TOOTS was feeling the winter chills and was in need of a pick-me-up.

 

All this Christmas shopping was taking the strain on her indoors so I thought I would spice things up a bit.

We set off from a festive Tec Towers and headed for a joint I knew would get The Moll's temperature soaring.

India Quay seemed like the place get a bit of tasty scran which didn't involve turkey.

I was already dreading The Moll's overcooked sprouts on Christmas Day, but she no longer burns the gravy which is a start.

The Buick was staying in the garage on this occasion with the new drink drive laws in place, I wasn't taking any chances.

We arrived at the restaurant on Finnieston Street and were glad to shelter from the torrential rain.

With their revolving doors, I ended up in bit of a spin and was nearly on my back out again when Toots hauled me back.

We had a warm welcome from our host and were shown to a cosy booth seat.

Drinks were soon on order and it was time for a fast scran scan as my tummy was beginning to rumble.

It all sounded delicious and I knew we would be in for a long wait for The Moll to decide.

In the mean time we ordered up some poppadoms and spicy dips.

Now Tec can take the heat, so when my peepers saw a spicy lamb dish I knew it would be right up my street.

As I placed the order, the waiter gave me a look, but I assured him I could handle it.

Toots finally made her mind up and opted for the chicken tikka sizzler.

Quick and attentive staff rushed off and put our orders in.

We sat back and relaxed while munching on the poppadoms. The chutney and spicy onions hit the spot, while Toots dipped in to the cool raita.

Things were looking good for the main event and we didn't have long to wait.

You could hear Toots' dish before it even reached the table.

Forget jingle all the way, it was more like sizzle all the way.

When our mains were served up and The Moll's face was a picture.

She was presented with a hot plate of sizzling chicken, rice on the side and mixed vegetables. I didn't know how she was going to manage it all.

Then came mine. It looked like a mini feast along with the Lamb Desi, was a paratha, boondi raita and fresh onion salad.

I honestly didn't know where to start.

I tucked into the lamb. It melted in the mouth and was succulent and moist. Then came the kick - my goodness it packed and punch and nearly knocked me out. My face was as scarlet as The Moll's red talons.

I grabbed my glass of pinot grigio, but perhaps a firefighter might have been more effective.

It was a dish to die for and left me wanting more.

On the side of the table, Toots was licking her lips.

Every bite of the sizzling tikka was a sheer delight.

"Wow, this is a flavour sensation," pipped up Toots, as she guarded her plate from unwanted intruders.

It really was a meal and a half.

We passed on our compliments to the chef.

A last dribble of wine each and it was time to call for the bill. At under £50 - it was beginning to be a very merry Christmas for the wallet anyway.

As we ventured home, we took our time as we still had the heat from the curry to keep us warm.

Atmosphere 3

Food 4

Service 3

Starters

Poppadoms £4

Mixed dips £3

Mains

Lamb Desi £14.95

Chicken tikka sizzler £12.95

Drinks

Pinot Grigio £14.95

Total £49.85