ONE look at Moll's face put me in mind of an old 50s number by guitar hero Duane Eddy - Forty Miles of Bad Road.

It wasn't a pretty sight. Toodles was having a bad day - a "mare" in her words.

I'd seen these moods before and knew decisive action was required.

After all, my little sweetums isn't one to be trifled with, even when the going is good.

At times like this there's only one way to sweep away the Moll's blues.

I was feeling flush and wanted to swap that "bad road" for a glitzy four-lane boulevard.

"Get your gladrags on," I told her, "it's time for some culinary delights".

Food! Toots almost allowed herself a half-smile as she shifted the lippy and squeezed into a little black number that once fitted her.

I know a classy little joint, I assured her, as she gave the royal wave from the Buick.

Guy's restaurant in the heart of the Merchant City has been around for a few years - and has built up a well-deserved rep.

Moll likes this hip part of town. She reckons she fits in well. And I was convinced Guy's would lift the dark cloud over her.

But before she could get her mind in to scran scan mode, it was time for a little something to wet the whistle.

Moll went for a long gin and tonic with lots of ice and a slice. I was thirsty and fancied a bottle of Heather Ale.

Already Toots had her peepers fixed on the a la carte menu - and clearly liked what she saw.

It even made her laugh out loud. "Bang bang chicken," she said, "reminds me of Sean Connery".

Sweetie's always been partial to the hunky Bond types, or so she tells me.

So chicken bang bang it was. I was tempted to have the same but opted for salmon terrine.

The atmosphere and surroundings were very relaxing while Moll particularly liked the "eclectic" mix of paintings and ornaments.

So we sipped our drinks and drank in the surroundings - for what seemed an age.

As the minutes ticked by, Moll begin to hiss and chew her fingernails.

"How can two starters take so long?" she grumped.

She had a point. It was midweek and the restaurant wasn't that busy.

The serving staff were perfectly friendly, which was just as well, the mood Moll was in.

The food just seemed to take forever but when it did come it was a treat.

The chicken and salmon were both well presented dishes and tasted delicious.

Cutie, of course, liked the look of one of the most expensive dishes on the menu and when she plumped for it this had me flicking through the greenbacks in panic.

Ravioli with crab and lobster weighed in at £23 - but how could I say no.

I chose something a bit different.

Mine was a Scottish tapas selection, mince and tatties, steak pie and chips and haggis and neeps.

It was good – it's certainly a nice idea – and a reasonable deal at £9.95.

Moll was chowing down on the ravioli but having difficulty justifying the price tag.

"Good, but not great" was her icy verdict.

We decided to share a raspberry fool for dessert.

My lady's spirits are always lifted by something sweet so that rounded off the evening nicely.

Moll even muttered about going back to Guy's to try again.

It was a swish little place, with good food, a good atmosphere - if only that food had arrived a bit earlier.

However, at least Duane Eddy was off the jukebox on the way home.

Starters

Salmon Terrine £3

Bang Bang Chicken £6.50

Mains

Crab and Lobster Ravioli £23

Scottish Tapas £9.95

Dessert

Raspberry Fool £3

Drinks

Gin and Tonic £3.80

Heather Ale £4.10

Total £53.35

GUY'S RESTAURANT & BAR, 24 CANDLERIGGS, GLASGOW TEL: 0141 552 1114