TOOTS was clicking her castanets around Times Towers.

She had recently taken up Flamenco dancing with a bunch of her girlfriends. I'm more of a waltz kind of guy, but it seemed there was no getting away from her Spanish fever.

"Tec, my fire and passion are alight, let's go out and I'll show you my moves," piped up Blondie.

How could I say no, but I wasn't sure about hitting the dancefloor. I put a call in to an old contact who told me the former Stirling Castle bar was now a Spanish joint in Yorkhill - that would be right up the little lady's street.

We sped off in the Buick, but fortunately Toots decided to leave the castanets at home.

Everything seems to change these days, and an old drinking haunt is no more. All my favourite pubs seem to be changing over to eateries.

Elenas is the latest in a number of new Spanish places popping up in the city. I would ask why, but then no one expects a Spanish inquisition....

We arrived on a busy Saturday night and the place was already in full swing. They were so busy, there wasn't much room at the inn for us despite our booking. Our cosy little table for two was next to a large table of six, and even if I breathed in there was no way I would be getting into the bench seat.

We waited for a moment and looked through the menu and were then soon whisked off to a table in the jumping bar area.

It was time for a light refreshment and my peepers spotted a little white Rioja which would do us fine.

Staff certainly couldn't be more attentive and were happy to explain the idea behind the menu. It wasn't just a case of small plates, but also larger, family sized bites.

It is billed as dining the Cantabrian way.

Elena says items on the menu aren’t “Tapas”. They are rationes or portions and are larger than what you would get in a regular tapas bar.

As I was famished, I had my eyes on the latter.

A quick scran scan and we had made up our minds, over a complimentary tuna toast tapas.

Toots, looking very Spanish in red and black number, was keen on a few sharing tapas to start.

We opted for breaded asparagus, chicken skewers and a bread basket. While for seconds my choice had to be steak and chips, while The Moll has her eye on the splayed seabass.

Orders soon in, we sat back and soaked up the atmosphere. With a great little bar area, there seemed top be a few locals having a grand time.

The kitchen must have been doing a few Flamenco moves of their own as the dishes were flying out at some pace.

We tucked into the breaded asparagus. A new sensation and texture, I liked it. Along with the chicken skewers, it was a tasty start to the night.

My stomach was getting a bit impatient though and I was looking forward to cutting into a juicy steak and chips.

Our plates came out and looked a treat.

Toots, after deciding to go for the fishy option, had serious food envy. If my steak tasted as good as it looked, I would be on to a winner.

And it did. Full on flavour and succulent, this chef knows how to cook a steak. Their seasoning and taste was second to none.

Toots had her work cut out with the sea bass. She made easy work of what was a decent portion.

We couldn't resist sharing their homemade ice cream which was delicious.

After we settled la cuenta - the bill to me and you - it was time to say adios.

Elenas

90 Old Dumbarton Road 0141 2237 4730

Atmosphere 4

Service 4

Food 3

Food

Breaded asparagus £5

Entrecot steak £18

Sea bass £10

Morunos de pollo £6

Desserts

Ice cream £5

Drinks

White Rioja £20

Total £64