It's Food Time!

Glasgow has a pretty interesting food culture about it.  There are all the places you'd expect in a big city: McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks, etc. albeit in smaller numbers than many U.S. cities.  Then there are your smattering of pubs, of which no two have the same name (according to the Strathclyde police), and an almost countless number of small restaurants and chains that are unfamiliar to anybody in the states.

Since I've been free from classes for the past week, I've gotten a chance to visit a bunch of great places in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.  Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Tennent's Bar in Glasgow.  This is located in a highly convenient spot in relation to the university, and serves what is, in my mind, traditional bar fare: burgers, fries/chips, etc.  They also have some curry and a few more Glaswegian items on the menu.  Supposedly, they traditionally did not allow women into the establishment, but that's all changed now.  Seemed a little blue-collar when I visited-lots of people in uniform and older men-but that may have been because the term had not started yet.

2. Whistle Binkies, or "Billy's Whistle" as my group has come to call it, is in Edinburgh.  Great pub located in what appears to be a basement (depending on which entrance you take), with some sort of live music every night.  Went there on a weeknight and it was still surprisingly lively.  Not sure if they have food, but they have a good selection on tap and everyone in our group seemed to be able to find something they liked.

3.   Forsyth's Tea Room, again in Edinburgh.  This place is special to me because it was the first full meal I ate in Scotland.  Prices are a bit steep for what you get on some items: even accounting for it being right off the Royal Mile.  However, the proprietor was so kind to me, and the decor so homey, that I felt like it was worth it.    Food ranges from salads and sandwiches, to an "All-Day Breakfast" which consists of things like bacon, sausage and black pudding.  Not a pub, as you might be able to tell by the name, and a place more for tourists than for students.

4. A Glasgow establishment, this Indian restaurant is supposed to be one of the best.  They have a pretty small listed menu, however they seem to be able to accommodate special requests, so if you know what you want be sure to ask.  Went with a group of friends: the majority of whom got "Buttered Chicken," which was very good.  Venture out and get something spicy and you won't regret it either.  Waiters were very friendly and accommodating to the huge gaggle of Americans (and one Finland-ian) that stumbled through the door.

Day #2: Edinburgh

With Love from Forsyth's Tearoom

Day #2 of Scotland and my first full day!  Woke up at 10AM after a wonderful 13 hours of sleep and went out to explore some more.  I've been sticking mostly to the "Royal Mile" and Princes Street, which are touristy areas of Edinburgh, but I ventured into a little back-alley breakfast/tea parlor this morning for lunch.  The woman who ran the shop was like a little old grandmother - sweet but imposing - and made my food right there after I ordered it.  We talked a bit, and she ended up giving me a ribbon of lavender satchels in case I ever "studied too hard and needed a break".  Can't beat Scottish hospitality!

Before going to Scotland, I stupidly asked my mom if there were big hills there...well...

After lunch/breakfast took a walk down and then back up the Royal Mile.  Got a chance to go yesterday, but didn't really venture out from the immediate area in case I got lost.  Today I gave myself a little more freedom and ended up at the Scottish Parliament - a fairly modern building and perhaps the only modern building on the Royal Mile - and then at Edinburgh Castle.  Lots of tourists, and tourist traps, including a bagpiper and a man dressed as William Wallace.  Still, everything is still new and exciting, so even silly things like that seem cool.  Didn't get a chance to go inside anything like the castle, but I'll make it sometime during the semester and will be sure to update you on it!

Finally, after orientation me and my new friends from Arcadia ventured out to try and find a pub.  After an unsuccessful attempt to get to somewhere with "grass" in its name, we stumbled upon the wonderfully named  Whistle Binkies where I finished my first beer (an IPA of unknown type, if anyone's interested)!  Good way to start off I think.