BLONDIE had been itching to go to the must see Jack Vettriano exhibition in town.

Culture isn't normally my thing but to keep the little lady happy I thought I could handle an afternoon looking at a few paintings.

"Shall we dance to the end of love, Tec," asked The Moll. "Don't mind if I do as long as I'm with you," I slickly replied.

Even I knew it was a nod to a famous Vettriano picture of the same name.

I reckoned this gumshoe had earned a few Brownie points and might get away with a fish supper and a pickle on the way home.

But, as usual, Toots had other ideas.

"Why don't we round off the night with a meal out," her ladyship piped up.

Great idea, but where?

It was a drizzly night so we made a run for it and headed for a welcoming little cafe bistro across the road from Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

The Pelican Bar and Bistro could not have been handier for passing art aficionados.

We walked in to see there were spare tables.

Toots had her eye on a booth, but we were directed to a table for two.

We were steered to a cosy little table, but I was a bit shocked at the close proximity to some of the other twos.

I could have reached over and stolen a neighbour's chips, never mind eavesdropping on a few conversations - well I wouldn't be a top tec if I didn't.

We had a look through the menu while our server explained the specials to us.

With an a la carte, set menu and specials, we had no idea what to go for.

It all sounded so tasty.

While the set menu was good value, I decided to go that extra mile and ordered off the swanky a la carte.

I plumped for the fish and chips while The Moll had her eye on the beef carpaccio to start followed by the fish of the day - sea bass.

The place was filling up and the smell from the kitchen had my tummy in overdrive.

A mixture of Mediterranean scents came wafting through from the open kitchen hatch.

The starter was soon served up. Toots' beef carpaccio looked a treat.

Neat little slices of rare beef, accompanied with rocket and Parmesan shavings.

It certainly got the thumbs up from Toots who devoured it all with a smile on her face.

We relaxed with our drinks and looked out at the rain-lashed streets, although each time the door opened there was a bit of a chill.

Our mains soon arrived and, if first appearances are anything to go by, I was in luck.

It was fish and chips, but not as we know it. The chunky, battered fish pieces, which included sea bass, coley and even prawns were delicious. Add to that the best chunky fries I've tasted, I was one happy customer.

I tucked into the dish like there was no tomorrow, even polishing off the mushy peas and tartare sauce. There was nothing left.

The Moll's dish looked a bit more like fine dining.

Her fillet of sea bass was served on a bed of crushed potatoes with a light sauce. "Very nice, but I could have done with another fillet," declared Toots.

If she wasn't quite satisfied I knew pudding was definitely a goer for the little lady.

We ordered up a blueberry cheesecake with Glayva sauce, and a wheat-free chocolate cake with Baileys creme Anglaise.

It's a good job Toots doesn't run out of things to say, as we had a bit of a wait. Strange when they had initially told us that they wanted the table back within two hours.

Our desserts eventually arrived and they were worth waiting for.

The only thing left to do was settle up.

The bill came in at just under £40 and was well worth it.

And after an afternoon of culture and great food, well I suppose it's a case of I'm alright Jack.