This blogger has been on his hols for the last fortnight so here is a quick catch-up from Glasgow's food and drink frontline.

More to follow, along with Edinburgh news, over the rest of the week.

German Doner Kebab officially opened its doors to the public last Monday. Located in the former Odeon building on Renfield Street, the international chain is doing its bit to polish the guilty secret rep that the humble kebab suffers from sometimes.

If the words 'doner kebab' conjure up the image of a greasy elephant's leg on a spit in a late night takeaway, then German Doner Kebab aims to change your mind.

Made with lean meat, fresh veg, special sauces and handmade breads, the kebabs at German Doner are designed to be 'healthy and nutritionally balanced'.

Doner kebab makeover

The trademark German Doner Kebab comprises a choice of doner meat, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, red cabbage and three signature sauces served in handmade toasted sesame bread.

Your blogger has no idea if German Doner Kebab will manage to turn around the reputation of the doner kebab but they certainly have no shortage of fans.

They currently have branches across the Middle East as well as North America, Sweden and the UK.

The Renfield Street branch is the chain's second Scottish outlet. Dundee was first. More openings are planned for Braehead and Shawlands in Glasgow plus one in the former Dario's on Lothian Road in Edinburgh.

Bread Meats Bread expands

Also riding the current wave of popularity for certain 'fast casual' brands is the team behind Glasgow's Bread Meats Bread brand.

From their first branch on St Vincent Street, which opened in 2012, the burgers and more concept has opened in Glasgow's West End and on Edinburgh's Lothian Road.

An April opening in Glasgow Fort shopping centre is planned for the company's fourth branch.

There are also a couple of significant re-openings on the cards

On Dumbarton Road, The Thornwood Bar re-opened at the weekend after a £275 refurbishment.

It is already attracting happy reviews on its Facebook site. We like the neon 'No bams' sign.

Also welcoming guests is Old Salty's chippie on Byres Road. Refurbed after a fire, their fryers are back in action.