RYAN JAMES TWO FAT LADIES AT THE BUTTERY SEUMUS MACINNES CAFÉ GANDOLFI
CHRIS CHARALABOUS CAIL BRUICH
Two Fat Ladies is one of Glasgow’s most celebrated and enduring restaurants. When Ryan James bought the restaurant in 2002 he saw its potential and after three years of trading at capacity, Two Fat Ladies was born on Blythswood Street in October 2005, swiftly followed by Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery in October 2007.
All three restaurants continue to surpass expectations of both Glaswegians and tourists alike, with their passion for seafood and ethos of simple, local ingredients cooked with flair, care and attention.
From the moment the doors open at 9am for breakfast at Café Gandolfi there is a friendliness and homeliness which has woven the restaurant into the fabric of Glasgow social life since its opening 30 years ago. Deagh Bhiadh, Deagh Bheannachd – well fed,
well blessed. The Gaelic proverb displayed on the wall of Café Gandolfi is chef Seumas MacInnes’ inspiration for everyone who eats here. Born and raised as a Glasgow Gael, Seumas’ honest approach is one informed by superb locally sourced ingredients, locally sourced, simply cooked and served with care.
‘When I was first approached to be part of Taste of Edinburgh, without even drawing breath my answer was a wholehearted yes. How exciting to be involved in a truly national festival celebrating the best food, producers, restaurants and chefs in Scotland. Scotland's food and drink is regarded as some of
the finest in the world and Taste will help Scotland become a serious destination for foodies all over the globe. It will certainly be my personal pleasure to take our ‘Service with Style’ strategy and encourage people to visit Glasgow's restaurants and celebrate the tastes and flavour of the west coast.’
‘We are thrilled to be on board with Taste of Edinburgh this year – not only is it our first time at the event but it is the first time any Glasgow restaurant has taken part. We are a small team so the thought of a larger scale event is daunting but with support from the other Glaswegian restaurants who we know very well, we will work together to put on a show to remember. We will be treating guests to some delightful classic dishes, using ingredients from Scotland’s outstanding natural larder – our Stornoway Black Pudding is a bit of an institution at the restaurant and a dish we can’t wait to serve up at Taste!’
Located in the bohemian district of Glasgow’s West End, this sophisticated dining destination sits adjacent to Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens. Under the guidance of chef patron Chris Charalambous, who recently returned from a placement at the world’s best restaurant, Noma in Copenhagen, the family-owned restaurant presents a sumptuous menu using nothing but the finest fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Exceptional waiting staff are more than keen to discuss the food and the wine list is crafted in perfect partnership with the menu, showcasing a host of carefully selected small suppliers from around the globe.
‘Myself, my brother Paul and the entire team are absolutely thrilled to be taking part in Taste of Edinburgh this year. It is a real pleasure to be joining some of the most established restaurants in Scotland to showcase what we have to offer on such a fantastic platform. The standard of restaurants in the city is continually improving and we are proud to be at the forefront of that. To be able to present our food and talented team at
such a respected event like Taste of Edinburgh is great. We are committed to using the best Scottish suppliers, and look forward to this year’s event’