Love is in the fayre
Cupid’s arrow is notoriously capricious when couples vie for a romantic meal, but Barry Shelby has some on- target suggestions.
he night of 14 February is
traditionally one where
restaurants are overrun by couples on their lone dining foray ol' the year. Spare a thought not only for them (and the sustained periods of silence between courses) but also for the restaurant staff who preside over this well- intentioned (it often vain) annual stab at romance.
It doesn‘t have to be an
emotional disaster. To get you ol‘t~
to a good start. here are a few suggestions for trysting pairs seeking an intimate table for two.
GLASGOW
I Ubiquitous Chip
Scottish
72 Ashton Lane. West End 0747334 5007.
www. ubiquitousch/p. co. uk
Since 1971. owner Ronnie Clydesdale has prided himself on his use of some of the finest fresh Scottish produce available and his kitchen‘s ability to marry myriad flavours and textures. Thirty-six years on. the good work conunues.
I Kama Sutra
Indian
337 Sauchiehal/ Street, City Centre, 0747 332 0720. www.harlequinrestaurants.com
This one is for fun. Kama Sutra has a wink-wink, nudge-nudge theme that extends to the menu. Starters are branded ‘foreplay'. while the curry classics are 'old flames'.
I Lux
Scottish
7057 Great Western Road. West End, 0747576 7576.
WWW. luxstazione. co. uk
Lux is a haven of elegance where exquisitely dressed tables bear crisp napkins. The menu majors on Scottish fare with an international twist, while vegetarians get their own selection.
100 THE LIST 1‘ 153 Feb 2007
The Atholl Dining Room
I Rogano
Fish
77 Exchange Place. City Centre. 074 7 248 4055. WWW. rogano. CO. uk
A bonafide institution. Waiters in white aprons maintain the atmosphere of old-fashioned glamour at Rogano. The menu emphasises classic seafood dishes. including platters of oysters and fresh shellfish.
I Roma Mia
Italian
762- 764 Darn/ey Street. Souths/de, 0747 423 6694. www.ron’iamia.couk Named after the city of eternal love. Roma lvlia has a calm atmosphere with subdued lighting. Ouality ingredients are imported from all over Italy. though the menu does unassumineg point out a Roman speciality or two.
I Rococo
Scottish/French
202 West George Street, City Centre, 0747227 5004.
www. rococoglasgow. com
This well-established. sophisticated city centre favourite is effortlessly classy: assured service allows meals in rather pampered luxury.
EDINBURGH
I The Atholl Dining Room Scottish
The Howard Hotel, 34 Great King Street. New Town, 0737 557 3500. WWW. thehoward. con l
Previously reserved for residents of the stylish Howard Hotel. the dining space now flings open its giant oak doors to all. The menu is based on locally sourced. seasonal goodies. Ordering is assisted by a fully fledged butler.
I Cafe Royal Oyster Bar
Fish
77a West Register Street, New Town, 0737 556 4 724
Strikineg evocative, the Cafe Royal
EAT&D RI N K
occupies a unique space that's changed little since its heyday in the 1800s Oysters are served by the half- dozen: if not raw then perhaps Rockefeller (baked with spinach) or Kilpatrick (wrapped in bacon).
I Saffrani
Indian
7 7 South College Street, Old Town, 0737 667 7597
Saffrani restaurant is a snug, romantic and irresistibly alluring place. The sweet aroma of incense and gentle murmuring of Indian music conspire to create a tranquil atmosphere.
I Oloroso
Scottish
33 Castle Street, New Town
0737 226 7674, WWW.o/oroso.co.ul< An excellent view has never harmed romance. The setting here is sublime. especially if you snare a table by the tloor-to-ceiling windows. overlooking the castle and George Street.
I Vermillion
Scottish
The Scotsman Hotel. 20 North Bridge, Old Town
0737 556 5565.
www. thescotsnianhote/group. co. uk Descend the candle—lit marble staircase within the Scotsman Hotel to Vermilion‘s small. discreet dining room. Here, hospitable staff make yOu feel every bit of the million dollars you could be about to spend on your top- notch dinner. A first date here will almost guarantee a second one to follow.
I Vintner’s Rooms
French
The Vaults, 87 Giles Street. Leith. 07375546767.
WWW. thevintnersroonis. con)
Voted The List‘s Edinburgh restaurant of the year. the superb setting is matched by quality cuisine and expert
service.
Side Dishes
News to nibble on . . .
I One of Scotland’s premier wine authorities, Rose Murray Brown, is organising a ‘mega tasting’, the proceeds of which go to Comic Relief, at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, from 7-9pm on Thursday 1 March. There will be over 100 vintages from 24 different exhibitors, from independent merchants to supermarkets. Tickets are £15. Go to www.rosemurraybrown.com.
I Designed to tackle any expanding waistlines this winter, salsa classes are being conducted at El Barrio bar in Edinburgh (pictured). Recently relocated to Rose Street, the bar offers introductory lessons as well as advanced evenings. ‘You don’t even need a partner,’ says Hector Lazcano. manager of El Barrio. ‘Just turn up and give it a go.’ www.e|barrio.co.uk.
I North of the capital, the Scottish tourist board’s Dine around Scotland promotion starts this month. From Monday 19 February-Friday 30 March, special £15 meals will be on offer, primarily at hotel restaurants. For a list of participating venues visit www.dinearound scotland.co.uk.
I The proprietors of perennial favourite, No Sixteen, in Glasgow’s Byres Road. have taken over the former premises of Di Maggio’s on Gibson Street. Now called the Louis Grill, it’s a more casual affair featuring gourmet burgers. Not far away. at the corner of Great Western Road and Park Road, a second branch of the North African/Mediterranean cafe and cultural centre. Aziza, has recently opened.
I Following the kitchen fire that razed Cafe India, the venerable and historic Buttery restaurant was struck too. The damage is not too extensive and reconstruction will only be needed in the kitchen. Management hopes to reopen this spring.