Gandolfi Fish

Out last night for my first visit to Gandolfi Fish. The service was probably the best I have ever encountered in Glasgow, our waiter was happy to give recommendations and chatted to us through the meal. This is certainly the home of the expense-account brigade, but for a treat it's hard to see how it could be beaten.
I started with the beautiful scallops, served with crispy pancetta, avocado purée and mustard dressing (see picture). It was hard to imagine anything topping the scallops at Catch 22... but these did. It was followed by a half lobster, served with chips, mayo and salsa verde. I received a whole lobster as apparently the ones caught today was very small! Mr Gastro had squid with Stormoway black pudding, then a whole baked mackerel. Outstanding food. I will be back when I can afford it!

Rain food

It's howling a gale outside, and raining heavily. I have my coq au vin ready for when I get in later, but I'm working late tonight and might need something to tide me over. When the weather's like this, traditional West Coast weather, I want traditional food. Like cock-a-leekie soup, or even Scotch broth. I'm going to be in the West End at lunchtime, and am worried that none of the trendy eateries will sell something so, well, ordinary.

The first place I'm going to try will be Naked Soup, which I used to frequent in its previous premises on Byres Road, and is now happily settled on Kersland Street (at Great Western Road). I can't remember if they do Scottish soups, but the last time I was there, I had a Thai chicken soup which was absolutely wonderful, full of chicken and the smell of lemongrass. It came with an apple, a roll and a drink if memory serves me. My fingers are crossed for the rainy day soups of my childhood.

Photo by Wysz, Flickr.