We are going to start off with a spot of romance. Because we all need that on a Monday morning, don't we?
Based in Cathedral House, Celentano's is a new Italian inspired restaurant from Dean and Anna Parker. It is named after a song they heard repeatedly while on honeymoon in Italy. Which earns a big 'Awwww!' from us.
They are aiming for 'clever but wholesome dishes' using 'the best seasonal ingredients' and Dean likes to employ a minimal waste, nose-to-tail approach in the kitchen. Fermentation and curing are all part of his culinary arsenal.
On the plate, this means dishes such as smoked beetroot along with sunflower miso and dukkah; cod collars served with wilted greens and a whey butter sauce plus meaty options such as glazed Dexter shortribs and Denver steaks from Macduff butchers.
The pasta is made in-house and the names of local producers such as Errington and Mossgiel Farm are sprinkled throughout the menu. As well as biodynamic wines on tap, the drinks list includes classic cocktails and an array of vermouths and digestifs. Main pic is of nibbly bits at Celentano's.
New bar on Dumbarton Road
Sticking with Glasgow, The Broken Pony has just opened on Dumbarton Road. As well as a Charles Rennie Mackintosh-themed interior, the new venture offers inventive cocktails such as a rhubarb negroni.
The food menu moves from full cooked brunches and pancakes via sandwiches and salads to an evening choice of wings, burgers, small plates and pizza.
Red Stripe and Street Fighter?
Get your glow on at NQ64
Moving smoothly over to Edinburgh's Lothian Road, we say 'Hiya!' to NQ64, the first Scottish branch of a chain that specialises in retro-arcade-themed bars. As well as draught, bottled and canned beers, the drinks on offer include cocktails such as the Hyper Sprite, Pac's a Punch and Donkey Kong.
This writer is too old to know what he thinks about the Galaga, a mix of vodka, something called glittery tea, blue and lemon(?!) plus rhubarb and ginger gin.
There are more than thirty arcade games in the venue should you wish to test your skills on MarioKart, Guitar Hero and Dance Stage.
Good luck one and all!