Sitting here at home on a Sunday afternoon with a full and happy belly (as tends to be the case at this time of the week), I have decided enough is enough. I need to finally document and share my countless food pictures and experiences in the hope that it then inspires you to either go experience it too or just enjoy the next thing you consume that little bit more.
I’ll admit that even by my own standards I’ve been pretty greedy today, but in my defence it was pretty much forced upon me. Well known Glasgow microbakery Maple Leaf bakery were doing a rare pop-up at my local (also excellent) spot Blackhill Bakery. And the hidden yet popular Korean fast food joint Kimchi Cult in the west end were celebrating their 9th birthday with £1 pizza slices for customers. So obviously either of these opportunities couldn’t be passed by, it was just unfortunate that both came about between 10am-2pm on the same day.
But thankfully I can confirm every bite was worth it. It all started with my favourite of pastries, the one I judge every bakery I visit by, the almond croissant. Twice baked, high quality, not too sweet pastry, with a healthy filling of proper almond frangipane (no fake marzipane here, one of few tastes I can’t stand). It probably sneaks into the top 3 almond croissants in Glasgow I’ve tried, but that’s an argument for another day.
I then managed to wait around an hour before eating the savoury option I opted for, a beef short rib and cheddar bun. 10 minutes in the oven would’ve been optimal, but I was too impatient and only gave it 5 minutes under the grill. Not to worry as this was still a delight. One of those things you can tell a lot of effort has been put into, from concept to execution. Indulgent and rich, but with it gone in a few bites it doesn’t leave you with that over-indulged feeling, ideal.
Around 1:30pm now and it was time to press on and make the 10 minute voyage to Kimchi Cult. I used the £1 pizza slice deal as an excuse to treat myself to their Korean fried chicken (boneless thighs). I last enjoyed these late last year and thought it would be rude not to while I was there trying the new Koreatown deep dish pizza slice. The pizza slice was good. Thick, crispy on the outside, soft inside pizza dough with a doenjang miso base and topped with bulgogi mushrooms, corn, sesame seeds, spring onions, with vegan mayo. And, obviously, rather good value at £1! You’ll do well to find many places doing better fried chicken in Glasgow. A generous portion of tender thighs, coated in a perfectly light yet crispy batter, and in my case drenched in a soy garlic glaze and covered in spring onions. The textures all just perfect and the flavours so more-ish, I mopped up every last bit. Sat at the window seat I had a great wee time watching it get very busy just after I’d ordered, making it feel like I’d somehow timed it to perfection rather than just gotten lucky.
Back home and it’s now 4pm, time to relax and have a light, healthy dinner in a couple hours, surely. But you really think I only got 2 items on my bakery run this morning? A maple, brown butter and pecan pastry plait is still in the kitchen waiting on me. I’ll show some restraint and only eat half (it is huge!) and be back with you shortly.
Christ, I love Sundays, I love Glasgow, and I love all the food that is created in this great city. That flavour combo is one I challenge even the most mindless of eaters out there to try and not go “Mmmm”. Another nutty, rich and sweet delight, enjoyed with a cup of tea and even dunked in for a couple of the bites.
So to sum up, don’t eat like this every day, or even every week, unless you have no choice. If you can get your hands on a Maple Leaf Bakery treat, do so as soon as possible. If you want to try Korean fast food, or even if you’re just craving fried chicken, get yourself to Kimchi Cult and make an order on their cool in-store touch screens. Regardless, enjoy your Sunday however you choose to spend it.