THE GANNET, 1155 Argyle Street, Glasgow Tel:

0141 204 2081

TOOTS had a spring in her step, even more than usual. She was definitely up to something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"Tec darling," whispered The Moll. "I've found this perfect little place for dinner tonight. I'll be ready at eight."

In all the years I've known Blondie, she's never been ready on time, but I had the Buick revved up to go the minute she floated down the stairs at Tec Towers.

With her carriage ready to go, I awaited my instruction as this time I had no idea where we were going. This was all Toots' plan. She had used an online booking system - which I have to admit was beyond me.

"We're going up west to The Gannet, so step on it," piped up The Moll.

Turns out she had booked this joint in the Finnieston area of Argyle Street weeks ago, as it was that hard to get a table on a Saturday night.

Toots had great expectations, but I would wait to see for myself if it lived up to the hype having been disappointed with places in the past.

We rolled up to the wide-windowed frontage. It looked pretty trendy and a bit out of the Tec's comfort zone. No wonder The Moll was dressed up to the nines.

We walked in to a warm welcome and were taken past the hustle and bustle at the bar to a table further inside. Our server was quick with the menus and left us for a moment.

A quick scran scan had me hoping there was a doctor in the house. I feared I would be in need of CPR with these prices.

"You get what you pay for Tec," cried The Moll.

Just a few choice dishes to choose from looked like a good sign as it meant the dishes would be fresh and cooked to order.

I passed on the fancy dan starter and opted for plaice with new potatoes for my main, while Toots had her eyes on the smoked salmon followed by venison. At £20 a pop, it was off a deer in more ways than one.

We ordered up half a carafe of Italian white, which I hoped would ease the pain of how much this was going to sting me.

The place was beginning to fill up and there was quite a lively atmosphere. Service was swift. From orders being taken to the wine delivered, it was all running pretty smoothly.

The Moll's starter appeared in no time. I tucked in to the warm bread while Toots devoured the salmon crab & fennel salad.

"This melts in the mouth Tec," enthused the little lady. At least she was happy.

Table swiftly cleared, it wasn't long before the mains arrived.

The Moll's Perthshire red deer loin, with beetroot, crisp potato, red wine & port sauce looked pretty as a picture.

Cooked to perfection, the lean tender meat hit the spot and delivered on flavour too.

The Moll was in heaven and for once could hardly speak.

When she eventually did, she declared it was one of the best meals she'd had in a long time.

"This is divine. Succulent venison and crunchy potato yet smooth inside, all brought together with a jus," she said.

The Moll was beginning to sound like an expert from Masterchef.

I stuck to my roasted plaice. It was delicately cooked fish which flaked off the bone, served up with tasty herby potatoes.

It was a well executed dish - yes, I have the stylish patter too.

We rounded the night off with coffee, as the mains were too good to follow up with anything else.

Fearing the worst with the bill I was surprised to see it come in at £62.

Even I had to admit it was worth the money.

You can't put a price on quality and this joint has it in abundance.

STARTERS

House smoked salmon salad £6.50

Mains

Perthshire red deer loin £20

Roast Plaice £16.50

DRINKS

Half carafe white wine £14

Coffee x 2 £2.50

TOTAL

£62