Friday, 12 January 2018

Bar Trawl!

Midtown East - Dennistoun?
After my very successful visit to The Kirkhouse Bar and Kitchen on Sunday The Mary suggested we make this our new ‘thing’ and explore the culinary delights of bar food on the Lower East Side of the City.

The meaning of Gastronome can be defined as ‘things’ related and concerned with good food, so our expectations are elementary, my dear reader.  One of the examples given in the Collins Dictionary states; ‘Paris is the gastronomic capital of the world’. 
Could we prove them wrong?
Would Dennistoun give ‘Le GayParee’ a run for its money?

After Googling <Gastro Pubs in the East End> we noted the names of the two top epicurean establishments in that area and off we sauntered in excitement and anticipation. First stop was a bit of a disappointment because we wanted more than a pie or a birdie and to tell you the truth, I’ve paid too much for my teeth to risk them on day old pastry with a concrete base.  So, onwards we went to the next acclaimed institution.


Have you ever been in TheCorinthian?

Well, this was nothing like that. It was more like Chalmun’s Cantina from Star Wars in the deserted world of Tatooine. Dimly lit, cold and damp it looked like a stopping point for budgie smuggling, toothless terrors. In fact, when asked if I wanted a drink by a slobbering, smashed sloth at the bar, I replied, declaring I didn’t drink. He retorted, spurting with elation,
“I F****** love that, I would pure take you oot.
I’d save an effin’ fortune.
Ma Mrs drinks 10 cans a day!”

I thanked him and said I would think about it and maybe see him there the next time!
The Mary said,

“You were punching above your weight there Glasgow…The only Gastro in there is Enteritis!”

She then decried my internet skills deciding we should go to The Nakodar Grill which, in 25 years has never failed us. Also, by this point we needed, at least, a Bhoona, Vinda’ and a loo because we were freezing and pishing ourselves laughing in the street.
The Nakodar Grill was comforting in its exquisite 18th century grandness and provided us with the finest quality, nutritious, Indian food which went down a treat. Although, we had spent so much time gadding about beforehand we couldn’t heat up. Even the warm glow of the live, tandoori Kitchen didn’t do the trick and we shivered out way through what was a true Gastronomic delight! 

In the end we decided the confusion was because pubs keep changing their names and Google can’t keep up with the debauched delights of our fabulous town!

See you the next time…

Me and The Mary!

Monday, 8 January 2018

The Kirkhouse Bar and Kitchen!

Sunday Lunch!

Being an East End girl, formerly of The Gorbals, I used to take things from pubs all the time.  Glasses mainly, usually half full, drinking walking home, toilet paper, the odd bottle of Vodka from behind the bar if the staff weren’t looking.  Nowadays, I steal the photos, not from the walls but from Facebook pages etc. So thanks to The Kirkhouse's Facebook page and whoever the header photo here belongs to!

On my way to Tesco on Sunday I decided to meet my daughter at her local on Shettleston Road in Midtown East. Glasgow pubs sometimes get bad press, especially in the more edgy parts of the city but I love pubs and the rougher, tougher the better and the more relaxed time I seem to have. They feel like home.  In fact, if a wee fight breaks out it reminds me of New Year, christenings, funerals and the weddings of my very colourful childhood. Nothing was complete if someone didn’t end up in the jail. 
No pretence in the East, no hipster plant pots full of chips or salad on a garden shovel here. Good, honest food served with a cheeky smile and a bit of banter. The place has recently been refurbished and is looking chic and very cheerful.  Prices are reasonable and the food is very good and well presented. Before my dad died he lived in Budhill Avenue and he used to book the Snug in this Pub for all our birthdays. So I have many great memories of this place. The Snug has is long gone but my memories live on.

This is an actual Photo Of Molly Dyke's Dinner Yesterday
‘Danni’ (Danielle) who served us was a very good-looking, cheery lassie and saw to our every need while chatting to other people round about. Just before writing this I looked at a couple of reviews for The Kirkhouse and this daft burd stated she was “told in a very brusque manner” she couldn’t get a table and she hadn’t made a reservation. WTF, was she the queen? It’s the East End most of us are brusque, cannae be bothered with pretence, manners are mirrored and respect is earned. 

This is a very busy bar and I phoned to book in advance and would advise you do so too!

Go on, you know you want to!
0141 778 3725 

See you next time with The Mary!



Saturday, 30 December 2017

Palazzo Parisio!

Lunch at the Palace!
This week in Malta my daughter and I went to Naxxar which is a very picturesque town in the heart of Malta. Parking there, like most places in this country, is a bit of a nightmare and my lovely daughter became a bit of a monster.  Not only is she 7.5 months pregnant and looks a bit monstrous but she’s developed a very, vile tongue and was spouting profanities like a Ranger’s Supporter at half time in an old firm game!
We went for lunch to Palazzo Parisio which dates back to 18th Century and gives the best service I ever get in Malta. Their philosophy is to ensure everyone has the best possible experience whether you are a beggar or a king. Bought by the Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna in 1898 and is now run by the mother and daughter team; Christine Ramsay Scicluna (Baroness of Tabria) and her daughter Justine Pergola.

This venue showcases a very eclectic collection of Maltese art inspired by the styles created by Italian artist who previously lived on the Island. The beautiful surroundings include a dreamlike garden enclosed within the walls of the beautifully renovated palace, mirroring its lavish elegance and opulence.
The servers who brought us lunch were charming and even helped to look after a very tetchy two-year-old in the remnants of a tantrum. Uri was very kind and sat us in a corner away from everyone else. Lucia, who was delightfully petite was as efficient as a sergeant major with an extremely delicate way with her.

The food was fabulous and the afternoon completely charming from beginning to end. I’ve been many times before and have never been disappointed. Summer, Winter and Spring all offer different backdrops to a very glamourous and indulgent experience at a very reasonable cost!  
  
The only thing missing for me was my very favorite ItalianAroma Coffee but I’m sure I had this vision in the garden and maybe next time my dream will come true!
See you next time…

Glasgow Girl On Tour!

Click the link below to order my favourite Coffee!