Sunday 17 July 2016

Brunch at Cafe Gandolfi, Merchant City, Glasgow


Where are the weeks going?? So it's Saturday again, mind you this particular Saturday I woke with a headache and my stomach was kinda at me too. I know, poor me - was I coming down with something ... no I just had a horrible hangover. We had been to see Counselled Out at the Ferry the night before and stayed over in the city. I had already decided that we were going to have brunch in Cafe Gandolfi but when I woke I wasn't sure if I'd be up for much. Anyway after a shower and some water, I was beginning to feel a little normal and felt that food was probably the best thing to sort me out. I hadn't made a reservation due to the fact that we were out the night before so I was hoping that we wouldn't have any difficultly getting a table. Thankfully we just had a 5 minute wait before a table was ready. 

Food 
As soon as we were seated and given our menu's we gratefully gave our coffee order and asked for water. We got the knowing smile from the waitress and our drinks were brought around pretty quickly. Once we had a few sips of coffee and were beginning to feel normal we started to look at the menu which is very extensive - you can get a variety of dishes with your normal choices, such as full breakfast; french toast; pancakes and eggs done loads of different ways. There are also a few unique things on the menu (well unique for me) - Aberdeen Smoked Haddie and a few Stornoway pudding dishes. I ordered the Avocado and Poached Eggs on Sourdough which came with roasted tomatoes, toasted and sprouting seeds and a sesame dressing. I also ordered a side of fried halloumi. I bet you can guess what Mr EmmaEats went for?? Yes yes you know him too well - he went for the full Scottish breakfast which came with Stornoway black pudding, bacon, beef sausage, tomatoes, potato scone, field mushrooms and your choice of eggs, served with sourdough toast. 


I loved my breakfast so much, it all worked so well together and I really loved the combination with the side of halloumi. It was exactly what I needed. The eggs were cooked to perfection, the avocado was lovely and fresh and the tomatoes were so tasty. Mr EE loved his breakfast - I never got to taste the beef sausage, it was gone before I got to ask. Food rating: 4/5.


Service
Service was great here from the moment we got in. We received a very warm welcome and the staff were really attentive. Our coffee came out quickly, as did our food. The staff all seemed to work really well together and there was a nice friendly atmosphere amongst them. Service rating: 5/5.


Atmosphere
Even though I wasn't on top form I still loved this place. The atmosphere is great, a lovely relaxed vibe about the place. The decor in the restaurant is mainly wood - different shades of wood with a bit of a country kitchen feel. I really liked it. As the windows are higher than normal there are wooden panels where you would expect the windows to be. My hangover was very grateful of these and at first I thought I mightn't be too keen on them if I wasn't hungover but by the time I was leaving and feeling a bit better I really thought it all worked. My only complaint is that the table was pretty small but other than that it was great. Atmosphere rating: 4/5.


Price
I forgot to take a copy of the bill and I can't even remember how much it was but when I first looked at the menu, even before I had visited I did think the full breakfast was a bit pricey at £10. The quality of the food is of a very high standard here though and I certainly wouldn't let the cost of the breakfast put me of going here again. Price rating: 4/5. 

Last Words
I really like this place and I will definitely be back. Everything works very well. The only thing I would say is that on the menu you are advised that the freshly baked breakfasts could take up to 30 minutes - this is not a problem for me - I don't mind waiting for good food but I understand that some people aren't as patient. Total rating:- 17 out of 20.

Date Visited: Saturday, 18 June 2016

Restaurant Details:
64 Albion Street,
Glasgow,
G1 1NY.

Website: click here
Telephone: 0141 552 6813

Thanks a mil for reading.

Emma Mai xx


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