so before finally walking out.  Think the pink wall with the giant ladies sign wasn't a big enough clue?

Moved - AGAIN

So moved house recently to the Sheddocksley end of Aberdeen.


Went to the Three Lumbs.  Have to admit it was mixed impressions for our first visit.  Had pretty much our standard taste test - other half love bbq chicken and they do a Levi Roots Sauce....which is good but he wasn't impressed when he got green peppers (mind you I did only say no red peppers - as that's what the menu said). I had the fish and chips - batter was good, as was the chips, fish was on the under-cooked side.


Drinks are pretty well priced (Budweiser and Large Rose for under £6), and the pudding was pretty impressive.  We shared the MEGA SUPERCURLYCRUNCHIELISTIC - CHOCCABERRY SUNDAE!!!!!!  Which was a good sharing desert and not bad at £4.99.


On to the two local takeaways' we've tried.

First Fusion - The one on Rousay Drive.  Not bad - probably would have had quicker service if I'd ordered on-line or by phone.  Overall though food was good, no crackers though (£2)!

Secondly was The Woodend Fish Bar.  Again Good chippy, as long as you don't want curry sauce.....  I tend to go in later so everything is done fresh.  Although normally stuff is sitting on the warming plates.

Ikea in Aberdeen Please

Ikea in Aberdeen

Please Sign this petition - help us get an Ikea up north!

Food with family

I've had some good experience and bad ones this past few weeks.  During the holidays I tend to eat out more - as you do.

First of all the good.  Had a great buffet at Manzil's (always worth trying to get in about five when it's still quiet) and went to Yangtze River for their express lunch and was really impressed.  It has a set menu but the staff are pleasant and the service is okay.  I also went to the Justice Mill for the first time.  And was pretty impressed - it's much more modern than Archie's but really good food and service, and a great place to take my cousin too.

I've also found that with my hectic schedule I often have to grab something on the hoof.  This is usually a quick sandwich or sausage roll.  But I've now found two impressive place to sit down and relax.  First one is no surprise really The Breadmaker but the other is BHS's Cafe....!  Okay so Breadmaker is a bit on the expensive side but gives you a feel good factor.

Here is the bad and trust me its BAD!  Terrible service at the TGFS in Trinity.  And why might you ask?  Groupon Vouchers.  Now I can eat regularly using Vouchers - like at ASK Italian.  I use these voucher simply because I can get a good deal.  The lass that served us was just plain rude!  Yes I only paid £2.60 for a meal that had a cost of up to £6.60 or something like that but come on - your employers except you to treat everyone fairly.  I'd also recommend labelling things a little bit clearer....or changing the content of their Groupon voucher.  When a voucher says any Sandwich/Baguette, Soup and Baked Good - what would you expect?

I expected a decent choice of Sandwiches and Baguettes (about four choices), A Nice Soup (it was okay) and a baked good (i.e a Cake!).  What did we get - a customer service agent who obviously doesn't like people.  There where no obvious signs for the Panini's and no Baguettes out in the fridges.  When we mistakenly picked up the panini's we were then rudely asked if we wanted them in addition to the voucher - I said no we wanted the offer....it took a good few attempts (with no 'oh sorry these aren't in the offer') to work out that the limited choice was two flavours of baguette and three sandwiches..... then when I went to get cake I was told the baked good where actually the sausage rolls etc....

Really not impressed.  Not going back to that branch next time I get a voucher I might try the Bon Accord one!

Italian Food

I LOVE Italian Food.

So Ask Italian in Union Square has been a big hit recently!

We signed up to their newsletter and get great deals emailed to us - all we do is print them out and take them in with us!

First time we went it we where spoiled - we even got free coffee and cake (from the Manager). We were honest and said when we went to pay for the bill but they didn't mind at all - Hey Honesty Pays!

Since then we've been back for 2 mains for £12 and the new menu deals (main with starter or desert for a tenner).....

I'd recommend this one to someone who likes Italian. The staff are friendly and chatty. Plus you can watch the world go by or watch your dinner be cooked!

New things since the new year

It's been far to busy for me to have time to post I'm afraid. Having two jobs is never fun but can be rewarding. SO I'll go through things as best I can seen as its now July. The tight budget we've been on hasn't helped so meals out where few and far between at the beginning of this year.

We did get out for our anniversay in March - going to Archie Simpsons in Aberdeen then onto Manzils.

During the Easter holidays a friend took me to Rishis - an we ordered some of the most amazing authentic food I've ever tasted, and my friend is an amazing cook of traditional India food!

Since my move back to Seaton I have to admit I've been enjoying good pub grub at the Brig O' Don. The staff are really friendly and the food is good - and they have kopparberg which is fine Swedish pear cider (with lots of different flavours). In fact Archie's and The Tollbooth in Ellon both stock it too - Strawberry and Lime is my current favourite. Which I've been frequenting with colleagues every once and a while.

Anyway finger crossed I might get into some more time to eat, drink and be merry. Diet and exercise permitting....of course

Holburn Revitalised

I've noticed more derelict shops on holburn street are finally getting a new lease of life.

First there was a new shop in under skene house (holburn). Then the Chinese medicine shop shut and is now a hair salon and the old news agent has been cleaned up but is empty (last time I checked).

What was Haddows in now perfect collections (they have a bridal wear shop over the road). Hass's refurbishment seems to be going well, if taking longer than expected. And the empty shop next to it is going to be a tescos apparently.

Have to admit with no hass's we have used the ashvale's chipper and although the queue was long, the food wasn't bad and neither was the price.

Curry in a Hurry?

Well there are a few places I've mentioned before.

Manzil's has been a favourite since we moved up here. Good food, friendly staff and buffet as well as A-la-cart restaurant. Always like buffets cos I struggle to choose sometimes. Been in on quiet mid-weeks (when its cheaper) and in when its packed over the weekend (including a stag do one night)...

It's never quite going to match New Shim-la in Dumbarton...we where pretty pampered there (free drinks on the odd late night, doggy bags with extra naans etc)

We keep meaning to go to Blue Moon (it does cheaper lunches and its just down the road)...

The other Indian restaurant we have been too a few times is the Bollywood Tandoori. The first time it was busy and I was unimpressed at the service. We sat for about half an hour before we got our main ordered. The second time we where down (which was a week or so back), it was much earlier in the evening and quieter than the last time. The staff where friendly, we where served quickly and our only waiting time was whilst our meals where cooked. Oddly enough we think we ordered the same think both times and it was equally as good this time round. Bit pricey in my view, but a really good treat.

Plan 9 - Comics GALORE

I had time to kill before attending a course on Saturday so had a look around Rosemount viaduct/Skene street area. Intially I was looking for Yatai just so I could check where it was for next time one of our friends is up.

But as I wandered I noticed a bright yellow frontage in amongst the charity shops...Plan 9. So on Sunday I dragged my fiancée out for a rummage.

So many comics and graphic novels to catch up on! Fables, Jack of Fables, Sandman, New covers for Transmetropolitan, Lucifer, Gears of War.....just to name a few. I need to have a hunt in storage for what I've got so far in Fables and Sandman...But there are SO many that I want to get into....ARGH!

In other news my fiancée's health is still an issue however he's started product reviews on his own blog (I even do some too - for the "girly products" as he puts them) Which you can read here! Check out the reviews and the products all come from the website shown below.



Eco yourself clean!

Hair Cut...

Okay I actually hate having my hair cut. Mainly because I only get to a salon once and a while and don't usually get what I ask for...or actually get listened to. So I had to get my hair cut - had a quick look at some online reviews and Hatstand Nelly kept coming up.

So I booked an appointment - phone Monday, appointment Thursday with the Junior Stylist Dean. Now if there is one thing I know from past experiences a good salon looks after you. When I have splashed the cash in Glasgow it's been the rainbow rooms or the one at the top of byres road (first hair cut at uni that I got a compliment for!), Elgin it was Bliss...I've had hair I was happy with.

So I did the best thing. I went in a bit early and looked at the magazines to get an idea what I wanted. Had a good chat with my stylist who took on board what I wanted made some suggestions and wait for it LISTENED. I had a great and relaxing hair wash, conversation was minimal but sometimes you don't feel too chatty - especially on your first visit. I know as a kid I went to the same hairdresser's until I was in my teens.

Now a good hair cut makes you feel good. The atmosphere is good, staff are friendly and outgoing. So advantage on 'junior' stylist is it is cheaper but Dean has a good few years experience so I think its a just a term these days as your not letting some new start attack your hair with gusto. I also found from going to the rainbow room academy that hairdressers are really well trained from day one.

So happy me = tip!

Changes

You know I've just about got used to Aberdeen. To think I might have to move away to somewhere new again kinda suck. And all because my employer would rather unsettle their workforce to different locations within the city, and cos my contract is expiring. Yes I'm dispensable according to higher up, others may disagree.

So back on the job hunt for me. Would stay in Aberdeen too. Bit cold but nice. People say its a grey city but that's not the case in my view. Duthie Park, Union Terrace Gardens, International Market, and the Farmer Market. The Mall - now the trinity centre again I noticed.

September was a really quiet month. It just disappeared with nothing major happening. Went for a few walks. Treated ourselves to a trip to Glasgow to see friends, and a meal out when I got my tax money back.

The Foundry

So I've been quiet of late. Tight budgets tend to cut down the trips out for meals and shopping. Have to admit I have missed a drink at a pub. We had a friend up from Glasgow and a pint (of good cider) and a bite to eat made sense.

Always like the foundry, its not usually to busy. Quite happy that sport is on but is never over powering. Watched an Andy Murray Wimbledon Game over a few drinks earlier this year. Don't usually go in when it looks really busy, especially if I'm hungry!

The Foundry has its own websiteand facebook.

Been Busy

So I've had a trip down to Glasgow again recently. And went back to OKO with my mum and dad (as well as my fiancee). My mum and dad have now tried japanese food...

A few days later our friend (and future best man) joined us in Aberdeen for the weekend. We didn't get to Yatai (its moving) and CJ's is shut on a Sunday... So off to china town for us. Normally I just have rice but the noodles are fab.

We also ended up in the Union Square Pizza Hut and it was good, food wise. The booths are cool...

A month on

So i've been a bit quite of late.

Last few weeks of term and first few weeks of the school holidays...

But I have been busy that for sure.

Been for more an explore down at duthie park inlcuding the gardens. Last time we where down it was for a wedding so we didn't get any time to explore. So the canoes (kiyacks) are back. Wish I'd grabbed the camera!

The International Market was back and we probably spent a small fortune on salami and chirizzo and bought presents etc.

Otherwise have been chilling out and taking a few walks in and around town. Union Terrace Gardens have looked amazing this time of year and its been nice to see it from somewhere other than the train.

Been a while

So whilst I've been working like a mad thing recently I've had very little energy to do much else but sleep, eat and work.

So one of my BIG thing finished last Sunday with racing up at Alford. The Greenpower Project is run by myself and another teaher in the school and we worked really hard getting the car ready.

Now thats out the way I can have a chill out in the last few weeks of term and actually start living again.

We've had a few takeaway of late and finally got out to manzils for a meal - which was okay cos the place was so busy! We trailed round a few side streets that night looking for somewhere to go but they are about a tenner for a main so we plumed for a favourite.

We did go into the union bridge pizza hut and discover that they have actually updated the decor - finally. Gone are the big mdf circles on the wall = replaced with a nice coat of paint and some pretty modern pictures.

Geek alert

Finally I found it - ASYLUM!

I discovered Forbidden Planet a while back - but it has a Huge to let sign above the door....

However I've never found my replacement for Static/A1 Comics in Glasgow, until yesterday.

Was away down Union Street to get my fiancee a bus ticket. Stopped outside to sort out his sunglasses and noticed a sign (seen it before never paid much attenetion to it).

So anyway down adelphi there isn't just some nice pubs, clubs and resturants but a comic book store....YAY!

Went in and there was a signing going on - some young up and coming artist. Stuff was nice but he's went from doing spiderman to dr who.....

Anyway once more moneys coming in I can get caught up with graphic novels etc.