Review: TRUST By Modou
When it comes to trying new places, the process does normally involve taking some leap of faith.
Yet, nowhere had I ever had to put as much blind faith in – including trying food I had not ordered blindfolded – as I did when visiting TRUST by Modou, a new restaurant opened in Finnieston, in Glasgow’s west end, in early July.
Fancy food, cosy ambience
Upon entering TRUST, despite knowing the calibre of food I was about to be served, there was an instant feeling of intimacy. The food may be fine dining level, but the restaurant's vibe did not feel stuffy.
The atmosphere and interiors are cosy, but modern – much down to the fact that the venue only sits less than a dozen tables for one of their dining slots: one at 6:30pm, and one at 8:30pm.
Dark walls, red and white lighting at the back of the room, warm candlelight from each table, as well as the photographs of Modou throghout his career adorning the walls, all boosted the ambience.
From kitchen porter to fine dining head chef
Modou, originally from Senegal, slept rough for ten days when first arrived in Scotland until before receiving help from a charity, and finding a permanent home eventually.
But it was his job, initially as a kitchen porter, that would change everything. Modou secured a role with chef Nico Simeone (Six by Nico), who became a mentor and eventually gifted him his restaurant – the first opened by the now vast Six by Nico chain – rebranded from 111 by Nico to 111 by Modou.
What's on the menu?
Well, nothing to be honest. TRUST’s concept is highly unusual but also simple: there is no menu. While servers ask about dietary requirements or strong dislikes, the allure of the experience lies in not knowing what will be on your plate.
It was strange to lose the agency I, as a diner and self-proclaimed foodie, usually hold. Reading a menu forms such an integral part of the experience for me. Still, I was excited about stepping out of my comfort zone.
Fine dining at affordable prices
One thing that made not knowing what I was about to eat a lot easier was the restaurant's price tag. Like other venues part of the Six by Nico Group, TRUST’s five-course tasting menu is extremely affordable, offering a fine dining experience at only £30 per person.
There is also the option for a drinks pairing, giving you a drink with four of the courses for £28. For the latter, the venue offers three different flavour profiles based on personal taste: bright and zesty, herbal and fresh, or smoky and savoury.
My partner Calum and I went for the latter two, as well as a glass of wine from the restaurant’s extensive drinks list (I just can’t say no to a Romanian wine!).
No menu. No choices. Just pure trust
Soon after arrival, our first dish, a pre-dinner snack ahead of the five actual plates, was served – accompanied with a blindfold servers suggested us to pop on for a full blind tasting experience.
Carefully navigating my way around the table, reaching for my cutlery and cutting into the unknown object radiating delicious smells in front of me, I had my first bite solely relying on my tastebuds and smell, rather than sight or looks.
It did not disappoint – what was later revealed to be ox cheek croquette, was a beautiful display of the chef's skill.
A fun, new way to dine
While the blindfold isn’t mandatory, it was a fun way of trying food and made me pay a lot more attention to what I was smelling and tasting.
Just as fun was guessing what this and the other five plates, as well as our accompanying drinks, were. The restaurant provides a sheet for diners to jot down their thoughts and it kept Calum and I engaged in conversation about our dining experience the whole time.
The remaining five dishes were just as delicious as the starter. Each had a focal element that was beautifully prepared, paired with sometimes surprising flavour combinations and different textures.
Small plates, big surprises
It is easier to talk now as if I had known exactly what was on my plate the whole time. Truthfully, however, I was surprised how wrong I got it sometimes, when we opened the wax-sealed envelope waiting on our table at the end of the meal.
While my guess for the first two courses was on point, the meat I had for the fourth course, for example, was not what I had predicted (pork), but lamb; an error I thought I never would have made.
The verdict
Overall, it was a fun dinner with high-quality food served in a unique way. Staff were extremely attentive and added to the experience by asking for our guesses; never revealing anything but always making us feel we were in on the joke.
And don’t worry – I haven’t spoiled your meal through my revelations. The restaurant says TRUST’s menu will change every few days. I can’t wait to try it all again!
How to get there:
1132 Argyle St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8TD
To book, call 0141 6119222 or visit trustbymodou.co.uk
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