LUCKY 7 CANTEEN 166 Bath Street, City Centre, G2 4TB, 0141 331 6227, lucky7canteen.co.uk In a street packed with competitors, an appealing mix of value and quality keeps this bistro up with the best. Standout value lunch has an attractive selection of £7.77 mains. Gourmet burgers and fish and chips are done simply and served fresh, plus veggies will welcome five choices daily. Mismatched wallpaper panels, booth seating and long canteen tables create a laid-back late-night ambience. MARTHA’S 142a St Vincent Street, City Centre, G2 5LQ, 0141 248 9771, mymarthas.co.uk Martha’s will make you wonder why more cafés don’t emulate this simple ethos of quick, healthy
and hearty fast food at good-value prices. Seasonally responsive menus, ethically sourced local suppliers and a range of global culinary influences mean that food served in (biodegradable vegware) disposable containers has never tasted so good. RICCARDO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN 512 St Vincent Street, West End, G3 8XZ, 0141 248 9174, riccardoskitchen.com It’s not just its retro stylish looks that make this café-bar pizzeria stand out among Finnieston’s burgeoning diners, but also its great-value food that’s befitting of a high-end bistro – neither skimping on quality ingredients nor fresh flavours. Soups, stews and seafood keep things dynamic beyond signature pizza and pasta options.
SMART EVENING MEAL
Splash out with our pick of Glasgow’s finest dining
BRIAN MAULE AT CHARDON D’OR 176 West Regent Street, City Centre, G2 4RL, 0141 248 3801, brianmaule.com Glasgow doesn’t currently have a Michelin-starred restaurant, but Le Chardon d’Or delivers an experience that many argue is worthy. Maule’s 11 years with Michel Roux Jr show in elegant, precisely constructed dishes. Fish is a strong point, as are fashionable cuts of meat, while vegetarians get their own interesting menu. Service is formal without being stuffy, with lunch and pre-theatre deals offering equally fine dining at good value.
THE KITCHEN Glasgow Green Live Zone, 23 July–3 Aug
Banish all thoughts of big event catering where prices are high, food quality is low and waste is mountainous. Glasgow 2014 is dedicated to showcasing the breadth and depth of quality produce from Scotland’s larder with a focus on sustainable and ethical practice with the aim of a lasting legacy for the nation’s well-being. As part of Glasgow 2014’s obligations for a Games with responsible environmental and sustainability
standards, a strict Commonwealth Food Charter has been drawn up to ensure that the food on offer during the Games is sourced in Scotland from sustainable and traceable sources wherever possible. Other commitments include the use of Fairtrade products when available. Genetically modified is out, and a ‘low to zero waste to landfill’ focus means compostable containers and a dedicated food waste treatment facility. The Charter and related sourcing code cover every minute aspect, from insisting that all meat comes from
animals born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland and that the ingredients in breads can be traced back to source, to the aesthetic appeal of the mobile units dishing out the delights.
Of course, the proof is in the pudding, or, more likely at the Games, in the gourmet hand-shaped Aberdeen Angus burger in homemade brioche bun. The Kitchen, at Glasgow Green Live Zone, will be focusing on fresh, seasonal and affordable healthy eating and, given Scotland and Glasgow’s burgeoning food scene with all manner of artisans creating top-quality, ethically minded produce, there will be plenty of good eating and drinking to be had.
Expect caterers who have made it through the gruelling grilling to be offering some of the most righteous and tastiest food any major event has ever witnessed. Confirmed vendors include nearby cooperative Food from Argyll, featuring the world-famous Loch Fyne seafood (pictured), Churchill’s venison and expert brews from Home Ground Coffee, plus Genius Gluten Free will be officially providing gluten-free bakes. (Jay Thundercliffe) ■ See glasgow2014.com
GLASGOW 2014 CITY GUIDE
CAIL BRUICH 725 Great Western Road, West End, G12 8QX, 0141 334 6265, cailbruich.co.uk Cail Bruich is a special place to dine – a unique combination of informal yet sophisticated atmosphere, skilled staff and the incredible standard of food. An impressive tasting menu is available, while the market menu, at £17 for two courses, is a steal. Chef Craig Charlambous plunders Scotland’s natural larder to create culinary art in a restaurant that goes way beyond what is expected. THE GANNET 1155 Argyle Street, West End, G3 8TB, 0141 204 2081, thegannetgla.com Of all the new openings within the last couple of years in the altogether transformed Finnieston area, the Gannet is arguably the most roundly welcome – an affordable fine-dining restaurant with an unpretentiously very stylish air. Local produce is manipulated by enthusiastic chef- owners into a tantalising range of sophisticated dishes and twists on classic British flavours.
UBIQUITOUS CHIP 12 Ashton Lane, West End, G12 8SJ, 0141 334 5007, ubiquitouschip.co.uk The Chip is still one of Glasgow’s quintessential fine dining experiences after over 40 years. The setting is unique, relaxed and stylish, in a greenery-draped covered cobbled courtyard with delightful little design quirks. The service exudes confident authority and down-to-earth charm. The wine list is long, and the sophisticated, imaginative food is near flawless.
MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN Glasgow
‘I live in the west end of Glasgow but I’m actually a Govanite. Sometimes when I venture south of the river to my old hood to visit family or friends I take in a visit of Govan Old Church. I’m not religious but the church interestingly is the
oldest place of worship in Glasgow and boasts a unique collection of medieval stones from the
11th century.’
TRACYANNE CAMPBELL MUSICIAN, CAMERA
OBSCURA
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