Dundee will keep you coming back for more

Are you ready for the best foodie review ever? Want too find out why Dundee will keep you coming back for more?

This foodie loved Dundee so much she came back for a second helping

When food writer Adele Conn AKA @tartanspoonblog visited Dundee in January, she had so much fun she decided to come back for a second helping. It was on this second visit that she discovered her foodie heaven…

Now, any city can feel a little dreary in January, but Adele had such a great time when she dropped by at the beginning of the year that she requested a repeat visit to soak up more of Dundee’s fizzing food and drink scene. A visit to Vandal & Co to experience one of their legendary burgers followed by after dinner drinks at The Wine Press whet the appetite for Adele to return to explore more of the city’s finest establishments.

So, Adele came back a few weeks ago with a handful of foodie requests mixed with some cultural experiences for her latest 24 hours in Dundee. With a packed itinerary, Adele was raring to spend some more time the City of Discovery. “I really like Dundee,” says Adele. “It reminds me of Edinburgh in that it’s fairly easy to get around, to navigate, it’s creative and it has some cracking places to eat and drink.”

After a hearty visit to Pacamara on the Perth Road where menu favourites including Brioche French Toast and Korean Fried Chicken Waffles were devoured, Adele and her pal, Lotte, headed to the Malmaison Dundee to check in. A beautiful Junior Suite awaited them where they “stared in awe” at their surroundings. Beyond the luxury in their suite, Adele found the location ideal. “It’s right in the thick of it – close to the waterfront and V&A, a minute walk from the train station.”

Adele and Lotte pulled themselves from the comfort of the Malmaison to go on a street art trail with Open Close Dundee. Exploring the many designs, artwork and graffiti on doors, pavements, legal graffiti parks, they had a fantastic city centre trail led by Open Close’s Russell. Adele’s a mural artist herself, so this was a trail she was keen to go on and support. “I know that by encouraging people to be part of community arts/ street art/ mural projects… it creates ownership and thus drives down the risk of vandalism.”

Pre-dinner drinks and a cuddle from the pub dog were enjoyed at Dynamo before Adele and Lotte went for dinner…

Adele’s foodie heaven

To say Adele loved Franks Pasta and Wine Bar just on the corner of the Nethergate would be an understatement. Her review of Franks is, in her own words, “gushing.”

Ticking all the boxes of an authentic Italian eatery with lots of greenery, marble tables and exposed brickwork, the ambience is one Adele was taken with. Also, the simplicity of the menu. “This is a pasta bar and that’s exactly what you’ll get,” says Adele. Not a place for spag bol or pizza, but a place to savour plates of fresh pasta. 

“Only the best, freshest, most delicious plates of Italian food that I have had outside of Italy!” That’s a bold, yet hugely exciting statement. A trip to Italy without having to leave the Nethergate? Sounds amazing.

And it only gets better from there. The antipasti dishes, focaccia and oils and a burrata with rocket pesto, brought deep joy to this foodie.” I promise you, you will hear angels rejoice when you pop that burrata bubble and scoop up a forkful of creamy burrata and deep rocket pesto onto the crispiest, crunchiest, tastiest oiled dipped focaccia slice.”

Oh no, we’re drooling now as well!

The short pasta menu made Adele and Lotte swoon. Adele had “plate envy” for Lotte’s spaghetti with pea pesto, but was placated by her own “unbelievable” pappardelle with ragu. Even the tiramisu, which neither of them are big fans of, below them away. All this washed down with a glass of wine. The ladies chose the Amodo Pinot Noir Paris, France to accompany their delicious dinner. 

We must congratulate Franks on such an exceptional review. Adele has given them one of her rare accolades. First of all, she awarded them 10/10 for their exceptional meal. Also, she’s giving them a Tartan Spoon. “Franks Wine and Pasta Bar is fantastic. I urge you to go.” Definitely one of the top reasons that Dundee will keep you coming back for more.

I don’t think we’ll take much persuading! To read Adele’s full review, click here (https://www.tartanspoon.co.uk/home/eat-franks-dundee)