This week: Glasgow is on fire, I become an Urban Cat and my Star Wars Audition...

The Event - Fireworks

Earlier this week a video went viral about a supposed Glaswegian fireworks display. It caused a bit of a ding-dong online, partly because of its content but also because one title suggested that Weegies spent a large part of their time ‘drinking buckfast’ and ‘stabbing each other’. As one poster commented ‘offendedglaswegian.com’.

So, it was off to Glasgow Green to show how we really do fireworks. Fantastically. Not only does Glasgow host Scotland’s biggest Guy Fawkes fireworks display, it’s free for everyone and a great event for the family to whizz along to (I’m nearly done with my pyrotechnic puns!).

Clyde 1 DJs Romeo and Knoxy added a bit of sparkle with some banging pop tunes. But, by far the stars of the night (aside from the aah-mazing fireworks) were the young Scottish sportsfolk and Queen’s Baton Bearers for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, gymnast Cara Kennedy, triple-jumper Morgan McKinnon and swimmer Ruairi Kirkwood.

Tell you what, it was dynamite!

The Audition - Star Wars

You might not know this, but one of my nicknames is QB-Wan-Kenubie. Yes, the force is strong with me... but the real reason is 15 years ago, I went along to an open casting call. I was picked from several thousand to be one of five to audition on tape. I didn’t get the part, which is a bit of a shame because I would have been one of Natalie Portman’s handmaidens (alongside Keira Knightly) in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.

This week, it was announced that once again the Star Wars franchise will be holding open auditions for the upcoming Episode 7: A New Hope. Could a Glaswegian be that new hope? Next weekend (16th/17th Nov) Glasgow will be one of only a few UK cities where open calls will take place. According to the advert, they’re looking for a beautiful, smart and athletic young man and woman in their teens or early 20’s.  I suppose I’m a bit old to audition this time... I wonder if the part of Yoda might be up for grabs?

For those of you planning on heading along, good luck and may the Glasgow force be with you!

The Restaurant - Urban Bar and Brasserie

As a bit of an urbanite it felt only right to head along to the VIP launch of Urban’s new menu on Tuesday night. Tucked away in plain sight on St Vincent Place, Urban Bar and Brasserie is a surprising city centre gem. It’s an elegant restaurant with a mint history - it sits inside the old Bank of England headquarters.

Urban has been open since 2006 and is largely known for it’s continental feel (the waiters wear long white aprons) and it’s fine-dining. Having never been, I was interested to check the place out. There is something of the Rogano about it, with it’s history carved in the walls and a warm and friendly atmosphere. The new menu ties in some more cosy favourites, which although simpler are still at the finer end of dining (delightful dishes such as gourmet macaroni and lavender creme brulé). I’d definitely reccommend an Urban-nite sometime...

This Wee Bird is a carnivorous Wee Bird (and, on occasion, a bit of a vulture) so this week Wee recommends The Meat Bar on Regent Street. So what’s the beef? Delicious buttery meats, truffle chips and, if you want to go the whole hog, you can even have a Carne Cocktail!