A veteran Glasgow restaurateur is embarking on a new chapter of his life as he works on a book about the Glasgow restaurant scene.
Marco Giannasi ran the Battlefield Rest in Glasgow’s south side for over 30 years before selling the business late last year.
He has now teamed with friend and writer Alex Meikle to create a book about the vibrant restaurant scene in the city, speaking to restaurateurs from across Glasgow about their experiences and careers.
Participants so far have included Giovanna Eusebi of Eusebi Deli, John Quigley of Red Onion, Michele Paglioacca of Butterfly & Pig, Guy Cowan of Guy’s Restaurant and Sandro Sarti of Sarti.
Alex and Marco hope to interview between 15 and 20 restaurateurs for the project, with Marco organising and conducting the interviews and Alex handling the writing and editing.
“People in the restaurant industry are really flamboyant, so I’m trying to contact ones that I think will have a good quality of personality and stories,” Marco told SLTN.
“These people have been in the trade for so many years, so they really kind of shaped the industry. They are an example to others, inspiring other people.”
“At the moment a lot of it is Italian,” added Alex.
“But we’re starting to get French (restaurateurs). And I’m hoping to get two Indian restaurant proprietors, who had a hell of a time in the 70s and 80s with racism. It’s a really heartbreaking story.”
