Going “Off the Menu” Brought
the Most Joy to the Dining Divas

  By Lisa Kampeter

I really am surprised we got into the latest Dining Divas spot. It’s a restaurant that had been on our list for a while as it had been requested many times, but we’d been turned down before by them. So when the name came up again, I thought I’d give it another shot, and I’m glad we did.

For years, “The Scottish Arms Restaurant and Bar” would be thrown out by someone in our group as an option for one of our dinner outings, and for years, I always found an alternate. Seafood is not at the top of my list, and all I would think of was fish and chips. I do remember someone saying they have a patio, and I love a patio, so a year or so ago,

I gave them a call for a reservation. But because of the size of our group, they would not take our reservation. Or it was something like “Come in at 8:30”. No thank you.
But when I tried again this year, aside from telling me that we’d have to sit at two tables, they were so accommodating. The Scottish Arms is located in Central West End, and I hadn’t dined in that part of town since we went to the Chocolate Pig, and I really do like that area. Lots of restaurant options. No issues with parking as we were all in a parking lot or right out front, well, except for the Nervous Diva who had to park down the street.
We were seated in the main dining area at our two tables. What we couldn’t understand was why we had to be separated into two tables. The tables were in the middle of the room, and pushing them together wouldn’t block anyone or take away other seats. Aside from that, there were only three other tables being used near us. So we politely asked if we could push the tables together, and they agreed to it. They never did explain why they preferred us separated, but perhaps they heard the rumors about some of the Obnoxious Divas and thought it best to spread out the insanity

It seems appropriate to get a pint or a whiskey and fish and chips when at a Scottish restaurant, and you couldn’t go wrong with that. But there were many other delicious choices on the menu.
The French Onion soup was a nice starter as was the Kale Salad. Why get just fries when you can upgrade to their amazing truffle fries? If you’re looking for comfort food, the Shepard’s Pie is a good choice but probably a better choice on a cold day. Going for different, the Adventurous Diva thought the Compressed Watermelon appetizer was wonderful. The Peat Smoked Chicken was a safe and tasty choice, and that was fine by the Uncultured Diva. The Pork Schnitzel was nicely breaded and flavorful. Most any time there’s Brussel sprouts on the menu, several Divas order it, and these did not disappoint.
At the recommendation of previous diners, many in the group ordered the fish and chips, of course. Not a surprise that the fish was fried perfectly, tasted delicious, and wasn’t the slightest bit greasy.
It was great having the Visiting Diva back in town from Texas. We sure do miss her positive energy and infectious sense of humor. As for dessert, I’d say that by the amount of bites she took from the plates of bread pudding, she’d recommend it!
But the best “dish” was not on the menu. The New Mom Diva brought some surprise guests (dad and baby). “Pass the app” was replaced with “pass the baby”, and he was quite a treat. He has an open invitation to join the ladies any time.
And even though we all really enjoyed The Scottish Arms, the new baby would have brought joy to any Diva outing. And our bellies were full and our hearts fuller with happiness for this lucky couple.

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