Summer Dining In Manchester

Eden is in the centre of Manchester’s gay centre and I’d passed it many times on my walk from the hotel to Piccadilly station. The restaurant is accessed over a narrow bridge crossing the canal and occupies a significant space with a large permanent marquee giving a superb outdoor space for those hot summer nights (that currently seem to be eluding us in the UK). They offer a meal deal if you eat before 7.00pm and having checked out the menu I liked what I saw.

So I picked my way over the restaurant bridge and cautiously descended the steps leading to the entrance. A small number of tables littered this area, but as the weather was somewhat inclement they were not occupied. Once inside there were yet more steps to descend so you don’t need to have an aversion to stairs if you want to eat in Eden.

The place was fairly quiet with only three tables occupied and the waiter, with some humour confirmed that I could choose whichever table I wanted. "We’re not that busy" he said with a slight grin. I picked my spot and settled down to select a drink to go with my meal. Disappointingly, although not surprisingly in this trendy kind of restaurant, they had no cask ales on pump and so I picked the least of the evils and opted for a pint of Guinness. Now I do like the odd drop of "Liffey nectar" every so often so it really wasn’t a great hardship!

By the time the Guinness had been delivered I was ready to order and having just got back from a holiday on Santorini I was more than happy too order a starter of lightly fried Halloumi cheese, served with a lime, caper and a coriander vinigarette. I had great expectations and I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t disappointed. Four chunky portions of Halloumi were served on a bed of salad with an ample splattering of tasty capers. It was a delight on the taste buds and if I’d have paid the full asking price of £4.95 I wouldn’t have felt over-charged. As it was it was part of the £12.95 two course meal and I was just surprised, and indeed gratified that they didn’t appear to have scaled down the quantity.

The slow cooked lamb shank on a roast red pepper mash served with a red wine and balsamic jus was my choice of main course and this was a cracking meal. The menu had suggested that vegetables needed to be ordered separately as a side dish but mine came with a good bowl full of carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. The vegetables were clearly fresh rather than frozen and even I managed to struggle with the quantity. The lamb really hit and just fell off the bone and alongside the unusual potato (well not a combination that I’ve experienced before) I had a thoroughly enjoyable meal.

The staff were cordial and helpful and there was no apparent pressure, as I’ve experienced with some early bird meals) to rush through the meal. I can imagine on a pleasant evening it would be great to eat out on the terrace but tonight was not one of those occasions and I, eating indoors, was happy to wile away my time listening to some real cool jazz being played out through the speakers.

The following day I was asked by colleagues where I’d eaten and, having replied "Eden", was interested to note that many had eaten there over the years and experienced exactly the same quality meal that I’d enjoyed. Clearly a restaurant of quality and consistency.

Several colleagues had said that a meal at Velvet Restaurant on Canal Street was real tasty and extremely good value. It was a super sunny evening just perfect for sitting outside and I decided to take advantage of their special deal of two courses for £12.95. Every night you can take advantage of this cheaper meal but on a Monday the time is extended from 7.00 up until 10.00 pm.

Canal Street was like one big open air restaurant and I had to wait a little while until a table became free in Velvet’s zone. As you may know Canal Street is at the very heart of Manchester’s gay quarter, but if you’re heterosexual you shouldn’t let this put you off. Mind you if there’s any homophobics out there then this will not be the place for you. Although the majority of couples eating here were gay couples there were numerous tables occupied by "straights" and a lot of students out for a drink in this vibrant area of the city.

Canal Street was a mass of activity as not only are there plenty of clubs and restaurants it seems to be a major thoroughfare for people walking from a busy day at the office.

As with many outside venue, catching the eye of a waiter was not easy but having done so they were "locked into their customers". The large, bold but simple menu was delivered to my table and every dish on it was available for the "meal deal". I momentarily considered whether I’d opt for a main course and pudding but soon opted for a starter and main course and a pint of Boddingtons, which at £2.40 a pint was competitively priced with the local pubs. My waitress was very smiley and upbeat but a couple of the waiters seemed depressingly surly and seemingly didn’t want to be present. Still they weren’t dealing with me and I was well looked after.

I chose a smoked chicken Caesar Salad and it was a massive portion with a topping of a few anchovies and some real crunchy croutons. This would normally sell for £5.95 a portion and I’m sure that there was no reduction for the meal deal and positive that you’d feel it was good value at the full cost. I didn’t rush nor was I hassled as I sat on this balmy summer’s on the narrow cobbled street outside Velvet. It’s a great place to people watch and there was no shortage of eccentrics wandering past my table. If I’d have been interested in a piercing or tattoo then there were plenty of models for me to check out – some delicate and decorative but a whole bundle of people with what can only be described as aggressive body adornments. Fascinating and I tried not to stare. After a time I found the stylish low-backed outdoor chairs a little bit uncomfortable but it didn’t stop me enjoying the overall ambiance of this popular canal side restaurant.

After my leisurely starter the attentive waitress cleared my bowl and then returned a little later with my main course. I’d opted for pan fried duck breast glazed with an orange paste and served with a fruity sauce on sweet potato mash (normal price £13.95 a head). The duck was superbly cooked and although it was perhaps a bit heavy on the fruit it was still a very tasty meal that I’d quite happily order again.

Business had been brisk at this street side restaurant and it was clear that their special meal deal was being well received by the diners of Manchester. Certainly my colleagues had been right, this was a superb meal and even outside of the special rate the cost was not off the wall. In summer the restaurant’s capacity is much enlarged due to the outside space but I suspect that you might need to consider reserving a table if you visit when the weather is inclement.

Panama Hatty’s

Out for a stroll and on the lookout for a new place to eat I spotted Panama Hatty’s which was offering an early diner special deal for £10.95. This was a single course and a glass of wine or a bottle of beer and despite the fact that it was only five minutes before the cut off hour of seven there was no problem with the special still being on offer.

Panama Hatty’s is a basement restaurant in a quiet part of town and I was cheerfully welcomed and invited to choose my preferred table. There were only three other tables occupied when I arrived and the subdued lighting was easy on the eyes. I guess later on in the evening this would be truly romantic, but as a single diner it just made it difficult to read by. Modern chandeliers threw out little light as they were illuminated somewhat ineffectively by "Christmas fairy lights."

The restaurant seats around 100 people and most of the tables are "boothed" with swivel table lights dimly illuminating the tables through their orange glass shades. There’s a real modern feel to the place with huge floor standing wicker lamps emitting a reddish glow. The chequered tiled floor gives a crisp and clean appearance and the walls are decked out with a plethora of mirrors an interesting change to pictures and allowing the dim lights to be reflected around the restaurant. Shelves are bedecked with a variety of huge designer ceramic vases and mysterious rush blinds obscure the view of the pavement above. The modern ambience is completed with steel pillars unashamedly supporting metal lintels and reassuring me that the ceiling above would not collapse on me.

Service was efficient and the front of house staff were smartly dressed in black. The menu for the special meal included fajitas, slow roasted ribs, masaman chicken and rib-eyed steak. Somewhat predictably I opted for the steak with an additional serving of Angelino topping, which was fried mushrooms, onions, peppers and Emmental cheese over the top of a perfectly cooked steak. A large portion of French fries came as an accompaniment. I’d decided to opt for the merlot as my "free drink" and asked for a glass of tap water to go with my meal. I was brought a large jug of iced water with lemon and lime and was gratified that this was delivered with no attempt to sell me bottled water.

Music quietly thudded out and there was so much base on it that I couldn’t really identify the genre of music. Indeed after a time the thud merged into the background and became part of the restaurant’s ambience. I thoroughly enjoyed the main course and when offered the sweet menu decided I would have a look to check out the options.

Whilst considering the options I overheard "the boss" speaking to a group of diners. "I understand that you lost a watch when you last visited us in March" he said to a young man, who looked real grateful when it was returned to him. "The problem is" he quipped "I’ve now lost my father’s Christmas present."

Now I really had not intended to "have a pud" but when I saw the choice decided that I would be weak. I’d had a tortuous day at the office and rationalised "my weakness" by telling myself that I needs a hit of sugar. The melted chocolate fudge cake hit the spot and there was a nice balance of "sickliness" in the fudge cake doused in a rich creamy chocolate sauce and offset by the cold bite of the vanilla ice cream.

What a nice way to finish off a great meal.

Everything in this restaurant was individually prepared and the vegetables were fresh and nicely prepared. No pre-packaged stuff here and I enjoyed a great meal in pleasant surroundings.

Samsi
Some time ago I’d been watching "Dragon’s Den" on TV (it’s a show where budding entrepreneurs try to get millionaires to buy into their business ventures) and a restaurateur, although she was unsuccessful in her presentation it turned out that she had a successful Japanese restaurant close to the City centre. With a bit of interrogation on the Internet I tracked down the place and walking past it on a horrendously rainy night I noticed that they did an "early bird meal deal" (Tuesday to Friday) from 6.00 ‘til 7.00. This deal seemed like a good way for me to test out Japanese food at a reasonable price.

It was a four-course meal for £10.95 starting off with Miso Soup with Spring Onions. I didn’t know what to expect and I was a bit surprised that the small bowl of soup was delivered to the table without a spoon in super quick time. I pondered a little while and then assumed that I needed to drink directly out of the bowl. No one gave me a strange look so I assumed that it was the "correct procedure." Mmm it was real tasty- a spicy bite to it although not enough to encourage beads of perspiration.

I took my time drinking the soup as it was piping hot and whilst savouring the taste checked out my dining environment. The busy waitresses decked out in their smart kimonos swept up and down the length of this log restaurant. There is certainly an eastern feel to the place and although the furnishing are western the wall hangings, ornaments and fitments certainly "spoke" Japanese" to me. Up a short flight of stairs was a classic Japanese dining area (or at least my idealised perception of how it should be) with low tables floor cushions and some exotic and colourful lighting. I’m sure the place had been subject to Feng Shui and pot plants and pebbles were strategically placed around the room.

After a decent wait my starter arrived I’d chosen chilli and ginger fired ribs from a choice of 4 pieces of sushi, smoked salmon and Avocado, chicken breast tempurn, amongst others. I had toyed with the idea of being real brave and going for the sushi but at the last minute "chickened out" and chosen the safer option. The portion was huge and this time I had no problem about the best way to devour them. Ribs are always a tactile affair and its a matter of getting in there with the fingers. I paused momentarily to ensure they were fingertip touchable. The first bite tickled the taste buds with its fiery taste and although reasonably mild I knew that chilli was present! They certainly hadn’t skimped on the quantity and I was soon sure that the quality was also sound. This was a fantastic starter and I was beginning to wonder if I’d manage all four courses. Well, not for too long as I was soon polishing off the final few ribs and enjoying the pint of Japanese beer that I’d ordered to accompany it. A good choice, I decided as it helped deal with the chilli! I guess I was surprised that I wasn’t provided with a finger bowl, but at least there were a couple of serviettes on the table to wipe my sticky fingers.

Again there was a nice delay before the next course arrived. I ‘d selected my main course from a selection of half a dozen and knowing little (or do I mean absolutely nothing about Japanese food) I opted for Tonkatsu pork in breadcrumbs with a bowl of sticky rice. I had not a clue what it would look and I guess the best description would be to liken it to a sliced escalope. Long breaded strips of tasty pork were initially a little difficult to manage with the provided chopsticks but I was determined not to succumb, as others had, to western cutlery. Soon I was handling the chops sticks with amazing dexterity and the tasty pork was being easily managed. Even the meagre portion of vegetables (cabbage and red peppers) was not escaping my efforts.

I managed the Sticky Rice with aplomb right down to the final grain. I’d thoroughly enjoyed my meal and as I supped the last drop of my beer the Japanese sweet arrived. It looked to be an apology of a pudding but to be honest my appetite was already fully sated so this was OK as a "taster". It was a small tartlet cut into quarters with a dash of ice cream and a bright pink piece of flavoured marshmallow. A Japanese mocha sweet was how it was billed on the menu and I was happy to take their word for it. This was perhaps the least inspirational part of the meal but I’d enjoyed the rest and although I polished off the sweet I have no lingering memory of its taste.

The meal at Samsi was superb and at just short of £15 for a meal and a pint of beer it constitutes excellent value. Get in nearly to enjoy this reduced price mal although I’m sure you wouldn’t be too disappointed if you were to pay the full price.

Well worth a visit.

The Obsidian restaurant is at the side of the Arora Hotel and as it was typical Manchester weather (the rain was falling heavily) I decided to eat here. The restaurant is accessed either by a door just along from the main hotel entrance or by taking the lift to the basement. As a hotel resident I qualified for a deal whereby I bought two courses and was given the dessert and a glass of wine as complimentary. Indeed as I was eating before 7.00pm this was even better as I benefitted from an "early bird rate" with a two course meal for £13.95.

The Obsidian is a boutique style restaurant making use of extravagant lighting and sleek modern furniture and I was politely welcomed and then led to one of the roomy booths. The restaurant doesn’t operate its a la carte menu on a Monday but there seemed a reasonable choice on the set menu. The waiter didn’t seem to be up to speed with the special deal for residents but scurried off to check it out before returning to confirm that I had indeed read it correctly. He hastily asked me my wine preference (red or white) and having chosen the red was soon rewarded with a decent glass of a smooth, fruity merlot. As usual in restaurants I was asked if I wanted bottled water. I declined but asked for a glass of tap water. No problem he reported and soon I had a large iced carafe of water on the table. It’s only in recent months that I’ve asked for tap water rather than bottled and I’m always gratified that waiters no longer turn their noses up at such a request. But back to my dining experience at Obsidian!

I pondered the menu for some time (there were 5 good starters and 7 or eight main courses to choose from) and changed my mind several times before opting for a "Classic Caesar salad" as my starter. This turned out to be a sound choice and a large bowl of crisp lettuce was nicely covered with "freshly shaved aged parmesan" topped with a couple of Anchovies, interspersed with crunchy croutons and finished off with a lightly boiled egg. The dressing was beautiful and I really took my time savouring the taste and partaking in the "free merlot". The waiter popped over to check if my meal was alright and unfortunately this question was to be repeated several times over the course of the evening. I have no problem with the courteous question every so often but two or three times during each course is somewhat sycophantic!

There was a decent pause between the starter and my main course and as I was enjoying the wine so much I requested another glass when the Carbonara Style Pasta arrived. At £3.80 a glass I didn’t think it constituted bad value for money, but I really didn’t need to justify the purchase to myself I was just savouring the moment. The small pasta shells were "ably supported" by loads of tiny mushrooms, pancetta bacon and an ample helping of "shaved aged parmesan" (I’m sort of recognising a theme at this stage and just hoped that my dessert wouldn’t have the same "shavings"). The sauce of the carbonara was rich and creamy – nicely offset by the cheese and helped down with my second glass of red wine.
So far so good and despite unctuous waiter, who really was beginning to get on my nerves, I enjoyed the main course as much as my starter.

My chosen pudding was a Raspberry Ripple Cheesecake – a towering example of "posh puds" – and although it was well presented it was a little bit too sickly sweet for my liking. Indeed when the waiter asked me for the third time if the "dessert was too my liking" I just had to say that it was "too sweet". That floored him and I heard him mutter his reply that it was "normally just sweet enough".

The Obsidian (a natural occurring glass formed as an extrusive ignneous rock) is a very pleasant restaurant just off the centre of the City and close to China Town and I would recommend the meal (especially at the price I paid for it) and the venue as somewhere a bit special. It’s not over the top (unless you get the same waiter that served me!) and a small dim, but brightly lit cocktail bar is also on site. Apparently on Thursday they have a jazz night, but as I’m never in Manchester on a Thursday I’ll never be able to experience that!