Category: Cafe / Restaurant

Is it allowed or even thought nowadays, that a brilliant place should simply be taken for granted, and if not, should you constantly be checking it out, to see if something has changed?  And what if, something has indeed changed?  And not for the better.  What do you do?  Slate it, or give it another chance, or was it a one off?  Or write a critical review, in order to try to remedy the situation.  

This is my predicament with this café.  I used to simply love their eggs rancheros; the beans, avocado (not smashed!) and the freshness of the tomatoes.  But I regret to inform, that it was simply rotten earlier this week.  The “over easy” eggs were hard boiled; and I mean HARD boiled.  As if they had been cooked hours before, and then reheated under the heat lamps.  Ditto with the brick-like toast.  Combined with no butter for the said toast, and you had a fairly dreadful meal; minus the A+ service.

I’ll try to give it another chance.

This place is simply a class above the other bakery / cafés here in the West End, whether it be the attention to detail, the “Latvian” touch or the quality food, at let us say, slightly higher than Greggs’ prices, but in this blogger’s opinion, definitely worth paying. 

In this case, it was a takeaway (Pity there are no takeaways from here during our present lock-down – Ed.), but the soup was perfect, the roll was tasty and soft (they should ALWAYS be this way) and the cake was decadent but not too fattening (I hope!).

Will be back – 4.5 / 5

What struck me about this and just SO many places that I, in the end, venture into, is that it is unpretentious AND it’s always been here!  That’s right.  Must’ve walked by it hundreds of times, before I was starving / desperate / the other places were full / etc., and have since last year, been here many more occasions.  It’s probably my fave now.

Favourite dish, try ANY of the Soup / Sandwich deals.

Recommended

Henley’s Byre, Byres Road, West End, Glasgow 

Café Source, Hyndland, Glasgow; 31 January 2020 – Still unknown to many in the West End of Glasgow, as it’s tucked away in a sports club, on a side street in Hyndland, Glasgow, but does a very neat job of being a pub, restaurant and café (even simultaneously!), with a real ale and food selection, both “for the now people” as well as for those who want a gourmet pub meal.

Recommended; 4/5

Cafézique, Partick, Glasgow; 10 February 2020 – Is this an institution in the West End?  Until recently, it seemed that they were only interested in the “meal” crowd, but lately (maybe even for the last few years??), they’ve succumbed to the café (coffee and cake) brigade – and it’s still heaving!  Years ago, when it was de riqueur to be seen here at weekend breakfast, none other than David Moyes (please tell me you know him) was spotted by this author, having double parked (I thought) in order to attend this eatery for his Sunday roast.  What else do I have to say(!) other than we sat upstairs, the “scran” was a huge and beautiful vegan breakfast, with reasonable’ish prices (this IS the West End after all).

Recommended; 4/5

Sparklehorse, Partick, Glasgow; 14 February 2020 – What for a Valentines Day meal at your local!  I’ve eaten here a few occasions the last few years, and while it’s dark  inside, and primarily a pub, the “home cooking” is superb (Expect to wait a wee bit longer to get it, but it’s worth it!).  I had the vegan burger, which they seemed to have change from a strictly bean variety to a more solid type of patty.  Whilst the accompanier, chose a Greek pastry and tzatziki combo – both perfect and demonstrated a rather high degree of culinary skill.

Recommended; 4.5/5

Have been here numerous times the last few years, and am still amazed at just how easy they pull off the style, sophistication of the food and the laid back attitude, all at the same time.  It’s cavernous inside and still can be difficult to get a seat, particularly at weekends, though every time so far that we’ve had no reservation, they’ve gone out of their way to accommodate. 

In addition, the menu, at least to me, IS different, and I’ve tried a variety of options besides the Kormas and Bhunas of the world.  Always superb.

Recommended.

7 Church Street
Glasgow
https://www.balbirs.co.uk/