By Joseph Burke
The Beginnings of Great Italian Food
Vale of Leven (Magh Leamhna in Gaelic) is a valley located in the country of West Dunbartonshire to the northwest of Glasgow, Scotland. The valley stretches from the Loch Lomond to the River Clyde and encompasses several towns and villages. Alexandria is the largest of these, however, Balloch is the town with the highest concentration of Italian restaurants in the area.
La Scarpetta
This restaurant touts itself for its authentic southern Italian fare, made artfully, as opposed to scientifically. The menu includes starters such as bruschetta, calamari fritti, suppli and minestrone and main dishes that include an ample variety of pastas and pizzas, as well as signature meat and fish dishes like lamb chops parmigiana and insalate di mare. A charming exterior is more impressive than the simplistic and unspectacular interior, but the quality of the food more than makes up for a lack of warmth in the decor.
La Scarpetta
Balloch Rd.
Balloch, Alexandria
G83 8SS, United Kingdom
+44 (0)1389 758 247
lascarpetta.co.uk
Cucina
Cucina is an affordable option for those seeking a warm, friendly atmosphere and slightly anglicized Italian food. The fare is not as authentically Italian in nature as that of its neighbor La Scarpetta, and while classics such as lasagna are included on the menu, so are more traditionally UK options like steak and chips. Patrons especially enjoy their fresh bread and olive oil.
Cucina
Unit 3, The Galleries
Balloch Rd.
Balloch, Alexandria
G83 8SS, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1389 755455
cucinaballoch.com
Mira Mare
Just west of the Vale of Leven valley but still within West Dunbartonshire in the town of Helensburgh rests the small and yet remarkably popular Mira Mare. This restaurant, situated on the seaside on West Clyde Street in the center of town and with a seating capacity of about 40, is highly esteemed by those who have eaten here. Friendly service and exquisite food are consistent features in reviews. Especially famous is the carbonara, considered by some to be the best in all of Scotland.
Mira Mare
82 West Clyde St.
Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire
G84 8BB, United Kingdom
+44 (0)1436 673 766
About the Author:
Joseph Burke resides in Barcelona, Spain, and has been writing since he learned to use a pencil (pens came later, then computers). He publishes a cultural newspaper--"BCN Week"-- organizes cultural events, creates marketing campaigns and does translations. Burke earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Kenyon College.
Photo Credits:
italian salami image by Karin Lau from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
