La Tasca - Glasgow

The growth and growth of the Spanish tapas is almost on a par with the invasive influences from other corners of the globe into our national cuisine, whatever that may be. After all it was the late Robin Cook who implied under cover of parliamentary privilege, though I expect that was co-incidental, that chicken tikka masala was now Top Dish in UK.Whatever, here we have a tasty little number of Mediterranean extraction which has endeared itself to the hearts of we island dwellers, a taste that has been met by La Tasca with typical Spanish fire and enthusiasm, leading to further dilution of our national diet, which in Glasgow includes very strongly the haggis and, less virulently the white mealie pudding.. But we live in a multi-cultural society and really we should be thankful for these gifts from overseas.

To judge by the number of La Tascas it would seem that we are, and the branch in Renfield Street is but a short walking distance from the gentlemen's club where a leading Scots industrialist entertained me to lunch one day. After I had selected a fairly sophisticated dish from the broad menu he said to the hovering minion, "I'll take the mince", thus emphasising the triumph of the simple over the elaborate any old day of the week.

Because tapas are fine simple food it would never surprise me to find that they are related to the celebrated street food of India, which is some of the best anywhere. True they can be made elaborate but that it is to part company with their foundation. In some ways they are a tasting menu that never need end. La Tapas uses every means possible to make them even more attractive than they already are.

First the friendly way in which you are received, waited upon and generally looked after, leaving no room for doubt regarding your valued customer status. Secondly the wide range of tapas, couple with tremendous value for money. On our first visit, being perpetually anxious 24/7 about going hungry, my daughter and I ordered ten dishes between us. With unblinking courtesy we were served, with acute embarrassment we failed to complete mission. Honestly, three or four dishes each are generally more than sufficient, and coupled with some jolly Spanish wine you can have a really delightful meal.

A menu rapido will whisk you through a brief lunch break, and both children and parties have their own menus. As a party venue La Tasca is right at the top.