On arrival, the restaurant really does have that wow factor. It's an impressive building. I particularly like all the large glass windows that go right to the floor; there are also tables outside for when the summer finally lands in Glasgow. The interior has an industrial feel with polished concrete walls, exposed air handling pipework (is that what you call it?), and filament bulbs dotted about. I've only been to Wagamama a handful of times, and this is certainly the nicest one I've been to in terms of the look and feel of the restaurant.
It was Rick's first time experiencing Japanese fusion food at Wagamama, but he knew what he was going to order as my sister had recommended the Firecracker Chicken to him ahead of our visit. He does love his spicy food!
We chose two starters - pulled pork gyoza and a beef filled bun. For mains Rick chose the Firecracker Chicken and I had Teriyaki Chicken with rice. What I didn't realise was that the food would be brought out when it was ready, so Rick had his main first, then his starter. My starter arrived as Rick got his food... and then I had to wait 15-20 minutes for my main to arrive. So by the time my food got to the table, Rick had finished (he inhales his food!!). I've had a peek at the Wagamama website and they refer to the starters as sides, whereas on the menu at the restaurant I'm sure it referred to them as starters, which is perhaps a bit misleading.
We chose to visit the restaurant the week it had opened to the public (Day 2 to be precise). I think this was a mistake on our part as the service wasn't what I would have expected unfortunately. That said I can totally appreciate that there are members of staff new to Wagamama that will still be undergoing training and I do think it's fantastic that the restaurant has brought 40 new jobs to the retail park.
The food was lovely, presented beautifully on a range of gorgeous platters and bowls. I'll certainly go back in the future.
Firecracker Chicken
Korean Barbecue Beef & Red Onion Hirata Steamed Bun
Pulled Pork Steamed Gyoza
Teriyaki Chicken Donburi (steamed rice stir-fried with chicken and mixed vegetables served with a pickled side)
Free green tea? Don't mind if I do!
As I was leaving I asked to see the children's menu and I was pleasantly surprised. We've been to restaurants before where the children's options are chicken nuggets and pizza regardless of the type of food on the adult menu. I liked that at Wagamama the kids have the choice of mini Japanese dishes... ramen, noodles and katsu curry amongst others... giving them an introduction to Japanese food.
The food looks yummy. There is one in Aberdeen, but I haven't been before. The starters thing seems a bit odd though. Maybe teething problems like you say. x
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