Our Personal Chef Comes to Visit

With the arrival of Martin and Lesa came the arrival of our most foodie friends, so we have reaped the benefit of delicious meals during their visit.

Martin, of course, had to try haggis which is a Scottish dish of sheep's offal (organ meat) mixed with oats and spices encased in the stomach (or nowadays sausage casing) and simmered for hours. It tastes and looks more innocuous than it sounds since it's not served in the stomach and the liver flavor is predominant in most versions. Liam says it's like livery meatloaf. Generally it's served with mashed turnips (neeps) and mashed potatoes (tatties), but we've had it on pizza (with jalapeno peppers) and as a crisps flavor.

Martin's order of haggis, neeps and tatties, here was served layered like a shepherd's pie, while other places serve it in little mounds or strips.

Lucky for us, Martin wanted to cook one night. Near our flat are many delis, bakeries, cheese mongers, etc., so we set out for a food shopping expedition one afternoon. After stops at two amazing food shops Peckham's and Kember and Jones, which are practically side by side, we had loaded up on the fixings for antipasto.

We hit George Mewes Cheese which is also in the same block and tasted then purchased a French brie, a Scottish goat cheese, and a goat cheese wrapped in oak leaf. It's a little bizarre to have so many food options so close to our flat. We're not in Bangor anymore!

Then, back to the flat to enjoy the meal. Cheeses, meats, olives, sardines and bread, followed by braised pork and salad -- so delicious!

Then, our final foodie experience with them was at Two Fat Ladies, where we had the best meal we've eaten in a restaurant since we've been in Glasgow. This restaurant has three locations in the city, but we went to the original one which is closest to our house, more funky, and less expensive. We all enjoyed fabulous meals, featuring local fish and seafood. Yum!

We're sad to say good-bye to our buddies! Glasgow won't be the same without them, though it will give me a chance to cut way back on the goodies during our brief window of no guests.