Platform @ The Arches, Glasgow
Hey Foodwalas…It was Easter Sunday and the foodwala family was debating where we should go for Sunday lunch, Benz Foodwalee wanted something Levant or Middle Eastern, whereas Mokee Foodwala wanted to go out for some seafood, However Rarri Foodwalee wanted something Desi and Bakree Foodwalee who has a sweet tooth prefers something sweet even after demolishing Easter Eggs.
Any normal father would have held his head in despair at such a decisive and polarised family, however, Alfie Foodwala had a dastardly plan.
We all piled into the Foodwala people carrier and headed for the newly opened Platform Street food kitchen at the Arches under the Hielanman’s Umbrella.
It was ironic that there was a hipster street food kitchen under the Hielanman’s Umbrella, as the Central Station bridge was originally the gathering point on a Sunday of all the immigrants from the Highland clearances, as well as the Jewish, Italian and Indian diaspora and they used to meet, eat and swap all manner of foods with each other safe in the knowledge that the Glasgow rain would not spoil the festivities.
A Jacques Torres once remarked “Life is too short…eat dessert first” so we headed for this idiosyncratic Volkswagen Camper van which served Creme Brulee which was hand flambed in front of you.
The Caramelised sugar glistened like glass over the creamy custardy tub of yumminess, a firm tap with the spoon the glass like sugar splintered and revealed the custard.
We dug in and we all showed our satisfaction by a morse code of “ums” and “awws”, it was truly delicious, the warm sugar topping was the juxtaposition of the chilled creamy custard.
Next up we felt like something spicy, we came across Babus KItchen and we opted for the Roast Chicken Nanwich, the Roast chicken was pulled and tossed in chat masala and mixed with Iceberg lettuce and piled onto the nan, was simple yet tasty.
Next up was the Levant street food, the Haloumi Fries were lightly dusted with harissa and fried, they were pillowy fingers of cheesiness, they were definitely well received.
The Hummus and falafel wrap again delicious, the crispy red cabbage and onion offset the creamy hummus and Zatter infused falafel.
For the Seafood contingent, we chose the King Prawn Tempura, the batter was light and bubbly with a note of spice and the Shrimp was firm and cooked en point.
In conclusion, we definitely enjoyed the food, each artisan vendor highlighted the best of their food so overall the standard of the food was high and the love and passion was evident. The overall experience was enhanced by the iconic atmospheric venue.
Food –8 out of 10
Atmosphere – 9 out of 10
service – 8 out of 10
Cleanliness – 8 out of 10
Total score – 33 out of 40