Hearty winter fare: Sylvia Munn shows off some shredded beef innards photo: Aaron McKenzie Fraser

Scottish cooking must be based on a series of dares, said Mike Myers in So I Married An Axe Murderer. There's no other possible explanation for such masochistic cuisine. It must have been some bored shepherds overlooking the hills one night, blotto on peaty single-malt, who conjured up such dishes.

"Angus, ya see that sheep o'er there?"

"Ya, I se'er, Alistair. What for?"

"I'll bet ya won't fill 'er stomach with the liver, heart, lungs, onions and oatmeal, then boil it and eat it!"

"Oh ya! For the remainder o' that flagon o' Islay, I sher will!

And so it began, a gastronomy notorious the world over for its quease-inducing properties. This is also probably why Scotland produces undoubtedly some of the finest whisky and ales: they need liquid courage to stomach the food.

Jest and conjecture aside, one gander at the menu at The Glen Scottish Restaurant and my normal iron constitution was unsettled. Take the Scotch Egg-a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated with breadcrumbs and fried. Yikes! Is that supposed to be mouth-watering?

But as they say, don't knock it until you've tried it. So I asked our server what she thought of the infamous haggis. "Do you mean if I have tried it? God no," she exclaimed. "Once I found out what was in it, I couldn't eat it. But those who do seem to really like it."

So with a hardly ringing endorsement for a dish nevertheless considered palatable by the dining clientele, I ordered haggis. And it was pretty tasty. Not out-of-this-world good, but savoury enough to recommend. With a slightly mealy, chopped liver texture, the mixture was livened and balanced by a generous seasoning of herbs.

While haggis is Scotland's most celebrated meal, The Glen Scottish Restaurant's claim to fame is its fish and chips. Made from haddock imported from Scotland, your order can be prepared three ways: dipped in The Glen's special batter, poached in lemon juice, or battered and breaded. As we were indecisive, we were happy to order the McConville Special that offers one battered and one breaded. And it was good: the breading and battering of the two significant portions had a light and crispy exterior with moist, flaky and flavourful fish inside. It is easy to see why people keep coming back for more-this is a must-try! The chips were solidly prepared, everyday-style French fries.

The bridie, a traditional dish of ground beef and onions in a pastry shell, was equally pleasing with a flaky crust and pleasantly seasoned filling. This was covered in a light and flavourful brown sauce, and accompanied by steamed peas and carrot cubes, but sadly no neeps (turnips in Scotland).

Overall, Scottish cuisine may have a reputation for requiring the bravery of William Wallace to consume, but it's filling and comforting fare. Such is the case at The Glen Scottish Restaurant, a bonny spot indeed to take your clan.

THE GLEN SCOTTISH RESTAURANT

462 HAZELDEAN ROAD, KANATA

836-5622

ENTRÉES: $7.95-$12.95

 
 

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In response to Aaron Shaw's 'not just for the brave'.     First, as a regular patron of The Glen, I must agree that the fish is the real prize and it is the main reason for my frequent visits to this establishment. In response to: I'll bet ya won't fill 'er stomach with the liver, heart, lungs, onions and oatmeal, then boil it and eat it!" , I must protest. We regularly eat sausage for breakfast, the linings of which are made of pigs intestines, and the filling of rendered port parts, primarily fat, but not excluding brains and eyeballs (similar to our hot dogs), I don't see what the issue is with respect to haggis. Most of us eat organ-meats - liver, steak & kidney pie, etc., so we shouldn't be shocked at the idea of organ meats being used in a dish. Not only that, but it is not really a high-fat dish, as a good part of the dish is oatmeal. I consider it a very tastey and healthy (rich in iron) dish. And it very nicely spiced. They do offer a side dish of vegetables, usually a tastey mixture of turnip, peas and carrot. Oh, and try the roasted potatoes - yum! I am not very brave, but I do like the haggis as prepared at the Glen. I would like it a lot more if it were served still in the casing, and a swarthy Scotsman wearing a kilt and a great huge sword were to jump up on my table and and cut open the haggis while reciting Robby Burns and ... oh, sorry. Never mind my fantasies. The haggis is very good.
Susan Bern		October 2nd, 2008
The Glen - Home Away from Home     The Glen is a true warm friendly spot for dinners or drinks. The staff is wonderful and more like a friendly Aunt rather than propriators.The fish and chips are the best in the city and the beer is always ready to wet your whistle. Try it and you won't be disappointed.
Daryl Dods		April 27th, 2007
The Glen     A Scottish jewel located in Kanata. Try the daily soup ......wonderful, nearly as good as Mum's. Great food, great Scottish beers and wonderful staff that make you feel at home.
KEN Miller		April 17th, 2007
I miss my trips to Ottawa and the Glens     I used to fly to Ottawa on business twice a month and I always ate at the Glen. The food is excellent (almost as good as in Scotland) but the wait staff is even better. I fondly remember their Scotch egg and the bridies, but you didn't mention their pickled beets. I miss the Glen so much that I am thinking of a trip to Ottawa just to eat there again (and to walk the Canal ... I don't skate.) The Glen is one of the finest example of the warmth and friendliness of Ottawa. You almost have to be from the USA to really appreciate it fully because the entire town is much more friendly than most US towns. It's a little bit of Scotland in the heart of Canada. Thanks for reminding me of a wonderful place!
Gerry Howser		February 14th, 2006
Got to be the best     Have just come home after another wonderful meal of Fish & Chips at the Glen. It is a treat for us to go whenever we are near. I may say , nearly an hours drive for us !!!! To go there is to be greeted as an old friend. I like to think of it as a big hug . Never have we had a bad meal & always a nice chat with the server. If you haven't been , treat yourself , you won't be sorry.
Olive Ashby		June 2nd, 2005
Glen famous poached Haddock in lemon juice     Great review I have visited this restaurant several times, my partner is Scottish and Italian mix, (and what a mix) mother scottish and father Italian we have had the poached Haddock in lemon juice, just superb actually it is out of this world really, really good, gave us huge portions really very flavourfull, moist and very tender hard to finish, we have hearty appetities me and my Partner, I am a great fan of lemon taste, just the right combination, just delicious, melts in your mouth, I can see the Haddock being imported its amazing, if you are like me a fish fan. In reference going back to the Best resturant in town for Sottish food I highly recommend with no doubt the Glen Restaurant, top Notch especially their decor nice and cozy pub style dark wood, nice friendly service, enjoyed great pleasure anytime.
Marianne Guint	{23 votes}	November 13th, 2004
Menu     A menu might be a good idea on your web page ??
Dave Collier		July 3rd, 2009
The Glen is The Bland     I went to the Glen and was unimpressed by the food, decor and the ambiance. Unless there are new owners or the chef has been replaced, I'm not sure I will be back. That's what sucks about the restaurant industry. One bad experience and unless someone else tells you different after you've been there, you're unlikely to return. The location of the restaurant doesn't actually grab your attention from Hazledean Road and this is unfortunate. The mall that it's in was built back in the days where Kanata was 1/5th the size it is now. Hazledean has grown so much and hey...we're about to get our own trendy sex toy shop soon too..........tickle me Laura..........
Steve Landry	{6 votes}	November 16th, 2004
Heart Attack Capital of the world....     I'm part Scottish and I thank God every day that my ancestor's moved to Canada. This is the island that created "deep fried Mars bar" as an entree. Not a snack mind you but a bona fide meal with a side order of chips just to give you some needed roughage I guess. Authentic pub food is like authentic Chinese food. It takes an adventurous stomach and being half in the bag doesn't hurt either. Just keep in mind that Scotland has one of the highest incidence of heart disease in the world.
James Harrison	{8 votes}	November 14th, 2004
Scottish Food     I'm unlikely to try some of the more adventurous Scottish food, being mostly vegetarian, but you have to appreciate having it available in the Ottawa area. I'm sure that the fish and chips will at least be popular, if not haggis. Food outside our cultural comfort zone is definitely intriguing to talk about. It is interesting to think about why certain foods are taboo in our culture. I have to wonder if many dares go down at the Glen, after a hard night of drinking. I'll stick to the scottish ales myself, something Scottish that I can appreciate, especially the heavy oatmeal stouts, perfect for the winter.
Heather Jackson	{7 votes}	November 14th, 2004
Fish & Chips     I'll never understand the fuss about fish and chips. Many coworkers love the food at the Glen Scottish Pub. I've been there several times and have tried Cornish pasty and the fish and chips. I guess I just don't appreciate pub food because it is fried and bland. Also I don't dig the dark wood pub decor in general.
Sue Michal	{2 votes}	November 11th, 2004

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