Over the weekend I was kindly invited for lunch at Daisy Tasker (3 Lower Dens Mill; Constable Street; DD4 6AD) a bar and bistro situated within Hotel Indigo Dundee, a stunning boutique hotel which was formally an old jute mill.
Upon arrival, I was surprised at how central the restaurant actually was. The bistro, named after Daisy Tasker a much loved 14-year old weaver who organised social activities for jute mill workers, is just across from the retail park behind the Olympia Swimming Pool and is just a short walk from the shops and bus station. Parking at the hotel is pretty sparse, however, there is another larger council-run car park literally seconds away. The dining room is so spacious and chic. I loved how the exposed brickwork and industrial pipes contrasted with the luxe velvet booths while the open bar, glass panels and huge globe lights that dangled from the ceiling made it very light and surprisingly casual. When we were shown to our seats, I didn’t even feel like I was in Dundee anymore.
During our visit, we sampled their Larder Lunch. The menu may sound a little complicated at first but the whole concept is actually a very interesting and innovative way for the customer to sample a whole range of delicious bites in a surprisingly affordable way. Basically, they pull together seasonal and local produce from the larder to create a unique experience. Diners may help themselves from the counter where you’ll find breads, spreads, oils and dips, as well as a build your own salad station, stocked with couscous, red cabbage slaw, potato salad, greek salad piled high with fresh olives and juicy cherry tomatoes, mixed peppers, dressings, nuts and seeds. There is even a selection of pastries and the biggest freshly made scones you have ever laid eyes on with Dundee marmalade and clotted cream on the side.
On top of this, you can also order three small plates or one large plate from the kitchen. The smaller plates included pea and watercress soup, spiced chicken wings, Arbroath Smokie fish cakes, chicken and apricot terrine, hand-cut chips and gravy and beer-battered onion rings. Larger plates included a Tuscan bean stew, pork fillet, cod with curried chickpeas and a pasta dish. Diners have three options:
DINE & DASH – Bakery and Salad from the counter, Mon to Fri only – £10
LARDER LUNCH – Bakery, Salad, Cake (3) Small or (1) bigger – £15
STRESS-FREE – Bakery, Salad, Cake, 3 Small plates & 1 bigger plate – £25
I think you’ll agree that the prices are incredibly reasonable. Each little plate was heavenly and, I’m ashamed to admit, we couldn’t even get through it all. Our eyes were definitely larger than our stomachs, I didn’t even have a pastry and regular readers will know how unusual that is! The food was absolutely delicious, it really is as simple as that. Each dish was the perfect size to nibble at and Ross and I ordered six different options to share between us. The soup came in a tiny little mug with croutons floating on top, the chips were accompanied with a gorgeously rich gravy and the tempura was coated in a light crispy batter and seasoned perfectly. There were a few alterations to the menu, however, there wasn’t a mouthful we didn’t enjoy. I literally could have eaten a huge bowl of their red cabbage slaw or potato salad and been satisfied it was so delicious.
The staff were also incredibly helpful and couldn’t do enough for us. I always feel anxious walking into restaurants as a ‘blogger’, however, we were made to feel really welcome and relaxed as soon as we walked in. I loved how chic and modern our surroundings were but how casual and friendly the atmosphere was too.
To book a table at Daisy Tasker (3 Lower Dens Mill; Constable Street; DD4 6AD) or browse both the Larder Lunch and A La Carte menus visit their website here or phone 01382 472114 if you have any additional enquires.
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