So
the night The Mary says to me “What does it mean?”
“What?” I said.
“Brutti
Compadres!”
Roughly
translated, I explained, “It means Ugly
Friends!” She smiled, stared at me with prolonged eye
contact before saying;
“Right
enough!”
In
Italy a Compadre is expressed and represents family; it means much more than
friend. It could be could be, a
Godfather, Godmother or Compari di Fede, which, here in Scotland, this would be
the Best Man or Matron of Honour or simply the person who buys the rings. I’m going to a wedding in Italy soon and the
bride is the daughter of one of my best friends who is my Compare.
Rocchina
was my Matron of Honour when I got
married in Delcieto, Italy and I insisted it was her who signed the
register. This had been unheard of up
until then because it was tradition for two elder, male, members of the family to
fulfil this role in order to make it official. I feel a bit stupid now because, the fact padre is within the word and actually means Father I can see their point!
Click this link to havea look at the Deliceto Webcam: The Square you see is the equivalent of our
George Square.
It’s a very beautiful village nella provincia di Foggia!
My
insistence was very controversial at the time!
As was, my lack of ability in the household stakes as I could not cook,
crochet, knit, make my own clothes - or do what I was told. Not much changed there then, although, it’s
not because of lack of ability but by choice! I think it’s important to support the
workforce and leave everyone to their own area of expertise. Take cooking for example, I love cooking but
only when I feel like it!
Now,
I like to leave it to the experts to feed me!
I had
booked Citation for tonight but The Mary and I got flashbacks of a time when it
was a Court and couldn’t face the trauma of going back over the night when we
were ‘held’ for trying to break into the City Chambers. It had been quite innocent and we only wanted
to slide down the bannister in the main hall.
The police could not understand when we explained our view that as, as
tax paying citizens of the city, we had a right of entry. We got huckled!
On
that note we hop off up that toon to Brutti Compadre which is snuggled ‘in a
small, secretive courtyard in the historical area of Glasgow’s Merchant City’. It was built on the site of the former and
original Tobacco Exchange and, like most areas of our city, has a really
interesting history.
They
serve food all day and have a marvellous selection of draught lagers, beers,
fabulous wines and use fine, Italian coffee. They specialise in small plates
but I have to say, having been before, they are quite substantial and I can
only ever manage two. They do food with
a Mediterranean flair and change the menu seasonally.
I
love the outside area and remember saying to Stephen, the owner, years ago that
it reminded me of bars in Norway in that no matter how cold it is you can sit
outside. They now provide blankets for
your comfort. Actually, I think that was
my idea and I suggest that beer companies would do well to provide these as it
would give them extra visibility in outside areas.
The
staff are always on form and I love the fact that they remember me when I go in
even if it’s been a while. When I walked
in the Gorgeous Ruth greeted me with, “Hi are you Margaret 6.15?” (I’d never
met Ruth before and she is very clever and interesting) and then the very
handsome James pounced on me with a hug and a kiss!
It
was a marvellous start to the evening: I do love a flouncy pounce!
Like
the staff, the atmosphere is vibrant and with an industrial style décor which
has a very chic feel to it.
This
has been one of my ‘go to’ places since it opened and if you get the chance
seek it out and you will never be disappointed!
They
also have a room downstairs which is perfect for a party of up to 50 people and
while we were there a friend of my daughters was in making arrangements for his
30th on Friday. While he was
chatting to us I waited for the invitation but it never materialised! OK then…Joe yurr bumped!
Someone
recently introduced me as a Blogger but I think some bloggers are actually
Blaggers and a lot of it is vanity but that’s not what we do.
What
I am doing is writing about my experiences with my pal, The Mary, and the times
we have in our great City meeting new people, supporting new and small
businesses and revisiting our past with friends, family and the wonderful
people of Glasgow!
Let
Glasgow and all who care for her Flourish!
See
you the next time!
Mx
To buy my book click on the link below!
The Mental Pause by Rusty Bernard - Memoirs of a Gorbal's Girl
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