Ad Lib

I've been looking for somewhere that knows what barbecue means and now I've found it. Ad Lib on Glasgow's Ingram Street follows the American definition to the letter. Normally we're treated to flame grilled meat dipped in BBQ Sauce, but stateside it means thin sliced, tender meat, slow cooked over smokey coals until it dissolves on sight. Here I was treated to perfectly prepared barbecue duck salad with the inventive addition of a twist of mango. It was a rare experience. My companion enjoyed a real burger complete with french fries, monterey jack cheese and a bottle of hot sauce. He was beaten by the huge experience, and died a happy chap. Normally American theme restaurants go for a diner theme and hot plated fast food, but in Ad Lib the decor has a feeling of an elegant club house: dark wood furnishings and candlelit atmosphere. The menu features fresh Scottish ingredients blended into soul food and all at a reasonable price. Lunch time ranges from around £5 for blackened free range chicken skewers to £8 for the unique choice of burgers, including Moroccan Lamb, Thai Coconut or Southern Fried Chicken variations. In the evening you can pull out the stops and plump offerings such as steak, pulled pork, dirty rice and my favourite, a side of cornbread. I'll let the bourbon toffee and ice cream speak for itself. If you've never tried real American cuisine before, it's time you did. It's a tasty way to enjoy a little of what you fancy. [Graeme Park]