Take it Easy

Food glorious food. I would be lying if I said that eating wasn’t one of my top three things to do in the whole entire world. I’m enjoying cooking at home more and more these days, but there’s still something super enjoyable about going out for dinner and trying out all the new places that seem to be popping up all over Glasgow. The city seems to be saturated with burger joints at the moment, with a certain stretch of St Vincent street containing 4 or 5 burger related restaurants all dotted a couple of doors down from one another. I love burgers as much as the next meat eater, but what each of these places does to stand out amongst the crowd is extremely important given the current climate, and close proximity of their competitors. There was word on the street of a new kid in town, so I headed into Glasgow to check it out for myself.

You may have heard of Ed’s Easy Diner before, but the name was totally new to me! They have a whole load of restaurants in England, with the first one originating in Soho, London. This American style diner has just opened in the St Enoch shopping centre in Glasgow, with another in Aberdeen and one to open in Inverness soon too.

The menu had a great selection of burgers, hot dogs, chicken, veggie options, salads and sides. Just the right amount where you feel like you have enough to choose from, but also aren’t completely overwhelmed with too much choice. I tend to end up doing the ‘scanning’ thing where I am so hungry, I go over the menu again and again not actually READING anything or taking it in. I enjoyed an ice cold cherry coke and Pete had a fanta while we decided what to have.

Once we had ordered, we made a few old school music selections on the juke box while enjoying the proper kitsch americana decor and atmosphere. I sometimes worry about themed restaurants like this feeling too forced or a bit overdone, but Ed’s strikes just the right balance without it becoming a bit of a novelty. I did get a bit over excited when Buddy Holly came on though, and wished I was sitting there with a tea dress and victory rolls in my hair!

Pete went for the Chilli Cheese Burger, which is topped with Chilli Con Carne and American Cheese. He opted for the ‘plate’ which at £11.35 came with onion rings, sweet potato fries and coleslaw. I got the Slick Dog, which had BBQ Sauce, Bacon and Cheese Sauce. That cheese sauce will be the death of me! I also got the plate meal, and upgraded my fries to wet fries with cheese, because cheese and gravy has to be one of the most stellar combinations I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. It’s the simple things in life, eh? I wasn’t a big fan of the coleslaw, but everything else was great right down to the onion rings which were in a deliciously seasoned batter. Nothing felt greasy, and both Pete and myself commented (after the waitress collected two empty plates) that it didn’t feel stodgy or heavy at all, like some of these types of restaurants can make you feel afterwards. I was hungry, yes, but surprised at myself for finishing the full portion as it was actually pretty big. You know where you are so full you sorta want to cry and have a big nap after your meal? We didn’t feel this way at all!

Not wanting to tempt fate and push ourselves into a food coma, for dessert we decided to share a Nutella Milshake. At £4.75 it was big enough for two, and more than enough to satisfy that sweet tooth that haunts me immediately after a savoury meal. They did have some very tempting sundaes on the menu, so perhaps I’ll try one next time! I also just found out that they do breakfast too, which I’ll need to check out as I like to keep my french toast and pancakes of Glasgow list updated on a regular basis 😉

It did feel a bit strange going to a proper sit in restaurant in the middle of a shopping centre, but to be honest it was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets and up to this little 2nd floor haven in the St Enoch Centre. We signed up for free to Ed’s Club while we were there, so both have a voucher to get a free Burger or Hot Dog when we buy a drink next time we visit. I’m becoming quite thrifty in my old age and tend to take advantage of vouchers like this, and normally check sites like Voucher Bin before I am heading out for a meal just in case I can find a wee discount code or 2-4-1 offer. Have you tried any nice new places for eating out lately? Glasgow is becoming a proper busy and bustling hub of great new joints to eat and drink!