A few years back, there was a fashion for referring to Glasgow as GlasVegas.

When So L.A. bar and restaurant opens in early November, Rusk & Rusk hope that comparisons with the coastal conurbation of Los Angeles will be more fitting than comparisons with the gambling hub in the desert.

James and Louise Rusk already run the Glasgow hotspots Hutchesons City Grill, The Butchershop Bar & Grill and The Spanish Butcher.

This new venture is their fourth in eight years.

The Rusk's existing venues have always had a sharp eye for smart design and So L.A. looks likely to surf a similar wave.

Taking shape in the former Chop Chop premises on Mitchell Street, So L.A. is inspired by 'the soul, energy and flavours of Californian dining'.

A restaurant, bar and events space called The White Box, the project features drink and food menus inspired by Los Angeles.

You can view the menus here.

Healthy Cali-style

As well as a nod towards healthy, Cali-style eating plus the occasional Latin American flourish, the dishes show influences from the other side of the Pacific.

Think along the lines of tempura queenie scallop bao; Korean fried cauliflower and a miso-glazed beef fillet with carrot kimchi and heart of palm.

Corn-fed American dishes include a lobster and crayfish roll and roasted beets with spiced feta, mandarin and mint.

While LA has more than its fair share of health-conscious restaurants, it also has plenty of places dedicated to the decadent pleasure of eating a large steak.

At So L.A, you can order a 1 kilo, sharing portion of bone-in prime rib which is served with whipped con carne butter, Old Bay skinny fries plus a watermelon and green tomato salsa.

Naturally, there are also plenty of veggie options including this showstopper: charred cauliflower with spiced freekeh, almond and a green sauce.

Tequila map

The drinks list comprises signature cocktails and a wide ranging wine list which is split between red and white wines from the Old and New World plus a separate Californian wine cellar selection.

In addition, there is a great choice of tequilas and mezcals plus bourbons, whisky, Tennessee whiskey, gin and other spirits.

If you are planning your December festivities, So L.A. are taking bookings for a Californian Christmas and a Hollywood Hogmanay.

The 5pm Dining blog will be back with more So L.A. details as we get them.