The Drum and Monkey

Another night with Del wandering around central Glasgow, desperately searching for food.

One day (if I can be bothered), I will come up with an "I'm starving" app (sponsored by "ImFatAndLazy.com") which will just point out what's the best place to eat in a 2 min walking distance.

But let's go back to tonight.

So we were about to give in for a take away when we passed the Drum and Monkey. I have to say I had always been intrigued by the name, I mean, surely they must have been quite steaming to come up with that, and that kind of crazy thinking, to me, deserves a shot at their menu.

I actually remember going in not too long ago, but because I was just out of LaTasca (and just had two jugs of Sangria), I must admit my attention to details was quite weak (wow is that fresh flowers or plastic flowers??).

So let's just say it was as good as a first time.

My first impression was :amazing furnishing and decoration, huge ceilings and oh my god check out that bar!

That's probably me still being all traditional Scotland maniac, but when I enter special places like this pub, I suddenly remember why I moved here on the first place. Wood, fireplace, tartan carpet; a subtle cliche that will please any Scotland lover.

We were sat on a tiny table (had to squeeze in to get to my chair, which reminds me bikini season is round the corner). The menu was quite big, which is a nightmare to me because I can never bloody decide, and hell for whoever agrees to follow me on my food trail.

After 20 minutes of intense patience, Del finally came up with an elaborated menu plan which only took it down to two mains, and I finally ordered a cheese and bacon burger (yes, twice this week,which reminds me bikini season is not really round the corner as I am staying in Scotland this summer. Way!)

The waitress was good, and did not show how much she wanted to rip my head off for taking ages to decide.

The starters came quite fast, which distracted me from that loud table of French people chatting about politics.
Hey, I can be patriotic too, I ordered breaded "brie" for starters, uh!

It was lovely, small portion but you don't need more really, with a side of caramelized onion chutney.

My heart filled with joy and hope when my burger arrived and the bun was hot (hurray!). But I have to say, even if the first bite was good, the rest was not. The patty was overcooked and almost cold. The chips were not nearly as good as those I had in the Universal two days ago.
Of course it is unfair to compare, but it's my blog and I set the rules.

Now here is a question for Alex Salmond: Dear Prime Minister, is Scotland suffering from a cheese shortage? Did you swap the Giant Pandas for the entire Arran stock? Where the hell did my cheese go?

A cheeseburger without cheese is... well... you know... a burger. Double frown.

I would not judge the place over that burger though, the dishes that came on the next table looked pretty amazing. I think I will just stick to my theory that when in a Scottish pub, have Scottish food.

More deep thinking to come this week...