Dinertec

The Buick was parked up in the garage for the night so we decided to look for a local joint.

Eat Cafe in Shawlands has a good reputation so 'Tec decided to take The Moll there.

We got our coats and hats and headed out into the cold night air.

"I'm starving," said Toots, as she toddled along beside me in her high heels.

We arrived and had the pick of the tables - there were only half a dozen in that night.

The Moll grabbed the menu and began salivating over the large range of options.

"I'm having a starter," she announced, "and probably a desert too."

January is a lean month and the moths were at 'Tec's wallet but Toots insisted we were having three courses.

So I was relieved when I looked at the reasonable prices.

For once, 'Tec wouldn't have to break the bank.

We were still suffering after the excesses of New Year so we decided on soft drinks with our dinner.

Toots asked for sparkling elderflower and I went for a diet Coke.

The Moll decided she was ordering from the a la carte menu but I was tempted by the specials.

I opted for a tasty mackerel and chive pate which came with a generous helping of fresh salad and two slices of chunky brown toast.

As I tucked in, Toots enjoyed butternut and feta fritters with chilli yoghurt.

She offered me a taste but I was determined to leave enough room for the main so I declined.

I even left a slice of toast on my plate but when I turned around Toots grabbed it.

I looked at my plate again the toast had two bites out of it.

She must have been hungry because for her main Toots ordered a towering steak burger with pulled pork, bbq sauce and mature cheddar.

As if that wasn't enough, it also came with cafe slaw and handcut fries.

'Tec went for another special - the Italian sausage stew with crusty bread.

The flavoursome dish was the perfect winter warmer and left me feeling pleasantly full.

Toots seemed to be struggling with the burger but it turned out she was just taking her time.

A few minutes after I finished she took her last mouthful and offered me one of her remaining fries.

I dug in to the delicious side order, dipping a few in tomato sauce.

The cheery waiter took our plates away and the desert menus arrived.

Toots had been eyeing one of Eat Cafe's signature giant meringues when we first arrived.

Now she seemed to be having second thoughts.

"I shouldn't," said Toots, looking almost tearful at the prospect of missing out.

I decided to try the Eton Mess, another special that day, which encouraged Toots to take on the giant meringue.

"I can always have them wrap it up for me if I can't finish it," she added, flashing those pearly whites.

The deserts were delicious. Fresh cream, fresh fruit and meringue was a winning combination.

But Toots could only manage a bit and the helpful staff duly wrapped up the rest.

When we left Eat Cafe the plan was to burn some calories by walking a few blocks but it was too chilly and we scuttled home quick smart, wishing we'd brought the Buick after all.