Approaching from the end of Candleriggs, the blue neon sign outside did nothing to hint at the real interior. Decorated warmly with local art on the walls (a mix of coastal scenes and bold fruit popping from the large canvases in bright red), pottery and plates, and even a string of chilli pepper lights around the mirror on the end wall, Guys was cosy-chic whilst still retaining an expensive air. What appears to be wooden ex-church lights cluster over the bar, serving cabinets are solid and probably antique, napkins are cream cloth and live jazz is performed every Friday and Saturday night. Fortunately, we caught the beginning of the Friday night stint, and whilst it’s nothing contemporary or groundbreaking, the crooning of easy listening and big band hits added a weekend vibe to the place. It feels happy. Staff are perfectly attentive and well trained: as friendly as is professional and as poised as that of any high-end establishment. We were given a round, roomy table at the end of the room between the two of us, with a little vase of fresh flowers and a tealight-lit lamp. We nibbled on melba toast and sipped the tapwater immediately provided as we looked over the menu. I’ll admit, the profusion of dishes of various cuisines makes me wary – aren’t restaurants always critiqued for being unable to deliver too many promises? I was to discover that nothing was off the menu, and everything was equally good.

My partner ordered the MacSween’s haggis, clapshot and whisky sauce (photographed on the website) from the a la carte and I chose a daily special of spinach and ricotta tortellini to start. Both received high praise: so far, so good. Mine tasted fresh and fragrant, although I might have preferred a creamier, blended texture inside. We shared a bottle of the house red cab sauv and time passed comfortably before we were given our mains. A red lightbulb lights up to the sound of a small jingle of bells above the kitchen door when dishes are ready to be served: it’s cute, it’s European.
My partner chose, from the a la carte, a spicy chilli chicken risotto and could not praise it enough. Something of a risotto connesseur, he remarked that it was one of the best he has tried, and a very generous portion at that. My pre-theatre sirloin steak with chips was absolutely lovely: whilst not my very favourite ever, it hits top three easily (The Grill Room and the Square and Number 40 at the Golf Hotel, St Andrews), and for a non-grill-speciality restaurant, it’s the best I’ve tasted. It arrived perfectly hot, spilling tasty juices as it cut easily, and the taste was superb. Lightly seasoned and absolutely full of flavour, it was a perfect medium steak and I took my time savouring it in between sips of wine. And the chips: such an important component of any steak dinner, these almost overshadowed the meat itself. A good sized golden portion, much more satisfying than the tiny Jenga towers of over-crisped goosefats I’ve had elsewhere, they definately lived up to their tag of Guys’ ‘famous’ chips.

From the dessert menu (and pre-theatre) we both selected the mixed fruit crumble with custard, (Guy’s famous fruit crumble filled with apple, pineapple, mango, cranberries, blueberries, apricots & vanilla with custard or ice cream) and I am very pleased we opted not to share. The fruit was deliciously soft and ripe, the custard tasted home-made and sweet, and the portion was an incredibly generous size for a dessert. It was absolute bliss. I am confident in saying that despite the very many wonderful cheesecakes, chocolate cakes and cranacchans I’ve tried in my time, this is the best dessert I’ve ever had: the absolute best.

As we were eating, the head chef occasionally wandered around checking to see his satisfied patrons and I can understand why he would enjoy making the complementary rounds. I’m keen to take other people and looking forward to going back again for that amazing fruit crumble. For the price, we were very satisfied (and absolutely stuffed). It’s not exactly cheap at £90 for two with a mix of a la carte and pre-theatre dishes, but I feel it was entirely worth it for such an enjoyable, laid-back, attentive evening that will delight any foodie. It’s an instant favourite, and ranks jointly with Dragon-I at the very top.

GUYS 5/5

Candleriggs, Merchant City, Glasgow
http://www.guysrestaurant.co.uk/index.asp

Starters were impressive – I had the Yasai Tempura, which featured sweet potato, sweetcorn, aubergine and mushroom, and all were tasty despite the slickness of the red plastic chopsticks making it slightly difficult to grasp each battered piece.

Sushi was very well received by my other three companions also. The kappa maki was fairly standard but good, but the Magura Nigiri (Tuna) truly was in a league of its own – definitely the best of its kind I’ve tasted in Scotland, and tempting me to go back on the strength of that alone. It was perfectly softly textured and the quality of the fish was immediately apparent.

Mains varied. I was very pleased with my chicken in Teryaki sauce, which arrived lightly battered and drizzled with thick, sweet sauce, and the sticky rice (ordered seperately) perfectly accompanied it. However, two of our party uncharacteristically left most of their plates untouched – in particular the Tempura Noodle Soup was unexpectedly fishy, and I feel this could have been noted on the menu to prevent disappointment.

Desserts were lovely, despite the Japanese Cheesecake being off, and having to settle for the decidedly non-Japanese chocolate version instead, and the four of us shared delicious hot plum wine, served cutely in a stone decanter and small glasses. The Tiddy Widdy Well wine we ordered, a 2007 Australian shiraz/cabernet sauvignon/merlot mix, despite the ridiculous name, was very, very good, and wonderfully chosen, leaving me searching for it online afterwards.

Overall, Nanakusa is a strong addition to the already bustling Glasgow dining scene. Unlike some of the other Japanese restaurants already present in Glasgow, it feels like a more relaxed restaurant to enjoy a leisurely meal in, with the privacy of individual tables, and the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, something highly important to any dining experience. Personally, I very much enjoyed the food, especially the Magura Nigiri that is already tempting me back, but it is the uncertainty of two of our party over the main courses that makes me knock one point off the score. Despite that, it definately deserves to be somewhere among the top of my Glasgow picks, and for overall quality, Nanakusa left me very impressed.

NANAKUSA 4/5

Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3LG, Scotland

Tel: 0141 332 6303

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=311780716

First impressions of Dragon-I are excellent. The opulent interior is subdued but luxurious, and guests sink comfortably into the deep reds at each nicely laid out table. The menu is Chinese and Pan-Asian, and you won’t find any British Chinese classics – sweet and sour is nowhere to be found on the sophisticated list.

To begin, I chose Che Ci Gai, a concoction of mango and mozerella wrapped in slices of chicken breast with a mango sauce, and the unusual combination worked perfectly. The sweetness of the mango combined with the richness of the mozerella and deep fried chicken was something I, in my perpetual fussiness thought could be simply bearable, and it turned out to be much more than that. The decorative side of salad and mango spears although untouched, looked beautiful, and effort in all areas of the meal was evident.

As a main, three of us opted for Lo Han Gai, a ‘breast of chicken, on a bed of asparagus, pak choi and shitake mushrooms in a Chardonnay sauce’ which was served with garlic rice. I asked for my sauce to be served on the side and was easily accomodated, but it turned out to be an unnecessary measure. The chicken was tender, the vegetables crisp and flavourful, and the sauce was a slightly wine-sweet, peppery gravy. I’ve heard rice described in many cliched food reviews as fluffy, but I find the need to use the term here to describe the generous aromatic measure we were served. Perfection.

Four of us shared a chocolate fondue with seasonal fruit for dessert, which was perfectly rich and fresh in turn, but could have been a slightly larger measure per person. This is my only complaint, and just a minor one, of the evening. I chose for the first time our wine – a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon – Cousino-Macul Antigas Reserve of 2005 – that was received well enough to request a second bottle.

Dragon-I isn’t a cheap dining option, coming in at £35 a head, but on the next occasion I find, I will be lobbying to return. I left self-satisfied at having chosen both the wine and adventurous courses for myself, and it certainly paid off. Service was at the perfect temperature – attentive and pleasant, but never overbearing. The Dragon-I is now my favourite Glasgow restaurant of the moment. You must try it.

DRAGON-I 5/5

311-313 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 3PT, Scotland

• Tel: +44 (0)141 332 7728
• http://www.dragon-i.co.uk/
  

Recently for my birthday I was treated to a Champagne High Tea here and whilst it was expensive, it was very pleasurable. I would consider having one to share and ordering a second glass of champagne the next time, as the platter of sandwiches and cakes was a little much for one person and we left some untouched, but overall The Willow Tea Rooms is perfect for a traditional high tea, simple lunches, or a cup of tea with cake.

I would recommend it to ladies who lunch, anyone sick of the quick in-and-out coffee house experience, or those wishing to treat someone to a special Champagne Tea.

WILLOW TEA ROOMS  4.5/5

• Address: 97 Buchanan Street, Glasgow G1 3HF, Scotland
• Tel: +44 (0)141 204 5242
• www.willowtearooms.co.uk

]]> http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/willow-tea-rooms/feed/ 0 tcigarre http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/ichiban-queen-street/ http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/ichiban-queen-street/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:16:02 +0000 tcigarre http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/?p=39 ]]> Much the same as its Dumbarton Road branch, Ichiban on Queen Street although much smaller, offers similar relaxed and casual bench-seated dining in modern and colourful surroundings. Although the entrance is simply a doorway, once up the stairs the restaurant is welcoming and laid back, and the staff are friendly.

I visit often for lunch, and Ichiban offers the best sushi in Glasgow city centre with a variety of noodle soup and curry based main dishes. The delightful flowering teas served in a wine glass are as enjoyable to look at as they are to drink. I particularly enjoy stopping at Ichiban for a quick post-shopping snack of green tea and some sushi and nine times out of ten I am not disappointed in the quality of the preparation. It is not somewhere to visit for a formal occasion, but for a fun and cheerful dinner with friends or a lingering lunch, Ichiban is always on my short list.

ICHIBAN  4/5

• Address: 50 Queen Street, Glasgow G1 3DS, Scotland
• Tel: +44 (0)141 204 4200
  http://www.ichiban.co.uk/

]]> http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/ichiban-queen-street/feed/ 0 tcigarre http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/gambrinos/ http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/gambrinos/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:12:40 +0000 tcigarre http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/?p=36 ]]> Gambrinos on Great Western Road is a satisfying Italian restaurant with beautifully flavoured foccacia bread and decent if predictable pizzas on the menu. Slightly better than the average mid-price Italian, the quality of Gambrinos rarely wavers and I’ve never found it disappointing or overpriced. The decor is slightly uninspiring and dark but most enjoyable at night with candles and a seat at the window. The location is an asset to Gambrinos – I find it to be the best Italian restaurant in the lower Great Western Road area and have noted that they can easily accomodate groups and children.

GAMBRINOS 3.5/5
Great Western Road, Glasgow, Scotland
http://www.gambrino.com/

The food itself was fine – not noteworthy – but again, inoffensive, and as a result I was left wondering what the fuss is over The Italian Kitchen. Perfectly acceptable Italian cuisine with no faults, and I would visit again, but just a little over-hyped. I have a feeling the problems people have with booking are possibly drawn out a little by an establishment wishing to create a reputation.

ITALIAN KITCHEN  3/5

• Address: 64 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1EX, Scotland
• Phone: +441415721472
  http://www.italian-kitchen.co.uk/

]]> http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/italian-kitchen/feed/ 0 tcigarre http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/la-vita/ http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/la-vita/#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:04:36 +0000 tcigarre http://illhavethe.wordpress.com/?p=31 ]]> La Vita on Queen Street is slightly cramped, with busy staff moving quickly up and down the narrow staircase, but I find this only adds to the atmosphere.

Food is standard Italian cuisine, reasonably priced and reliable, and for a laid back lunch or dinner La Vita is a solid choice. I wouldn’t however recommend it for a romantic or special occasion due to the business of the place, but for a pre-drinks meal or post-shopping dinner it’s cheerful and satisfying.

LA VITA   3/5

• Address: 161 Queen Street, Glasgow, Scotland
• Phone: 0141 248 3533
• www.lavitapizzeria.co.uk

The tea menu is extensive and grouped by place of origin, and has both affordable teas and more exclusive, expensive treats – something to suit everyone. Snacks available include hummus, homemade cakes, cheese and crackers and small bowls of pistachio nuts. Tchai Ovna is not the place to go for a quick refreshment – tea is prepared slowly and the atmosphere is relaxing. Take a book or a companion and melt into the other-worldliness of this intimate, unique little den.

TCHAI OVNA 5/5
42 Otago Lane, Glasgow, Scotland

http://tchaiovna.com/

I visited with my partner for a special occasion and we were not let down by the Ho Wong. Service was excellent – upon arrival, we were slightly early and settled in the reception area with a drink whilst our table was prepared. Staff were helpful and very attentive, and very well suited to an establishment with such a reputation.

The food was definately a delight. As a fan of Asian cuisine I find that Glasgow is very lacking in upmarket Chinese restaurants, with a smattering of acceptable mid-level establishments, so it was certainly a joy to discover that the Ho Wong perfectly met expectations. Each dish was prepared and presented well at a high standard and was a culinary treat. Although it is expensive and certainly not somewhere I would visit often, for a special occasion I would not hesitate to consider the Ho Wong and will definately visit again.

HO WONG   4/5
82 York Street, Glasgow G2 8LE, Scotland

• Tel: +44 (0)141 221 3550
  www.ho-wong.com

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