FOOD : Review of Vandal and Co, Dundee
Viewing the menu, it becomes clear that Vandal and Co, Dundee’s latest hippest and vibrant restaurant down near the Waterfront, aren’t playing it safe. They’ve mixed up the menu by dishing up serving bites, bowls and plates over brunch, lunch and dinner.
Hop aboard for a global menu featuring foodie influences from Asia to America; a menu that sits very comfortably beside some waffles and pancakes, burgers, steak frittes, cocktails and hardcore milkshakes!
After a full day of discovering Dundee and the surrounding area of Arbroath (read my blog post HERE on my Visit Dundee trip), I was famished, and ready for some good grub.
Vandal and Co, is a three minute walk along Exchange Street from Sleeperz Hotel and Dundee Train Station. After friendly greetings at the door, I was soon seated inside, in a bright, comfy spot.
REVIEW OF VANDAL AND CO, DUNDEE
There is lots to take in on the menu, and I am thankful that it is broken down into zones or types of dishes, otherwise I would still be there pondering on which dish to choose. Vandal & Co have a cheeky, playful image and this is carried through all that they do, so well. From their menus, to their website, to the Featured Artist who adorns their walls with artwork. Everything is bright, happy and makes for a really great atmosphere whether out with friends, family, on a date or on your tod, like I was.
So many tempting plates filled my line of vision and it was a hard 3 minutes trying to decide what to order. There was Bao Buns, Halloumi Fries and Bang Bang Cauliflower but the Salt n Peppa Chicken (£6.50) won me over. A very popular dish it seems as there was plenty being delivered to tables around me. And I agree with the other diners, this is pretty much a starter you could dream about. Gorgeous nuggets of mouth-watering chicken; super succulent with perfect seasoning. Bring me more I say!
So much to choose from on the mains. It was a toss up between the Steak Frittes, Katsu Chicken Bowl or a Burger. Again, I spied on what other diners were eating, which didn’t help much as they were all tucking into things I wanted. In the end I opted for a burger and was rewarded for my choice by the arrival of this whopper!
Say hello to the V&Co Burger (£12.50) with cheddar, brisket, garlic mayo and vandal sauce. After eating the chips for well over 5 minutes and not making a dent in the mountain of fries, a decided to give the burger a try. I tried being polite by cutting it in half, but the only way to attack something this monstrous is to pick it up and feed your face. My face was extremely happy on the first bite!
An incredible burger.
I genuinely was so full at this point but my lovely waitress convinced me to try a dessert. The Key Lime Pie was calling my name but I swopped to the Brownie Sausage Roll at the last minute as it was intriguing me.
The brownie inside was warm, soft and gooey as it should be and the ice cream a lovely cold contrast again it, but the pastry done nothing for me.
Nearly, forgot to mention the great cocktail list. Cocktails are £5 Monday to Friday, so how could I not have one. Loved the sound of Pinky Blinder with vodka and watermelon, but I chose the Dark Knight Rises with mango and pineapple gin and activated charcoal. Loved it!
Vandal and Co, was busy on a Thursday night. They have some great deals available, fabulous cocktails, impressive food and lovely staff. A place I recommend if you are in Dundee.
Vandal and Co offer:
Vegan, Vegetarian options
Gluten free options
Dairy free options
Vandal and Co, 22 Exchange Street, Dundee, DD1 3DL. www.vandalandco.com
For more information on Dundee - where to eat, stay and play, visit www.visitdundee.com
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Visit Dundee to review Vandal & Co menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.