Observing life in Glasgow, Scotland, the UK, Europe and Worldwide; be they movies, tv, travels, food or eccentricities. . .
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
From 2011 to its recently finished season nine on BBC1, UK, Death in Paradise has become one of the most popular UK shows, consistently being in the Top 10 for its broadcast week, with it normally being the highest rated show for the day that it’s televised (1). With its sunny climes (filmed in Guadalupe, in the Caribbean) and a jovial, formulaic plot, that always results in the murderer being nicked; it’s easy to watch and still, at times, difficult to guess just who the culprit is.
As for the specifics, the team consists of a British Detective, who runs a small office in the mythical town of Honore’, St Marie, in the Caribbean Sea. The three officers below him always bring their own skill set to the game; be it ambition to be a higher rank, street smarts, or outright zaniness. It never fails to hit the spot.
But as with many shows, I’ve always felt since I started watching it from mid-season in 2011, the first series was the best (Isn’t this always the case?). Season 1 also had the pilot, and concerned DI Richard Poole, beautifully played by Ben Miller (2), just over from Croydon, in order to solve the murder of the then existing head of department. From the start to the end of the season, this was the classic “fish out of water” type of character. Poole being staid, eccentric, disheveled and with a hatred of all things “tropical island”; though why he continued to wear suits in the tropical heat was anyone’s guess.
What was always better then, was the interplay between the four cops, and in particular, the banter / flirting between Poole and his second in charge, Camille Bordey, played delightfully by Sara Martins (3). The flirting was always from her towards him, like a lifelong couple who knew each other just SO well.
But at the same time, nothing ever came to fruition for the two, which was a good thing. In so many other shows, it would have resulted in some form of workplace romance, but this just made the exchanges between them even the better. I think this not so obviousness was a key, and would like this, somehow, to return to the next series, season 10, in 2021.
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_in_Paradise_%28TV_series%29
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Miller
3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Martins
Death in Paradise, Season 9, BBC iPlayer
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/
What a beer! Completely old school, no hoppy, citrusy, pale flavour, but a good old fashioned, slightly sweet, brown ale.
As trendy as a pet rock, but gorgeous and harmless to quaff down.
And at less than a pound from Home Bargains, a bargain as well.
Recommended!
So? It was an eclectic mix but still well suited for my needs. Maybe I’ve a sweet tooth, but at least this can be offset with the dry apricots. Also, it included the previously blogged canned burgers, but I must say, that the incredibly cheap olive oil was worth it – couldn’t tell the slightest bit of difference between it and the “extra, extra, green, bio, vegan, etc, etc, stuff “ from Waitrose.
Purchased from Poundland, January 2020.
Yes, it was that bad. If you could imagine a hybrid of gravy, with the consistency of a soft butter spread, and mix it with a mashed McDonalds patty, you would roughly have the sight and texture of this beauty. Oh, did I mention the taste? Somewhere between a meat “candy” with added salt. I loved it.
I can’t even remember where I bought this, could it be Odd Bins? Waitrose? I clearly don’t recall, but if Malbecs are all the rage, I get that impression or at least have seen many in the weekend papers recently, then so be it. It was jammy, a touch of sweetness and never, repeat, NEVER a hint of tannins. There, I sound like a critic, but it was a very quaffable mixture and I’ll no doubt look for this or something similar again.
Anyone who has been watching TV the last few years, particularly the last few years, has noticed many trends, notably the complete (many people would say “completely exaggerated) use of digital effects in almost every series – most not necessary. Equally, most recently there’s been a reliance on various colour filters (of course done digitally); with their favourites, or ONLY colours, being a brown / blue, green hinge. In my opinion, it is over the top and only hinders the state of the story, plot, and characters development.
This brings us to Endeavour, the prequel to the Inspector Morse series of the 80s and 90s. The acting is rock solid, particularly the male lead played by Shaun Evans. Whilst the plotting is deep enough to give sufficient background, but never a chore to follow.
I was pleasantly surprised that at a two hour length, it rather galloped, and while there is still an element of rolling story lines, the drama was still entirely episodic.
We are finally “with it” in terms of using “blocks” in WordPress. Why do they do this? Many were perfectly content with using the old school content editor, but alas, no more. I digress. The month ahead will see:
Curious Bystander 