Eating Out: Windows

Jul 28 2011 By Peter Carroll

Windows

Address: Carlton George Hotel, tel: 354 5070, web: www.carlton.nl/george

I HAVE a soft spot for Windows Restaurant at the Carlton George Hotel - it's where I proposed to my wife seven years ago.

This time round, there were no nerves, no sweaty palms or fear of being turned down. I was here to enjoy a lovely meal with the woman who thankfully said : "Yes".

We've been back to the restaurant, located on the seventh floor of the hotel, several times and have never been disappointed with the food, setting or service. Our visit last week was no different.

We even managed to get the corner table we had the night I popped the question.

The restaurant, dedicated to using the best seasonal Scottish produce, offers hotel guests and visiting diners a set lunch menu from noon to 2.30pm and a pre-theatre option from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Both options are s16.50 for two courses and s19.50 for three. Windows also has a la carte options for lunch and pre-theatre. As we booked an early table and the restaurant wasn't too busy, we were informed we could mix and match our choice of courses.

Lara and I both ordered the chicken liver pate with Cumberland sauce and Arran oatcakes (s5.50) from the pre-theatre option.

For the main course, I opted for the slow cooked Borders pork belly, chorizo, three bean and spinach salad with olive tapenade and red pepper coulis (s14.95).

Lara went for the special main course of the night - pan-fried salmon with wild mushroom and tarragon risotto (s14.95).

We both agreed that the hearty portion of smooth, creamy pate was one of the best we had tasted.

The pork belly was brilliant - three large pieces of perfectly cooked pork complimented by the tasty bean and spinach salad. The salty kick from the chorizo offered a great contrast.

The salmon also went down a treat and the risotto was delicious.

For dessert, Lara had chocolate and hazelnut mille feulle (s5.50) - a triumph layered with crisp pastry and chocolate and hazelnut filling, topped with clotted cream.

I had strawberry cheesecake with strawberry sauce and black pepper sorbet (s5.50) and, boy, was it good.

Yet again, it was as clear as our marvellous view of the city - Windows is worth a look for a special occasion.