Carluccio's, St Pancras Station, London

This was just around the corner from the flat we were staying in.  I generally prefer to stay away from chain restaurants, especially when we're away from home, as there's so many lovely independent restaurants that I haven't tried.  However, we were hangry.

We needed fed and we needed fed NOW!

We had previously had brunch in Carluccio's in Aberdeen and enjoyed it so we were hopeful that the fare here would be of similar standard.  

We had the Grandioso Board to start.  Alan doesn't normally do well with sharing food, however, it seems I have whipped him into shape somehow.  Who would have thought that would have been possible?

The chicken liver pate was fantastic, (maybe even better than my own!) as were the garlic and mint green beans - something I think I'll try at home.



Speaking of trying things at home...

Even since we visited I've been trying to recreate the main course I had here - Penne Giardiniera.  Penne pasta with courgette and crispy spinach balls in a chilli/garlic/parmesan buttery sauce.  It was so delicious.  I've not quite mastered it yet, but I'm getting there.  

For pudding, Alan had Fudge and Rum Cake, which he was happy to learn didn't taste like rum...why pick a rum cake if you don't like rum?  Eejit.  Sadly, I didn't have space for pudding.  I've always had my eye on the amazing looking meringues that seem to grace the windows of all Carluccio's restaurants.  Maybe another time though.  The coffee I had was good though.  

It's been good, London.  

Giuliano's on the Shore, Leith, Edinburgh

By the time we reached Giuliano's, we were rat arsed.  We had a few drinks at Malmaison and then a few more at The Ship on the Shore.  Both places were lovely.  We were well oiled and in need of some tasty food to soak up the alcohol.  On our way to the restaurant we had a wee wander around Leith and spotted these cute cygnets with their parents...

When we arrived, they were fully booked but we decided to wait for a table to become free.  Luckily, after only five minutes, we were shown to our table.  The restaurant is larger than it seems from the outside, and is decorated just as you would expect an Italian restaurant to be.  Our waiter was friendly and welcoming.  

We shared Antipasto Misto (£9.90) to start.  Everything on the platter was delicious. I love a platter!  

Alan had Lasagne (£9.90).  I knew he would.  He has it whenever it's on the menu.  I love lasagne but I feel that I could easily make it at home so it feels like a waste of an opportunity to experience something new if I choose it when I'm out.  I had Paccheri di Branzino (£10.50) which was delicious.  I was surprised, but delighted, that it came with a with a great big prawn.  The pasta was the best I've ever tasted.  It did a fantastic job of soaking up the alcohol and although the dish was fairly small, it was filling.  

I was glad to have left some space for pudding though.  I ordered Tiramisu (£5.50) and it was massive.  I must admit, I like a little more alcohol in mine and a bit more of a coffee flavour too but it was still really good.  

I would return here.  It had a nice atmosphere and the staff were really friendly.