Glad you enjoyed it Fisherman, always worth a look-see, is red chilli!
Manchester City Center
Started by
kutsu
, Jun 07 2005 08:34 AM
372 replies to this topic
#62
thom
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Posted 31 May 2006 - 04:15 AM
A bit belated I know, but just to add that Gorgeous Restaurant is decent is unspectacular Cantonese Chinese, and the only thing which makes it unique is the fact it's main view is directly into the second floor of a multi-story car park.
In it's defense it is a minutes walk from the wonderful Marble Arch microbrewery/pub, and there are numerous other decent drinking houses on that Northern edge of the Northern Quarter.
I think it is on a par with say the Tai Pan (on Upper Brook St) or the Little Yang Sing maybe. Yang Sing and Wings beat it for refinement, though personally (deja vu here) I say just go to Red Chilli on Portland St and eat on the wild side of the menu.
Cheers
Thom
In it's defense it is a minutes walk from the wonderful Marble Arch microbrewery/pub, and there are numerous other decent drinking houses on that Northern edge of the Northern Quarter.
I think it is on a par with say the Tai Pan (on Upper Brook St) or the Little Yang Sing maybe. Yang Sing and Wings beat it for refinement, though personally (deja vu here) I say just go to Red Chilli on Portland St and eat on the wild side of the menu.
Cheers
Thom
It's all true... I admit to being the MD of Holden Media, organisers of the Northern Restaurant and Bar exhibition, the Northern Hospitality Awards and other Northern based events too numerous to mention.
I don't post here as frequently as I once did, but to hear me regularly rambling on about bollocks - much of it food and restaurant-related - in a bite-size fashion then add me on twitter as "thomhetheringto".
I don't post here as frequently as I once did, but to hear me regularly rambling on about bollocks - much of it food and restaurant-related - in a bite-size fashion then add me on twitter as "thomhetheringto".
#63
Mandarin
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Posted 31 May 2006 - 05:22 AM
Isn't it called Glamourous? In my view it's better than any of the Yang Sings - a couple of hundred Chinese clamouring to get in on a Sunday can't be wrong.A bit belated I know, but just to add that Gorgeous Restaurant is decent is unspectacular Cantonese Chinese, and the only thing which makes it unique is the fact it's main view is directly into the second floor of a multi-story car park.
In it's defense it is a minutes walk from the wonderful Marble Arch microbrewery/pub, and there are numerous other decent drinking houses on that Northern edge of the Northern Quarter.
I think it is on a par with say the Tai Pan (on Upper Brook St) or the Little Yang Sing maybe. Yang Sing and Wings beat it for refinement, though personally (deja vu here) I say just go to Red Chilli on Portland St and eat on the wild side of the menu.
Cheers
Thom
#64
thom
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Posted 31 May 2006 - 07:17 AM
Sorry, sorry, 'Glamorous'. My design agency are called Glorious so it was on my brain...
To be honest I've eaten there several times and found it merely decent, and the fact that a couple of hundred Chinese people eat there on a Sunday doesn't reassure me any more than the fact that thousands of Asian families eat out in Rusholme every week (even though there aren't two good restaurants to rub together). Or for that matter, the fact that millions of Americans eat at McDonalds etc etc...
The little Yang Sing is not bad at all, and although I think the 'big' Yang Sing (no relation) has slipped recently I still don't think there is anywhere in the city doing better dim sum.
Edit to add: If you really want top drawer Chinese (and if a 95% Chinese clientele is your benchmark) then go Sichuan and try Red Chilli (see my previous threads ad infinitum).
Cheers
Thom
To be honest I've eaten there several times and found it merely decent, and the fact that a couple of hundred Chinese people eat there on a Sunday doesn't reassure me any more than the fact that thousands of Asian families eat out in Rusholme every week (even though there aren't two good restaurants to rub together). Or for that matter, the fact that millions of Americans eat at McDonalds etc etc...
The little Yang Sing is not bad at all, and although I think the 'big' Yang Sing (no relation) has slipped recently I still don't think there is anywhere in the city doing better dim sum.
Edit to add: If you really want top drawer Chinese (and if a 95% Chinese clientele is your benchmark) then go Sichuan and try Red Chilli (see my previous threads ad infinitum).
Cheers
Thom
Edited by thom, 31 May 2006 - 07:33 AM.
It's all true... I admit to being the MD of Holden Media, organisers of the Northern Restaurant and Bar exhibition, the Northern Hospitality Awards and other Northern based events too numerous to mention.
I don't post here as frequently as I once did, but to hear me regularly rambling on about bollocks - much of it food and restaurant-related - in a bite-size fashion then add me on twitter as "thomhetheringto".
I don't post here as frequently as I once did, but to hear me regularly rambling on about bollocks - much of it food and restaurant-related - in a bite-size fashion then add me on twitter as "thomhetheringto".
#65
Mandarin
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Posted 31 May 2006 - 11:46 AM
Or is it Glorious?
To be honest have not eaten at either Yang Sing for a long time but have always believed them to be over-rated. Do not altogether trust English critics and their palates when reviewing Chinese restaurants. Having said that, might give it a go next time I'm up and am happy to have my opinion changed,
As a second generation Chinese brought up in the restaurant biz in Manchester, still have to say that I was v impressed with Glamorous/Glorious/Gorgeous. Far superior yum cha than down here in London.
To be honest have not eaten at either Yang Sing for a long time but have always believed them to be over-rated. Do not altogether trust English critics and their palates when reviewing Chinese restaurants. Having said that, might give it a go next time I'm up and am happy to have my opinion changed,
As a second generation Chinese brought up in the restaurant biz in Manchester, still have to say that I was v impressed with Glamorous/Glorious/Gorgeous. Far superior yum cha than down here in London.
#66
Harters
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Posted 02 August 2008 - 02:20 PM
An old thread resurrected to comment on a good value dinner at Glamorous this evening (a birthday celebration for me).
No dim sum trolleys in the evening so we settled on a "dim sum combination" - This brings a plate of crispy wonton, sui mei, har gau, a deep fried prawn wonton ( fun gor?), seaweed and spring roll. Good mix of textures but all a bit prawny.
A main of fillet steak in Cantonese sauce arrived on a “sizzling” hot plate with some onions. Thin slices of very tender meat, covered in a sticky sweet sauce. This worked well for one of us, but not for the other who found sweet beef not to their taste (Chinese cuisine is not Mrs H's first or even third choice)
A second main bought a very well filled plate of char siu pork. Cut slightly thicker than expected, and with a thin honey glaze adding to the good flavour of the meat, this was excellent. I do like my piggy.
We also ordered a third dish – stir fried broccoli and mangetout in garlic sauce, hoping this would add a moistness to complement the pork. It provided some welcome crunch and change in texture, but the sauce was non-existent and just comprised scattered garlic.
With a drink before and just a bottle of water with the meal, the bill came to £50. Good value & good food in our view.
No dim sum trolleys in the evening so we settled on a "dim sum combination" - This brings a plate of crispy wonton, sui mei, har gau, a deep fried prawn wonton ( fun gor?), seaweed and spring roll. Good mix of textures but all a bit prawny.
A main of fillet steak in Cantonese sauce arrived on a “sizzling” hot plate with some onions. Thin slices of very tender meat, covered in a sticky sweet sauce. This worked well for one of us, but not for the other who found sweet beef not to their taste (Chinese cuisine is not Mrs H's first or even third choice)
A second main bought a very well filled plate of char siu pork. Cut slightly thicker than expected, and with a thin honey glaze adding to the good flavour of the meat, this was excellent. I do like my piggy.
We also ordered a third dish – stir fried broccoli and mangetout in garlic sauce, hoping this would add a moistness to complement the pork. It provided some welcome crunch and change in texture, but the sauce was non-existent and just comprised scattered garlic.
With a drink before and just a bottle of water with the meal, the bill came to £50. Good value & good food in our view.
John Hartley
#67
spanielking
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Posted 18 August 2008 - 06:10 AM
Congrats are in order, I see The Modern has been nominated for Manchester Best Newcomer in this months Lancashire Life. Fingers crossed for you guys. I don't know how big a deal it is for you? But it's good coverage I guess. They're up against Ithaca and Michael Caines @ Abode. Final is in December.
#68
BertieWooster
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Posted 18 August 2008 - 07:44 AM
Congrats are in order, I see The Modern has been nominated for Manchester Best Newcomer in this months Lancashire Life. Fingers crossed for you guys. I don't know how big a deal it is for you? But it's good coverage I guess. They're up against Ithaca and Michael Caines @ Abode. Final is in December.
Well, its better than being slapped in the face with a wet fish certainly! I somehow doubt we'll win though, but its nice to be thought well of. However, listing or non-listing in the GFG will make the difference between very happy Modernites and slightly downcast ones, only leavened by the new lamb's tongue dish on the September menu (you see what I did there?).
Edited by BertieWooster, 18 August 2008 - 07:44 AM.
It no longer exists, but it was lovely.
#69
RDB
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Posted 21 August 2008 - 03:45 AM
I really enjoyed Gary Rhodes recent show Rhodes around China, the show more than Gary himself, I must add. It was quite a good showcase on highlighting regional variations etc. Anyway it gave me a craving to eat some good Chinese, in particular Szechuan. Having been to Red Chilli a few times I thought I would try somewhere different, so I ended up in Red & Hot on Faulkner Street.
I was really impressed with the food here, now I am no expert on Chinese food, having never been to China etc, but this was good. One of my dining friends remarked it was so unlike Chinese food, I knew what she meant.
Some of the stand out dishes were the sichuan steamed spicy aubergine, which was so light and tasty. Crushed cucumber in delicious sauce, which was exactly that, I have never had a cucumber excite me much (ooh er missus). Sliced fish sichuan lavishly topped with chilli and sichuan pepper, I am not sure how they cooked this fish but it was like velvet in texture. The old favourite Pock Marked ladies Tofu with minced meat, was excellent, not a bit fan of tofu, but this made it exciting. Lots of other dishes which involved exploding kidney flowers, duck tongues, intestine, tripe and lung. Infact it would take a few visits to try all the dishes as the menu as it as long as it is exciting.
One thing is the portions are massive, you really get lots of food for quite a low price.
I prefered this place to Red Chilli and will definitely go again.
I was really impressed with the food here, now I am no expert on Chinese food, having never been to China etc, but this was good. One of my dining friends remarked it was so unlike Chinese food, I knew what she meant.
Some of the stand out dishes were the sichuan steamed spicy aubergine, which was so light and tasty. Crushed cucumber in delicious sauce, which was exactly that, I have never had a cucumber excite me much (ooh er missus). Sliced fish sichuan lavishly topped with chilli and sichuan pepper, I am not sure how they cooked this fish but it was like velvet in texture. The old favourite Pock Marked ladies Tofu with minced meat, was excellent, not a bit fan of tofu, but this made it exciting. Lots of other dishes which involved exploding kidney flowers, duck tongues, intestine, tripe and lung. Infact it would take a few visits to try all the dishes as the menu as it as long as it is exciting.
One thing is the portions are massive, you really get lots of food for quite a low price.
I prefered this place to Red Chilli and will definitely go again.
#70
Infrasonic
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Posted 22 August 2008 - 01:14 PM
Thanks for the heads up on Red & Hot, never been in that one!
Does anyone else feel that the standard has dropped in Chinatown over the past few years? I've been a regular for almost twenty years now, and it seems that in an effort to keep the prices down (to compete with the recent AYCE buffets?), the standard of ingredients is lessening on the ALC side. Especially seafood.
A few of my Chinese friends concur with me.
I've stopped going to a few of my regulars like Kwok Man as it has got really dire lately. .
Was never that impressed with Pacific, apart form the Thai lunch deal.
Not been in Yang Sing for years, general opinion seems to be it has slipped considering the prices it charges.
Red Chilli started off great but seems to have slipped a bit.
Wings was fantastic at first (the best of the Cantonese, I felt) but again the last couple of vists were so so, especially the Dim Sum (which was the high point the first two visits when it opened).
For the money (£4.50 for all main dishes), I've been favouring the noodle bar in Mint casino on Princess Street for a cheap scran Sun-Tues 7pm -2am. They do a Prawn Wonton soup in a poly cup for £1.50! Half crisp/ half char siu pork, soup noodle is another fave. Need photo ID to join any of the casino's but it's a thirty second job worth doing.
Anyone else add to a list of standouts?
Does anyone else feel that the standard has dropped in Chinatown over the past few years? I've been a regular for almost twenty years now, and it seems that in an effort to keep the prices down (to compete with the recent AYCE buffets?), the standard of ingredients is lessening on the ALC side. Especially seafood.
A few of my Chinese friends concur with me.
I've stopped going to a few of my regulars like Kwok Man as it has got really dire lately. .
Was never that impressed with Pacific, apart form the Thai lunch deal.
Not been in Yang Sing for years, general opinion seems to be it has slipped considering the prices it charges.
Red Chilli started off great but seems to have slipped a bit.
Wings was fantastic at first (the best of the Cantonese, I felt) but again the last couple of vists were so so, especially the Dim Sum (which was the high point the first two visits when it opened).
For the money (£4.50 for all main dishes), I've been favouring the noodle bar in Mint casino on Princess Street for a cheap scran Sun-Tues 7pm -2am. They do a Prawn Wonton soup in a poly cup for £1.50! Half crisp/ half char siu pork, soup noodle is another fave. Need photo ID to join any of the casino's but it's a thirty second job worth doing.
Anyone else add to a list of standouts?
Edited by Infrasonic, 22 August 2008 - 01:22 PM.
In the long run...we are all dead (J M Keynes)
Heston's Disneyland for Sexless Fortysomethings...(Naebody)
Heston's Disneyland for Sexless Fortysomethings...(Naebody)
#71
Harters
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Posted 22 August 2008 - 02:57 PM
I don't travel into the city to eat too often these days but my visits to Chinatown date back to when I worked nearby in the mid-70s when the Kwok Man was pretty much on its own. Havnt been back there in a long time.
Had a decent meal at the New Emperor late last year and, around the same time, took some friends to the Yang Sing. Thought the food was still pretty enjoyable, although one of our party was a veggie and wasnt that impressed (that said, Mrs H is not the greatest fan of Chinese food so it wouldnt have taken much for her to set her face against it)
I've had a couple of solitary lunches this year (one at the Little Yang Sing, the other just down the street from Ho's Bakery - can't recall name). Neither were particularly good and I would agree that, at this cheaper end of the market, the quality is suffering as they compete with the buffets. Both still better than the buffets, though.
As you'll have seen up-thread, my current Cantonese fave is Glamorous - lunch or dinner.
Had a decent meal at the New Emperor late last year and, around the same time, took some friends to the Yang Sing. Thought the food was still pretty enjoyable, although one of our party was a veggie and wasnt that impressed (that said, Mrs H is not the greatest fan of Chinese food so it wouldnt have taken much for her to set her face against it)
I've had a couple of solitary lunches this year (one at the Little Yang Sing, the other just down the street from Ho's Bakery - can't recall name). Neither were particularly good and I would agree that, at this cheaper end of the market, the quality is suffering as they compete with the buffets. Both still better than the buffets, though.
As you'll have seen up-thread, my current Cantonese fave is Glamorous - lunch or dinner.
Edited by Harters, 22 August 2008 - 02:59 PM.
John Hartley
#72
Infrasonic
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Posted 23 August 2008 - 11:25 AM
Yeah Glamorous is a five minute walk from where I live, been a few times. Sunday Dim Sum trolleys are good fun and it's usually rammed.
A very successful HK Chinese acquaintance of mine who owns a bean sprout growing business was saying that the buffet explosion is being driven by the Chinese wholesale/cash 'n carry owners who set these places up to offload soon to be expired date stamp frozen goods! The economics of it all stack up. He's not a BS type, so I lend it some credence.
All the regular big hitters in the casinos are cash 'n carry guys, so some serious dosh is being made for them to drop <20k in a night without flinching. (Of course, whether it has all been declared to HMRC before it hits the casino is another matter entirely!)
I noticed that the buffet idea is spreading to other nationalities now as well. It's no longer the preserve of the Chinese or Indian. I just hope it doesn't wipe everybody else out at the low to mid range, the buffets are extremely popular.
As a city center dweller it's good to have that option of not cooking and being able to have a regular quality ALC sit down for less than a tenner.
A very successful HK Chinese acquaintance of mine who owns a bean sprout growing business was saying that the buffet explosion is being driven by the Chinese wholesale/cash 'n carry owners who set these places up to offload soon to be expired date stamp frozen goods! The economics of it all stack up. He's not a BS type, so I lend it some credence.
All the regular big hitters in the casinos are cash 'n carry guys, so some serious dosh is being made for them to drop <20k in a night without flinching. (Of course, whether it has all been declared to HMRC before it hits the casino is another matter entirely!)
I noticed that the buffet idea is spreading to other nationalities now as well. It's no longer the preserve of the Chinese or Indian. I just hope it doesn't wipe everybody else out at the low to mid range, the buffets are extremely popular.
As a city center dweller it's good to have that option of not cooking and being able to have a regular quality ALC sit down for less than a tenner.
Edited by Infrasonic, 23 August 2008 - 11:27 AM.
In the long run...we are all dead (J M Keynes)
Heston's Disneyland for Sexless Fortysomethings...(Naebody)
Heston's Disneyland for Sexless Fortysomethings...(Naebody)
#73
Harters
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Posted 23 August 2008 - 03:27 PM
The explanation of the buffet thing makes sense (isnt the Greek/Turkish/Cypriot place on Princess Street now buffet?). I'm in Stockport fairly often at lunch time and the general town centre offerings are dire - I usually end up at a Chinese buffet just near the station.
Do you have any reasonably priced lunch recs. for Chinatown or immediate area? I'm starting a research project in the autumn that's going to see me spending a lot of time at Central Library and I like to get out for a proper lunchbreak but one that isnt going to take too long.
Just returning to your mention of Wings, I've never eaten at the city centre branch, but was taken by family members to the original place in Cheadle Hulme last year. Nothing stellar, IMO.
Do you have any reasonably priced lunch recs. for Chinatown or immediate area? I'm starting a research project in the autumn that's going to see me spending a lot of time at Central Library and I like to get out for a proper lunchbreak but one that isnt going to take too long.
Just returning to your mention of Wings, I've never eaten at the city centre branch, but was taken by family members to the original place in Cheadle Hulme last year. Nothing stellar, IMO.
Edited by Harters, 23 August 2008 - 03:30 PM.
John Hartley
#75
RDB
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Posted 06 September 2008 - 06:25 AM
I really enjoyed Gary Rhodes recent show Rhodes around China, the show more than Gary himself, I must add. It was quite a good showcase on highlighting regional variations etc. Anyway it gave me a craving to eat some good Chinese, in particular Szechuan. Having been to Red Chilli a few times I thought I would try somewhere different, so I ended up in Red & Hot on Faulkner Street.
I was really impressed with the food here, now I am no expert on Chinese food, having never been to China etc, but this was good. One of my dining friends remarked it was so unlike Chinese food, I knew what she meant.
Some of the stand out dishes were the sichuan steamed spicy aubergine, which was so light and tasty. Crushed cucumber in delicious sauce, which was exactly that, I have never had a cucumber excite me much (ooh er missus). Sliced fish sichuan lavishly topped with chilli and sichuan pepper, I am not sure how they cooked this fish but it was like velvet in texture. The old favourite Pock Marked ladies Tofu with minced meat, was excellent, not a bit fan of tofu, but this made it exciting. Lots of other dishes which involved exploding kidney flowers, duck tongues, intestine, tripe and lung. Infact it would take a few visits to try all the dishes as the menu as it as long as it is exciting.
One thing is the portions are massive, you really get lots of food for quite a low price.
I prefered this place to Red Chilli and will definitely go again.
I see Neil Soweby reviewed Red N Hot in the MEN, with 3 out of 5 overall. Within the review he actually takes time to mention a certain observer critic and passes on his blessings to said Mr Rayner. Good to see such commaradery amongst restuarant critics.
#76
thom
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Posted 08 September 2008 - 01:19 AM
Not strictly city cengtre I know but I'm stunned no one has yet flagged up the (old) news that Juniper has finally been sold and that a new "michelin-starred chef" is coming to Manchester?
Crain's news story
Shame on you RDB!
And shame on Crains actually, as although the restaurant where the chef is from has a Michelin star I don't think said chef was at the helm when it was obtained and nor has he retained it.
He's pretty young, and it'll be a stretch to maintain quality across two restaurants as far away as Penzance and Manchester.
None the less I shall watch with interest.
Cheers
Thom
Crain's news story
Shame on you RDB!
And shame on Crains actually, as although the restaurant where the chef is from has a Michelin star I don't think said chef was at the helm when it was obtained and nor has he retained it.
He's pretty young, and it'll be a stretch to maintain quality across two restaurants as far away as Penzance and Manchester.
None the less I shall watch with interest.
Cheers
Thom
It's all true... I admit to being the MD of Holden Media, organisers of the Northern Restaurant and Bar exhibition, the Northern Hospitality Awards and other Northern based events too numerous to mention.
I don't post here as frequently as I once did, but to hear me regularly rambling on about bollocks - much of it food and restaurant-related - in a bite-size fashion then add me on twitter as "thomhetheringto".
I don't post here as frequently as I once did, but to hear me regularly rambling on about bollocks - much of it food and restaurant-related - in a bite-size fashion then add me on twitter as "thomhetheringto".
#77
RDB
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Posted 08 September 2008 - 01:37 AM
Oh the shame!!!! I actually thought that would be it for Juniper, due to location etc, this is very interesting news and exciting. Its actually refreshing for someone to criticise Manchester's lack of 'fine dining' with the motivation to do something about it.
#78
Gary Marshall
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Posted 08 September 2008 - 01:40 AM
a very confident or 'heading for an almighty fall' chef that boasts of a 'full restaurant ever day' in this environment.
there must be easier ways to part with your time and money than trying to run two restaurants the country apart, especially given the mixed response to 'fine dining' in manchester.
there must be easier ways to part with your time and money than trying to run two restaurants the country apart, especially given the mixed response to 'fine dining' in manchester.
you don't win friends with salad
#79
Stephen B
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Posted 10 October 2008 - 03:01 PM
The explanation of the buffet thing makes sense (isnt the Greek/Turkish/Cypriot place on Princess Street now buffet?). I'm in Stockport fairly often at lunch time and the general town centre offerings are dire - I usually end up at a Chinese buffet just near the station.
Ah, Stockport. How is the Arden Arms for lunch these days? I used to go there fairly often for Sunday lunch, but not recently, alas.
Stephen
#80
Harters
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Posted 11 October 2008 - 07:21 AM
A goodly while since I was last in the Arden as well. IIRC, the food offerings were nothing special.
Just looked at their website to see that they are now mainly focussed on sandwiches with the odd "special" of real food.
However, on a Stockport-ish theme, we were at Seven Spices in Cheadle Hulme the other night. A newish Indian (in the premises of a previously mediocre Italian) which got a mention in last Saturday's Guardian's "A little place I know" section. Wasnt bad at all - a "proper menu" sort of Indian not the usual Bangla curry house menu. Worth a stop if in the area but not worth too much of a drive.
Just looked at their website to see that they are now mainly focussed on sandwiches with the odd "special" of real food.
However, on a Stockport-ish theme, we were at Seven Spices in Cheadle Hulme the other night. A newish Indian (in the premises of a previously mediocre Italian) which got a mention in last Saturday's Guardian's "A little place I know" section. Wasnt bad at all - a "proper menu" sort of Indian not the usual Bangla curry house menu. Worth a stop if in the area but not worth too much of a drive.
John Hartley
#81
Harters
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Posted 03 November 2008 - 11:44 AM
Started my project; went for a wander round Chinatown.Do you have any reasonably priced lunch recs. for Chinatown or immediate area? I'm starting a research project in the autumn that's going to see me spending a lot of time at Central Library and I like to get out for a proper lunchbreak but one that isnt going to take too long.
Being fairly skint this month, popped into China City (one of the basement places on Faulkner Street) for the set lunch. Spring roll which was OK; char siu/satay sauce/rice which was nicely zingy and a coffee. Absolute bargain at £4.50 - my days of the buffet places are over.
J
John Hartley
#82
Nayan Gowda
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Posted 03 November 2008 - 12:13 PM
Ate there earlier this year and quite enjoyed it too.However, on a Stockport-ish theme, we were at Seven Spices in Cheadle Hulme the other night. A newish Indian (in the premises of a previously mediocre Italian) which got a mention in last Saturday's Guardian's "A little place I know" section. Wasnt bad at all - a "proper menu" sort of Indian not the usual Bangla curry house menu. Worth a stop if in the area but not worth too much of a drive.
Same team that used to run Gaylords in Manchester IIRC.
(no connection etc,)
#83
howardlong
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Posted 22 December 2008 - 05:27 PM
On Saturday we did the Selfridges stint where you buy a bottle from their entire selection on off licence display and pay a tenner to drink it at the bar. Very civilised if you ask me, and it was quite fun as it went. We had a 1999 Beaune at £65. I like the idea of knowing you're not going to be pumped silly money on the gouge. But it got better...
A welcome if rather alternative find at the weekend was stumbling into (but mostly stumbling out of) the Hanging Ditch wine merchants where you can buy anything from their substantial list and they charge £6 corkage to drink it on site.
The down side is that on the food about all they have is olives. But I sneaked across the road to Harvey Nicks, purchased some matzos, Epoisses, Beaufort and a Brie de Nangis, they helpfully plated it up for us and away we went. The place was pretty much full when we left last night at about 7:30pm: we'd been munching away from 4pm. Super keen staff there, all with plenty of knowledge who made every effort to welcome everyone in, wine geek or not. It turned into a very convivial early evening drink up.
http://www.hangingditch.com/. Forget the closing times by the way - if there's people in there and the tills are ringing, they stay open.
BTW, my favourite wine of the day: Petaluma Tiers 2002 chard (£60). We also had a go at Leeuwin Art Series chard 2005 (£40) and Chocolate Block 2007 shiraz blend (£20). Not the cheapest for off sales, but certainly the cheapest for the privilege of sitting in licensed premises by a long chalk.
Cheers, H
A welcome if rather alternative find at the weekend was stumbling into (but mostly stumbling out of) the Hanging Ditch wine merchants where you can buy anything from their substantial list and they charge £6 corkage to drink it on site.
The down side is that on the food about all they have is olives. But I sneaked across the road to Harvey Nicks, purchased some matzos, Epoisses, Beaufort and a Brie de Nangis, they helpfully plated it up for us and away we went. The place was pretty much full when we left last night at about 7:30pm: we'd been munching away from 4pm. Super keen staff there, all with plenty of knowledge who made every effort to welcome everyone in, wine geek or not. It turned into a very convivial early evening drink up.
http://www.hangingditch.com/. Forget the closing times by the way - if there's people in there and the tills are ringing, they stay open.
BTW, my favourite wine of the day: Petaluma Tiers 2002 chard (£60). We also had a go at Leeuwin Art Series chard 2005 (£40) and Chocolate Block 2007 shiraz blend (£20). Not the cheapest for off sales, but certainly the cheapest for the privilege of sitting in licensed premises by a long chalk.
Cheers, H
#84
BertieWooster
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- 475 posts
Posted 23 December 2008 - 02:23 AM
Just to note...I know the Angel has got a mention a couple of times as Robert Owen-Brown is cooking there. Just thought its worth mentioning the food at the Marble up the road too. Had our xmas do there; as a relaxed pub, wasn't expecting much food-wise, happy with warming pies. But they were really rather good--the chef cooking for us had worked for the Carriage WOrks in Liverpool. It all seems a bit spit n'sawdust, but in the 'real pub' stakes, about as good as one can get. And the ginger beer is bloody marvellous.
I know, there's a potential entendre there.
I know, there's a potential entendre there.
It no longer exists, but it was lovely.
#85
apshelbourne
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- 49 posts
Posted 23 December 2008 - 02:39 AM
Heck, Howard, why not push the boat out? Don't you know it's Christmas?...We had a 1999 Beaune at £65... BTW, my favourite wine of the day: Petaluma Tiers 2002 chard (£60)...
#86
howardlong
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- participating member
- 355 posts
Posted 23 December 2008 - 03:05 AM
Heck, Howard, why not push the boat out? Don't you know it's Christmas?...We had a 1999 Beaune at £65... BTW, my favourite wine of the day: Petaluma Tiers 2002 chard (£60)...
Unfortunately the Batard Montrachet and the Richebourg were off.
H
#87
spanielking
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- participating member
- 115 posts
Posted 08 January 2009 - 11:35 AM
Had an average lunch in Ithaca yesterday. Went to see what all the fuss was about. SAt in a small dining room dowstairs on level with John Dalton Street, would be about 20 people or so in. I went for the lunch menu, 3 courses £19 if I remember. Miso soup to start, grilled squid, which was rubbery and cold, then seabass. The seabass was tasty, but thats all I got, its one of thoses places everything is an extra, which they helpfully pointed out when my seabass arrived "Would you like any rice with that or another side?" Bit fecking late now, didnt point that out when I ordered. Service was a bit slow. Very glamorous place, very wag-ish. Would be good place for a drink, the food was'nt all that. The a la carte prices are quite sharp, wagyu steaks at £50. My bill came to £22, which included my glass of champagne at £9, so god only knows how they worked that out, but I'm not complaining! 
Not going to rush back. I was thinking of going to Abode for lunch, any recent feedback on that?
Not going to rush back. I was thinking of going to Abode for lunch, any recent feedback on that?
#89
poppalarge
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Posted 09 January 2009 - 03:36 AM
You should all try Petra, just near the eye hospital for great Syrian food.
Cheap as chips!
I live in stockport, and I'd love to open a place there and its totally devoid of anywhere serving good quality Bistro food.
Cheap as chips!
I live in stockport, and I'd love to open a place there and its totally devoid of anywhere serving good quality Bistro food.
Edited by poppalarge, 09 January 2009 - 03:38 AM.
#90
Harters
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Posted 09 January 2009 - 03:55 AM
Petra is a great find (on Upper Brook Street). Between it and the Cedar Tree (Thomas St in the city centre), you've probably got the area's best middle eastern food. They knock spots off the two Good Food Guide's listed places (Hanni's and Heddy's).
And I second poppalarge's Stockport comment - the town centre remains devoid of anything good - not even a decent chippy.
And I second poppalarge's Stockport comment - the town centre remains devoid of anything good - not even a decent chippy.
John Hartley
