San Rocco a mini review
San Rocco (14 South King Street, City,0161 832 7669, M2 6DW) was visited recently. Confidential knows the place well. It was almost the first place the Romans dined in when they founded Manchester in 79AD, when the place was called Cesares. Its had a few spruce-ups since and presently has a neat, bright interior. The menu is 15% more interesting than the standard middle-ground Italian, more effort with the fish, the odd game dish.
Of the food we snaffled, the sardines were best; big, moist, feisty so and sos with a fat and rich meaty flavour. The carpaccio di manzo was almost as good an Italian classic of thin raw fillet, marinated, oiled and served with Parmesan with that farmhouse mix of strength and subtlety. Both dishes were under 8.
Mains of grilled halibut (15.90) and scampi (14.90) were less good. The halibut started off beautifully and looked lovely, but in the end a white wine, oil and lemon juice simply mix overwhelmed the food and it became almost sickly ? a big shame. The scampi provinciale sauteed in tomato, garlic and white wine and served with rice was simply monotonous, see the picture in the gallery below. On the good side youd never go hungry if you finished these dishes. A bottle of fruity Orvieto was a happy companion through the dinner.
The kitchen needs to box clever, show care it seems capable of this as the starters showed. The halibut would be a cracker but for the excess of the juices and liquids that come with it. Service was surly. Rating 12/20; Food 6.5/10; Service 2.5/5; Ambience 3/5 an if youre passing venue on the Confidential scale. (JS)
More San Rocco
San Rocco is becoming a proper little empire. Earlier this year it acquired the former Toto restaurant in Walshaw Cross, Bury for conversion into a San Rocco. There are alsorestaurants in Cheetham Hill and Ashton-under-Lyne. The company also has Bellavista in Milnrow, Ancora in Chadderton and the Wine Press at Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale.
Slice of NQ
Northern Quarter tea shop and caf Bread and Butter is in the process of being sold. The Tib Street venue has been on the market for a while now, as the owners look to retire. According to the sales brochure, it was on the market for 39,500 and takes 2,000 a week on a rent of 138 per week. No word on the buyer yet, but youll know as soon as we do.
Bacchanalia on the market
Bachannalia on Chapel Walk has also been put up for sale, with Kings Business Transfer. The lease is up for 199,950 and the selling agent claims the bar/restaurant turns over 13,500 a week. The restaurant has had a chequered history but seems to have settled down into a decent enough business for lunches and light meals. The location, off Cross Street, next to a major player such as Sams Chop House, has enormous potential despite the awkward, narrow geography of the building.
Apples go West
West Didsbury restaurant Silver Apples has closed its doors but the former owners have wasted no time on new ventures. Sarah Loader is setting up an outside catering company with her sister and Rob Loader has taken over Escape, a former bar, in Chorlton. When we know more of his intentions well let you know what type of establishment hes looking to create.
West Didsbury again
Another West Didsbury restaurant closure ? this time its Verso on Burton Road. But fear not, it will soon be back in use as an additional site for Didsbury Village stalwart Saints and Scholars.
The Great North Pie Company best in the NW
The winners of the Fine Food Awards 2011 were announced recently, with Northcote Manor boss and chef Nigel Haworth handing out the prizes. These celebrate the best fine foods in the Northwest. The overall winner was The Great North Pie Company in Bramhall, Stockport which became Supreme Champion. We dont know much about these people so will investigate. Organised by regional food association Food NW, the awards recognise the best fine foods produced across the region, from cakes, cheeses, and chutneys, to bacon, bread and butter.
More Fine Food Awards news
Aside from The Great North Pie Company there were other winners in Greater Manchester. Williams Butter in Bolton won a Food NW Gold Award for his salted butter (sounds fabulous, hes pictured in the gallery below) plus, two Food NW Heart Awards. Gold awards are for exceptional foods and beverages, the nauseatingly twee title of heart awards go to excellent foods and beverages. Heart awards locally also went to The Cultured Bean in Bury, Whiteheads Butchers in Bolton, The Edgworth Deli in Bolton, The Lovely Cake Company Ltd in Stockport, Adesso H20 Ltd in Gorton, Burts Cheese in Altrincham, Dunham Massey Apple Juice in Altrincham, Gingers Comfort Emporium in Whalley Range, Halal Kitchen Ltd in Prestwich, Parkers Preserves in Buryand The Pastry King in Altrincham.
You can follow Jonathan Schofield on Twitter here@JonathSchofield
Source: http://www.e-flyersite.com/?p=1199
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