O 2 Eat Out in 08

I have walked past the Brasserie Chez Gerard on several occasions and decided to start the New Year off with a visit to this stylish looking restaurant. My resolution was to be a little more sensible when eating out (quite how long it will last only time will tell) and this was the kind of place where I thought I could enjoy a tasty meal without being tempted with “too much bulk”.

I’d studied the menu in the outside seating area (in the summer months this Manchester restaurant takes on all the appearances of a French Brasserie) and had decided to try one of the special tajines that were on the menu. These were all reasonably priced (ranging from £10 for the vegetable and chick pea tajine up to £14 for the lamb) and I’d worked up an appetite for the Chicken.

I took the plunge and although I initially felt underdressed (the restaurant seemed to catering for well-dressed theatre goers and I was tieless and jacketless) I was soon made to feel at ease by the young waitress who showed me a choice of small tables. This apron clad waitress (continuing the French theme in her working attire) was prompt with the menu and in inviting me to choose a drink. For a change I decided on a small glass of merlot (I’d normally drink beer when out on my own) and almost simultaneously confirmed my order for the main course.

Although there is a chef’s recommendation to accompany the tajine the server was happy to confirm that, unless I had a huge appetite, there would be plenty to eat with the chicken and the accompanying couscous.

The chicken was brought to the table after I’d had time to sample the fruity Merlot and take in some of the ambiance of the restaurant. The restaurant has a good feel good factor and although it has a chic boutique appearance it’s not in the least bit stand-offish. The place is extremely well lit (not the dark “intimate lighting associated with upmarket bistro) and I think it is more the better because of it. Functional, but stylish and comfortable tables are neatly arranged with classy cutlery and gleaming glassware.

What a tasty Moroccan dish nicely presented on a wooden platter in a white tajine with a matching bowl of couscous. There was certainly enough here to sate my appetite and the infusion of herbs and the delicate hint of garlic and paprika made it a super tasty meal. Having devoured it I was tempted to check out the desert menu, but thankfully nothing “really grabbed me” and I gently reminded myself (well there was no one else to offer the cautionary word!) that I was intending to eat well but light. With a self satisfied smile I declined the pudding and asked for the bill.

Will I return? I think so, but next time I’ll be less casually dressed and perhaps with company.

The Athanaeum is a massive cavern of a place and this grade 2 listed building offers an attractive period building with the chance to drink cheap beer and eat at extremely competitive prices. I was first attracted by the building and peeking through the windows I was determined to try out this almost theatrical building.

It was initially built as bank and reading room and it was obviously a very grand and prestigious building in its day. I’d chosen a table in a very grand side room, which was originally the managers’ room – a massive room with a coal fire (actually it was a coal effect gas fire).

I was a wee bit peckish and despite my self-imposed “no pudding regime” I decided to order a sticky toffee pudding (well it is one of my preferred sweets) to go with the 16 ounce steak and a pint of one of my favourite beers, Bombadier. I was given a garishly coloured wooden spoon in a glass to act as the waitresses’ marker to find me in this vast pub and was surprised at how cheap the bill was. I kind of prepared myself for a fairly average meal, despite the claim of a guy who was sat at a nearby table that the food was really good. We were chatting about his perception of how Manchester had changed over the 55 years that he’d lived there (not always for the good he reflected) when my steak arrived.

It was served with a flat mushroom, a grilled tomato and some chunky chips and the steak was “spot on”. I know I’ve said it in previous journals, but this steak was perfectly cooked to my specifications and for the price it probably was the best value that I’ve ever experienced. After I devoured the meal I paused to enjoy the rest of my beer, before returning to the bar to let them know that I was ready for my pudding and to grab another beer (well it was very pleasant!)

As I’d settled down a very apologetic waiter explained that the sticky toffee pudding was not available and with only a little hesitation I went for a chocolate sponge laced with chocolate sauce, injected with a good honest squirt of white chocolate and served with ice cream. When it arrived I was quickly able to forgive the absence of my first choice. This was the perfect end to a very competent meal and I happily asked the waitress to take my compliments back to the kitchen for a great steak.

This fantastic venue is let down by the shabbiness of its furniture – many of the tables, in poor condition and hadn’t been cleaned after the last diner or drinker. It’s not the kind of pub that should be full of modern furniture and equipment (indeed quite the reverse) but it does need a bit more TLC for it to be a pub that I’d return to for a meal.

Sometimes the anticipation is far better than the experience and I’m afraid that my night out at El Macho was exactly that. My work colleague had been seriously delayed in the south of England and we’d talked about eating out at this Mexican restaurant on a previous rendezvous. I was thinking spicy Mexican from the point in the evening that my stomach was indicating that I was ready to eat and so I trundled from the hotel to the nearby Portland Road and descended the short staircase to the basement restaurant.

Decoratively it has been painted out in the base colours that are typically Mexican – yellow, green and terracotta and it was further “themed” with false Mexican facades to disguise the “working rooms of the restaurant. There was a Mexican law office next to the prison and near to the mission hall and when I got there the place was absolutely deserted of diners. I half thought of turning round at that point but the young waitress was very pleasant and had an enchanting Mexican accent. I had the pick of the tables and opted for one just outside the “solicitor’s office” and as I had already decided to go for the “numero tres” the ordering of the meal was quick.

Before 7.30 p.m. the restaurant offered “meal deals” and “numero tres” gave a starter of nachos and guachomola followed by enchiladas and included a super-large glass of wine. I ordered a bottle of “Corona extra”, a Mexican beer, which was swiftly delivered to my table in what I thought was a fairly unique way – no glass but with a section of lime stuffed in the bottle top. I held back from asking for a glass assuming that this was “the correct way to drink Mexican beer”. I have to say that I prefer a glass but the continual taste of the lime (I replaced the lime after each slurp) proved to be a novelty.

I crunched on the Nachos loaded with the smooth green paste of the Guachomola and although this was a little spicy overall I felt it was on the bland side and nowhere near the quality that I was expecting. Still I was hungry and alongside the beer it was certainly edible. The waitress obligingly had brought me a local paper and before I realised I’d almost finished off the Nachos. The wine was brought (it was indeed a large glass!) and I was asked if I was ready for my meal – this clearly was an indication that there would be a significant delay in the delivery of the enchiladas (I’d already agreed I’d have a mix of beef and chicken). Still I’d now got a glass of wine an evening paper and I really wasn’t in a hurry. I sat back to enjoy the piped music and awaited my meal.

When it finally arrived it looked like slop. Awfully presented although reasonably tasty, but not a meal I’d go back for!

This Restaurant is sited in a flash eating area of town with some real classy but well-priced restaurants. I was on one of my stroll about town evenings and stumbled across it so, wanting to try somewhere different, I decided to give it a whirl.

I was promptly welcomed by one of the well dressed waiters who offered me the chance to eat downstairs (this is a narrow bar area, with around 8 tables), but I preferred to go upstairs which turned out to have more of a restaurant feel to it. Up here wasn’t huge (around 18 tables) and for early evening it was relatively busy. Not packed out but a steady flow of diners. It was dimly lit with a plethora of candles and although I had a little difficulty in reading the menu the lighting and the contemporary furnishings and decoration gave the place a pleasing ambiance. Of course the tables with couples seemed to appreciate this more than me, a single diner.

I started the meal with a bottle of Brazilian beer called Brahma. It was served with a section of lime thrust into the bottle top and, as I’d been served with a similar bottle when I dined at the Mexican restaurant last week, I now felt accustomed to this presentation. Still I prefer beer in a glass, but this seemed the trendy way to drink so I persevered. I’d already made up my mind what I was going to eat and nothing was going to dissuade me. I promptly ordered salmon fishcakes with “homemade” tartar sauce to be followed by a Goat’s cheese lemon and herb risotto. They both sounded good to me so I settled back to enjoy the “cool jazz” that was being piped through the restaurant.

The fishcakes were delivered promptly – two of them one stacked jauntily on the other – with a small dish full of crunchy tartar obviously mixed in with pieces of walnut. The fishcakes were piping hot, beautifully prepared and real tasty and I’d soon devoured them. The only problem was that it left me wanting more.

After a few seconds the waitress appeared from nowhere to collect my empty plate and shortly after was returning with my cutlery for the main course. I was really pacing myself with the beer (I had actually had a fairly heavy weekend so was ready for a light diet the Monday night) and promptly the waitress was returning with my risotto. As with the fishcakes I accepted the offer of a decent crushing of black pepper. The strong and healthy sized portion of cheese sat on top of the moist risotto rice and I was soon tucking into this flavoursome dish. My only criticism was that the portion was a little small, but I was pleasantly surprised when bill arrived as a deduction of £5.25 had been applied to the meal. “Meal promo” the bill said and effectively I had received my started free.

Overall I reckon I’d eat here again.

In sight of the Manchester Wheel and off Cross Street, one of the City’s shopping streets is the Victorian restaurant called Sam’s Chop House. Chapel Walks has numerous bars and restaurants, is close to some of Manchester’s more exclusive shops and only a stone’s throw away from the tram line through town. In short it’s conveniently placed and it came with strong recommendations from some of my work colleagues. This is the sister establishment to Thomas’s Chop House, where I’d eaten previously and I’d spent several weeks trying to find its location. Finally I found it by luck rather than design and was determined to test it out.
I descended the short almost rickety stair case into the basement pub, which at 7.00 p.m. was fairly full with people who, by the look of them were enjoying a post-work drink or two. At the back of this traditional looking pub was a roomy restaurant and my only criticism would be that the tables had been crammed in giving each diner very little personal space. It was dimly lit, which actually didn’t bode well for me because I had intended to catch up with today’s news by reading one of the free newspaper’s that had been available from the bar area. I tried but my eyes no longer cope well with small print in poorly lit areas. No matter, I cast it aside and concentrated on the dinner menu.

I’d already ordered a pint of Sam’s beer having been told that it was brewed exclusively for the Chop House and in all fairness it turned out to be a great pint with plenty of flavours – a richly coloured beer that turned out to be light and refreshing. Sat right in the far corner of the restaurant I had a good overview of the place, but I actually felt that as a single diner I’d been positioned well out of the way. Over-sensitive? Probably, but it certainly wouldn’t have been my preferred seat.

After a close perusal of the menu (main courses range from £11 to £18) I chose a free-range chicken breast with wilted spinach and mushrooms and pan fried potatoes. I wasn’t kept waiting long but was able to take in the historic feel of the place with its chunky tiles set into wood panelling, a range of old prints (liberally hung on most of the walls) and interesting lighting. There was a general hubbub around as the restaurant was extraordinarily busy for a Wednesday night and it was quite difficult to hear what was being said to me.

The chicken was delightfully well cooked and well presented, but at £16 it was perhaps a little overpriced. There was plenty of it and I’m just pleased that I was dining alone because it was incredibly strong on the garlic. So if garlic “isn’t your bag” you’d need to avoid this course at all costs.

I liked the ambiance of Sam’s, but I’m not sure I’ll rush back.

At the time of my visit Giorgio’s was shrouded in scaffolding giving the entrance a surreal feel to it. Sited at the Oxford Road end of Portland Street the restaurant offers “an early bird special” between 5.00 and 7.00 pm – perfect for the pre-theatre meal or, in my case, the early diner.

The basement restaurant is crisply decorated with light walls and ceramic tiles (presumably made in Italy!) and chunky red pillars erupt from the ceiling in support of the strikingly white ceiling with dots of spot lights shining brightly at intervals. An art deco lampshade acts as a resplendent centre-piece and huge ceiling fans slowly turn to circulate the air. There are odd splashes of colour from some strategically placed stained glass and everything seems to work together to give a real classy feel to the place. High backed dining chairs look impressive but I found them uncomfortable and the chunky modern cutlery sat well on the table but it wasn’t the easiest to hold. But that’s style for you – isn’t it?

I was definitely going to have the “early bird” so although I had a brief perusal of the a la carte (main course are around £15) I was soon asking for the special menu. The waitress seemed at this point to develop a very strong and difficult to understand Italian accent but I sussed that one option was a cheesy pasta dish and the one I opted for a chicken Polla (whatever that was). Starters were easier to fathom because they were listed separately on the menu and the drinks were easy to select from the drinks menu. I opted for a glass of Merlot not badly priced at just less than £4 for a large glass.

My starter of prawns and melon were quick to arrive at the table and with an ample sprinkling of black pepper I was soon tucking into this tasty, but not particularly special starter. There was plenty of it and with a squeeze of lemon and a few slices of orange I reckon I had one of my fruit helpings for the day!

There was a decent pause between the starter being cleared away and the arrival of the Polla and I have to say that I was quietly impressed. A large escalope of chicken covered the plate and it was covered in a tasty sauce with capers and loads of black olives. As an accompaniment there were plenty of vegetables; carrots, cauliflower, courgette and lightly roast potatoes and I welcomed the waitress as she sprinkled black pepper from a gigantic pepper mill. The whole dish was a delight on the taste-buds and washed down with the spicy Merlot I enjoyed it immensely.

As a finale I went for hot fudge cake with ice-cream and fresh cream. Perhaps a little ambitious but it did nicely round off the meal and although I felt a bit “podged” I was happy to have indulged myself in this pleasant Italian Restaurant.

On one of my first visits to Manchester I’d seen the Old Wellington and on one of my walkabouts I decided that it was time to try the food. It’s part of the Mitchells and Butlers group so I was pretty confident that the food would be both good quality and great value. The pub sits in the shadow of the Manchester wheel, near to the Cathedral and behind the Arndale Shopping Centre.

The three-storey pub has real age to it and started its life back in the mid 1500’s as a two-storey house. It is Manchester’s oldest building. By 1554 it was a draper’s shop and home to the Byrom family and it remained in the ownership of this family until well into the 19th Centurt. They added the third floor in the mid 1600’s and it was the birth place of John Byrom, in 1691, who was the developer of “phonetic shorthand”.

It first became a licensed public house in the 1830’s and was called “the Vintners Arms” being renamed “Kerryons Vaults, but by 1865 it was known as “the Wellingon” although at this time it was only the ground floor that was the hostelry whilst the upper floors were used as a mathematical and optical Instrument makers. By 1897 the upper floors were occupied by “ye olde fishing tackle shoppe”. The area around “the old wellington” was originally the heart of Manchester’s market square and “the shambles” traders area. But don’t be fooled into thinking that this building is in its original site. It’s actually been “raised up” and moved 300 metres towards the Cathedral. This process was painstakingly undertaken and piece by piece it was labelled, taken apart and then re-built. What a feat!

Despite the move the pub looks absolutely right in its present setting. Now it’s all under the ownership of the brewery and there’s a small and cosy downstairs bar selling, on rota, some real decent ales including Young’s, Fuller’s, Marstons, Well’s, and Timothy Taylors. The next two floors are set aside for diners although by the time I arrived the top floor had been closed for use. It wasn’t busy and I grabbed “table 17” overlooking the square and settled down to study the menu. On a downstairs menu board the pub’s speciality was listed – pies. There were pies of all descriptions available, priced around £7 but although I was tempted I went for the option of a 16 ounce steak served with tomato, field mushroom and chips. It was massive and filled the plate although it wasn’t particularly well-presented. Indeed it was “dumped” on top of the tomato and covered many of the chips, but a bit of reorganisation and it was “nice enough to eat”.

It was superbly cooked and I tucked in to devour this substantial meal. What great value for less than £10 and accompanied by a pint of the hoppy Timothy Taylor’s “Landlord” ale I was well satisfied.

But in addition to decent food and beer the “old Wellington” was just dripping with history with small leaded windows; tactile wooden window ledges (there was plenty of “shiny” evidence that other had rubbed the wood); oak panelled walls; well turned stair rails. I really like the ambiance of the place and I am sure that I’ll return and next time I’ll definitely sample the establishment’s speciality pies.

It was a really pleasant evening and I set off towards town to enjoy the walk, the photo opportunities and my search for a place to eat. Following my desire to eat at somewhere fresh I was expecting it to be a bit busy as the weather was gorgeous, but I was not prepared for the centre of the City to be quite as full. Most of the City pubs and restaurants were rammed and so I decided to turn my attention back to the Oxford Street area of town.

I’d make the mistake of deciding to eat steak tonight so had to pass through China Town and head out of town. You seeing having decided to eat steak my taste buds were tuned into that food. Nothing else was going to satisfy me. I passed several “posh Italian bistros” on Deansgate and made a mental note to check them out on another occasion. An interesting Turkish restaurant screamed ‘try me’ but I was still thinking “Steak”. Soon I was approaching the tail end of China Town and remembered that there were a number of straight-forward bars on Oxford Street that claim to do good honest “pub grub”. That’s where I was heading!!

Just past the Palace Theatre I spotted the Revolution Bar. It looked OK (nothing flash, but perfectly acceptable) and having checked out the menu it looked like they could satisfy my yearning for a steak. This bar does a range of good honest pub meals and the bar itself looked modern and inviting. A large well-stocked bar dominated the large open plan room and I suspected that this would normally be full of younger people. I’m not sure why I suspected that, because the clientele was anything but. However, the whole ambiance suggested a youth culture.

I was at the bar and there were no strong vibes to indicated that I was out of place and I was soon being charmingly served by 50% of the bar staff. Her male colleague was trying his best to placate a middle-aged female who was beginning to dominate the bar with her load voices and lewd suggestions to an invisible partner. After a time, whilst I tried to avoid eye contact with woman, the guy finally managed to carefully and considerately evict her from the bar. With relief he was heard to mutter, “I knew we should never have served her.” Hindsight is a wonderful thing!

The beer in the Revolution is nothing remarkable and there being no cask ales I opted for a pint of Boddingtons’ – once a very popular locally brewed ale but now owned by a bigger brewer. It was diabolical tasking more like a glass of bad tap water rather than a beer. I have over recent months become far less tolerable of poor products, so I had no hesitation in complaining. There was no argument and I was offered another pulled pint (on the assumption the second one out might be tastier), but I preferred to opt for the safer option of Guinness. “No worries”, said the bar tender as he pulled the pint and began to confirm my order for a meal.

The long awaited steak (medium-rare) was ordered and I chose to sit in a seat near to an open window overlooking the busy Oxford Street. The bar was almost empty with five tables of early diners, a small group at the bar and a single woman liaising with her friend on the phone to sort out a rendez-vous. Within three shakes of a lamb’s tail (i.e. very quickly) my steak was brought to the table and it looked superb, with chunky chips and a huge flat mushroom. The knife easily cut through the perfectly cut steak and the taste was excellent. Indeed I’ve paid significantly more for less impressive steaks. There was plenty on the plate including grilled tomatoes and a decent enough salad. I did think momentarily about having a pudding but after a moment’s reflection I decided I’d eaten enough.

For just over £12 I’d enjoyed a decent pint of Guinness and a real pleasant meal. Although the place isn’t too far off the beaten track I was surprised how quiet The Revolution Bar was. It’s an OK place to eat in and for a cheap, quick and well cooked meal I’d happily return to this Oxford Street venue.

This fantastic Grade 2 listed building is real close to the Palace Theatre and offers pre-theatre meals at greatly reduced prices if you get your order in before seven o’clock. I made it with only a few minutes to spare and I was surprised that they were still willing to do the deal (two courses for £12.95 and three courses for an additional four pounds). I kid myself that I’m careful about what I eat (although I don’t count the calorific value of what I drink!) and so I went for the two-course meal of a starter and main course.

It’s still possible to get a reasonably priced meal at the Tempus if you miss the pre-theatre special and they have a range of main courses, which make up their Plat du jour. Of course you’re limited to the dish, which is available on the day but I heard numerous people opting for the “Tuesday special” – a chunky steak and ale pie with chips for £12.95. Mind you my meal deal was just a great deal as I noticed that the main course normally sold for £18.95 and the starter for £6.95. That’s some saving on a quality meal.

All dishes that were subject to the “meal deal” were marked with a small asterix and whilst I studied the menu I opted for a pint of Guinness. I all truthfulness there was an abysmal selection of beers although any lager drinkers would be spoilt for choice with three on draught and others in bottles. Still I was happy with my Guinness – nicely chilled and tasting only as a good pint should taste. I experience no dilemmas about what I was going to eat and by the time my beer arrived I was ready to order.

On arriving in the restaurant I’d been surprised that the headwaiter wanted to take my name, but it soon became evident why this was a critical step. You see whenever a waitress approached me they referred by my name – that, to me was quite impressive, and was a clear symbol that this place puts the diner in very high regard. “I understand that you’re ready to order” beamed my waitress. She congratulated me on my choice of starter and having taken my order for Lamb checked that I would be happy for it to be served pink. “We always prepare it this way” she explained, “but if you want it cooked more I can sort that for you.” I reassured her that “pink” was the way I preferred my lamb and she beamed almost appreciatively.

I didn’t have to wait that long for my starter, goat’s cheese and sun-dried tomatoes with a herb salad and olive tapenade. I was a bit taken back with the colour of the cheese (but on reflection as the tomatoes had been mixed into the cheese it was hardly surprising that it had a pinkish glow to it) but the dish was beautifully presented although the small spoonful of tapenade on top of the cheese was not that influential in the overall flavouring.

There was plenty of time to check out the fantastic architecture with its beautifully finished and highly polished pillars leading to an amazing skylight throwing natural light onto the numerous mirrors that abound in the main dining room. It truly is a spectacle and I wasn’t too surprised that the Palace Hotel, to which this Tempus Bar is attached, was once one of Manchester’s most prestigious hotels. Of course it now must compete with numerous others but it has a price tag that I’m not prepared to buy in at. Mind you it won’t stop me checking it out for any late deals!

The Main course or, as it’s described on the menu, “tempus continues” arrived hot and tastefully presented. It might be minimalist in presentation but there was plenty of it and the mint and crusted rump of lamb was excellently prepared - pink, tender and tasty. It was served with fondant potatoes and glazed vegetables and although the menu was a wee bit pretentious there was nothing wrong with the taste of the dishes.

I was struck by the ultra politeness of the waiting-on staff and although it was somewhat contrived and verging on the sycophantic I didn’t feel that it was out of place in this grand setting. A great meal in a fairly special building! It must be worth a visitor to Manchester checking this one out.