here‘s a theory going around
lidinburgh that Glasgow’s
glit/icst new openings this summer were on the capital’s George Street. It started with Le Mum/e. a bar—brasserie and boutique hotel in a metro-chic package. And there’s more than another dose of Glasgow glam with the Montpelier Group‘s ’I'iger/ily‘. a bar-brasserie and boutique hotel in a metro-chic package. Not to he outdone across (‘harlotte Square. Festival lnns‘ Ilia/son Hotel offers a bar-brasserie . .. OK. you get the idea. With their trendy beer. clever cocktails and
modern inenus. none would be out of
place in Glasgost city centre.
Other New Town newcomers are .-lniieus App/e. an independent and rather space—age bar on Frederick
Street. and 'Ieni/nis‘. the lirst part of
the old George Hotel to reopen. which has a huge dining room beyond yet another contemporary bar-cafe. Over in Tollcross. [.UI'UC has revitalised the old Mr Boni‘s’ site with the capital‘s second Kurdish restaurant. Further out on Morningside Road. ()rbis has been replaced by a wine-bar and brasserie called Palmerston ‘s.
In Old Town. Victoria Street now
boasts the latest incarnation of
Klmshi 's —— a regular [.isl [faring 62 Drinking Guide Hit List pick and award winner at its previous premises. Here the ambitious new venue is spread over three floors. though the Indian food remains honest. tasty and among the best in Iidinburgh.
Still. the place that is making discerning diners sit ND and take notice is the Kite/tin on
EAT&DR|NK
Our slightly sweltering summer has spawned a host of new ventures in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Donald Reid and Barry Shelby report
Commercial Quay in Leith. Young Scottish chef 'I‘om Kitchin has brought home his formidable experience under the wing of some of Iiurope’s top chefs; Kitchin‘s cooking is grounded in natural. quality Scottish produce. Lunch is a steal at £12.50 for two courses. but eat here any time for an early taste of one of the year's movers and shakers.
In Glasgow. the scene is normally quiet in summer. But 2006 has proved a different story. The List has already espoused the virtues of Big Slope in Kelvingrove Street and the Left Bank in Gibson Street. Around the corner from the latter is the new (‘hees‘e Bur & Deli. A partnership between the Baby Grand group and Alan Tomkins. it features cheese platters as well as cooked dishes such as crab linguini with rocket and lemon oil or smoked haddock rarebit with butter leeks.
'I‘omkins is a busy man and across town. he has opened a
Glasgow’s new Choose Bar In Doll (main pic); and :14? Eggs—it} h .~
venue that builds on the branding of last year‘s hit. the Southside's Urban Grill. (‘alled (.’rlmn Bar & Brasserie. it dishes out grilled lemon sole with fries. breast of duck with chorizo or risotto primavera on a slightly pricey a la carte menu. ()n Bath Street. (‘uIe/i 22 is a new fish-oriented restaurant and bar with the intriguing combination of owner GI group (Gong. Corinthian. et al) and manager Gordon Yuill. who first made his name at Rogano. (‘atch 22 should appeal particularly to the style-conscious city centre crowd and professional types. Perhaps a Rogano for the 2 I st century‘.’
You might think Glasgow couldn't support another Italian restaurant. but the owner of Qua would beg to differ. This stylish place has supplanted ()K()‘s sushi in Ingram Street with pasta. but has made news because it‘s run by Big Brother 4 contestant Federico Martone. Slim credentials. but his father Rocco is an experienced restaurateur in the city.
Go to the List Eating & Drinking Guide online at www.list.co.uk/restaurants for updates and new reviews.
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IN GLASGOW THE SCENE IS NORMALLY QUIET DURING THE SUMMER. BUT 2006 HAS PROVED DIFFERENT
FACT FILE
EDINBURGH
Amicus Apple 1/ l mellow L. Sin-wt. ()lill 22ft iillhffl
The Hudson Hotel I) l l H« tril- Street. otitl 2.1; .‘ooo
The Kitchin TH )(llllllltfltltl ()xi.r.. Ltillll, ()lf’tl {>533 lfffi).
Khushi’s f) VltLIUllii Slum-t, til it 32%; 0057,
Lara: ‘1 (i I ()(Lllllll Ulllltlllltl‘,_ tll'il (356 0093.
Le Mondeto(3t:or<;r:8trm:t_o1ll 270 3900.
Palmerston’s ‘15; l\/lt)llllll(l‘.ltlt‘ Howl. 0131 (166 7605).
Tempus 1‘.) 21 George Shunt, illitl 2110 7197,
Tigerlily I25; (,itttllq‘: Silt 4:1. (ll/H 2213:3005).
GLASGOW
Big Slope 36;: Kt)l‘.’lll(ll(2.": Shunt. 0141 333 0809.
Catch 22 188-1(1) anti. Sire-er. our 1531 (5222.
The Cheese Bar 8- Deli tit ()Iii'ltr Street. 0141 (37 2282
The Left Bank 375-73“. Gibson Sire-wt. 0141 3159:3969.
Urban Bar & Brasserie 75 7‘, 5.: VIIICGIII Place. 01111 248 '3‘th)
Qua Italian Restaurant at: ltiqraiii
Street. (it/ll no.2 6/23”).
24 Aug—7 Ser. 2006 THE LIST 55