TOOTS always gets annoyed when I spend too much time in Tec Towers and it had sure been a busy week.

So I figured I had to earn some brownie points.

I suggested The Moll put on her glad rags and told her I’d be parked outside at 6pm.

“Where you taking me, Tec?” Toots purred as she oozed herself into the Buick.

I decided this would be a surprise – a little treat to cheer us up.

We both had a touch of the January blues.

I whisked Toots off to the middle of town and when we reached our destination, The Moll gasped. her jaw dropping a good few inches.

We were living the high life tonight at Michelin-starred chef Martin Wishart’s restaurant The Honours at Malmaison.

We walked in to the plush building feeling like Hollywood stars.

The Moll always has a touch of Marilyn about her – it’s those cherry lips – and tonight she was shining bright.

We appreciated the winding staircase leading down to the restaurant and the Roy Lichtenstein-inspired artwork.

“Very trendy and ooh so like me,” said Toots, raising an eyebrow.

The eagle-eyed staff spotted us quickly and took our coats and my hat.

It was fairly quiet but it was a Tuesday night.

For this visit, Toots and I were trying out the Prix fixe menu – well, did you think I was made of money?

I’d convinced The Moll it was a good way to try out the food at a restaurant above our usual budget.

Luckily, the waiting staff still treated us like royalty.

I scanned the scran on the full menu and my eyes nearly popped out my head.

It sure is a luxury joint with ingredients like truffle oil and oysters.

The Moll was doing the same … so the waiter came at just the right time.

I ordered a red Pinot Noir wine and the Moll ordered a white Riesling.

There was a choice of three options on the tasting menu.

Toots was getting right into the French spirit of things and ordered the veloute to start.

Neither of us had a clue what it was but The Moll adopted a sophisticated air.

Turns out it’s a French soup.

“Ooh la la!” said the Moll as she sipped on the thick pumpkin soup.

She said it was delicious and the pistachio nuts gave it a nice texture.

I’d gone for the smoked salmon and hoovered it up as fast as lightning.

It was perfect and the tasty herbs were just what the doctor ordered.

We admired the décor in between courses and it put me in mind of one of those little Normandy villages, with little white windows looking on to winding, narrow lanes..

The wine and the rich food was definitely going to our heads.

Next thing, the waiters swung out the kitchen with our piping hot mains.

I was lining my stomach for the week ahead so I’d picked the artichoke risotto.

Toots was watching her figure so went for the sea bream.

My risotto was as cheesy as the chat up line I used on Toots when we met – and I loved every mouthful.

The Moll enjoyed the fish but didn’t finish her crushed potatoes.

We couldn’t decide about pudding, I was already packing a serious paunch.

But Toots twisted my arm.

“You only live once, Tec,” she cooed.

So I went for the dark chocolate mousse.

The Little Lady – channelling her French alter ego, of course, plumped for crème brulee.

My mousse tasted like heaven. I didn’t even let Toots try it. But she was happy enough with her brulee.

We basqued in our newfound French hideaway for a little longer before settling the bill.

The added service charge was a surprise but it was thoroughly deserved.

My wallet was lighter but Le Honours had banished our blues. and I was in Toots' good books.

Starters

Veloute

Smoked salmon

Mains

Fish du jour – sea bream

Artichoke risotto

Deserts

Classic crème brulee

Dark chocolate mousse

Three courses - £22.50 each

Drinks

Glass of Riesling £8.25

Glass of Pinot Noir £9.75

Automatic 12.5% service charge - £7.88

Total: £70.88

The Honours

Malmaison Glasgow

278 West George Street

Tel: 0141 572 1001

Food: 5/5

Atmosphere: 4/5

Service: 5/5