Amarone

In this credit crunch climate you would be forgiven for thinking that eating out was a luxury most people have been forced to curtail. However not only is Gourmet Glasgow – which runs annually - an opportunity for Glasgow to reinforce its position on the culinary map, it also represents good value for money. Run by the Glasgow Restaurateurs Association, Gourmet Glasgow showcases ‘Dinearound’ offers throughout the month at participating restaurants. Amarone’s ‘Taste of Scotland’ menu came in at £19.99 and included 3 courses, coffee and a dram courtesy of Glasgow Gourmet sponsor Auchentoshan Malt Whisky.

Amarone is ideally located to provide a respite from shopping, situated on Nelson Mandela place, just off Buchanan Street. A stylish basement restaurant with stained glass windows peeking out on to street level, you can almost forget the rain outside. ‘The Taste of Scotland’ menu aimed to find a meeting point between Italian and Scottish fare. A quick glance at the menu reveals some classic Scottish dishes and produce – Scotch Broth, Aberdeen Angus Steak and Cranachan alongside more traditional Italian food such as risotto.

Highlights included the delicious seafood starter (cappesante e gameroni), the succulent Aberdeen Angus steak and the local Dunsyre blue cheese included in our mouth watering Formaggi misti. However the chunky chips accompanying my fish could have been a little crispier...surely a Scottish staple after all. The staff at Amarone were both attentive and friendly, with a familiarity of all the dishes on offer. On the whole this was a great deal and I’m already looking forward to what’s on offer next year although I suspect my next visit to Amarone will be much sooner.