Glasgow West End: Pat's Guide to Eating Out: Pat's Pick: Oblomov
Pat's Pick in January 2000: Oblomov
Oblomov, 372 Great Western Road, Nr. Kelvinbridge Underground. (339 9177).
Should you come to Glasgow's West End and you are looking for somewhere quiet but interesting to eat or drink you really must try Oblomov. It is part of the Big Beat Group, who also own The Puppet Theatre, Cul de Sac, and Oblomov Merchant City.The introduction of this East European bar/restaurant to the West End has been very successful and a faithful clientele has quickly been built up. What is the attraction?
According to Mishka, a young media student, who is a waiter/bar attendant at the restaurant, it is "interesting, very soothing and calming with an intelligent clientele who come for the conversation". Mishka also pointed out to me the very extensive range of foreign beers and liquers on offer including the once banned Absinthe.
One of the locals - none other than Baron Vlach von Vlachsburg! - a Russian with quite a hint of a Glasgow accent, pointed to some of the marvellous draught beers available including: Pilsner Urquell (the first Pilsner produced in Bohemia) and also Liefmans Frambozen - apparently Oblomov is the only place in Glasgow to stock this particular brew. The Baron was full of praise for the staff - who create the pleasant ambience - "it is not so much the decor it is really the staff - they are not artificial- they are really genuine". His friend Kevin (part Dutch and part Scottish) was equally enthusiastic - the two friends meet at Oblomov every Tuesday and Saturday morning.
On my few visits to Oblomov I have found the staff to be very helpful and pleasant. They are also enthusiastic about the place and the food on offer and this certainly contributes to a good night out. The food is different and particularly enjoyable on a cold winter's evening - it is tasty and hearty. The potato cakes are great and other favourites are the Budapest Chicken Casserole and Hungarian Goulash at £ 5.95 for these dishes. The value is exceptional and Sunday Breakfasts are brilliant.
Oblomov has lots of character, interesting decor, good food and drink and not least of all it has the seal of approval from both employees and customers alike. I have yet to speak to anyone who does not love this place.
I had Christmas Dinner with Jackie, Eleanor and Joan at Oblomov - great value, great food!
February, 6th. 2000.
Friends and Web site visitors alike are now flocking to Oblomov - enjoying dinner, lunch and breakfast. Lots of praise and few complaints (apparently the coffee is not up to Canadian standards and a wee drop of marmalade with the toast would be nice at breakfast).
We had a chat with our friendly waiter Michael Levine, here in Glasgow all the way from his home in Texas to gain experience in Food and Beverage Management. Jim asked if we could take his photograph so hopefully his folks back home will get to see it.
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