I'D been trying to steer my way through some unchartered waters of late.

A few cheques had bounced as my main contact was banged up for long stretch and you could say there was a bit of a cash flow situation at Tec Towers.

But when you have your very own Queen of Sheba to keep happy indoors, you need to think fast.

"Tec I haven't been seen in public for days now, my standing in the society pages will be slipping if we don't get out toot sweet," fumed her Ladyship.

I don't know what was worse the bank manager chasing me or The Moll with her touch of the mean reds.

I decided the bank boss would have to wait and opted to spend my last dimes on Toots.

Much to her delight, she sped off upstairs and returned as a vision before my very eyes channelling the Jean Paul Gautier look.

"Rev up the Buick, Tec, we're off to the seaside."

She had been desperate to try the The Waterside Restaurant and Bar in Seamill and I didn't want to disappoint her.

A pleasant drive along the coast and we were soon pulling into the car park at the seaside venue.

The trendy summer shack looked busy as there was plenty of cars already parked up.

I just hoped we would be in luck with a table.

We stepped into the eaterie and thought we had landed in a different country. It had a New England vibe with the decor and I was expecting someone to burst into Carousel's A Real Nice Clambake any moment.

There didn't appear to be any seats in view, but our pleasant host was quick to offer us a lovely booth in a different section where we had plenty of room.

They have a lovely outside seating area overlooking the Isle of Arran, but even on the longest day of the year, it was still too blustery to take advantage of it.

We were given time to have a look through the menu which looked more like a shipping chart to me. I didn't know how were were going to sail our way around the offerings as they all sounded pretty good.

The sever was quick to offer us a drink and in no time our little sailor was enjoying her pinot grigio - almost a little too much as it looked as if was disappearing fast.

As designated driver it was fresh orange for me.

After a lengthy scran scan, it was time to order up.

The fishy atmosphere had got to both of us and was reflected in our choices.

I went for the scallops and confit duck, while Toots stuck with her retro choice of prawn cocktail followed by fish and chips.

It was a packed venue with a busy feel to it, but the staff seemed to be on top of things so I was hoping we wouldn't have long to wait.

Our starters soon arrived. My scallops were beautifully presented, but I knew the three plump offerings wouldn't last long. They were soon polished off.

I must say they were cooked well and I was impressed they hadn't overcooked them as so many restaurants often do.

It was a case of 'oohs and aahs' from across the booth. Toots was tucking into her prawn cocktail and couldn't get enough of the Marie Rose sauce.

All good so far and now I was looking forward to the main event.

My confit duck looked great and came with balsamic braised cabbage and buttery mash. While the duck was spot on, I had to admit the mash didn't quite live up to it's name as it was a bit on the dry side.

The Moll dived into the fish and chips. Fluffy handcut chips and mush peas on the side meant Toots gave her dish a thumbs up.

With no room for pudding we rounded off the meal with a couple of coffees.

I settled up the bill and worked out I would explain the expense with some creative accounting before setting the course for home.

The Waterside, Ardrossan Road, Seamill, KA23 9NG

Tel 01294 204040

Starters

Scallops £7.95

Prawn Cocktail £ 5.95

Mains

Duck leg confit £11.25

Fish and chips £11.95

Pinot grigio x 2 £10.l0

Fresh orange £1.95

Cappucino £2.70

Americano £2.55

Total £54.40