The summer season is shaping up to be a hectic period for award-winning north-east chef Graham Mitchell.
The 36-year-old is well-known locally for heading up the kitchen operation at The Newmachar Hotel in Aberdeenshire for a number of years.
But recently, he announced he was parting ways with the business to start up his own restaurant, Tarragon by Graham Mitchell, in Aberdeen’s Rosemount area.
An extensive refurbishment is currently underway at the premises.
And if the chef didn’t already have enough on his plate, he also recently opened the hatch to a new food truck down at the beach promenade, known as The Hungry Beast.
The Hungry Beast
The Hungry Beast launched on Sunday, July 3 and has already made quite the impact with locals.
A positive review written online said: “Portions were massive and hit the spot big time. The food was incredible.”
Another responded to an image of one of the business’ mouth-watering dishes. It read: “I had this the other day and it was absolutely delicious.”
Graham says that launching a food truck is something that he and his partner Claire have wanted to do for some time.
Graham added: “The opportunity arose during lockdown when me and Claire decided to do a joint business venture with my sisters-in-law, Amanda and Ange.
“We purchased the trailer from Falkirk, and it has taken over a year to get ready as it was a side project.
“I had planned to open it pretty quickly but with lockdown restrictions easing, The Newmachar Hotel opened up again and I was really busy.
“I couldn’t get the time to open it until now as I’m soon to open Tarragon, too.”
The food truck is stationed at the Footdee (known locally as Fittie) side of the beach between vegan vendors Roots Catering and the Foodstory Beach Hut.
Opening hours will be noon to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday for the time being.
Graham had a soft opening and has been “amazed” by the amount of positive feedback he has received so far.
What can I order?
One thing is certain for customers at Aberdeen food truck The Hungry Beast – you’re sure to leave feeling full and satisfied.
The menu is impressive in length and Graham will be running the truck alongside two members of staff.
There is a wide range of burgers, hot dogs and loaded fries, and prices range from £3 to £9. Soft drinks are available, too.
Graham believes “the more offering, the higher the footfall” as the beach is now a real destination area.
Brioche buns and hot dog buns are being supplied by The Bread Guy.
Dish options include The Hungry Beast burger, New Yorker hot dog, and duck bang bang loaded fries featuring teriyaki confit duck leg, bang bang mayo, chilli, spring onion and sesame seeds.
Graham said: “The food offering is loaded dirty food.
“This includes burgers, fries and hot dogs, alongside soft drinks and coffee from Caber Coffee.
“I decided to offer this type of cuisine due to the location and it will be the opposite of what I will be doing in my restaurant.
“Plus, when I first applied for the pitch, the only vendors included the Highlander Bus Cafe and Roots.
“But a great foodie community has grown including everything from pizza, vegan, Mexican and coffee trucks to a micro-bakery.
“And now, there is also what I like to call dirty loaded grub – available at The Hungry Beast.”
Conversation