Blas
- Food served: Tue–Sun noon–10pm
- Pre-theatre times: 4.30pm—–6.30pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 5
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Celtic ballads
- Capacity: 50
- Largest group: 50
- Open since: 2006
- Average price 2 courses:
£7 (set lunch)
£16 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £11.95
- House wine: £14.95 per bottle
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.
Co-owned by a Stornoway man, Blas brings a touch of Hebridean sophistication to the city. Blas is the Gaelic word for taste or flavour. This becomes apparent in its passionate sourcing policy, with smoked salmon from an Ullapool smoke-house, and ,of course, Stornoway black pudding. With deceptively simple cafe bar decor, there are a number of fine design touches. Creel basket-style light fittings, modern Scots paintings of island landscapes and tartan curtains help to create an understated smart Scots atmosphere. The menu offers a kind of tapas-style option where you can sample a number of different dishes. This complements a full menu which includes daily specials and constantly changing desserts. For main or starter there is a fabulous veggie haggis with a strong spicy tang accompanied by crunchy green lentils and oats. The roast rump of lamb comes with savoy cabbage, roast potatoes and a redcurrant port sauce – tender cuts of pink lamb with a thick sweet wine sauce and perfectly cooked vegetables with a nice textured chomp. For dessert, the citrus cheesecake is a highlight. A thin biscuit base, with light lemon filling topped with a lime zesty jelly: Blas more than lives up to its name.
- High point: An intelligent modern twist on Scots cuisine
- Low point: Gents floor flooded
Take Three: Regional redoubts
13 Nov 2008
Comments
- 1. Irish girl, Blas Glasgow – 18 May 2008, 8:39pmReport
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I was very disappointed with this restaurant. The steak I got was not of a good quality and was not well cooked or presented. My partner's meal was better but lacked finesse. Iwould not go back again.
- 2. Average Tourist, Blas Glasgow – 31 May 2008, 1:53pmReport
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My recent visit to Blas was a fabulous experience, especially as we were newcomers to Scottish cuisine. My roast lamb came with potatoes and bacon-wrapped green beans in a lovely presentation, while my partner sampled the haggis and stovies, which she loved too. The service deserves its own praise: each waiter was knowledgable and consistently friendly, even with our many questions about terms and dishes. The sticky toffee pudding was an amazing conclusion to the meal. I would recommend this to friends (as I already have!) with enthusiasm.
- 3. Big Jim, Scotland – 21 August 2008, 2:28pmReport
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I have been to Blas a few times since it oppened, and i have to say the quality of food is lacking in all departments.
I used to like the food, it was tasty, simple and not compliated. I had the Lamb Rump and it was dry and over cooked a waste of money. The desserts were down to one choice at 9pm, very dissapionted!
Where did the direction go of this eatery, i will have to find a new Glasgow favourit now as i wont be back in a hurry or until their is a new favourable review to sway me.
The service was ok, but not very hepfull. - 4. R Fernandez, Glasgow South – 1 November 2008, 10:55pmReport
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I have been to Blas four times, at different times of the day, and with different people. All diners have been exceptionally impressed by the quality of the food and charmed by the waiting staff.
Sometimes people can forget the basics in restaurants: tasty food at fair prices. At Blas the food is tasty and the prices fair.
There is a lovely atmosphere inside and I would go as far as saying that Blas is my favourite restaurant in Glasgow.
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