August 16th 2024.
When I close my eyes and let my imagination take over, I can almost feel the warm sun on my face as I sit on the terrace of a charming Parisian café, indulging in a steaming cup of strong black coffee and a flaky almond croissant. It's a dreamy thought, but unfortunately, it's not a reality for me at the moment. So, when I heard about Maison by Glaschu, a new French-inspired bar and restaurant opening in Glasgow, I was immediately intrigued.
My colleague Ellie Forbes had already paid a visit to their sister venue, Glaschu, which means 'Glasgow' in Gaelic and is pronounced glas-a-hoo. She raved about the incredible flavors, the special atmosphere, and the superb fine dining experience. Naturally, I was eager to see if Maison by Glaschu would live up to its reputation, especially since it's located in the bustling Princes Square shopping mall on Buchanan Street.
As I entered the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised by the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The second-floor location offers three distinct areas for guests to choose from – a bright and airy dining room near the kitchen, a cozy and intimate bar area, or an indoor terrace with a view of the bustling mall below. I opted for the terrace, and although it may not be the bustling streets of Paris, it was the perfect spot for some people-watching as shoppers made their way in and out of the designer stores.
Now, let's talk about the food. Maison by Glaschu's menu is crafted by Chef John Molloy and features a blend of Mediterranean and French cuisine using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. For dinner, there's a prix fixe option with two courses for £25 or three courses for £30, with suggested wine pairings to enhance the flavors. They also offer a separate vegan and vegetarian menu. My dining partner and I decided to go with some of their popular à la carte dishes.
We started with some tempting bar snacks – Gordal Olives, Cumbrae Oysters, and Truffle Arancini. But for me, the true test of a good restaurant is their bread, so we also ordered their Garlic Chicken Butter Bread, along with some Fried Squid and Tempura Prawns. The bread was warm, fluffy, and perfectly crispy on the outside, just as I had hoped. The chicken fat butter may not have been to my personal taste, but my dining partner loved it. The fried squid was a close second, with a delicious chipotle aioli and a hint of spice. The portion of prawns was generous for a starter.
As we waited for our mains, the talented mixologist Ewan Angus made sure we were well taken care of with some expertly-crafted drinks. He's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about using high-quality spirits in his cocktails. So, if you're a fan of cocktails that actually taste like alcohol rather than sugar, this is the place for you. Ewan's favorite cocktail, The Auld Alliance, was a real show-stopper, made with Macallan 12-year-old, calvados, lychee, blue curacao, and apple.
Our mains arrived quickly, and my dining partner chose a classic French dish – the bavette steak frites. The meat was tender and juicy, with flavorful juices and a side of smoked bone marrow that added a rich, full-bodied flavor to the dish. I opted for the Poulet Rôti, served with skinny fries and a red wine jus. The presentation was impressive, with a whole poussin and sprigs of rosemary and thyme. The red wine jus was delicious, and the fries were perfect for soaking up all the flavors. However, for my personal taste, it was a bit too heavily seasoned, but it's a great dish to share with someone else.
Ewan has curated an excellent wine list to suit a range of budgets, including some lovely by-the-glass whites from Portugal and more expensive bottles from Bordeaux. He suggested a Vinho Verde 'Signus' to go with my poussin, and it was a perfect match with its citrusy notes. For my dining partner's steak, he chose a smooth and classic red – Syrah/Viognier 'Palooza' from Aubert and Mathieu.
Although we were too full for dessert on this occasion, the options were very tempting – Solero soufflé, Affogato, and chocolate and olive oil mousse, all at reasonable prices for the portion sizes. This is true for the entire menu at Maison by Glaschu.
And if you're wondering, they also have excellent coffee and croissants. So, while I may have to wait a little longer for my dream Parisian vacation, I'll definitely be back to try out their 'superlative croissant' menu.
To learn more about Maison by Glaschu, please visit their website. Don't forget to try their delectable pastries!
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