Jolly season 2

Ok, this picture looks more jolly than the previous one. It felt joyful maybe because of the christmas songs I was listening to. Those songs never grow old! the photo was taken to show the things I used to block out the fire alarm ringing as it was testing day and it rang on and off about 30 times today. It was too cold to leave the house!

Pre-Christmas lunch at Mussel Inn, Glasgow

Many weeks before Christmas Day, it was decided that the people who were not going to London should have a meal together somewhere fancy and also try something out of the ordinary. Hence, with some scouting and researching, we came to an agreement to give Mussel Inn a try. Their Christmas Menu managed to tantalise our tastebuds and thus, attracting us to said restaurant.

However, we were not able to dine at Mussel Inn on Christmas Day or the Eve of Christmas because Mussel Inn was not open on those days. Therefore, 23rd Dec 2010 marked the day we planned to satisfy our cravings. With the change of plans, some who were going to London the day after were able to dine with us.

Mussel Inn was just a 15 minute walk from the halls. Pretty chilly day to be out walking.

When we arrived at Mussel Inn, the table reserved for us was set up with a present for each person. Inside the wrapper were tiny gifts like mini book keychain, cards, screwdrivers and others.

Ambience wise, I'd say its a great place to wine and dine. It wasn't noisy when the lunch crowd came in. Service was not too shabby either.

Some of us ordered the 2 course meal. A basket of bread and butter was served to us on the house. The bread was refillable which complemented the the Seafood Platter main course.

Appetizers:



TOASTED GOATS CHEESE ON BAGUETTE SLICES WITH CAPER AND BELL PEPPER RELISH



CREAMY SEAFOOD CHOWDER

TEMPURA TIGER PRAWNS SERVED WITH SWEET CHILLI JAM AND CREM FRAICHE

Main Course:

GRILLED SMOKED CHICKEN WITH MELTED MOZZARELLA ON PENNE PASTA, COOKED IN ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE

SEAFOOD PLATTER: QUEEN SCALLOPS, SCOTTISH SALMON, COLEY, TIGER PRAWNS AND MUSSELS ALL POACHED IN A RICH SEAFOOD BISQUE TOPPED WITH CHIVE CREME FRAICHE

A third choice which none of us ordered was Grilled Seabass on Lemon and parsley mash with sweet shallot, tomato and crayfish sauce. It didnt sound too bad, but Mussels were definitely the main choice on most of our minds.

We skipped the dessert. The choices were:
Apple cinnamon strudel with vanilla cream and honey
Warm sticky date pudding served with toffee sauce and ice cream
Affogato- Coffee, Ice Cream and a Liquer of your choice.
Coffee or Tea.

The meal was great. A tad bit too rich for some of us who had the chowder and the platter. Nevertheless, it was a good experience which I don't mind repeating if I were to earn in pounds ;)

Christmas gifts - The exchange

To friends:

Picture taken from Amy coz I didn't take any pic of this.

Pretty christmas chocolates

From friends:
Just pictures of cards and gifts received for Christmas.

After Xmas humour

Christmas came and went.
I enjoyed everything done throughout the three days.
The memories were definitely worth keeping.
I've even added a 'christmas' tag here!

Not going to elaborate much till the next post.
Just wanted to put this up in conjunction with all the glorious food I've been having over the past three days: