Saturday 29 September 2018

Turtle Bay, Manchester

Turtle Bay, Manchester
Turtle Bay is a place I associate with pre-gig cocktails and Highly Suspect excitement. I feel I need to explain that my excitement is not Highly Suspect, but rather they are one of my favourite bands who I happen to have seen a few times. Over-explanation over. They also have tremendous happy hours which means you are rarely without two cocktails in hand.

I was recently invited to try the food, so thought I would give it a whirl. Now imagine the scene, I had been cooped like a chicken for a week after having minor death in the form of gastroenteritis. I needed spice in my life, and some post-quarantine fresh air. It was like the planets had aligned.
Turtle Bay, Manchester
We arrived on the wettest of days, the kind where your red ballet pumps are saturated within a few feet of walking, for example. Our chirpy waitress welcomed us in and quickly had a cocktail menu in our hands, and informed us that if she were to be an animal, she would most definitely be a loyal dog. Can't remember the context, but it went down well.
Turtle Bay, Manchester
Just jerk platter - marinated jerk wings, glazed pork ribs, beef patty, jerk chicken flatbread, sweet corn fritters and super green salad: Massively indecisive when it came to starters, so we ordered a platter. Felt safe, but actually ended up ordering too much food, which is standard behaviour. Apologies for the strange orange glow on the photos, it's a very orange establishment!
Turtle Bay, Manchester
Jerk sirloin steak - Prime cut aged sirloin steak, spicy jerk, coconut callaloo and spiced fries: This picture is the equivalent of an intoxicated selfie after you looked a million dollars at the start of the evening. The steak was perfectly pink and the creamy coconut callaloo was the type of warming Autumnal fayre you crave in such dank conditions.
Turtle Bay, Manchester
Goat curry - Rich and spicy curry, coconut rice ‘n’ peas, sweet plantain, dumplings: Two people recommended this within 24 hours. Had to be done. A fairly mild curry with a sweet edge. Proper comfort food. 
Turtle Bay, Manchester
Sides - cheesy jerk sweet potato fries, grilled Halloumi, baba roti, and dirty curry fries: Judge all you like, we ordered too many carbs, and set it off with a side of cheese. We were being encouraged by the manager, who clearly shared my hosting mantra of 'they shall leave dying and unable to move owing to the volume of carbs'. Also, if Halloumi is on there, it's getting ordered. Jerk Halloumi is excellent.
Turtle Bay, Manchester
Passion pie - sweet pastry, zesty passion fruit curd, soft baked meringue, fresh passion fruit sauce: Of course I had room for dessert. My ideal kind of pie, this is like the lemon meringue variety but with passionfruit. Perfect.
Turtle Bay, Manchester
Caymanas upside down rum cake - warm golden mellow rum cake, rum caramel and vanilla ice-cream: Jeez Louise this was strong! Extra points for being baked bundt stylee, this light sponge was drenched in rum, which was just wonderful.
Turtle Bay, Manchester
Rather pleasant afternoon. By the time we left we had guffawed with our waitress, had a chat with the manager about the ludicrous nature of him emigrating from California to Manchester, drunk some lovely cocktails, and suffered near gout levels of fullness. We had even managed to miss the rest of the rain.

Go here as a group for lots of buffet style food, for comforting one pots and grills, or just to take advantage of a great happy hour.


Disclaimer: I was invited to review Turtle Bay, but put under no duress when it came to the nice words bit. I wasn't even drunk, and neither was the waitress who likened herself to a friendly dog. 

Monday 24 September 2018

Albatross and Arnold, Manchester

Albatross and Arnold, Manchester
A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to the beautiful Albatross & Arnold for a bit of a mash up between their good selves and Tappers Gin. Nested above Beastro, Albatross & Arnold is a real hidden beauty with great views over the rest of Spinningfields. It has this wonderful modern Scandic meets classic art deco feel, with light wood, gleaming gold accessories and fresh flowers. It's my kind of place.
Albatross and Arnold, ManchesterAlbatross & Arnold created a seven course tasting menu paired with Tappers Gin; a small family business making some of the most exquisite gins in rather decadent bottles. The whole event really was a feast for the senses, with careful consideration given to how the dishes and cocktails looked, smelled and tasted. 
Picture shamelessly lifted from A&A's Instagram
I've added a copy of the menu as I'm pretty sure that the pictures I took say it way better than my words ever could. Early disclaimer though, I forgot to photograph the melting middle chocolate pudding. Yes, I know, shoddy work whilst being too busy eating it! Trust me, it was good. 
Albatross and Arnold, Manchester
Before I start I wanted to go through the cocktails (mentioned in more detail on the menu above). Phil had to drink all of mine because I was on antibiotics of doom, which meant I couldn't as much as lick alcohol. He was suitably ruined the next day as a result. He gave every one his full approval, despite not being a usual fan of gin. What I can comment on was the presentation and (oh my word...) the smell of these. No fake essences, they were the real deal, and bursting with flavour. 

Massive thanks to our waitress Charlie who was an absolute diamond all night. She made me non-alcoholic versions of these so I at least felt like I was playing out. 
Albatross and Arnold, Manchester

Gin Cured Salmon, Tonic Foam 
Albatross and Arnold, Manchester
Razor Clam, Brown Crab, Samphire Mayonnaise, Sea Spray
Albatross and Arnold, Manchester
Pidgeon, Hazelnuts, Horseradish, Gherkin: I have to say, that this is one of the best things I have eaten in some time. I hate horseradish, but these meringues were quite subtle, and brought a little warmth to the dish. Trust in the chef. 
Albatross and Arnold, Manchester

Cod, Sea Aster, Samphire, Lemon Curd
Albatross and Arnold, Manchester
Duck, Orange, Elderflower: Another truly outstanding dish. Perfectly cooked and absolutely packed with flavour. Real autumnal flavours coming from this plate of food. 
Albatross and Arnold, Manchester
Summer Fruit, Crumble, Cream: Hands down one of the best desserts I've had in some time. Jo who was sat with us even ordered a second in lieu of chocolate pudding. Sterling work that Jo. Sweet yet tangy, with the perfect contrast of textures. 
Albatross and Arnold, Manchester
Chef Jonathan Green is a bit of a dark horse if you ask me. That dessert reminded me very much of something I ate at one of my favourite places, Northcote. It was no surprise to find out then, that Jonathan did a decent stint under Nigel and Lisa at that very restaurant, before becoming Head Chef at Tattu. Very wise appointment that one. Thoroughly nice chap too. 

Go to Albatross & Arnold for beautifully crafted food without the formality. Service is professional yet friendly, and the surroundings are just beautiful. I can't wait to go back here when I can drink! 



Disclaimer: I was invited to Albatross & Arnold to sample the food and drink as part of a special event. I was under no obligation to say nice things. I wasn't even drunk whenI told them how much I loved them... 
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