Curious Bystander

Rickshaw & Co, West End, just off Byres Road, Glasgow – Different

The first thing that I had noticed when I was here a few weeks later, just to do a reckie, was that the menu was slightly different, and though there were familiar faves, it said on the label that this was a Bengali restaurant. If so, it must be a first for Glasgow? Though I’m not sure.

Rickshaw & Co, Partick Bridge Street, West End, Glasgow – Complete with Balcony

What really appealed, was that it is again, one of those type of “tapas” places, where the servings are allegedly smaller, and are brought to your table as and when they are prepared.

Believe me, the three of us had about two to three each, and it (along with some bread / nans) was more than enough.

Mural just outside the Restaurant

I had a hamburgy type of thing, that was similarish to American Sloppy Joes, though this was not as sweet, and had more of a slight kick to it. More of this please.

In addition, there seemed to be a multitude of spice bowls, where they certainly did not skimp on the portions.

This combined with a very attentive and knowledgeable service means I will return to check out the rest of the menu.

Final part of Thornwood, Glasgow – A popup art Gallery, Four Visions

The final part of my walk in Thornwood, extreme west of the West End, had us going into a pop-up art gallery, where the partner decided to purchase a mini- water colour of the Glasgow Underground.

Four Visions pop-up Art Gallery, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow

I don’t know how long this has been here, thought I’ve thought that I’ve seen it before.

Very small inside, very homely and no hint of pretence – thank God.

Various shots of the Pop-Up

Also to note, we were not the only ones there, here’s hoping they stay for some time. Some might call it populist, but surely that it exactly what some art deserves, particularly for the struggling artist.

More Thornwood, Glasgow – Amo’s Cafe, Dumbarton Road

What a surprise for us here, as we were looking for the always reliable Tulipane; no longer to be seen?

So wondered in here, and found it to be French? Maybe I am wrong, but after we finished, had a delightful conversation on Steve McQueen, and in particular Papillon (co-starred with Dustin Hoffman) – not the absolutely dreadful remake in 2017, with Charlie Hunnam! Maybe I will read the original novel, as suggested.

The eggs and avo were the hit

Have to say, everything was made from scratch, enough time to settle down and actually chat, and would be back.

This week; the Thornwood area of West Glasgow, a newish café and various wanderings & more!

Thornwood, used to be out west of the West End of Glasgow, or at least that is how it seemed to me; even more west than Partick, but not anymore.

There are many newish restaurants and cafes in this area. And even some peculiar street art:

Royal Mail in Thornwood, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow

What a beautiful thing to have! And so far, it has not really been vandalised. Long may that continue

How intricate

This Week – More on trips to Portugal, cafe’s, the Highlands, but first, I went to Wimbledon

Every now and then, I get lucky, and several years ago I did. We received some tickets to the Men’s Final at Wimbledon, and then were, very kindly, allowed to defer them until this year (Hello Covid, etc).

I’ll show more later this week, but will always remember seeing Nick Kyrgios in his first major final.

What a lovely, trad place; Glasgow Central Hotel, City Centre, Glasgow

I’ve been here before, and after a recent BBQ at my bit, someone had the nerve to say that it is just so old-fashioned and out of date?

Really? They’ve overhauled this place some time ago, and now it not only is modern, but fits its place that it is trying to do. Our very own Ritz, if I may add!

We were there for tea and cake, but the design, service and accoutrements were brilliant – linen serviettes. The view was perfect for not only people watching, but also to see the piano players, hitting the plastic ivory.

Various internal shots of the Cafe

Even the food was class, with a pink cheesecake chosen for me.

It seemed to me, that this is primarily known and used as a bar / champagne bar (its title), but whoa to be had, with just a little walking around the city centre.

They even had a collection of photos from previous stayers at the accommodation in its heyday; ranging from Roy Rogers to Gene Kelly; though I did not see the photo of Diego Maradona, from I believe 1979.

Portugal – Part 4 – Lisbon City Centre – A brief (again) visit

After the previous day, decided to head to the city centre and away from the Alfama hills.

Lisbon Underground – Compact, efficient

When there, went west! Not to the hills and the hoard of tourists, or so I thought! They were everywhere! The place was crammed with every nationality known.

I managed to go to the go to place, facing the ocean and the huge square there.

There were quite a view people already there, concerning the early morning when I arrived. If you ever come here, go further west, and there are many more opportunities to grab an old street car, but more on this in a few days.

Here I noticed even a beer museum! Why not, but it was not open yet, and I had little time.

Beer Museum, Arco da Rua Augusta

From here, I walked along these streets to the west side, and came across a multitude of pubs, cafes, sights and restaurants.

Lisbon Streets

And saw one of the better tourist “things” to do ever, a mini car, that can be hired for two intrepid adventurers.

Mini cars for rent if Lisbon

The Mela, Glasgow, Scotland – Last Weekend

Once again, or at least for the first time since 2019, the Mela was on, that celebrates south Asian culture here in Scotland, and it was packed!

Fabric / Clothes shops at the Mela

We were only there for about 90 minutes, but as usual, there was a good vibe and multiple music tents – I believe there was even a ceilidh going on, as well as live music. I happened to see an experimental jazz, Asian fusion brigade. The leader, even said hello to his Ma and Da there!

Music Bandstand

There were even charities and self-help groups, complete in their stalls, handing out information and soliciting donations. One, the Vision Again Foundation, looked at the vital need for eye operations in the 3rd World, that can be done for as little as £20 in order to restore sight; I’ve already donated.

More shots of the Mela

Well worth a visit again, in the oncoming year.

As I left, there were more stalls, and even a “wall”, where one could write opinions on a variety of current affairs.

Portugal – Part 3, Lisbon Centre (Alfama), food, some notes . . .

After settling into my hotel, and having a overnight sleep, tried out the breakfast; but in this case, there was none? Hence, decided to go around the corner to buy some croissants, etc.

I found a metro market called Auchan – which is actually a French based shop, and noticed one or two peculiar but helpful things.

_{Order / Collect – Interesting Idea}

One was the ability to order and then collect your food in an area at the very front of the entrance. I know there are shops here who do this, but maybe not to this detail; completely in English also!

The other was some bizarre (apologies for the black & white photo) chart on the wall at the entrance, describing something? Ah, the French strike again.

Instructions?

After this and some work, did a wander downtown, mainly to meet up with family in the Alfama region, of the city centre.

If you haven’t been here before, it’s a maze of hills, restaurants, yellow trams and tourists! OTOH, it is brilliant! Just go for a wander here, you CAN NOT go wrong.

Here, I walked by the coast and then by several places (Maritime Museum and a Taylors Port tasting room), that I will save for another day. BTW, the weather was awful, I seriously thought it was going to snow!

After this, I had a simply wonderful meal at one of the hundreds of places to choose from.

Restaurant in Alfama

Afterwards, used the metro to return to my hotel, and loved some of the wallpaper.

Lisbon Underground

Entertainments – Part 1; Wine Tasting, Hyndland Fox, West End, Glasgow

The great (now dead) Graham Greene once said about some of this books, that they were “entertainments” – there only for pleasure, entertaining and not to be looked at as great works of art.

One of these, Our Man in Havana, was actually superb, and described the early communist government in Cuba, worth a read!

So when I was out the other night, and attempted to find a restaurant, I happened to wander by The Hyndland Fox (again!), and noted that they had a wine night with tastings on – who could resist.

Whilst there at the entrance, we were greeted by staff, who after informing us of the night, then ushered us to our unreserved seats, exactly when the talks (between the courses) started.

A Frenchman was there to talk about this new “brand” or company from France known as Rift, with the idea of producing completely sulphur-free wine.

The tasting consisted of 4 courses, with an accompanying wine for each course, that consisted of:

Salmon
Duck & Potatoes
Cheese & Homemade Biscuits
Sorbet & Pate

With the highlight, being both the first and final courses. I’ve never tasted sorbet so rich, with the accompanying “pate” being unbelievable, like a candied caramel.

Interesting that I have been here before several times and it always strikes me as if they are trying to do something different; they’ve a comedy club here as well. So I was glad I walked about to find this place. I only wish that I had known about this night before; perhaps they have an email list that I could join?

But yet again, it’s another (IMO) world class foodie thing, right here in Glasgow, with the food and service exceptional, and naturally quite friendly.

Excellent