An Ivory Pearl

IT was with a hint of anxiety that I approached The Moll and asked how she would feel about venturing to the South Side.

Now, for a West End gal, it was a big ask, but after she’d picked herself up off the floor, she finally gave a slight nod.

So, after revving up the Buick, we burned rubber along Pollokshaws Road to Shawlands.

We arrived at our destination, The Ivory Hotel, only 10 minutes from the city centre, and received a warm and friendly welcome.

And, as we were ushered to our table by our host, I could see The Moll beginning to relax as the calm South Side atmosphere settled over her.

Toots was getting thirsty, and once she gets that glint in her eye, there’s no stopping her.

Thankfully, within moments, our waitress arrived and we ordered a couple of drinks, as we prepared to scan the scran.

For me, it had to be a tasty Peroni, while Toots wet her beak with a white wine.

However, the real test was still to come and, as you know, sometimes my better half can be a little picky when it comes to the menu.

But I knew I had nothing to worry about as soon as I saw the long list of starters, main courses and desserts.

The choices provided a mouthwatering blend of traditional Scottish dishes fused with a modern twist.

As a starter, The Moll chose the deliciously fresh prawn and mango salad.

As usual, Toots tucked into her dish like there was no tomorrow and made light work of the prawns, as she declared her love of the delicate soy sauce-based dressing.

Across the table, fast disappearing down my throat, was an order of crab cakes.

In the past, I’ve had some crab cakes that could be accused of giving bland a bad name. But the crab meat had been perfectly seasoned, and melted the moment it touched my mouth, making these little treats irresistible. The accompanying mango salsa was the icing on the crab cake.

And we didn’t have to wait too long before the mains arrived.

Our very friendly waitress whipped the plates away and returned with our main dishes – chicken for The Moll, and an 8oz Rib Eye steak for yours truly.

The Moll’s chicken wasn’t just any old chicken – it was a fillet of succulent chicken marinated, stuffed with haggis and served with crisp vegetables and deliciously creamy mashed potatoes.

Once again, it was faultless and The Moll was delighted, especially with the combination of moist chicken and mouth-watering haggis.

Equally perfect was my steak, served with crispy onion rings and mushrooms. It was yelling “eat me” as I clocked it on the menu. It didn’t disappoint.

The meat was moist and tender and the onion rings were the perfect accompaniment. Full marks – and empty plates – all round.

With one eye on the bill and thoughts of New Year resolution diets in mind, I was happy to give my waistline a break, skipping dessert.

For once, The Moll agreed, leaving us with a definite feeling of well-being. That feeling continued as I settled the bill, and was happy to see a fifty was nifty enough to cover the damage.

THE IVORY HOTEL

2 CAMPHILL AVENUE, SHAWLANDS, GLASGOW

G41 3AY

TEL: 0141 636 0223

Food **** Atmosphere *** Service ***

OUR MEAL:

STARTERS

Crab Cakes £5.95

Prawn and Mango Salad £5.95

MAINS

8oz Rib Eye steak with mashed potatoes, onion rings and mushrooms £14.95

Chicken with haggis and mashed potatoes and vegetables £11.95

DRINKS

White wine (250ml glass) £4.95

Peroni (330ml bottle) £3.25

TOTAL: £47.00

THE IVORY HOTEL, 2 CAMPHILL AVENUE, SHAWLANDS, GLASGOW. 0141 636 0223

Food 4444 Atmosphere 444 Service 444

STARTERS

Crab Cakes £5.95

Prawn and Mango Salad £5.95

MAINS

8oz Rib Eye steak with mashed potatoes, onion rings and mushrooms £14.95

Chicken with haggis and mashed potatoes and vegetables £11.95

DRINKS

White wine (250ml glass) £4.95

Peroni (330ml bottle) £3.25

TOTAL: £47.00