Swadish

Swadish - Modern Indian Cuisine

What used to be a fire station on 33 Ingram Street is now actually on fire but in a good way! 

From 1900 till 1984 the building on Ingram Street was the second headquarters of the Glasgow Fire Brigade. It was one of the last stations to be built to accommodate horse drawn fire engines.  It was also one of the only centres with a motorised, turntable ladder. 

Winston Churchill gave it a visit after the Blitz in 1941. 

Now it’s my turn and I was looking to put some fire in my belly! 

Swadish came to fruition a couple of months ago and is the creation of husband and wife team Ajay Kumar and his wife Jas. As a young chef Ajay was both guided and fascinated by his mentor’s ability to create magic using simple and humble ingredients.  

The colours and flavours of Punjabi-Indian cooking gave him a thirst for knowledge and experience in order to create his own unique dishes. 

Using both ancient and modern cooking techniques he has developed a plethora of dishes experimenting with every available spice and ingredient he can place his passionate hands on. He has now set Merchant City in Glasgow alight and is fanning the flames for foodies and curry lovers alike. 

Having worked in some of the best hotel India he aims to provide optimal and friendly service in a chic and cozy environment, lap bang in the hot heart of this city. 

His wife Jas has helped to create a VEGAN menu which, even a pure sceptic like me, will be tempted to try even if my passion for meat will never be dampened. 

However, it means there is something for everyone, no matter what your taste or ethics are!   

There is a separate vegan menu which proprietor Jaz developed and is passionate about sharing her favorite dishes and philosophy. Might be a case of Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.  I tried one of the dishes with sweet potato and it was sublime.  I did have it with a Lamb dish though as I’m not ready to give up meat…just yet!   

I was surprised at the variety of fish on the menu which far outweighed their carnivorous delights. My friend Rizwana Ahmed had Sea Bream Wrapped in Banana Leaf, marinated with fennel seeds, tomato masala, raw mango and green coconut chutney with gunpowder asparagus which will blow your mind, never mind your taste buds.    

Next time I go I’m trying The Tiffin Box which is like having your own wee buffet! 

For £10.95 it replicates the freshly prepared meals office workers in India take to work and has a selection of 6 different items in it; pakora, non-veg. curry of the day, seasonal veg. curry of the day, rice, Nan bread and Galub Jamun – sweet and delicious.  There are also vegan options for this. 

Although, that combination sounds pretty vegan to me but I’m obviously not very well educated in this practice.  

I can't wait for my next visit to meet Jas who is adored by Ajay and together I'll be honoured to find out more about their love story with each other, food and their gorgeous little girl! 

Food for me is always about friendship and family! 

Till the next time! 

In Short Swadish is;  

Seasonal – using local produce 

Welcoming – everyone was very friendly and efficient 

Affordable – quality far surpasses cost 

Delightful – in every way 

Innovative – developing new dishes  

Stylish – interior is eclectic and comfortable 

Honest to goodness authentic food 

And they sell my favourite Coffee!
Click to buy!

Singl-end

Singl-end

      

So, me and The Mary headed to the Singl-end in Garnethill and this was a first for her because, normally I’m working during the day and she has ‘awe the weans’ after school, so it was a right treat for both of us.

She got very excited and had a look at the website by Marcdoeswebsites and although it doesn’t have much by way of content, regarding background or concept, it does have right good pictures, directions, menus and is very easy to navigate. That’s all she needed to start salivating before she even left the house!

Me, on the other hand, I’m always interested in the history of the buildings, business, ethos and love a good story, so later, I’ll tell you a tale, about a real single end, or studio as they're now called! 

We were greeted at the door by the lovely Julie and although the street outside was deserted, at 11.30 in the morning, The Singl-end was packed. We were directed to the waiting area with lovely chesterfield couches and offered menus and drinks while we waited. The Mary decided to have a we snooze while I enjoyed the ambience.

                                                                         

It has a very cool vibe and is comfortable with a sense of vibrancy and enthusiasm from the staff; who are all gorgeous by the way. I had the Baked Meaty Eggs as usual and every, single, time I order this, think I won’t finish it but, I do. I’m then overwhelmed with self-disgust because of my own greed and suffer the disappointment of not having managed one of the fabulous cakes on offer!

Prices are very reasonable and the specials menu is always deliciously inventive. The Mary had the quiche with sweet potatoes and slightly curried cauliflower which caused me severe food envy but that’s because I’m a greedy wee ****! 

(Suggest words in the comments below please?)

Now Now!!!

So to finish!

"Once upon a time there was a wee lassie called Carrot Heid. She lived up a close in Bridgeton with 5 other family members. They huddled in a Single End and shared a toilet with two other families. Carrots was always very scared to go to the outside lavvy on her own. 

One night, after midnight, when everyone was asleep she had a very sore tummy and crept out of the hovel with the massive iron key and roll of scratchy, San Izal, toilet paper.

It was mid-December and very very cold. After doing a number 2 she noticed the toilet had iced up and…

Oh No! there it was! Her dirty business was sitting there, steaming on the ice. Wee Carrots clasped her hands and said a prayer to Jesus. She prayed her faeces would be warm enough to melt the ice and disappear. She closed her eyes for a minute and when she opened them, it had gone.

From that day forward Little Ginger was a believer but was far too embarrassed to tell anyone about The Miracle in the Lavvy!" 

The End

The toilets in the Singl-end however, are spotless, bigger than my first house and the toilet paper was deliciously soft, gentle and not at all scratchy. I could have sat there all day!

Singl-end, either the one in Merchant City or Garnethill, is one of my favourite places and the standard is always exceptional. So if you go and are asked to wait, be patient!

It’s well worth your time and hard earned dosh and they have my favourite Italian Aroma Coffee!

Take it easy!

Next time!