June 4th 2024.
When I heard that the owners of Glaschu were opening a new restaurant in Glasgow called MAISON by Glaschu, I was intrigued and couldn't wait to give it a try. However, just like with movies, it's usually better to experience the original before jumping into the sequel.
With this in mind, I decided to first visit Glaschu - which means Glasgow in Gaelic and is pronounced glas-a-hoo - located in Royal Exchange Square. It opened in 2020 and offers a taste of modern Scottish fine dining in a more relaxed setting.
To enter the restaurant, you have to ring a buzzer at The Western Club and be granted access to the exclusive building. Once inside, you'll be greeted by a magnificent dining room with muted beige tones and a pop of color from the grand green pillars. It's a very chic and stylish atmosphere.
My dining companion and I opted for the tasting menu, which features the most popular dishes from Executive Chef John Molloy's A La Carte menu. Our meal started off with a bang, as we were served a beetroot tartare stuffed inside a perfectly crispy sesame cone. The dish was fresh and the pickling on the shallots added a tangy kick - a great way to begin our meal.
Next, we enjoyed a pan-seared cod topped with delicate pearls of arenkha caviar. The champagne beurre blanc that accompanied the fish was absolutely divine and the fish itself was cooked to perfection. It was a luxurious dish that didn't disappoint, although it didn't offer any major surprises.
The standout dish of the evening was the confit duck pithvier. The golden pastry was crispy and perfectly cooked, filled with rich and salty duck and balanced with the classic pairing of cherries. It was a real winner and left us wanting more.
The roasted celeriac with wild mushroom and chestnut puree was a surprise hit for my meat-loving dining companion, and then it was onto the main course - loin of venison. While it was cooked expertly, it lacked a touch of seasoning, as did the beetroot fondant that accompanied it.
Saving the best for last, the desserts were simply outstanding. My personal favorite was the raspberry textures - a bowl of berry goodness with a sharp and zingy sorbet, along with shards of raspberry that melted in your mouth like candy floss. It was a refreshingly light and palate-cleansing end to the meal.
We finished off with a rich and indulgent chocolate ganache served with a coffee and buckwheat crumble. The chocolate lover in me was in heaven, and the silky salted caramel ice cream and crunchy hazelnuts only added to the decadence.
Overall, I must say that Glaschu is a top-notch bistro with Executive Chef John Molloy expertly coaxing out the flavors of his Scottish produce to create a tasting menu that is both approachable and delicious. I am already looking forward to visiting their new venture, MAISON, and can't wait to see what they have in store for us. The first act was a hit, so I have high hopes for the sequel.
If you find yourself in Glasgow, I highly recommend stopping by Glaschu at 32 Royal Exchange Square. And for more reviews, be sure to check out Scottish Field and subscribe to their latest issue. Happy dining!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
