By Amy Glasgow @ /theglasgowdiet
Whenever I think of The Prancing Stag, the phrase ‘hidden gem’ always comes to mind. Tucked neatly away beside Jordanhill train station, it’s easy to miss – but to miss it would be a mistake. This neighbourhood restaurant boasts Scottish fine dining using seasonal produce and classic flavours.
It’s a shame when we arrive that it’s a bit dark and miserable, as their covered terrace would be a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of chilled wine in the sunshine. Now though, with winter looming, there is still something inviting about it, decked out with outdoor heaters and cosy blankets. Maybe a quick after dinner coffee in the dark?
We’re headed inside though, where the restaurant feels warm and welcoming, with plenty of fine wood finishing, rich leather and stunning stone bar. There’s a good buzz about the space for a Friday evening, and by this point I’m absolutely starving, so I’m extremely grateful when our server brings over some freshly baked parmesan and chive bread rolls with salted butter and a homemade basil pesto. The super soft bread dipped in that herby pesto gets me even more excited for what’s to come, and I’m glad we were only given one roll each, as I could have easily filled up on a whole basket of them.
The menu is varied but small, which I like, and I opt for the crispy panko king prawns with mango salsa and homemade sweet chilli dipping sauce. The prawns are perfectly crispy and crunchy on the outside, but soft and perfectly cooked beneath the crisp breadcrumbs. The freshness of the salsa and the sauce, enhanced with the flavour of fresh coriander, is right up my street.
On the other side of the table, my husband has ordered the special: grilled black pudding with crispy hens egg, apple puree and a crisp sail of parma ham that adds a bit of theatre to the dish. The egg yolk is still oozing generously onto the rich black pudding, and the apple adds sharpness and sweetness to an otherwise thoroughly savoury dish.
For the main event, I can’t resist the sound of the rolled crispy pork belly and chorizo with black pudding mash and red wine jus. Being one of my favourite cuts of meat, I’m quite particular about it, but the pork here lives up to expectations. It’s beautifully tender and the red wine jus compliments it perfectly – my only small criticism would be the skin could have done with being crispier, I feel I was robbed of my crackling!
The meal is finished off with a warm chocolate tore, cherry compote and dark cherry sorbet, and it is, quite honestly, one of the best sorbets I have had, bursting with that bold, intense cherry flavour. It perfectly compliments the rich chocolate torte, leaving me rolling out of the Prancing Stag feeling full and satisfied. For three courses each plus a few soft and alcoholic drinks, the meal comes to a not unreasonable £89, which I’d happily pay again – but if you’re on a tighter budget, they offer a fantastic market menu of two courses for £22 or three for £27 per person. So, when are we going back?
The Prancing Stag
1a Ashwood Gardens, Jordanhill G13 1NX
0141 959 9666
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