Dinertec

The Moll was in a stinker of a mood and it was going to take a lot to put a smile back on that pretty face.

We had taken a drive down the coast in the Buick and were planning to go for ice cream but it was raining cats and dogs and Toots wasn't about to step outside.

"My hair and make up will be ruined," she moaned.

I decided to turn tail and take her back to the city for a slap up meal at one of best joints in town.

The rain eased as we got closer to the sprawling metropolis and Toots was persuaded to stroll a few blocks from the Buick to the restaurant.

The tower blocks sheltered The Moll as we walked the short distance but her face fell when she realised it was off the beaten track.

"Where is this place?" she demanded as we meandered under the freeway to Anderston.

"Pipe down," I shot back, "It'll be worth it".

Two Fat Ladies restaurants have become an institution in these parts since the first one opened in 2002.

The name was taken from the bingo call for 88, the address of the original eaterie in Dumbarton Road.

In 2005 Two Fat Ladies City Centre opened, followed by Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery in 2007.

I was hoping to butter up Toots by taking her to The Buttery that night, but it was going to be a hard sell judging by the sour expression on her face.

As we walked in she began to perk up when she saw the elegant oak and mahogany decor, stained glass windows and tartan carpet.

"It's beautiful," said The Moll, "and so warm and cosy."

The restaurant opens for dinner at 5:30pm most evenings and we were the first to arrive that night and had our pick of the tables.

Toots tottered over to a comfy spot with plenty of cushions and I settled down opposite her after the friendly waitress took our coats.

Our eyes were immediately drawn to the reasonably priced pre-theatre menu which offers three courses for less than twenty bucks.

As we mulled over the choices we were offered pesto bread which proved to be a tasty appetiser before the starters.

The Moll began with a basket of spiced deep fried whitebait, pepper root and citrus dressing.

I thought she'd be put off by the tiny fish eyes staring up from the plate but she tucked in and declared her starter "delicious".

I tried the sliced partridge with smoked oil, pomegranate and berry vinaigrette and it was equally tasty.

For her main, Toots had asparagus and lemon risotto with parmesan cream cheese while I tucked in to a boneless pork cutlet on sweet potato, mild chilli and ginger jus.

We were also served a generous helping of steaming hot vegetables to share, which proved a perfect accompaniment to the juicy pork.

The Moll was warming up now and a glimmer of a smile flashed across her face as she declared herself "pleasantly full".

However, there were sweets to try and it gave me a chance to have the ice cream I missed out on earlier in the day.

I had a scoop each of cherry meringue and mint crisp in a homemade brandy basket and it was sublime.

Meanwhile, The Moll chose white chocolate and raspberry roulade with Advocaat cream, which she enjoyed with a gin and tonic.

I ordered a pot of tea to round up the evening and it was served with petit fours which Toots insisted on helping me eat.

By this time she was cheery again so I didn't object to her taking the last chocolate.

Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery had done its job and The Moll was happy, for now.