LOVE was in the air this week - and even at Tec Towers cupid had fired his arrow.

Toots was delighted with her budget supermarket roses, but she was still hankering for a romantic candlelit dinner for two.

I was a bit low on spondoolies this month after being down on my luck on yet another failed stakeout.

However, I reckoned I could stretch out to a slap up meal for Valentine’s Day.

My sweetheart sashayed down the staircase and looked like a vision in red, with scarlet nails to match.

“Where are we off to mi amor,” purred her ladyship.

“Never you mind,” I reassured her, “all will be revealed."

I had booked us a table at another new eaterie in Finnieston. Chelsea Market had opened up a few weeks ago and by all accounts to rave reviews, so I couldn’t wait to try it for myself.

We pulled up in the Buick and got a space right outside.

With floor to ceiling windows, you get a good view of what’s going on inside and as we stepped in it seemed to be a good vibe.

It is named after the famous Chelsea Market in Manhattan, New York and brought to you courtesy of the team who run Vineyard28, a reincarnation of Booly Mardy’s, Epicures and Old Salty’s.

We were seated in a lovely booth, which looked like it was created out of old tram seats.

The atmosphere was full of love and there was a few cosy table with diners looking longingly into one another’s eyes.

However, I was too focused on the scran.

Our server left us a couple of menus to look at which included an a la carte and a specials menu.

We ordered up a couple of glasses of vino and made our way through the offerings.

It is a tight menu with just the right amount of dishes on the menu. I’m not a fan of these places that has a menu which reads like a volume of the Britannica Encyclopedia.

I was trying to steer away from my usual steak and chips, and the battered fish did sound good.

Toots piped up that she would go for the steak and frites, so that settled it I could always pinch a bit of hers.

We decided to share a starter of smoked salmon and fresh bread.

Our orders soon in, we sat back and soaked up the atmosphere.

Staff were pretty fast and within moments our bread with olive oil and a salt rub on the side arrived. It was recommended we dip in the oil first then the rub which was delicious.

Our smoked salmon looked pretty as a picture, but was in one solid piece and I had to admit I wasn’t so keen on the texture.

The main event was still to come and when I first clapped eyes on the fish and chips - I fell in love.

Would it live up to the taste test - it was divine.

The fish in batter was the best I had ever had - and that is saying something as I know my fish suppers. Tasty chips and peas on the side - what more could a man ask for on Valentine’s Day.

Toots was giving her dish the thumbs up as well.

The steak was just the right size for her and she too was raving about the fries.

We couldn’t manage pudding, and decided it was time to meander home.

As we headed back to Tec Towers to cuddle up on front of Casablanca on DVD, I had a feeling it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship for Chelsea Market and I.

Atmosphere 3

Service 3

Food 3

Chelsea Market, 1146 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8TF 0141 339 6909

STARTERS

James smoked salmon pickled cucumber, pink peppercorn yogurt £7.95

MAINS

Steak Frites with Bernaise sauce £12.95

Fish & Chips with mushed peas, tartar sauce & pickled onion £11.95

DRINKS

Coffees x 2 £4.60

Solandio Grillo win £4.10

Ginger beer £2.50

TOTAL £44.05