The Mystery Market

  Five years ago the members of J.A.M. encountered a lovely market at St. Enoch's Square in the city centre.  It was wonderful.  Filled with lovely foods and treats.  It vanished overnight.  Countless hours searching the internet yielded no information on this market. 
  Then this Thursday past, it mysteriously appeared once more.  Once again it was a chance encounter.  The right place at the right time.  I was thrilled to see it again after five years.  This time around I am certain it appears for Oktoberfest.  Though once again the internet and Glasgow City websites have failed me.  I still have no idea what this market is for, or exact dates for it's reappearance.   It was enjoyed while it was here though.
  The first stall I noticed was the Italian sweets stall.  Row after row of the most delicious looking nougat.  I was ecstatic.  Nougat is my love.  I adore it, and have since I was a small child.  The thought of choosing between dozens of flavours pleased me greatly, and resulted in much squealing.  There was chocolate mint, ameretti, limoncello, strawberries and cream, candied fruit, almond, pistachio and the list goes on.

The many varieties of Italian nougat.

I ended up choosing the Harvest Field Berry flavour on my first trip to the market.  It was delightful.  A  combination of freeze dried berries and freeze dried berry powder and almonds.  The nougat itself was so airy.  It was almost dry, but still slightly chewy.  I was in heaven.  I am now on a mission to recreate this flavour.

The berry nougat.

  Only the nougat was purchased on the first tour of the market.  It was more of a scouting out what was there.  On the Saturday I was back.  The first thing I did was to make a beeline to the Dutch pancake stall.  I am in love with those fluffy little pancakes.  I could probably live quite happily on nothing else.  I ate almost nothing else when I was in Amsterdam if that gives you any idea of the love I hold for these little gems.  You could buy them in a size small or large.  I opted for the small, because the portions were quite large.  There were a variety of toppings to choose from, but I like to keep it simple.  Icing sugar and lemon juice.  They were perfect, and I was satisfied.  

If heaven was a pancake, this would be it.

 
  Once I was finished my pancakes it was off to the sausage stall.  So many varieties of salami to choose from.  It all sounded delicious.  There was a hazelnut salami that intrigued me greatly, but I did not choose it.  I chose the Garlic Salami.  Not exciting no, not really.  It was delicious though, and I ate almost the entire thing to myself.  It was perfection.  The outer skin was salty, which I love.  It was smoked just enough. The garlic flavour came through, but not too strongly.  How I wish it could be bought everyday!  I would be the size of a house, but it might be worth it!

The many sausages.

 

 

 

The garlic salami.

   Now that I was filled up on pancakes, and had my little garlic salami treat tucked away safely to eat later, it was time for more nougat!  I had a pretty good idea as to which flavour I was going to choose.  As I got to the stall I noticed the swarms of people milling about in front of it.  Oh yes there is much to look at.  The many Italian biscuits, and chocolates on offer is extraordinary.  Much to gawk over.  I was annoyed, because there was no room for me to make my quick purchase.  So I waked on by.  Took another stroll along the market in hopes that when I made it back to the Italian sweets, the throng of people would have left.
  I walked past stalls selling Grilled Wild Boar Burgers, Spanish Tapas, Bratwurst, Jerk Chicken, Noodles.  Everything you could imagine.  Stalls selling items for your garden.  Soaps, jams, mittens, jewelry, candy, and fudge. 

A stall that sold dried fruit, candied fruit and nuts.

   As I made it back to the land of nougat I noticed that the crowd had thinned.  I grabbed my wedge of Limoncello Nougat.  It was a lemony yellow colour and was filled with candied lemon peel and almonds.  The limoncello flavour was quite subtle, but was enough.  The texture was slightly different from the berry nougat.  It was stickier and not as airy.  A denser nougat.  It was still very good, but the berry wins out for sure.

Limoncello Nougat.

   Overall, I was very pleased with the mystery market.  I really that I find it again next year, and that I don't have to wait another five years before it's reappearance.

A piece of the market.

  

  What I am about to share has nothing to do with the market, but this lovely little item arrived in the mail this morning and it's loveliness must be shared.  The item is a package of Hakodate Wine Red Wine Caramels.   They are a kind of caramel from Hokkaido Japan.  I ordered them about a month ago from Japan, so I was quite pleased to see them this morning.  Oh the food items in Japan, they please me greatly.  So many amazing things that you just never see here.

The caramels in their box.

  I ordered a few other small items as well.  Such as the Shirokuma Ice Drops, and the Raspberry and Passion Fruit Kit Kat.  The Shirokuma ice drops are one of the many flavours of Sakuma
  Back to the caramels.  When I opened the package the smell of grapes hit me.  In a pleasant way though.  The smell made my mouth water just a little. The caramels were individually wrapped and in neat little rows.

Purple caramels in rows of two

   I was quite excited to try these.  They've intrigued me for awhile.  The smell just about sealed the deal for love.  I unwrapped the little morsel and popped the pinkish purple square into my mouth.  The texture was similar to taffy.  The taste, oh how creamy and smooth.  At first it just tasted like grape candy, and then the flavour began to change.  The wine flavour began to come through, and the after taste, well it was just wine. These may end up my new favourite caramel.  Though there is a seaweed variety still out there to try....

Creamy red wine caramel delight.

  M.

The New Love of My Life

  A few weeks ago I received a card in the mail advertising the Athena Taverna on Argyle Street. I went to their website, and looked for the menu immediately.  I was in love with most of the starters and dips.  The mains, only a few.  There is quite a lot of lamb on the menu, and I'm just not all that keen on it.  It and my stomach do not get get on well.  They tend to argue.  Then there was the dessert menu.  Now this menu is what sealed the deal for me.  There was one item that I was desperate to try.
  As I have stated, I received the card weeks ago.  Why have I just gone in now?  Well I generally shy away from Greek food.  Only because I am a gal who loves her rich foods.  When I go out for dinner I want heavy, rich, decadent foods.  Things I generally don't make at home.  Greek food I generally find too light, and I feel like I've missed out on something.  Not to say that I don't like Greek food.  I love it!  It's a cuisine that I've grown up with.  So I tend to stay away.  There have also been birthdays since hearing of this taverna, so more familiar places have been placed ahead of it.
  So finally, last night I got to go! Reservations made from the restaurant website with no problems.  I was very pleased when we walked in.  It's very small and dark.  I loved everything about it.  It was pretty, and despite it's small size, it didn't feel overly crowed. We were allowed to choose out seat, and chose the back corner.  This was the perfect spot.  Though I suppose, sitting by the window would have been nice as well.  We were greeted, seated and served by the owner (we're fairly certain he was the owner).  He was lovely and he knew what he was doing.  As the night went on the dining room filled up, and he took care of everything alone.  He did this with ease.
  Ordering was easy, as I had my meal planned a day in advance (I was really looking forward to it).  I had the Grilled Halloumi, a Crypriot goats cheese, as my starter.  My husband had the Kalamari.  We also decided to get a portion of the Houmous with pita to share.  The halloumi was three pieces of the grilled goats cheese and came with a small side salad.  It was perfect.  I have never had halloumi before, but I adore goats cheese.  It was so different from what I had expected.  It was so very salty, and firm.  I loved every mouthful, and I pine for it as I write this.  Another venture out may be in order very soon.  The kalamari was perfectly cooked.  It came with a sharp garlic dip.  It was divine.  The garlic dip went very well with my cheese in case you're wondering.  The kalamari came with a wedge of lemon, I did not touch it so as to avoid another flying lemon incident. The houmous was fantastic.  The pita incredibly fresh.  Every last bit of the starters was eaten.
   For my main I ordered the Vegetarian Dolmades with Greek Salad and Roast Potatoes.  My husband has the Pastitsio with Greek Salad and Roast Potatoes.  Since the starters were such a reasonable size (starters are generally just too large these days) we assumed our mains would be as well.  We couldn't have been more wrong.  When our mains were placed before us on the table our jaws dropped.  They were massive!  The biggest plate of food I have ever seen.  I didn't know where to start.  I went for one of the dolmades (rice and veggie stuffed vine leaf).  I moved one, only to realize that it was just on top of a pile of seven.  Seven dolmades.  To top off the seven stuffed leaves, there was a generous side of Greek salad and two big roast potatoes.  Once I maneuvered the stuffed leaf away from the pile I got to try it.  I was not disappointed.  It's taste I cannot place.  Cinnamon or mace.  Not entirely sure, but it was delightful.  The dolmades were cooked in a light tomato sauce and were steaming hot.  The roast potatoes, I wouldn't really call roasted.  They were cooked in a tomato sauce as well, and just fell apart at the lightest touch.  I wish to know how they were made, because I could live on those potatoes.  The salad was delightful, my only complaint....not enough green olives (I adore the little green things, so not much of a complaint only personal preference).  Now I tried to eat everything, but I'm only small.  I can only hold so much.  I felt as though I hadn't even touched the dish.  I ate four of the dolmades, and most of the potatoes and salad.  The rest I brought home, to eat as I write this!

Leftover Dolmades. A second meal.

   The pastitsio  is a kind of Greek lasagna.  I guess that's the best way to describe it.  It looked delicious, but was filled with lamb so I couldn't try it.  The pasta was long thin tubes that I have never seen before.  It's description was pasta and minced lamb topped with a bechamel and oven baked.  It was accompanied by the same roast potatoes and salad as my meal.  Every last mouthful of the pastitsio  was eaten so I know it was good!
  Now onto the delight that has changed my life!  Even though I was incredibly full I had to have the dessert I'd been eying up for weeks.  The Galaktoboureko.  I had to know what it was!  It was described as a Greek milk pie.  A milk pie!  I needed to know.  Yes I could have googled it ages ago, but I wanted the surprise.  Surprised I was!  I didn't know what to expect, and what I received, was nothing like I had thought.  It was a long rectangle with vanilla ice cream served along side.  The top was crispy, the filling like a set custard. It smelled of over ripe strawberries, and I found that it tasted exactly as it smelled.  A floral fruity something.  I still can't quite put my finger on what it tasted like. Even after googling and finding a recipe! If you know how an over ripe strawberry smells, then think of how that might taste.  It didn't taste like an over ripe strawberry, it tasted like the smell of one.  I fell in love.  This 'pie' is the new love of my life.  I will be making my own version very very soon.  I ate every last bit of that tasty life changing dessert.

Galaktoboureko with vanilla ice cream, and the new love of my life.

   My husband opted for the Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream for his dessert.  He thought he was being safe.Choosing something small and simple after that large meal.  Dun dun duuuuun! It was huge.  Three very large scoops.  He did manage to eat all of it.  It was very good vanilla, I must say.   He also ordered a cappuccino to go with his dessert.  He said it was one of the best coffees he has had in a long time.  Which made me wish I had gotten one. Even though I think my stomach would have jumped out of me,  slapped me across the face, then promptly marched away and out the door.  
  Another delightful meal, and we will most certainly be back.  We have to go.  I need that cheese and that pie in my life again.  Not to mention the Greek red wine that I am desperate to try.
Mx

The Flying Lemon

   The first post should be from all three members of J.A.M. it should, but this dining experience had to be shared.
     My husband took me out to Ingram Wynd for Canadian Thanksgiving last night.  This was my third time dining there and my husbands second.  The dining room reminds me of 1930's speakeasy meets Victorian charm, and I love it.  It's dark inside which is something I love in a restaurant.  I also love that you cross a small bridge to enter the dining room (This might be the little girl that still resides somewhere in my lower spine that has always loved bridges).
    We were greeted by the (I assume) manager, who has worked every time I've been in.  We were remembered and treated warmly.  Restaurants experiences are always so much more pleasant when there is some familiarity.   We were seated in the corner overlooking the basement level.  What I enjoyed most about our seat was that no one else was sat near us during our entire meal.  Ah peace.

    Now onto the meal!  I ordered the smoked mackerel and potato salad with rocket as my starter.  My husband ordered the  haggis, neeps and tatties tower with peppercorn sauce.  My salad was delightful.  The potato salad tasted like it has slices of lemon peel throughout.  This confused my mouth at first just because it was so unexpected.  It was very good though.  The vinaigrette that was drizzled on the plate I cannot place.  It tasted like balsamic, so my guess was a white balsamic vinaigrette?  It complemented everything on the plate nicely, and I could have just had it as a drink (yes it was that delicious).   

Smoked Mackerel Salad

    I can't really say anything from personal experience with the haggis, but I have been told that it was wonderful.  The peppercorn sauce contained green peppercorns along with the black, and was most tasty.  Every last bit was eaten, so I can only assume it was enjoyed.

Haggis Tower

   The mains!  I had the char-grilled swordfish with warm potato salad, dressed rocket salad and finished with salsa verde.  My husband had the roast pork belly with black pudding mash, green beans and a red wine and rosemary jus.  Let me say the swordfish was wonderful in every way.   It was cooked to perfection! I ate every bite of it.  The rocket was dressed in the same balsamic(?) vinaigrette that came with the mackerel, and it tasted like candy.  I was delighted.  However!  The fish came with a wedge of lemon.  I was always taught to never serve fish with a lemon wedge.  If a customer requested it, well then by all means.  This didn't bother me much as I do love lemon with swordfish.  I tried the fish with just the salsa, and decided "Why yes, I think I will have a squeeze of fresh lemon on my little fishy'.  So I picked up the wedge and began to squeeze.  Then to my horror and surprise,  the little wedge flew.  Oh how it did fly!  It soared through the bars onto the floor below, landing with a hollow splat.  I am unsure if anyone else in the restaurant heard it, but my husband and I sure did.  It just sat there.  A little yellow blob in a sea of black tiles.  I was speechless.  These things happen to me fairly regularly when I'm dining out.  I'm clumsy, I am.  Then the laughing started.  I couldn't stop.  I really didn't know what to do.  Thank goodness there was no one dining downstairs.   This lemons unscheduled flight left my fish lemon-less, but it was still delightful just the same.  Later on in the meal my husband went downstairs to rescue it.  It was placed in one of the empty water glasses, and with any luck no one will ever learn of it's flight.

Grilled swordfish and the flying lemon.

    The husbands pork belly was served on a bed of black pudding mash.  It had a piece of battered and fried pork rind (we think) as a garnish.  This garnish I have been told was tasty, but almost impossible to eat.  I did taste the mash and the red wine and rosemary jus.  These were delightful.  I could eaten a bowl of just that.  One black pudding mash with red wine and rosemary jus please!  I was told that the pork was a bit dry, but besides that it was very good.  

Roast pork belly.

   By the time we finished our mains, we decided that desserts were out of the question.  We were so full.  So we just had cappuccinos.  These came with delicious squares of tablet.  The tablet was all the sugar I needed at the end of my meal.  It was perfect, and so was the coffee.

Cappuccino and tablet. A nice finish to the meal.

   A most enjoyable Canadian Thanksgiving dinner.  Very nontraditional, but hey, there was a flying lemon!
M.