WHEN it comes to food, my partner is incredibly fussy. He will only eat chips smothered in ketchup, sausages that have been left to go cold and as far as vegetables are concerned, peas and carrots are his limit.

So whenever we eat out it tends to be Italian because pasta and pizza are on this faddy eater's list of acceptable cuisine.

For a change we thought we'd strike out and be different and give American a try. Not the most adventurous choice, but everyone, even Mr Fussy, must surely be able to find something to eat on the menu.

Tootsie's in Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays was our chosen venue as we had planned to sample some of the other bars and clubs later on in the evening.

And what a success - the menu was brimming with dishes that appealed to my awkward eater.

We weren't quite hungry enough for starters but there was a tempting selection on offer including crab and crayfish cocktail and the everdelicious potato skins.

We jumped straight in for main courses. I chose Mexican chilli burger with fries while my partner chose the chicken with bacon and melted cheese. The waiter said the chicken dish came with salad. The look on my partner's face was one of sheer horror - "Salad - that must mean green healthy things!" Not one to see good food go to waste, I gallantly stepped in and offered to swap the offending salad for a few of my fries.

The food arrived and was really excellent. The chilli on the burger was really tasty and the fries were really crispy. And once Mr Fusspot had cut his chicken into small pieces (to let it cool down) he ate every single bit.

Obviously scraping the poor salad off his plate.

We also skipped dessert and had a beer and a glass of wine in preparation for the night ahead.

The meal was a great success and made a pleasant change from the usual Italian and came to a reasonable £27 including the drinks.

Although we dined early, my one criticism was the amount of screaming children who were obviously tired and irritable after a day's shopping with Mum and Dad. I would imagine that the restaurant would have an entirely different atmosphere if you were to dine slightly later in the evening.

EG

Tootsie's Diner

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

Tel: 023 9283 3787