Is there anything more frustrating than trying to figure out what your favourite type of food is? I find it difficult to answer this question (perhaps because I’m so obsessed with food) but I have managed to narrow it into two categories: Anything potato based, and anything Italian.
My boyfriend and I have started watching The Sopranos DVDs from the beginning and I’m always left DROOLING at all the Italian food in it. So I was thrilled to be invited to review The Italian Bistro 😀 I immediately scoured their website to salivate over their menus and asked Irene to join me. That’s what Twinnies are for, after all. She is forced to be my pal, ‘cos we shared a womb.
The website states that it is “Situated on Great Western road in Glasgow’s bustling West end… only 3 minutes from Byres Road”. 3 minutes, perhaps, if you’re driving there from Byres Road at 4am when there is no other traffic (Byres Road is ALWAYS busy)! If you change the directions settings to “on foot” on Google Maps, it changes to 23 mins. So please bear that in mind if you’re thinking of having a few pre-dinner drinks in the part of the West End that is truly “bustling”.
I happen to like the fact that it’s quite far from the “West End”. The West End of Glasgow makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable; it’s a Haven for students who splurge their entire bursaries on over-priced, second-hand clothing; giving them that ever-elusive shabby chic appearance (previously adorned only by tramps and hobos). Coupled with that awful, contemptible “Glasgow Uni” accent that has no singular origin, I always feel like a fish out of water when I find myself in the area.
Anyway, I digress. The Italian Bistro has big bonus points from me, to begin with, for its parking facilities. Irene and I were filled with sheer relief when we got parked, having spent an agonising 45 mins getting lost on what should have been a 15 min drive from her house (that was completely my fault though, I’m THE WORST for getting lost). I had to laugh when Irene said “We’ll be fine once we get onto the Great Western Road”. Correct me if this is wrong, but I was once told that the Great Western Road was 52 miles long and ended at Oban!
After a serious bout of road (and passenger) rage, we arrived for our 3pm booking on Saturday, to find ourselves in front of a stunning building. The decor inside didn’t let it down either; everything was clean, spacious and filled with soft lighting. There was a Norah Jones CD playing and it really set a lovely, calming atmosphere.
We liked that the families with children were all sat near each other (and far enough away from us for any crying/shrieking not to get on our nerves!). The place wasn’t particularly busy, but that’s understandable, considering the weather was quite drab outside!
We were presented with a basket of lovely, crusty bread and some dipping oils and butter. Our waiter said that, as he is Italian, he likes to have his bread with his main meal. But we were ravenous and the bread was annihilated within minutes.
To start, I had the Bruschetta – Grilled bread with garlic, plum tomatoes and fresh basil.
It was so delicious, crunchy and fresh. I especially loved the melted mozzarella over the top. Mmmmmh.
Irene had the Crostata Di Formaggio – Goats cheese crostini, rocket & sun blushed tomatoes with beetroot dressing.
Although my Bruschetta was nice, I had serious plate-envy when I spotted Irene’s starter. I tried a bit and it was mouth-watering. I intend to have the Crostata Di Formaggio for my starter on my next visit.
For my main, I had Scallopine Di Pollo – Seared chicken escalope with penne and a rich tomato and basil cream sauce.
I was intrigued, as I usually only ever see tomato based sauces or cream based sauces. The combination of both… DIVINE! It was so flavoursome and rich. And the chicken was so tasty and moist. Irene was laughing at me trying to savour it for longer by cutting it into smaller pieces. The chicken portion wasn’t small by any means, but comparitively drowned in the mammoth pasta serving!
Irene opted for the Spaghetti Carbonara. This is the very same Carbonara recipe that I tested a while back, from The Partners Restaurant Magazine. They have the option on the menu of adding cream to your carbonara, but Irene and the Waiter agreed that the Italian way is best.
Obviously their one looks a lot better than my attempt *blush*, but mines tasted just as good, I promise! As you can see, it doesn’t need cream, as the egg & cheese added at the end make it spectacularly creamy.
We were given humungous portions. It was rude to leave food on the plate, so we persevered (oh the trials… hee hee) and managed to finish it, which surprised our Waiter (and hopefully pleased the Chef!). We were so full for the rest of the day; I would recommend a nap after eating one of these meals!
Overall, we had a wonderful time at The Italian Bistro. The best bits (apart from the food, which was fabulous), was the friendly service (it was that nice balance of attentiveness, and NOT coming over every two minutes to ask how the meal is – a pet hate of mines), the generous portions and the calming, peaceful atmosphere. I’m positive that even if every seat were filled, it would have still kept some kind of tranquillity about it, with the soft music and lighting.
The only thing to let the restaurant down, were the toilets; they could have been cleaner. But that’s our only grumble.
I would like to go back on a weekend evening, perhaps, as the website states that it has Live Jazz! I need that Crostata Di Formaggio in my life. And I have my eye on their Pollo Cacciatore!
The Partners Italian bistro opens daily from 11.00a.m for coffee, pastries and cakes. They have “Lunch for a Fiver” offers and a reasonably priced menu. I could waffle on, but you can find out more details about them here.
Thoroughly Recommended 🙂
Oh I love the West End of Glasgow, although it is not as good as it used to be in the late 70s and 80s, too many charity shops!
This sounds like my ideal restaurant and I might even have got there, if my son hadn’t moved flat from Woodlands Road to the south side of Glasgow – boo hoo! Might still keep it on my list though. Thanks for the review.
You’re welcome, Janice! I would definitely recommend it, the food was delicious and the service top class 🙂
Food looks delish! Italian food is always good :D. Especially the bread and butter! I didn’t realize you’re in Glasgow! My favourite place to eat there is Rumours, a Malaysian restaurant. If you haven’t tried it, I’d recommend it – it’s delicious! Especially their laksa, nasi lemak and fried kway teow 🙂
I also didn’t realise you were in Glasgow. Was there last week and wish I’d known about this place. Will have to keep up with your restaus on the blog!
Looks like a wonderful place to have a relaxing lovely meal. I love spaghetti carbonara, introduced to me by my youngest daughter 😀
what you ordered would be exactly what i’d choose! sounds like a great place for some hearty italian eats. 🙂
That sounds all so delicious!
i wonder, how long would it take me to get there this early in the morning. Oh well, the are not open yet! 😉
Never been to Glasgow but when I do, I’ll remember this place it looks fab! I would appreciate it if more restauarants placed screaming children away from non-screaming adults!
It all looks so delicious, shame its the other end of the country to me!
I find it hard to choose a favourite too but think Italian is at the top of the list. Though I do have Italian In-law’s so am quite spoiled with Italian cooking!
Sounds like you had an awesome time! The food looks great as well.
Sounds like a lovely restaurant!
i know what you mean about all that good food in Sopranos. A lot of it though is more italian-american than traditional italian. still it make me hungry to watch it.
If you have a chance try visiting Osteria Piero. We’ve been there many times and have never been disappointed.
Here’s a review we wrote a while back when we were still living in Glasgow:
http://travelswithmyfork.blogspot.com/2008/02/osteria-piero.html