IWFS Manchester Branch
Christmas at Manchester House.
12th December 2015
On a wet dreary depressing day, Manchester members and guests were warmly welcomed by charming staff of Manchester House in the Lounge on Level 12.
There are wonderful views across the city from here, if only through the rain, we could have seen same! A crisp clean Vaporetto Prosecco NV, Veneto, flowed freely and greatly enhanced everyone's mood. Canapés of Oxtail doughnuts with bone marrow emulsion, exuding a true flavour of roasted beef, and Nori rice crackers, cured salmon with lemon wasabi mayonnaise, and seaweed salad were served. Both very different but both well received.
Lunch was served in the restaurant on Level 2 which was stunningly decorated with huge wreaths with amazing baubles. Laminated brioche with chestnut velouté was the starter, delicious light brioche with a velouté of perfect consistency with a pleasing sharp after taste.
Next, a crisp chicken skin with foie gras and Parmesan mousse, the thinnest of thin skin with light airy mousse, which was accompanied by Long Beach Chenin Blanc 2014 Robertson, South Africa, whose tart acidity worked perfectly. This classic dish with a modern twist was gone in a few mouthfuls but the intense flavour lingered on for much longer.
Roasted scallop and fermented cauliflower was served with Cave De Hunawihr, Pinot Gris Reserve 2013, Alsace. A very well executed dish with a melt in the mouth scallop complimented by the fresh fruit notes and slight smokiness of the wine. The sweetness from the scallop and sourness from the fermentation process are not too dissimilar to that of the Pinot Gris.
Salt marsh lamb, kale juice and pearl barley were served next with Palomar Estate Merlot 2012, Colchagua Valley Chile. A star dish expertly cooked with an explosion of flavours and perfect lamb, paired with this single variety Merlot with its richness and blackberry notes, was a winning combination.
To conclude we had pear and blue cheese cannelloni with lemon jelly, a most interesting combination of salt, sweet and savoury, paired with Recioto Di Soave Pieropan Le Colombare 2008, Soave Classico. This was delicious with lovely rich but delicate sweetness.
Another triumph at Manchester House with members declaring it an exceptional lunch with great wine pairings.
As I write, they have been awarded 4 AA rosettes; only one of two restaurants in Manchester with the same award and very richly deserved.
Ronnie Costello. 18.01.2016.