][1]2013 represents a brave new dawn for a number of recently launched restaurants and bars in Glasgow.
Thanks to Dram magazine, we learn that Pinxto on Dumbarton Road has become the New York Kitchen. Fried chicken, burgers, baby back ribs and pizza are repping the Big Apple.
Meanwhile, in Burnside, on Stonelaw Road to be exact, Ciao Bella Italian restaurant has opened for business. Run by the Delvecchios, who also have Dello’s fish and chip shop, Ciao Bella is very bling with lots of gold fittings, smoky mirrors and a large mural of the Spanish Steps in Rome – a still from Fellini’s Dolce Vita.
Pizza, pasta, risotto and a selection of main courses such as veal saltimbocca, tournedos Rossini and pan-fried sea bass with asparagus make up the menu.
][4]Another new venture which popped its cork in the run-up to Christmas was 360 Champagne and Cocktails in Braehead Shopping Centre.
The people behind the business seem to have figured that if the public are happy to sit at a champagne/sushi/seafood bar in an airport departure lounge then they will probably be happy to do something similar in a shopping centre.
Moet, Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon as well as sparkling wine such as cava and Prosecco are available by the glass or the bottle along with a range of cocktails.
Given that half the country seems to be ‘detoxing’ this month, they’ve been smart and laid on coffee and cupcakes.
I like the fact that Irn Bru cupcakes are available. Patsy and Edina might not approve but when in Rome…
Having opened the first 360 in the Trafford Centre in July 2011, the company behind the idea followed up with a second in Newcastle’s Metrocentre.
Braehead is the third and there are plans to open a further seven in the next year.