Monthly Archives: May 2012

One for the (hairy) lads…

Sometimes a picture just says it better.

Charilie - the MoHair Dog, Glasgow

If you’re a dude in need of a haircut, look no further than MoHair on King Street in Glasgow.  These guys know hair – and they want you to look your best.  They also happen to love good music; the chat isn’t bad either.

And if you’re lucky, you just might get to meet this charming furry fellow.  Hair satisfaction, great tunes and a cool canine.

What’s not to love?

– T

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Silent Sunday Retrospect – 27 May


Sun, sound  and blue sky bliss at the Southside Festival

Enjoying music at Southside festival in Glasgow

Sunshine on Glasgow

Glasgow never looked better.

Every outdoor bar and eatery is brimming with brightly clad happy shiny people.  The weather is simply too glorious to ignore.  Summer has landed!  And whether it’s here to stay or just passing through, make the most of it.

Get out there – soak it up, savour the heat and rejuvenate your soul.  And why not have a civilised drink or two.  If you’re looking to get off the beaten ‘Lane’, try out one of these fantastic alternatives:

Mono

Mono bar and eatery, GlasgowTucked away off King Street is Mono (at Kings Court) – a relaxing hangout with plenty of places to laze about in the open air, sip refreshing cool delights, get a bite to eat and soak up sun and sound.

Tiki Bar

At the very far end of Bath Street the Tiki Bar’s tropical paradise awaits – complete with outdoor aloha fun and delicious cocktails served up in the most interesting of ways. My favourite has to be the gin and juice served up in a sly skull glass.

Chinaskis

Easy to miss but good to find this North Street treasure.  Like theTardis Chinaskis is bigger and bolder than it appears – offering up a magical back beer garden, perfect for losing track of time and people watching.

Southside festival

Can’t be sure if they’re responsible for all the great weather but it’s certainly worth checking out the many events happening in the South of the city this Saturday – including a Queen’s Park take over.  Sunshine, art, entertainment, activities and more.  What’s not to love?

Remember…

  • Have fun but go home before you blister yourself into
    red lobster oblivion.
  • Sun is good – but so is water, so drink some now and again.
  • Savour that crisp cold (insert drink here) but don’t drown your dignity in the bottom of one too many.
  • And don’t complain about being too hot – take off that jumper and fur lined boots (yes I’ve seen them) and enjoy May as it’s meant to be.
  • And lastly (as the song says) wear sunscreen.

Enjoy.

–       T

Claim back lunch – breathe in and then out

Trying to carve some time for myself in the middle of the working day is a nightmare. Cramming in my lunch, I invariably end up eating at my desk facing off with the computer screen.

Claim back calm

Briggait, GlasgowBut not today – because I’m striving for mental calm and clarity through T’ai chi.

Dance House  is offering 45 minute sessions of T’ai chi down at the Briggait for a £5 every Tuesday at lunchtime – 12:30pm.  In a previous life the Briggait was an old fish market and is now one of those intriguing transformed buildings, great for exploring.

Shake off inhibitions– welcome calm

I have to admit feeling slightly silly in the beginning, the 10 of us dwarfed by the vast hall.  But with the sun shining down through the windows and a great open space – and not a computer in sight – I can’t help but begin to relax.

Of course it takes a while to switch the voice off in my head running through my task list but in the end I got there.  Background noises are replaced with a total sense of calm.

A ball of energy

The repetitive seemingly simple moves have a surprisingly tangible effect on my body.  After a series of exercises the instructor mentions we might feel a “ball of energy”.  And I do; I feel heat in my hands – an odd, but wonderful new sensation.

In those 45 minutes I slowed down, relaxed and focused on something so physical and repetitive in nature that I was totally absorbed and able to banish any daily distractions.  It’s a rejuvenating way to spend a lunch hour – now if I can only hold onto that clarity of body and mind for the rest of the week.

So, claim back lunch – and take 45 minutes for yourself, connect with calm and improve your day.

– B

Silent Sunday – 20 May

In a Sunday slump?
Raise your spirits at the Merchant City Market.

Merchant City Market, Candleriggs in Glasgow

 

Return to glamour at Rogano

I always love it when total anticipation lives up to expectation.  And Rogano’s stellar reputation as a much-loved Glasgow eatery is well-deserved.

Admittedly I’m a little anxious about going.  What if it’s dingy and dated?  What if they snub newbies for their recognised regulars?  What if the food is anything less than impeccable and served by the world’s rudest waiter?

I don’t have anything to worry about.

Beautiful surrounding and welcoming waiters

Simply put, Rogano is truly magical. Its deceptively small exterior gives way to an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful surroundings, art deco accents and old world opulence – including well-tailored waiters who instantly make you feel welcomed.  And then there’s the food.

Obviously these seafood aficionados know exactly what they’re doing – they’ve been around since the 1930s for good reason.  Their commitment to excellent service and extraordinary food is so clearly embedded in everything they do.

Langoustines at Rogano's in GlasgowSoft lighting, plush surrounding and particularly comfy seats only add to the charm. And there’s the perfect touch of old New York allure.

Refreshingly their generous (and delicious) portions will leave you feeling completely satisfied.  I start with the soup with rouille & parmesan croutons, which seems endless.

Grilled sole at Rogano's in GlasgowMr tries his hand at the immense garlic and herb langoustines – not for the faint of heart and definitely for those that like to play with their food. To avoid food envy we both get the perfectly grilled lemon sole as mains.

Dessert is a must

Honeycomb Baked Alaska at Rogano's in GlasgowUtterly stuffed but feeling we’d forever regret skipping dessert, we opt for the Honeycomb Baked Alaska – sweet heavenly delight.

The Rogano experience is a return to glamour, stepping back in time and experiencing all the very best bits.

All in dinner for two, including tip, comes to just under £120. OK, obviously not for everyday – but relatively reasonable considering the three courses and several drinks we each enjoyed (including a glass of champagne – just seemed right).  And certainly cheaper than a trip to New York – but possibly just as enjoyable.

– T

Silent Sunday – 13 May

We love Glasgow in bloom (sigh)

Trees in bloom on Candleriggs, Glasgow

Putting Glasgow’s best pizza to the taste test

Some claims are made to be tested.  And tasted.  Tucked away on Miller Street is ‘the home of Glasgow’s best pizza’ – so boasts Soho Bar-Pizzeria.

Soho pizza, GlasgowOK, so I haven’t studied the art of pizza making and my own skills are not flawless but I do know a superior pie when I taste it.

It’s in the perfect crust, fresh flavourful ingredients and an impeccable sauce that combine to make a thing of culinary beauty. Obviously I’m passionate about pizza.

Hidden on the lower level, Soho is easy to miss but it’s far from a drab basement bar.  The space is warm and inviting – as are the friendly staff.

And while their rustic Italian menu offers more than just pizza – I absolutely have to try their alleged brag-worthy specialty.  After carefully considering the many choices, I settle on the wild mushroom pizza.  I am not disappointed.  In fact, I’m impressed.  It’s bursting with flavour and the thin, crispy stone-baked crust is pure perfection.  As promised, the best in Glasgow.

Cheesecake at Soho in GlasgowAlso worth mentioning is their extensive and impressive cocktail list – and desserts that clearly show their generosity.  My delicious creamy cheesecake is the size of my head and their French Martini is divine.

£13.95 for 2 courses and a cocktail is a fantastic deal.  Or their pre-theatre menu – 2 courses for £9.95 or 3 or £12.95 is also a great option.
Either way, excellent value and exceptional taste.

So the next time you’re in the mood for extraordinary pizza, give soggy second-rate a miss and try out Soho.

And there’s something charming about a pizzeria that not only offers fantastic food but has Stevie Wonder watching over you as you enjoy some of the tastiest pizza in town and perfectly made cocktails.  Tempted? Swing by to see what I mean.

-T

No turning back – only running forward…for 10k

I wake up in a cold sweat.  It’s ridiculous o’clock in the morning but I have to go for a run.

Why?  Because time is disappearing.

My package from the Women’s 10k arrived complete with time chip and running bib a few weeks ago.  It’s official.

Running realisations

My 20 seconds of courage that originally prompted me to sign up has come home to roost.  And I now realise a few very important things:

  1. I haven’t run this far for over eight years.
  2. I have less than a week to go and one hill of fitness to climb.
  3. Although I  started full of gusto six weeks ago, it has petered out.
  4. I haven’t run for over a week and I have days to go before the race.

Put it in gear and go

The views that spur me on training for 10KI pull on my running gear and head outside.  The air is cool – I run along the road until I get to the reservoir.  I clamber up the bank, thighs burning, back hunched over and finally at the top I straighten up.

It’s worth the climb for the view; I settle into a steady jog and take in the mountains, trees and solitude – a moment of peace in the chaos that is my normal day.   Peace that is shattered by two women coming up behind me, talking to each other.

How they have enough breath to talk and run I will never know.

I can feel they’re catching up and my ego kicks in but it’s no good.  I gracefully move to one side to let them pass; it’s good practice for the big day anyway.

Cheer on 12,000 across the finish line

This Sunday along with 12,000 other women, I’ll be running 10K – and while it’s too late to lace up your trainers and join us, you can still show your support by cheering us across the finish line in Bellahouston Park.

And if you’re feeling particularly generous,  donate to one of the many great causes such as Vickie who is running an impressive 7 10Ks in 7 days to raise money for  the Refugee Week walking tours or  Team FH running raising money for the Beatson, who have helped one of their family members  through cancer treatment.

And me – I’ll be putting my best foot forward.  Slowly, steadily and silently.

-B

Silent Sunday – 6 May

Hmmm. Delish do-nuts await you in Glasgow East…

East End Donuts, Glasgow

‘Donuts.  Is there anything they can’t do?’  ~ Homer Simpson