CHEF’S CHOICE
Ian Brown, the owner of Ian Brown Food & Drink in Giffnock, Glasgow, picks six of his favourite restaurants.
FIRST COAST, EDINBURGH
Hector is a pal who used to be my sous chef at the Ubiquitous Chip many years ago. He does fusion cooking, mainly Scottish, but you can eat food from around the world. There’s always something nice and new; Hector’s really talented and his sticky pork is just heavenly. I’ve tried to mimic it but it never turns out the same. 0131 313 4404, www.first-coast.co.uk
CAIL BRUICH, GLASGOW
We go here for posh nosh, so we always go for the tasting menu with wine. I don’t like to read the menu, so every course comes as a surprise. I love what those boys can deliver: it doesn’t have a Michelin star, but is due one. 0141 334 6265, www.cailbruich.co.uk
KOOLBA, GLASGOW
A favourite of mine, I’ve eaten here for 15 years. They serve Persian food like curries and Persian grill; I go for their mezze, mixed grill and naan bread. It’s comfortably the lightest naan I’ve ever had. 0141 552 2777, www.koolba.com
THE ITALIAN CAFFE, GLASGOW
I love the buzz round about this area and they serve the Italian small plates called piccolo piatti at this tremendous place. The veal saltimbocca is just brilliant. 0141 552 3186, www.theitaliancaffe.co.uk
MONACHYLE MHOR, BALQUHIDDER
I’ve been there a few times on a motorbike and in a car, but would love to go on a seaplane or helicopter – that’s the sort of upscale place it is. The food’s so picturesque you want to take photos of it. 01877 384622, www.mhor.net
THE WESTERN CLUB, GLASGOW
This recently opened former members club is a smoking jacket type place. I love the dark, contemporary, upmarket decor and brilliant service. I go in at teatime to sit with a drink and chill out. The food is modern classics as well as contemporary. They do a set menu and an a la carte menu. It’s all lovely. 0141 221 2016, www.westernclub.co.uk