Mercado

Glasgow in winter is seldom mistaken for the Costa del Sol.

Happily, today’s Big Deal from Mercado will provide a flavour of sunny Spain no matter how low the temperature drops.

A vibrant bar and restaurant in the buzzy Merchant Square, Mercado specialises in authentic Spanish tapas.

Along with freshly sourced, local fish, seafood and meat, the kitchen uses Spanish ingredients to create a genuine taste of Spain.

A la carte menu

Available Sunday to Friday, noon to 10pm, today’s Big Deal is for two people to share six tapas from the a la carte menu plus a bottle of the house red, white or rosé wine to share.

There is plenty of choice on the menu. From creamy chicken croquettes to beef meatballs in a tomato ragu, meat lovers will have lots to tuck into.

Seafood options include deep-fried baby squid rings with a Marie rose dip; white bait with a fresh lime and tequila salsa plus Scottish mussels in a garlic, white wine and cream or tomato and sweet chilli sauce.

Veggies dishes on the menu include sautéed mushrooms with white wine sauce, patatas bravas and, of course, tortilla española – the traditional potato and onion omelette.

Happy diners

Mercado keeps its customers coming back, as this review from its 5pm page shows:

‘Will definitely be back. Great food, this place never disappoints… fantastic service. Food lovely as usual.’ Rating 4.8/5

Christmas gift

Vouchers are valid from the 3rd of January to the end of February so this Big Deal with Mercado could be used as a fun stocking filler.

A taste of Spain is just the ticket to bring a little Mediterranean warmth to the early part of 2016 and this versatile offer could be used for a lunchtime catch-up with a chum; a night out with friends or as a pre-show dinner.

Celtic Connections is just around the corner.