Category: Drinks

El Santo (Glasgow) 2023 : Review

84 Miller Street
Glasgow, G1 1DT

INVITED
10-11-2023

Visit & Vibes

I recently received an invitation to El Santo in Glasgow, a place that has been on my list for a while. Despite my ever-growing list and ongoing house renovations, the timing worked out perfectly.

The entrance to the restaurant was stunning, with a pleasant atmosphere complemented by cool and warm lighting.

The staff was exceptionally friendly.

Seated in a comfortable booth with a great view of the impressive bar and surroundings, the only concern I had was that the red lighting might affect my photos.

Décor★★★★★
Noise Level★★★★
Restaurant Temperature★★★★
Table Dressing★★★★
Restaurant Cleanliness★★★★★
Background Music Level★★★★

The Food

I will start by mentioning unfortunately where I was seated the lighting wasn’t the best for photos, so I apologise in advance but I have tweaked it to the best of my abilities.

CROCANTES CON GUACAMOLE (VG)(GF) £8,50/15,00
Three house crisps, salsa loka served with guacamole, mixed at the table.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, the photos turned out a bit too red and not as sharp as I would have preferred.

Let’s move on to the food, which is, after all, why you’re here.

To begin, we ordered the salsa, a dish served and mixed at the table.

Everyone was raving about it, and though I found the tableside mixing interesting to watch, my primary focus was on the taste.

Trying a crisp with the salsa, I found it truly delightful—fresh and tasty. The crisp had the perfect texture, being nice and crispy.

Overall, it was an excellent little starter that I would gladly have again, as I thoroughly enjoyed the flavours. While the tableside mixing wasn’t entirely to my preference, flavour-wise, it was spot on.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★

PASTEL DE POLLO AHUMICADO Y QUESO £8.00
Savoury pastry filled with smoked pulled chicken breast, cream cheese, herb aioli.

For the next dish, I opted for something entirely random – pastries filled with smoked pulled chicken breast, cream cheese, and herb aioli.

Initially, upon their arrival, they seemed just okay visually.

However, once I took the first bite, everything changed. The pastry had a delightful crispness, and the filling was exceptional.

I could easily have had two or three more; I’m not exaggerating. Surprisingly, they were fantastic even without dipping them in the accompanying sauce.

Although I tried it with the dip, it was only okay for my taste.

On their own, they were absolutely amazing.

I highly recommend trying this dish if the description intrigues you. I can’t wait to have it again on my return.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

VIERAS SELADAS CON MEL TRUFFADO (GF) £16.50
Three seared scallops, sweet potato mousse, rum truffled honey, poppy seeds.

The next dish, which I had seen other bloggers try, immediately caught my attention.

Being a big fan of scallops, I couldn’t resist trying it.

Upon arrival, three perfectly cooked scallops accompanied by sweet potato mousse, rum truffled honey, and a sprinkle of poppy seeds were placed in front of me.

The initial visual presentation was quite pleasing, and then the aroma hit me – it was amazing. With no hesitation, I dived right in and tried one.

The scallops were cooked to perfection, and the combination of the mousse, truffle honey, and poppy seeds made the flavors explode in my mouth.

It was yet another outstanding dish, one that I could easily have had two or three more of tonight because it was just that good.

I highly recommend trying this dish if you visit El Santo, and it’s one I will definitely be having again on my return.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

TACO – CHIPOTLE POLLO (GF) (DFA) £7.00
Pulled chicken, chipotle mayo, pickled onion, lettuce.

and

TACO DE BACALAO (DF) £8.00
Beer battered cod, pea guacamole, aioli, jalapeño, caviar.

The final dish before dessert, and it was a must-try for me to sample some tacos while at El Santo.

I couldn’t pass that up. I opted for two: the beer-battered cod and the pulled chicken tacos.

Upon arrival, they looked decent, though I apologize for the picture quality due to the red lighting in my seating area.

I started with the pulled chicken, and once again, it was delightful.

The chipotle mayo and pickled onion stood out initially, followed by the wonderful texture and flavor of the pulled chicken. It was really enjoyable.

Next, I tried the beer-battered cod, and this one was my favorite between the two. It had significantly more flavor, at least for me. Every aspect of it was truly pleasing, and I could easily have had another one.

So, I recommend checking out the tacos. There are a few other options I’m eager to try on my return visit.

Dish Flavour★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★

EL SANTO CHARTO CIGAR £10.00
Chocolate cigar, blackberry gel. A five-sensory chocolate journey, dusted with a smoked tea ash.

I couldn’t leave without indulging in dessert, and I discovered the El Santo Charto Cigar on the menu.

This piqued my interest as it promised an abundance of chocolate – perfect for my sweet tooth. Although I captured a video, the blurry footage due to the lighting makes it advisable to check out other bloggers who might have been seated in a brighter area.

The presentation is truly impressive; a sizable cigar box arrives with a side dish.

Upon opening the box, smoke emerges, enhancing the atmosphere and providing a visual treat. Chocolate sauce is then poured over the side dish, adding to the spectacle. This part of the presentation is noteworthy and should be retained.

Now, it was time to savor the dessert.

Starting with the cigar, I dove in without knowing exactly how to eat it, and it was exceptionally good. The blackberry kind of jelled drops on the cigar dust in the dish added a unique touch, and the cigar itself was bursting with flavor.

Transitioning to the side dish, the combination of different textures, chocolate sauce, chocolate ice cream, and the topping created a perfect blend.

Surprisingly, despite my sweet tooth, I didn’t find it overly sweet; it was just right for my taste. Additionally, it wasn’t overly heavy, which is another positive aspect.

This dessert is a must-try for chocolate lovers or anyone with a sweet tooth like mine. I highly, highly, highly recommend it. On my return, there’s no doubt about which dessert I’ll be ordering again – it’ll be this one.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Strawberry & Habanero Margarita £10
Tapatio Blanco Tequila, Strawberry cordial, lime juice, habanero

With my meal, I intended to order a cocktail since I had heard that the cocktails here were excellent.

Unsure of what to choose among the intriguing options, I asked a staff member for a recommendation suited for someone with a sweet tooth. She suggested two cocktails, making it a tough decision. Ultimately, I let her surprise me, and the one that arrived on the table was the Strawberry and Habanero Margarita.

Visually appealing, I eagerly anticipated my first sip. True to her words, it had a small kick from the habanero, making it more of a sipping cocktail than one to drink quickly.

Despite the kick, the flavor remained delightful, and it didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment of the drink. I would certainly order it again, along with trying another one of their cocktails.

Flavour★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★

Final Thoughts…

Overall what a great invite! the food and service were spot on and so good that I am adding it to my top spots page.

Service / Staff★★★★★
Ambience★★★★★
Time between Courses★★★★★
Overall Value for Money★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING★★★★★
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.

Zique’s NEW Small Plates Menu (Glasgow, West End) 2023 : Review

66 Hyndland Street
Partick
Glasgow , G11 5PT

INVITED
28-10-2023

Visit & Vibes

I recently got an invite to Zique’s on Hindland Street in Partick.

I’ve had the pleasure of dining here on a few occasions, and every time has been an absolute delight. But this time, there was something special on the menu that had me counting down the days until my visit.

Zique’s recently extended an invite for me to come and explore their small plates menu, and let me tell you, I couldn’t accept fast enough.

This small plate menu is available exclusively from Thursday to Saturday, between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. It’s the perfect way to kick off a weekend, if you ask me!

As soon as I walked in, the warm welcome from the staff was like a big foodie hug, and the cosy ambience wrapped around me like a comfort blanket. Zique’s has this lovely decor that’s just so easy on the eyes. And to top it off, they seated me by the window, which meant I could indulge in both the delicious food and some prime people-watching.

Décor★★★★★
Noise Level★★★★★
Restaurant Temperature★★★★
Table Dressing★★★★
Restaurant Cleanliness★★★★★
Background Music Level★★★★★
Disabled ToiletsYes

The Food

The staff recommends you order around 2 to 3 dishes each so that way you can share.

Orkney Crab Tagliatelle (£n/a tonight normally £12.00)
chili, tomato

My first choice on this culinary adventure was none other than the Orkney Crab Tagliatelle. This is one of the larger plates, so just be warned but it’s 100% worth it if you are very hungry.

When it arrived, my eyes were in for a treat. Visually, it was a feast for the senses and the aroma.

The cooking was top-notch, and the flavors? There was this subtle, delightful crab essence that just made it perfect. The texture and taste, well, they were on point and the pasta was cooked perfectly.

Everything worked very well together, though the addition of the tomatoes to this dish wasn’t really necessary but that is a personal opinion.

I’d order this dish again in a heartbeat.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Braised beef croquettes (£n/a tonight normally £11.50)
burger sauce & pickles

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show tonight for me– the braised beef croquettes, dressed up with some delectable burger sauce and a side of pickles.

When they landed on the table, there were three adorable cubes. Presentation-wise, it was a visual treat, and I was practically salivating with anticipation to dive right in.

The moment I sliced into one of those little croquettes, it broke apart very easily showcasing the expert braising that went into these beauties.

Taking that first mouthwatering bite, my taste buds went into overdrive. The beef, my friends, was slow-cooked to absolute perfection. It was like a juicy, tender, flavor-packed dream come true. Honestly, it stole the show that night.

If I had to pick a favorite from the entire meal, this would be it!!!.

I could eat these over and over and over again, and I wholeheartedly recommend you give them a try.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Roast carrots (£n/a tonight normally £5.50)
jalapeno oil, pine nut

One more gem from tonight’s order was the roast carrots.

When they graced the table, they were a sight to behold – visually pleasing and with an enticing aroma that hinted at something special.

As I indulged in that first delicious bite, there was a surprising twist waiting for me. It turns out I missed the subtle kick of jalapeno oil mentioned in the description, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.

It took these seemingly ordinary roast carrots to a whole new level. What could have been a mundane carrot dish turned into a flavorful adventure that I savored from the very first bite to the last.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Chips, parmesan (£n/a tonight normally £6.00)
chili, spring onion, coriander

Let’s talk about the next dish on my small plate adventure – the chips adorned with parmesan, chili, spring onion, and coriander.

Brace yourself, because this was no small side; it was a generous helping of big, chunky chips with their skins intact. Just looking at them, you could tell this was going to be good.

When I grabbed one of these chips and took a bite, it was a standalone delight.

They were perfectly cooked, and the flavor was a real treat. The parmesan was there, but in a very subtle, elegant way, which I appreciated. Now, in terms of the chili, I personally didn’t get a big hit of spice, but the parmesan and spring onion were the real heroes here. They really elevated these chips to a whole new level.

What really blew me away, though, was the flawless cooking and the ideal texture. I couldn’t help but savor every single bite.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Chips, rosemary salt (£n/a tonight normally £6.50)
truffle mayo

The rosemary salt and truffle mayo chips were an absolute delight!

When they arrived, they looked incredibly appetizing, and I couldn’t resist diving right in. The first chip I tried was coated with the perfect combination of the fragrant rosemary salt and creamy truffle mayo – and it was an explosion of flavor. Each bite was like a little slice of heaven, and it left me craving for more.

With every subsequent chip, my appreciation for this dish grew. The chips were cooked to perfection, with a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender inside. The seasoning was spot on, with just the right amount of salt to enhance the potato’s natural flavors. The truffle mayo added a luxurious creaminess and a hint of earthy truffle that elevated the entire experience.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Tacos – Braised Pork Shoulder (£n/a normally £11.50)
served on homemade corn tortillas, with lime cabbage, pickled red onion, salsa, avocado & smoked jalapeno hot sauce

Let’s dive into one of the grand finales of the meal tonight – the tantalizing tacos, served on homemade corn tortillas.

These bad boys come loaded with lime, crisp cabbage, tangy pickled red onions, zesty salsa, creamy avocado, and a smoky jalapeno hot sauce. Tonight’s star filling? The mouthwatering braised pork shoulder.

Now, when these arrived, I was pleasantly surprised; they were another one of those substantial dishes, and you get two of them, which makes it perfect for sharing – unless you’re feeling particularly ravenous and want to keep both to yourself.

Handling these tacos was a bit of a juggling act, but it was worth it to get that full explosion of flavors.

That first massive bite was a revelation. The corn tortilla was on point, delivering a delightful texture and taste. Then, the pickled red onions danced onto the scene, followed by a subtle yet tantalizing jalapeno hot sauce kick. And let’s not forget the star of the show – the braised pork shoulder, cooked to perfection and irresistibly tender.

These tacos were a flavor-packed, filling delight, so be prepared for a satisfying feast.

I’d highly recommend sharing them or, if you’re in the mood for a taco adventure, tackle both yourself. Another must-try for your visit!

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Final Thoughts…

Firstly a BIG thanks to Ziques for tonight’s invite, and all the amazing food!

I loved everything from start to finish, the food, service, and atmosphere.

Ziques has been on my top restaurants list and is 100% staying on it, do check them out as I am sure you will love it as much as I did!

Service / Staff★★★★★
Ambience★★★★★
Time between Courses★★★★★
Halal FriendlyNo
Vegan FriendlySome dishes
Overall Value for Money★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING★★★★★
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.

Hibiz a Taste of Africa Drinks 2023 : Review

GIFTED

About Hibiz

Have a taste of Africa by trying out our authentic hibiscus drink! Hibiscus has many health benefits and it’s the perfect alternative for alcohol.

In addition to our original flavour, we have a SPICY flavour containing nutmeg and cinnamon to really give it some spice.

The Drinks

Hibiz A Taste of Africa Hibiscus Drink Original is a delightful surprise!

When I received these two cans, I decided to kick things off with the original because I had never even heard of it before. Exploring new products is a bit of a hobby of mine, and I believe in trying something at least once – or in my case, a few times if it’s that good.

So, after chilling the can, I couldn’t help but notice the label’s claim that it’s a “natural and refreshing alternative to alcohol.” Intrigued, I checked out the ingredients list, which included spring water, hibiscus, pineapple, ginger, and clove – all sounding incredibly promising.

Hibiz a Taste of Africa
Hibiscus Drink Original

As I cracked open the can, a delightful aroma filled the air. I picked up notes of pineapple and hints of ginger, intertwined with a mix of other inviting scents.

My first sip mirrored the aroma perfectly. It was a unique, acquired taste, but for me, it was an instant hit. The drink was incredibly refreshing, with the sweet tang of pineapple and a subtle, surprising hint of grape. To my delight, a closer look at the ingredients revealed the presence of red grapes, adding another layer to the flavour profile.

Hibiz A Taste of Africa Hibiscus Drink Original is a remarkable blend of flavours that I thoroughly enjoyed from the first sip to the last drop. I can’t wait to dive into the other can they sent me – this was a delightful introduction to their offerings!

Flavour★★★★★
Can Appearance★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Hibiz a Taste of Africa
Hibiscus Drink Spicy

My next tasting adventure led me to the intriguing hibiscus spicy version. The label proudly displayed its ingredient lineup: spring water, hibiscus, orange, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

As with its counterpart, it promised a refreshing alternative to alcoholic beverages. After giving it a proper chill, I popped the cap and was greeted with an aroma reminiscent of the milder variant.

Upon that initial sip, a delicate dance of orange and cinnamon unveiled itself, offering a tantalizing twist. Initially, the flavour bore a strong resemblance to the original, but a few moments in, a subtle yet delightful kick of cinnamon began to emerge. First, it graced the back of the throat, then gradually hit the tongue and palate, leaving a warm, satisfying sensation.

In the grand scheme of things, this hibiscus spicy version emerged as a splendid alternative to its milder counterpart, enriching my evening with a delightful interplay of flavours.

It’s a welcomed choice for those seeking a non-alcoholic option with a hint of spice.

Flavour★★★★★
Can Appearance★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Final Thoughts…

I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the folks over at Hibiz for generously sending me their delightful beverages.

I must say, the experience of trying both of these drinks was truly fantastic. As someone who relishes the opportunity to explore new flavours, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed them. I can easily envision myself in the comfort of my home, leisurely sipping on these beverages while immersing myself in a movie.

In fact, I am quite certain that I’ll be adding them to my shopping list in the near future.

I encourage you to give them a try, and if you’ve already had the pleasure, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

I am adding these to my top products page so do check them out.

MY OVERALL RATING★★★★★
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.
%d bloggers like this: