A lovely evening out this summer was being invited to preview what has quickly become a city favourite, the Aberdeen Tavern. The new restaurant in Hamilton’s west end is impressively located in an old bank (with bank vault intact!). Unfortunately it was raining on this night (there was a storm a-brewin’!) so I will have to experience the patio another time, but I was more than happy to enjoy the restaurant’s classy yet warm interior.
Many were invited to preview the restaurant’s new vegetarian menu. Under chef Nathaniel Beattie, Aberdeen works with local farmers and sustainable food importers. They are always coming up with new things, but some of the dishes I tried included: Vegetarian Samosas (with potato, green peas, yellow curry), Tavern Frites (with thyme & parmesan), Waldorf Salad, Angel Hair Pomodoro (imported romas, spinach, garlic, basil, parmesan), and Vegetarian Quiche.
One of my favourites was the Potato Gnocchi (sweet pea, mushroom, asparagus, tomato, basil, garlic, parmesan). I would definitely order that again – one little sample just wasn’t enough! Another highlight was the colourful Southwest Napoleon (black bean, grilled corn, mango, avocado, salsa fresca, pickled cabbage).
A big food trend right now in the city is charcuterie. Co-owner Jason Cassis commented that their version of the appetizer is simply called the “Meat, Cheese & Pickles,” which I liked – let’s just call it what it is!
Aberdeen also has a delicious-sounding cocktail menu. For this occasion, two special ones were created by bartender Avi Constam: Strawberry Gin Lemonade Punch and Cucumber Mojito. I couldn’t even pick a favourite, both were so refreshing! Looking so cute in their mason jars with striped straws, it made for one of my favourite summer Instagram shots.
Aberdeen’s brunch menu also looks scrumptious (I can’t say no to breakfast foods) so I definitely need to go back for more. And who am I kidding – I need to go back for desserts, too!
Thank you to the Aberdeen dream team for their wonderful hospitality, including Jason Cassis, Andrea Cassis, Kristin Lee B, Melissa Marchese, and more! I look forward to visiting again.
– Kristin
I love your photos, this was such a great night! thanks so much for coming!