The best sexy sandwich in town

When you discover something amazing, you should share it. This is especially true for good food.

The Juice Garden on Renfield Street wins Glasgow’s best sandwich. Actually that’s not totally true because it’s not just one sandwich, it’s a wide variety of deliciousness.

Their awesome avocado, falafel-filled Moroccan magic and oh-mega tuna are all absolutely heavenly. And that’s just the beginning – there are loads of  other perfectly formed sandwiches to choose from. Even better, these tasty sensations are packed with nutritious goodness.

And as the name suggest, they also do an impressive selection of juices, shots and smoothie shakes. Today’s fav is the botanical boost juice – but sherbet lemonade and blue banana are also on my must try list.

Healthy is the new sexy

The Juice Garden says healthy is the new sexy and they’ve got the juice to prove it. From detoxifying to skin boosting or slimming down, their health and beauty drinks will have you looking and feeling fab. And if you need a little pick-up-up, try one of their juice shots.

It’s also a really lovely hang out – literally. Relax in their hanging circular chair or plunk down on the comfy flowerpot seats.

Don’t fret if you’re not in the city centre because these sexy sandwiches are also coming to the West End soon.

So go on, treat yourself to something scrumptiously good.

-T

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Above and beyond burgers

Winter’s coming. Warm up with a bit of stodgy deliciousness I say – this season I’m shunning salads for comfort food.

Glasgow has the same ideas because in the last year burger joints offering scrumptious filling food have sprung up all over the city. But there’s one that warms my heart and totally satisfies my stomach like no other – Bread meats Bread on St Vincent Street.

More than burgers

And it’s not just their mouth-watering burgers that won me over. It’s more to do with Quebecois delicacy poutine, chips smothered in gravy and cheese curd. Yum!

I knew this luscious treat from my days in Quebec in Canada. And up until now, no one but the Québécois could do it right. But not only does BMB do it right – they possibly do it better. Their flawless original along with a Glasgow inspired variety or a sweet potatoes version, means I’m spoiled for choice.

Of course do try one of their impressive burgers. But make it extra extra special by adding poutine.

If you’ve never tried poutine, prepare for a tasty calorie-rich sensation. And don’t be alarmed – cheese curds don’t melt. They’re squishy flavourful morsels that make good chips great.

Enjoy!

– T

World street food on your doorstep

I’m feeling very satisfied because I had the tastiest lunch ever. The fact I managed to have it during my work day is an added bonus.

In the Briggait we were lucky enough to be visited by the Habibi Kitchen yesterday.

It’s a middle-eastern and world-food pop up stall. Inspired by a love of travel, good food  and interest in what people think about certain dishes, they embarked on their culinary adventure.

Simple but good food

The menu is simple but delicious: fresh salads, tabouleh, chilli and coriander sauce, homemade hummus, pickled turnips and sesame covered falafels cooked right there in front of you.  It’s all crammed into Moroccan pitta bread in a topsy-turvy creation of exploding flavours. And all for £4.50.

If you’re not at the Briggait, don’t worry. Habibi Kitchen moves around Glasgow. So keep your eyes peeled. Or better yet, follow your nose because you’ll probably encounter the tempting aroma before you see it.

Habibi Kitchen coming to you

You can also catch them at their fortnightly stall at Mansfield Park Farmer’s Market in Partick, the next one is this Saturday 31 June from 10am-2pm and this Sunday they will be at the Gibson Street Gala.

So if you’re looking for wonderful world-food that manages to be both delicious and healthy, Habibi is for you.

– B

Eat your words at Blue Door Cafe

So you didn’t get tickets to Prince. Don’t fret; you can still eat breakfast with Shaft and Stevie Wonder if you head to the Blue Chair café. And that’s exactly what I do.

Quirky cool for the culinary explorer

This wee blue gem is a must. Bursting with quirky cool, it’s the perfect place to unleash your inner creativity, culinary explorer and cake-lover.

We’re treated to a delicious hearty breakfast, delightfully attentive staff and a wonderful selection of sound, including Shaft and Stevie warming up the room with their silky tones.  Folk and rock also feature – so something for every ear.

Their eclectic menu  offers something for everyone – and their DIY omelette is an absolute must. Try the mixed herb, cheddar and onion for  breakfast heaven.

And if you’re lucky enough to get the first slice of cake from the lot, you get it half price. They also do lunch and dinner – so we’ll definitely be back for more.

Eat your words

And Blue Chair loves an artist.  In fact their café is gallery of art, poetry and instruments. So go on, submit your best words to their poetry box for a chance to feature on their bubble wall.

If you’re poem makes it, you get dinner for two. Excellent!

Their evolving evening menu coupled with BYOB and the possibility of being treated to a performance makes it irresistible.

Or if you’d rather listen, then why not enjoy their spoken word night happening the last Friday of every month from 7pm. Storytellers, poets and songwriters all welcome.

Whether you missed out on the Purple Rain or are feeling Let’s Go Crazy elated after the show, Blue Door is the perfect place to commiserate and celebrate. So go enjoy their simple but sensational food for the body, mind and soul.

– T

Silent Sunday – 16 March

Enjoy veggie delights at the delish 13th Note

 

Love is simply delicious

It’s Valentine’s Day, love is in the air and I have fallen head-over-heels for a sandwich.

The relationship started on a rainy  day when getting out felt like an achievement.  I stopped for a pick-me-up at Piece, an unassuming café on 1056  Argyle Street that makes the most delish gourmet sandwiches.

Lovely staff, out-of-this-world good sandwiches

I’m greeted by lovely woman who actually takes the time to explain how it all works.

Welcome to freshly baked bread and a range of quality ingredients from pastrami to mango and lime salsa to  spicy sauces, soup, and mouth-watering desserts.  Choose from a pre-set selection of sandwich combinations or freestyle from the ingredients on offer.

I go for the Caesar described as ‘roast chicken, parmesan, garlic mayo and leaves’.  But this description doesn’t do this god of sandwiches justice.   The garlic mayonnaise coupled with olives and cucumbers round off this sumptuous sandwich.

My husband’s towering chicken ole looks like a work of art – and with recommended added chilli mayonnaise, he’s in heaven.  My kids free style and are so impressed that they’re already planning their next trip.

Great food, great price – nice

The lime and coconut sponge and chocolate brownie – seals the deal.  Piece is a new favourite.   Simple pricing for any sandwich, regardless of ingredients (£3.95 take away and £4.95 sit in) makes it impossible not to adore.

So go on – fall in love for all the right reasons with the utterly delicious Piece.  I plan on eating my through the menu.  Next up Jamaican chicken…or possibly falafel.  Or maybe I’ll freestyle.

– B

Burger Meats Bun – full roll mandatory

We follow the glowing sign down the stairs to Burger Meats Bun.

We know BMB means serious business when they sit an entire kitchen roll down on our table.  Not napkins.  An entire roll!

It seems extreme but they’re right.  We’re served the juiciest, most mouth-watering burgers.

It’s messy but totally tasty.

There’s a good selection of chicken and beef burgers with an extensive choice of toppings.  Smokin’ bacon, chipotle mayo, Barwheys cheddar.  You want it, they got it.

And veggies are not forgotten. Their Nae Meat burger is extraordinarily scrumptious – and massive.  Actually tall.  Open very wide.

The chips are equally delicious.  In fact I happily blew my living on lettuce 2014 resolution on some of the most perfectly cooked, crispy sensations.

Raise a small glass to a big burger

Even the beer is served up in a totally cool way, arriving in one of the tiniest but most charming steins.  It’s hilariously conversational.

Besides serving up some of the best burgers and chips in town – BMB also happens to be a really cool place to simply hang out.  Enjoy the intriguing surroundings and welcoming staff. Chow down while taking in quirky quotes and pictures.  And do appreciate the cool cows grazing in green pastures.

Owners James and Ben’s dream of creating one of the best burger in town is coming true with BMB.

It’s January.  It’s dark and rainy.  You deserve something particularly good – so treat yourself to BMB.

– T

Silent Sunday – 3 November

Sometimes different is good.  Pear and Elderflower cake?
Yes please!

Tinderbox – Merchant City

Trans Europe Cafe by night – a Glasgow must!

I already knew and loved Trans Europe Cafe  as thee perfect breakfast place.

Cool laid-back surroundings, Tony’s no-nonsense service and totally tasty food make it one of my favourite spots in the city.  Board games and being able to get breakfast at 4pm on a Sunday only adds to the appeal.

And then Trans Europe started serving up evening nosh during the weekend.  So how could I resist?

A delish delight at night

Magically the bustling day-time café transforms into the perfect intimate night- time spot.  Low lights and soft music lull us into a sense of comfort.  And lovely smelling food tempts our taste buds.

I opt for the beautifully prepared cod.  I am not disappointed.  Visually it is artfully presented.

But it’s not just a pretty dish. It’s bursting with flavour – a song for your mouth.

And although I have never had room during the day for dessert, I save just enough space to enjoy the most luscious chocolate delight.  Yum!

By night Trans Europe offers the same sensational service, serves up a concise menu of delectable food and is set to become a Glasgow evening hot spot.   In fact, do book because looking around every table is full.

Their evening menu displayed on the chalk-board is ever-changing.  All the more reason to come back time after time.

Day or night, Trans Europe is a must.

– T

Delish fish – exactly how we like it

Glasgow simply has too many fantastic eateries to pick favourites.  And yet the Finnieston on Argyle Street cannot help but rate high up on our list.

And just what sets this tasty treasure apart?  Well, it’s charming, cosy – and the staff are both knowledgeable and attentive.

It has the most delicious and wonderfully named gin cocktails.  Where else can you happily have dinner with ‘the poet’, ‘the sailor’ and ‘the gentleman’ and no one fights?

Importantly the food is absolutely out-of-this-world delicious.

Even better, it’s served exactly the way you like it.

Choose from a selection of fish and decide how you want it cooked – poached, grilled or pan-fried.  Select your finish and  accompanying sides.  Perfection.

My pan-fried salmon in rosemary and smoked garlic butter is exceptional.

And no matter what, do save room for dessert because it is equally outstanding.

Missing it would be a regrettable mistake.

Ever evolving, always brilliant

Like their evolving seasonal menu, their drinks are also updated regularly.  So there’s reason to go back time and time and time again.   We certainly will.

Gin cocktails and seafood go together wonderfully.

So go on, try out one of Glasgow’s finest.  Get the booth by the fireplace, perfect for people watching and sipping delightful cocktails.

What’s not to love?

– T